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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-10-22 Correspondence~ECE~VED OC'~' 3 i4i~,95 City Council City Hall Iowa City, IA Dear Council: 52240 DEBORA L. LIDDELL 2608 E. Court Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 / October 4,, 1996 1 am writing to express my concern at your recommendation to proceed with the Engineering Study at Oakland Cemetery. Let me say first that I am writing this as an individual Parks & Rec commissioner, not on bellaIf of the commission. I don't know what their reaction will be to the news, but 1 felt it important to register my feelings with you. When I sent a letter to you in August requesting specificity on possible action from us, I was assured by city staff and by one conncil melnber personally that the council had no prejudicial stand on this issue and that you were genuinely interested in our recommendation. After numerous and difficult discussions about this issue with the public, city staff, and among ourselves. we finally concluded that we would not want to see expansion into tlickory 11ill Park. When I polled the commissioners directly about whether there was additional data they needed prior to making this decision (e.g., costs, or impact studies), the majority of them told me no, that their decision was not dcpend~nt upon additional data. If it }lad been your inteut all along to get more information. you could have saved the'comnfission a tremendous arnotrot of time, euergy. and conflict with certain memher~ of tile public. I persoually }lave spent probably 10-12 hours on this issue alone -- reading. talking with staff, taking calls and letters from the public, talki,q; ~0 reporters who called, and torn'tug the area in a good- faith effort toward a well-informed outcome. I am not writtug to argue the merits of cemetery expansion. I am writtug regarding the decision process. I respect the autonomy and the authority of the Council to make decisions, and I recognize that citizen commissions are merely advisory in nature. However, I want to go on record as being very disappointed in your decisiou to disregard our recommendation. which was well informed by the coremnutty and staff input. Sincerely, Deb Liddell, Chair Parks & Recreation Commission c: Terry Trueblood Parks & liecreation Commissioners James M.S. Clancy DDS MS Joanna L. Clancy DMD MS 2015 North Dodge Street Iowa City, IA 52240 REC, E',',,'S50C'i' Mayor Naomi Novick and Members of the Council Civic Center, Washington Street Iowa City, IA. 52240 October 15, 1996 To the members of the council: We are writing in regards to the signalization of North Dodge and North Dubuque Road. As you know from previous correspondence on this subject, we live very close to that particular intersection, and we are understandably concerned about any changes that might affect our ability to enter and exit our property. We are certainly in favor of any efforts to control the traffic on North Dodge, especially between the hours of 7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM. Presently, it is often difficult to safely exit or enter our driveway during those hours. However, it occurs to us that placement of a conventional traffic light at the proposed site may make our situation more difficult. We can foresee long ques of traffic in front of our driveway waiting for the signal to change, and a continuous stream of cars turning right from N. Dubuque Rd. and passing in front of our driveway when the signal alternates. If a signal was placed that did not allow a right turn on red from the south side of N. Dubuque Rd., we should see a gap in the traffic flow that would allow us better access to and from North Dodge. We are certainly not experts on this subject, but common sense would seem to support this option. We hope the council will carefully research the impact of this signal and consider our needs in making this decision. Sincerely, am s October 6,, 1996 Mayor Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Iowa City, IA 52246 Re: The Pigeon Squabble Dear Mayor Novick, At the September 24, 1996 council meeting, I was rendered inarticulate by distortions put forth by the Vlastos-Rasmussen group. Clearly not a good public speaker, I apologize for my poor performance, and hope this letter will clarify the points I failed to make clear at that time: (I) In as much as the prevailing winds in the summer in Iowa are from the Southwest to the Northeast, Steve Vlastos misrepresented the situation by saying he was "downhill and downwind" from the pigeon loft. He is actually upwind. The downwind neighbors are John Kramer-Jan Friedman and Carl and Janet Goetz. Neither of these houses has observed any odors or health hazards. (2) According to the complainant's group, the child of the complainant, her cousin and friends cannot play in the backyard. In actuality, children have played there this summer. (3) Steve Vlastos used Carolyn Corson's name as being a