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Home My WebLink About1996-09-24 Correspondence NancF Foo~ner 1829 Frlendsl~ip Iowa City, IA 52245 9- ~9-96 Maye: Naomi Novick City Council City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 5224o Dear Mayor Novick, It is with deep regret that I must announce my resignation from the Design Review Committee due to unavoidable time conflicts with my work schedule. It has been an honor to serve on this committee and I feel that a great ¢teal has been accomplished during my time of service. I am optimistic for the future direction of tt:e committee and for our community for which it serves. Sincerely, Nancy Foother 1996 · September 13,/ ~'j~ ~ o_.4~ Jeff B. McClurff', P.E. Iowa City/~neering Division Dear Mr.///McClure: My husband and I have lived at 3328 Shamrock Drive for 19 years and have greatly enjoyed our pleasant, quiet neighborhood. A primary factor in that enjoyment has been the tree lined creek that runs behind our property. In fact, when we were looking for a home in Iowa City nearly 20 years ago we decided to live here rather than elsewhere precisely BECAUSE of the creek and the trees. Over the years the lower part of the creek has at times caused the back yards to be wet. Some of our neighher's yards have been wetter for longer periods of time than have others. Their fiustration is understandable, and like them we would like to find a solution to this problem (please refer to my husband Bn~ce Randali's letter for specific proposals). There are several reasons for not desiring any of the projects that have thus far been presented to us and our neighbors as solutions to this problem. First, 1 believe that the erosion control at the culvert entrance only option does not alleviate the flooding experienced in the neighborhood. Second, both of the two large projects call for sacrificing a large number of trees in our back yards. In one scenario, around 100 trees would be uprooted. We have been told that the lost trees would be replaced one-to-one. This sounds nice, but many of the trees that would be sacrificed are large and cannot easily be replaced. Also, the trees provide us with so many benefits, first and foremost is the provision of oxygen, our very life's breath. Second, the trees provide habitat for several species orbitals as well as lbr the numerous squirt'els that are so much fun to watch especially on cold ranter days. The trees provide cooling shade on hot sunny days (and help decrease our air conditioning costs). Their root systems help stabilize the creek banks thus preventing erosion. Then there is the aesthetic quality that trees provide; a tree is a thing of beauty year round. Wildlife other than birds and squirrels populate the creek drainage way: a pair of ducks live there, as well as a pair of muskrats, minnows and many interesting water bugs. A final reason for not wanting either of the two large projects in my back yard is economic The open channel option is estimated to cost at least $200,000 for constn~ction. The other option, piping the creek, is estimated to cost at least $500,000 in construction costs alone. This is a very high price to pay when other less intrusive options that will work well are available. We believe that there are solutions to the water problem that have not been considered. The options outlined in my husband's letter would be feasible, and would prevent much of the flooding, at a much lower cost to the taxpayers oflowa City. We live in a drainage way and like our neighbors we frequently have a wet lower backyard when we have a lot ofrain, but the two major projects that have thus far been proposed are too costly both environmentally and economically. We urge you to seriously consider other, more intermediate options such as outlined in Bmce's letter. Thank you for your lime. Sincerely, Christina Randall, Ph.D. 3328 Shamrock Dr. ce: City Council cc: Steve Arkins, City Manager cc: Erica Cooper, Neighborhood Services cc: Rick Fosse, Engineering Division September 13, 1996 JeffB. McClufk, P.E. ' ~ Iowa City~gineefing division Dear M./~M cClu;e: I am writing in regards to the proposed creek project(s) in the Shamrock Drive - Friendship Street neighborhood. In the mid-1980's a project was undertaken to alleviate backyard flooding. That design was under-engineered and the two new options of the buffed pipe and the open channel are, in my estimmion, extremely over-engineered. 1 find those two options totally unacceptable. The upper stream bed which was not "improved" in the 1980's is very nearly adequate for all but the heaviest downpours. Most "overflow" in the upper stream bed is due to the combination of the run-offfrom our own property and the back up from the inadequate flow down stream in the "improved" lower stream bed. The original modifications replaced the small culvert under Shamrock Drive with a rnuch larger diameter culvert. This new culvert is quite adequate for any storm as long as the grate is kept clear of debris. The area around the mouth of the culvert and around the bend were tip-rapped with large stones placed over a cloth. This might have been a good solution if the lower part of the stream had not been "improved." The improvement to the lower stream bed was to place large rocks in the stream bed as had been done around the curve. This produced a non-eroding bed which had a considerably smaller carrying capacity than the original stream-bed. I told the engineers at that time, that the capacity was too small and if that was how it was to be continued upstream, I did not want it done to the stream behind our house. The current situation is such that during a good rain storm the water and silt flowing from the upper part of this stream is flowing at about 5 feet per second until it reaches the rip-rapped area of the stream. At this point the water flows over the adjacent property because the stream bed is so small. This spreading out of the water also slows the overall stream flow and allows the silt to be deposited on the rip-rap. Since the improvement project of the 1980's the lower part of the stream is almost non-existent Jn some places due to this silting process. This spreading out ofthe water has also caused a back flow of water around the curve and has hastened the erosion of soil at the curve. I said at the beginning that I think that two of the options for new construction are extremely over engineered. This stream now drains only 175 acres, down from the original 300 acres when we first moved into this house in 1977. The designs call for a capacity of 300 cubic feet of water per second. This corresponds to a steady rainfall o£ 40.8 inches in 24 hours over the 175 acres. At this rate of rainfall I calculate that the back 20 feet of our property would accumulate a foot of water just from the rain falling on my p_t_operty in one hour. A more realistic estimate for design would be to assume a range of 8 to 12 inches of rain in 24 hours. I know this figure sounds very high as it corresponds to 20% to 30% of our annual precipitation falling in just one day. The upper part of the stream is now capable of handling a flow of about 60 cubic feet per second and if the lower part of the stream had the rock removed and was deepened/widened to a similar dimension to the upper part or like it was before the 1980's improvements it could also handle such a flow. This would allow the stream to flow smoothly and would adequately take care of up to an 8 inch rain in 24 hours. If this is not sufficient, then the whole length of the stream could be dug out to increase it's capacity by 50% to accommodate a 12 inch rain., I personally don't think this latter suggestion is needed or is economically justifiable. With a very heavy rain, the runoff from one's own property is going to make the back yard wet and no amount of engineering of the stream bed will prevent this from happening. The new stream bed should not be rip-rapped but should be allowed to erode to it's natural dimensions within reasonable limits. The banks should be stabilized with live willow stakes until other vegetation can be established. The natural stream will be able to return to it's normal state with the establishment of the natural flora and fauna already found in the upper part of the stream. The upper part of the stream has increased it's capacity by about 20% in the last 19 years and the lower part will reach a natural equilibrium within a similar time frame. Erosion control at the culvert entrance must be taken care of to protect the nearby property. Another improvement needed at the culvert and curve in the stream is the addition of a drain down stream of the stream bed near the lowest point to funnel the water into the stream so that the runoff water below the stream is drained off without eroding the stream bank near the curve. I urge you to consider these and/or similar intermediate options to decreasing flooding in this neighborhood. 1 have been watching this stream in action from the view point of a scientist for over 19 years. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to telephone me at 335-1939 during the day, or at 351-1974 in the evenings. Thank you for your time. Respectfully, Bruce A. Randall, BA, MS, Ph.D., Physics 3328 Sliamrock Drive Iowa City, IA 52245 cc: Erica Cooper, Neighborhood Services cc: Rick Fosse, Iowa City City Engineering Division cc: Steve Arkins, City Manager ce: City Council members September 18, 1996 Mr. & Mrs. Randall 3328 Shamrock Drive Iowa City. IA 52245 CITY OF I0 WA CITY Re: Friendship St./Shamrock Drive Creek Channel Improvement Project Dem' Mr. & Mrs. Randall, Thank you for responding to the meeting that was held on September 4, 1996. I appreciate the time and effort invested in your letters. I will attempt to respond to the statements made in your letters regarding the proposed project listed above. First of all, let me reiterate the guidelines used by the Engineering Division for the proposed project. It has been our understanding from the neighborhood meetings that the majority of the property owners favor maximum flood protection. Also, due to a resurgence of concern for flooding following the 1984 improvements, a long term solution was considered so that this would not be an issue in another ten years. Therefore, an optimum water conveyance system was designed that would greatly reduce the amount of backyard flooding that occurs in the neighborhood. There are intermediate options that are an improvement from the current condition of this creek, however, they do not provide maximum flood protection. The amount of tree removal required for the proposed channel and pipe options is unfortunate. As you know, in an attempt to treat all property owners fairly, the creek channel improvements were centered on the back property lines which requires the removal of additional trees. Regarding Mr. RandaWs letter, I have responded to it on a paragraph by paragraph basis. P1. The buried pipe and open channel options presented are intended to greatly reduce backyard flooding along the entire creek. The designs were based upon conservative flow rate values for a 100-year storm. P2. It is the heaviest downpours that we are designing for in order to prevent backyard flooding. P3. True, the grate is a big source of the flooding problems and prevents the existing culvert from performing at its capacity. As long as the grate is in place, there is a potential for flooding, no matter what size the channel. The buried pipe option will 410 EAST WASHENOTOI,~ STREET * IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240-1826 · (319) 3!1§-5000 · FAX (319) 356-S009 eliminate the need for the grate and allow the existing culvert to perform at its capacity. The proposed channel is of a larger capacity than that constructed in 1984. P4. True, it is also my understanding that the creek channel needs to have increased capacity. P5. The Engineering Division staff members who worked on the hydrology calculations are interested in seeing the materials and methods you used in determining your figures. The flow rate value we used for design is an averaged number based upon values obtained from the Rational Method, the SCS TR-55 Method, previous engineering calculations by private and public engineers, mid field data. P6. See comment P5. P7. See comment P5. P8. See comment P5. P9. As stated at the neighborhood meeting, the open channel option does not include rip-rap. It is a combination of grass embankments and reno mattresses that have greater stability and lower flow resistance than conventional rip-rap. Again, it was my direction to provide a stable, improved drainage system for the long term. P10. Final design oftIris project, whether buried pipe or open channel, would include the use of yard intakes and drainage tile to drain low areas. P 11. There are many aitematives that could be considered for this area. The level of flood protection favored by the neighborhood would determine the design. As stated earlier, the proposed buffed pipe and open channel options are designed for maximum flood protection. I hope this explains the approach that the Engineering Division has taken up to this point. Further discussion of this project with the involvement of the City Council will occur and I will keep you, as well as the entire neighborhood, informed. