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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-01-30 Correspondence Johnson County Don Sehr, Chairperson Stephen P. Lacina Joe Bolkcom Charles D. Duffy Sally Seamman January 18, 1996 BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Mayor Naomi Novick and the Iowa City City Council 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Johnson County\Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement Dear Mayor Novick and Council Members: Following the joint Iowa City and Johnson County work session of January 10, 1996, the Board would like to take this opportunity to confirm what it understands are points of mutual agreement. The County fully recognizes the City's authority to annex property abutting the City. It was not the Board's intention to determine whether or not the City could annex, it is just our desire to be informed of annexations so that we may determine possible impacts on our road infrastructure. A clause in the agreement that says the City will inform the County of possible annexations would be sufficient. In proposed Fringe Area A, we would agree to maintaining the RS-3 (one residential unit per three acres) residential zoning classification, with the provision that if a developer chose to cluster, then the developer could do so at the RS (one residential unit per one acre) classification. With the undershanding that under the clustering concept, for every one acre of residential use, there must be one acre set- aside for common use areas. In proposed Fringe Area C, the Board agrees that area C will be allowed to develop the same as in proposed area A. In proposed Fringe Area B, the Board would agree to require City standards be imposed in the identified growth area. The Board would like to see the remainder of area B develop at the RS-3 zoning classification. As always, before residential 913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. P.O. BOX 1350 IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244-1350 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: 019)354-4213 Letter to City Council January 18, 1996 Pago 2 uses are permit~i in this area, the County will review such requests ba~ed on the identified goals of pre~rving agricultural lands, and areas that are environmentally sensitive. e The Board would agree to the formation of an ~Appeals Board," to consist of two County representatives and two City representatives. The Appeals Board would have the authority to review ~special exceptions" to the agreed upon zoning in the Fringe Area. The Board looks forward to further discussion and resolution of the Fringe Area Agreement. Sincerely, Chairman, Johnson county Board of Supervisors ce: Karin Fr./mklin Rick Dvorak 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 1319) 356-6050 FAX {319) 337-2705 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 of night 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 of 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 JOHNSON COUNTY FUNDED BY THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Oily Council 1/19/96 Page 2 We hope that you will 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 Haith¢ox MH/dlg Montgomery Mike We[nard January 16, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - TREASURY CASHIER We, the undersigned members of the civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Treasury Cashier. Stephanie Hubler Hired: 1/16/96 IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Mi~ae W. Ke~hair ATTEST: Marian Karr, City Clerk January 2, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - PARKING We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Parking Enforcement Attendant. Michael Fay Hired: 1/2/96 IOWA CITY CIVIL BERVICE COM/~ISSION ATTEST: Marian Karr, City Clerk x ~ne D~ Iowan.~ Iowa S~ate Bank & Trust RECEIVEB JAN 22 1996 Old Capitol ¢riterium January 21, 1996 Members of the Iowa City City Council Civic Center 400 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52~.40 Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my thoughts on the upcoming awards of the revenue generated from the hotel/motel tax on behalf of the Old Capitol Criterium and the Bicyclists of Iowa City. In the past, it is my understanding that the revenue was given to the Iowa City and Coralville Convention and Visitoffs Bureau for that body to award through a written grant basis. I respect your 1995-96 decision to give the money to the Iowa Arts Fest and the Iowa City Jazz Festival, two fine events that deserve your support. However many other activities in the community are also deserving of such benefits. I know that the Iowa City Hospice Road Races and the Old Capitol Criterium have been awarded grants in the past In awarding the money to many different diverse groups I feel that you as a Council were able to reach a diverse number of visitors as well as members of our community. I realize that the grant process may have been tedious, but I firmly believe that if you would take another look at marketing Iowa City to larger diverse groups, you will see that the former mode really was a good one. I will be at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 23 and I look forward to meeting with you. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, I may be reached at (319) 3384744. Sincerely, ~oanne E. Higgins Old Capitol Criterium Race Director BARKER A P A R T M E N T S January 17, 1996 COPIES TO: CITY MANAGER, CITY CLERK Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Dear Mayor Novick: It is very difficult to understand the reasons for the Couocil's decision on the water/wastewater rates last evening. You heard your own Director of Finance state that the 10%/15% accumulation of cash would save the rate payers money. He also said that if they had computed rate forecasts for the 10%/15% cash accumulation proposal in November as he did for the 20% concept that it would probably show similar long term reductions in rates. Both proposals were prepared by City staff members. No City staff member disputed the fact that the construction schedule would be identical under either proposal. No one on the staff challenged my estimation of the $10,500,000 that residential rate payers would save over a seven year period of time. Business and industries, likewise, would receive significant savings. Yet, you did not request last night that the Director of Finance provide you with an analysis of what a rate structure would look like using the 10%/15% concept as he did recently for the 20% concept. Your fears as to what would happen in the out years appear to be unfounded. An analysis by the Director of Finance, which would not take very long, would either confirm your fears or indicate that the manifestation of those fears is unlikely to happen. Although no Councilor, I believe, asked either of the two questions I suggested, the City staff members present answered the questions during the course of the evening. In regard to question number one which was, "Would the construction schedule be the same under both proposats. , staff members never stated that the schedules would be different. As for question number two in regard to which of the two proposals would cost rate payers the least, the comments by the Director of Finance indicated that it would be the 10%/15% concept. Last evening, you indicated that if the 20% rate structure proved to be too aggressive, that you could always address the issue and adjust the rates accordingly. The Director of Finance has very carefully prepared rate structures that would pay for the costs of the two projects based on various cash accumulation concepts. He has done this based on a careful analysis of the needs of the projects Unless bids continue to come in under estimates, and interest rates and inflation are lower than projected, his rate structures are probably going to be reasonably accurate. You have chosen a proposal that, in plain language, just costs more than another one, both of which accomplish the same thing. I would encourage Mayor Novick to request immediately that the Director of Finance prepare a similar analysis for the 10%/15% concept so that you can compare the two proposals on an equal basis. If the analysis verifies that the concept provides Seville Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa 6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 · (319) 354-2410 Emerald Court adequate financing for the two projects with the same construction schedule as the 20% concept does, then I would hope that you would adjust the rate schedule at one of your next two meetings based on the 10%/15% concept. According to the City Attorney, this would not be, from a legal standpoint, a "significant" change that would require starting over on the voting. While the Director of Finance is preparing an analysis of the 10%/15% proposal, perhaps he could plug i,nto both proposals what would happen if the interest rate on the bonds was 6.5% rather than 7% as now being used. There is a masonable possibility such an interest rate would allow you to accept an overall rate increase this year of 15% as suggested in my recent letter to you. Developing the ve~ lowest rate schedule possible that is sound and provides for construction of the two projects based on your current timetable should be your main consideration. You owe the rate payers nothing less. Sincerely yours, Edwin K. Barker HBARKER A P A R T M E N T S January 19, 1996 Mr. Larry Baker 1217 Rochester Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Dear Larry: I have been pondering your question at the Council meeting last Tuesday in regard to the differences between the 10% /15% and the 20% concepts in determining rates Whenever you have several proposals to choose from, there is an optimum one for any number of given circumstances. Don Yucuis has projected rates for each scenario through the year 2006. In these projections the rates for the 10%/15% concepts result in a significantly lower bill for the consumer. Don has said that in later years there could probably be rate reductions no matter which of the two concepts is chosen and this seems logical, but the numerical projections that he has provided to you do not illustrate this. It seems to me that before you make a final decision, it would be useful for you to see projected rate schedules using both concepts prepared by Don to illustrate which concept is in the best interest of the consumer. Don has a spreadsheet that projects income, expense, debt service, and cash surpluses. He enters different rate schedules and must make sure that cash flow is adequate and that revenue meets the debt coverage ratio required by the bonds. It would only take him a few minutes to do these projections. You should also understand that comparing different proposals by looking only at total project costs plus total interest costs is not a sound method of comparison. If the city saves interest by collecting fees early, the consumer loses interest because he does not have the use of this money. Council members may have confused my idea of delaying constraction, which actually will save interest overall, with collecting a lot of money from rate payers in the early years, which only shifts interest costs from the city to the consumer Since the city is made up of all of the consumers, it really makes no difference who incurs the interest expense, except that it seems to me that the more gradual the rate increases, the easie~ it is for people to plan for them. All I am asking is for the Director of Finance to do a comparison of the two proposals for a period of time that will allow you to do a comparison of which proposal is in the best interest of the rate payers. The problem is that the Director