HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-12-17 CorrespondenceTo: Novick, Baker, Kubby, Lehman, Norton, Thornberry, and Vanderhoef.
Re: Pedicab insurance
Thank you once again for your time. If there is any more information that I
can provide for you, please contact me.
John A. Weber
home: 339-9425
work: 335-0877
Jawbone Pedicab Co.
John A. Weber, prop.
P.O.Box 641
Iowa City, Iowa
52244-0641
(319) 339 - 9425
RECEIVED DEC 0 9 1996
256 Magowan Ave.
Iowa City IA 52246
(319) 358-7069
December 9, 1996
City Council of Iowa City
410 P,. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear City Council Members,
Please support the planned Iowa River Corridor Trail from Burlington St. to Sturgis Ferry
Park. I am a member of FIRST (Friends of the Iowa River Scenic Trail) and strongly
support building this pedestrian and bike trail. Scenic and safe walking/biking trails not
only provide excellent recreational opportunities, but also encourage people to leave their
cars at home and use low environmental impact approaches for getting to work.
Since funds are inadequate to build the entire trail, I favor a phased approach. The fu'st
phase could be the Burlington to Benton part which would connect to the existing trail
at Burlington St. and the new park at Benton St. This section would receive lots o£ use
by walking and biking commuters, so it should be lighted for night use. The second phase
could be from Hwy 6 to Sturgis Ferry Park. The existing federal and local funds should be
adequate to complete these two phases. When more funds become available, the gap from
Benton to Hwy 6, which is the most expensive part, could be completed.
I walk to and from work every day, so I greatly appreciate good walking paths. As a citizen
of Iowa City and member of FIRST, I am very pleased by the efforts of the city to proxdde
a safe and pleasant environment that is friendly to walkers and bikers.
Sincerely yours,
Herbert W. Hethcote
cc: Casey Cook, FIRST President
FRIENDS
IOWA
RIVEI
SCENIC
TRAIL
December 6, 1996
City of Iowa City Council Members
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Council Member,
Friends of the Iowa River Scenic Trail (F.I.R.S.T.) held its ]nonthly ~neeting on
December 4tb. During !he. [neeting. we discussed the proposed Iowa River Trail
development between Burlington Street and Sturgis Ferry Park.
We were advised that the project's cost has risen considerably due to the need for river
bank stabilization. Estimated trail cost by segment is:
Segment 1: Burlington Street to Benton Street ($315,000)
Segment 2: Benton Street to Highway 6 ($425,000)
Segment 3: Highway 6 to Sturgis Ferry Park ($241,000)
Our recommendations follow:
° Align the trail as close to the river as possible.
· Complete segments 1 and 3 at a combined cost of $556,000.
· Complete segment 2 at a later date as opportunities arise from grants,
commercial changes, or other developments.
Our recomtnendations are based on safety, cost, and the Stanley Plan. Constructing the
trail away from a heavily traveled street and driveway entrances provides safe passage.
Segments I and 3 are more cost effective per lineal foot than segment 2. The Stanley Plan
calls for a trail along the river and not several hundred feet away from the river.
Completion of segment I will accommodate the considerable foot and bicycle traffic
between Benton Street and Burlington Street. Completion of segment 3 will allow for
safe travel from Sturgis Ferry Park underneath Highway 6. Travel between segments 1
and 3 will need to be done on existing sidewalks and along Sturgis Corner Drive until
such time as the gap can be closed.
Attendees at our December meeting were Jerry Brossart, Mary Ciera, Casey Cook, Karen
Countryman, Herb Hethcote, Rex Pruess, Larry Wilson, and John Yap.
F.I .R.S.T. appreciates your support.
Sincerely,
Casey Cook
F.I.R.S.T. President
P.O. BOX 3433, IOWA CITY, IOWA 52244
Printed o. recycled paper
RECEIVED DEC 1 0 1996
438 Garden Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
December 0, 1996
Ms. Naomi Novick
Mayor of Iowa City
Civic Center
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ms. Novick:
I am writing to you to express my disgust at recent programming
changes announced by TCI to their cable lineup in Iowa City. I will
miss receiving WGN-TV very much as I am a baseball fan and watched
the Cubs and ~]ite Sox often. My kids watch shows on that station,
and I watch Chicago news, especially their wea~]er when we travel
to the east. My wife is disappointed that TCI will drop Comedy
Central as this was one of her favorite channels.
