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2004-08-03 Correspondence
To: Iowa City Council Arts Iowa City (AIC) is pleased to share with you the impact of our FY04 Iowa Community Cultural Grant (ICCG), which we received from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. The grant provided funds for art consultant Elise Kendrot (MFA University of Iowa 2003) and for staff services to AIC from The Galleries Downtown. The ICCG provided funds for professional assistance to facilitate AIC's newest entrepreneurial venture: a highly visible, street-level gallery in the heart of our emerging Iowa City downtown cultural district. The Galleries Downtown is a for-profit gallery that provides space to nonprofit AIC. This is a unique and innovative collaboration between a for-profit entity and a nonprofit organization. Thus there are two galleries within one storefront. AIC's space is dedicated to AIC's mission. Elise Kendrot interfaced with The Galleries Downtown to implement this collaborative pilot project designed to provide AIC artists the opportunity to present works within a professional sales gallery. AIC provided 95 artists the opportunity to exhibit their works during the year of our ICCG. During our collaboration with the Galleries Downtown our artist sales totaled $24,128.52. This was a 100% increase over the previous fiscal year. Twenty-three of the 95 artists were invited to join the permanent artists roster of The Galleries Downtown. Volunteer Coordinator Christina Larsen (herself a volunteer) contributed 230 hours to recruit and train 83 new docents. She oversaw an average of 51 active volunteers each month. They contributed 1,400 hours as gallery attendants, 50 hours to host receptions, and 110 hours for office tasks. The collaboration with The Galleries Downtown brought new visibility and vitality to AIC. We have attracted five new board members, three with prior board experience. In addition to board responsibilities our board members have also provided 260 hours of additional volunteer time. We believe the above shows an exceptional return on investment. Arts Iowa City is pleased to contribute to the vitality of our community. Sincerely, LaDonna Wicklund, President, Arts Iowa City Date: July 23, 2004 To: City Clerk rv~~' From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for August 3, 2004 City Council meeting: Installation of NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE sign on the west side of Whispering Prairie Avenue and NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on the east side of Whispering Prairie Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), Installation of NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE sign on the west side of Whispering Prairie Avenue directly north of the driveway to 2405 Whispering Prairie Avenue facing north, and NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on the east side facing south approximately 20' north of the driveway to 2408 Whispering Prairie Avenue. Comment: This action is being taken due to vehicles, parked on-street making it difficult to make turning movements at the intersection of Whispering Prairie Avenue and Lakeside Drive. Whispering Prairie Avenue traffic volumes will increase when the connection is made to Saddlebrook, and this condition will worsen. mgr/agd/aw-whisperingprairie.doc Date: July 22, 2004 To: City Clerk From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for August 3, 2004 City Council meeting: Installation of two NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS signs with ARROW signs. 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 signs with ARROW signs. One, just to the east of the first driveway on the north side of Escort Lane and the second sign 65' to the east. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of Iowa Paper and Chemical at 101 Escort Lane. Vehicles parking in this location block access to the loading dock area of Iowa Paper and Chemical. mgdagd/aw-escortln.doc July 22, 2004 To: members of the Iowa City City Council From: Greg Downes 3501 Osage Street SW Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319-338-5491 email gregd(&,downesre.com Dear Council member, I beg a moment of your time if I may. I would like to give a couple of viewpoints on the airport. I am a pilot and own a partnership interest in airplanes based at the airport. I am also a business owner in the community and landlord of several properties located here. While I understand the city's concern over governance of the airport I am not sure that change is necessary at this time. I feel that the airport is not looked at in the proper light. One must understand that the airport is a link in the transportation system of this country and to look at the airport as an entreprenureal venture is incorrect in my opinion. To look at the airport from strictly a balance sheet is like looking at the interstate highway system and trying to equate the income and expense for the highways in our area. Flight training is critical for the aviation industry as a whole. No longer are pilots of commercial airlines trained by the military as once was the case. Next time you board an airliner consider or ask the pilot where he received his training. Most likely a good deal of it came from airports such as Iowa City. We can argue all day the economic impact of the airport but again it is difficult to measure. I know from experience that availability of good airport facilities enter the competitive scope of attracting business and industry. I also look at the physical changes that have occurred at the airport in recent times. We built 3 new hanger buildings, a new shop and service hanger, refurbished the old shop and hanger facility, remodeled the terminal building. Security gates and fencing were required by the times we live in. We also undertook the expense of development at the north end of the airport. I don't know of any business that could incur the capital expenses the airport has and not suffer financial woes. I appreciate the city and past commissions cooperating to accomplish what we now have. We can be proud of this gateway to the City that we now have. Again I would caution that a balance sheet is a poor way to account for the benefit of this airport. I will do my part to make the airport financially viable and I support the recent actions of the commission members to address these issues. Please give them direction and guidance but allow them to do the job they were appointed to. Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Edmonds, Terry D [terry-edmonds@uiowa,edu] Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 8:35 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Iowa City Airport Dear Iowa City Council; I currently rent one of the hangars at the Iowa City Airport and have been flying out of the airport for nearly 40 years. This puts me in a position of viewing the airport situation over a much longer time than I imagine most of you. The airport is a valuable community asset and costs the city very little to operate. In fact several smaller surrounding towns have made recent major airport improvements at mostly federal expense. I believe the city should be looking in this direction rather than a negative move. I urge you to vote no on the referendum to abolish the Airport Commission. I see no reason to change the airport governance. Terry Edmonds 7/12/2004 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Dennis & Peggy Frett [n36601@yahoo.com] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 1:04 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Dissolution of the Airport Commission Attn: Reginia Bailey Dee Vanderhoef Bob Elliott Connie Champion I strongly urge you to reconsider your action to dissolve the extremely efficient airport commission. I have visited, ovemighted and refueled at the Iowa City Airport on several occasions, usually business trips, and have always found the airport in great condition and staffed with fine, helpful people. Airports are vital to the future of cities. Centralized airports are irreplaceable. Consider Meigs Field, in Chicago. Here was a beautiful, central, accessible airport that was dictatorially shuttered by a tunnel-visioned mayor. This asset could still be reopened, but it is highly unlikely. This tremendous asset will likely be lost forever by this short sighted and uneducateable mayor. Don't ever let Iowa City lose this great airport. Thank you for your consideration. Dennis Frett Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 1 OMB messages! 7/8/2004 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Dave Hahn [Dave. Hahn@RyanCompanies.com] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 10:29 AM To: 'cou ncil@iowa-city.org' Subject: airport commission issue I was just informed that the City is considering doing away with the airport commission. I would like to voice my opposition to this move. Airport commissions are the best method for insuring long term viability to airports. Local airports bring in outside interests and make it possible for business to be conducted efficiently. Airport Commissions insure that this will occur for the benefit of the community. The dollars spent are probably the best use of civic dollars available. I am sure that some local developer is behind this move in order to get their hands on the property at some time in the near future. I should also add that volunteer Commissioners are not so prone to "politics" and the problems that "cronyism" bring to the table. The local users of the airport spend a lot of money locally to keep their hangars and airplanes in town and to lose this is a travisity. Only a non-biased Commission can insure that an airport is kept up. I know when I fly I routinely use city airports and really do appreciate the facilities available. Pilots are a vocal lot and willingly share good info about airports. Let me end my comment piece by once again appealing to your wisdom to continue the current Commission system and to plan on keeping your local airport a part of the business community. 7/8/2004 28 July 2004 Dear City Council, The current airport commission is committed to moving forward with plans to improve the operations of the airport and reduce the subsidy from the City of Iowa City. We respectfully ask the Council to delay placing the governance issue on the ballot and thereby allow the commission to continue to make necessary changes. We invite the Council to examine in one year the extent to which the commission has fulfilled its obligation to make necessary changes in the management and operations of the airport. We are committed to working with Council members and City Manager to reach our mutual goals. Some of the actions we are currently or soon will be engaged in include the following (some are a direct result of conversations with Council members). 1. As part of an overall budget analysis, we will examine all services and activities to determine how collaborative working arrangements with other City departments can reduce redundancy and improve efficiency. These services include but are not limited to mowing and snow removal, grounds and equipment maintenance, engineering services, budget analysis and grant writing. 2. We will complete an inventory of all Airport owned equipment and provide written documentation to the City Manager. 3. We are examining the Airport Manager position and how such a position should interface with city personnel. We are also looking at Airport Manager college training programs, the managerial needs of our airport, an re-writing the manager's job description. The final decision regarding this position will be made after the completion of our strategic plan and the commission's determination of the role the manager's position would play in reaching strategic goals. 4. We will seek persons with expertise from outside the commission to serve on subcommittees. In summary, the commission recognizes that bold leadership is needed to make necessary decisions to optimize the airport's effectiveness in serving the Iowa City community. We are up to the task and plan on moving forward with our plans. We sincerely hope that you will consider giving us one year to make these changes. We invite you to contact any commission member if you have any questions or would like to discuss these issues further. Iowa City Airport Commission Marian Karr From: Forrest Holly [forrest-holly@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 4:35 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: Randy Hartwig; "Carl Williams"; Jay Honecv; Lucille Gregory; daniel-clay@uiowa.edu Subject: Airport Governance Dear Council Members: I am writing to urge you to delay your decision on a referendum regarding airport governance. I speak as a concerned citizen and a long-time user of the airport. Since 1985 I have had two different aircraft hangared at Iowa City and used them extensively in support of my professional activities (civil engineer and UI engineering faculty member). I am also a part-time flight instructor. It appears to me that the Council's frustrations with airport management, and the City Manager's resulting recommendation, reflect the legacy of relations with previous Airport Comsaissions. The current Commissioners are all new on the job, are highly motivated and dedicated to the task at hand, and are more than cognizant of the need to reestablish effective lines of communication with the Council and the City Manager. I believe the new Conml±ssioners should be given a period of time, perhaps 12 more months, to demonstrate their competence and responsiveness. I believe they have the full support of the airport user co~unity, many of whom have volunteered to help them with their tasks. I urge you not to sacrifice the good will and motivation of the Commissioners, and the pilot community in general, by presenting a premature referendum to the public. Airport governance by an independent con~ission has a strong historical and logical basis. To call this successful model into question simply on the basis of a few years of troubled waters, that are now behind us, would be be premature, and be suspected by some of a desire for growth in the role of city government simply for the sake of such growth. I would personally be supportive of a process by which the Council laid down very clear expectations of the Commission and a timetable for meeting them. At the end of a specified period, the Council could then decide whether to proceed with a referendum based on its assessment of the new Commission's responsiveness and effective stewardship of this wonderful community facility. We are indeed fortunate that five of our fine fellow citizens have stepped forward to serve the community as Commissioners. I strongly urge you to ! give them an opportunity to demonstrate their effectiveness before rushing to a premature referendum. Forrest Holly Forrest M. Holly Jr., P.E. Holly and Associates 2010 Ridgeway Drive Iowa City, IA 52245 USA hollywater (at) attglobal.net http://pws.prserv.net/hollywater Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Mary Honeck [mhoneck@mchsi.com] Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 11:57 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Opposition to City Counil taking over the Airport Commission I wish to inform the city council of the reasons that I oppose the city council putting forth a referendum to dissolve the Airport Commission and create a new Department of the city in its place. 