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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-05-21 CorrespondenceMay 7, 1996 Iowa City Council Civic Center 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 RECEIVED MAY 0 B 199 Dear Council Members: We are requesting the following proposal be placed on the City Council agenda for discussion in order to obtain approval for the City Staff to proceed with the proposal using Traffic Calming funds from the Capital h'nprovements budget. BACKGROUND: Two years ago Teg Drive was extended, connecting Benton and Sunset Streets. Before the extension Teg Drive was used heavily by bicyclists, joggers, and walkers along the park. The street extension resulted in increased traffic and traffic speed, making the use along the park and pedestrian access to Willow Creek Park a challenge to young and old alike. Last svring two stop signs were placed at the corner of Teg and Hafor and Teg and ~However, cars can pick up considerable speed between the hvo stop signs due to the distance between their placement and motorists tend to ignore the stop signs. The Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association has been communicating with the City of Iowa City staff and City Council for the past two years about ways to restore pedestrian access and safety to and along Willow Creek Park. With the city expanding park land south along Teg Drive to include Kiwanis Park and additional land, this area will remain a major green space available to residents for recreation on the west side of Iowa City. Accessibility and safety will continue to be important considerations for this area. It is our understanding that funds have been allocated in the capital improvement budget for traffic calming and that proposals for traffic calming in our community are welcome. The Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association is therefore submitting this proposal that staff evaluate and implement traffic calming measures for Teg Drive to increase safety for and pedestrian access to and along Willow Creek Park. PROPOSAL: We have reviewed a variety of traffic calming techniques (see attached chart entitled "Traffic Calming Devices.") We are proposing traffic calming techniques that appear to be most effective for our situation and that are lower hi cost than some techniques. We are requesting the City Council and City staff consider the following suggestions for the Teg Drive area along Willow Creek Park: Street Elevations: (also known as speed humps, undulations, or "sleeping policemen"; not to be confused with speed '~oumps" that are frequently used in parking lots). The purpose of street elevations (speed humps) is to promote the smooth flow of traffic at slow speeds (around 20-25 miles per hour). They have undergone extensive demonstration and evaluation in both Europe and the United States, and are considered an acceptable method by the Institute of Traffic Engineers (the Institute offers a document regarding the use and design of speed humps). The first attachment depicts a speed hump in use in Eugene, Oregon. The attachment, '~l'raffic Calming Devices", summarizes the positive impact on safety and speed reduction using speed humps in comparison with other traffic calming techniques. The third attachment, "Table 2. Bellevue Speed Humps Findings", depicts the results of using speed hitraps on streets similar to Teg Drive. Some of the advantages of street elevations (speed humps) include: a) effectively reduces vehicle speeds to about 25 miles per hour near the location of the device; b) when used in a series, effectively reduces speeds of vehicles over the entire length of a roadway section; c) relatively inexpensive ($2,000 per hump); d) requires no parking removal; e) requires no deviation from vehicle straight line path; f) does not impact intersection operations; g) poses no restrictions for bicycles; and h)accommodates snow removal equipment. Marked, Raised Crosswalks: These are used to reduce vehicular speed and enhance pedestrian crossing points. Children, joggers, dog walkers, bicyclists, walkers, and sporting event participants and spectators need safe crossing points in order to access the park. Some of the advantages of raised crosswalks include: a) effectively reduces vehicle speeds near the location of the device; b) creates visual