HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-18 Correspondence Office of the crim~..~
Anne M Lahey
David V Tiffany
Johnson County Attorney Lin aM.au,aon
Rivka Sorensen
Michael D Brennan
Johnson County Courthouse · 417 South Clinton Street · P.O. Box 2450 · Iowa City, IA 52244~2450 M Victoria Dominguez
Gwendeiyn Jo McCarty
Phone (319) 339-6100 · Fax (319) 339-6149 Iris Frost
J. Patrick White Civil-Juvenile
County Attorney
Janet M. Lyness
Deborah Farmer Minot
Andrew B Chappell
May 17, 2004 MeredithRich-Chappell
Child Support
Patricia A Weir
TO: Iowa City City Council 1-(888) 229-9223
RE: Grain Enterprises
FROM: J. Patrick White ~
Johnson County Attorney
Note that Section 6 of the application needs to be amended
to reflect the 1996 OWI which is shown on the criminal history.
Also what the applicant has listed as Public Consumption in 2002
was actually Public Intoxication. A copy of the Complaint and
its disposition are attached.
Notwithstanding these offenses--one somewhat dated and one
more recent--I am satisfied that Ms. Krain has a good grasp on
the effects and risks of alcohol and that she is able to manage
her proposed establishment fully in accordance with Iowa law. I
have recommended approval.
I~ Printed on recycled paper with SOy ink I~
~F,OWA(o__(~ /'2_.' kb"~ - COMPLAINT CASENO: //~-~ ~
NAME DATE T ~
CITY/S~AT~/ZIP ~ ~ ' ~ ~h ~E SEX HGT WGT HAIR
~/' /3"~a~ ~S accused of the crime
in violation of Se~t~on¢ / ~ of the Iowa Qrimina[ Code ~dinance No
of the City of.l~wa City in that (h~(she) ~d, on or about the ~ ~ dayof, -- ¢ -- 0 (~ (y,) O~
,at
(Time:~ 0 ] ~ (~ocation:) %~/~ ~ ~ , in Johnson County, State of Iowa
~ S - Cited & Released Q Res. ~ Non-Re~ ~ ~ / ~ ' ~OMPLAIN~T
~ T-Custody-WarranCPrior Armed: Q Y~. ~No ~/~1/~ ~ ~ ~
L tho u~Oersi~nod complainant, Boin~ first ~uly sworn on oath, ~o horebg Oeposo and stato I boliovo tho agove namod
De~enCant commi~O tho,abevo namo~ public o~ons~ Basod o~ tho followin~ facts: ~/~ ~ g
Subscribed swo~-t~efore me on this , (yr) 7~~
I hereb~om~ to ap~¢~i~ said cou~ at 417 S. Clinton Street, Johnson County Coudhouse
on ~ ~ /~____~ QAM OPM Anyone who willfully fails to appear in coun a p "
shall be guilty o~ misde~or. The court may then issue a warrant of arrest for the defendant as specified in cr-
Section 805.5 o¢~ Code of Iowa. .:~'
IOWA CITY POLICE SIGNATURE OF DEFENDAnt-
ORIGINAL- COURT ~
I, the undersigned Judicial Magistrate, have determined from the complaint that there is probable cause
to believe that the Defendant named in the complaint committed the public offense as charged on the
reverse side.
Dated this day of , (yr)
JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE
IN THE IOWA DISTRICT COURT FOR Case Number:
JOHNSON ~COUNTY I ,~'""-/"'"'~'~/'"'~ ("Q'~ (o ~,~'-.~ File Stamp:
[] THE STATE OF IOWA Document:
[][] THETHE COUNTyCITY OF: OF: RI.N. ORDER: JUDGMENT/SENTENCING
PLAINTIFF, VS. DEFENDANT Misdemeanor/Ordinance)
Date:
GUILTY PLEA
'~ j The defendant appears: .-~
[~] ~n person and/or by counsel
] in writing,
waives his/her right to an attorney and/or trial and PLEADS GUILTY.
The Court enters judgment accordingly and imposes sentence as set out below.
TRIAL ORDER
[ ] Trial is held as scheduled, Attorney , appears for the Plaintiff, ~' -..,t
The defendant appears in person and/or by attorney
The Court now enters Judgment as follows:
[ ] The Court finds the defendant GUILTY and imposes sentence as set out below.
[ ] The Court linds the defendant NOT GUILTY and orders this charge dismissed. The Court taxes costs to the plaintiff.
SENTENC,NGORDER
[~-] Upon entry of judgment of guilty, the court sentences the defendant to:
[r~'} PAY A FINE of $.,/~-~~ plus surcharge and court costs. The Court orders the fine paid by -
at 8:30 A,M. or additional penalties will result.
] CONFINEMENT in the County Jail for Hours/Days, and pay court costs within 60 days, The Court gives the defendant CREDIT for
Hours/Days already served,if the defendant fails to appear at the time set, any police officer is authorized and directed, without further
order et the court, to take the defendant into custody to begin serving the sentence imposed by this order The Court further:
DISCHARGES the defendant from custody. ~...~
ORDERS the defendant to serve the balance of the sentence:
[ ]Forthwith. r-'
[ ] By surrendering to the County Jail as follows
SUSPENDS Hours/Days el the sentence and places the defendant on PROBATION on good beh'.,~o~r~ntil
During probation the defendant shall abide by these terms/conditions:
] Grants WORK RELEASE privileges.
[ ] ENROLL in the BA'I~rERER'S EDUCATION PROGRAM within 10 days and successfully complete the program.: < --~ ~,-
[ J PAYVICTIM RESTITUTION:
[ ] as later determined.
[ ] in the amount of $. within 60 days.
The defendant is to pay the res itution to the Clerk of Cour. The res itut on s or
The Court notifies the defendant of RIGHT OF APPEAL within 10 days.
Appeal Bond is $.
! ] The defendant gives ORAL NOTICE OF APPEAL.
!The Court exonerates the delendant's bond conditions
]The Court directs the clerk to apply the defendant's bond toward any fine, surcharge, victim restitution, and court costs, The Court exonerates any
] Warrant/Summons RECALLED.
] Clark to notify.
] Copy to jail.
~?Copygiventodetendan~/defensecounse, !~d~//~,~ :/ . ~i_[~_
CLERK'S NOTATIONS
[ ] CASH/CASHIER'S CHECK/MONEY ORDER ONLY. $ RESTITUTION
$~ FINE
$ --~ - SURCHARGE-
S ~'>"-- COURT COSTS
~- FOR THIS ORDER ONLY: a,.- $'"=-'~'~/'s-<'< TOTAL DUE
,.- OTHER AMOUNTS MAY ALSO BE DUE BYTHETERMS OF OTHER ORDERS.
MAIL PAYMENT TO: JOHNSON COUNTY CLERK OF COURT
MAGISTRATE DIVISION
P.O. BOX 2510
WHITE (Cou); CANARY (Prosecutor), PINK (Deft/Def~ AiryI IOWA CITY, IA 52244
Date: May 3, 2004
To: City Clerk
From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner (~
Re: Item and Comment for May '18, 2004 City Council Meeting: Installation of two NO
PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS with ARROW signs. One sign will be placed approximately
20' north of the Water Division pump station driveway on Emerald St. The second sign
will be approximately 20' to the south of the driveway to the Water Division pump station
on Emerald St.
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 two NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS with
ARROW signs. One sign will be placed approximately 20' north of the Water Division pump
station driveway on Emerald St. The second sign will be approximately 20' to the south of the
driveway to the Water Division pump station on Emerald St.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of Iowa City Water Division. Vehicles parking in this
location are causing difficulty for Water Division vehicles entering/exiting the driveway to the
pump station.
jjcogt p\memos\emeraldst pkg doc
Date: May 12, 2004
To: City Clerk
From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for May 18, 2004 City Council meeting: Relocation of Iowa City Transit bus stop
from the west side of intersection of ACT Circle/Iowa Highway 1 to the west side of
the intersection of Iowa Highway 1/Scott Boulevard
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(19), relocation of Iowa City Transit bus stop from the west side of
intersection of ACT Circle/Iowa Highway 1 to the west side of the intersection of Iowa Highway
1/Scott Boulevard.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Iowa City Transit to facilitate pedestrian and bus
safety.
jccogtplmerr~bus stop.doc
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 6, 2004
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking and Transit
Ron Logsden, Transit Manager
Re: ACT Circle Bus Stop
We feel the bus stop at ACT Circle has become unsafe for our continued use. This
unsafe condition has developed due to a number of reasons. This problem has been
exacerbated by the elimination of the bus stop on the east side of Dodge Street directly
across from the ACT Circle bus stop. This stop was eliminated at the request of ACT and
has resulted in increased usage of the ACT Circle bus stop.