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Iowa City Engineering Division CC: Steve Atkins, City Manager Rick Fosse, City Engineer Jeff Davidson, Asst. Director, PCD Erika Cooper, Neighborhood Services, PCD c:~'nsofficc[winwordXprojccts~shamrock~andall 1 .doc September 11, 1996 City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear City Council Members: This letter is written regarding the flooding in Abbey Lane and environs. Last year I attended several meeting before last year'$ City Council regarding the new development located at Rohret and Mormon Trek. One of our strong and main concerns regarding the development was that it would lead to increased flooding as lands there to absorb water would be paved over. Developer "Engineers" assured us and the City Council that a retaining pond located at the south end of the project would solve this problem. Although this project was strenuously objected to by all without a finandal stake in the project, the City Council approved the project. In spite of this we continue to have flooding in the area which has increased in recent months. I now learn through our neighborhood organization that the city wishes to hire a consultant at $10,000 to study flooding in this area of the city. I object to this as I was under the impression that our flooding problems were solved by the retaining pond which has been constructed as part of that development. Since current construction has not ameliorated our flooding problem and in my opinion made it worse, I therefore urgently and respectfully request that there be a moratorium and further construction at that site be halted until an INDEPENDENT engineering firm can determine what precisely needs to be done. Further, I propose that the developers of this project be responsible for payment of any consulting fees and new construction costs related to flood control since they had assured the citizens of Iowa City that this construction plan would not contribute to the flooding in our neighborhood and indeed improve the situation. Thank you for your attention and consideration. Sincerely, Todd J. Janus 2302 Abbey Lane Iowa City, Iowa 522464506 Phone: (319) 354-22833 Fax: (319) 353-6808 E-Mail: todd-janus@uiowa.edu City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: To: From: Re: September 18, 1996 Steve Atkins, City Manager Rick Fosse, City Engineer ~ Mormon Trek / Abbey Lane Drainage Issues As you recall, at the public hearing for the Abbey Lane Trunk Sewer and KIWANIS Park Storm Water Improvements, a representative of the neighborhood asked that the City take a broader look at the storm water issues as they relate to the flooding of Mormon Trek Boulevard, Abbey Lane and private properties. The Council agreed to commit resources to study this issue. To this end, we have recently contracted with MMS Consultants to prepare a conceptual study of a regional storm water management facility west of Highway 218. In addition to hydraulics and hydrology, the conceptual study will address open space, trails, sensitive areas, property/easement issues, and opportunities for financing and cost recovery. The cost of this work will be approximately $3000. On a related note, I recently reviewed correspondence from an Abbey Lane resident that expressed concern that the Mormon Trek Village storm water management facility did not remedy the problems noted above. This was not the intent of that facility. As with other developer installed facilities, that basin was designed to mitigate the impact of the Mormon Trek Village site only. It was not a regional facility. cc: Chuck Schmadeke RFCEIVEB SE? 'I 19 ' 82!-7th ~ '~' S. ~owa C~t~, IA 52240 Sept. lO, 1996 The Iowa City-City Council Councilors. I am appalled by the City Council's lack of action ~nd leadership in the statement at the beghming of Tuesday night's council ~eting would have been very appropriate...more than a week ago! The mayor should have been out in front with the police chief, mak~ that statement perhaps, and then letthiS Winklehake nmke his. ~he police chief and the city manager are not elected officials. They are hired administrators. We elect a city cottaell to direct the administrators. You people choose a mayor from among yourselves on the basis, one ~ould hope, of leadership skills and experience. ~at we heard during the past week was a deafening silence where the leadership should have been. If for some reason the mayor was unable to car~7 out leadership ~msponsibilities, then another member o£ the council should have picked up the ball, It is no wonder that people seem so m~ry with you as well as with the police. You have given a vez7 good impression of a city body flotmdertng with no head. Even if you had no ~ore information th~3~ anyone else, you should have at least given some indication that you were on top of it-that so~one ~as in charge. You o~n't fault Linda Woito entirely for her conm~nts when they were so widely disseminated ?/~cause the lawyers were the only people doh~ ~ly kind of ta]]~9~ ! As to the police department, surely you cannot believe that their own intended in-house review by their own people in a department this small can be sufficient. They setloudly need a review by ~n experienced di~lltlke. reo~t~ third party. ~e DCI will no doubt do a serious investigation of this incident, however, there are apparently allegations of a series of other .~]cidents involving IC police that min~nally would seem to indicate am attitude problem in their dealir~s with the citizenry that may have been buildbig toward this tragic incident. Certainly a chrome h'~ arrest policy that was lmpllmented about a year ago (if news reports are correct) needs some serious discussion and review. Besides urgi~ this outside review of the department, I strongly support the Citizens Review Committee proposed as an aid to addressing some of the problems with the IC police department, with the proviso that it include or at least have access to scn~ advisors from outside the city goverrment with expertise in police work m~d procedures. The Review Committee would provide: place for complaints regarding the police without the complainant havb~ to reinerr to lawyers to be seriously heard 2. a go-between to me~e the police aware o~ real or perceived p~blems buildh~ between the citizens ~d the police before they reach crisis proportions 3. a body with so~ official sinaction that could have access to info~ation and records t~at may be otherwise confidential~ for the poi~pose of doc~nenting trends o£ ab~se of authority, excessive force, or, at least overzealous behavior~ that might be indicated there. All of this is too late for Eric. It does not exonerate the city council from its aPRailing lack of leadership in this situation. It may however, help to m~ke people feel that something positive has come out of this to m~e t~t~s a little better. We need some decisive action to make it possible for everyone to have a reason to begJ~ to regain confidence in the city gover~nt and the police, and to begin to heal. Since ~nthia Otis Charlton September 14, 1996 Dear Iowa City citizens and officials, I have read about the Shaw/Crillaspie tragedy, attended both press conferences and the council meeting & I keep coming to the same conclusion. We ALL want the same thing. We all wish it had never, ever happened and we all want to prevent the situation from ever happening again. We all want to know the truth about August 30, we all want the police and citizens to have a trusting relationship, we all want safety on our streets, and we are all passionate about the situation in some way. We are called upon to rise above polarization and prove that Iowa City is an intelligent, caring, and progressive community. Together, from every walk of life, we need to unite in our goals and use our passion and hnmanity to begin healing because we have no other choice. We can't go back to that horrible night and change it. We owe it now to Efto's Shaw's memory, we owe it to the inviduals who make up our police force and we owe it the children in Iowa City and thus the future oflowa City, to turn violent actions and impassioned rhetoric into progress inspired by passion, compassion and unity of purpose. Let's start now, together. __ Sin~erely, 435 Elmridge Ave Iowa City, Iowa 52245 RECEIVED SEP 1 7 1996 34 7th Ave N. Iowa City, IA September 15, 1996 The Honorablc Naomi Novick Mayor, City of Iowa City 306 Mullin Ave. Iowa City, IA 52246 Re: Citizen Review Procedures Dear Mayor Novick: This letter is in response to your request, at the conclusion of last Tuesday's public hearing, for suggestions concerning the possible creation in 1owa Cits' of a citizen review board (CRB), Mthjurisdiction over allegations of police misconduct. I appreciate the difficulty of the current situation in Iowa City. I also appreciate the care and concern that you and your colleagues have shoxm in your approach to the citizen review issue I am xwiting as a long time resident of Iowa City (28 years), an occasional participant in City government ( a member of two City Charter Commissions and one term on the Board of Adjustment), and as a student of local government law and crilninal law, both subjects I have taught at the Umversity oflowa College of Law. It is in this latter capacity that l have reviewed the literature on the history,, structure, and effectiveness ofcitizen review boards in American cities and the relative roles of police departments and local legislative bodies in establishing policy regulating the use of force by municipal police officers. The folloxving observations, based on my review of the literature, may be relevant to your consideration of the citizen review issues currently before City Council: 1. In terms of the formulation of pohce policy on the use of force and the adjudication of citizen colnplaints of police misconduct, the long-standing autonomy of the Iowa City Police Department is consistent with widespread practice in American cities. Autonomy for local pobce forces emerged from a reform movement in the 1940's and 1950's to shield the police froIn the often corrupting influence of elected officials m large cities. The goal of the autonomy reform was an increased professionalis~n, integrity, and effectiveness of municipal police forces. By and large that reform movement ~s considered to have been successful in extracting local police from the vagaries of local politics and corruption. 313 1 2. Since the 1970's, a counter trend of increasing citizen oversight and review of police practices has developed in America's cities. More than sixty cities currently have some form of citizen review in cases involving allegations of police misconduct. The trend toward citizen review is also strong in English-speaking countries abroad. 3. The two principal strategies for increasing citizen oversight of police practices are (a) some form of civilian review of complaints of police misconduct (through an ombudsperson or citizen review board), and Co) a more proactive role for elected officials both in setting police policy and in the adjudication of individual complaints of police misconduct. Because citizen review boards and ombudpersons serve only in advisory capacities, an enhanced role for the municipal legislature is crucial if the existing tradition of nearly complete police autonomy is to be changed. 4. The relative success or failure of review procedures that are "external" to the police department depends pr/marily on their perceived legitimacy in the eyes of the general community, the local legislature and executive officer, and probably most importantly in the eyes of the swom members of the municipal police department. Initially police officers tend to resist moves toward external review, but the level of resistance generally declines ifpolice officers accused of misconduct are treated fairly and their individual rights are recognized and respected. 5. Probably the most important factors in reducing complaints of police misconduct in the use of force are the rules of engagement that define the circumstances in which both deadly and nondeadly force may be used, and the acceptance of the reasonableness of those rules by the officers who are expected to follow them. 2 6. Citizen review procedures in individual cases involving citizen complaints can take many forms, which vary principally in terms of who is responsible for (a) case investigation and fact finding, (b) adjudication and disciplinary recommendations, and (c) final decision and appeal within the municipal government structure. The follow/ng outline indicales the division of authority for four possible decision making models, with the following abbreviations: Police Department (PD); Police Chief(PC); Ombudsperson (OM); Citizen Review Board (CRB); City Manager (CM); City Council (CC). A. B. C. D. Model lnv. & Fact Recommendations Final Name Finding Decision l.Ombuds- person PD OM to PC/CIW PC ,CM, or CC CC (a CRB could take the place of an individual OM) 2.Automatic CRB Review PD PC to CRB & CRB to CM/CC CM or CC 3.Appellate Review to CRB PD PC to CM CM or CC with appeal to CRB possible by complainant. lfthere is an appeal, CRB to CM/CC 4.Fully External CRB Review CRB CRB to CM/CC CM or CC ( Under each of these models, the final disciplinary decision would normally be made by the City Manager or City Council. If the City Council choose to be the final decision maker, it could act in all cases or only in the event of an appeal by a disciplined officer or a dissatisfied civilian complainant. These changes may require modifications of existing local law regulating the appeal and final disposition of disciplinary actions. Also, more than one decision making model could operate, with the complainant, given the choice of the system he or she prefers; finally, investigation and fact finding in an individual case could be jointly conducled by both sworn officers and CRB members and/ or staff.) 