What really bothers me is that TCI has a cable monopoly around
here. Such a monopolistic situation begs that TCI be responsive
to the desires of their customers. The recent programming changes
appear to reek of corporate greed. Instead of providing the pro-
gramming that the customers of TCI want, TCI is instead switching
to programming in which they have a financial stake.
If I remember correctly, when the Iowa City Council most re-
cently awarded the cable franchise, we were promised no major changes
in progr~nming. Clearly, major programming changes are going to be
made, and I wonder what future changes TCI will cook up.
Can the Iowa City Council help out with this situation? The
Council is in the unique position of having potential major clout
with TCI. I have written TCI both locally and at their Colorado
headquarters. However, I think they would listen to the Council
before they would listen to me.
Yours truly,
Dan Greenwald
December 10, 1995
Dear City Council:
Yesterday I attended the presentation made by the University to the Design Review
Committee ~.garding the new biology building.
! was shocked to learn that the proposed bridge was tobe used by only six to twelve
people people per day for the required purpose of moving experimental specimens
etc. from one building to another. Others might use the bridge as a matter of
preference or conv/ence but only these few would use it out of necessity.
Surely a society that can fly human organscross-country in picnic c~ol'e*~s for
transplant purposes can come up with a method to move lab experiments across the
street without building a bridge.
The corner of Iowa Avenue and Dubuque Street is going to be more closed in and
conges~d when the University builds a new building on their empty lot. To add a
bridge to this construction will truly make the last block you travel before reaching
the downtown a narrow, confining and enclosing tunnel.
Perhaps an eaet-west cross walk similar to the one at Clinton and the CoUege
Street Plaza could be located mid-block between the two buildings to allow the six to
twelve people to cross safely.
I am sure that ffyou say no to the bridge the University will come up with some
alternative for this valuable building site.
, The Soap
Opera
Copy: Downtown As~ociatinn, Board of Directors
SHIRLEY WYRICK
132 POTOMAC DRIVE
IOWA CITY IOWA 52245
December 11, 1996
To: Marty Haynes, Chair of Design Review Committee; Bill Anderson, Architect,
Brooks Borg Skiles; Dick Gibson, Director, UI Facilities Planning; Gary Gussin,
Chair, Biological Sciences; Mary Sue Coleman, President, University of Iowa
From: Shirley Wyrick, Downtown Strategies Committee member~
As a member of the Downtown Strategies Committee appointed by the Iowa City
Council, I was asked to attend the Design Review Committee Meeting on December
9. Because I was unable to stay for the completion of the discussion of the proposed
"skywalk" linking the new Biological Sciences Buildings across Dnbuque Street, I
want to register a few additional thoughts on this structure which promises to have
definite impact on our downtown.
First, I would prefer to not have a skywalk in the location the UI is proposing, as I
am almost certain most long-time Iowa Citians would agree. It sets a bad precedent
for the city and could have the effect of further limiting the openess of access to the
central business district. I believe an underground passage could accomplish the
link for the purposes that were cited: internal communication between research
and office areas and transport of research materials from place to place. As I
understand it, carrying pedestrian traffic (students and others) is not one of the
link's goals.
In addition, even though I know the University lent the City the space until the
University needed a building site, the new building itself also displaces an open
green area and the only City-owned piece of artwork in the downtown area-a
sculpture by Kenneth Snelson, a nationally known artist.
If, however, the skywalk link is approved by our City Council, I have the following
recommendations:
Please have the skywalk link span Dubuque Street at the third floor level. I have
a number of reasons for recommending this. First, a skywalk built at the second
floor level, because of its association with other skywalks in other places, does
indicate it is to be used as a public pedestrian walkway and Downtown Iowa City
prides itself on being pedestrian oriented at street level and hopes to remain that
way.
2
Secondly, you must consider that a skywalk, no matter how transparent, still
carries structural elements that support it and therefore the skywalk becomes a
horizontal linear bar. In essence, the skywalk link creates a frame (the other
three sides being created by the street and building sidewalls) and as I see it, at
the 2nd floor level the frame created is very, very horizontal (visually wide and
exceptionally low). That is a major problem. One must consider that whenever
anyone approaches on Dubuque Street from the north the skyway will also frame
a number of architecturally interesting older buildings that are more vertical in
orientation and that by lifting the top of the "frame" to the third floor, one can
get an expansive picture, not a narrow slice, of the downtown and its pedestrian
mall while approaching from the north. (I think it will be easy for Bill
Anderson to put a longer view photo of Dubuque Street and Ped Mall in his
quick-time movie format and this will demonstrate the advantage of a taller
"frame".)