The bus stop is located in the right turn only lane. This creates a conflict with
southbound vehicles turning onto ACT Circle as they turn in front of the bus. There is
also a conflict with northbound vehicles as the bus driver does not know they plan to turn
onto ACT Circle as the bus attempts to re-enter Dodge Street.
The level of traffic on Dodge Street has increased to the point that Iowa City Police or
Iowa Highway Patrol has been directing traffic during the morning rush hour to keep cars
from stacking up onto Interstate 80. This has resulted in a continuous flow of traffic with
no openings for the bus to pull back into the roadway.
Due to the location of the stop at the crest of a hill, the driver has poor visibility while
attempting to pull back out onto the roadway. Because of the limited site distance, the
increased volume of'traffic, the slow acceleration of the bus, and the high speed of traffic,
it has become increasing difficult for the bus to re-enter the south bound traffic flow.
These conditions have resulted in drivers expressing concerns about the safety of
stopping at this location and then re-entering traffic.
Unfortunately there is not a good alternative other than the one proposed or putting the
bus stop back in that was eliminated at ACT's request. This would mean that pedestrians
would need to cross Dodge Street after exiting the bus, which presents other safety
concerns.
We feel that the relocation of the bus stop that we have proposed is the best and safest
solution available until Dodge Street is widened in the summer of 2005 and the bus pull
off is installed just South of ACT Circle.
The ACT Campus is served three times a day at 8:13 a.m., 12:13 p.m. and 5:13 p.m.
which corresponds to ACT's shift schedule.
Marian Karr
From: janeknoedel@webtv, net
Sent: Saturday, May 08, 2004 9:41 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: off leash dog park
Please consider getting the off leash dog park off to a good start and
vote to allow the group to begin putting their plans into action. I have
visited other dog parks, in CR and LA and have seen the dogs and owners
in action. This is a very positive adventure for all concerned, which
includes those of us without dogs who want to walk in the parks and on
the trails without worrying about meeting an unleashed dog whose owner
is trying to let the animal get some much needed exercise.
Thank you for your attention to this very important matter, you will be
pleased with the results.
Jane Knoedel
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
From: Denise Krutzfeldt [denise-krutzfeldt@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 2:19 PM
To: council@iowa-city.crc
Subject: dog park
Dear Council Members:
I am writing in support of the proposed dog park, which will be discussed at the May 17 meeting. I urge you to give your
full attention to this issue, so that dogs and their owners have a place to legally recreate together. Thank you!
Denise Krutzfeldt
Program Associate, Human Subjects Office
University of Iowa
328 CMAB
Iowa City, IA 52242-1101
phone: 319/335-8477
fax: 319/335-7310
e-mail: denise-kruLzfeldt@uiowa.ed u
httpJIresearch~uiowa.edulhso
5/6/04
Marian Karr
From: kobssuth [kobssuth@lamar.colostate.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, May 05, 2004 5:18 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: off leash dog park
I would like to express my support for the JC Dog PAC and their efforts
to
open an off-leash dog park in the Iowa City/Coralville area. I live in
Fort
Collins, Colorado, but I was born & raised in Iowa City and all of my
family
is still there. I visit there multiple times throughout the year (with
my two
dogs). In Fort Collins we have two wonderful off-leash dog parks and I
think
Iowa City is long overdue for one. The last time I visited I took the
trip to
Cedar Rapids to their dog park, but it would only make sense for Iowa
City to
have their own area. I can already promise you that it will be
extremely
popular based on what I've seen here. I thank you for your time and I
urge
you to give this matter your attention. The dogs of Iowa City deserve
your
attention, too! Thanks, Kris Obssuth
Kris Obssuth, VT
Small Animal Hedicine, Blood donor program
Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 221-4535
Marian Karr
From: Jeanne Nelson [jeannenelson@mchsi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 2:33 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: off-leash dog park
Dogs and owners are rejoicing in the good news.
Thank you.
Jeanne Nelson
~ ~,.Page I of 1
Marian Kart
From: Fashimpaur@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, May '18, 2004 '1:35 PM
To: council@iowa-city.orfl
Subject: Congrats on Off-Leash Park
I'm so pleased that you decided to support the off-leash park and approved a site! I was one of the folks who
designed the C.R. park and our citizens have had SO many nice things to say about its creation. We just can't
wait to visit your new park once it opens. Please continue to work quickly to find funds to get it underway; I
know IC folks are anxious. Again, well done for moving forward with this, it will only be an asset for your
city.
Karen Fashimpaur
C.R., Iowa
5/18/2004
, Page 1 of 1
Marian Kart
From: Oensen-^rnold, Jessica L [jensenjl@mail.medicine.uiowa.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 11:30 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Thank you so much!!!
Thank you all so much for approving `TCbogPac's plans to develop the off-leash dog park on the
Peninsula! This is truly a dream come true for many dog owners, including me. I will be honored
to have a place to take my two large dogs to run and play with other dogs.
Please find the funds to make the dog park accessible to the public with the road leading up to
the park as well as a parking Iai. Help make the dream of many dog owners in
the ,Tohnson County area come true.
Jes$ica Jansen-Arnold
Roy J. and Lucille ACarver College of Medicine
Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care,
and Occupational Medicine
200 Hawkins Drive, C33 GH
Iowa City, IA 52242-1081
319-356-1620 Tel
319-353-6406 Fax
jessica-jensen@uiowa.edu
Secretary to Drs. Ferguson, Mallampalli,
McGowan, Moy, and Thomas.
5/18/2004
Marian Karr
From: shah nond 12000 [brdayl 0@hotmail.corn]
Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2004 6:16 PM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: Dog Park Decision
I'm very excited about last night's decision to move forward in
FINALLY getting Iowa City a dog park!!! I've been involved with the
Cedar Rapids K9COLA group since the group formed in July 2000. Our
park user number continues to grow and so do our improvements with
our fundraising efforts. I know JCDogpac has a lot of work ahead of
them, but I'm looking forward to watching the JCDogpac improve the
selected site and will surely make the drive to use the park when it
opens! It'll be great to have a ANOTHER park that I can take my dogs
to and enjoy. Thanks Iowa City Council!!
Shannon Day
K9COLA member
Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 4:34 PM
To: 'Melissa Copeland'
Cc: *City Council; Marian Karr; Kathryn Johansen
Subject: RE: agenda
Ms. Copeland,
Thank you for your recent email correspondence to the City Council on behalf of Johnson County Concerned Citizens.
Council members do not receive their email directly and you message will be forwarded to them as official
correspondence.
Council typically does not schedule meetings with groups or organizations as part of its regular formal
meeting agenda, Rather these occur at informal Council Work Sessions which are generally held on the Monday
evening immediately preceeding. However, each formal meeting agenda provides for "Community Comment" near the
beginning of the meeting. At that time people are invited to address Council for up to five minutes regarding any matter
that is not on the agenda. This would be an appropriate time to raise this matter before Council, to provide more specific
information about your concerns, and to request, if you wish, that Council schedule further discussion at an upcoming
Work Session. It would be helpful for Council to have more specific information about your concerns in order to be better
prepared to discuss them with you. If you prefer not to make your request directly, you can certainly provide the
information in writing and it will be forwarded to Council. The Council meeting on May 18 will begin at 7:00 PM. Any
further correspondence can be provided via email or dropped off or mailed to the office of the City Clerk.
I hope you find this information helpful. Please feel free to contact me or the City Clerk if you have any questions or would
like further clarification.
Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager
cc. City Council
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Kathi Johansen, Administrative Assistant
..... Original Message .....