1. The airport commission was set up a very long time ago to protect the airport from city politics. The airport commission does nothing but protect the airport. Everyone know how valuable that land is and it would be too easy for a developer to go to a cash strapped city council and offer to pay back the FAA in order to buy that land for development. It has happened again and again throughout this country. Without a commission that is specifically slated to keep the airport open and functioning, there is no protection and as much as the council pays lip service to keeping the airport, this council will not be in place forever and future councils have no requirement to see the airport for the asset that it is and preserve it. 2. The city council knows nothing about managing an airport, which they would have to handle without a dedicated airport commission. Does anyone on the council know what a VASI is? PAPI? ILS? PIC? VORTAC? CFI? CFII? While every member of the Airport Commission may not be a pilot, there is a lot of knowledge on that board and a lot of dedicated people putting a lot of effort into protecting this wonderful asset. 3. The city council would like us to think that since they are not trying to take over the airport to close it, the issue must be money. The airport budget is artificially inflated because it covers the debt on infrastructure. Does the money collected at the parking ramps pay for the ramps themselves or just the maintenance and salaries? Why is the airport treated differently? What would the subsidy look like if the accounting was proper across the board? 4. The new board has proven that they can make the tough decisions necessary to try to keep the budget as Iow as needed and still provide necessary services, if not actually full maintenance. Please carefully consider the divisive nature of a decision to put the airport governance to a referendum. It will waste a lot of time and money (both city employees and airport commissioners) that could be much better spent maintaining our beautiful airport. I have landed at more than 30 airport in Iowa and can tell you it makes a big difference if the city supports its airport. Please reconsider this issue carefully, don't vote in a punitive matter, but be sure to do what is best for the city, not just specific city employees. Mary Honeck 203 Friendship St. 7/26/2004 Marian Karr From: ARENA610@aol.com Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 5:55 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Rick Mascari on Airport bader. ZTP *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** IHPORTANT: De not epen attachments from unrecognized senders U. 8. Department of Txanspor~tion RLANDO AIRPORTS DISTRICT OFFICE Federal Aviation 5950 Hazeltine National Dr., Suite 400 Administration Orlando, Florida 32822-5024 Phone: (407) 812-6331 Fax: (407) 812-6978 November 26, 2001 Ruth K. Vain Chairperson, Albert Whitted Airport Advisow Committee 801 Bayou Blvd. S St. Petersberg, FL 33705 Dear Chairperson Vara: Further to our telephone conversation of November 26, 2001, COncerning Albert Whitted's federal grant obligations. According to the most recently executed grant assurances: B, Duration and Applicability. 1. Airport development or Noise Compatibility Program Projects Undertaken by a Public Agency Sponsor..The terms, conditions and assuranoes of the grant agreem¢,,I shall remain in full fo[ce and effect throughout the useful life of the facilities develoveA or equipment acquired for an airpor~ d~velopment or noise compatibility program project, or throughout the useful life of the project items installed within a facility under a noise compatibility program project, but in any event not to exceed twenty (20) yeers from the date of acceptance ofa gr~t offer of Federal funds for the project. However, there shah be no ~imit on the duration of the assurances regarding Exclusive Rights and Airport Revenue so long as the airport is used as an airport. There shall be no limit on the duration of the terms, conditions, and assurances with respect to real property acquired with federal funds. FurLhermore, the duration of the Civil Rights assurance shall be specified in the assurances. C. Sponsor Certification, Thc sponsor hereby assures and certifies, with respect to this grant that: 1. Preserving Rights and Powers. a. It will not take or ne*mit any action which would operate to devfiv, it of an,/of the rights and powers necessary to perform ag¥ or al~ of [~_terms, conditions, and assurances in the grant agreement without the written approval of the Secretary, and will act promptly to acquire, extinguish or modh°y any outstanding rights or claims of right of others which would interfere with such performance by the sponsor. This shall be done in a manner acceptable to the Secretary. 2. Opcratlon and Maintenance. a. The airport and all facilities which are necessary to serve the aeronautical users of the airport, other than facilities owned or controlled by the United States, shall be operated at atl times in a safe and serviceable condition and in accordance with the minimum ' standards aa may be required or prescribed by applicable Federal, state and local agencies for maintenance and operation. It will/~ot cause or permit any activity or action thereon ~hich would interfere with its use for i u oses... The grant agreement does not have provisions for repayment of federal monies in order to cancel the grant and associated terms and conditions. Because of the important role Albert Whitted plays in the airport system the FAA would not support any effod to rescind the contract (grant) obligations. Sincerely, /5/ W. Dean Stringer Manager ?DOT (AshbY:er + District Office) AOPA tells Atlantic City mayor to preserve Bader Field Keith Holt, AOPA State Affairs mgr.; Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford; Roger Cohen, AOPA Regional Affairs VP Feb. l l -- As part of AOPA's ongoing effort to protect and preserve general aviation airports, AOPA told the mayor of Atlantic City that Bader Field (AIY) is a valuable asset the city should hold onto. In a face-to-face meeting, Regional Affairs Vice President Roger Cohen and State Affairs Manager Keith Holt urged Atlantic City Mayor Lorenzo Langford to keep open Bader Field when the airport's federal grant obligations expire in 2006. But the mayor told AOPA that the future of Bader Field would be determined "by the citizens of Atlantic City" when next year's municipal elections decide the mayor's race and three seats of the seven-member city council. "We opened a good dialogue with a good man, but we clearly have a difficult task ahead convincing the decision-makers in Atlantic City that Bader Field needs to remain open," said Cohen. "Organizing and activating the general aviation world on this high-visibility issue and making a strong case to Atlantic City -- is something we will be working on over the next year." Cohen and Holt stressed the close-in location of Bader Field to the city's famed boardwalk and growing casino industry, and that the general aviation field would boost the city's economic future. However, Langford remained non-committal about any future plans, particularly since federal requirements mandated the airport keep operating through 2005. While recognizing the historical value of Bader Field, recounting that the term "airport" was coined there, Mayor Langford also indicated that Atlantic City International offered his community convenient aviation facilities. The mayor also stressed that neighborhoods adjacent to Bader want the airport closed "immediately." Langford indicated the city had been approached by several developers seeking to convert the Bader site to commercial or residential uses and that there would be strong political support for such a move. On the other hand, the mayor said that there was little visible political constituency locally for keeping Bader Field open. 04-1-091x Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: PaulaOayl @aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 11:53 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Airport Commission Dear Sirs: I have just learned that you are deciding on putting the question of dissolving the present airport commission. Please don't This commission allows and independence from hungry land developers that have only their own interests at heart. I plan to travel in my small plane from Cleveland, Ohio to Rapid City, SD this fall and will stop and stay overnight at you airport (KIOVV). Money spent by me (and others like me) add $$ to your city. Please keep your airport as is and open by keeping the airport commission as is. Thank you. Charles Mealey Amher 2185B 7/8/2004 Marian Karr From: John Neff [john-neff@uiowa.edu] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 4:12 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Does the Iowa City Airport have a future? DOES THE IOWA CITY AIRPORT HAVE A FUTURE? For many years Iowa City had a profitable general aviation business as primary tenant at the airport. This business attracted other tenants so there was sufficient rental income cover most of the operating expenses of the airport. As a consequence Iowa City taxpayer's annual contribution for airport operating expenses was small. The primary general aviation tenant has left and the airport cormmission has been unable to attract one to take its place. The resulting loss of rental income has meant that the Iowa City taxpayers are paying a much larger share of the airport operating expenses at a time when the City has been forced to lay off firemen and police officers. We are not willing to continue this additional support of the airport because there are more important unmet needs. The development tends in immediate vicinity of the airport have made it an unattractive location for a general aviation business. It will not be very long before the airport is surrounded by residential and commercial development making it even more difficult to find a primary tenant for the airport. We think that the City Council should seek independent opinions about the economic viability of the airport. If the airport is not economically viable it should be closed, the land sold and the income from the sale of the land used for other purposes. Darlyne & John Neff Iowa City Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: RossPilot@aol.com Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 5:43 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Iowa City Airport Commission Although I am far from Iowa City, I have a keen interest in what happens there regarding the changes you are considering. I urge you to keep an independant Airport Commission, free to operate the facility in the safest, most efficient manner, and (above all else) FREE of short-term, politically expedient decisions that could someday lead to the destruction of one of the midwest's finest historic General Aviation airports. Iowa City Airport helps to put Iowa City ON THE MAP to pilots like me. And when we come, we spend money there. Think carefully before making a decision that could have future devastating effects on one of your city's jewels. Iowa City Airport ain't broke. Don't fix it. Respectfully, Lee Ross Commercial Pilot New York www. Rosspilot.com 7/12/2004 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Jeffrey Sales [j.s.sales@worldnet.att.