supporter of their concerns, when she has clearly stated her desire to be no part of this complaint. (4) The Vlasto-Rasmussens have, through expensive landscaping, transformed a "muddy, weedy field." This statement will come as a surprise to the Schoenwald and Bloch families, previous owners of the Vlasto-Rasmussen house, who had a nice backyard, used it well and often, and did not complain about the proximity of the loft. The Vlastos-Rasmussens were in their house 2 years, I believe, before putting an expensive addition onto the house. It is after the addition that they first complained about the pigeon loft. At the September 24 council meeting, their only supporters were family, friends and an employee. No one from the neighborhood supported their position. On the other hand, the neighbors of Don Seydel turned out at a 100% rate in his support. I have enclosed a map of these neighbors and their proximity to Mr. Seydel. It is to be noted that the majority of these neighbors cited 15 to 25 years in the neighborhood. (I have lived here the longest, 27 years.) It is in the best traditions of Goosetown to have chickens and ducks, and many of Goosetown's occupant, s have sought it out for its bucolic atmosphere. Articles have been written about this unique part of Iowa City, and historic preservation is a strong movement here. It is probably the only part of Iowa City where 3rd and 4th generations live where their ancestors first settled, making it a very stable area of town. Whatever the validity of Ms. Rasmussen's medical concerns, it must be noted that she chooses (a) to live with 2 dogs in her house, and the resultant animal dander. (b) to live in a small wooded extension of Hickory Hill Park, with the resultant quantity of wild deer, raccooon, opossum, crows, songbirds and wild doves and pigeons. (c) to live in Iowa - a state noted for its allergens. I am not unsympathetic to Ms. Rasmussen's dilemma, for I too have asthma. However, I live with a dog and a cat. I know my asthma would abate if I did not live with these animals. It is my conscious lifestyle choice to so live. Perhaps if Ms. Rasmussen had punched more than just the two choices, Pigeons and Human Disease, into the computer at Health Sciences library, she would have found just how complex asthma problems are. Other choices might have been Animal dander, Wall- to wall carpeting, Pollens, Appliance filters, Stress or Age. The grafting of a non-grandfathered pigeon clause onto the exotic animal ordinance is an underhanded attempt to solve what is really a neighborhood squabble. Since a previous attempt to handle this problem at the City hearing level was tossed out, it should now be dropped, or handled, as one of the speakers at the Tuesday meeting stated," between two lawyers and a judge" at the District Court level. Leave the clause in if you feel it appropriate, but please remove the non-grandfathered part, which is a personal attack on Donald Seydel, by people who have in the past demonstrated a willingness to intimidate. As the recipient of an nasty letter from Ms. Rasmussen, I can personally attest to this. If you should have any desire to speak with me about any of the points I have made, please, feel free to contact me at 338-1962. Sincerely, Iowa City, la 52245 Curt & Nancy Skay 825 St. Annes Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52245 (319) 337-7520 October 4th, 1996 Naomi Novick 306 Mullin Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Council Member, Naomi Novick: I sent you a letter on September 23rd, 1996 in regard to the Yeggy property at 828 St. Annes Drive. I have not heard back from you. We are actively showing my property. We have had three showings and all three showings have responded that they really like the home but would not purchase it because of the neighbors across the street. Because the city is not acting on this, I hold the city responsible for not being able to sell my house. I invite you to drive past my house in the evening also so you can get blinded by the light he has on the little house. I don't even have to have any outside lights on. This has got to be wrong. It has got be wrong that someone can continue to practice commercial activity in a residential area. And that the city does absolutely nothing! 1 have asked for a written response from all council members and the city attorney, Dennis Mitchell and have not received one answer. I will be contacting my attorney. Sincerely yours,jl Nancy ~kay cc: Namoi Novick, Ernie Lehman, Larry Baker, Karen Kubby, Dee Norton, Dean Thornberry, Dee Vanderhoef RECEIVE 3 OCT 0 7 ?