From: Melissa Copeland [mailto:goddesscopeland~hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 2:57 PM
To: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: agenda
I'm writing to the City of Iowa City Councial on behalf of Johnson County Concerned Citizens
(JCCC). We are an eccletic group of people that share in common a genuine concern for issues
affecting the people of Johnson County. We would like to be a part of your Council agenda on 18
May 2004 to discuss improvements and concerns regarding public transportation.
Please respond at your earliest convience.
Thank-you
Melissa Copeland, a member of JCCC Johnson County Concerned Citizens
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5/6/04
11 South Gilbert
P.O. Box 3396
The Greater Iowa City Area Iowa City, Iowa 52244
Fax: (319) 358-2443
E-mail: hbaofic@cs.com
HOME BUILDI~RS ASSOCIATION www.iowacityhomes.com
Advocate~ for homeownership
by promoting standards for
qttality and qffordablility
May 1, 2004
Mayor Ernie Lehman
Iowa City Council Members
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Lehman and Council Members:
The Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association unanimously supports
MidAmerican Energy in their efforts to sign a new franchise agreement with the City of
Iowa City to provide an electric distribution system for this community.
MidAmerican Energy has proven to be a good corporate citizen and has provided quality,
reliable service to this community. We believe MidAmerican Energy's rates are fair and
that they will continue to provide quality of service to this community. We strongly urge
the council to sign the franchise agreement with MidAmerican Energy.
Sincerely,
Rob Phipps
President
Greater Iowa City Area Home Builders Association
cc: Terry Smith
Chuck Conrad
Butch Forbes
Affdiated with National Association of Home Builders & Home Builders Associallon of lowa
221 E. Washington Street * Iowa City, IA · 52240
Phone: 319-688-2653 * Fax: 319-688-3494
E-mail: marquee123~aol.com ~ www.englert.org
May 5, 2004
Mayor Lehman and City Council
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: Receipt of Community Development Block Grant funds
Dear Mayor Lehman and City Council,
On behalf of the Englert Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for the $75,000 we
have just received from the Community Development Block Grant. These funds have
been used to purchase lighting equipment needed for performances in the theater. Your
ongoing support has been instrumental to our renovation project. The opening of this
historical theater will help to enhance the vitality and quality of life in the downtown and
surrounding areas. We look forward to providing a wide variety of quality cultural
experiences for the community to appreciate.
Sincerely, /~
Eric Kerchner
Executive Director
Englert Civic Theatre, Inc.
C~LlIJ~L ~FFJ~RS m.~'r,o~¢,~-T~us'r
Marian Karr ~
From: RJ Winkelhake
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 4:56 PM
To: *City Council
Subject: Kurtus Miller unsolved Murder case -- Murdered March 2000
..... Original Message .....
From: RJ Winkelhake
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 1:28 PM
To: 'WalkerCL04~aol.com'
Subject: RE: Kurtus Miller unsolved Murder case -- Murdered March 2000
The investigator told me that a reward was offered and distributed in the area of the crime and was in the media in 2000
as well. The Crime Victim Compensation application process is not a City function. There is person at the County who
works with that area.
..... Original Message .....
From: WalkerCL04~aol.com [mailto:WalkerCL04~aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 12:24 PM
To: RJ-Winkelhake~iowa-city.org; Council~iowa-city.org
Cc: JCOTALK~aol.com
Subject: Re: Kurtus Miller unsolved Murder case -- Murdered March 2000
Chief Winkelhake, I appreciate your reply about the Kurtus Miller murder case. I hope you
will do what ever possible to get some action on this case.
One question you didn't answer that was in my message to the City Council is whether
there is a reward offered on this case? If there is a reward offered, how much is it? Also,
if there is a reward, could you consider contacting the media to tell (or remind) the
public of the reward? That might help to get new information.
Related to the State Crime Victims Compensation, does the city keep records of local
applications for those funds? Hopefully the young Widow was told about and was assisted
in making any appropriate applications.
Regarding my mentioned contact with you about this case earlier this year, I will add that
message below. I also contacted Councilman Elliott about the case during March.
Thank you for your time. Best wishes to you in your very hard work.
Charlotte Walker
PO Box 1865
Iowa City, IA 52244
Subj: Unsolved murder story in today's PC
Date: 3/18/2004 8:16:23 PM Central Standard Time
From: WalkerCL04
To: RJ-Winkelhake@iowa-city.o~
Chief Winkelhake: I would like to ask about an unsolved murder case that was not
mentioned in today's Press Citizen story. I have forgotten the name of the young man who
was killed in the burn out case. He was a young UI married student. I can't recall the year
either but it may have been 2002. It seems as though the community has forgotten that
young innocent man. It was a horrible tragedy.
5/4/04
Page 2 of 3
I would appreciate learning his name again and to know if the Iowa City police have given
up on that case. I will never forget him or the details that led to his death. It is a tragedy
that should not go unsolved.
Thanks for taking time for this message.
Charlotte Walker
In a message dated 5/4/2004 10:23:28 AM Central Standard Time, RJ-Winkelhake@iowa-
city.org writes:
The Kurtus Miller case is an on going investigation and not one that I am at
liberty to discuss in public. I am not aware if Mrs. Miller has received any
type of compensation from the State Crime Victim folks or not. The Police
department will make victims aware of the State Crime Victims Compensation
and be of what assistance we can if a claim is filed.
I could be mistaken however I do not recall a discussion that you and I had
about this case. My answer would have been that it was an on going
investigation and that I was not at liberty to discuss the details of the
investigation.
..... Original Message
From: WalkerCL04@aol.com [mailto:WalkerCL04@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 8:43 AM
To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org
Cc: JCOTALK@aol.com; RJ_W~nkelhake@iowa-city.org
Subject: Kurtus Miller unsolved Murder case -- Murdered March 2000
To the City Council:
I want to make sure that all City Council members receive a copy of today's
C.R. Gazette story (provided below) about the unsolved status of the Kurtus
Miller burn-out murder case. I request that you ask the Chief of Police to
give the council an update on this unsolved murder case.
Did the widow of the murdered man receive state crime victim compensation?
Does Iowa City Police Department assist families of crime victims in any
way? Is there a reward offered on that case? I ask that the council request
that I get a written answer to these questions.
I have contacted Chief Winkelhake about this case before and did not get any
reply at all.
Charlotte Walker
PO Box 1865
owa City, IA 52244
Iowa City man's homicide unsolved
By Frank Gluck
The Gazette
Monday, May 03, 2004, 11:03:36 AM
Q: What's the status of the 4-year-old criminal investigation into the arson
death of a 20-year-old man in an Iowa City apartment and the pending lawsuit
against the landlord?A: While police said they had found a possible,
unnamed, suspect a year after the fire at 845 Cross Park Ave., Apt. 3B, that
killed Kurtus Miller in March 2000, they remain mum on current leads in the
5/4/04
Page 3 of 3
case.
"It's still under investigation and very active," said Iowa City Police
Department spokesman Brian Krei. Krei refused to comment on a possible
suspect in the case.
Meanwhile, a lawsuit filed by Miller's widow, Laura, and his family against
the landlord, Southgate Development Co., is slowly making its way through
the legal process. For now, a trial is scheduled for Oct. 18.
According to investigators, Miller was trapped on the apartment's third
floor when the fire broke out. He died of burns and smoke and soot
inhalation. Rescuers retrieved Laura Miller from a balcony.
The death was ruled a homicide.
The lawsuit claims that Southgate could have done more to protect its
tenants, namely by putting locks and buzzers on the front and back door.
It also argues that the building should have had sprinklers, even if city
code did not require it, and that Southgate is responsible for "inadequate
maintenance or repair of fire protection equipment or devices."
Southgate also should have notified potential residents that the building is
in a "high-crime area," the family says.
Laura Miller is seeking damages for medical and funeral costs, pain and
suffering, loss of income and the loss of companionship of her husband.
"The problem we've had on this case, since there's been no charges filed
against anyone, law enfomement considers it a pending case, so they're not
releasing a lot of information to us," said Iowa City attorney Marty Diaz,
who is representing the Miller family.
Diaz said the family is doing well but the anniversary of Miller's death is
still hard for them to bear.