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2004 4:58 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: airport issue To City Counsel Members: Until now I have never felt the need to contact any counsel members about issues and decisions facing the counsel. I have very strong feelings about the airport issue and feel compelled to write you with my opinion. The airport is a great asset to the local area and it contributes millions of dollars to the local economy. Control of the airport should remain with the airport commission, as it is now. I can not see any reason for changing the current management of the airport. Jeffrey S. Sales 7/20/2004 Message Page 1 of 2 Marian Karr From: Bill and Sharon Tinkler [silvaire@comcast. net] Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 8:29 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Iowa City Airport Sunday, July 11, 2004 Dear Iowa City Council Member, I oppose the dissolution of the Iowa City Airport Commission. Here is why. I want to tell you a story about your treasured airport. In March 1921, the newly elected Republican administration was getting ready take over from the war time Wilson government. The planned big spending cuts were the talk of the town in Washington. One thing sure to go was the minor expenditure to keep the Post Office's Air Mail Service going. In a last minute effort to save the Air Mail program, Second Assistant Post Master General Otto Praeger scheduled a demonstration to prove the usefulness of the Air Mail Service. Keep in mind as you read this that there was no aircraft weather service, no airplane radios for communications or navigation, nor were there light beacons or lighted airports at the time. But the Air Mail Service, determined to prove the capability of the Service, launched two airmail planes from San Francisco to New York and two from New York bound for San Francisco on one of the worst winter nights of the year. This was done on the morning of February 22, 1921. The plan was to have fresh planes and pilots at various points along the route to pick up the mail and advance it to the next relay point. Things got off to a bad start very early. One of the eastbound planes out of San Francisco crashed in Nevada, killing the pilot. On the east coast, the worst snow storm of the winter was settling in. Both of the westbound airplanes were grounded in Chicago by the storm. The remaining eastbound airplane made it into North Platte, Nebraska, where Air Mail pilot Jack Knight was waiting to carry the mail on to Omaha. At Omaha Jack discovered that the pilot he was supposed to turn the mail over to was stuck in Chicago by the snow storm. Without hesitation, Jack Knight volunteered to fly the mail on to Chicago, even though it was night, it was snowing, and he had never flown the route before. Jack's route would take him to Des Moines, Iowa City, and on to Chicago. Flying low enough to follow the glistening railroad tracks Jack identified Des Moines by a dull glow in the snow storm with not enough visibility to land so continued to Iowa City. The Air Mail people who were expecting him at Iowa City had all gone home, certain the flight was cancelled because of the storm. Jack circled Iowa City in the dark, looking for the airport he had never seen, even in the day light. The lone Iowa City citizen, acting as night watchman, rushed back to the airport and shot a red flare into the night sky and then lighted a prepared kerosene torch. Jack saw the flare, landed with the aid of the torch and refueled with the help of the night watchman. Jack flew on into Chicago with the mail and turned it over to the waiting pilot, who continued the mail's advancement to New York City. The mail had traversed the country from San Francisco to New York City in thirty three hours and twenty minutes. This seems slow to us today in this age of six hour transcontinental 7/12/2004 Message Page 2 of 2 flights but in i921 people were used to train speeds and three days for coast to coast mail service. This record flight convinced the incoming administration of the usefulness of the air mail service. And sufficient funds were provided to continue the airmail service and provide lighted airways and radio navigation facilities for the continued growth of the air mail service. This service developed into the major airline system that we have today. So this Iowa City citizen, serving as night watchman and this Iowa City Airport, saved the U.S. Post Office's Air Mail Service for us all. I would ask you to be aware of this historic background of your airport and honor those people who served so well. Please preserve this very valuable facility for the present and future citizens of Iowa City. Thomas W. Tinkler Former Docent Trainer Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum If you would like me to come and talk to you in person I would be delighted to. 7/12/2004 Marian Karr From: Jim Weir [jim@rst-engr.com] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 12:11 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Iowa City Airport AIT39514.All Ladies and Gentlemen: Lincoln once said that being in politics was like the fellow who was tarred, feathered, and rode out of town on a rail. When somebody asked him what it was like, he said that if it wasn't for the honor of the thing, he'd have just as soon walked. We've all had our share of the tar and feathers if we've been in this game for the briefest of whiles. I thought you might appreciate an objective comment on your current airport dilemma. During my terms of office on the Nevada County Board, we were faced with the same situation. Ours was an airport that, on the face of it, was a real loser. Our Airport Commission looked to be ineffective in the management, and the airport was running at a loss. As the only pilot on the Board, I was tasked with doing an investigation of the situation and making a report. That report came to some very interesting conclusions: 1. For every dollar that the county spent keeping the airport open, thirty (30) dollars flowed directly into the local economy. 2. Of the 120 aircraft based at Nevada County, 45 of them were used in the direct furtherance of a local business. 3. There was no formal line of direct communication between the Commission and our Board. Ail communications were filtered through the County Manager, who put HIS spin on the matter before our Board saw the Commission's recomm~endations. 4. The Commission was comprised of decent folks who just weren't business savvy. They were well-meaning, but just not up to the job. 5. The land surrounding the airport was all zoned "industrial", and the resultant Airport Industrial Park that built up around it had the highest assessed valuation and tax base of any comparable property in the county -- FAR higher and less requiring of services than 1 commercially zoned property. from which flowed some interesting results: 1. The Airport Commission was restructured -- each elected Board Member appointed one Con~nissioner who served at the will and pleasure of the Member. If the Commissioner wasn't doing the job, the Board Member had the right (and duty) to replace the Commissioner. 2. The job description of the Airport Commissioners and the scope of their authority and responsibility was laid out in plain words in writing. 3. The amount of subsidy to the airport was set at a particular percentage of the Hotel/Motel occupancy tax. The more folks that came in to our airport and used the motels, the more the airport received, which in turn allowed the airport to advertise, which increased the tax base... 4. The Airport Commission was required to present a formal written quarterly report at a regularly scheduled Board meeting four year. In addition, any Commissioner or Board member could put an item the agenda for discussion at these presentations. 5. Two years after this plan was put in place, the airport requested (and received) a Federal Block Grant for a little under ten (10) million dollars for a complete rebuild of our runways and taxiways. One of the determining factors in our selection for this money was a smooth and effective Airport Commission. Thank you for your time and patience listening to an outsider's view of the situation. I had my time in the political barrel, and I don't envy you folks your problems. You couldn't get me to run again for all the corn in Iowa...but then again I **wasA* on the California ballot for governor last October (seriously, came in 30th with 4000 votes). Jim Weir County Supervisor, Retired Page 1 of 2 Marian Karr From: Keith Williams [kaw@syntheticsaves,com] Sent: Friday, July 09, 2004 8:27 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Airport and potential referendum To the Major and Council Persons of Iowa City: In the next election, I can not vote for you, nor can I vote against you, because I am a resident of Linn County. However, I am a pilot who is currently active as a Certified Flight Instructor and I have an interest in having airports available to serve the flying community as well as the local areas they serve. I submit these comments for your consideration while deliberating whether or not to put to a vote of the people the question of dissolving the Iowa City Airport Cormnission. 1. Airport: A Valuable and Unique Asset An airport is normally considered a valuable asset and part of the infrastructure of the owning entity. In that regard, it is not unlike roads, parks, swirraning pools, community centers, etc. Airports are, essentially, another form of transportation which brings business into a community ---just like highways and railroads. An airport represents a high amount of visible net worth to its owner, both because of the land value and the improvements. It also represents a large invisible net worth or potential net worth --- that value created by the fact that a well-run airport welcomes business and pleasure visitors to the city -- and oftentimes, new industries. Airports are unique in that they not only must meet local city/county/whatever regulations but also must, among others, meet myriad regulations imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration to assure the public of consistency form airport to airport as well as safety. Given the above (high value and unique characteristics), it would seem to follow that a small group of interested, involved, citizens (airport commissioners) would be much better positioned to manage this asset than those who manage the entire asset portfolio of the owning entity. The commission's sole responsibility is that of managing the airport. They need not worry about the potholes in the roads, or a new bridge, or creating a park in a new addition, or hiring a roofer to repair a roof on city hall. Their job is to run the airport, and they can become specialists in doing so. 2. Airport Commission is not political Airport commissions were probably created for at least two reasons: · the desire to have competent specialist manage the asset, as mentioned above, and · to insulate the operation of the airport from politics. If the latter was a reason when the airport commission was formed years ago, has the potential influence of politics decreased to the point where it is not an issue today, and therefore the airport commission is no longer needed for this purpose? I think not. In fact, the potential for political actions influencing an airport, if it were under the direct control of, in this case, the City, would seem to be great. Holders of elected office have even more stake-holders in their lives than the rest of us do; they can not help but be influenced (how much influence is the key) by voters. One would like to think that the airport would be run on a sound business basis with no political influence. 7/12/2004 Page 2 of 2 I feel an Airport Commission can best accomplish that less expensively and with better results. In conclusion, I encourage you, the "managers" of the assets of Iowa City, to do everything you can to work constructively with the Airport Commission, to begin doing so immediately, and to vote a resounding, "NO!" to the question of whether or not the governing body of the airport should be changed. Such actions would send a strong positive message to the Airport Commissioners and to the citizens you represent. Respectfully, Keith Williams 2760 Tower Drive Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 (319) 395-7405 7/12/2004 Marian Karr From: David & Teresa Wilson [wilpick@netins,net] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 7:44 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Airport referendem Iowa City Council As a private pilot flying out of the Iowa City airport I see no reason te disband the airport co~nission. The airport has been run a long time using the co~nission and it has worked well. The commission is made up of volunteers who are not on the city payroll, people who are really interested in the future of the airport. They reflect the ideas of the people who use the airport. Let not add any more burden or costs to the city by turning this over. Let's keep the local government out of the decision making. Sincerely, David Wilson Marian Karr From: Ed Wischmeyer [edwisch@cableone. net] Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 2:56 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Dissolution of airport commission Folks - Over the internet, I~ve observed any number of activities to increase usage of your airport and to bring dollars into your co--unity. Indeed, on our flights through the midwest, we have always sought opportunities to patronize your airport because of that publicity. With the advent of the 6 seat mini-jets, the first of which are now entering production, there will be greater opportunities for small and medium sized cities to participate in the national economy -- if there is a place for those mini-jets to land, along with present business and personal aircraft. A strong, independent airport commission is typically a part of this healthy link to the national economy. An airport also represents opportunity to youth, and fulfillment to those who fly. Unlike other real estate usages, airports require comparatively little in the way of city services, and have large direct and indirect benefits to the local economy. A strong airport, supported by a strong, dedicated, and learned airport conm~ission would certainly seem to be in your best interests. Ed Wischmeyer Prescott, AZ Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: COUGARNFW@aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 08, 2004 2:27 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Airport considerations Having lived several places where a shift from interested parties controlling the airport to the city or county has taken place, the now disinterested controllers divert the funds for the airport to items with no relationship to the airport, and the airport goes down hill. Take more time, another year say, and consider and observe and compare other plans. Thank you. Neal F. Wright 7/8/2004 Marian Karr From; Joe Fowler Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 9:23 AM To: 'DavDowe@aol.com' Cc: *City Council; Steve Atkins Subject: early construction start Court Street Transportation Center Mr. Dowell, The