§9F ISEDI Institute for Social and Economic Development 1901 Broadway, Suite 313 · Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (USA) · (319) 338-2331 · FAX (319) 338-5824 October 3, 1996 City Council City of Iowa City Civic Center Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear City Council Members: I was out of the country when the Shaw shooting occurred and the discussion of a police review board started. I have, however, been following the discussions in the newspaper. You may already be aware of an outstanding resource here in the Upper Midwest--namely, Dr. Samuel Walker, a professor in the Criminal Justice Department at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO). Dr. Walker is probably the foremost expert in the U.S. on citizen review boards. He has the official documents (ordinances, rules and procedures, and annual reports) of all known citizen review boards/committees in the U.S. (about 80), as well as most of those outside the U.S. He has made site visits to many of these. The highlights of these documents have been compiled in a book entitled The Citizen Review Resource Manual (Washington, D.C.: Police Executive Research Forum, 202-466-7820). I talked with Dr. Walker, who is a long-time personal friend, to ask whether he would be willing to review any proposed ordinance, procedures, etc. that emerge from the deliberations of the Council. He has, at the request of cities such as Nashville, Memphis, and Seattle, reviewed proposed ordinances and procedures of cities. He indicated willingness to do such a review for Iowa City. You can reach him by phone at 402-554-3590, and fax 402-554-2326. I hope this information--and Sam's expertise--will be helpful to you as you develop Iowa City's ordinances and policies. Sincerely, John F. Else President cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager Dr. Samuel Walker, Department of Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha NE 68182 Branch Offices: Cedar Rapids · Davenport · Des Moi,tes ° Siot~ City · Waterloo RECEIVEO OCT 0 9 Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 17:31:30 -0600 From: Benn Dunnington <bdunning@ccad.uiowa.edu> To: Mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, kkubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, bakerl@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, denorton@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu Subject: Shooting Issues Unresolved 10-9-96 I am still concerned about several points related to the Shaw shooting. Councilor Kubby has informed me that the ICPD report will be made available to the public with only minimal editing related strictly to legally mandated confidentiality for City employees and certain (apparently sensitive and irrelevant) personal details concerning the victim. I appreciate Karen's thoughtful reassurances and I understand the good intentions behind what Council is trying to do here, but I am not sure that the community is ready at this time to accept the Council's judgement as to what is relevant or not. The DCI report seems to be another matter altogether. Mayor Novick has been quoted by the press as saying that out of the 2" thick report which was delivered to Pat White by the DCI, only 1/8" was passed on to Council. If we take these figures literally, we are left with 93.8% of the DCI report which is being withheld from not only the public, but from the Council as well. I find it hard to believe that 93 out of every 100 pages of this report is also concerned with matters too confidential and personal to release. In light of Mr. White's questionable decision to not file criminal charges, this nondisclosure of the facts is especially troubling. The Mayor is also credited with speculating that if we all new what was contained in the remaining 1 7/8" of undisclosed material, we would all no doubt come to the same conclusions as Mr. White regarding filing criminal charges. How does the Mayor expect to regain credibility with such dubious comments? Then there is the matter of former Officer Gillaspie who has been allowed to resign from his job without consequence. I am guessing that since no charges were filed that he can still purchase and own handguns like any other citizen and be hired by another police department or even a local security firm where he would be allowed to carry weapons and administer lethal force. This seems patently irresponsible. Perhaps all we can hope for now is that we are running out of opportunities to botch this incident further. -Benn Dunnington Benn Dunnington/Media Coordinator Center for Computer Aided Design The University of Iowa 316 IATL/Iowa city, IA 52242-1000 bdunning@ccad. uiowa. edu (319) 335-2481 (fax: 335~_3.380kD http: //www. ccad. uiowa. ed~~ ~ http: //www. ccad. uiowa. edu/~bd~ni~/ Date: Wed, 9 Oct 1996 10:49:03 -0600 From: Benn Dunnington <bdunning@ccad.uiowa.edu> To: JKaine@business-office-po.bo.uiowa.edu, pamra@iou.com, penny_baron@emsinfo.com, robert-baron@uiowa.edu, BlueSkyBob@aol.com, DHVERDINER@aol.com, deborah-barnard@uiowa.edu, luna@chop.isca.uiowa.edu, djones@adp400.adp.uiowa.edu, richmk@dwx.com, shaffer@blue.weegouiowa.edu, AdMarket@aol.com, h@inav.net, Mkarr@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, kkubby@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu, Jenean Arnold <arnold@grover.printing.uiowaoedU>, jessicaj@spot.colorado.edu, bullfan@ix.netcom.com, k-tayl@tc.umn.edu, kblack <kblack@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu>, aqualung@chop.isca.uiowa.edu, mhray@icaen.uiowa.edu, mbrown@avalon.net, ljstein@inav.net, bruce-wheaton@uiowa.edu, Jfull@aol.com, Michael Tyree <mtyree@hnet.net>, sam@heinous.musi¢.uiowa.edu, 73030.2116@CompuServe. COM, stbartle@orednet.org, TDunningto@aol.com, timothy-formanek@uiowa.edu Subject: Scam Warning --- begin forwarded text >From: moneyadm@pathfinder.com (MONEY Daily) Wednesday, October 9, 1996 809 area code a killer app for scam artists Newest alleged scheme hooks victims via urgent e-mail messages By Ryan J. Donmoyer A popular scam-that coerces unsuspecting consumers to dial costly international pay-per-call telephone numbers has spread to the Internet, watchdog groups and telecommunications industry officials warn. A company identifying itself as "Global Communications" has been sending unsolicited and tersely worded e-mail messages threatening legal action unless the recipient pays an unspecified overdue account° The message then gives a name and a number in the 809 area code to call for further information. "I am writing to give you a final 24 hours to settle your outstanding account," the message warns. "If I have not received the settlement in full, I will commence legal proceedings without further delay. If you would like to discuss this matter to avoid court action, call Mike Murray at Global Communications." Callers to the number are led to believe they are talking to a live person, but in fact it is a clever recording that responds to the caller's voice. Among other things, an irate-sounding man with a British accent warns, "Your check will come round or we'll come round to get it." The recording seems designed to keep callers on the line as long as possible, and is reportedly billed at $25 per minute. Although it may look like any other area code in the United States, 809 covers the Caribbean. Calls there are billed at international rates, and in many cases, surcharges for proprietary services -- often phone sex lines or astrology services -- are added. Andy Boisseau, a spokesman for AT&T, says his company has become aware of many scams in recent months which urge recipients to call an 809 number. Some of them include: * Messages left on voice mail or answering machines claiming to have information on a family member who is ill, has died or has been arrested. Another version may leave a message promising recipients a prize. * Unsolicited calls made to pagers sending an 809 number to call. AT&T blocked calls over its network made from a Dominican Republic number that was clearly fraudulent. * Newspapers and Internet advertisements for "mystery shoppers" and overseas job opportunities. Typically, these ads list a domestic number, which refers callers to the 809 number. "A recording on that number contains a long- winded message that refers to companies that supposedly offer jobs for shoppers who check on store quality," according to an AT&T news release on the subject. "When people call those companies, which are legitimate businesses, there are no jobs to be had. The companies don't even know they are mentioned on the recording." "We've done a lot to control fraud in this country. That's why you see it going overseas," Boisseau says. While it is impossible to tell just how widespread these scams are, the telecommunications industry estimates that fraud costs about $2 billion a year. Audri Lanford, co-editor of the free Internet e-zine Scambusters (http://www.scambusters.com) said that part of the reason the scams have been so successful is that the United States has recently added a slew of new area codes. The 809 prefix looks more like one of these than typical overseas exchanges, which begin with the dialing code "011." Scam-watchers suggest foreign telephone unlikely to crack down on the scammers, them are taking a cut of the revenues. companies are because many of Kevin Wervach, a spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission (http://www.fcc.gov), says that while federal regulations require U.S. carriers to state up front the cost of a pay-per-call service, there is little the U.S. government can do about foreign companies. "Foreign carriers are not subject to our national rules," he says. "We have no authority to tell a phone company in another country what to do." The best thing the U.S. government can do is try to educate its consumers. Claudia Bourne Farrell, spokeswoman for the Federal Trade Commission (http://www.ftc.gov) agreed that the U.S. government has little recourse against an off-shore telephone company. It's especially frustrating, because the new Internet version of the scam is particularly luring. she says, "Anybody who has any credit problems at all might think this is about them," she says. Jennifer Adams, spokeswoman for MCI, said the long distance company's consumer protection unit has been recommending caution when calling 