"It's hard when you know someone caused it and that person hasn't been
brought to justice," Diaz said.
Southgate representative Glenn Siders declined to comment on the advice of
legal counsel.
5/4/04
Jeanna Boyes
323 N. Lucas
Iowa City, IA 52245
Dear Council Members,
I am currently enrolled in a class at the University of Iowa that requires each student to send a letter to
someone in regards to a policy that could be changed. I decided to write one to the Iowa City, City
Council on behalf of the many students that do not approve of the Iowa City parking situation.
As you all know, tuition is currently incredibly high. I am a junior at the University and ever since I
began college tuition has increased each year. With this increase, students have not gotten many
breaks in other costs. The parking ramps cost everyone including students, faculty, and the public at
least sixty cents to park for just one hour. However, many times when the public uses the ramps,
especially the Old Capital ramp, they can get validated parking pay less to park there. The students do
not receive any type of validation when using the ramps to park while in classes.
Many services allow student discounts like Hancher Auditorium and other activities or focd
establishments. Would it be possible for the parking ramps to have some type of studentf~aculty
discount to park while in class? We already pay an absurd amount of money just paying the costs of
attending college with tuition, books, groceries, and rent. Parking is just another burden on students
that may live far off campus that walking is sometimes difficult.
Thanking for taking the time to read this letter. Please think about idea of student discounts in the
parking ramps. Perhaps this will be a start in dealing with the lack of free parking in Iowa City.
Thank you,
Jeanna Boyes
17-year-old-vote ~
Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2004 3:06 PM
To: 'Megan Hichwa'
Cc: *City Council; Kathryn Johansen
Subject: RE: 17-year-old-vote
Megan,
Thank you for your email message to the City Council, Council members do not receive their emails directly and your
message will be forwarded to them as official correspondence. If you wish to communicate with Council members
directly, may I suggest that you contact them individually. Their names and phone numbers are listed on the City
website. Go to www. icgov.org and under the heading of "City Council" click on "Members". Best of luck with your
project.
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
..... Original Message .....
From: Megan Hichwa [mailto:mego0419~mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, May 03, 2004 8:12 PM
To: lauren.reece~iccsd.kl2.ia.us; pete.wallace~iccsd.kl2.ia.us; council~iowa-city.org;
hanson.mark~iccsd.k 12.ia.us
Subject: 17-year-old-vote
My name is Megan Hichwa and I am a Junior in Mrs. Redlinger's State and Local Government
class at City High. For my civic project, I am sending a letter to a state legislator regarding the 17-
year-old voting permit. I have a few questions I would like to ask you and possilby share your
responses with this legislator if you wouldn't mind.
What is your opinion of the 17-year-old voting permit? Do you think students should have the right
to vote in school board elections, since the outcome will very likely affect them? Do you think that
students would vote if they had the chance?
Thank you for your time and help.
Sincerely,
Megan Hichwa
5/4/04
ICH e-newsletter ~
Marian Karr
From: United States Interagency Council on Homelessness [ichnews@setechnology.com]
Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 12:11 PM
To'. ecu ncil@iowa-city.org
Subject: ICH e-newsletter
I[~] US ICH Seal
The United States Interagency Council on
Homelessness e-newsletter
Reporting on Innovative Solutions to End Homelessness 04.30.04
Partners In a Vision In this issue,..
· PUERTO RICO HOSTS
PUERTO RICO HOSTS FIRST SUNIMIT FIRST SUMMIT ON
HONELESSNESS
ON HOMELESSNESS · PUERTO RICO MAYORS
[] COMMIT TO lO-YEAR PLANS
Some communities number their annual · SCRANTON/LACKAWANNA
homelessness conferences Jn the double digits, COUNTY ENDORSE :LO-YEAR
but the issue of homelessness is now so visible in PLAN
Puerto Rico that a broad coalition of community · DID YOU KNOW...
organizations (see "Did You Know...") convened the · INNOVATIVE
first-ever Summit on Homelessness in San Juan INITIATIVES - STUDENT
earlier this month. Coalici6n de Coaliciones Pro INNOVATION IN ENDING
Personas sin Hogar, Inc. ("Coalition of Coalitions For HOMELESSNESS: A ~.0-YEAR
the Homeless") hosted the groundbreaking event, ~PLAN SERVICE-LEARNING
which follows Puerto Rico's participation in federal
PARTNERSHIP
Policy Academy sessions on chronic homelessness and
· FEDERAL PARTNER -
family homelessness. Summit attendees, who
WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF
included Puerto Rican community- based
FAITH-BASED AN D
organizations, businesses, service providers, COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
homeless advocates and people experiencing
· INTRODUCING THE
homelessness, heard a keynote address by Council
Executive Director Philip Hangano. COUNCIL'S REGIONAL
COORDTNATORS: DEBBIE
3ACKSONt REGION TTI
Executive Director Mangano told participants, "This COORDINATOR
summit is an historic meeting here in Puerto Rico.
· PUERTO RZCAN NAVAL
Someday, you will say to your children and
BASE BEING CONVERTED TO
grandchildren, '! was there. [ was at that first summit
HOMELESS FAMILY
when we committed ourselves to ending PROGRAM
homelessness in our Commonwealth.' And your
children and grandchildren will be proud that you were part of the movement to end a
social wrong, a national disgrace." Council Director Mangano is pictured here with (left
to right): Ponce, Continuum of Care Coalition President Dr. Brenda Matos; Puerto Rico
Acting Governor and Secretary of Justice Honorable Anabel Rodriguez; Caguas
Continuum of Care Coalition President Laura Ayala; and San Juan Continuum of Care
Coalition President Maria Jaunarena.
Several key federal officials gave attendees insights into partnerships and initiatives to
end chronic homelessness by 2012, including U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Deputy Assistant Secretary Pat Carlile; U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Deputy Assistant Secretary Don Winstead; and U.S. Department of
4/30/04
ICH e-newsletter Page 2 of 6
Veterans Affairs Homeless Veterans Programs Director Pete Dougherty. State and local
initiatives were discussed by Chana and Samuel Levis Foundation Executive Director
Maria Fernanda Levis, with presentations by the Honorable Yolanda Zayas, President of
the Commission for the Implementation of Public Policy Relevant to Homelessness and
Secretary of Family; Senator Jose Ortiz-Daliot of the Housing and Human Development
Endowment; San Juan Continuum of Care Coalition President Maria Jaunarena; and
Caguas Coalition for the Homeless President Laura Ayala.
Lea ~Ss cie esto en e! esp~6o!
PUERTO RICO MAYORS COMMIT TO 10-YEAR PLANS
[With last week's commitment by Caguas, Puerto Rico, Mayor, the Honorable
William Miranda Marin, to work with other mayors across the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico, non-partisan partnership is firmly taking root in Puerto Rico's
response to homelessness. Mayor Miranda Marin, along with San Juan Mayor
.lorge Santini and Bayamon Mayor Ramon Luis Rivera Jr. have committed to create
10-Year Plans to end chronic homelessness. Council Executive Director Philip
Mangano, in Puerto Rico for the first-ever Summit on Homelessness (See first e-
newsletter story), met with Mayor Miranda Matin and also visited Los Peregrinos, a
homeless services program in Caguas, the fifth largest city in Puerto Rico.
Mayor Miranda Matin, who became mayor in 1997 after a public sector career that
included being Adjutant General of the National Guard, has been recognized for
applying business approaches to the management of his city, creating additional
housing, and promoting downtown revitalization. Council Executive Director Mangano
(far right) is pictured here with (left to right) HUD Office of Special Needs Director
Mark Johnston; HUD Caribbean Office Community Planning and Development Division
Director Carmen Cabrera; and Caguas Mayor, the Honorable William Miranda Matin.
SCRANTON/LACKA WANNA COUNTY ENDORSE 10- YEAR
Ir[Wi PLAN
[]]Scranton and Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, unveiled their 10-Year Plan
to End Chronic Homelessness on April 26, with Council Executive Director
Philip Mangano joining Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and Lackawanna County
Commissioner A.J. Munchak for the announcement. The Lackawanna County
Housing Coalition Continuum of Care Committee and the Subcommittee to End
Chronic Homelessness developed the plan, with more than fifty stakeholders including
businesses, corporations, banks, faith communities, academia, downtown
associations, the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, hospitals, and law
enforcement. The new lO-Year Plan identifies homelessness prevention, intervention,
and infrastructure development as major goals and encompasses both Scranton
(population 76,000) and Lackawanna County (population 213,000), of which
Scranton is a part.