enhancement of pedestrian crossing points; c) if constructed curb-to-curb, provides smooth transition and pedestrian crossing at same grade as adjacent sidewalks; d) poses no access restrictions for roadway users; e) requires no deviation from vehicle straight lin~ laatt~; and f) does not impact intersection operations. Entry. Treatment at the south entrance to Willow Creek Park: Cars from the south traveling north at excessive speeds venture around the curve leading to the park without the park or activities occurring at the park in view. Drivers often make the curve in the oncoming traffic lane, and are surprised to see children, walkers, joggers, bikers or pedestrians in the street. An entry treatment near the Flannigan intersection, or north of Flannigan but before the curve, would assist in slowing traffic at this currently dangerous point on Teg Drive. Entry treatments can range from signage to a textured surface to a change in the street direction that requires traffic to slow in order to proceed. Some of the advantages of an entry treatment include: a) provides strong indication of changing environment and/or driving conditions; b) enhances pedestrian crossing areas; c) can be aesthetically appealing; and d) poses no access restrictions for roadway users. They are usually used in conjunction with other traffic calming devices. Selectively Placed Speed Limit Signs: The speed limit on Benton from Mormon Trek to Teg Drive is 35 mph. We assume this speed limit was established when homes were not constructed along this section of Benton. However, drivers traveling at 35-45 mph along Benton who turn directly onto Teg Drive may assume the speed limit along the park continues at 35 mph. This is a reasonable assumption, since the speed lirait along the north side of Willow Creek Park is 35 mph. Also cars entering from the south are traveling on HWY. 1, where the speed limit is 50 mph. Therefore, we would like selectively placed signage to indicate the speed along the park is 25 mph, and have the speed limit on Benton be consistently 25 mph the length of Benton. Speed limit signage by itself is ineffective, but in this case specieTing speed limits may have some effect by increasing awareness of the change of use in the area. Also, signage in conjunction with traffic calming devices can be effective. 5. Restrict Large Trucks: Trucks, such as flatbed trucks hauling to Menards or grocery distribution trucks, are becoming more frequent on the street. The Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association would like to take this opportunity to thank the City Council members for approving traffic calming funds, and the Council's interest in maintaining use and access to existing green and recreational space as Iowa City grows. We appreciate receiving information about traffic calming from city staff, and the assistance from the Neighborhood Services Office in studying traffic calming techniques that may be appropriate for our neighborhood situation. We are aware that the city staff are studying traffic calming techniques and will welcome any improvements they may have to our proposal. RespectfuJly submitted, Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association Sally Crowe Lucy Choisser Jeff Davidson Steve Arkins Marcia Klingaman . . Iqeigh~rs complained, asd U=e city pro- ~ ~, ~ lt`s go~ ~ ~ yo~" Noble ~ . ~ ~ to ~C Page ~ motorists between 13th ~.~d ' ~ve tale~. l.f tie bumps work on Lincoln Street. ~y ANNPORTA.L i "Bob Noble, tie cRy's tra.fflc ope~Uoas super- He wools to dispel hn,t~s of the speed · You*re utlllst118 alo~ t t -coth Sl=*e~.~ dohl~ b~ th ~l~opptllg Cenler lrar~ lots. M0tof a brt.~ 35 mpla che,'~ ng out tie beautiful old lsts shouldn't notice tie unw bumps tun munh i~omesundsuddeniy... - ...... tfthe:~re traveltiger ine posed speed ttmlt of V/h~. You~ susl~on IS aU ~cok ~p,' ~ mph. he s~J~L YouWe cmsse~ a speed hump. ~ ts diffen~ frum the Safeway ~(ed wltlzin a munti or so. the dl~ ~ qr~-~. b,~mp. Its not somet~-L'~8 Limt you're going to tOUt of the bnm~ on Llncolu Sll'eet between Street ~ and sigos will will be~sl~ ~o ~ppro;~e e "buy*e-.'