In our Downtown Strategies Committee we have been discussing how to limit
delivery truck parking in the middle of Dubuque Street between Iowa Avenue
and Washington Street during major traffic periods hi the day also with the
objective of creating an unobstructed view of the Pedestrian Mall as one drives
down Dubuque Street from 1-80. The Ped Mall is the central focus of downtown
Iowa City because it "works"-unlike those of several cities around the country!!
Create a "passage" into Downtown Iowa City rather than a "gateway" as I first
suggested. The difference between a "passage" rather than a "gateway" is that in
a "passage" the architect or artist should concentrate on design elements .under
the skyway, rather than on the face of the skyway. Creating a "gateway" creates a
structure which calls attention to itself. A "passage" could be an exciting
entrance to the downtown, but only if the skyway is raised to the third floor! For
instance, Stephen Prokopoff, Director of the Museum of Art and Chair of the
Arts on Campus committee suggested to me there are several nationally-known
artists dealing with neon and fiber optic light now and that type of art might be
very effectively used under the skyway for a more exciting effect. It is also
possible that temporary banners for special events in Downtown might be hung
under a 3rd floor skyway if brackets are provided!
If the decision is to have an architect, rather than an artist, create a skywalk
which becomes a "passage" to downtown Iowa City, please hold a competition
which would challenge nationally known artist/architects like ~Siah Armajani or
Maya Lin to enter. Or select and hire such a designer to do the project. The
placement of this skywalk is such that it might become a major asset and focal
entrance point to Downtown Iowa City, and the University should seek a unique
and exciting solution to the problem being created by adding the element of
3
distinction afforded by a nationally-known artist/architect. The Art-in-State
Buildings funds in the project budget would provide a portion of the funding to
do so.
Putting the skywalk link at the third floor level will accomplish the goals of
internal communication and research material transport. In fact, I believe
putting the skywalk link at this level will actually put the link where it should
be-at the center of the research and office areas where faculty and graduate
researchers have offices and research facilities. Using the elevators nearby the
link would not seem to be a major disruption for what is described as a very low-
traffic skyway. If the Biological Sciences' faculty disagrees with this approach, I
believe they will be willing to put up with what is really a small inconvenience
in favor of helping to achieve a long-range vision for the aesthetics of their new
building and for the health of the community of which they are a part.
I feel the architectural design of the new building itself is quite nice and will be an
asset to Downtown Iowa City and its economic and civic life. It is my hope the
skywalk link, if it is necessary, will become an asset as well.
Thank you for your consideration of my suggestions.
From: BILLS RENTRLS IO14R CITY
P01
JOHNSON
COUNTY
HISTO)RICAI,
SOCIETY
The Board of Directors Mildred Bidlack John Chadima Jonnifer Ellsworth Lloyd Epley. Prestdent
Michelle Grace Keith Hemingway Claudia MeGcboe David M,xhlena Etafly Roberts
Dec. 6,1996
Mayor Naomi Novick
Councillors Baker, Kubby, Lehmml. Norton. Thomberry, Vanderhoef
City of Iowa City - Civic Center
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor and Councillors of me City of lowa City:
Ill 1996, Iowa celebrated its 150th birthday! Led by 99 county Sesquicemennial commissions, Iowans participated in hundreds of
events throughout the state in a year long festival celebrating Iowa's unique heritage and culture. Right here m our county. 5% of
eligible vehicles sport Sesquicentennial license plates. That means that more thml 4000 local auto-owners cared enough to spend extra
money for history-supporting license plaresl t s just one mdtcator of the onportaace area residents attach to local history and
homage.
In Iowa City, as you know, tile organization that is at the forefront of local history education and preservation eiforts is the Johnson
County tlislurical Society. Since 1992, the Iowa City City Council has recognized the ~portance of local history by providing some
annual support to our organization each year.
But demand for history-related services continues to rise, as does the cost of living. And now we must prepare for the projected demise
of the federal grants programs which have provided the Johnson County Historical Society with assistance totaling S39.000 over the
last six years.