Commenting on the non-partisan partnership of Democratic Mayor Doherty and
Republican Commissioner Munchak in forging the 10-Year Plan, Council Executive
Director Mangano described the plan as a strategy that "rises above partisanship and
)olarization to a planful partnership of the public, private, and faith- based sectors
that is a model for cities and counties of similar size across our country." He noted
the similarities of the new regional effort in continuing the theme of non-partisan
collaboration voiced by President Bush in a January 2003 visit to Scranton on medical
liability reform, during which the President stated: "The issue we're talking today
about is not a Republican issue. It's not a Democrat issue. It's an issue which affects
people from all walks of life and it's an issue which must be solved."
4/30/04
ICH e-newsletter Page 3 of 6
Scranton Mayor Doherty told the partners, "We just benefited from the hard work of
all you people. You're the ones with the vision and the drive. In the long run, we
benefit, because you stop problems before they happen." Among the specific
strategies in the plan are improving eviction prevention programs, increasing services
to help people experiencing chronic homeless apply for disability programs, and
improving discharge planning from public systems of care. Commissioner Munchak
added his congratulations to the many public and private sector parties who
fashioned a model plan for cities of Scranton's size. Council Executive Director
Mangano, pictured at far left, joins Mayor Doherty (second from left) and
Commissioner Munchak (second from right) with community partners.
Read the Scraoton/Lackawanna County_P. la_n >>
DID YOU KNOW. . .
(tired of the mainland?)...that there are nine coalitions for homeless services and
people in Puerto Rico based in communities all across the island. Together they form
the Coalicibn de Coaliciones Pro Personas sin Hogar, Inc. ("Coalition of Coalitions For
the Homeless"): Coalition for the Rights of Homeless Persons of the Northwest in
Aguadilla; Native Coalition Continuum of Care for Homeless People in Caguas;
Coalition of Integrated Services in Cayey; Coalition for the Homeless in Guaynabo;
Western Coalition for Welfare of the Homeless in Mayagi~ez; Coalition for the
Homeless of the South in Ponce; Coalition of Continuous Support for Homeless People
in San Juan; Coalition for the Homeless of the East in Yabucoa; and the Alliance of
Integrated Services for Homeless People in Bayamon.
DID YOU KNOW...that Lackawanna County Commissioner A.]. Munchak's nephew
Mike Munchak is in the Football Hall of Fame, and Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty's
great grandfather Hughie .lennings is in the Baseball Hall of Fame. With that
background we also expect the implementation of the Scranton/Lackawanna County
10-Year Plan to be enshrined some day.
DID YOU KNOW...Representatives Richard Burr of Winston-Salem, North Carolina,
and Mark Green of Green Bay, Wisconsin, last week joined the list of cosponsors for
H.R. 4057, the legislative proposal for the Samaritan Initiative to provide $70 million
in new federal housing and supportive services resources specifically targeted to the
goal of ending chronic homelessness in ten years. Representative Burr, a member of
the Health Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and
Representative Green, a member of the Housing and Community Opportunity
Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee, joined cosponsors
Representatives Anne Northup (R-KY), Christopher Shays (R-CT), Bob Ney (R-OH),
Robert Simmons (R-CT), Charles Pickering (R-MS), Patrick Tiberi (R-OH), Deborah
Pryce (R-OH), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Nancy Johnson (R-CT), Mike Capuano (D-MA),
and Thomas Reynolds (R-NY).
~_city mayors endorse Samaritan Initiative >>
INNOVATIVE INITIATIVES - STUDENT INNOVATION IN
ENDING HOMELESSNESS: A 10-YEAR PLAN SERVICE-
LEARNING PARTNERSHIP
WITH THIS ISSUE the e-Newsletter continues its focus on innovative initiatives
partnerships to prevent and end homelessness that are achieving results.
and
Three Raleigh, North Carolina, colleges created an innovative service-learning
collaborative in support of the Raleigh 10-year planning process reported here
last week. NC State, Meredith College (an all-women's institution), and St.
Augustine's College (an Historically Black College) showcased the results of their
4/30/04
ICH e-newsletter Page 4 of 6
partnership at last week's Inter-College Conference at St. Augustine's College.
Council Executive Director Mangano gave the closing keynote to participants, stating,
"We need to ensure that we are investing resources currently allocated in the results
we are looking for - ending homelessness. We need to change the verb of
homelessness from managing the problem to ending the disgrace."
The service-learning tie-in was originally conceived by Dr. Liz O'Sullivan, Director of
the Public Administration program at NC State and member of the 10-Year Plan Policy
Committee for the Raleigh/Wake County planning initiative. In January, Raleigh
initiated its process and an inaugural 10-Year Plan forum was hosted by Meredith
College in February. The three participating institutions then linked nine courses to
the effort, across fields such as Political Science, Public Administration, Social Work,
Psychology, and Criminal Justice. At St. Augustine's, Dr. Monica Porter presented to
her Senior Seminar in Psychology class the situation of the impending closure of
Dorothea Dix Hospital, a local mental health facility. She challenged the students to
think about whether patients might fall into homelessness without proper planning.
Students then directed their thesis research to some aspect of homelessness.
Students pursued research and experiential learning that could directly contribute to '
Raleigh's strategy. Meredith students hosted a teleconference on Civil Engagement,
and NC State students conducted focus groups with shelter residents. St. Augustine's
students researched discharge planning, nutrition, mental health services, health
care, and education as they relate to homelessness. NC State initiated a new course,
Community Dialogue to End Homelessness. Community speakers addressed class
sessions, with speakers including representatives from the NC Department of Human
Services, the City of Raleigh, Wake County, community-based service providers,
advocates, and people experiencing homelessness. The speakers were video taped
and broadcast to the community at large on a local cable station. These lectures will
also be made available for viewing via the web in the near future.
more about the Student lO-Year Plan Initiative >>
Read
FEDERAL PARTNER - WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF FAITH-
BASED AND COMIVlUNITY INITIATIVES
WITH THIS e-NEWSLETI-ER we continue our focus on the federal partners in
the Interagency Council. The White House Office of Faith-Based and
Community Initiatives (OFBCI) was the most recent Federal partner to join the
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. Faith-based and community
groups have long been active in assisting persons experiencing homelessness. One of
President Bush's first official acts as President was to create the OFBCI. The President
also opened FBCI Centers in seven cabinet departments to implement the Initiative:
the United States Departments of Justice, Agriculture, Labor, Health and Human
Services, Housing and Urban Development, and Education and the Agency for
International Development. These offices were tasked with leading a "determined
attack on need" by strengthening and expanding the role of faith-based and
community organizations in addressing the nation's social problems.
To this end, the OFBCI undertakes several functions: identifying and eliminating
~mproper Federal barriers to the full participation of faith-based and community-
serving programs in the provision of social services, educating social service
>roviders about the Initiative and the government grants process, working
legislatively to encourage the good works of faith- based and community
organizations and give them the fullest opportunity permitted by law to compete for
Federal funding and encouraging greater corporate and philanthropic support for
faith-based and community organizations through public education and outreach
4/30/04
ICH e-newsletter Page 5 of 6
activities. The focus of these activities is organizations that serve people in need,
particularly at- risk youth, ex-offenders, persons experiencing homelessness and
hunger, substance abusers, persons with HIV/AIDS, and families in the welfare-to-
work program.
Since 2002, OFBCI has hosted 12 regional conferences to educate service'providers
about the Initiative and the Federal grants process. The conferences provide
participants with information about available government funding opportunities, the
legal requirements that come with a government grant, and best practice tips from
model social service agencies. More than 14,500 faith-based and community leaders
have attended the conferences, with over 2100 choosing the workshops on
homelessness. IVlore conferences are planned. The work of the OFBCI has already
yielded results - between FY2002 and FY2003, there was an increase in the number
of grants going to first-time faith-based grantees. HHS had a 50% increase in grant
awards and HUD had a 100% increase in grar~t funding to first-time grantees.