3 7. Other important issues concern: a. The composition of the CRB. There appears to be a consensus that it should include sworn officers ( normally not from the local police force, i.e., officers who are retired or employed in another community), local citizens, and individuals with legal expertise. b. The role of the police department, the City Manager, and City Council in the selection of the members of the CRB. c. The number and qualifications of CRB staff. d. With whom should citizen complaints be filed? Consensus: outside the police department. e. The CRB's role as conciliator as distinguished from its role as an adjudicator. Syste~ns that rely on non-adversarial modes ofresolving disputes appear to work best. f. If, and when, the CRB should conduct hearing (public and/or closed). g. Should the CRB have subpoena power? h. The cost of implementing each of the decision making models and the extent to which each may affect the city's potential exposure in civil litigation by agbwieved citizens. I. What should be the degree of confidentiality of the established proceeding and the resulting evidence and findings? Ifyou consider it useful, 1 would be glad to consult with City Council and any other City officials working on this project. Sincerely yours, David C. Baldus 335-9012(o) 4 338-4071(r) c.c. Councilors Larry Baker Karen Kubby Ernie Lehman Dee Norton Dean Thomberry Dee Vanderhoef Stephen J. Atkins, City Manager Linda Woito, City Altomey R. J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police 5 34 7th Ave N. Iowa City, IA, 52245 September 18, 1996 The Honorable Naomi Novick Mayor, City of loxva C~ty 306 Mullin Ave. Iowa City-, IA 52246 Re: Citizen Review Procedures Dear Mayor Novick: I attended Tuesday's City Council working meeting on the citizen review issue and want to thank the Council for its focus, energy., and openness on the issue. I also thought the City Manager's presentation focused lucidly on the key issues. The Council clearly appears to be moving in the right direction. l am xvriting to underscore t~vo points that were raised m your meeting and to consider where the proposals you are considering are likely to ta~e us A. Competence Tile first issue concerns the competence ofthe citizen reviexv board's (CRB). members and staffers to do the jobs contemplated for them Specificall.%,, their competence: I. to recommend substantive police department policy, 2. to investigate allegations of police misconduct, 3. to conduct contested hearings involving claims against police officers in a manner that respects their fights to fair treatment, 4. to assess the propriety and legality of police conduct m individual cases, and 5 to recommend discipline for offending officers that is both proportionate to the severity of the misconduct involved and even handed visa vis the discipline of other officers found guilty of similar misconduct Some concern xvas expressed at your meeting about these issues and properly so. The perceived competence of the CRB in handling these issues can significantly affect the credibility and legitimacy of the entire system in the eyes of the community at large, but particularly in the eyes of the members of our police department. The experience w~th c~tizen review in other cities indicates that the long term support of the police is critical to the overall prospects of success. If police morale is adversely affected to a significant degree, citizen review could actually increase the division between the police force and the rest of the community To avoid this possibility, it is important that the system adopted is sensitive to the concerns of the police on such issues as the composition of the CRB, and the manner in which it investigates and adjudicates contested claims of police misbehavior As for the composition of the CRB, I think it would be useful to consider a good representation of people (perhaps one-third) with a history. of police experience, although not officers on the current Iowa City force. At least at the outset, the CRB will need professional and informed judgment about police practices and policies from members with police expertise. This practice has produced good results in other jurisdictions wilh citizen review. Expert advisors and witnesses in individual cases are no substitute for the participation on the board of people xvith police expertise, and to a lesser extent legal expertise. As for concerns that police professionals on the CRB would bias the system m favor of the police, the general perception on the Rodney King case is relevant. It ~s that the police officer defendants who assaulted Rodney King and were acquitted by aju~y of ordinary citizens, xvould have been convicted in very short order by a trial of their police officer peers. As the CRB develops a tradition and reputation for competence and fairness, the participation of board members with police expertise may become less important But in the short run, I think it is likely to be very important in bringing the police department along with the program. This consideration may also suggest a sunset pro,,ision with a reviexv of the program after four or five yearn. B. CRB Authority .On the issue of the CRB's decision making authority in indivtdual cases (a concern expressed at Tuesday's meeting), l consider it important that the board be given explicit authority not only to make findings of fact, but also to make conclusory findings of whether (a) there was "misconduct" under the department's rules and any applicable state or federal law, and (b) in the event of a finding of misconduct, to recommend with particularity, the discipline that should be imposed by the City. C Appeals Current law focuses on ;.he rights of a disciplined officer to appeal, if he or she is dissatisfied with the discipline imposed This is understandable because the existing structure was established with the interests of employees primarily in mind. In the context ofc~vilian rewexv, however, the focus also needs to embrace the civilian complainant who is dissatisfied xvith a decision of the CRB or the administrator (police chief or city manager), xvho is responsible for the final decision. In such a situation, it may be useful to consider the possibility on an appeal (a) to the City Manager (if the 2 police chief is the final decision maker), or (b) to the Council or the Civil Service Commission, if the City Manager makes the ftnal decision, D. The Future? On the basis of the experience in other cities, what can we reasonably expect froin citizen review over the near term, say two to four years, if Iowa City adopts the system that appears to be emerging I believe the answer depends in important part, on the extent to which the Iowa City police accept the legitimacy of the system that is established and they are willing to cooperate in its administration. /he answer will also depend on the competence and judgment of the people given the citizen oversight responsibilities and the extent to which the CRB has sufficient resources to do the job. Assuming these conditions are met, I think xve can expect s~gnificant citizen input on police policy and an emerging consensus on tbe appropriate rules of engagement with citizens, in general, and the use of rome (both deadly and nondeadly) by the police, in particular. As for the citizen complaints, I expect mixed results. We should see an increase in the number of complaints filed, as was suggested at Tuesday's meeting. Also many oF these complaints will probably be resolved by conciliation to the mutual satisfaction of bolh sides. However, I expect that very few coinplaints not resolved by conciliation are likely to result in findings ofpolice misconduct. The experience in other communities is that hearings on most contested complaints result in swearing contests between the officer and the citizen complainant. The mason for this is that the events giving rise to citizen complaints often have no other objective witnesses. It is for this reason that the burden of proof in contested cases is important. Also, police officers are often at an advantage in such proceeding because they are generally represented by legal counsel, while the citizen complainant usually is not. The rates of finding police misconduct in adjudicated cases are normally below 10 or 15 %. However, in spite of such a record, I believe that if the procedures adopted by the ci.ly are perceived to be fair to both the citizen complainants and the officers involved, we should see a sharp decline in the level ofmistrust in the current system and an enhanced level oflegitimacy for the entire city government. 3 Sincerely yours, David C Baldus 335-9012(0) 338-4071(r) Stephen J. Arkins, Ci.ty Manager Linda Woito, City Attorney R. J. Winkelhake, ChiefofPolice 4 r I~ , ' ,..~.12 ': '; '" September 11, 1996 Naomi Novick Iowa City Mayor Civic Center Iowa City, IA 52240 Jim Gilmore 915 7th Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Novick, I have been following the cmrent situation in Iowa City concerning the shooting death of Eric Shaw. As a local business person, I read the local papers, listen to local radio and speak with a rather diverse cross section of Iowa City. Going way back, I also have experience as a retired officer in the U.S. Army, Vietnam era. I have been astounded by the lack of current Iowa City, Administrative, Police and Council leadership in dealing with what has finally expressed itself in a tragic situation. Where has the mayor been? Where has the city administrator been? Where has the police chief been? Apparently, the current vogue is to pick up the pay check and mn from the responsibility. Could it'possibly be that this glaring lack of leadership is one of the reasons that we are faced with this current situation? The police officer's job is not an easy one and requires community support and respect that is reciprocal. While in the military, I observed, first hand, situations involving violent death and the mishandling of the situations by people in command, leadership roles. What happened to the leaders who mishandled their roles? They were removed from their positions immediately. Perhaps this is too drastic a position to take in our current Iowa City setting, but 40 caliber bullets are pretty drastic. I hope that the community will move itself forward with all due speed towards a review board with oversight powers. We need police; the police need leadership and community support. Mrs. Mayor, City Council, Mr. City Administrator, step up and earn your keep. ely~ Jim Gilmore Date: Wed, 11 Sep 1996 20:20:37 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> To: mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, kkubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, jbolkcom@blue.weeg.iowa.edu, joe.bolkcom@pobox.com, d-yarbrough@uiowa.edu, arlys_hannam@prodigy.com Subject: 96 LTR 1 Police Support Letter To: City Clerk Karr; please transmit to: Mayor Novick t~ Manager Atkins: please transmit Police Chief Winkelhake Officers, Police Department City Councilor Kubby Copy to Johnson County Supervisor Bolkcom; please transmit to Sheriff Carpenter and Deputies and Supervisors Copy to University Heights Councilor Yarbrough: please transmit to University Heights Council and Officer Gary McCune Copy to Coralville Administrator Hayworth: please transmit to Chief Bedford, officers, and Council From: Professor Emeritus John Arthur Nesbitt, Ed.D. 362 Koser Avenue, University Heights, Iowa 52246-3038 -- 319/337-7578 Re: Support of Officers and Deputies: Heights, and Johnson County. Iowa City, Coralville, University As a resident of University Heights and Johnson County and neighbor of Iowa City and of Coralville since 1972 I have had the opportunity to know and observe Heights, Iowa City, Coralville, and Johnson County law enforcement officers on a continuing basis. I have known them as a person complaining about observation of serious problems such as drug use in the area, as a driver with minor lapses in speed control, as an active volunteer in fireworks safety, as a householder requesting security checks, as a victim of fireworks vandalism, and as a person needing various types of assistance. Since 1972, in every instance of exchange and communication with the aforesaid, I hav~ witnessed only professional, courteous, competent performance. I have not encountered since 1972 a single incident or infraction of law or regulation or infraction of professional behavior or infraction of courtesy or breach of concern for my well being, or disinterest in my satisfaction. The recent fatality