Therefore, for FY98, we are asking you to consider support in the amount of $4,000 from Iowa City -
about 6 cents per city resident. Thts Is an tncrease of $1000 over last year's figure. This modest
amount would permit the growth In our annual operating budget that is necessitated by rises in the cost
of living: and help insulate us from the devastating effects of the cessation of federal programs,
We believe Iowa City should support tile Jolmson County tlistorlcal Society for these reasons:
The Society provides an essential service to our community and contributes to our quality of life. The
Society is the steward of our conununity's cultural heritage and the keeper of its memories. As our community enters a new
century, we face complex social and enviroumental challenges. We must be rooted hi our past in order to make iutelligem
decisions for ~he future. At present, tile Johnson County Historical Society is tile only organization actively preserving and
teaching oar local history. '
The Society provides many of lb. services fr~, to all members of the public, Services offered free include the
preservalion of museum collections, admission to all three of our historic sites, traveling exhibits, the 6/year Local Lore lecture
series, the 6/year ttistory for Lunch discussions, the News of Old column in the Press-Citizen, and inquiry and referral services.
-2-
The Society manages three Important tourist attractions: the Heritage Museum, Johnson County'.s First
Asylum, and Plum Grove Historic Home. Almost 30% of the visitors to our three sites come from outside our
community, bringing spending money and charge cards with them.
The Society brings other economic benefits. In the last seven fiscal years, the Society has received $93,808 in
federal and state grants. Grant dollars are spent locally, which direcdy benefits many local businesses.
The Society Is highly valued by Iowa City residents, Currently, the Society enjoys the financial support of about
750 individual and business members. Of those, almost 70% cite 'qowa City" as their home.
The Society achleves excellence. Last year, the Society's Heritage Museum was one of only three Iowa museums to
receive a General Operating Support Grant from the federal Institute of Maseum Services. These grants are awarded only to
museums that demousl~ate exc¢]l¢llce in all areas of museum operation.
Currently, Iowa City provides 3% of our operating budget. We raise the other 97% by being proactive and aggressive in see 'king other
means of suppert. But county and city appropriations are still the seed money which allow us to attract those other monies.
In the upcoming fiscal year, we expect ou~ operating expenses to top $110,000. Please consider increasing city support to $4000 bt..
the FY98 fiscal year. Such an increase would retarn your support to the 1992 level of 4% of our operating budget. [See table below.]
The Johnson County Historical Society is potsed for growth now. Titis year, the world.class Iowa City Public Library celebrates tt$
centennial. Isn't it time for the Iowa City community to fully support its local history museums. too?
Members of our board will be visiting with each of you to discuss this request. I hope you will feel free to call upon any of them--
m to call me-- if you have any questions or would like further information. I appreciate the difficulty of the task you have ahead of
you; and 1 lmow you'U do the best you can for everyone. Please support us if you can.
· ---ezune ~<ooinson · ~ '
Executive Director
also to: City Manager Steve Atkias, City Finance Director Don Yucuis, City Clerk Marian Karr
tti~tory of Iowa Clty'z Support of Local History
Fiscal Year Society Budget City Support City Support as %
of Budget
1980-91 $4000- $15681 -0- 0%
1992 $47516 $2000 4%
1993 $62480 $2100 3.3%
1994 $83906 $2200 2.6%
1995 $96934 $2300 2.3%
1996 $89534 $3000 3.3%
1997' $110,000' $4000* 4%
*proposed
2718 Wo<x~ele Ln. NE
NorthLIb~fiy. IA52317 j
Return. ongmal ac
to Oakland Cemete<r
Atter reading the Nov. 14 la~ess-
Citizen story about the Oalmnd
Cemetery pr.oblems with expansion,
could not behcve that there $hould-~e a
problem except for the misg~ed
judgment' 6f some of our fortacit and
present Iowa City Council meni~rs,
such as Mr..I~ Norton.
I have lived in' Iowa City my trite
life and have I~n associated wil our
-family homestead, that is adjace t to
the old 6emetcry pasture (as it was
ealJed). Our family rented this me-
was taken over by the Parks and
Recreation Departmeet. How, I do not
know. Since that time, it has reverted
back to a jungle that one can hardly
walk through. There are walking
paths, but as far a~ I am concerned,
they would be a good place to get
assaulted.
In ~e carly 1970s, oar family soid
. to Iowa City 43 acres that border the
old cemetery pasture. It took Iowa
City more than 12 years to realize they
even owned the land. Eventually, they
added it to the old cemetery pestur~
land, whlc~ they now call Hickory Hill
Park.