Pictured above is Jim Towey, Director of White House Office of Faith- Based and
Community Initiatives.
OEBCI websi~;e >>
INTRODUCING THE COUNCIL'S REGIONAL
COORDINATORS: DEBBIE JACKSON, REGION III
COORDINATOR
WITH THIS ISSUE the e-Newsletter continues its profiles of the Council's Regional
Coordinators, focusing this week on Debbie Jackson, Council Coordinator for Region
III, which includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Nar/land, Virginia, West Virginia, and the
District of Columbia. Through partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban
Development, the Council has Regional Coordinators in the ten federal regions. The
Coordinators are charged with convening regional representatives of federal agencies
as a Federal Regional Interagency Council that mirrors work among the federal
partners in Washington. The Regional Coordinators are a key resource for fostering
the creation of Governor-endorsed state interagency councils on homelessness and
I jurisdictional 10-year plans to end chronic homelessness, endorsed by lqayors,
~ County Executives, and City Nanagers.
Key among the goals for the Regional Coordinators is to work collaboratively to make
.federal resources more available and accessible to homeless people. Debbie R.
; Jackson, Region III Coordinator, has fostered an active Council that meets quarterly,
supports a monthly working group, and undertakes monthly site visits to community
based organizations. Three Region III cities have completed CEO-endorsed 10-Year
Plans, and five other communities have CEO-endorsed lO-Year Plans in the
development stage.
Ns. Jackson came to the Interagency Council from the Department of Veterans
Affairs, where she earned national recognition for her work, including being awarded
the Department of Veterans Affairs Olin. E. Teague Award in 2003. At the [4ontrose
VA Medical Center she established the first dual diagnosis unit, and she has provided
services to veterans with needs including HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental illness,
and long term care. She managed employment and housing assistance opportunities
m programs including Compensated Work Therapy, VA-Department of Labor Veterans
Reintegration Project, and HUD-VASH, which combines Section 8 vouchers with
intensive case management. She is a graduate of Howard University School of Social
Work and is a certified clinical social worker.
Read about the Regional Coordinators >>
4/30/04
ICH e-newsletter Page 6 of 6
PUERTO RICAN NAVAL BASE BEING CONVERTED TO
HOMELESS FAMILY PROGRAM
WITH THIS ISSUE, the e-Newsletter continues its feature on how federal
[~ surplus property can assist in developing solutions to
local
homelessness.
The
former U.S. Naval Radio Station and Naval Reserve Center in San Juan, Puerto
Rico, is being converted to a women and children's transitional living program
by the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which was awarded the McKinney Title V site.
The City is currently performing historically-sensitive renovations to the site,
expected to re-open within a year as Casa Cunat (House Cradle), a residence for 100
women and children. The new program will be run by the Office of the First Lady of
San Juan, Mrs. irma Garriga, whose husband, Mayor Jorge Santini, is shown here.
"Homelessness is one of the main policy concerns of Mayor Jorge Santini and his
wife," stated Maria del Carmen Mufioz, Director of the Office for Federal Affairs for the
City of San Juan. Casa Cuna will consist of transitional housing for up to 24 months
and supportive services that will "assure that the women reach self-sufficiency, find
decent permanent housing, overcome their homelessness experience, are able to
handle their personal lives more efficiently, and raise happy and healthy children."
Services, including day care, education and job training, health care, transportation,
and psychological counseling, will be coordinated with other existing city programs.
"The City of San Juan is proud that we were able to get this Title V land, because
many people wanted it. We were very fortunate and we are excited about this
program for women and their children" said Mufioz.
EACH FRIDAY, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
publishes a list of properties in the Federal Register and briefly describes properties
determined to be suitable and available. To access the weekly listing: 1. Contact your
local HUD office or call 1-800-927-7588 to receive information on properties in your
area. 2. Visit the Federal Register online at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html,
Choose "browse" and then "back issues," and then select the most recent Friday
issue.
Quick Links...
· US ICH Mission · US ICH Council Members
email: ichnews@setechno ogy corn
United States Interagency Councii on Homelessness · 451 7th Street SW - Suite 2200 ·
Washington - DC - 20410
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4/30/04
2013 Kountry Lane #101B
Iowa City, IA 52240
April 28, 2004
City Council of Iowa City
410 E Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council Members:
As an assignment for my Technical Writing class, I've assembled a proposal urging a study of the
use of the Thermal Conversion Process in the city's wastewater treatment process. The company
behind this patented technology, Changing World Technologies, is focusing on agricultural
processes for the time being, so any development will be a long time in coming. Still, I believe this
document will stimulate some discussion.
Certain key figures, such as costs, were impossible for me to determine. I believe a more formal
study may be required to gain access to these figures, and a more concrete idea of the potential
of the technology.
If you have any questions about the proposal, please feel free to contact me at (319) 331-1607,
or via e-mail at <joshua-kirkpatrick@student.kirkwood.edu>. Questions for Changing World
Technologies can be sent to <cwt@changingworldtech.com>. Thank you for your time.
Sincere,~
Proposal to Investigate Thermal
Conversion as a Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Method
for
The City Council of Iowa City
by
Joshua Kirkpatrick
April 28, 2004
Background
The City of Iowa City currently produces, on average, eight to nine million gallons of wastewater
per day. Of this amount, about 4 tons per week, or .01%, is considered untreatable and sent to
the landfill. Treated water is returned to the Iowa River or used to water the soccer field near the
south plant, and treated solids are used as fertilizer (Elias).
Existing treatment methods are adequate to meet the needs of our city. But there is a new
technology that can convert this waste into valuable raw materials, including fuel oil. Based on the
amount of wastewater generated each day, the city could potentially earn more than one million
dollars in revenue daily from the use of this process. Thus, long term maintenance of the current
system presents an opportunity cost in the form of lost revenue.
On the other hand, the company behind this technology is currently focusing on conversion of
agricultural waste, and wider distribution of the process is years away, at best (Miller). The
purpose of this proposal is to seek a feasibility study on this technology and to raise awareness of
its potential.
An Introduction to Thermal Conversion
A new bioremediation technology known as Thermal Depolymerization (TDP), or the Thermal
Conversion Process, has recently been publicized by Changing World Technologies (CWT) of
West Hempstead, NY. The technology compresses and heats organic waste in order to break it
down into raw materials. This is the same process that created the oil we drill for today, only
accelerated. The resulting materials break down into oil, distilled water, minerals, and gases
(Lemley).
While variants of this process have been attempted in the past, all were too inefficient to be used
commercially. TDP avoids this inefficiency by dehydrating the feedstock via depressurization,
rather than using heat. Because water is retained during the first phase of the process, the
temperatures and pressures required to break down molecular bonds are much lower (l_emley).
The process functions over several steps. First, the feedstock is channeled through a grinder and
mixed with water. The mixture then moves into a reactor, where it is heated to about 500°
Fahrenheit and subjected to pressures of about 600 psi. The time required to process the mixture
varies depending on the feedstock, but is usually about 15 minutes. Next, the mixture is pumped
into a flash vessel, where pressure is suddenly dropped. Steam escapes from the mixture and is
sent back to heat the first stage reactor (Lemley). At this point, minerals have settled out of the
solution and can be removed (Changing World Technologies). The remaining liquid is sent to the
second stage reactor, which uses higher temperatures to vaporize the contents. This vapor is
collected in vertical distillation tanks, where it is separated into gases, oils, water, and carbon
powder (Lemley).
For every 100 BTUs of energy derived from the process, only 15 BTUs are needed to power it
(Birger). These BTUs are provided in whole or part by the gases generated in the final step
(Lemleyl.
Using Thermal Conversion, 100 lbs. of Municipal Liquid Waste will break down into the following
(Changing World Technologies):
· 26 lbs. oil
· 9 lbs. gas
· 8 lbs. carbon and mineral solids
· 57 lbs. water
..