809 numbers. "If someone gets a message to call an unfamiliar 809 number, they should not immediately call it," she says. Although the 809 area code is a legitimate one on the North American calling system, unless you are planning a Caribbean vacation, have family, or do business in the region, be wary, she adds. Both AT&T and MCI forgive customers who been duped, their representatives say. and Adams say that consumers do have to responsibility for themselves. may have However, take Boisseau "This is a totally preventable mistake," Adams says. Top Internet scams While 809 area-code scams may be the most insidious, they are not among the most pervasive online ripoffs, according to the National Consumers League. The group is releasing what it says a~e the top Internet-related scams. The list is compiled from six months' worth of complaints to the group's Internet Fraud Watch Web site, which has averaged about 20,000 visits a week since it was created in February. According to the NCL, the top five Internet scams are: 1. Pyramid schemes: Also known as "Ponzi schemes," these arrangements make money for a handful of early players, but most investors lose everything. 2. Internet related services: Scam don't deliver -- Internet services, or Internet access accounts. artists promise -- but such as Web site design 3. Equipment sales: Crooks sell computers or computer- related equipment ~- such as RAM chips, motherboards, or sound cards -- but either don't deliver or deliver less than promised. 4. Business opportunities: Scammers sell business opportunities that are too good to be true, often leaving buyers unable to recoup their investment (or, in some cases, make anything at all). 5. Work-at-home offers: A perennial favorite for scam artists in classified ads, work-at-home schemes have gone high-tech to snag online consumers. These may involve converting graphics or photos, or doing word processing. The work usually doesn't meet the crooks' "standards" when completed. --- end forwarded text Benn Dunnington/Media Coordinator Center for Computer Aided Design The University of Iowa 316 IATL/Iowa City, IA 52242-1000 bdunning@¢cad.uiowa.edu (319) 335-2481 (fax: 335-3380) http://www.ccad.uiowa.edu/ http://www.ccad.uiowa. edu/~bdunning/ October 11, 1996 Johnson County City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 To the City Council: Please forgive the impersonal letter. I am simply too tired to track down individual addresses any longer. They are not on the I~ltranet, nor ill the phome book. And since the only way I can make it through the day is in a medicated-induced, zombie-like stupor, I've run out of energy to make any more phone calls, attend any more council meetings, write any more letters. But I must write this last one. From reading the Oppressed Citize~], it would appear that there is far too much support for the political mechanisms in this burg. I must make my voice heard ill protest of Patrick white's decision to not press charges against 3elf Gillespie. I have been living i~) shock since the Saturday I heard my friend, Eric Shaw, was shot by a police officer. Then, there is this long, unexplained silence. Then, to add insult to il~3ury, you decide not to press charges against the police officer. And you don't apologize to Jay and Blossom Shaw. Don't you know, all they ever wanted was an apology, sincere and from the gut. The money you've spent covering your ess should have been given to the Shays to create a memorial of Eric's sculptures. The Sbaw's have consistently taken the high road, while the city council (sans Karen Kubby), the ICPD, and the attorney's office take the low road. Then there's our invisible mayor, Naomi (if-you-can't-see-me-you-can't-hold-me-accountable) Novick. ~here else but in a corrupt burg like Iowa City would you find such a cowardly, lazy bunch of authority figures? One might expect Chicago or New York, but not Iowa City. If it wasn't so unbelievably sad and stupid, it would make a great sitcom. Just ~ count this as or~e vote of non-support and pure disgust at this whole corrupt, unjust affair. Sincerely, Penny Cazanas 580 Augusta Circle North Liberty, Iowa 52347 (319) 339-6400 (/>106) (wOr k) ( 319 ) 626-4783 ( home ) -' I RECEIVED OCT 1 5 1996 'l~e ].