of Finance will not do this unless directed to do so by the City Manager and he won't do it unless directed to do so by Council. The City Manager's comment the other night that "Inflation will just gobble you up" is a very flawed statement. First of all, we are talking about the same constraction schedule no matter which of the concepts chosen. Second, all things being reasonably equal, the type of inflation we have is reasonably equal throughout the economy. Therefore, if prices go up, wages go up, interest rates adjust accordingly, and in real Seville Scotsdale Park Place Parkside Manor Westgate Villa 6 Lime Kiln Lane N.E. e Iowa City, Iowa 52240 · (319) 354-2410 Emerald Court dollars, costs remain rather stable. By the City Manager's reasoning, we should all buy as many things now as we possibly can to avoid inflation. Although I was the only one to appear at the public hem~ng, I have received tremendous support and encouragement from many people in Iowa City. I know they are concerned about the water rates but are hesitant to speak out in public I considered sending the paper a Guest Opinion article after reading the very inaccurate and biased article in the Press Citizen last Wednesday (biased by what they did not say rather than from what they did say). However, throughout this entire procedure, I have preferred to do most of my work through written communications to the Council and City Administrators, speaking directly to you at Council meetings, and monitoring work sessions. 1 hoped to be persuasive by the logic of my position rather than through emotional appeal from inflamed people. I hope that you will insist that a reasonable comparison of the two proposals take place prior to the final vote and that the rate structure that is in the best interest of the rate payers is adopted. Please keep in mind that both proposals build the same projects on the same timetable. On another topic, I would be glad to share with the Council's legislative committee the work I have done on the rollback property tax issue. I have been providing information the past 18 months to selected legislators, Governor Branstad, assessors, the leaders of our state apartment owners association and others on tiffs topic. Please let me know if I can be of assistance. I have not sent a copy of this letter to other Council me~rs Administrators, but please feel free to share it with anyone you wish. Sincerely yours, Edwin K. Barker 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 particularly 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 thek 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 Depmhnent over a number of months prior to the mediation. Avoiding litigation for any City cases would definitely 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. 1 welcome any questions. Sincerely, Annie Huntington Tucker CITY OF IOWA CITY PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT TO: FROM: Members of the City Council Deb Liddell, Chair ~~ Parks & Recreation Commission DATE: January 23, 1996 RE: FY97 Operating Budget On behalf of the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission, I would like to thank the City Council and the City Manager for your past support of the Parks and Recreation Department. The purpose of this communication is not to register a complaint, nor to ask for additions to the City Manager's recommended budget. We do, however, wish to call your attention to the fact that we requested four additional positions in the FY97 budget: Full-time Landscape Architect Half-time Recreation Programmer Full-time Park Maintenance Worker Half-time Park Maintenance Worker Of these four requests, only the half-time park maintenance worker appears in the City Manager's recommended budget. While we are somewhat disappointed, this addition is a step in the right direction. We do wish more of our requests could be approved, but we realize that many worthy requests must remain unfunded. At this time, we just want to remind the Council that our park system has grown by more than 50% in the last ten years; with pending acquisitions and the Neighborhood Open Space ordinance, it will likely grow another 30-35% within the next five years; there is an increasing demand for trails throughout the community; recreation programs have increased dramatically over the past few years, and will continue to grow to meet the community's needs (particularly for our youth... after school programs, teen programs, youth-at-risk programs, etc.). In order to keep up with this growth and these needs/demands, additional personnel will be required. Perhaps, when your schedule allows, sometime during the upcoming year we could meet with you to discuss these issues, and begin laying the groundwork for a productive future. Again, we thank you for your past support, and we look forward to a continued positive relationship in the future. TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Iowa City City Council , ;n/". ,., ~'3~ Liz Dueland, Iowa Arts Festival~'~ January 21, 1996 $5,000 grant request for 1996 Iowa Arts Festival Please find enclosed some background material about the Iowa Arts Festival, including some information about exciting changes in store for the 1996 Festival. The downtown pedestrian mall will again be the venue for this summer's Festival which will span the last three weekends in June, begtiming on June 14 and concluding June 30. The Iowa Arts Festival continues to be a strong commmfity-dfiven event and to have a significant impact locally -- both culturally and economically. Our board of directors is now positioning the Festival as a regional attraction as we make plans for the next five years. We are excited about the opportunity to promote the Iowa City ~'ea's rich artistic resources and look to you for help in realizing this goal. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you on Tuesday to thank you for your past support and to answer questions you may have in making fimding decisions for our 1996 Festival. Thank you for your consideration. Section " 0 C AREA QUAD-CITY TIMES Big bash begins Iowa's 150th birthday celebration :Ira Nation's 29th state Theycarlongpan.~ will conclude on Dec. 28. room and spittooes stood next to each desk lerchildrenanswerthequestion"Whatctoes tory. includmgadesserrs:alionfortheyear i Plans yearlong party ' By Jeffrey Kat~ OUAO,CITY IOWA CITY -- h was the perfect recipe · for a 150th birthday part~.: mix vignetie~ of lqttonof The sorting wes Iowa City~the 1o- Thursela[ 's festivities began with an open house thai revived Old Capitol into a work. black coats with high white collars turned School Qua~et. piped throughout Ihc build. In the Supreme Court Chamber, three judges Irled a man for stealing horses The Courtroom looked noarl) Ihe same as il did quill pens were poised on sohd oak desks, hardwood floors stretched Ihe ~ngth of he But the gallery lot this trial was clad in Kansas Git)' Chiefs star, or jackets and mrtleneok~ Ward Reynoldson. Iowa Supreme Court justice from 1978 to 1987, played the part of an e.~rly justice, George Wilson. "i've been o histor), buff all of my life. fun to Lake part in tlus," The day wasn't ell work. everybody took some time to have a Uttle fun. Reynoldson joked, "The guy that got his horse, stolen is giving us some trouble. ! think we re going to have to throw him out of the court." While lawyers banled at the Old Capitol. children stomped the~t feet and splashed acrylic paint at T~e iowa Memorial Union. Concerto Morales of the iowa ~;it. ts Council Iowa mcan to you?" by painling parts of a mural Liz Dueland, executive director of the Iowa Arts Festival. b~pcd coordthate the family entm'talnment that i~clud~l folk staging from Acoustic Mayhem a~,d a pup. pet show by the Euleaspeigel Puppet The- ater "We eujoy w~at we are doL~g. ~t brings senso of community, a human touch." she ~a~d. After 900 pieces of a birthday cake were setvet1 in less than 20 minutes. the night was illuminated with a dazzling display of lights tha, showered th~ Iowa River. The night was cap~p~.~,d off with a dinner celebrating different p.~riods of owa's h s- 2{)46. Many Quad-Ctfians made the trip to help celebrate in Iowa City. Laura Lortz, direi:.. for of the Downtown Davenport Associ~tioh who will help kick off Scott Countl.'S o~n celebration on May 25 with a parade and .gin old-fashioned picr~ic. accompanie~ 1 $ Sc~t County committee members. '-. "1 came to mcc~ Ihc people who are get. ting involved on the r..ale level and In shou the ones that aren't back home." U.S. Sen. Charles GrassIvy summed up the mood floating Ihrough the Old Capitol when he said. "l am glad to call Iowa my SATURDAY, December 2, 1995 Iowa Tbu s-m dollars-in 'a-ction Festival gets grant The Iowa Arts Festival has been awarded a $1,400 grant by the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association to partially fund a, collaborative banner project promoting summer 3rt~ in downtown Iowa City. The banner design will consist of logos representing four local art organizations:- Iowfi Arts Festival, Friday Night Concert Series. Iowa City Jazz Festival and M.C. Ginsberg Friday Afternoon Series. Liz Dueland, Iowa Arts Festival execu- tive director, said the 57 banners will be suspended from street light fixtures to promote all outdoor concerts in Iowa City. Representatives of the participating groups will meet soon to plan and complete the' project. For information or to donate to the project, call Dueland at 337-9637. United ~ "By uniting our. marketing ef- forts, we hope to not only pub- licize our in-. dividual events, but to col- lectively pro- mote Iowa City as the rich. cul- tural center that it is," said Liz Dueland, exec- utive director of the Iowa Arts Festival. I O W A ' C ! T Y ' A N D · C O R A L V I L L E ; ' ';" 'i'.-..(' Uniting businesswith art at the Iowa ArtsFestival By Michelle Rubin Tche Iowa Arts FestiYal is bodt an intlicati:m of nod a contributor to d~e strm~ arts Cmm~y. As the la~Res~ arts even( in the city aml one of the nmre aHs-olienied festivals of its size in II~e sla~e~ the Iowa Arts Festival brings resi- dents, vishors, businesses aod artists toged~er m celebrate nod pronmle i~s d~rlving arts commu- nity. "1 want m enrich the c-mmuni~y, broaden ~ heir experiences io the ar~s, m improve the qual- ily of lilt, which n. one can disagree thai ari II~a~," ~aid l.iz DueIaaa, d~e fcsfival~ new execo- five director. The Imva A~ls Festival be~nn as Aris I:cst '~3, art: a~livltic's, int-ludii:g "Slats in die Ila;<," a gram fcalorio~ Ipcal cmer~aincrs in duwmmvn bars. The premise of Ihe fe*tlva[ was to jmn the Thirteen year~ la~er, tl~e festival continues hu~ines~ c~mmmnilies by pullin~ I~sgcllscr lt~wa Chy's vastly diver~c arts c~:mlnunitF The val pmvide~ venues fi,r music, daoce, phy, theater, visnal aris, ~ ulplure, crab% film, lil- cramre and opera. I)udaml explained Iha~ she sional~, giving fl~em ~l~e pmfe~donal venue d~cy need in order to be perceived that way." One way she inct~rp~raled thi~ gini imo dm planning ces~ was to begi. planninR fi~r d~e 1996 fe~lival with an open foram. She wanted ~o give artists more of a chance to provide input into the plan- ning. New addtritons also include the firsfever h~wa Arts Festival Ord~estra, which is scheduled to perform (m June 15. as well as a feature of the festival called "Arts lY.cuvrcs," which will bring art dennmstralions and t~er[ormances into Iowa City businesses. In previous years, Ihe festival has run for 10 cm~secufive days, but this year it will take place during tl:e last il:re~ weekends of June. Duelanti explainea ihat die change was made in order schedule more events alia attract more people to Duela:sd ~ai:l festival ::rganirers ak:: plan m lm.k mine n:ifi::.nl acts Illi; year. When asked [ocu:, Dueland