is grossly unfortunate for every person who is associated in any way, particularly for the family of the victim and the officer and his family and fellow officers. I must state that I reject the hysterical, frenetic letters, speeches, and behavior of some individual, organizations, and groups. Their activities read-like and sound-like the unfortunate accident provided the opportunity for them to express a series of pre-conceived hostile feelings and opinions against law enforcement and law enforcement personnel. These expression have nothing to do our community. They reflect imported experience diverse from our community. I view these behaviors as egregious, specious, cynical machinations. These people and groups revel in the opportunity to parade their reprehensible values and behaviors at the expense of the dignity due to the decedent, the decedent's family, and the officer and officer's family and fellow officers and department. I know for a fact from direct observation that these individuals and groups are interested in only their own self-aggrandizing exhibitionism; in fact, these individuals and groups will put their followers in the harm's way to act out their fantasies. Their behavior is disgraceful. I am NOT confident that the Iowa Press Citizen is NOT among the institutions who perceive this event as the means to achieve some of its own goals through their reporting of this event, the goal to be achieved is long range profit. I have suppprted our local law enforcement officers and institutions, currently support them, and will support them in the future. I join many others in expressing sympathy to the family of the decedent, to the officer and his family, and to all local law enforcement personnel -- all of whom are grieving this loss. JOHN NESBITT UIowa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 USA TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Community Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture AND PROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreaiton *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral Date: Mon, 16 Sep 1996 12:38:44 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> To: joe.bolkcom@pobox.com, arlys_hannam@prodigy.com, mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, d-yarbrough@uiowa.edu, marysue-coleman@uiowa.edu Cc: klingama@blue. weeg. uiowa. edu co~. -- . Subject: Police Shooting: Letter to ICPress citizen: Social a~r'Env°~ronmental Fa "Community Betterment Bulletin, 1996," Serving Johnson County, Iow~ USA John Nesbitt, Editor-Publisher SERIES: 1996 CACZPD: City, Area, County Zoning, Planning, Development ARTICLE: PART ONE (condensed): "Iowa City City Council Might Consider ... Social and Environmental Factors in the Iowa Vending Neighborhood Tragic Fatality," by John Nesbitt DISTRIBUTION: to 4. Johnson 3. Supervisors: County News, JCNEWS 5. University of Iowa City Press Citizen, Letters to the Editor City Councils: Coralville (c/o A.Hannam to Council), Iowa City (c/o M. Karr to Council), University Heights (c/o D. Yarbrough Council) Johnson County (c/o J. Bolkcom to Board) Iowa (c/o President, M. Coleman) PART TWO (notes on article) TO FOLLOW: START: The Iowa Vending neighborhood fatality is a profound tragedy. This tragedy should not have happened. However, the conditions of its happening were in place, waiting to happen. By addressing Iowa City citizens' social and environmental needs -- health, safety, security, welfare, neighborhoods and community at large -- the Iowa City City Council can give the best assurance that it will never happen again. The "Gilbert-Kirkwood-Highway 6" neighborhood is now the center of a city controversy which has drawn statewide attention. The physical and social pre-conditions for neighborhood problems were there. Problems were reported publicly and discussed among some residents. The Iowa Vending neighborhood lacked a "sense" of community, security, and welfare. But, the neighborhood's conditions were not addressed. Then, the tragedy. Iowa City's "sense" of community, safety, security, and welfare was swept away. The City's self-image and social, cultural, and economic images were degraded. The tragedy and the memory of the tragedy are permanent. The community is urging new policies and methods for City Governance and new items for the City Council agenda. The agenda should include some old Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, Social, and Welfare Policies and Priorities -- revisited. As City Council is aware, the fatality happened in a neighborhood where step by step city zoning, city planning, and city development contributed to creating a vulnerable physical-social neighborhood environment that invited crime and vandalism. The safety, security, and welfare of the neighborhood was deficient, not "protected." The Iowa Vending neighborhood is not the only location where this process has resulted in vulnerability of a street or neighborhoods. Iowa City Governance has focused heavily on economic development. Many city agendas and debates have centered on "How big and how fast and how can Iowa City grow." The City slogan has become, "Grow! We have no choice." It seems that the zoning, planning, and development tests are met, "If the plan moves traffic, increases enterprise and profits, and meets code -- go!" Health, safety, and welfare evaluative criteria for zoning, planning, and development proposals were attended to perfunctorily in the rush to "Grow! -- We Have No Choice." According Iowa City's "Urban Environmental Policies," as stated, "It is the policy of Iowa City. to preserve and protect ... The features ... of small town living ... neighborhoods ... sense of community and integrity ... social welfare [which] is enhanced by the sense of community ... familiar surroundings ... a sense of security and community stability ... the benefits of small town living ... provide roots ... sense of well being ... for the general welfare of the community at large .... " Social Development Guidelines includes: community cohesiveness (not community controversy), health, safety, welfare, and security from crime, vandalism, and violence. Citizens' appeals to Iowa City to execute Urban Environmental Policies and Social Development Guidelines have been spurned as naive, or selfish-NIMBYish (not in my back yard), or unmeasurable, or unprofessional, or un-growth. The City Council might consider doing a self-initiated check on City priorities, policies, and practices. City Council might consider: 1. Dealing now with those Iowa City neighborhoods that are vulnerable to the social and environmental problems of crime, vandalism, violence, safety, security and social welfare -- starting with the Iowa Vending neighborhood. 2. Eliminating social problems (above) in advance of their happening with better social zoning policies, better social planning policies, and better social development policies that "protect and preserve ... neighborhoods ... community ... security ... [and the] general welfare of the community at large." 3. Finding community solutions to social problems. The city should avoid putting more work and stress on law enforcement, which is already 33 percent understaffed. "More police presence" should not be the solution of choice in "The Iowa City World Class University Town" that people believe they know and revere. 4. Seeking solutions to problems "at home," recruiting from the city's rich resources of professors/experts, volunteers, and residents of means. Grants (U.S. or foundation) should be spurned because they often serve as ex-post-facto coverups or pretend an easy solution or presume to create a model which dies when the grant ends or make matters worse. 5. Going into the neighborhoods regularly, pro-actively , to listen to residents, businessmen/women, street committees and neighborhood associations, city workers, fire fighters, police, and recreation workers to gain first hand insight into social problems and solutions. Waiting for petitions, controversy and demonstrations in Council Chambers results in reaction. And, problems referred to commissions, research, studies, and datum/data often only deflect the public, gloss over problems, bury needs, and benefit only the consultant not the public -- all paid for by taxpayers. 6. Invoking procedures that implement its own unanimously adopted "1985 Iowa City Urban Environmental Policies." The City Council's own Policies are a mandate and shield for "... security ... [and] ... general welfare', for homeowners, renters, streets, and neighborhoods 7. Searching for alternatives to arterialization when traffic counts lead to arterialization plans that adversely impacts the general welfare of neighborhoods or the community. 8. Modifying policies that allow zoning, planning, and development that adversely impact the "general welfare of the community at large," and any street or neighborhood, for example, the Iowa Vending neighborhood. 9. Re-considering City Council basic responsibilities in relation to the responsibilities of the commercial groups and the arts groups regarding: *--Citizen Welfare, *--Citizen Cultural Fulfillment, and *--Citizen Economic Security. This clarification may focus City Council in setting a focused agenda. For example, no one in Iowa City expects the arts groups to safeguard neighborhoods nor the commerce groups to manage community welfare. 10. Consider setting forth a precise statement of what action-decision items the City Council will undertake, when, the public input mechanism, and published, exact completion target dates on the long road back in rebuilding public confidence. The 'buck stops' in the Iowa City Council Chamber. There was one, or some, or many misjudgments leading to the Iowa Vending neighborhood tragedy. They must be faced and dealt with. And, there are many long standing community, neighborhood, health, safety, security, and welfare problems. They must be confronted and solved. But, through their competence, knowledge of Iowa City, and commitment, Iowa City Councilor and the City Council can be expected to meet the challenge and chart a new course for Iowa City Governance. each The Iowa City Council is not a 'business as usual' body. Iowa City and the entire area may look forward to the benefit of Iowa City's Council accepting the responsibility and providing the leadership to ensure that this tragedy will never happen again. John Nesbitt, 362 Koser Avenue, University Heights, IA 52246-3038; 319/337-7578. END OF LETTER UIowa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 USA TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Colmmunity Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture AND PROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreation *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral Date: Tue, 17 Sep 1996 11:58:38 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@UIOWA.EDU> Reply to: JC-NEWS@netins.net To: jc-news@netins.net Subject: Police Shooting: Letter to ICPress Citizen: Social and Environmental F~ "Community Betterment Bulletin, 1996," Serving Johnson County, Iowa, USA John Nesbitt, Editor-Publisher SERIES: 1996 CACZPD: City, Area, County Zoning, Planning, Development ARTICLE: PART ONE (condensed): "Iowa City City Council Might Consider ... Social and Environmental Factors in the Iowa Vending Neighborhood Tragic Fatality," by John Nesbitt DISTRIBUTION: to 3. Supervisors: Johnson County News, JCNEWS 5. University of Iowa City Press Citizen, Letters to the Editor City Councils: Coralville (c/o A.Hannam to Council), Iowa City (c/o M. Karr to Council), University Heights (c/o D. Yarbrough Council) Johnson County (c/o J. Bolkcom to Board) Iowa (c/o President, M. Coleman) START: PART TWO (notes on article) TO FOLLOW: The Iowa Vending neighborhood fatality is a profound tragedy. This tragedy should not have happened. However, the conditions of its happening were in place, waiting to happen. By addressing Iowa City citizens' social and environmental needs -- health, safety, security, welfare, neighborhoods and community at large -- the Iowa City City Council can give the best assurance that it will never happen again. The "Gilbert-Kirkwood-Highway 6" neighborhood is now the center of a city controversy which has drawn statewide attention. The physical and social pre-conditions for neighborhood problems were there. Problems were reported publicly and discussed among some residents. The Iowa Vending neighborhood lacked a "sense" of community, security, and welfare. But, the neighborhood's conditions were not addressed. Then, the tragedy. Iowa City's "sense" of community, safety, security, and welfare was swept away. The City's self-image and social, cultural, and economic images were degraded. The tragedy and the memory of the tragedy are permanent. The community is urging new policies and methods for City Governance and new items for the City Council agenda. The agenda should include some old Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, Social, and Welfare Policies and Priorities -- revisited. As City Council is aware, the fatality happened in a neighborhood where step by step city zoning, city planning, and city development contributed to creating a vulnerable physical-social neighborhood environment that invited