~, 0£fic¢s o£ Lynch, Greenleaf & Michael, L.L.P. Lawrence L. Lynch Stephen N. Greenleaf Robert S. Michael October 1 §, 1996 City Council Members City of Iowa City Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Elder Family Housing i:':':- --4 Dear Council' Members: -z'.:- - I'm working with developers interested in expanding opportunities for 'elder family housing'. As you will recall, a provision for elder family housing was made by a zoning ordinance amendment passed in December 1995. Interested persons who have been working with me have expressed the intention of building new housing stock specifically using the elder family housing concept. To this end, I spoke with City staff about outstanding issues that need to be addressed in this area. One of the outstanding issues for elder family housing in "RS" zones is the extent personal accommodations for residents are allowed, such as some type of kitchen areas. I drafted a proposed amendment to the definition of elder family housing that I am enclosing along with this letter. In addition, I am also enclosing a memorandum received by me from Jane Dotman, a retired University of Iowa nurse interested in housing developments for the elderly, and I am enclosing an outline of the outstanding issues that I submitted to the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission for their discussion of this issue. Frankly, the Planning and Zoning Commission declined to look into the matter further. Persons interested in developing housing for the elderly are quite disappointed by this result. However, we want to bring this matter to your attention to see if there is an interest in Iowa City in developing new housing stock to meet the special needs of the elderly. I would appreciate knowing of any interest you may have in this matter. I would certainly be happy to answer any questions or assist in providing any information I can in order to promote consideration of this proposal. Thank you in advance for your attention to this. I will be looking forward to your response. 1402 WILLOW CREEK COURT, P.O. BOX 1757 * IOWA CITY" IOWA, 52244-1757 TELEPHONE: (319) 351-1056 FACSIMILE: (319) 3:58-6834 353' -2- OCTOB~.R 18, 1996 Sincerely, LYNCH, GREENLEAF & MICHAEL, L.L//~' Enclosures /cc-r TZ~B 14, CH. 6 'Zoning", &r~icle B, S2 Current Ordinance With the Proposed Highlighted and Underlined. Amendment uT~ER FAMILT HOHR. A private household owned by a responsible party offering a social living arrangement for at least two (2), but for no more than eight (8) persons living in the residence, the majority of whom are elders, who are not related and who are not able or willing to adequately maintain themselves in'an independent living arrangement, but who are essentially capable of physical self-care. Res~dentB of an elder family home ma~ retain s~arate cooking an~ eating ~acilities within their individual living areas of the hom~, Such cooking and eating facilities shall not constitute a separate dwelling ~< f- '-'o . . Elder Family Homes: Kitchen Facilities Presented by: Stephen N. Greenleaf Attorney Lynch, Greenleaf & Michael, L.L.P. Iowa City, Iowa DENSITY Proposed amendment does not affect density Currently up to 8 unrelated persons are allowed to share a dwelling defined as an elder family home Example: Whether this proposed amendment is passed or not, developers in Longfellow Manor will be able to qualify their housing stock in the existing RS-8 zone as elder family housing PURPOSE New housing stock with those 55 or older specifically in mind Meet the needs of the well elderly, 0 ' our fastest gr w~ng population Give an alternative to the larger quasi-nursing homes, an "elder group home', or maintaining a full single-family residence Give elderly residents as much opportunity for independence and continued activity and dignity as possible CURRENT EXAMPLES · Mary O. Coldten home · Them am no other examples of elder family housing in Iowa City · The authorizing ordinance was passed in 1995 · Untapped resource PROTECTION AND INSPECTION Inspection of the home by Iowa Department of Elder Affairs per Iowa Code §231A.2 Enforcement provisions under §231A.2 include notification of the City Council of any failed inspection, including any finding that them are any non*independent elderly living on the premises There must be a "responsible party" (i.e., owner) living on the premises The home must be registered with the State The responsible party must receive annual training as prescribed by the commission of elder affairs City of Iowa City inspection could be provided as well STUDENTS AND APARTMENTS · NO In Longfellow Manor, for example, the residence must be either 'elder family home" or a single-family residence-nothing else is allowed in the RS-8 zoning LIVING ARRANGEMENTS The opportunity to include a kitchen facilities is no__t intended to supplant the common kitchen and dining areas. It is to supplement them. Think of these living areas as "suites" and not as apartments Sink, refrigerator, stove or microwave. Much like a dorm room The common areas (dining, lounges, etc.) are not lost by having the sink, the refrigerator and the microwave Allows continuation of a very important traditional activity by the elder residents: cooking ISSUES TONIGHT '~; '" Not.wt~'ether to approve this, but ';' s!'r~ply where tO put It in the paper e Elder family housing is being built in Longfellow Manor and perhaps elsewhere, and the need to consider this issue is therefore immediate. · , · ~. BEFORE COMPLETING THE ." ~";* A'I~'i~I~DMENT 71 -.'Need to consider the following issues: '--..' '- ~ i;Type of appliances allowed. · ' ': '. ' ii~ e" Size of appliance allowed. · · ...'