explained dmt :m~ only will :en'e a: an in~p:rnii.:: [~:r I~:ral arfisl% I:tn Ihc)' will nl~o draw m::: e itc-pie flora ::m~ide nf city m expe:ie.rc h:wa Ci~y~ smmg arts com- nluilil)~ The Imva Arl~ l:e~ival is curremly laking applic~li::n: [r.lU n.i:~s ::1 all disciplines lot die 1996 festival. Ar~i::: al:d acls, hand% ch::ral groups and mher diverse fi:rnls ::[ a~li~lic si::n are Cl:CmU':gcd Itl apply. The commillee is alto eat m~raginR ord:e:~ral musicians t. apply bcc::n:e a member .f d:e first Iowa Arts Festival Orchcstra. Each nm:ician will be paid a set fee aml be required I. aucnd a~ leas: two Applicali:ms can be .blained by callin~ ping by die h:wa A:t: Festival::ffice at i I:c h:wa City Chamber :,f C:.nmerce, 325 E. Washingstin SL, 337-9637. All applicafinns must be received by Dec. 31. · Winter. What does she dislike about her lob? "I'd say nothing at this point," Win- ter said. "It's a constant challenge, and BVR is great about encouraging its em- ployees to learn and grow -- to be better professionals in general." In terms of the future, Winter said she is hoping for a promotion next year, but her focusis primarily on doing qual- ity client work. Consistently good work brings in new clients, creates new busi- ness and a demand for new positions, Winter said. "Promotions are based on three things accor,,c~,..g to BVR philosophy," said Winter. Client need, company need and how ready you are as an employee." Winter said her education at the UI's J-MC School's emphasis on basic skills is valuable and essential to success in the PR industry. Winter said she had a tendency in college to ignore details while focusing primarily on writing a "creative story." "I've learned that if you write well, paying attention to details and AP style, you can fit a creative angle Into an im- portant factual story," Winter said. Winter was back in Iowa City in August when BVR promoted a Sprint- sponsored program tour called "What's New OnThe Internet" in the Pappajohn Business Administration Building to increase college students' interest and knowledge of the Internet. Winter said she hopes that in addition to basic skills, current J-MC students are being taught the importance of utilizing the Intemet. "I feel that the Intemet is going to become a very important coremunica- t-ion tool in the future," Winter said. "In a field 'gke PR where communication is essential, it re,ally is necessary to know how to use it. BVR hooked up to the Intemet .last spring and, according to Winter, mey use it frequently to communicate with clients and to pull client-related news stones right off the wire. Winter ~s fond of the saying: Luck when preparation meets opportunity," and credits the landing of her position with BVR to a combination of both ele- ments. However, those who aspire to follow a path similar to her own sho .uld recognize that in her case, extensive preparation was responsible for creat- ing -- not sLrnply meeting -- opportu- J-MC grad Dueland takes reins for Iowa Arts Festival By Carie Sadkowski Liz Dueland (B.A. '88) has made it her job to improve the cultural climate in Iowa City. Endowed with a family background of artistic talent, this journalism and political science graduate is able to com- pile all of her varying skills and call upon them as the dixector of the Iowa Arts Festival. Dueland does all the marketing, fundraising, committee work and events coordination for the Iowa Arts Festival, which rtms for three weekends begin- ning June 14 and concluding June 30. Her goal for this event, which esti- mates 35,000 attendees, is above and beyond execution. "I want to promote Iowa City ~ a cultural mecca in Iowa," Dueland saad. "I'm looking for ways to promote the arts and improve the cultural dimate in Iowa City." One of the ways she plans on doing this is by placing a large emphas~ on community involvement at the festival. She works with 23 board members from the community, andbelievas if they work together to d. evelop an increased pas- sion and vision, it will spread to the community. Liz Dueland "Arts make an incredible '. economicimpact ' on our co _mmu-: nity," Dueland said. "Art in all forms should be honored as a profes- sion, from photography to furniture making; this festival gives arbsts a venue in which to express their art form." In her undergraduate years, Dueland saw that she had a knack for "putting things together and making connec- tions" when she was in charge of vari- ous student groups on campus and co- ordinated student fairs. Her experiences working for a congressional campaign in '86, as well as her fundraising and coordination for political events has left her very well suited for this position. "This job has every element that is enjoyable to me," she said. She also incorporates her favorite I part of journalism into her work -- in- [ formation gathering and research. * QUEs o s? COmams?-Su GEs o s? Please's~nd your,.~ews;~n:wntingtto,th Ib~,a;~lou alist; Sbhool of ' ~ournalism;~dMass G~mmuEicad0n, 106 CC; uni~ersi~ of Iowa, iowa~Ci~. 1~.5224z~:p~6pe~:(3~9)~5-581.4';.F~ (3.19) 335-52~0. Include your.~l .name;~hd~gradua~6Fn~e~f~dtffere~t)';c~plete ~ ~d~res~ ~hdteleo~0n~"fi~b~r~ P~ot6gmPhS=~e ncou mg~d; W~- that-am.~hsuit~ble for,~ublicatton-Photos cannotbe returned. Deat~ notices Sh~uld~ be abbo~panihd::bYa;c°py~°f the oDitua~, i] possibie;-please:'in~l~de,;t~b-;fbll.,name, (apd' maiden name? if,c. app cable):~?the d~e-and:place of, deaths,' - --'.~, · 48 ~, IOWA JOURNAL[ST A~erica Realizes The Arts Attract Tourists By WILLIAM GRIMES uttrac~ed 234.000 visitors to the Tale- ered a dead month far or~ er~tbt- show of pre-Raphaellte art and mar- The Living Arts TUESDA Y, D~CEMBER $. 1995 A stor~cllor, Jay O'Ca[ahan. taking par: in a [esdval :hat lured 8.600 visitors to 6ny Jonesborough. Te~n. All told, the ~ven: crea~.ed $5 million worth of econotrOt ac~vlty in the region, pt~entS across die United States. Most of them are aimed at tapping shopping district or a theme ~)ark. Recent surv~s by the Commerce .? ~e~lt..