It se~ms strange that oar forefalhers
were foresighted enough to realiz~ in
the early 1920s that eventually we
would ne.~l some land for cemelery
expansion, wliile our new sophisticated
city administrations did not realize this
problem until there were less than 300
lots left to be used.
I suggest that the Parks and Recr~-
tion Department return the original 40
acres back to Oakland Cemetery,
where it justly belongs. I am sure that
at best ~e Parks and Recreation
partmerit acquired it through adverse
posession. Let the Parks and Recrea-
tion I~partment join Coralville or
North Liberty for a new site for their
park, such as Mr. Norton has sugges-
ted for the cemetery. Give the land
back to Oakland Cemetery where it
belongs and where it originally was
provided for by the owners.
Don Gatens
Iowa City
tery pasture (about 40 acre., f]rom
Iowa City for several years in the[,~arly Send letters
1940s and 1950s. We used ilI for Agree or disagree with some-
grazing and making hay.' At an..~rly thing that's been said or done?
age, I was always told that this..i]and Express yoar views by writing a
would be eventually used for O~kjand letter to the editor. Letters should
Cemetery expansion. However, i~/the be no more than 250 words
lat~ 1950s or early 1960s, this land
..-(
November 21, 1996
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
TO:
RE:
The. Honorable Mayor and the City Council
Civil Service Entrance Examination
INSPECTOR I
CONSTRUCTION
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 Construction Inspector I.
Stephen Foley
Hired: 11/21/96
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION
Mi/chael W Kennedy, Chair
ATTEST:
Marian Karr, City Clerk
November 12, 1996
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
TO:
RE:
The. Honorable Mayor and the
Civil Service Entrance
COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER
City Council
Examination
- EMERGENCY
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 E~er§ency Communications Dispatcher.
Paul 'Kevin' Bailey
Kat Pence
Jerald Calnon
Hired: 11/18/96
Hired: 11/20/96
Hired: 12/1/96
IOWA
COMM1
CITY CIVIL SERVICE
1.KSION
Chair
ATTEST:
Marian Karr, City Clerk
EAST %~ASRINOTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA
12,
1996
CITY OF ) WA CITY
TO: The
RE: Civil
Mayor and the City Counc
Service Entrance Examina
DISPATCHER
- EMERGENCY
We, the undersigned
City, Iowa, do
eligible for the
of the Civil
certify the fo] g
.on of Housing it.
Commission of Iowa
named person(s) as
Paul ~' Bailey
Kat Pence
Jerald
Hired: 11/18/96
Hired: 11/20/96
Hired: 12/1/96
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE
COMMISSION
' ~~. Ke~
Mlc Chair
ATTEST:
Karr, City Clerk
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA ~2~40-1826 · (319) 3:~6-J000 · FAX (319) 3~6-5009
November 4, 1996
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
TO:
RE:
The Honorable Mayor and the City council
civil Service Entrance Examination - EOUSING ASSISTANT
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 Housing Assistant.
Stephanie Hubler
Hired: 11/12/96
IOFA CITY CIVIL SERVICE
COl~SSION // /~
~ el .'~~, Chair
ATTEST:
Marian Karr, City Clerk
4l~1 EAST WASHINGTON 5TRI~ET · IOWA (-~IT¥1 IOWA 52240-1~26 · (~19) 3~§-$000 · FAX (319) 356-$009
November 21, 1996
CITY OF I0 WA CITY
TO:
RE:
The. Honorable Mayor and the City Council
Civil Service Entrance Examination - MAINTENANCE WORKER I
- REC CENTER
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 Maintenance Worker I.
Clayton Morningstar
Hired: 11/20/96
ATTEST:
Mar ~a~ K~r ,~ i t y~/C l~er k
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE
COMI~ISSION
~ichael W. Kenne/~Chair
410 EAST ~ASBIHOTON S~'REET · IOWA CITY,
qlq'
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: November 27, 1996
To:
From:
Re:
City Clerk
Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner ~"lf
No parking anytime in 800 block of Gilbert Court
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code this is to advise the City Council
of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on
or shortly after December 18, 1996.
Action
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(10) of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating NO
PARKING ANYTIME on the east side of Gilbert Court between the Iowa Interstate Railroad
property and the property at 804 Gilbert Court.