Iowa City City Code does limit noise from construction sites stating that it can not begin before 7:00 a.m. There is a provision that allows work to begin before 7:00 a.m. if an application is made to the city engineer and he/she deems it in the best interest to allow it. In this case the application was made and approved. This exemption was granted due to the large pour, 300 plus yards of concrete, and controlling the temperature of the concrete, it must remain below ninety degrees. I anticipate there will be further request for an early start time during the summer months. The City can request that the contractor notify near by residents in the future if that would help. If you would like to discuss this further please feel free to contact me at 356-5156 or Ron Knoche, City Engineer, 356-5138. We can both also be reached by e-mail. Joe Fowler Director Parking & Transit Page 1 o£ 1 Marian Karr From: DavDowe@aol.com Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 8:24 AM To: steve-atkins@iowa-city.org; council@iowa-city.org Subject: Construction of Parking Ramp, Dubuque and Court This morning most of seniors at Capitol House were awaken at 5:15 a.m. to cement trucks and large vehicles driving around the site and workers pounding forms in place. We know the reply is usually, progress must continue and etc. Most cities have a law against construction starting near residential area before a certain time. The huge construction companies can afford the fines though and do what they want or need. I think this is the case here, whether there is a law or not. Anyway, since most of the folks here won't say a thing about this I thought you all would appreciate hearing from me. I will send in the next e-mail to you one of five pictures I took this morning of the line up of trucks outside our place. David J. Dowell 320 South Dubuque St. #212 Iowa City, la 52240 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: DavDowe@aol.com Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2004 7:11 AM To: Joe-Fowler@iowa-city.org Cc: steve-atkins@iowa-city.org; cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Sunday Report Good Morning Joe, All is quiet on the construction front this morning. Saw some workers checking out the site but nary a hammer in sight or sound. Also, no little old ladies running around the halls screaming, "They're back!" Another thought: Maybe you would like to send me your home e-mail address. That way I can send you my, now, daily reports so you can read them before you leave home for work. If you go to work earlier, you could possibly catch them in their vile acts. Thanks. If I can give you anymore help let me know. Maybe a tape recording of the noise over there at 5 or 6 a.m. I have the means. Maybe you aren't that concerned after all.'? Thanks Dave Dowell 7/6/2004 Town Builders Collaborative Page 1 of 3 Marian Karr ~ From: Town Builders Collaborative [bottarelli@tbcollaborative.com] Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 10:39 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Town Builders Collaborative Monthly Intelligence Repor~ Town Builders Collaborative HOME ;: DESCR~ON i REAM :: INTELLIGENCE :: REPORTS ;: ALLIANCES Order Our Latest Reportl The Town Builders Collaborative is a consortium of real estate developers, The New Economy Town - civic financers, and communitarians transforming economically challenged Building University Assets to areas into vibrant neighborhoods fit for the ever-evolving "New Economy." Grow Local and Regional Economies Saturday, June 19, 2004 i~ PUBLIC / PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ARE CENTRAL DRIVERS OF NEW ECONOMY TOWNS The New Economy Town is a Real Estate Solution designed to catalyze economic growth in College and University Towns. By leveraging measurable market demand driven by underserved students, faculty and staff, College and University districts can be transformed into vibrant hubs of economic activity that benefits both the University or College and the towns that they're located in. Affordability is a central objective of a College or University when planning Town and Gown Districts and is often the key to their success in attracting students, faculty and staff. And from a financial perspective, affordability is the primary reason to pursue Public Private Partnerships (PPP's). A PPP is a contractual relationship between a public body (i.e. local government) and private industry to provide a product or service. Making Cooltown Real HP shares the same These partnerships are uniquely crafted to meet the particular needs of each vision we do. Click to community. Cost savings, risk reduction, and accelerated performance are normally check out the videos! the goals of such partnerships. But such partnerships often meet public needs by leveraging private industry financing, thereby allowing a municipality to free-up its own credit and financing capacity to pursue other community projects. ~ CoolTown Daily Report According to Richard Norment, National Council for Pubfic-Private Partnerships, PPP's. "hold significant promise for growth in the near future. This is largely due to a number of high profile projects that amply illustrate a creative and cost effective way to 7/1/2004 Town Builders Collaborative Page 2 of 3 address a number of urban development challenges. Military base housing, urban "mixed use" development projects and even public schools have shown how public and private resources can be blended to provide innovative answers". PPP's committed to creating New Economy Towns, require the "blending" of Town, Gown and Private Developer objectives. The genius of New Economy Town solutions lies in fulfilling those rtl-party objectives for the benefit of the entire community. In essence, the college/university market is leveraged through the PPP to create economic growth. James Cuorato, City Representative and Director of Commerce for the City of Philadelphia argues that for a partnership to succeed, it must have the following characteristics: 1 It must be a real partnership, with shared burdens and shared rewards for both the public and private participants 2. There must be real incentives for the private sector or they will not participate 3. The public-sector must use its resources effectively and judiciously, focusing on projects where success is likely 4. Keep it simple for the private sector by minimizing the bureaucratic procedures that can cripple a project 5. Land is King Gain; gain control of the land to ensure an efficient and high quality plan. Effective PPP's, like all quality relationships, are built upon a foundation of trust. Trust is the top brand value for property professionals and successful partnerships require that you know your partners well. This includes knowing their culture, their staff, who they partner with, how they contract for services, } and what their capabilities and experience are in sustaining the project operationally after it is completed. That transparency enables the PPP partners to build trust; one of the 9 ethical principles for property professionals world wide, as described by Barry Gilbertson, Fellow and senior Vice President of the Royal Institute of Chartered Su~eyors in " Trust Me, I m A Real Estate Professional Take advantage of the lessons we've learned in working with Town and Gown partners: Be clear about your objectives and the outcomes that you intend the PPP to fulfill. Communicate them openly to the PPP partners and deal with challenges realistically. Your transparency will build trust in the partnership and empower your partners to face problems more courageously. You don't want problems and challenges to dilude the objectives that the PPP was created to fulfill in the first place. A trusting and courageous PPP is better enabled to develop and execute a plan that will fulfill its stated objectives Your private sector partner's internal operations may appear on the surface like "their business," but often it seriously affects the bottom line of the project economics. For example, private partners who borrow operating capital for salaries, benefits and expenses, must pay back a high rate of return for that up-front risk capital to their corporate "equity" investors, That capital cost erodes the equity value that is pledged to secure lower rate financing for the project and will require greater debt loads. The cost of that extra debt must be "passed on" to the market and will seriously impact the affordability of apar[ments or retail space necessary to serve the town and gown residents and vendors. Secure partnership and operating agreements of your private sector partners well 7/1/2004 Town Builders Collaborative Page 3 of 3 in advance of finalizing your commitments to them. Those agreements evidence the ability of your partners to structure their work together and detail their roles and responsibilities to each other in the venture. Do not proceed in a PPP without reviewing the partnership or LLC agreement of your private sector partner. Make the Business Plan your first order of business. It outlines the Partner's business case for the public private venture, clarifies the tri party objectives of the town, gown and private developer, details the development program, identifies the public/private financing method proposed, and outlines the sustainable operations plan for the project upon its completion. It is a summary of how the project is to be executed and serves as a roadmap to its success. In planning your PPP project, craft not only the physical features of the plan but also structure the sustainable social activities that the plan is intended to support. This may require the creation of retail associations, homeowners associations, on- site property management operations, integrating university or college programming, and the legal and financial obligations required to support them. The Town Builders Collaborative periodically sends out emails to keep you up-to-date with town building in the new economy. If you do not wish to receive these updates and want to be removed from this list, simply click to unsubscribe. 2004 Town B~ilde~ Collaborative, For in~rma~on o:xnt;~ot ~com Riva~ F:,d~ I Terms ar~ CendCJons 7/1/2004 July 6, 2004 Iowa City Council 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council Member: I am pleased to inform you of the success of the barrier gate on Lexington Avenue. Our neighborhood is in the third year of enjoying the results of the Council's traffic calming program that was implemented in 2001. Vehicular thrill riding of the Lexington "Dips" had been a problem for many years and had grown intolerable in the 1990s with increased traffic and riskier driving behavior. The gate barrier installed in 2001 at the top of the dips on the corner of Lexington Avenue and McLean Street has completely eliminated such problems. A review of Iowa City Police Department's "Incidents/Calls By Location" report for a three year period prior to the gate installation showed that Iowa City police responded to 97 incidents of accidents, personal injury, reckless driving, traffic stops, and calls for assistance'--on two blocks of the Lexington "Dips". This did not include data on calls from the intersecting block of McLeun Street. There were numerous additional calls from McLean Street. Lexington and McLean streets are located in the Manville Heights residential area. A comparative rewew of the Incidents/Calls By Locaaon data for the same site for the two year/ten month period since the gate was installed showed only on___g call. The call was in February of 2002, a month in the winter when the gate was down. The gate is taken down from November to April for snow removal purposes. Police calls went from over 97 to only 1 with the gate in place! Manville Heights neighborhood now benefits fi.om a safe environment. The risky traffic in all of Manville Heights has been reduced. Lexington Avenue is now used regularly by pedestrians, pets, bicycles, and developmentally disabled wheelchairs from University Hospitals and Clinics. The police department has saved taxpayer money and is able to redirect resources elsewhere. The risky driving traffic that invaded the neighborhood driving through stop signs at speeds up to 70 mph in a 25 mph zone at all hours of the day and night is gone. If new Council members would like additional historical information on the problem and solution, please don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you very much for your public safety action. Sincerely, ys B. CD ~'~ 708 McLean St. Iowa City, IA 52246 cc: R.J. Winkelhake, Chief, Iowa City Police Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner P.O. Box 494 Medford, MA 02155 ~ U.S.A. 25 June 2004 -President of the United States -Vice President of the United States -U.S. House of Representatives -U.S. Senate -Secretary of Defense -The Pentagon -State Governors -U.S. Service Organizations -All other interested parties -Mass Media Like thousands of other aging Vietnam Veterans, I too am an Agent Orange victim with cancer, diabetes, blood, cardiac and pulmonary disorders in addition to suffering from other serious war-related ailments. To that end, the Order of the Silver Rose-whose National Director is Mt. Gary Chenett- has continually and diligently attempted to get our Govemment to award us the Purple Heart, but consistently in vain. Moreover, the Order has been the only entity in the United States to have fought tooth and n~i! specifically for Agent Orange Veterans. The Order is the fighting force which awards elligible Vete~ns the Silver Rose Medal-a tentative substitute for the Purple Heart, until the latter is officially-and rightfully--given by our · =overnment. Needless to say, that is something which shouicl have been done long ago. Officers and members of the Order of the Silver Rose hgve worked so very hard toward making people see the light. Unfortunately, higher echelons -3ppear to be walking in a clouded reality unto themselves, lending a dormant ear, giving no positive voice and discarding aging Vietnam Veterans closer and closer toward the grave. So vPry many Veterans have already met their Maker by virtue of Agent Orange effects. Pray tell: for how long are Veterans to wait for what is d.qhtfully theirs? There is definitely sufficient justification for the awarding of the Purple Heart to Agent Orange victims. Let's break through this rediculous red tape, and on to action where it counts. Unquestionably, our Veterans deserve much more respect than that! I find it absolutely incredible that such a medal would not be issued/awarded to Veterans suffedng from the wounds of that deadly poison-dioxin. Furthermore, I find this inexcusable lack of attention a total insult to the intelligence of every single Veteran who has suffered and died; to those who are now suffering and dying; and to others who will eventually suffer and perish from the resuslts of such a toxic chemical. Although it has been done before, I again-in the highest possible terms-call to your attention the very need to act on behalf of all suffering Veterans and families NOW. This careless-and most un-Amedcan/unpatriotic!