crime and vandalism. The safety, security, and welfare of the neighborhood was deficient, not "protected." The Iowa Vending neighborhood is not the only location where this process has resulted in vulnerability of a street or neighborhoods. Iowa City Governance has focused heavily on economic development. Many city agendas and debates have centered on "How big and how fast and how can Iowa City grow." The city slogan has become, "Grow! We have no choice." It seems that the zoning, planning, and development tests are met, "If the plan moves traffic, increases enterprise and profits, and meets code -- go!" Health, safety, and welfare evaluative criteria for zoning, planning, and development proposals were attended to perfunctorily in the rush to "Grow! -- We Have No Choice." According Iowa City's ~'Urban Environmental Policies," as stated, "It is the policy of Iowa City to preserve and protect ... The features ... of small town living ... neighborhoods ... sense of community and integrity ... social welfare [which] is enhanced by the sense of community ... familiar surroundings ... a sense of security and community stability ... the benefits of small town living ... provide roots ... sense of well being ... for the general welfare of the community at large .... " Social Development Guidelines includes: community cohesiveness (not community controversy), health, safety, welfare, and security from crime, vandalism, and violence. Citizens' appeals to Iowa City to execute Urban Environmental Policies and Social Development Guidelines have been spurned as naive, or selfish-NIMBYish (not in my back yard), or unmeasurable, or unprofessional, or un-growth. The City Council might consider doing a self-initiated check on City priorities, policies, and practices. City Council might consider: 1. Dealing now with those Iowa City neighborhoods that are vulnerable to the social and environmental problems of crime, vandalism, violence, safety, security and social welfare -- starting with the Iowa Vending neighborhood. 2. Eliminating social problems (above) in advance of their happening with better social zoning policies, better social planning policies, and better social development policies that "protect and preserve ... neighborhoods ... community ... security ... [and the] general welfare of the community at large." 3. Finding community solutions to social problems. The city should avoid putting more work and stress on law enforcement, which is already 33 percent understaffed. "More police presence" should not be the solution of choice in "The Iowa City World Class University Town" that people believe they know and revere. 4. Seeking solutions to problems "at home," recruiting from the city's rich resources of professors/experts, volunteers, and residents of means. Grants (U.S. or foundation) should be spurned because they often serve as ex-post-facto coverups or pretend an easy solution or presume to create a model which dies when the grant ends or make matters worse. 5. Going into the neighborhoods regularly, pro-actively , to listen to residents, businessmen/women, street committees and neighborhood associations, city workers, fire fighters, police, and recreation workers to gain first hand insight into social problems and solutions. Waiting for petitions, controversy and demonstrations in Council Chambers results in reaction. And, problems referred to cormmissions, research, studies, and datum/data often only deflect the public, gloss over problems, bury needs, and benefit only the consultant not the public -- all paid for by taxpayers. 6. Invoking procedures that implement its own unanimously adopted "1985 Iowa City Urban Environmental Policies." The City Council's own Policies are a mandate and shield for "... security ... [and] ... general welfare" for homeowners, renters, streets, and neighborhoods 7. Searching for alternatives to arterialization when traffic counts lead to arterialization plans that adversely impacts the general welfare of neighborhoods or the community. 8. Modifying policies that allow zoning, planning, and development that adversely impact the "general welfare of the community at large," and any street or neighborhood, for example, the Iowa Vending neighborhood. 9. Re-considering City Council basic responsibilities in relation to the responsibilities of the commercial groups and the arts groups regarding: *--Citizen Welfare, *--Citizen Cultural Fulfillment, and *--Citizen Economic Security. This clarification may focus City Council in setting a focused agenda. example, no one in Iowa City expects the arts groups to safeguard neighborhoods nor the commerce groups to manage community welfare. For 10. Consider setting forth a precise statement of what action-decision items the City Council will undertake, when, the public input mechanism, and published, exact completion target dates on the long road back in rebuilding public confidence. The 'buck stops' in the Iowa City Council Chamber. There was one, or some, or many misjudgments leading to the Iowa Vending neighborhood tragedy. They must be faced and dealt with. And, there are many long standing community, neighborhood, health, safety, security, and welfare problems. They must be confronted and solved. But, through their competence, knowledge of Iowa City, and commitment, Iowa City Councilor and the City Council can be expected to meet the challenge and chart a new course for Iowa City Governance. each The Iowa City Council is not a 'business as usual' body. Iowa City and the entire area may look forward to the benefit of Iowa City's Council accepting the responsibility and providing the leadership to ensure that this tragedy will never happen again. John Nesbitt, 362 Koser Avenue, University Heights, IA 52246-3038; 319/337-7578. END OF LETTER UI0wa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 US~ TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Community Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture AND ~ROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreation *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral September 4, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - CLERK/TYPIST - SOLID WASTE We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service commission of Iowa city, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Clerk/Typist. Tamra Salm Hired: 9/9/96 IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE CO~N , Chair Michael i~ KeVin dy, ATTEST: Marian Karr, city Clerk 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA ~2240-1S26 ,, (319) 356-~000 · I:AX (3191 September 4, 1996 CITY OF IOWA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination -MASS TP~%NSIT OPERATOR We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Mass Transit Operator. Jose Flores Steven Miller Janice Ginther Hired: 8/5/96 Hired: 8/12/96 Hired: 8/15/96 Michael W. Ken~dy, SERVICE Chair ATTEST: Marian Karr, city Clerk September 4, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - PARKINO OASHIER We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Parking Cashier. Joan Wonick Hired: 9/9/96 IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE Mmc~ael W. ~nedy, Chair ATTEST: Marian Karr, City Clerk 4{0 EAST WASHINOTON STREET · iOWA CITY. iOWA ~2240-ll26 · (3i91 3~6-~000 · FAX (319) September 4, 1996 CITY OF I0 WA CITY TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - OPER~%TOR TREATMENT PL]%NT We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Treatment Plant Operator. Clay Dull Hired: 9/16/96 iOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE Michael W. Ken~, Chair ATTEST: Marian Karr, City Clerk 410 EAST WAS:41NOTON STREET * IOWA CITY. IOWA $2240-1826 · (319) 3S6-~000 · FAX (319) 356-~009 Date: Sat, 21 Sep 1996 16:46:55 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> To: jc-news@netins.net Cc: arlys hannam@prodigy.com, mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, d-yar~rough@uiowa.edu, Subject: 96 CAC-ZPD: Pubs joe.bolkcom@pobox.com, richard-gibson@uiowa.edu of IC Planning, Development "Community Betterment Bulletin, 1996," Serving Johnson County, Iowa City, USA John Nesbitt, Editor-Publisher SERIES: ARTICLE: 1996 CAD-ZPD: County, Area, and City Zoning, Planning, Development Publications of the Iowa City Planning Community Development Mrs. Karen Franklin, Dir., Iowa City Plan. and Comm. Devel. MAPS: Small Base, Large Base, Large Zoning, Small Zoning, Census Tract, Urbanized Area Traffic Count, JCCOG Arterial Street, Comprehensive Plan, Historic Guide, Iowa City-Coralville Streets, all $3.00 to $5.00. DOCUMENTS: Zoning Policy Agreement, $4.00 mailing; Ordinance, $9.00; Community Profile, $5.00; Fringe Area $3.00; Johnson County Services Directory, $14,50 plus COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Spiral, $9.00; Map, $3.00; and Vision Statement, "IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000, $1.00; (1) (1) NOTE: See CBB Article on "Iowa City: Beyond 2000; Vision for the Future" REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION MANUAL, $10.00. CITY STEPS, $7.50. CDBG: Community Development Block Grants PROGRAM STATEMENT, $1.00. FREE PUBLICATIONS: *--Historic Guide Map *--Iowa River Corridor Brochure *--The Who To Book (restoration services) *--Neighborhood Design Book *--Bundle Up for Savings *--Johnson County Recycling and Waster Reduction Guide *--Iowa City Neighborhood Associations Iowa City DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT; 20-person provides information and services relative to: *--Community Development *--Economic Development *--Johncon County Council of Governments Administration -- JCCOG *--Human Services Planning *--JCCOG Solid Waste Planning *--JCCOG Transportation Planning *--Neighborhood Services *--Urban Planning *--Graphic Production staff Information: 356-2532; Location: City Hall. END OF ARTICLE UIowa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 USA TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Community Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture AND PROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreation *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral Date: Sat, 21 Sep 1996 16:46:32 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> To: jc-news@netins.net Cc: arlys_hannam@prodigy.com, mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, klingama@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, d-yarbrough@uiowa.edu, joe.bolkcom@pobox.com Subject: 96 CAC-ZPD: IC: Beyond 2000 SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION TO: City councils/Board of Supervisors: *--coralville (banham) *--Iowa City (karr) *--University Heights (yarbrough) *--Johnson County (bolkcom) *--IC Planning (klingaman) *--IC Parks and Recreation (klingaman) *--CBB WEB SITE (information pending) "Community Betterment Bulletin, 1996." Serving Johnson County, Iowa, USA John Nesbitt, Editor-Publisher SERIES: CAC-ZPD: County, Area, City Zoning, Planning, and Development ARTICLE: Considerations in the "Iowa City: Beyond 2000; Vision for the Future" Project Coordinator, Karen Franklin, Dir., IC Plan. Com. Dev. Dpt. "This vision will be the basis for a new comprehensive plan for Iowa City," states the '~Iowa City: Beyond 2000, Our Vision for the Future," brochure. "Task Force Report, IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000," TABLE OF CONTENT AND CONSIDERATIONS Members, Iowa City Council, City Manager Atkins, Iowa City Boards and Commissions Members, Task Force Membership Project Coordinator Franklin ADOPTED BY IOWA CITY: 1995, June 27 by Baker, Horowitz, Kubby, Novick, Pigott, Throgmorton (Absent: Lehman) PAGE Page 1---The Process Page 2---IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000. "Iowa City is an attractive, energetic city with a vital downtown (1), a healthy economic, safe neighborhoods (2), and diversity in its people. (3) "As Iowa City grows, we will strive to preserve the character and identity of the community (4) while guiding the creation of compatible new areas; protecting the environment; encouraging diversity in the population, in housing, and in jobs; and offering opportunities for human development to Iowa City's citizens. (5) "Iowa City will be an inclusive, accessible, and safe (6) community to all its citizens, embracing persons with disabilities and all races, cultures, lifestyles, ages, and socio-economic groups." End Preamble. FOOTNOTES FOOTNOTE (1) "vital downtown," It may be that the downtown is less than vital based on the "revitalization" discussion underway, the downtown repairs (Press Citizen, 21-9-96), and some store vacancies. Of course, the major concern of the downtown is the Coral Mall. The Coral Mall threat to downtown Iowa City may be insurmountable and Iowa City downtown may have to retreat to holding its customer base of students and student-related rather than competing with Coral Mall, Williamsburg, Westdale Mall, Collins Road, etc. In any case, it would seem that a series of "downtown scenarios" might be considered: *--REVITALIZE. High, or moderate, or limited "downtown revitalization" in relation to and leading to high, moderate, and no success in relation to Coral Mall development and competing malls, downtowns, etc. *--RETAIN. High, or moderate, or limited "retention