Comment
This action is being taken at the request of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, to facilitate the
movement of large trucks into their property. The affected property owner at 800 Gilbert Court
has been consulted and is not opposed to the proposed parking prohibition. This prohibition
will eliminate two on-street parking spaces on Gilbert Court.
I
(.n
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 4, 1996
City Clerk
Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner
Bus stop in 900 block of North Governor Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of
the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or
shortly after December 18, 1996.
Action
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(19) of the City Code, signage will be removed indicating BUS STOP
in front of 916 North Governor Street and reinstailed in front of 920 North Governor Street.
Comment
This action is being taken at the request of the Johnson County Department of Human Services.
With the recent modification of eligibility for SEATS service, more of their clients are using Iowa
City Transit. Moving the bus stop from 916 North Governor Street to 920 North Governor Street
will improve sight distance for persons crossing from the east side of Governor Street to the west
side of Governor Street where Johnson County DHS is located.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 10, 1996 ~',
To: City Clerk .
From: Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner :::
Re: Pedestrian crossing on Melrose Avenue
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of
the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or
shortly after December 18, 1996.
Action
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(3) of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating PEDESTRI-
AN CROSSING on Melrose Avenue in the vicinity of the Walnut Ridge subdivision entrance.
Comment
The recent Melrose West Reconstruction Project included a crosswalk near the Walnut Ridge
subdivision entrance. In accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, crossing
signs and advance crossing signs will be erected to notify motorists of the crosswalk.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 10, 1996
To: City Clerk
From: Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner
Re:
Designation of handicap parking space at 722 E. College Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of
the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council this action will occur on or
shortly after December 18, 1996.
Ac~on
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(14) of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating RESERVED
PARKING STATE PERMIT REQUIRED in front of 722 E. College Street.
Comment
This action is being taken at the request of the First Church of Christ Scientist which is located
at 722 E. College Street. A handicap parking space will be designated in front of the church to
serve the church's reading room which is open daily. The church has many senior citizen
parishioners including at least one who will use the handicap parking space. This designation will
use a portion of an existing on-street parking area which is currently designated for chumh use
on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
December 11, 1996
City Clerk
Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner
Parking prohibition on Deforest Street between Ash Street and Franklin Street
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3 of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of
the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or
shortly after December 26, 1996.
Action
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3(A)(13) of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating NO
PARKING 7:30 A.M.- 4:30 P.M. ON SCHOOL DAYS on the north side of Deforest Street
between Ash Street and Franklin Street.
Comment
This action is being taken at the request of the principal of Mark Twain School, which is located
at 1355 Deforest Street. This parking prohibition will facilitate the safe movement of vehicles
along Deforest Street during times when school buses are present on the south side of Deforest
Street between Ash Street and Franklin Street.
jwIdeforest Jd
CENTERSPACE
December 9, 1996
TO THE IOWA CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF: Naomi Novick, Mayor; Larry Baker;
Karen Kubby; Ernie Lehman; Dee Norton; Dean Thornberry; Dee Vanderhoef;
Stephen Atkins, City Manager; Karin Franklin and David Schoon, Economic
Development
FROM: Karen Chappell, Joyce Summerwill, and Shirley Wyrick, Co-chairs,
CenterSpace Committee
Since 1989 the CenterSpace Committee has worked with the City of Iowa City-its
staff and succcessive Councils, the Public, the Downtown Association, the Iowa City
Chamber of Commerce and local architects who have all given of their time and
expertise in order to explore ways to maintain a unique downtown and to develop
the last piece of urban renewal land into something special. We believe a multi-use
building combining components of a conference and cultural center with a new and
larger library would be an important anchor to downtown.
We have remained flexible and mindful of community needs in framing how and
when the City might benefit most from the additional services, activities and energy
which artists and cultural workers, along with conference visitors, could bring to
our downtown, to the community's children, families and commercial enterprises.
We now believe however that it is time for the City to act on the tremendous
possibilities before it. The Downtown needs destination points and an expanded
library and conference and cultural center could be those destinations.
Our request now is that the City Council ask the City Staff to frame a financial
pl_an and time table that will encompass both the building of a new library, either
as sole proprietor or on the mixed use 64-1a site and. of Center Space, either sited
partly in the current library and on the 64-1a site with the Library and other
users, or only on the 64-1a site with other users.