-act of insensitivity hurts everyone involved. This is yet another negative blow to the integrity of people who selflessly and bravely fought a war ~.h. ile others cowardly fled to other nations; while most politicians-and draft-dodgers-sat on their "safe-sofa-havens" watching the war on television; and while others were getting their ~.utts shot off and unknowingly collecting the effects of Agent Orangel This is yet another slap-in-the-face to all who fought, and would fight again and again in a moment's notice-in the name of Old Glory. This is, in fact, another political scheme to set aside Veterans of a past war that everyone would love to forget. I promise you-WE CAN'T- AND WILL NOT-FORGET!! Page 2 of 2 Far too soon-and far too many-Veterans have lost their lives. It doesn't take much brain power to realize the ultimate fate of those "living-with-Agent Orange." This cold fact is quite obvious to them and-to loving families who desperately want to hold onto them for as long as humanly possible. This apparent truth does not seem to be at all obvious to you... It is'not your children who are suffedng this terrible plight. It is someone else's_. Does that make it OK!? Again-I am emphatically calling on the President of the United States and his subordinate leaders, the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Pentagon, Vietnam Veterans of Amedca, Veterans of Foreign. Wars, American Legion, AMVETS, DAV, PVA, and other organizations-military and civilian-to see the light and work in solidarity to unpoliticize something which has no business being political, but rather meritorious by its very nature-the awarding of the Purple Heart to Veterans injured by Agent Orangeldioxin. Anything less continues to be a great disservice to all who so dearly deserve that recognition for all of their past and present suffedng wounds. And, NO!, we are not "BLEEDING HEART" Veterans as some would love to call the nature of this protest-plea. We are, however, PURPLE HEART DESERVERS- pure and simple! It was George Bums who once said: "To make a crooked stick straight you bend it the contrary way." Do it! Must we wait until we reach our 80s and 90s to make headline news-after the majodty of us have died-so as to be recipients of the Purple Heart? That, of course, is yet another opportunistic time for politicians to show greater voting prowess by saying:" See, Amedca, we are awarding the Purple Heart to brave people who fought and died from the effects of Agent Orange in the Vietnam War." Shame on you coward-and morally weak-opportunists who seek growth at the cost of honorable Veterans' sacrifices!!! May your-and all-children N EVER have to taste the bitterness of war! Veterans are not interested in political verbal diarrhea and inaction! Veterans are interested in facts, pure action, NOW-at least while they can still appreciate what remains of their-and their families'-Iives. Much-too much-has already been taken away from them... Adalino Cabral Vietnam, 1968-1969 Order of the Silver Rose Award Recipient BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Terrence Neuzil, Chairperson . Pat Hamey Mike Lehman Sally Stutsman Carol Thompson July 8, 2004 Ernest W. Lehman Mayor City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Ernie: The County's position r~aains that we prefer the option of courtesy staff review to give municipalities a voice in the location of cell towers within their growth areas. A courtesy staff review of a proposed conunanications tower location would allow City staff to con'anent on a proposed tower in the City's growth area. The review would be based on adopted plans for the area. Any recorranendation for denial of the proposed tower location should be based on incompat~ility with a planned residential neighborhood, roadway extension, or other development project that can be clearly identified. Final authority would continue to rest with the Johnson County Board of Adjustment. If you have further questions feel free to contact either me (356-6000) or Rick Dvorak (356-6083). We can also be reached by email at Sincerely, f~ Terrence Neuzil Cha/rperson Cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager Jeff Davidson, Exec. Director, JCCOG 913 SOUTH DUBUQUE ST. SldllE #201 IOWA CITY, IOWA 522404207 TEL: (319) 356-6000 FAX: (319) 356-6036 Marian Karr From: John Gross [jgross@techiowa,com] Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 9:14 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Adequate signage at the Ped Mall July 21, 2004 Dear Councilors: Yesterday at about 5:00 PM I exited the Dubuque Street Parking Garage and stopped at a red light at Burlington. After ascertaining that the pedestrian and vehicular traffic would allow, I started on a "right turn on red". Suddenly a bicyclist appeared at a high speed from alongside the former Hawkeye Bank building. I was able to stop in time, but only missing the lovely young miss by a very small margin. Had I been looking to my left we would have collided. Someone's granddaughter could have been seriously injured or worse, and I would have faced horrible guilt, even though the young lady was illegally riding her bicycle on a downtown sidewalk. She did clearly have the "walk" light, but may not have been aware of the law regarding bicyclists on downtown sidewalks and pedestrian areas. I have observed over the past several years the woefully inadequate signage downtown regarding prohibited activities such as bicycle and skateboard riding. Signs, if they are present are placed so high on posts as to be hard to find, especially while on a bicycle. Signage painted on brick or concrete sidewalks wear away quickly. The entrance to the Ped Mall by the wonderful new Library has no signage at all that I can see. Many innocent bicyclists are entering the Ped Mall at that point, endangering the children playing in that area. Without instituting a study group or committee, can you promptly place adequate signage downtown that will inform everyone of the city ordinances in this matter? Please ask the police officers on the downtown beat where signs should be. They face this issue daily. I hope that you will care about our young people as much as I do - the grandchildren who are the toddlers by the playground as well as those on their bicycles. John A. Gross Technigraphics, Inc. PO Box 1846 Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Tel 319-354-5950 Fax 319-338-2797 jgross@techiowa.com Marian Karr From: Kathi Anderson [mainekids@mchsi,com] Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 10:12 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Off-Leash Recreation Area I am writing to applaud and thank you for your progressive thinking and approval of the development of an off-leash recreation area in the Iowa City/ Coralville area. My family and I have recently relocated back to Iowa City after almost 6 years away. Over 7 years ago, my husband and I adopted 2 dogs from the Iowa City Animal Care Center, which quickly became our "babies". Many hours spent running with them through the streets and parks of Iowa City, training them through Spot & Co, and socializing them with other neighborhood dogs in our fenced in yard. After driving them across the country to live in Maine, we are thrilled that they are now able to be "home" again too! Along with them, we bring our young children, who of course love dogs as much as we do! I have worked hard to educate friends and neighbors on responsible pet ownership, dog safety, and obedience. My rottweiler has even attended nursery school with my daughter! I fully intend on being active in the JC DogPAC and Friends of the Animal Center Foundation to further this wonderful cause. You've heard and read the benefits of an OLRA. Now I can't wait to live those benefits in this city that I love! Sincerely, Kathi Anderson 341-3640 Marian Karr ~ From: SNeweLLinst@aol.com Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2004 12:23 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: It did not seem that three of the committee listened at all... One young man said the Special Exception to put the Transient (Homeless) Shelter from North Gilbert Street to Waterfront Drive would be okay because it would not block any streets or obstruct water drainage, Another said we must do more to support the homeless. "We" means the poor working class people tn the mobile home park next to the Teenage Youth Homes Shelter, next to the Battered Women's Shelter, and next to the shelter for drug addicts, which will all be right next to the new Transient Shelter within a short walk from the tent town by the railroad tracks, Another committee person said she was a leader in the North Side iowa City Neighborhood Association and must vote to move the shelter from North Gilbert Street because it has never ever been a problem and so this is just giving it to us as a nice jesture of civic pride. All her friends in the North Side Iowa City Neighborhood Association smiled with pride at her pride. It was a proud moment of goodness I am sure, One architect with a German accent was said he was an Iowa Citian, said that we must not let some small number like 200 petitioners from one trailer home park stop all of Iowa City. It was like a voice of history as he spoke. "What is such a number compared to the total of the future of all of us?" Yes, I have heard someone say that before on a recording of a radio broadcast, like what are six million Jews compared to the future of all of Europe? I see his morally super-man point of view will win the day. Needless to say, I am selling my mobile home asap and will be moving. I do not feel that my property or financial wellness even as good as my budget has been here, will be viable in the new neighborhood this city seems to want to make near the HUD apartments. This is the official place for this. I don't want to stay here. You have designated this area for trash storage, not community like it is community around Regina High School. Thank you for your time. I am sure you don't like reading this. Please don't hate me. I am just telling you, and it should be obvious, when our collective voice means nothing and our logic is completely missed we vote with our feet. You are economically destroying part of your city. Apparently better us that you, right? That is the reasoning I see when someone says they vote as a proud member of the North Side Iowa City Neighborhood Association saying shelters are no problem and yet we must concentrate all of them in one part of town away from the North Side Iowa City Neighborhood Association area. Maybe that logic will never seem to be something you can see. It seems to be the case. I do feel sad. I had hoped for more scientific philosophy from this local government. Sincerely, Steven Newell 2018 Waterfront Drive #39 Iowa City, IA 52240 7/15/2004 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: SNeweLLinst@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 8:56 PM To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Special Exception placement of transient shelter across from MECCA... My corporation board has discussed the "Special Exception" zoning committee decision pending 5PM Wednesday, 14 July 2004 for the placement of a Transient Shelter at Waterfront Drive just across from the MECCA drug rehab facility, and the HACAP Daycare for Iow income families, and near the Battered Women's Shelter and the Youth Homes Shelter. We feel that this is destroying the economic prospects of this area of Iowa City. Obviously people who only own mobile homes are a Iow tax base anyway and you are logically not motivated to care by the terms of the math. But Iowa City TV Service is selling its building, and across the street is a business building that has remained unleased for at least a year, and Weinbrenner Ford is dead, and KMart is dying. You obviousJy are going to concentrate poverty in a single specifically designed ghetto, and thus avoid affecting the property values around Regina High School. You have cost me money. You have cost my business economically. Your pattern is consistent with all previous experiences. I do not expect you to change. Your logic is clear, steal from the poor to protect the interest of the rich. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Steven Newell 2018 Waterfront Drive Trailer 39 Iowa City, IA 52240 7/14/2004 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: SNeweLLinst@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 9:16 PM To: co u ncJl@iowa-city.org Subject: Said to make a suggestion.., so here it is.,, Yes, Jn reply to the comment not to complain without being able to make a suggestion I do have one. Put a Police Substation in that vacant lot, Considering the growing pains of this city, and the distance from 1 S. Gilbert to this area and the kind of problems, a 24 hour attended Police substation would be a much better use if government money is to be put on that land across from MECCA. That would improve property values here. That would make families feel more secure, That would reassure business investors and improve the potential of Iowa City Precinct 14. You want to do something for this area, then that would be the thing to do, in my opinion. And I do vote. Thank you, Steven Newell 2018 Waterfront Drive Trailer 39 Iowa City, IA 52240 7/14/2004 Shelter House Communi~ Shelter & Transition Services July 13, 2004 Iowa City City Council Civic Center Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Members of the Council: I am writing to you at this time with respect to the funding request made this past spring by HACAP to redirect funds ordinarily allocated to HACAP to the Supported Training and Access to Resources (STAR) Program. As neither HACAP nor I had received confirmation or denial of the request made to the Council, I contacted the City Clerk, Marian Karr, and it is at her suggestion that I am now writing to you. I was informed on the 2nd of July by Linda Severson that prior to further consideration for funding, the council had questions regarding the STAR Program. I look forward to hearing from you regarding your questions and to the opportunity to respond. The new program year begins September 1, 2004. This date is fast approaching and we are still in the process of securing over $32,000 of the $106,750 required match. Again, I look forward to hearing from you and the opportunity to share information regarding the good work of the STAR Program. Christina M Canganell Executive Director, Shelter House Cc: Marian Karr, City Clerk (~ m~'~ 331 tlorth Gilbert Street · P.O. Box 3146 · Iowa Ci~, Iowa 52244-3146 · 319-351~326 Date: July 29, 2004 To: SteveAtkins, City Manager City Council Fr: Linda Severson Human Services Coordinator Re: Letter (7.13.04) to City Council from Crissy Canganelli, Executive Director of Shelter House re: possible cash match for the STAR grant In February, the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP) sent a letter to the Mayor requesting that their proposed city allocation ($7.793.00) be transferred to the STAR program to help them meet the cash requirement of the HUD grant. Families who live in HACAP transitional housing receive case management and support through the STAR grant. I have contacted Crissy Canganelli and requested that she provide the following information, which will be helpful to Council in considering this request. · Explanation of the STAR grant - population served and range of services · Who are the collaborative partners? · What local service providers receive funding through this grant to provide services to STAR clients? · Proposed budget for the grant year starting 9.1.04 · Amount of HUD grant and local sources of cash match When this information is received, I will share it with Council. Questions or need for additional information, please contact me at 356-5242. July 7, 2004 Mr. Ernie Lehman Mayor City Clerk's Office 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mr. Lehman: Because of the increasing intensity for possible vehicle accidents, I thought I would communicate to you my thoughts about the necessity for having a 4-way stop or traffic lights at the intersection of Court Street and Scott Boulevard. This is a precarious situation which needs control before injuries or fatalities occur. Residing on Court Street myself for several years, I am fully aware of the frustration and "close calls" involving local residents when they attempt to cross unto Scott Boulevard - especially encountering traffic infiltrating from Herbert Hoover Highway. This often includes semi's, or large trucks carrying construction materials. Obviously, with the building and new construction work east of Scott Boulevard, this situation will only become more acute, intense, and complex. I would hope you will discuss this problem at a Council meeting in the near future. It has become too much of a hazard to delay until the fall. Sincerely, 2506 East Court Street Iowa City, Iowa c~ Marian Karr ~ From: H EADWAVE@aoI.com Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2004 4:11 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: new historic preservation district Dear City Council Members: We are writing to ask you to support designating historic preservation district status to the areas under consideration. We own two properties in the proposed districts, one at 915 E. Bloomington, and one at 319 E. Bloomington. The latter is a contributing property. We are not in Iowa City for July and have missed Council discussion and press coverage regarding this issue, but have become aware that some controversy has arisen regarding it. As we understand it, 8 of 108 owners have objected, a small minority. We understand that one objection is lack of proper notification. We think this is a bogus issue -- we were amply notified throughout the process through official mailings and other newsletters. We purchased 319 E. Bloomington as commercial rental property partially because it is an historic property and we wanted to be part of preserving it.. The designation of the neighborhood as an historic preservation district fur[hers that goal. Preserving the character and historic value of the northside market area is of value for the whole community of Iowa City. We believe that property owners have shared responsibility for the good of the community and that decisions should not be taken solely on their perceived economic interests of individual property owners, however strongly those may be expressed and felt. We depend on the Council to make decisions that consider the good of the whole community. We think it is essential that this designation be established and trust that Council will know best how to achieve this. We do want to express concern that if individual property owners are allowed to opt out, it may set a problematic precedent for future historic preservation designations. We would appreciate hearing your views on this matter. Please support this designation. Thank you. David Rust & Joy Smith 915 E. Bloomington headwave@aol.com joysmi@aol.com 7/22/2004 July 27, 2004 Dear Council Members: Earlier this summer, when we first learned that our commercial properties had been nominated to be placed on the National Registry of Historic Places against our wishes, we asked people at the State Historic Society in Des Moines what we could do to have our commercial properties removed from the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District. We were told repeatedly that the "50% + 1" rule applied and that the only way to prevent our commercial properties from being listed would be to have "50% + 1" of all property owners of both residential and commercial properties within the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District object to their property being listed. Therefore, although we commercial property owners have n~o objection to residential property owners along North Gilbert and North Linn being nominated for listing on the National Registry of Historic Places, we did send out a survey with a cover letter to all residential property owners in the proposed Gilbert-Linn Historic District in June 2004. In the letter we asked each residential property owner to send back to us a survey sheet stating whether they were in favor or opposed to having their property listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and, if they were opposed, to then also send in a letter to Mr. Soike in Des Moines objecting to the nomination of their property. We also stated in the letter that we would present a summary of the survey sheets we received back to the Iowa City City Council. Of the 6~8 surveys we sent out 23 were returned. Of these 23 responses, 16 residential property owners were opposed to the listing of their property and 7 residential property owners were in favor of having their property listed. Don and Dorothy Fowles 310 North Gilbert St. John Kammermeyer, M.D. 404 E. Bloomington St. 412 E. Bloomington St. Patricia FiSher 315 N. Gilbert St. © ~-~ 311 N. Gilbert St. Rosalie Hancock /) ,~_ 305 N. Gilbert St. /1'~--~ 225 N. Gilbert St. Howard Carroll 3 7.2.E. Bloomington Mary Ellen Chudacek for Chudacek Partnership 214 N. Gilbert St. 204 N. Gilbert St. 402 E. Market St. Marian Karr ~ From: Dana Christiansen [dchristiansen@co.muscatine.ia.us] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 3:38 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Visual Preference Survey Ladies and Gentlemen; I took part in the VPS this spring, and I~m glad I did. It was refreshing to be a part of such an innovative planning effort. I have worked in local government for over 20 years, and have never seen a more open and transparent policymaking tool. The results will ne doubt be debated, but I am encouraged by the level of shared preferences evidenced, and the way in which a visual presentation can serve as a springboard for discussion. Hy thanks te you and your planning staff. Dana Christiansen Herningside Drive, Iowa City Dana E. Christiansen First Assistant Huscatine County Attorney Courthouse, Huscatine, IA 52761 563/263-0382 Fax 263-4944 Cell 260-2023 ~ dchristiansen@ce.muscatine.ia.us Marian Karr From: Tim Weitzel [tweitzel@avalon.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:01 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Visual Preference Survey Results ~eitzel.v~ It was with considerable interest that I watched the recent combined meeting of the Iowa City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. I must say I was somewhat surprised at the results of the recent Visual Preference Survey. For one, I had not expected the voting trends of the Realtors and HBA participants to closely match those of the residential participants. But, I guess we all have to live somewhere, and if you answer the questions honestly, I think the result seen is the one that is to be expected simply following human nature and that of our culture. Since seeing the results and the following discussion regarding the need for intricate zoning ordinances, I have mulled over many of the comments made by Council and the Commission. One thought that comes immediately to mind is that the staff presentation never stated that city services, such as refuse and recycling pick-up would occur on alleys. In fact, Ms. Franklin stated just the opposite--that snow removal would not be provided as alleys tend to be paved with much less substantial roadbeds and cannot bear the weight of heavy trucks. I live on a block where we have no garages on our side of the street. This is a situation much enjoyed by pedestrians and residents alike. Drive, or better still, walk down Grant Street in the Longfellow Neighborhood some time to see an example. People stroll, play, exercise, and walk their dogs along our street. Porches provide a place to relax or to entertain company. I think this is one of many reasons why Longfellow continues to be a highly desirable section of town, even as ous real estate values, and assessments, are unbelievably "well-valued." I agree that there are many more houses per block in a neighborhood such as ours. It lends a greater sense of community. The variation of each individual house--the size, shape, and style--help define a diverse and unique character for each lot, just as the house shelters unique and diverse residents of the city. The layout and visual landscape has as much to do with it as the people who live there. This cannot be said for sprawling subdivisions such as those that spring up along the interstate, where the only substantial variation in houses is the shade of off-white the vinyl siding is. I predict those areas will not hold their value and desirability the way Longfellow has. There is more than ample room on a 50 x 100 foot lot to have a back yard, complete with grass, flowers, and vegetables, provided you don't add an addition that doubles the size of a 1200 square foot house and adds a three car garage. But, should you like a larger lot, there are many available in the neighborhood and they come onto the market and ! resell seemingly at the same incredible rate that the smallest houses do. One other thing and that is regarding the traffic and safety of alleys--Can any of us honestly recall the last time a child was hurt by a car in an alley? Since we signed the mortgage on our house in 1993, our alley alone has hosted a dozen or more children riding their bikes, playing in puddles, and walking the family dog. No, it is far more dangerous to be a pedestrian in downtown Iowa City than in an alley in the Longfellow neighborhood. One final comment and this has to do with how the future growth of our city. It seems to remain an axiom that a town must grow to remain healthy. But the question is at what rate and in what way? Rapid and uncontrolled growth such as that typified in boom or now what are called a zoom towns can lead to rapid spikes in capital wealth followed by rapidly decreasing property values. Take large urban areas dominated by suburbs designed only for travel by cars--the suburbs of Detroit, the patchwork creeping sprawl around Los Angeles or Phoenix, even the unbalanced an rapid western expansion on the west side of Des Moines. Each new section is all the rage until the next is built. And as the new area developers, acres of abandoned commercial buildings are left behind as the residential markets falter. Worse still as those ares tend to segregate residential areas by economic class resulting in ultra wealthy and ultra poor ares each with their own set of problems they bring to the greater community. That type of growth is a house of cards and cannot be sustained. What the visual preference survey results say to me is-- given the choice, we don't want to live that way. Planned and controlled growth is the only sensible way to encourage sustainable, healthy growth for out community and and drastically decreases the costs for the taxpayers. It costs millions of dollars to pave new roads, install new water and sewer lines, and build new fire departments. You should not be asking those of us who already live here to subsidize the development of new areas of town for new comers. Developing new areas with densities equal to or greater than existing parts of town can help avoid these problems. But I don't need to tell you this. I am sure the Planning and Conununity Development staff, as well as the already approved and adopted long range plan, will tell you what you need to do to provide a place where we all can live happily--maybe even staying--ever after. Sincerely, Tim Weitzel 523 Grant Street *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** l 08-03-04 3f(16) I Marian Kart From: Kevin Aunan [KEVINA@wattstrucking.com] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 2:44 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: LAWWatts@aol.com Subject: Solid Waste Hauling Contract To all council members, My name is Kevin K. Aunan and I am General Manager of Hawkeye Waste Systems, Inc. in Coralville, Iowa. The issue I would like to submit for your consideration and discussion, at your August 3, 2004 council meeting, is the contract the City of Iowa City has with Prairie Waste Services, in Bettendorf, Iowa. For the 3 years prior to July 1, 2004 we had the contract, with the City of Iowa City, to haul their solid waste at designated sights. Sometime in 2004 this contract was let out for bid and we were not aware this was happening. The reason we did not know was due to the fact that we were not "on line" and could not check the city's web site for new bids. This problem has now been corrected, as evidenced by this email. There are 2 issues we would like to present to you for action: 1. The city is currently paying many thousands of dollars more for this service, with Prairie Waste, than they were paying with Hawkeye Waste. 