of our downtown base," students, UIowa faculty and staff, etc. ~--OTHER OPTIONS AND OUTCOMES. FOOTNOTE (2) "safe neighborhoods," While many neighborhoods are safe, others fairly safe,. etc., it would seem that there are neighborhoods that are not safe and other neighborhood that are vulnerable or perceived as high or higher crime areas; thus, some consideration might be given to proactive, overt, remediation efforts aimed at expanding safety as part of IC-2000 or new Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. FOOTNOTE (3) "diversity," There is the suggestion that not all Iowa City, the area, or Johnson County residents embrace diversity, especially when diversity is imposed. The old days of Town and Gown Conflict (which has been minimal to minuscule in Iowa City) are past. A contemporary diversity may be the diversity-conflict that seems to exist between the artists-writers in relation to the community at large. Too often too much reliance is placed on laws and regulations, on the one hand, or on posters and platitudes, on the other hand. More consideration might be given to street and neighborhood level proactive efforts at increasing interaction and acceptance among people whose identity, socio-economic levels and values diverge. For instance, there may be gains from upper income bracket level people meeting for problems solving with lower income people. FOOTNOTE (4) "character and identity," There are homeowners and renters that would state that the character and identify of streets and neighborhood, new and old, are not being protected. There are various practices by Iowa City over the last five to 25 years that suggest that Iowa City has failed to "protect and preserve" neighborhoods' character and identity as well as having failed to "protect and preserve" the senses of social well being, security, and welfare. FOOTNOTE (5) "human development," Human development is certainly revered in Iowa City, given that there is the University of Iowa (faculty, staff, students), Kirkwood Community College, and other levels and types of human development in abundance. The Iowa City activity in human development will add to UIowa, etc. FOOTNOTE (6) See (2) above. Page 3---Cooperative Efforts Page 4---Arts, Culture, and Human Development Page 5---Economic Well-Being Page 6---Environmental Protection COMMENT: This section fails to reflect or advance the unanimously adopted "1985 Urban Environmental Policies" that commit the City Council to "protect and preserve" neighborhoods, sense of community, security, social well being, and welfare of the community at large. There are segments of the community that would entertain the idea that a few, or some, or many, streets and neighborhoods are not being protected. Page 7---Housing Page 8---Land Use and Urban Pattern Page 9---Parks, Recreation and Open Space COMMENT: The Iowa City "Neighborhood Open Space Plan" may be a model for future social planning and development in Iowa City. However, the formula that has been adopted in the Open Space City Ordinance may not achieve the level of idealism or quality that is reflected in other sections of the Task Force report. The formula for developer donation of land for Open Space is 3 acres/I,000 residents in the development population. The formula may be .interpreted as meeting the "minimum standard." Iowa City's self-identity may suggest that double the acreage would be more in line with Iowa City needs and Iowa City aspirations, that is, 6 acres/1000 residents. The 100 real estate/developer operations in Iowa City might consider that 80% to 90% of any costs that they might need to invest in amenities in other cities are addressed by Iowa City's amenities that are available at no cost whatever to the real estate/developer operations. Iowa City-UIowa's art, athletics, cinema, concerts, lectures, libraries, parks, theater, etc., are a 1000 percent boost to real estate/developer promotion -- all at no cost. Real estate/developers might consider how fortunate they are to have a "product" as sale-able as Iowa City to sell and provide more acreage in development. This might be part of IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000. Page 10--Public Safety QUOTE, "Once a crime has been committed, initiate the criminal "1. identify and apprehend the offender. "2. obtain necessary evidence." END QUOTE process: COMMENT. this statement pertinent to the: *--Pre-Eric Shaw Police Shooting period, Incident; *--Eric Shaw Police Shooting; and, *--Post-Shaw Police Shooting. On the surface it would seem that there are actually procedures in such as the Baum-Dodge Cleaners It would seem the IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 document might set forth goals covering THE REVIEW roles, functions, authority, and procedures for: *--Civilians, self-initiated and appointed; *--City Council; *--city Council and City Manager; and *--City Manager ... TO REVIEW: *--City Council, *--City Council and City Manager, *--City Manager, *--City Departments, *--City Boards and Commissions, Tasks Forces, etc., and *--Other city Governance roles, functions, services, etc. Page 12--Social Services Page 13--Transportation OBSERVATIONS ON THE "IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000" ROSY GLOW TRAP There is a Rosy Glow (from the tinted glasses worn by the 'futurists') of the future which most people project when they see a utopia ahead. tendency to idealize or romantic the future is universal. view The Futurists ignore the real problems that are festering and smoldering just under the surface. (People who see problems are classified as "Profits of Gloom and Doom" or spoilsports.) The 1974-1978 "Iowa 2000" project conducted by the State of Iowa is a case in point. The Iowa 2000 project was very high on rosy glow and very short on reality. State and U.S. institutional and governmental officials as well as recognized Iowa .leaders were particularly susceptible to grandiose, rosy future scenarios. The Iowa 2000 Project concluded as Iowa started into a major economic tail spin; no Iowa 2000 lecturer had predicted the tail spin; no Iowa 2000 lecturer even suggested that anything could go wrong much less suggest the possibility of something going wrong and possible recovery scenarios. The IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 is optimistic -- as it should be and must be. But, there may be a need for a direct, overt statement of the concerns, issues, problems, pending crises, and crises that are here now but not admitted nor discussed openly. The primary example is the eruption of community complaints, the uncovering of a number of serious problems that were not recognized by, say, City Council and City Manager; or, were not confronted openly as they should have been. It is unlikely that serious problems be kept quiet for long. If problems are out in the open, then the futurist can address the other side of the rosy future, the possibility of a potential bleak side to the rosy picture. If the public perceives the problems addressed and agrees with the solution anticipated, then the public can render its own judgement, "Yes, that is the problem; yes, that is the solution; and, yes, I will pay for the solution." Or, "No, the problem has not been identified or stated accurately; and, no, that solution just won't cut it; and, I am not paying for solution that won't work ... that dog just won't hunt." A TASK COMMITTEE The IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 concepts, methods, and values are always under review and reconsideration by the IC City Council and City Manager. However, some consideration might be given to OVERT re-consideration of various aspects of the IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 statement. A "task committee" composed for former members of the Task Force might be recruited to reconsider the report. ABSENCE OF "WHERE ARE WE GOING IN POPULATION" The Iowa City City Council and City Manager are committed to growth, "GROW! We Have No Choice." As part of those creating the slogan, the City councilors and Manager are cognitively, socially, and emotionally committed to growth. But, no City Councilor nor the City Manager has stated, "Our goal is to grow to "---,000." Each city Councilor and the City Manager may have a goal for population growth or limits or ceilings on population. Or, each City Councilor and the City Manager may have limits on how much degradation of streets, neighborhoods, and quality of life they will suffer before they say, "Enough, stop!" And, they may have reason for not stating growth goals and limits. But, City Councilors and the City Manager might consider that one aspect of public support flows from public knowledge, public understanding, and public participation in momentous decisions such as "What taxes I want to pay, what quality of life I want to experience, and what health- safety- welfare I expect in my traditional small university town and my traditional neighborhood." ABSENCE OF "HOW WE GET THERE" Futurism is a three-legged stool. problems or needs to be confronted. statements of goals to be pursued. One leg is the realistic statements of The second leg is the reasonable And, the third leg is a realistic, practical, forthright statement of how: the methods, the costs, who gives and who takes, who gores and who gets gored, who profits and who loses, and the John Q. citizen overall dollars and cents in hand after the bills are paid, the John Q. Citizen gain or loss in amenities that the homeowner or renter actually uses, the John Q. Citizen gain or loss in services actually used, etc. Some people don't use the city parking ramps, or twice a year, or have no need for 250 or more of employees. Some people will never use the roads development. make it to a park once or the Iowa City's 500 and water systems under The IC-2000 would benefit from information as follows: POPULATION GROWTH, TAXES, definitions: TAX--TAXES: Increase or state and U.S. taxes. BENEFITS, LOSSES decrease in all local taxes as part of increases in QL--QUALITY OF LIFE: Deterioration or improvement of Quality of Life terms of the "Traditional Small University Town" and the "Traditional Neighborhood" in HSW--HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE: The protect, preserve, and promote Health, increased or decreased. basic responsibility of a city is Safety, and Welfare; will HSW be GROWTH--Costs of Growth in terms of water systems, street construction, increased city staff costs, loan costs (the $100 million for the new water systems will cost an additional $100 million for the loan), etc. OTHER--Other features of the individual citizen's believe that Iowa City means to her/him, and/or her/his family, and/or her/his friends and associates. POPULATION *--Base Years 40,000 50,000 60,000 TAXES QUALITY Health, GROWTH OTHER OTHER OF LIFE Safety-Welfare COST COST COST +/- +/- +/ +/- +/- +/- *--Growth Goals/Iowa city: 70,000 80,000 90,000 100,000 110,000 120,000 Beyond 2000 COSTS OF PARTS OF THE "IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000" In looking to the future there are two very important services that a reconvened Task Force Committee and the Iowa City City Council and City Manager could perform for the public: I---Each of the Future Areas and the goals might be transformed into actual estimated dollar-costs. For example, the public may be very supportive Iowa City but prepared to expend little public well-being.' Or, the public might be interested in choosing among three or for achieving "Economic Well-Being: A. Big investment; B. Moderate investment; Small investment; D. Favor in principle only, no investment of public funds; and commercial leaders with advice, encouragement, etc.; E. No investment and no advice. of economic well-being of funds for the 'economic five options assist business and, II--For each of the Future Areas and the goals there might be a statement of priorities. For example, Public Safety might be No. 1 priority among the 10, Transportation No. 2, etc., Economic Well-Being might be No. 10. RECONCILING PRIORITIES AND COSTS A very interesting way to obtain meaningful citizen participation could be designed along the lines of the UIowa Professor's business economics "Iowa Political (election) Stock Market." Citizens could invest "X" dollars in one of the ten (10) Iowa City: Beyond 2000 areas, ex., Arts, Economics, Safety, Parks, etc. ECONOMIC 'WELL-BEING' BUT NO SOCIAL 'WELL-BEING' It should be noted that the IC: Beyond 2000 report uses the term "Economic Well-Being" for a section heading; but, does not use "Social Well-Being" for a section heading. (1) The concepts of small town living, social welfare, sense of well-being from the Iowa City 1985 Urban Environmental Policies are not reflected in the 2000 document. (1) "Well-being" appears on page 12, under social services, "our community encourages the participation of all citizens to create a climate of social acceptance and well-being." This "well-being" is not rendered within the same context as the "well-being" in the Iowa City Urban Environmental Polices, 1985. CLOSING STATEMENT The IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 may have been conceived within the context of "Grow. We Have No Choice." That may not be an accurate approach to the