~gtielidly'~llg'Agafesir~-?"" -- bump" proD'am in wbinh ."esideot~ Willlnm~ said one O! his con(eras re~tt At $1,500 to $2,000 per bump, The goal of the bumps Ls~'t lo~ Ee said. But be d..o~.'l: believe mo- tiey'realsosfford~ble. '- -n .. divert t~l~fflc oola otier nel~ber-c thrisis ~ '*people who Live on ~he ~ts hood s':r~ets n~ ~ Linceli ~ hunlps ~Li over tou~l. WInce menus where U~e~ have beun placed ~ Noble s~J~L Tr&ffic counts taken e~r- the cfly L~ going.to ,h~ve..to m~lunse. sllesold.' '": . .. ,' - . "eyeonunylx~stble spiUover. '~ ~'-~I~0ne thtere~'ted ~tn l~afflc Resid~ets 'who drive" en the ' ToeL~co~Str~etexpertmeatl~ humpsf"or~eirmsy~alI6~?-~ilSut streets but doa't liv, e on tiem aren't par~ of e new ael~hbo~ood ~ semq o letmr to tie CUy of £usene ~s lmppy. laox.~b. "They're ~ to pertaUon program launched by the straight shot to go as fl~et as city to January 1993 to give more 'Blankety-btunk bumps. Wky ere ................ '41 i ' M~ No L.~.=~',m~ R-..ht~ m No Ch.~ Itigh Ne~t/~ ~rrp*a if No Effect Page DEVICE MATRIX FI-IWA Ca~e $~udy ~o. 19 Table 2. Bellevue Speed Humps Flndlngs LOCA~ON STREET TYPE/ WIDTH # OF HUMP SPEED HUMPS SPACING LIMP Before: 85TH 85TH % VPD % SPEED SPEED After: VPD Somerset Drive SE Highland Drive $E Two.way, 40 feet wide local residential neighborhood street Two.way, 35 feet wide neighbor- hood collector 2 340' 25 mph 39 mph 795 27mph 3 220' 25 mph 36 mph 1,700 25 mph 541 (VPD increased to 746 when the hump was reduced from 3/4' to 3') No change because no a~emafive ro~e exam 1661h/ 162nd Avenue SE Two-way, 36 feet 2 600' 25 mph 37 mph 655 :)4 mph wide local residential street; walk to school 25 mph 37 mph 27 mph mute 2 580' 472 ,017 .017 SE 63rd Street Two.way, 35 feet 2 1,000' 25 mph 36 mph 2,456 27 mph wide local residential street temporarily serving as a connection 3 500' between two minor alerials 2,802 Yarrow Bay Primarily a neighbor. neighborhood hood connector. 2 400 39 mph 3,685 25mph 1,641 2.931 1,653 29 826 Walnut Street Iowa City IA 52240 RECEIVED HAY 0 7 1996 May 3, 1996 Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Ave Iowa City IA 52246 Dear Ms. Novick: I am writing regarding information I received in a recent letter from the City of Iowa City, a copy of which I've attached. I understand that you are currently reviewing the back billing policy. I strongly protest upholding this policy for this situation. I have always complied with the city regnlations and policies and feel that to be charged now for a charge that I was never informed of would be very unjust. The property in question had been a rental from the time I moved in in August 1987 and has always had a rental permit and has had regular inspections. Last year, my husband and I purchased the house and notified the city earlier this year that we were converting the house to a single family dwelling and would no longer need a rental permit. It would be very unfair to be held accountable for back billing. I was not the owner during most of this five year period, and neither I nor the previous owners were ever notified of this policy. Please do not vote to uphold the back billing policy for this situation; do not make me pay for the city's past error. Sincerely, Jean Blair Enclosure April 16, 1996 Jean F. Blair 826 Walnut St. Iowa City, IA 52240 CITY OF I0 WA CITY RE: Account #:036 405 02 Address: 826 Walnut St. Dear Jean F. Blair: In reviewing your City Utility account, it has been discovered that we have not billed you properly for refuse and recycling. City Housing and Inspection Services show the above property is a 2 dwelling. The City of Iowa City provides refuse and recycling to any property that has four dwelling units or less. Each dwelling unit is assessed one charge for refuse and one for recycling per month. (Two rooming units equal one dwelling unit) As a 2 dwelling unit this property should have been appropriately assessed 2 refuse and 2 recycling charge(s) per month. It has been a policy of the City of Iowa City to process a billing adjustment when an investigation proves that a customer was incorrectly billed for a utility service (water, sewer, and/or refuse and recycling). The pedod of adjustment has been a maximum of five years. Currently this policy is being reviewed. The above account would be subject to back billing if this policy is upheld. Future bills to this property will reflect refuse and recycling charges for a 2 dwelling unit. We thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation. If you have questions you may call me at 356-5064 or Beth Eland at 356-5067. Sincerely, Tamra j.