2. More importantly, Prairie Waste is in violation of the contract they have signed, with the city. Please review Section III, subsection A, paragraphs 5 and 6 of the contract Prairie Waste signed. This requires haulers to take ALL solid waste they pick up from the city, to the Iowa City Landfill They are in violation of the contract and this contract with Prairie Waste should be terminated. We have documented facts that show Prairie Waste is hauling this to their own landfill, one of two they own, in the Illinois Quad Cities! They are taking the eity's money out of Johnson County and contributing nothing back in return. Prior to your August 3 council meeting, I will be meeting with the assistant city attorney of Iowa City, to inquire how this issue will be handled. If you have any questions or would like more detailed information, please call me at Hawkeye Waste Systems, 351-5932, or email me at k~ina~>wattstruc~g,com .. Kevin K. Aunan General Manager Hawkeye Waste Systems, Inc. 7/23/2004 Date: July 29, 2004 To: City Council From: Andy Matthews, Assistant City Attorney,~¢/~:?,~' Re: Hawkeye Waste Systems Inc. e-mail to Council Dated July 22, 2004 Included in your correspondence on the consent calendar is an e-mail addressed to the City Council from Kevin K. Aunan, General Manager of Hawkeye Waste Systems, Inc. regarding the contract the City presently has with Prairie Waste Service for solid waste pickup and disposal services at various Iowa City facilities. Prairie Waste Service was awarded the contract following receipt of competitive, sealed bids and covers the period from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006. In the e-mail, Mr. Aunan states that Prairie Waste Service is in violation of the contract entered into with the City. The applicable provision Mr. Aunan refers to is the provision in the contract (Section III(A)(5&6)) requiring Prairie Waste Service to dispose of the waste at the City's landfill under the rates then in effect at the landfill. City staff believes Mr. Aunan is correct in his claim that Prairie Waste Services is not complying with said requirement, and staff had been reviewing the matter for appropriate action even before Mr. Aunan's contact with the City. Part of the difficulties Prairie Waste Service has experienced relates to their past inability to use the City's Landfill Charge Account Agreement which permits approved waste haulers to charge such disposal fees on a monthly basis. The City has recently agreed to permit Prairie Waste Service to enter into such Landfill Charge Account Agreement, rather than pay on a cash basis for use of the City's landfill. With landfill charge privileges, Prairie Waste Service will hopefully comply with the terms of the contract. Nevertheless, since Prairie Waste System in not complying with the requirement in the contract to haul the City's waste to the City's landfill, City staff sent Prairie Waste System a letter notifying it that it is in default under the terms of the terms of the contract and gave the company ten days to cure the default, as required under the contract. If the default is not cured, the City may then terminate the contract, award it to the next lowest bidder, or re-bid it. If you have any questions about this matter, feel free to call me. cc: Stephen Atkins, City Manager Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Marian Karr, City Clerk Kevin O'Malley, Finance Director Erin Herring, Assistant Finance Director Rick Fosse, Public Works Director Dave Elias, Wastewater Division Superintendent .~ '3~ ('x,~ '[o) ,,Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: Kevin ^unan [KEVINA@wattstrucking.com] Sont: Tuesday, August 03, 2004 3:01 PM To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Prairie Waste Services Contract Council Members - Thank you for taking the time, out of a very busy schedule, to address the issue of the contract the city has with Prairie Waste Service. There are several pieces of information we are providing to enable you to be better informed, as you go to your meeting. 1. Should the city terminate Prairie Waste Service contract, they (Prairie) will remove their containers immediately and leave the city without service during any re-bidding process. We at Hawkeye Waste Systems, Inc. (a local company and an Iowa corporation), will provide all the necessary containers, at the sites requested, on the same day the request is placed, for the same rate we were charging in the past, until such time the re-bidding process is complete and a new contract awarded. 2. The city's response to my email infers the reason Prairie Waste Service wasn't dumping at the Iowa City Landfill was due to a poor credit rating, which caused the city to not grant them monthly charging privileges. There is nothing in the contract, which states that you must have good credit in order to get monthly charging privileges. The language states that you must dump at the Iowa City Landfill, period. If that requires you to pay cash every load, then so be it! We speak from experience on this issue because our monthly charging privileges were suspended, for awhile, and we had to pay cash for every load. Do not be mislead on this issue, Prairie Waste Service, was/is, completely aware of the policy the city has on this issue and was/is fully aware they were required to pay cash. 3. Hawkeye Waste Systems, Inc. is a local company, with local memberships in the Chamber of Commerce; Better Business Bureau; Homeowners Association; and a contributor to many other civic projects and programs, office and shop in Coralville, paying local and county taxes, employing local people who spend their money in this community. On the other hand, Prairie Waste Service is not a local company, does not have offices or shop in this community, does not pay any local or county taxes, and does not employ local people who would spend their money in this community. Again, thank you for, not only the time you afford this issue, but the time you devote to running this community. It is a lot of work and major time commitment! Thankyou. Kevin K. Aunan General Manager Hawkeye Waste Systems 8/3/2004 Marian Karr From: Colin Gordon [colin-gordon@uiowa.edu] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 12:18 PM To: steve-nasby@iowa-city,org; cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: economic development set-aside, CDBG funds Go~on_CDBG A~l-46359.txt funding.pdf July 21, 2004 To Iowa City Council, Planning and Community Development, Thank you for the opportunity, in the forum held July 21, to provide public input on the proposed economic development portion of the "City Steps" framework for the expenditure of Come, unity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. I have attached a written version of comments. Colin Gordon 1122 Rochester Iowa City *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** July 21, 2004 To Iowa City Council, Planning and Community Development, Thank you for the opportunity, in the forum held July 21, to provide public input on the proposed economic development portion of the "City Steps" framework for the expenditure of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. This note puts to paper both my comments at that forum, and my sense of the general thrust of the other public comments. The national and local mandate of the CBDG program is to serve the needs of those of low and moderate incomes. I am opposed to any local set-aside of CBDG funds for three reasons: economic development for three reasons, each of which I elaborate on below: 1) there are pressing needs elsewhere, 2) there are already sufficient local, state, and federal sources of economic development assistance 3) there are, asit stands, insufficient standards governing the sortsofbusiness or employment covered by any economic development funds.. CDBG is a shrinking source of funds. Iowa's share of these funds fell by more than half ($75 million to $31 million) between 1983 and 2003. And the local claim on CDBG funds has slipped from over $1 million in 1995 to barely $800,000 in 2004. Future funding (projected by the Congressional Budget Office and others) promise further cuts of as much as 20 percent by 2009. At the same time, demands by conventional CDBG clients (housing and social service organizations) have never been more urgent. Wages growth has been negligible in recent years (the minimum wage is worth about 75% of its 1983 value). Housing costs continue to rise. Fully one-third oflowa households cannot afford to pay the fair-market-rent for a 2 bedroom apartment. And yet the funding for things like affordable housing is shrinking - whittled away at one end by declining federal commitments, and at the other by local set-asides for economic development programs. If, in the face of these competing demands, the City sees fit to set aside a portion of its CDBG funds for economic development, it should set firm and transparent standards that are in keeping with CDBG's mandate to assist low and moderate income residents. We could approach these standards in one of two ways: First, we could establish a high wage threshold, in keeping with the broader spirit of economic development, that jobs subsidized by taxpayers not in turn create new burdens on public services or programs. A recent study commissioned by the Iowa Department of Economic Development established an hourly rate of $13.55 as the wage that enables workers (or their dependents) to get by without relying on other public programs (Hawk- I, reduced fee school lunches, etc). There are other such benchmarks out there: · The City's own economic development guidelines sets a floor at the federal poverty level for a family of 4 (about $11.00/hour); · The State's economic development set aside (State Code 261-23.17(15)) for CDBG uses the same county/regional wage threshold as its other economic development programs (in Johnson County, about $14.00/hr) · City Steps refers to a local "living wage" of about $17.00/hr. Second (and these are not mutually exclusive), we could establish a set of guidelines specifically crafted for those citizens (workers) targeted by CDBG. These might include: · A basicwage threshold · Provision ofhealthinsurance · Provision of training · Access to public transit · Requirements that subsidized employers partner with local social service agencies in hiring In sum, the expectations expressed in the July public forum are quite clear. Given the budgetary climate surrounding CDBG and the availability of other economic development programs, the City should think carefully about the best ways of serving the goals of CBDG and "City Steps." IfCBDG funds are siphoned off for economic development, they should be subject to high and transparent wage and job quality standards. Sincerely, Colin Gordon 1122 Rochester Avenue Iowa City, IA 351-4515 Marian Karr From: mjc [mcrane@lcom.net] Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:21 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: traffic why would iowa city even try to develop "dense housing" until it solves the traffic problems in the city. it is a big problem trying to get around in iowa city in an efficient and safe way. michael crane 7/23/2004 HAWKEYE AREA COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM, INC ~ a help up, not a hand out ~-~.C9 c__ · r- July 20, 2004 Mayor Lehman and Iowa City Council :~ '"' .c2p 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 co Mayor and Council Persons: Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Inc. (HACAP) recently received a HOME grant from the Housing and Community Development Commission in the round of funding to begin July 1, 2004. HACAP would like to ask that the monthly payments associated with the loan be waived. The HOME funding was requested to purchase two condominiums, in approved areas of Iowa City, which will replace two trailers located in the Hilltop Trailer Court. The costs associated with operating the trailers have become very uneconomical. Our objective is to minimize the overhead costs and to further disperse supportive housing units in the community. The units are operated under HUD's Supportive Housing Program. HUD has not given grantees a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase in the past five years. An optimistic