task. Before Iowa City continues on its "Growth. We Have No Choice" path it might well consider the fact that many people in Iowa City as well as the neighbors in the area and in Johnson County believe that IOWA CITY MAY HAVE PEAKED. If Iowa City were to take a harder look at where it is, what 63,000 citizens want, how it is providing what 63,000 citizens want, Iowa City' direction, the roles and responsibilities of its City Council and City Manager may re-focused on the basic of "Health, Safety, and Welfare,' and "protecting and preserving" what it has already without the risk of destroying more than has already been destroyed. The title of the Task Force Report might have been "IOWA CITY: BEYOND ITS PEAK, AND OPTIMAL POPULATION -- AND BETTER GET ITS HOUSE IN ORDER FOR 2000." END OF ARTICLE UIowa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 USA TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Community Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture ~_ND PROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreation *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral Date: Mon, 23 Sep 1996 07:44:17 -0500 From: "John A. Nesbitt" <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> To: jc-news@netins.net Cc: arlys_hannam@prodigy.com, mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, d-yarbrough@uiowa.edu, joe.bolkcom@pobox.com, kkubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, denorton@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, richard-gibson@uiowa.edu, icon@pobox.com, gazette@fyiowa.infi.net, icpc@inav.net, letters@desmoine.gannett.com Subject: 97 CCC: 1997 City Council Campaign for Election/Re-Election "Community Betterment Bulletin, 1996" Serving Johnson County, Iowa, USA: Coralville, Hills, Iowa City, Lone Tree, North Liberty, Oxford, Shueyville, Solon, Tiffin, University Heights, and the University of Iowa/UIHC. SPECIAL DISTRIBUTION to City Councils, Coralville (via hannam) Iowa City Council (via karr) University Heights (via yarbrough) Johnson County (via bolkcom) University of Iowa (via gibson) Board of Supervisors, University of Iowa SERIES: 1997 Iowa City City Council Campaign for Election/Re-Election ARTICLE: Iowa City City Council Term Expirations and Questions for Candidates EXPIRE 2 January 1998, Campaign in 1997 *--Larry Baker, elected District B *--Ernie Lehman, Mayor Pro Tem, elected At Large *--Naomi Novick, Mayor, elected At Large PREDICTION: All three are 'shoe-ins' for re-election. EXPIRE 2 January 2000, Campaign in 1999 *--Karen Kubby, elected At Large *---Dee W. Norton, elected District A *--Dean Thornberry, elected District C *--Dee Vanderhoef, elected At Large EARLY PREDICTION: All four are 'shoe-ins' for re-election. The "shoe-in" status of current City Councilors is based perception that they had been managing well prior to the Shooting and have functioned well following the shooting controversy that has erupted. on a broad Eric Show Police and the community CURRENT FORM3%T for City Councilors at their Individual Open Meetings with Citizens: *--announced publicly and held at regular intervals in central location. *--citizens express individual complaints about Councilor's vote, statement, actions, or failure to act on city, neighborhood, or homeowner/renter problems, issues, needs, etc. SOME CURRENT QUESTIONS for City Councilors: *--?-What have you done and how have you voted to reduce the increasing amounts of taxes I/we are paying? *--?-What did you know PRIOR to August 30, 1996 (Police Shooting of Eric Shaw) about: 1. NEIGHBORHOODS. Vulnerable neighborhoods like Iowa Vending Neighborhood (name the vulnerable neighborhoods and their past and current status); 2. CRIME. Number and type of crimes, vandalism, and violence city-wide and in vulnerable neighborhoods; and, 3. POLICE PROCEDURES. Police procedures in response in the city at-large re crime, in vulnerable neighborhoods re crime, and with the public in general re routine 'disorderly,' traffic, etc., matters? *--?-RE 1, 2, 3, above, GENERALLY, CITY COUNCILOR AWARENESS WAS PROBABLY HIGH PRIOR TO THE ERIC-SHAW POLICES SHOOTING. IF YOUR PRE-SHAW AWARENESS IS LIMITED EXPLAIN HOW IS IT THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT 1,2,3, above. *--?-What did you do proactively prior to August 30, 1996 to reduce crime, vandalism, and violence; to correct police procedures; and, to improve conditions in vulnerable neighborhoods? Name specific actions, public statements, votes, inquiries, interviews, letters, etc. *--?-What are you doing in fulfillment of your Oath of Office sworn responsibility for the "City's Health, Safety, and Welfare" and to ameliorate problems, eliminate causes of problems -- proactively re: 1. NEIGHBORHOODS. Addressing the problems of vulnerable neighborhoods STARTING with the City's non-social zoning, non-social planning and non-social development policies that create the pre-conditions for crime, vandalism, and violence, and ultimately lead to the need for the imposition of 'police presence,' etc. 2. CRIME. Crime, vandalism, and violence in the city at large and in vulnerable neighborhoods; and, 3. POLICE PROCEDURES. Police procedures PRIOR to August 30, 1996. *--?-POPULATION. In what ways and in what amounts has the Iowa City growth in population from 40,000 to 63,000 EITHER adversely or beneficially effected and impacted the "Small World Class University Town" traditional community and neighborhood QUALITY OF LIFE? *--?-THE CITIZENS' INTERESTS. In what ways did you, do you, or will you direct, vote, instruct, or in other ways document and influence the inclusion in "IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 PLAN" of opinions, needs, goals of: academics, blue collar and white collar workers, families, health-medical workers, minorities, professioDals, retirees, students (HE, HAS, EL, PS-parents), temporaries, victims of crime and violence, volunteers, welfare recipients, etc. *--?-COSTS. What will be the costs to the average Iowa City homeowner/renter of the "IOWA CITY: BEYOND 2000 PLAN" and the "Growth! We Have No Choice Sloganeers" in terms of: 1. Taxes paid (directly or indirectly via the landlord) for infrastructure and governance to provide for an additional 20,000 to 40,000 residents, more commerce, more industry? 2. Actual measurable dollar-value loss of QUALITY OF LIFE caused by crowded, overcrowded, and crowd-saturated buildings, events, parking, transportation, and services? By increased crime and fires? By increased community controversy, conflict, and confrontation? By increased bureaucratization of government? YOU PAY FOR YOU. "Yes, it costs you money to argue with City Council." Your time-is-money cost, your actual money lost from the job, your costs of your support services (accountant, architect, lawyer, consultant, planner). YOU PAY FOR OTHERS. "Yes, as a taxpayer it costs you when real estate developers deal with City Hall." You pay for the City dollar costs for the time and services of the City engineer, City housing inspector, City lawyer, City planner, the City Hall and offices, etc. They deal with the commercial architects, builders, developers, planners, etc., a lot. *--?-DECISION CENTRAL. Who OR what is at the center of city governance decisions in Iowa City? City Council? The City Manager? The go. Ago "Growth! We Have No Choice Sloganeers"? The 100 real estate operations in Iowa City? The architecture, building and construction group? Why are the Growth Sloganeers at center stage and the businessman/women in the vulnerable neighborhoods off stage? Have the Neighborhood Associations change any major arterialization plans, zoning, or building plans by Iowa City, by the University of Iowa/UIHC, by developers, by JCCOG? Where is/are major influence/s centered. DEMOCRACY -- IS EVERY DAY. END OF ARTICLE UIowa Prof-Emer. John Nesbitt, Ed.D., 362 Koser Av, Iowa City, IA 52246-3038 USA TEL 319/337-7578 E-MAIL <john-nesbitt@uiowa.edu> FAX available on request All information by Nesbitt on E-Mail/Internet/WWW is posted in Public Domain & may be reproduced/relayed in part/completely with/without permission. CBB Volunteers needed for research, surveys, writing, electronic support. Contact Nesbitt if interested in: *-Community Betterment Bulletin/Press *-LARC Bulletin/Press: Leisure, Arts, Recreation, and Culture AND PROJECTS: *-Ban Street Fireworks *-Ban Landmines *-Return Antiquities, *-Safe Play and Recreation *-Support POW-MIA Families *-Support Tibet *-SPECIAL RECREATION INC for People with Disabilities: Hotline, Info-Referral Date: Sat, 21 Sep 1996 23:06:04 -0500 (CDT) From: "R. Leutner" <rleutner@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu> To: JC-NEWS@netins.net Cc: jc-news@netins.net, arlys_hannam@prodigy.com, mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, klingama@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, d-yarbrough@UIOWA.EDU, joe.bolkcom@POBOX.COM Subject: Re: 96 CAC-ZPD: IC: Beyond 2000 John Nesbitt's long post, referenced but not reproduced below, characteristically identifies some vital issues. I wonder if he or someone else might find a way to break it down topically so that discrete issues could be addressed. It would be helpful also to know to what extent the document to which he refers, "Iowa City: Beyond 2000 ." represents official city policy. Tom Slockett put forward some interesting ideas some days past about a riverfront-oriented post-2000 Iowa City. I have been more than a little disappointed and puzzled by the silence that followed here. We are fixated on what to do with the current parking lot east of the Holiday Inn, as if that is the only possible place for new non-profit or community building, simply because it is city-owned (isn't it?). Does our civic imagination extend only that far? Coralville has managed a lot more since the Flood Year--the re-do of Hiway 6 to the new 12th Ave entrance to c'ville. That is all big bucks, very well spent. Yet we are stuck on the leavings of 1960s planning. It would be nice to find in my e-mail some brainstorming about really good new and big ideas, not just well-measured explanations of how we can't do much more than what we've been doing, and how we can move forward only an inch or two. What, for instance, would it cost to entirely redesign the Iowa City riverfront south from Burlington Street to, say, Benton, finding new homes for all the low-rent public units that are there now by default, and leveling everything for a Community Arts and Convention Center and some vacant lots for post-2000 imaginers? Add it all up--the UI power plant (does it need its own?); the county sheriff & jail; the Cambus car barn; UI motor pool. What else? Except for the power plant, gee whiz, isn't that stuff all pretty marginal & relocatable, if that's a word? Good ideas would find funding. can we not imagine on such a scale? What would happen if the Press citizen ran a map: imagine a big white space by the river south of Burlington, and asked for ideas, however crazy? Just some thoughts. Bob Leutner Dear Iowa City Council Members, I am writing to you to offer my experience and expertise in the care and maintenance of raptiles and amphibians. I have t~ked with some of you personaily and others of you may have heard my name indirectly. I have been collecting and studying reptiles and amphibians all of my life. My background includes a Ph.D· in biology from the University of Kentucky. During that time I took a formal course in herpetology and for three years helped maintain a teaching laboratory containing 100+ reptiles and amphibians. I have experience with over 100 species of reptiles and aanphibians including venomous species and exu'emely large pythons. I can say with 'all fairness that right now I probably know more about reptiles and amphibians than anyone living in Iowa City. In January of 1996 my name was give to Lisa Goodman as an expert in reptiles and was g~ven specifically so that I nfight offer any input to any upcoming ordinances. I was never contacted nor was I ever informed that the Animal Control Advisory Board meetings were open to the public. This is a shame. The fact that a permit is required for the keeping of all reptiles in Iowa City is ridiculous. The great majority of reptiles pose no harm to man. Pan of the reason that reptiles have been declared "the pet of the 90's" is because most of them are extremely easy to care for, even for someone with a busy schedule. The average ham~less snake requires a 20 gallon aquarium with a locking lid, a heat source, clean water, and a meat every one to two weeks depending on the size of the snake. A gerbil or a hamster requires much more care than this, and a parrot, which was not mentioned in the new proposed ordinance, requires daily care. If owning reptiles requires a permit because reptiles are hard to care for then this permit requirement was established on en'oneous information. If it is because of a beliel that all reptiles pose some sort of a threat to humans then I need only rem~nd you that anoles (chameleons of your youth) and garter snakes are reptiles and pose no threat to humans· A permit requirement for all reptiles, which does currently exist in Iowa Git5,, jnst adds bureaucracy and makes law breakers out of many unwiumg citizens. I know that well over 100 reptiles