~ ,, ,~l__~.e_~:~. with the arts and locul history at the top of their ~genda. "For the tourist industry, mrs is a speeds more money, and is more family or friends." said Bill Mosk:n. ','.;..' ~w.m/ v.m; 'n,~..~s TIlE LIVING ARTS *t me~tJ..: America Learns That the Arts Attract Tourism For cities and cultural groups, the goal is the same: dollars. Fall 1995 A PUBLICATION OF THE IOWA ARTS FESTIVAL Ove rtu res in Step With Change By tarry E. Eckholt The one thing that is consistent about Gelman. We thank each of them, who sup- President of the IAF the Iowa Arts Festival (IAF)is that it's neverported the Festival in their own unique way. Board of Directors the same. Change is good, as they say, and Wally and Judy each served as board change is what has kept the Festival a dy- president and were instrumental ,n tbeshap- namic community event and organization. ing of the ]owa Arts Festival as we know ~t As an organization, the IAF has had sev- today. Tom was responsible for writing the December 28 Larry Eckholt eral major changes in staff and on our articles of incorporation and bydaws of the 1:00 - 4:30 pm volunteer board. Michelle Coleman, who new Festival organization that became effeo The Old Capital is the recipient served the Festival in several capacities dur-rive January l, 1994. All Iowa Citians thank and Ihe Iowa ing her nearlyfour-yeartenure, resignedlast Wally, Judy, and Tom for the tremendous Memorial Of the 1995 spring to take a new position at Hahchef impact they have had on the arts commu- Union Auditorium. She was replaced by Liz nityln general, andthe 1AF in particular. IAF Family .Star Award Dueland, who took over as executive direo In addition, we have several new board Ibtertubment from the Iowa tar immediately after last June's Festival. members who already are making a positive Previews: Under Michelk's leadership, the Iowa Arts trapact on festival planning: Richard Stranon, 1 :OO Festival gained a strong foundation as it grewDan Brown, Mike Hayercamp, Marcella Lee. Acooshc City Area in size and stature. Her strong dedication toMargaret Egimon. Deanne Wartman, and Mayhem the arts was deeply appreciated by all who en-Carol Spaz~ani. Welcome to all! 9:00 Chamber of joyed the Festivals she helped create. Change is already afoot in planning for Eulenspei§el Liz brings a new dimension to the Festi- the 1996 Festival. Instead of scheduling events Puppet Commerce in ,,al organization including fresh ideas and during one 10-day stretch, next June's festival Theatre Co. unique ways of involving more of the cam- will take place over three weekends beginning 2::30 recognition of munity. Liz's mission is to build on the solidJune 14. This gives us more "prime time" for UI Lolin foundation of her predecessors and aid the events and the potential to attract record crowds.American his outstandin§ board of directors as we look for innovative In closing, as I enter my final year as IAF Dov. ce Oub contributions ~vays ofcreafingthe best arts festival in thestateBoard President, I ,.'rant to thank you, our do-$:OO Following our 1995 Festival, several nors and friends, for making the Fesnval Storytellers people who had served on the board of Di- possible. Without ),'out continuingsupport, the Deanne to the arts rectors decided it was time to move on to Iowa Arts Festival coald fade into obscurity-- Workman other projects. They include: Wally which is one' form of change that is entirely and Dove lOCally. Chappell, Judy Hutrig, Steve Arkins, David unacceptable. Thanks for comributmg to our Panther Wilder, Suzanne Richerson, and Tom ongoing vitality. S:SO Dave Moore Arts Festival: Calling All Artists The Iowa Arts Festival is seekieg to hire talent for the 1996 Festival held in down- town Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall during the last three weekends in June, starting on June 14 and concluding on June 30. All art disci- plines including music (both classical and pop), dance, photography, fihn, literature, opera, theater, visual arts, sculpture, and crafts will be showcased during the Festival. Single artists and acts, bands, choral groups, and other diverse forms ofartistlc expression are encouraged to apply. IAF is also welcom- ing applications from orchestral musicians who are interested in joining the fiest-ever Iowa Arts Festival Orchestra, wNch will per- form the evening of June 15. Each musicran will be paid $100. and is required to attend at least two rehearsals. Applications can be obtained by calling or stopping at the 1owa Arts Festival office cared at the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, 325 E. Washington St., 337-9637. All appli- cations must be received by January 1, 1996. Those interested in entering the ju ricd show of Festival Art Sale exh ~bitors should contact dre Arts 1owa City office at 337-7447. For a full schedule o5 events, call the Iowa Cily 8, Coralvalle Convention and ~silors Buroou al 337.6592. The Iowa Kids §et hands-on experience "Don't Feed the Instruments!" By Nelda Johnson First National Bank. the first official event sponsor for the 1996 Iowa Arts Festival, will present "Arts City", the arts & crafts component of Children's Day, which is co-sponsored and coordinated by the Iowa City Public Library. Demonstrations. classes, and participatoq, activities in- volving a variety of art disciplines will be featured in- side each individual art station or "house' within the City. William Nowysz & Associ- area will design the architecture of "Arts City' to resemble a min- iature community which would appeal to a chi[d's eye. lowa City area businesses sponsoring a house include Dance of Iowa, M.C. Gins- berg Jewelers. and McDonald's Restaurants. The instrument petting zoo, complete with chicken wire and hay bales, is an exciting