~Salm"~/ Customer Service Representative ~ndexlrnM~yl prn~ RECE!VEB HAY 0 g 'Jgg8 Jim and Ceil Pickering 417 Crestview Ave. Iowa City, IA 52245 Memo: To: From: Re: City City Council J~and CeilSring ~Don't shackle our city with too many laws~ Date: May 9, 1996 We feel that the ordinance creating a design review committee for Iowa City is a matter for concern. As residents of Iowa City we do not want to see more regulations and laws for businesses. It is not a positive thing. Our city is not business friendly as things stand now, more regulations will encourage our tax-base to move to Coralville whom welcomes new businesses. We don't need more government regulations. We think that Iowa City is a unique community as we are now. Iowa City does not need more regulation. Please do not support this plan. Richard A. Perkins, D.D.S., M.S, Diplomate American Board of Orthodontics May 8, 1996 Iowa City City Council Civic Center 410 E. Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 RE: Backflow Control Program American Association of Orthodonti~ ~ Dear Council Members, Enclosed, please find a the April 8, 1996 issue This is an article that prevention valves. copy of an article that was published in of the American Dental Association News. deals specifically with backflow We have recently received notification from your office of the need to place a backflow prevention valve in our office. Before we comply with this mandate we would like to see the data on which you are basing your decision for this requirement. Would you please forward the scientific data that demonstrates this need. Thank you for your cooperation. Sincerely, ~ar~d A. Pe~~ ' Bar% J. Thompson CC: Ed Moreno Ron Boose 1031 Wade Street, Iowa C~ty, IA 52240 319-338-8658 THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FLOW. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FLEX. MICROFiLMED BY CREST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES FOLLOWING IS m~ BEST DOCUMENT AVAILABLE wRh regulators regarding ~ ( backflow prevention valves ~.: ~ ., THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FLOW. THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF FLEX. (ll~al }Dr.' RcMoratio,.~ A'ced I0 3',rrtt{.9 ! ' . : ~ : . · · : ' ,. .':/' - '. . . ~', May14,1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY Dr. Richard A. Perkins, DDS, MS Dr. Ba~ J. Thompson 1031 Wade St. IowaCity, lA 52240 Re: Backflow Prevention Program Dear Drs. Perkins & Thompson: This letter is in response to your letter dated May 8, 1996. You asked why backflow prevention devices are being required to be installed at your property at 1031 Wade Street. According to regulations published bythe Iowa Department of Public Health, Sections 25.5(3) and (4), for existing water services: 25.5(3) Existing water services. The Administrative Authority shall publish the standards which it uses to determine the degree of hazard for a water service. These shall be consistent with standards published by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Each customer shall survey the activities and processes which receive water from the water servico. and shall report to the Administrative Authority if cross connections exist and the degree of hazard. The Administrative Authority may inspect the plumbing of any building, property and private water system which receives water service to determine if cross connections exist and the degree of hazard. If, based on information provided through 25.5(3)"b" and "c," the Administrative Authority determines that a water service may contaminate the public water supply, the Administrative Authority shall require that the customer install the appropriate backflow prevention assembly for containment. Dr. Richard A. Perkins, DDS, MS Dr. Bart J. Thompson Page 2 If a customer refuses to install a backflow prevention assembly for containment when it is required by the Administrative Authority, the Administrative Authority may order that water service to the customer be discontinued until an appropri- ate backflow prevention assembly is installed. 