Based on these figures, Iowa City wastewater would yield the following outputs daily:
· 2,080,000 to 2,340,000 gallons oil (about 49,524 to 55,714 barrels)
· 2998.8 to 3373.65 tons gas
· 2665.6 to 2998.8 tons carbon and mineral solids
· 4,560,000 to 5,130,000 gallons distilled water
Existing Facilities
There are two TDP facilities at present. The prototype facility, located in Philadelphia's Naval
Business Center, can handle up to 7 tons of waste per day (Lemley).
The company's commercial-scale plant, located in Carthage, Missouri, is actually the property of
a joint venture between ConAgra Foods and CWT called Renewable Environmental Solutions
LLC. It processes 200 tons of waste a day, generating 10 tons of gas, 600 barrels of high quality
oil, 11 tons of minerals, and 21,000 gallons of water (Lemley). Construction of this plant cost $20
million, and took approximately three years to complete (Changing World Technologies). The
plant is currently operating at a small profit (Fagin).
Incidentally, the City of Philadelphia recently entered into a contract with CVVT to study converting
the city's wastewater into oil (Kawar). The study proved that it can be done successfully (Miller).
Costs
Several explicit costs are associated with such a project, incruding the following:
· Construction: This is the largest cost, but is nearly impossible to determine accurately based
on limited information available. I would expect an amount well in excess of the $20 million
required to build the Carthage facility due to the much higher volume of waste processed by
the existing wastewater plant.
There is one mitigating factor: CWT received a $5 million dollar grant from the U.S.
Environmental Protection agency to assist in building their facility (Changing World
Technologies). Iowa City may be able to obtain such a grant.
· Transportation of Products: Transported products would include oil, carbon, and minerals.
Because gas would be used on site and water can be readily disposed of using existing
methods, these materials would not need to be shipped.
On the other hand, existing shipments of biosolids and grit could be discontinued, and those
shipping resources can be used to handle the new products. This should defray any
additional shipping costs significantly. If the amount of transportation required is far greater
than the current amount, roads may also need to be upgraded or built.
· Operating Costs: Due to the'~nherent efficiency' ' of the process, the main operating e, zpense
of the Carthage plant is labor (Kawar). Labor costs would likely be roughly equivale~i~)to thos~,:z
of the existing wastewater facility, although specialty personnel may require much ~
salaries. -*> '_-r., -~,
· Licensing Fees: I was unable to determine the cost of licensing the technology.
Financial Benefits ~-~
Goods derived from the process have substantial value and can be resold or used dirt'S. ~)il ~ "~'~
generated by the process is chemically similar to number two heating oil (Lemley), Oil ~=r~m the
Carthage facility sold for around $26 a barrel as of May 2003 (Kawar). At 501000 barrels of oil pLi~)
day, this amounts to $1,300,000 of daily revenue. This is merely an estimate, and a much more
2
in-depth study will be needed to determine the actual revenue potential of oil derived from the
process.
Also, minerals derived from the process are excellent fertilizers (Lemley). These minerals can be
sold on the open market.
Finally, the purified carbon produced by the process can be sold, or used locally in the city's
Water Purification system. This will, of course, require extensive study before it can be
implemented.
These revenue streams would eventually pay for construction of such a plant and could ultimately
be used to reduce other municipal costs. In fact, taxes could potentially be reduced substantially if
profits are high enough, thus stimulating the local economy.
Environmental Impact
TDP produces ne secondary hazardous waste stream (Changing World Technologies). Assuming
the process can handle the grit that is normally removed from wastewater before processing, all
of the components will be recycled. This will reduce the amount of hazardous waste in our landfill.
As TDP usage becomes more widespread, our impact on the carbon chain will be diminished.
Carbon dioxide accumulates in the atmosphere because additional carbon is constantly being
brought above ground in the form of oil, then burned. Although it seems counterintuitive, the rate
at which carbon is burned does not affect global warming so much as the total amount of carbon
in the system. By reducing or eliminating our need for below-ground oil, the total amount of
carbon in the atmosphere will remain constant, rather than increase (Lemley).
Political Impact
Implementing a TDP facility would strengthen Iowa City's image as an environmentally conscious
community. On the other hand, some environmental groups are concerned that the technology
will delay the transition to cleaner fuel sources such as solar and wind power (Fagin). There may
be some opposition to a TDP facility from such groups.
In fact, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, a leading environmental lobbying group, has
publicly attacked Changing World for claims made about TDP. Changing World issued a press
release responding to their allegations (Changing World Technologies).
Ultimately, widespread use of TDP could eliminate our reliance on foreign oil. The U.S. imports
roughly 12 million barrels of oil per day, which amounts to about 4.4 billion barrels a year (Birger).
And yet, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons of agricultural waste per year. Converting this waste
alone into oil would yield 4 billion barrels of oil per year, nearly meeting our energy needs
(Kawar).
Peak Wastewater Impact
There is a risk that peak wastewater levels could oversaturate the facility. Because the ratio of
water to solids is much higher during peak times, the amount of solid feedstock will diminLsb,
which may decrease the efficiency of the process (Lemley). Temporary storage may nee.~ be
increased in order to distribute this extra water more evenly. ~ ~
Conclusion ~-.~
Converting wastewater is only one possible application of this technology. Because it can~b~lle
any kind of carbon based material, TDP is perfect for processing medical waste, mixed plastic
recyclables, and mixed municipal solid waste (Lemley). Incinerators, landfills, and recycli~ ~
centers could become obsolete within our lifetimes. ~ '"'
But this dream is still years away. In the meantime, I urge the council to consider a study of this
technology. A formal study should provide the information needed in order to make a decision.
Appendix How my numbers for TCP output were generated
Using the percentages given by Changing World Technologies, I generated my results using the
following methods.
For oil, I determined what 26% of both eight and nine million gallons would be. Those numbers
are listed first. Then, the number of barrels was generated by dividing each number by 42 and
rounding to the nearest whole number.
For gases, I first converted gallons to pounds by multiplying the total input amounts by 8.33.
These amounts were then multiplied by .09 in order to find what nine percent of each would be.
Finally, each value was divided by 2000 in order to express the value in tons, rather than pounds.
Carbon and mineral solid output was determined using the same method.
Water output was determined by multiplying the total input by .57.
F~7 ~
Works Cited
Birger, John. "Can this Tiny Energy Company Really Change the World?" Money July 2003:5
pg. Academic Search Elite. EBSCO. Kirkwood Community College Library, Iowa City, IA.
1 April 2004 <http://search.epnet.com>
Changing World Technologies. 6 April 2004 <http://changingworidtech.com>.
Elias, Dave. Personal Interview. 6 April 2004.
Fagin, Dan. "Turning Garbage into Oil - and Cash." Newsda¥.com 4 April 2004. 14 April 2004
<http://www.newsday.com>
Kawar, Mark. "ConAgra Partners in Project to Turn Animal Waste into Crude Oil, Natural Gas."
Omaha World-Herald 9 May 2003. Newspaper Soume. EBSCO. Kirkwood Community
College Library, Iowa City, IA. 14 April 2004. <http://seamh.epnet.com>
Lemley, Brad. "Anything into Oil." Discover May 2003: 50+.
Miller, Beth. Telephone Interview. 28 April 2004.
April 20, 2004
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washin~on Strut
Iowa City, IA 52240
To ~om It May Concern:
My name is Heidi Govekg and I am a s~dent at the University of Iowa. I m e~oll~ in a
class call~ Pgsp~tives on Leisure and Play. Our assignment is to write a l~er to someone
~nceming an issue that we f~l strongly about. The issue I want to ad&ess is second-hand
smoke in Iowa City restaur~ts. I t~ that second-hand smoke all sta~s with the se~ions
being divided into smoking and non-smoking I have noticed at some re~ur~ts that there
r~ly is no difference b~w~n the ~o se~ions. My mggeaion is to in~all a divider, such as
a window or a w~l. Even thou~ you get stated in the non-smoking gea, there is still
s~ond-hand smoke being blown imo the non-smo~ng ~ction. ~so, I would like to address
the issue with second-hand smoke that ~ects the waiters ~d waitresses. I t~ before even
hiring the people at rea~r~ts you shoed m~e sure they ge awge that they not only ~ve
to wait on t~les in the non-smo~ng section, but ~ well as the smoking s~ion Mth no
problems. You n~d to m~e them awge that the remurant they are applying to is a non-
smoke ~ee rest~r~t. My opinion on the whole issue about ~cond-hand smoke in
restaur~ts is to prohibit smoking all together. People should be able to go to a restaur~t
~thout ha~ng t0 wo~ about smoke traveling imo their se~ion or d~ing with smoke at ~1.