children's feature sponsored by West Music and will be the "Arts Country" portion of the Festi- val. Kids are encouraged to discover their musical talents by touching, looking and playing on a wide range of instruments, but must obey posted signs read- ing: "Don't feed the instruments!" Opportunities for sponsor- ing a house are still available and those interested may contact Lit Dueland at 337-9637. Those interested in volunteering for Children's Day should call Deanne Wortman at 356-5200. Jones Named Volunteer Coordinator By Tracy Naden The Iowa Arts Festival is looking for over 300 volunteers with a variety of interests and abilities to donate their time and services to produce the 1996 Festival. As the owner and manager of Seasons Best, Kathy Jones will serve as the volunteer coordinator for this year's Festival. Recognizing the importance of community involvement. Jones has also organized the spaghetti dinner for the Hospice Road Races for the past seven years. Kathy Jones "I got involved in the Festival became it really benefits the overall community, regardless of whether one is art or mmic minded." Jones said. Volunteers are needed to coordinate special projects, provide administrative assistance or legal advice, contribute technical expertise such as design and set construction, organize food vendors. and market Festival paraphernalia. "As a non-profit organization, the Festival relies heavily on the generous hours volunteers contribute to promoting the arts in the Iowa City area," said Lit Dueland, executive director. In appreciation to IAF's dedicated volunteers, the Festival will host a volunteer party at the Highlander Inn following the Festival. For more information on becoming a Festival volunteer call Kathy Jones at 337-2378. or Lit Dueland at 337-9637. New Logo Reflects Artistic Diversity By Tracy Naden Graphic designer Leigh Bradford, art director for The Burken Marketing Group, has created the new Iowa Arts Festival's logo which reflects the diverse range of classical, unique and even quirky events planned for the 1996 Festival. Executive Director Liz Dueland proposed the idea of a new logo design to the IAF Board of Directors last August. "With our plans to make the Festival mote inclusive, I felt it was essential that our logo rep- resent the same diversity," Dueland said. Bradford, who has worked for the Burken Marketing Group for the past year, said she was ex- i®wa flllT :f j'i:iVeli. cited about designing the official Iowa Arts Festival logo as the firms in-kind contribution. "It was inte,~ting m work on a pmjec~ of this scale which impam such a large number of people," Bradford said. "As a dtsigner. it b rewarding to contribute something artistically creative for an am-od- As art director of The Burken Marketing Group. Bradford is responsible for co- ordinating all production and design efforts, and serves as a key member of the manage- The Burken Marketing Group is a comprehensive mar- keting organization operating as a marketing department and re- source for small and medium-sized businesses. By using the team concept, the Iowa City firm coordinates and imple- ments appropriate advertising, design, public relations and may ketieg strategies for individual short and long-term projects. Special Thanks to Our Early Contributors Many thanks to those indi- viduals and businesses who have aheady donated their time or services to the 1996 Festival: First National Bank. M.C. Ginsberg Jewelers, McDonald's Restaurants, DeWlit Electric. Parker Davis Graphics, Claudia McGehee Illustration, Tom Flanders, Pat Alden, IAS Com- puter Store, Advantage Informa- tion Management. Hospers & Brother Printers, The Burken Marketing Group, University Directories. Iowa Book & Sup- ply Company, Professional Photo Services, Benson & Hep- ker Design, Prairie Lights Book- store. and Dance of Iowa. Something for By Liz Dueland Executive Director Ill had $10 for every time l've been asked whether I'm an artist since accepting the position as director of the Iowa Arts Festi- val (IAF), I think I could afford to privately fund the Festival my- sel@ But I wouldn't need currency to measure my wealth these days. I am blessed to work with a great number ofpa~ionate people who are concerned about the impact arts have on our community. (By the way, my standard re- sponse is to tell people that I am an artist of sorts and that I pro- duce one gigantic art installation each year--the Iowa Art Festival, which begins on June 14, 1996.) In fact many of the events planned for the next year's Fes- tival have originated with these passionate people as they pass along ideas to me. (A few are listed in parenthesis, along with their idea). It is my goal this year that each of us will feel. more than ever, that the 1996 Festival reflects the interests, ideas and talents of our entire community. The Iowa Arts Festival's founding mission has been to showcase the rich artistic talents of local individuals, art organi- zations and community groups~ and thus promote year-round participation in the arts. IAF founders recognized that the arts have a tremendous impact in our community--both cultur- ally and economically. The Fes- tival has planned new projects this year and will expand on the Everyone concept of utilizing the artistic resources already in existence (Shidey Wyrick). A new event called ~Pre- views" will present highlights of other concerts. festivals and musical presentations such as the Riverbank Blues Festival. 