We believe this broad financial plan should be based upon a public/private
partnership which involves private and commercial components, public
referenda and other possible public moneys, but not solely any one of these. The
plan should address both capital and operating expenses whether these projects
are in separate or shared locations.
153
2
We further believe that such a plan should be a plan which can look to the
future as well as to immediate needs and that if such a plan is evolved, these two
community services together might be financed, over time, at a lower cost than
either of the two separately. The actual value to the community will therefore be
much greater and at lower long-term cost.
Since the Library has the most immediate need, and because they are also
planning a private f~and raising campaign, we believe that such a financial plan
should be predicated on a phased building schedule, but with a definite time
table for each phase. It is also possible that several components of CenterSpace
could be realized at the same time a new public library is built, through
renovating the current library space.
It is time to create a broader financial plan and time table for these inititatives
and for each member of the City Council to actively support and promote them.
Secondly, we wholeheartedly endorse the Council's initiative in appointing a
Downtown Strategies Committee to help the Council determine a vision for
Iowa City's entire downtown. We encourage that committee to provide
recommendations that will offer long-range as well as short-range plans for the
heart of our community and region.
It will take both financial and long-range planning such as this, rather than a
project-by-project, referendum-by-referendum plan to realize much greater value
for our community. We believe that the members of our City Council have the
leadership skills to keep our downtown-the center of this region-active, lively
and viable.
My name is John Kenyon. I am a reporter for The Cedar Rapids Gazette and, on
behalf of the public and The Gazette, respectfully request that you conduct
the February council meeting in public.
It is our understanding the council intends to close this meeting, citing two
exceptions to the Iowa Open Meetings Law:
* Section 21.5 (Paragraph c) which allows sessions to be closed to discuss
strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation.
* Section 21.5 (Paragraph i) which allows sessions to be closed to
evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose firing is being
considered.
We submit -- and will argue -- that discussion of the Eric Shaw shooting has
progressed beyond these narrow points into a wider public policy arena where
open discussion is proper.
The Shaw family claim for damages has been filed and is now in the hands of
lawyers.
The council already has indicated, in interviews with our paper, its strong
support for Chief Winkelhake and City Manager Atkins.
One of your members has publicly asked for a public discussion of questions
surrounding the Eric Shaw shooting. The facts of this case are well-known. We
respectfully challenge you to conduct the public's business in public, as you were
elected to do.
artS-9
Iowa City
-Citizen
~'~ FRIDAY, June 7, 19~6
Opinion
Our view
iThe airport's
pl fo
no ace r
'!fireworks
Y' The Jaycees were forced to move the July
'~' fireworks show from Ctty Park to the
tarport in 1993 because of flooding from the
Iowa River.
"' Now. organizauon officials cite safety
'~[.easons for leaving the show at the tarport.
~,fihey say Ihe airport offers a larger landing
area for fireworks. which also allows a
-,bigger display.
Maybe. but if you've seen the show at
~..bpth places. City Park by far is the better
,.place to watch the event.
.'.,~ The park offers a natural setting, with
trecs and rolling. green hills -- not to
mendon thc sparkling reflection of the river.
~'he airport is flat and unspectacular. Its
IrOnways are no substitute for the Iowa
~River.
, ,Jaycee spokesman Alex Alvarez says it's
top late th~s year to move the show back to
~ the park because too much planning has
, already occurred.
~ ~OK, howabou next year'~
, .lows Csty res,dem Lane Wynck
~single-handedly has started the ball rolling
lto'.move the fireworks show back to City
,,Park where it belongs.
'~'"Most people want them there anyway.
~nd Wyrick's peruion with fuore than 400
names represents only a fraction of locals
who would rather see the show at the park.
Sure, parking at the airport is better. But
~arking problems at the park can be
tddressed and fixed.
In the good o1' days. people went to the
azz festival downtown during the day. then
valked down to the fireworks show. It
~olstered attendance at the jazz festival and
nade for a fun day.
; As far as safety goes. couldn't the landing
hrea at the park be extended7 If nol. we'll
~et most people would rather see a smaller
tshow at the park than a bigger one at the
~irport.
! One posstble solution. and this ha~. boon
13A
t)p mon
FRIDAY, June 7, 1996
.Our view
lithe airport's
pl fo
no ace r
'!fireworks
~' The Jaycees were forced to move the July
~ fireworks show from City Park to the
tarport in 1993 because of flooding from the
Iowa River.