25.5(4) Backflow prevention assemblies for containment. Backflow prevention assemblies for containment shall be installed immediately following the water meter or as close to that location as deemed practical by the Administrative Authority. b. A water service determined to present a high hazard shall be protected by an air gap or an approved reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly. c. A water service determined to present a low hazard shall be protected by an approved double check valve assembly or as in 25.5(5)"b." Enclosed is a copy of the types of properties and acceptable devices as recommended by the Health Department. At the bottom of the article you enclosed from the American Dental Association News, Dr. Shearer says that more dentists are installing self-contained water systems in their offices. I want to let you know that this is an acceptable option which several local dentists have chosen. If no water is directly connected to equipment, you would meet 25.5(4)b., Air Gap, above. If you have any questions please call me at 356-5126. Sincerely, Bernie Osvald Plumbing Inspector cc: City Manager Ron Boose City Council Douglas Boothroy Ed Moreno Enc. bltbacl~fiow REQUIRED BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES FOR CONTAINMENT The ordinance defines cross connections as either high hazard or low hazard. The hazard determines the appropriate backflow prevention device for containment. Acceptable dewces are. reduced pressure principle backflow preventer abbreviated RPP (for h~gh hazards) or the double check valve assembly abbreviated DCVA (for low hazards). The following list should be used as a guide and should not be construed as complete: Type of Facility Containment Device Beauty Shop RPP Breweries, Distilleries, Bottling Plants RPP Car Washes with recycling systems and/or wax educators RPP Chemical Plants RPP Dairies RPP Dentist Offices RPP Die Works RPP Fertilizer Plants RPP Film Laboratories or Processing Plants RPP Fire Protection Systems see ordinance Food or Beverage Plants RPP Hospitals, Clinics, Medical Offices RPP Irrigation Systems RPP Laboratories RPP Laundries and Dry Cleaning Plants RPP Medical Clinics & Offices RPP Metal Plating or Processing Plants RPP Morgues or Mortuaries RPP Nursing Homes RPP' Packing Houses or Rendering Plants RPP Paper Products Plants RPP Pesticide Manufacturing or Handling Facilities (Exterminating Companies) RPP Petroleum Processing or Storage Yards RPP Pharmaceutical or Cosmetic Plants RPP Photo Processers RPP Screen Printers RPP Waterfront Facilities RPP Power Plants RPP Radioactive Materials Plants RPP Residences with Irrigation System or Boiler RPP Restaurants with Soap Educators and/or Industrial Type Disposals and/or Water Feed to Carbonators RPP Rubber Plants RPP Sand and Gravel and/or Cement Plants RPP Schools RPP Swimming Pools with Piped Fill Line RPP Sewage Treatment Plants and/or Pumping Stations RPP Tall Buildings (over three stories or with booster pumps) DCVA Veterinary Establishments RPP ~JDAY, May 10, 1996'-; Letters to ~he editor are welcome, They tthould be no more Edi~oria~ Board menal~rs-' ~ 2~ wo~ ~ mu~ in~ude n~e, addre~ ~d teleXone ~a T. ~e~ Pr~t ~d Publ~ numar where you ~ ~ reach~ ~een 8 a.m. and 4 p.~'~,~ ~e~ ~at ~not ~ veHfi~ ~11 not ~ publish~. ~1 taffeta ~lo~ ~k M~gi~ Editor ~ su~t to ~g. Stephen ~. ~==~ Edi~ Page Editor ~ll le~em to ~e P~l~n, LeEera ~o ~e Editor. P~. Box 2~0 Iot~ Cid, Iowa 5~. Fax le~em to ~7~Z D=lel W. Brown ~r~ of M~ng Se~ ~nd ~mall to ~e pr~CIEzen a~ Icp~ nay. net. 9A " Not ev,en e cemete are sacred here ~c~: To division of ~c ~r~ and R~r~tlon I urge city residents to wait Oa~ cred u .,o pro- Richard fane. Oakland Came- Do eza tery, the city- operated cemetery that is tha final resting place for many former resi- dents of this city, is one of the most beautiful cemeteries m iowa So why [s the beauty of that cemetery marred by parked, non-cemetery trocks and eqmpmenf? I have been told that nearly all equipment found pa;ked along d~ road inside the cemetery gates belongs to the Forestry D~par~nent The bright yellow paint, meant to bc h~ghly v~si. bin on city streets, is very much out of It [snol as ff the city has no other place to park eqmpmcm, for at the Guest opinion maintenance building on South l~iv~.' eraida Drive there are several very. large parking areas not presently o~- cupled daily Another possible location would be lower City Park. Mmmenanc¢ build- ings located at the base of a hill near the rear of the park have parking ar~s already cmsnng behind the strocmrea. The parking area located there is of