have been sold in Iowa City in the last two )'ears and I would be willing to bet that no more than a few reptile permits or licenses have been sold· I would like to offer to you my professional opinion of which reptiles I consider to be dangerous, which should he prohibited within city litmrs and which shou d be restric~,l to permit holders. Let me first preface this by saying that I believe even prohibitQxa. ~reptile_,o should be perm/tted to be owned by select persons who meet strict previously est ~abt_f. she/J~ requirements such as ownership for scientific study. Dangerous reptiles that should posslblv be prohibited: Family Elapidae- This family includes the cob'ras. sea .snakes. and the xenomous reptiles. Family Viperidae these are the common vipers and sometimes also include the nextS: family... Family Crotalidae wi~h the exception of the genera Crotaltt$ (rattlesnakes), Sistrurtts (pigmy rattlesnakes) and Agkistrodon (copperheads and cottonmouths) all of which are native to Iowa and are likely to be kept by individuals doing conservanon or educational talks· Family Helodermatidae- Beaded Lizard and Gila Monsters. Order Crocodylia-although the Caiman are included in tNs order, most people cannot tell the difference so they should all be included. Restricted reptiles that should possibly require a permit: If the three genera of Cromlidae listed above are not prohibited, the)' would defimtely fit here with the restricted animals. Morelia amethystina- Amethystine python which is hot tempered and grows over 12 feet in length Python sebae- African rock python which is also hot tempered and grows over 20 feet in length Python reticulatus-Another hot tempered python which grows over 20 feet in length The genus Eunectes- this includes all three species of Anaconda. Opisthoglyphous Colubridae-these are the rear ranged snakes such as the Mangrove snake. In the proposed ordinance the Madagascan Boas were included as prohibited animals. It is not clear which ones are being alluded to, but there are two in the genus Acrantophis and one in the genus Sanzbtia. All of these snakes reach a maximum length of 8 ft. and are not considered aggressive. I have personally handled many Acrantophis dumerili. The cost of the other two species (approximately $5000 per animal when available) precludes most people from owning one and makes it ridiculous to include them in an ordinance. The other prohibited animal is the white-lipped python (Liasis albertisii) which is an aggressive snake, but its relatively small size makes this animal no risk to anyone's life and therefore unnecessary to prohibit. I do not believe it is necessary to prohibit or restrict any reptiles that are not listed above. As I stated above, the currently proposed permit requirements will create unnecessary bureaucracy, is completely unenfomeable and creates too many unwitting violators of the law. The fact that a home inspection is required is absolutely laughable because Animal Control personnel are simply not trained to judge proper caging for all of the common reptiles currently kept in captivity. If it does, for some reason, become necessary to enact a permit system, the permits should be issued on a per-collection basis to those persons housing ntore than one animal. My last judgment is reserved for the permit requirement for "large amphibians". Just what is a large amphibian? I have a large Western Toad living in my back yard, should I get a permit? In closing, I am offering to help in the construction of an ordinance that is both fair for the city of Iowa City and fair for the residents who will have to ab~de by it. Dr. Shawn Lockhart, Ph.D. Iowa City resident If any of you would like to reach mg I am very accessible: Work: 335-1116 Home: 339-7239 E-mail: shawn @biovax.biology.uiowa.edu FAX: 335-2772 Members of the Iowa City City Council This is my friend David - he is 14 months old, the same age as my next door neighbor Zach. To David and Zach - "Tigger" who legally lives at 817 Davenport is going to look like a kitty. To Tigger - David and Zach are going to look like LUNCH. Kitty -> <-Lunch Tigger ~s currently living inside a house- no pen or cage. So when he gets big I imagine he is just going to go out a screen, a window or a door because when you are 150 pounds of mountain lion you pretty well go where you want to. Tiggers owners are gone most of the time and is left with his housemates 3 alligators, a boa constrictor and a python. Would the other 5 follow Tigger when he gets out - I don't know? The property at 817 Davenport is a rental property and the owner was unaware of the "pets" living in his propen5 as it is professionally managed for him. He seemed distressed enough to take action concerning his tenants which may solve my problem but it doesn't solve yours. Would you like to think that Tigger might be lurking around your house? I don't even want to think about it but right now I must because he lives just across the alley from me. Please pass an exotic animal ordinance as soon as humanly possible Jo Eland 820 Bloomington To: City Council Th d y From: e Mona Forum We are encouraged by your continuing expressions of concern an(J' inter~t in the downtown area. We have been meeting to discuss and identify our priorities for the area and thought you might like to see our laundry list. At the top of our list is s_ecud~y. We unanimously support the need for consistent police presence downtown, dudng the day and at night. We have seen during the recent increase in police activity downtown a corresponding drop in many of the negative activities which occur. The most effective recommendation we can come up with is to establish a downtown beat and have it patrolled by officers from 8 am until the bars close at 2 am. We need to review ordinances in effect downtown to be sure the officer is equipped to handle issues like harassment, pan handling, illegal posting of advertisements and graffiti. Next on our list is r~utine maJQteJ~ance. We need to have light bulbs working, streets and planters clean, litter and trash picked up, trees trimmed, ashtrays provided, posters removed, graffiti cleaned up, alleys cleaned and lighted, ordinances enforced, all done on a regular scheduled basis instead of the "squeaky wheel" system now apparently in place. We have revived a relationship with Project Green to help the city and the downtown business community address a master plan for attractive plantings. The areas of downtown outside the plaza area should be included in the maintenance schedule. We need to address theJ3_e_er t~ck problem that exists downtown. Dubuque Street, Washington, Clinton and all the alleys are consistently held hostage for long periods of time by beer trucks. Delivery by 10 am might offer a solution. Or, you could require that the beer trucks use loading zones to park and then wheel their deliveries on hand carts. We should have aclequa~e_utilil~jes available to allow special events to take place without running cables and extension cords all over the downtown. Building a stage in place of the flower bed in front of the northwest corner of the Holiday Inn would make events like the Friday Night Concerts much easier and safer to present and enjoy. We need a safe new f nt Jn as an attraction and destination point downtown. We have investigated several designs and have some facts and figures to share with you when you are ready to make a change. A new fountain would be a powerful symbol of your commitment to the downtown. As you have probably noticed, our focus is on 1996 rather than the new millennium. We feel that attention to long standing problems and deficiencies in our downtown are the necessary first step to a successful future. One eats an elephant one bite at a time. Our list is by no means complete. Our group has consistently agreed on the first four or five priorities. We hope you will consider our suggestions and that you will continue to work towards addressing these needs. Sincerely, The Monday Forum Nancy Burhans, Gringo's, DTA, CofC Val Chittick, Domby, Tara Cronbaugh, Java House Jim Clayton, Soap Opera, DTA Victoria Gilpin, Preferred Stock, DTA, CofC Mark Ginsberg, ~IC Ginsberg Jewelers, DTA, CofC John Murphy, Bremer's, DTA, CofC Dave Parsons, Frohwein, DTA, CofC I~lark Weaver, Active Endeavors, DTA, CofC Memorandum To: Naomi Novick, Mayor of Iowa City From: Mark Phillips and the Elks Trustees ~-:" Date: September 24, 1996 Subject: Iowa City Elks Lodge cn In our conversations with the City Council I do not believe that the Council fully understands the activities ofthe Iowa City Elks Lodge including our State and National organization This is an attempt to give to you in writing a little better idea of what the Elks is all about. Although we have an abundance of social activities and amenities, the Iowa City Elks Lodge is not a country club by any normal standards. As we have explained our annual dues are only $150, a very meager sum for the services and privileges that membership brings and is a cost that is easily reachable by the average family in Iowa City. This is proven out by the diversity that makes up our membership, from brick layer and barber to bankers and attorneys. We do not strive to attract any specific type of person to be an Elk member. We do not even have any membership recruitment activities. Our existing members bring to us 50-75 new candidates for membership annually from their friends and social acquaintances. The side of the Elks that you do not see is the significant amount of public service work that we perform and receive little, to no public recognition for. Following is a partial list of the major things done by our Lodge: Hospice Golf tournament - This tournament is organized by a group of our members and is hosted by the Iowa City Elks Lodge on our course. A cash donation of $5,200 has been made back to the Hospice organization the past two years. Hoop Shoot tournament - This is a national project for the Elks organization and is funded by our Elks National Foundation. Our Lodge always has a local contest in January or February that gets the annual participation of approximately 200 boys and girls. For many years we have also hosted the Regional Hoop Shoot contest in Iowa City at a local school gymnasium that includes contest winners from all over Eastern Iowa. There are prizes furnished at levels of competition. Summer Camp - Annually we seek one boy and one gkl to sponsor for a week of summer camp of their choice. This past year both went to Camp Wapsie, a favorite among Iowa City youth. We pay for the Camp and make arrangements for travel to and from the camp if needed. Naomi Novick Iowa City Elks Lodge September 18, 1996 Scholarship Programs - The National Elks Foundation is sai.t to be the largest scholarslfip granting orgarfization, next to the Federal government. Iowa City annually submits college scholarship candidates to vie for Iowa's allotment of scholarship funds. We have had local scholarship winners sponsored by our Lodge in recent years. Drug Awareness Programs - This is a priority of our State and National organization. They supply many resources for our use towards this cause. In Iowa City we feel that we can get the best results by putting our efforts towards assisting the Iowa City Police department's efforts in the DARE program. We annually talk with Officer Ockenfels at the police department to see what we can provide her. In past years we have given the department Drag Awareness materials for their promotional use such as watches and sunglasses for prizes and informational pamphlets for use to inform the general public. We are able to provide this at no cost to the department. Our State Association's major project supports the homebound handicapped by raising money for and then providing a medium for them to sell craft items that are made by handicapped individuals. We participate annually in the fund raising side of this and send approximately $1,000 annually to support this. Each year we host on a no-fee basis a local high school golf team. This rotates between City, West and Regina High Schools. We make time available to them to practice weekly on our course We run an active youth golf program for 6 weeks in the summer with lessons and actual supervised play on the course. The course is reserved for Juniors on Thursday mornings during this 6 weeks period. The program is open to the general public at a slightly higher fee than the $50 member fee. We annually host two Senior, one Junior and one open golf tournaments that are open to the general public. The facilities, including the golf course, are made available to the general public to rent for private events or parties. The above demonstrates to you that the Elks is not only a valuable social amenity to the general population of Iowa City but that it also is an active member of the community and strives to be a good citizen in any way that it can serve a useful purpose. It is also important to remember that ANYONE is always welcome at the Elks when brought as a guest of an Elk member. If you have any questions related to this please feel free to contact me or any of fie Tru~,~es. cc: Karen Kubby Ernie Lehman -~,' Larry Baker Dee Norton ' r', -~: , Dee Vanderhoef Dean Thomberry 355. ¥-. Steve Atkins 7c~ -~ Crl