~'e :. Need for Inspection beyond that · ,. ,, ?', mandated by Iowa Code §231A.2 From: D~te: Topic: Steve Greenleaf, J.D. Jane F. Dotman, MS.N. October 16, 1996 Well elderly residence In destgnlng a residence which will meet the needs of a well elderly pop~latlon ":' I suggest that the following needs be addressed. · " The health Ilmitatlons which many of the elderly face often make living in a conventional home very difficult and for some it becomes an Increasing health hazard. · .Allowing and egen encouraging lhe elder Individual to remain as self sufficient as ;!.. ., ble promotes mental and physical heath. For example, the activities of daily living ,. ; (ADL) provide mild exercise; promote a sense of usefulness; and are a source of mental'stimulation. The small group setting offers opportunity for social interaction with .... : others. Often elders are coping with losses (persons and personal roles) and need contact with others who have had similar life experiences and who are able to encourage and,support each other. Residing in a neighborhood settlng rather than a -. , midge'Institution'also gives the elder some sense of being connected to his/her pnor .... ~ ~ ~ ' living circumstances. ;.. ~g design which has no or few steps is beneficial to this population. ....: Also ihe group ~IZ~ being considered is ideal, large enough to provlde stimulation but not arge enough to be over'whe m ng for the eldmr. Deprivation of people-~ontact tends to Increase In later life and can result in feelings of isolation and depression. I "re '~:~imend th~"~'these units have a small kitchen so that some cooking activities can be done as the resident desires; Planned activities also will contribute to Increased social exchange, exercise, and.community Intei'est. :' :- I believe thai there Is a real need In this area for elder housing whlch is a tra~'ltlon from c~mpl'ete Independent living to an assisted living environment. If I ca"~'be;oti~urther assistance, please feel free to call. October Dear Mayor .,.X.'ovicl{, In [he very near future, City staff ~ill be inform you of the nature of the proposed creel( channel improvements for lhe Shamrock Skeet and Friendship Street neighborhood ,Is residents of [his neighborhood, ~¥e are wiling to you at this time to let you know our op:mion on the subject. The proposed projed came about because of occasional flooding of a ereela~'ay [hal (more or less) follo~s the back lot lines of our properties. We siress the word "occasional". Please do not be persuaded to believe that the flooding is a persiste~,t problem that occurs frequently. or every rainfall. It is unfortunate thai some residents have very Io~' and flat backyards lhal fall prey to the overflows, when they do occur. The overflo~¥s come quicldy and recede just as rapidly. It is our understanding that the damage that occurs due to the floodin8 is the delay of yard mo~¥ing due to e. round moisture. There is also erosion damage at ~he lower end of the channel. ~l'e agree that the erosion this area needs to be remedied. As homeowners in Ibis area. we all had our eves open xYhen we purchased our homes. More than a few of us ~¥ere enchanted to see such a lovely wa[er~'ay meandering through [he property; ~¥e bought our homes. in part, because of the naluralness of the area. We xYelcome each and every one of you to visit us and take a ~¥alk alona_ the creek, to ~¥~tness for yourseli holy ~¥onderful il is. The proposal [o enclose the creek and nrade our yards to an overland flo~¥ route would destroy 80 to 100 trees. This would completely revise the na!ural landscape of our properties. We believe that our property value is linked in a positive manner lo the scemc backyards that ~-e no~¥ have. Most homes he~'e have decks. porches or patios on the back of the house. Rehab this creekway too draslically. and ~¥e'il al! be gazing ai utility poles and overhead ~¥ires. Yes. ~¥e know [hot trees are renewable, but you really can:t compare saplings to ma~ure 24 inch trees. The most prohibitive reason against the proposed ereel< enclosure is the COST. Does the City really want to spend .~460,000 (nearly a half of a million dollars!) to remedy damp backyards? Remember, we are talking about private property; this is not an improvement for the good of the public. We want to mention an alternative that has yet to be proposed. Why eau"~ the neighbors and fr:,ends of this area put aside differences, pick up shovels a~;d rakes, and alleviate the problem ourselves? Could we possibly ~ork together, ~etting to know each other better in the process. and perhaps compromise on the solution? We are ~¥illing to try. ~,s property owners and tax payers. we wan[ ~o make it clear to you, our deeted officials. that we are against the proposed er'eek channel enclosure and fhe proposed full-lensth ~¥ire--mesh channelization. We ihank you for }'our time. and hope that }'our juda_ement in this matter thoughtfully considers our view. Bill & Barbara Meredith 3E09 Friendship Street Iowa City, Iowa 5a~45 338-4650