1owa City Jazz Festival. and Iowa Women's Music Festival. Along the same vein, the Festival has raised initial funds for a collec- tive banner project, listing all Iowa City open-air summer con- certs (Mark Ginsberg). It is my goal with this project to not only promote the Iowa Arts Festival but to increase attendance at other summer concerts. Who knows, maybe Iowa City will become known as the City of Summer Concerts! This year's Festival seeks to build community ownership (Dan Brown) and new partner- ships. The Iowa Arts Festival Or- chestra (Marcella Lee and Rich- ard Stratton) will unite the Um- versity and community as they perform (with David Nelson and Leopold La Fosse) for the first time on center stage with other groups such as the UI Opera De- partment (Beaumont Glass). Other examples include the Fes- tival working in cooperation with Arts Iowa City as they pro- duce the Arts Iowa City Festival Artsfair. the Friday Night Con- cert Series (Victoria Gilpin) to wow an audience with the Festival's opening ceremonies, and the University of Iowa's Arts Share Program (Allison Cox) to hire faculty. staff and students Liz Dueland to perform for several events. Also new this year is a won- derful opportunity for the inde- pendent amsts whosework may not lend itself well to either the mainstage (Gene Anderson) or the Artsfair. "Arts D'oeuvres" (Wend)' Ford). which will con- sist of dozens of hands-on art proiects. vignettes. demonstra- tions, musical presentations, readings, and even events on the quirky side, will be presented by sponsoring businesses during Festival hours In addition to sev- eral mainstage interdisciplinary works (Joe Balkcam) th ts will add m the carnival atmosphere and will give merchants outside the downtown area an opportunity to participate (Robin Walenta). It took many to create the Iowa Arts Festival and the input of many is needed to propel it to another exciting stage My hope is that the 1996 larva Arts Festi- val will be a eelcbration not only of our individual talents but of our collect,re unity--and that's truly an invaluable work of art. "Hudson River" Flows With Talent By Tracy Naden Nick Hotek takes art to heart. seriously. As owner of the Hudson River Frame Company in Iowa City. Horek takes designs to higher aesthetic levels through his artistic endeavors. He features the works of local artists inside his gallery, and has given a generous donation of in-kind services to the Iowa Arts Festival. As a key contributors to the Festival, Hotek framed David Conklin~ photographs of the 1995 Festival. The photos were presented as gifts to some contributors. "As an art person~ it makes more sense to donate my services rather than money as a way to say thank you to the commu- nity." Hotek said. "It also gives people the opportunity to learn more about framing, which is an art form within itself." Nick Holek Grant Helps Fund "Banner" Year The Iowa Arts Festival was recently awarded a $1,400 grant by the Eastern Iowa Tourism Association to partially fund a collabora- rive banner project promoting summer arts in downtown Iowa City. The banner design will consist of logos representing four local art organizations, including the Iowa Arts Festival, Friday Concert 5eries, Iowa City Jazz Festival, and the M.C. Ginsburg Friday M- tcrnoon Concert Series. The 57 banners will be suspended from street light fixtures m promote all outdoor concerts held in 1owa City. John Murphy, president of the Downtown Association, which presents the Friday Night Concert Series. urges community mem- bers to contlnuc to express their support as the project gets underway. To obtain further information or make a contribution to the project, please contact Liz Dueland at 337-9637. Iowa Arts Festival Board of Directors and staff. Front row: Richard Stra,on, Larry Eckhoh, Gina McGee, Robin Walenla, Tracy Naden, Sheila Boyd. Middle row: Mike Haverkamp, Karen Chappell, Krislin Reynolds, Carol Spazainl, Liz Dueland, Angie Shirk, Georgia Heald. Beck row' Susan Shullaw, Mary Lyman, Russ Schmeiser, Dan Brown, Mark Kamps. Not pidured: John Chadlma, Margaret Eglnlon, Chrisliana Knorr, Marcello Lee, Ston Miller, Mary New, Deanne Wartman. Iowa Arts Festival Officer~, Board of Directcw~ President Larry E&hoh Vice President Robin Walento Treasurer Gina McGee Secretary Susan Shullaw Executive Director Liz Dueland Overtures Editor Tracy Naden Intern Coordbators~ Media Tracy Naden Marketing Angie Shirk Children's Day Angie Millonzi Special Events Kent Bride City High School Valunteers Coordinating teacher Peggy Chezum Sludents Casey Kacena Kathryn Weimar Official Festival Printer Hospers & Brother Prinlers Official Festival Graphic Design Firm Benson & Hepker Design CHficlai Festival Photographer David Conkiln Pro['essional Photo Services Special thanks te the UI chapter of Public Relations Sludent Society ef America Picturing the Arts A:~ !he first of tidal ph,,iographcr o£ the 1996 Iowa Arc~ Festival. D~,~d Conklin's d~cam c~t L~kmg d~c a;~ of phorogr~phy ~o bghcr Icyils ~s dearly coming iron fi)~u~ Conklin~ phnmgraph~ nf ~fi~ts. busine~ sponsors. and mcmbcrs of ~r~ous aris organiz.~uons are cutrendy being d~stributcd in media materials ~hroughom the } car. prior to actual documentation of che David Con~:lin 1995 Festival: Rave Reviews Acou $~ic Mayhem C~reg Brown i@Wc 325 .Wo n PO. Box 2358 ~ 1TI Iowa Cid,, IA 52244 :feStiV lL Pelnti~ ~ c~y ot ~s~s & ~e Pnn~s Abcve 9.c halle Co~e-¢- of REC ...... re,c, ginsbe jewelers, nc, 110 east washington iowa city, iowa 52240 319-351-1700 Steve Atkins Larry Baker Karen Kubby Ernie Lehman Dee Norton Naomi Novick Dean Thornberry Dee Vanderhoef Thank you for giving the Iowa City Jazz Festival the opportunity to meet with you. We look forward to bringing our community one of the premier jazz festivals in the country! We love Iowa City, that's why we live here. It is with this kind of passion that we want and need your support. The resulting benefits are the long term offacts on our culture and our economy. Branford Marsalis's program "Jazz Set" called us 1124198 to let us know that they would like to broadcast the Iowa City Jazz Festival nationally {over 300 public radio stations). They will be spending 2 days in Iowa City taping this festival. Thank you. Sincerely, ~ ~ cutira Director, IoV~'FCity Jazz Festival