To solve all the problems in restaur~ts in our s~iety reggding second-hand smoke, eve~
restaur~t should be made smoke-~ee.
Sincerely,
Heidi Govekar
Marian Karr
From: Patric[a Santangelo [patti_santangelo@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 9:39 PM
To: bruceucc@msn.com; disciple@xwires.net; council@iowa-city.org; jpwhite@co.johnson.ia.us;
joe@joebolkcom.org; jweihe@ci.coralville.iaus; Linda-Severson@iowa-city.org;
newsroom@press-citizen.com; ro_foege@legis.state.ia.us; tneuzil@co.johnson.ia.us;
sstutsma@co.johnson.ia.us; newsreleases@kcrg.com
Subject: Non-smokers Exposed to Smoke at Work could be more likely to get Cancer
Stat of the Month
Non-smokers Exposed to Smoke at Work could be more likely to get Cancer
Food service workers who are not covered by smoke-free workplace laws,
yet
who are themselves non-smokers, could still experience a 50% greater
lung
cancer rate than the general population.
Source: Siegel M. "Involuntary smoking in the restaurant workplace: A
review
of employee exposure and health effects." Journal of the American
Medical
Association. 1993;270:490-493
Help support a favorite cause at
http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?memberid=6671&causeid=836
Donate to charity for free http://www.quickdonations.com/
Commit random acts of literacy! Read & Release at
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Patti Santangelo
patti santangelo@hotmail.com
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waist.
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Marian Karr ~
From: Patricia Santangelo [patti_santangelo@hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 9:05 PM
To: Piorpie@aol.com; council@iowa-city.org; ipfab@avalon.net; Jhnancy@aol.com;
jclhcb@meccaia.com; disciple@xwires.net; mschlachter@trinityic.org;
pastor@stthomasmoreic.com; revMarsh@aohcom; revdeeucc@earthlink.net; M-
CRONIN@uiowa.edu; Tom Harkin@harkin.senate.gov; annettejamcat@aol.com;
bajones@inav.net; welshbo~@aol.com; bruceucc@avalon.net; keplerd@allsteeloffice.com;
dkeplerl@email.msn.com; dbhenry@inav.net; david.oakland@mercyic.org
Subject: Changing Face of Homelessness in Iowa WSUI 910 AM 10-1 lam Friday 4/30 Java House
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Live on WSUI AM 910 or attend the event at the
Downtown
Iowa City Java House
Amelia Royko Talk of Iowa Live at the Java House
The Chanqing Face of Homelessness in Iowa
Increasingly, homelessness is a problem faced by entire families even in
our
most affluent communities. This hour we ask, who are the homeless in our
state, how did they become homeless, and what efforts can be made to
return
them to independent lives. Guests will include those who've experienced
homelessness first-hand, along with Crissy Canganelli, Executive
Director of
Iowa City's Shelter House and Transition Services; and Heather
MacDonald, a
University of Iowa Associate Professor of Urban and Regional Planning.
Live
music by singer-songwriter Amelia Royko.
Help support a favorite cause at
http://www.iGive.com/html/refer.cfm?memberid 6671&causeid-836
Donate to charity for free http://www.quickdonations.com/
Commit random acts of literacy! Read & Release at
http://www.bookcrossing.com/friend/psantang
Patti Santangelo
patti_santangelo@hotmail.com
Stop worrying about overloading your inbox - get MSN Hotmail Extra
Storage!
http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-us&page hotmail/es2&ST-1/go/onmO0200362
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Marian Karr
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Tuesday, May 11,2004 5:11 PM
To: 'Jdswett@aol.com'
Cc: *City Council; Kathryn Johansen
Subject: FW: Sidewalk assessments?
Dear Keene,
Thank you for your email correspondence to the City Council regarding sidewalks. Council members do not receive their
emails directly and your message will be forwarded to them. Perhaps I can provide some information that will be helpful.
The City has, for many years, required that sidewalks be installed in all new residential developments in Iowa City. In
addition, it is required that all existing sidewalks be maintained in good repair and kept clear by adjacent property
owners for the safety and convenience of pedestrians. However, there are some areas in the city, most of which are in
older neighborhoods, where sidewalks were not installed along all streets or properties at the time these neighborhoods
were developed. While the City can force the construction of sidewalks in these locations or construct them via a special
assessment procedure, this has not been done in many cases. Residents in these neighborhoods commonly
oppose such efforts, pointing out that the character of their neighborhood may be destroyed or compromised,
that pedestrian travel patterns in their neighborhoods have long since been established, and that people are largely
accustomed to using sidewalks on the opposite side of the street or to selecting alternate routes where sidewalks are
available.
I believe you will find that Iowa City's policies on the construction of sidewalks are currently applied with more uniformity
and consistency. If there are one or more specific locations where you believe sidewalks are needed, please forward that
information to me and I will be happy to have staff look into those situations further.
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
cc Kathi Johansen, Administrative Assistant
..... Original Message .....
From: Jdswett~aol.com [mailto:Jdswett~aol.com]
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 3:27 PM
To: council~iowa-city.org
Subject: Sidewalk assessments?
Sirs/Ladies,
Please explain to me how the city council can rationalize and/or justify assessing residents for the upgrade of
sidewalks when part of the street on which I live is apparently not even required to have a sidewalk and has not
had one for the 30+ years I have lived here. The adjacent street (Oakcrest St.) is similarly lacking in sidewalks in
various areas. Does one have the option of simply taking out the sidewalk, converting to lawn and hence avoid
paying these assessments? Lets have some consistency here.
Keene Swett
1101 Tower Court
Iowa City, IA 52246
5/12/2004
Ashley Eivins
Co-chair, Political Committee
Children Helping Innocent Laborers Democratically (CHILD)
Lucas Elementary
83o Southlawn Drive
Iowa City, IA 52245
May 16, 2oo4
Dear Honorable Members of Iowa City City Council:
Hi, my name is Ashley Eivins and I'm the co-chair of the political committee of C.h.i.l.d.
(Children Helping Innocent Labors Democratically). C.h.i.l.d. is a non-profit origination
that is trying to eliminate child labor. The four C.H.I.L.D. committees include Political,
Education, Outreach, & Fundraising. The political committee sent a survey to the
President and John Kerry. The education committee made educational bookmarks with
ribbons tied to them. The Outreach committee will distribute the bookmarks and make
a Child Labor kit to share with other schools in the district. And finally the fundraising
committee is organizing a Thai Flavors Community Day for CHILD. On May 24th 20%
of all sales will go to CHILD. Please comejoin us! Bring your friends and family too.
I am writing today to let you know that we are going to present to you a resolution on
child labor at this Tuesday's City Council meeting. I will include a copy of this
resolution in this letter so you could be prepared on Tuesday. We really hope you accept
this resolution. Thank for taking your time to read this.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ashley Eivins
Ashley Eivins
Prepared by
Ashley Eivins,
Rachel Libra, &
Claire Barrett
RESOLUTION TO HELP STOP CHILD LABOR
Whereas, there are 946 million child laborers between the ages of 5 and 17 around the
world;
Whereas, 179 million children are trapped in the worst forms of child labor, including
trafficking, forced & bonded labor, hazardous work, armed conflict, and illicit activities.
Whereas, ~lo million children are not attending schools, and two thirds of them are
girls.
Whereas 6o million child laborers are between the ages of 5 and
Whereas, some children work up to 15 hours a day.
Whereas, there is no international law against child labor.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the city council of Iowa City, Iowa that
The City of Iowa City shall give preference to products manufactured locally or in the
United States. A price preference often percent shall be awarded to products
manufactured locally.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that vendors and manufacturers are responsible
immediately for notifying the City of Iowa City of any substandard practices at the
facilities producing products purchased by the City of Iowa City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the city should become an active advocate in promoting
public awareness of the atrocities of child labor and its residual effects on society.