outlook for the next round of funding is a zero increase. The State of Iowa has also reduced funding to HACAP under the Homeless Shelter Operations Grants and the Emergency Housing Grants by 50% - these funds were used to offset the utility costs for housing in Iowa City. Over the last five years HACAP has been putting steps in place to lower operations costs. The condominium purchase is the final step in that process. The previous steps in upgrading the housing in the Transitional Housing Rural America program in Iowa City were all under loans without payments. In last year's round of funding we acquired two units in our Local Transitional Housing Program and we are making payments on that loan because they are wrapped in with the programming involved with our purchase of 18 units from the City of Iowa City which HACAP is also making payments to the city. To make the payments on this HOME grant would reduce our ability to provide support services to the family under this grant from HUD. HACAP believes this program is a valuable asset serving homeless families with children that are under 30% of the median income in Iowa City. These families present many 1515 Hawkeye Drive PO Box 490 Hiawatha, Iowa 52233 ph 319-393-7811. fx 319-393-6263 ~ email hacap@hacap.org www hacap.org AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AGENCY A MEMBER OF THE UNITED WAY barriers and are usually the most difficult families to serve. The intensive in-home counseling strives to help families reach self-sufficient, while providing age appropriate services for their children. Families are required to work 30 hours a week, meet with their counselor, and attend monthly Consumer Education meetings. The local Housing Services Coordinator makes regular property inspections to insure that the families are maintaining a clean and safe environment. Thank you for your consideration of this request. If you have any questions I will be available to meet with you at any time. Allan L. Axeen --/ Housing Services Cc: Don maniccia Steve Atkins Steve Nasby Matt Hayek July 20, 2004 0LDCAPIIOL Ernie Lehman Tr )WN (il N I ~-iR Mayor 410 E Washington St. City of Iowa City Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Emie: Several months ago we talked about the possibility of converting the metered parking along Clinton Street adjacent to the mall to 15-30 minute meters. Since our conversation, we have signed leases with Hills Bank and Gazette Communications. Both businesses have expressed that they too would like the meters along the mall shortened, and the Gazette's lease is in fact contingent on working through parking issues. Shortening the meters would allow customers of these businesses (as well as other stores on Clinton Street) to park closely if they are conducting quick transactions. The quicker turnover of the meters would allow more people to get in and out quickly. At this time, we would like to make a formal request that this change be submitted to the City Council for approval. If you have any questions or need anything further, please contact me at 631-0548. General Manager cc: Joe Fowler, City of Iowa City JeffDavidson, City of Iowa City John Benson, Hills Bank & Trust ~ ~ c_ Chuck Peters, Gazette Communications '- Marian Karr From: Ross Trethewey [rtS@post.queensu.ca] Sent: Friday, July 23, 2004 4:50 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Construction and Street Closures Dear Councillor: I am on the Iowa City mailing list and received the following press release. I have one question: Are motorists the only road users in Iowa City? In Kingston our municipal government uses the phrase "Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists are encouraged to follow detour signs .... Maybe you can convince Iowa City to be more inclusive in their press releases. Thank you Ross Trethewey Kingston, Ontario, Canada Ross Trethewey e-mail : rt8 at post.queensu.ca Queen's Physical Education Centre Home Laundry (613) 533-6000 Ext 77796 (613) 542-7104 (613) 546-9030 > > Date: Fri, 23 Jul 2004 16:33:53 -0500 > From: "web@icgov.org" <web@icgov.org> > Reply-To: webmaster@iowa-city.org > To: "rt8@post.queensu.ca" <rt8@post.queensu.ca> > Subject: ICGov2U: Construction and Street Closures > > News from the City of Iowa City > > Title : ROAD CONSTRUCTION - MAIDEN LANE > Release Date : Friday, July 23, 2004 > Release Time : 4:33:00 PM > Originating Department : Engineering > Contact Person : Tim Wadsworth, Maxwell Construction > Contact Number : 319-354-5858 > > > Beginning on Monday, July 26, 2004, Maiden Lane from Court Street south to > Harrison Street, traffic will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic. > This lane reduction is necessary in order to facilitate a water main > installation at the Sanctuary. It is anticipated that Maiden Lane will reopen to > normal traffic on Friday, July 30th. Access to businesses to businesses in the > area will be maintained at all times ! > Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time or to seek an alternate > route during this time period. As always, caution should be exercised when > driving through all construction areas. > > For the updated information on road construction in Iowa City, visit the City of > Iowa City's website at > <a > href http://www.iowa-city.org/works/roadconstruction.asp>http://www.iowa -city.or > g/works/roadconstruction.asp</a> > > > To subscribe and unsubscribe from ICGov email releases click here : > http://www.icgov.org/subscribe.asp > > To view the City Jobs page click here : > http://www.icgov.org/jobs.asp Marian Karr From: Jeff Davidson Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 2:57 PM To: 'jwarneria@earthlin k. net' Cc: *City Council; *City Manager's Office; Anissa Williams; Marcia Klingaman Subject: FW: Traffic on Highland Avenue Hello John. You message below was forwarded to me for response. There is somewhat of a history to traffic issues on Highland Ave. In the late 1980's the City Council at that time directed the traffic control that you see on Kirkwood Avenue to be installed. It has been reconsidered twice by subsequent City Councils, and the decision made both times to keep it in place. It has long been felt by some of your neighbors that the all-way stops on Kirkwood contribute to speeding cut-through traffic on Highland. The City has a traffic calming program which your neighborhood decided to participate in aprroximately 8 years ago. Chicanes were installed on Highland Ave to slow down vehicles. They did exactly that, and there was such widespread unhappiness that that they were removed after about 6 weeks. Some in your neighborhood liked them and some didn't, but the general public was very unhappy about the chicanes. You are free to pursue the traffic calming program again if you would like; let us know and we can send you a brochure. A traffic circle as you noted at the Sun~it/College intersection could be evaluated through this program. ?he valley gutters at the Highland Avenue intersections in your neighborhood function somewhat as traffic calming devices. In spite of the fact that there are some stop signs in town that are used for speed control, this is not an appropriate use of a stop sign, and we would not support such a use on Highland Ave. Inappropriately placed stop signs are a hazard to children, pedestrians and bicyclists because vehicles do not stop at them, they just roll through. If you can give me an idea of when you perceive the issue of speeding vehicles on Highland being most critical, we can work with the Police Department on spot speed control (enforcement). This is by far the most effective means of getting motorists to slow down. Thanks for your message. Jeff Davidson, Traffic Engineering Planning. ..... Original Message From: Dale Helling Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:42 AM To: Jeff Davidson Subject: FW: Traffic on Highland Avenue Jeff, Please respond & cc Council. Thanks. -Dale ..... Original Message ..... From: John Warner [mailto:jwarneria@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 10:34 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Traffic on Highland Avenue Hello: My name is John Warner, and I live at 1023 Highland Avenue. Since purchasing my home two years ago, I have become increasingly concerned about the traffic on Highland. I am most concerned about the speed of the cars on 1 Highland, as there are many children and pets that live in this residential neighborhood. As you may know, there are no stop signs between Keokuk Street and Sycamore Street. I believe that as a result, drivers feel more free to speed over this long (more than eight blocks) stretch. I would like to suggest that at least one stop sign be placed on Highland Avenue between Keokuk and Sycamore. Alternatively, perhaps a traffic (or pedestrian) circle--like the one at the corner of College and Summit streets--be constructed somewhere along this uninterrupted stretch. Thank you for your consideration. Marian Karr From: the3rdiowa~mchsi.com Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2004 1:59 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Des Moines City Council Approves Resolution Please note, for your information, the news story from the DM Register below concerning Des Moines City Council passing a resolution in opposition to the Patriot Act. Also note the last sentence where the action of the last city council here last fall were acknowledged. Garry Klein BORDC-Iowa City Chapter Council opposes Patriot Act An opponent says the federal law has made law enforcement more efficient. By JASON CLAYWORTH REGISTER STAFF WRITER July 27, 2004 Des Moines City Council members Monday passed a resolution that opposes the Patriot Act. Congress approved the act after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It has been criticized by civil rights activists who say it gives government authorities the ability to override constitutional rights and conduct secret investigations. "I believe this act endangers our most basic rights," said Ruth Anne Petrak, president of the Des Moines branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Des Moines' resolution says the city is in opposition to investigations of people based on political activities protected by the First P~endment. The resolution also opposes "indefinite incarceration of noncitizens based on mere suspicion of terrorist activity." One portion of the act requests each of the city's public libraries to post a warning that records of materials people borrow could be obtained by federal agents. Matthew Whitaker, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, urged the council to vote against the resolution. The Patriot Act has helped law enforcement officials become more efficient, and people erroneously believe the act sacrifices constitutional rights, he said. "It (the resolution) will send the wrong message to people who want to harm you, me and our children," Whitaker said. Des Moines Police Chief Bill McCarthy also urged the council to vote against the resolution. "Our personal freedoms are paramount, but our lives are worth something, too," McCarthy said. Council members Christine Hensley, Chris Coleman and Bob Mahaffey voted in opposition of the resolution. Members Archie Brooks, Frank Cownie, Michael Kiernan and Tom Vlassis voted in support. "I think the Patriot Act has been abused," Vlassis said. The request to pass the resolution in opposition to the Patriot Act was added to the council agenda by the American Friends Service Committee. More than 160 city and state governments have passed similar resolutions, according to information from the National Conference for Community and Justice. Iowa City officials last year wrote a letter to congressional leaders outlining concerns about the Patriot Act and, in March, Ames passed a similar resolution. City of Iowa City August 3, 2004 Dear City Council, Thank you for your support of the 2004 Iowa City Jazz Festival. The City of Iowa City has always been a major financial supporter and helpful partner of the Jazz Fest. In addition to the City Council, I would like to recognize some of the city employees who have been helpful to us these past few years including Andy Rocca (fire), Officer Tim Widner (police), Rick and John (streets), Chris O'Brian (parking), and Sheri Thomas (parks and rec). I would also like to remind everyone that the Iowa City Jazz Festival has become an important tradition in lowa City. We have been here for 13 plus years and t4 actual Festivals. We have grown both in size and stature as time has past. We are recognized nationally as one of the finest free events of our kind and have won numerous local awards including the "Best of Award" (voted by the readers of the press-Citizen) the past three years running. The economic impact of the festival is hard to gauge, but according to Josh and the folks at the CVB, the estimated impact of the Iowa City Jazz Festival these past years totals somewhere around 10 million dollars in tourist money spent. This includes Hotels- Motels, shopping, food, drinks, gas and money spent at the actual event. The Jazz Festival has finally found its ideal location- the Pentacrest. The move to the Pentacrest required new additional costs that were deemed necessary by all. Bigger and better staging, lights, sound, generators, etc. but for the first time in history of the event we are in debt. ($9,000.00 +). There are two major factors contributing to this situation. 1. Lack of State Grant money. The Festival received approximately $20,000 in 2002 and $22, ,000 in 2003 in Grant money from the State of Iowa. All of that is gone. Even if we had been cut 50% the Jazz Fest would not be in debt. 2. Rain...Friday & Saturday was bad. We estimated a loss in product sales, water and ice at around $4,000.00 So, I am asking the City for help on this one time deficit. The Board is looking at new sources of revenue and all possible ways to prevent this situation in the future. -SfevetGl5 smor'e/Dir~'~tor/358-9346 Iowa City Jazz Festival PO Box 10054 Iowa City, IA 52240