adaquate size to accommodate the af- orementmned eqmpment and presently does not appear to be fully utdLzcd, Parking behind the buddings would conceal much from the public eye. Since the Forestry Department is a Department it would seem to be a logical location for such equipment, When city officials are asked why a bclzer place could not bc located for forastry equipment. the response is that the cemetery building houses the offices for the Forestry Department. Therefore, equipment heads to be housed near the office. '. ' It appears that little thought for' space necessary to house equipment was considered when the decision was made to place the Forestry Department at the cemmery some years ago. This equipment hoasmg problem did not appear overnight, but has been growing over years as equipment used by the Forestry Department has in. creased. Perhaps it is time for city management to rethink where the best location for the department might be. Cemetery during evenings and week- cads and see the equipment stored near the entrance. Gas pumps, large trucks, pickup troc~, shredding equipmere and tree-digging equipmcnt are found then:. If you feel these items used by the Forestry Department are not appro- priate for the entryway to the city cemetery. contact a City Council member and express your d~ssatisfac- tion. It is inconceivable that a moret su table place cannot be located for.. this department and equipment. l.et's return the cemetery to what ,. our forefathers intended it to be: place where citizens may viait IO pay respect to a doeeased loved one. no~ a parking lot for city equiptaunt. Richard Dolezal is an Iowa City resi- dent City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: May 16, 1996 To: The Honorable Mayor, City Council and the City Clerk From: James Brachtel, Traffic Engineer Re: Handicap Parking in the 500 Block of E. Davenport Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code this is to advise you of the following action: ACTION: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(14) of the City Code, the City Traffic Engineer will direct the creation of two 30 foot long handicap parking zones. These handicap parking zones will be in the most westerly parking stalls - one on the north side and one on the south side of the 500 block of east Davenport Street. Parking will be required to adhere to the direction of the calendar parking as appropriate in these handicap parking stalls. This action will take place on or shortly after May 30, 1996. COMMENT: This action is being taken to provide on-street handicap parking for the resident at 502 E. Davenport Street. As noted about the intent of the provision on-street handicap parking will require that observance of the calendar parking regulations in this area be maintained, Any appropriate handicap sticker vehicle may take advantage of this posting. tp3~ 91 , VN96 April 29, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination - SPECIAL INSPECTOR PROJECTS 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 Special Project Inspector. Bruce Hayes Hired: 4/29/96 IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMI~IS~ ION Micha~ ~nnedy, Chair ATTEST: Marian Karr, City Clerk 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-~000 · FAX (319) 3S6-$009 May 18, 1996 To the Members of the Iowa City Council: I understand your agenda on Monday evening will include further discussion on the proposed 1 percent local option tax. I would like to express my opposition to this tax. Already I feel taxes of all kinds are trending toward a confiscatorylevel, whether it be city, school district or county government requests. I have observed that with each possibility of ad- ditional funding, there is an ever increasing escalation of perceived community needs. It is natural that attempts be made to meet reasonable levels of spending, but there is also the time when additional burdens on taxpayers may be unwise. The only way I feel that the council can possibly justify the tax now discussed would be if ALL THE REVENUE would be allocated to the costs of water treatment plant and related charges. Further, the revenue gained would have a direct bearing on every citizen, renter, property owner in our city. Thank you for your serious discussions on this matter. Sincerely, ~en Madsen 1315 Whiting Ave. Ct. Iowa City, IA 52245 1'113