:" Now. organistion officials cite safety
v.~,easons for leaving the show at Ibe a~rpon.
,,~hcy say the airport offers a larger landing
area for fireworks, which also allows a
-,bigger display.
Maybe. but ~fyou e seen the show at
,.l~pth places, City Park by far is the better
· place Io watch the event.
.'~ The park offers a natural setting, with
trees and ro]hng, green hills -- not to
mention the sparkling reflection of the river.
~""["he airport is flat and unspectacular. Its
~mnways are oo substitute for the Iowa
.River.
a ;Jayccc spokesman Alex Alvarez says it's
t~o late this year to move the show back to
~ d~ park because too much planning has
l al.ready occurred.
I ~OK, how about next year?
~ '..Iowa City resident Lane Wyrick
~singic-handedly has started the ball rolling
= to' move the fireworks show back to City
· P~rk where it belongs.
"""'Most people want them tberc anyway,
~nd Wyrick's petition wilh ~ore than 400
~ames represents only a fraction of locals
Who would rather see the show at the park.
Sure, parking at the airport is better. But
~ark ug problems at the park can be
~ddrcssed and fixed.
In the good ol' days. pcople went to the
~.~zz festival downtown during the day. then
alked down to the fireworks show. It
iolstemd attendance at the jazz festival and
ade for a fun day.
As far as safety goes, couldn't the landing
ca at the park be exteodcd? If not, we'll
~et mosl people would rather scca smaller
~,how al tbe park than a b~gger one at the
[airport.
~ One possible sololion, and this has been
~J_one [n the past, would be to shoot off the
jfircworks front a barge in the middle of the
~-iver. That would g~','e a larger landing area
]and maybe even provide a belter backdrop
~or the display.
J The pyrotechnic show used to be
imething Iowa C~ty looked forward to.
milies could be seen pierocking in the
rk before the show, having a great time.
]f the Jaycees [eally hope to give lhc
ipublic what it wants, they'll move the
]fireworks back to the park.
I The airport just ~sn't the same.
13A
Iowa
Press-Citizen
Callers prefer fireworks
at park-- not airport
By Shuva Rahlm
The Press. Cittzen
The "F~reworks m the Park"
slogan on Lane Wyrick's buttons
:',as echoed by area residents who
responded to a Press. Citizen
query Wednesday and Thursday.
Of the 37 people v, ho ex-
pressed an opinion. 78 percent. or
29 people. sam they would favor
moving the annual Fourth of luly
fireworks to Coy Park.
Wyrick began his petition to
move the fireworks to the park
after the thsplay was moved to the
Iowa Cny Airport in 1993 be-
cause of flooding. h has remained
there since then.
The Jaycees. ,oho have spon-
sored this event for more than 50
years. say safety concerns en-
couraged them to keep the fire-
,~orks at the airport for a fourth
problems w~th parking. traffic and
fire shells.
In the poll. residents who voted
for Cny Park say it has a more
natural setting. Those in favor of
keeping the display at the airport
say safety concerns should be he
No. I prmr ty.
Sam and Adefinc Samuels of
Iowa Ctty think the park s a
better location for the fireworks
because of the eamronment.
"Where your surrounthngs are
[s as an tmportam pan of the
experience as just how b~g the
fireworks arc." Sam Samuels
sa~d.
But Dennis and Drone Wmc.
garden real the airport is the best
Iocahon beearise of safe;y and
convcniem parkmg al the nearby
Wal-Mart and Menards.
year Those concerns tnclude · ReMdent comtnent$/$A
City Park airport: comment
Those voting for City Park:
"Holding them at the park also
enables those enjoying the jazz
fist downtown to walk just a few
blocks to see the fitesvorks."
-- Regenla D. Bailey,
509 1/2 Brown St.
"l've come back to iowa City
for 10 years from living in Illinois
and Indiana just to see the fire-
works at the City Park. 1 moved
back this year. and was really
disappointed to hear that they
were at the airport."
-- Debra Persons of Coralville
"The fireworks BELONG AT
CITY PARK"
-- Richard Hollis, Iowa City
For the lows City Airport:
"Keep them at the air0ort! It is
safer and more convenient to get
in and otu of"
-- Aaron Votroubek,
717 Chestnut Ct.
"In considering where the
fireworks should be held. safety
shou[d be the first concern."
-- Connie Beteher,
117 Cardiff Circle
"We think the fireworks
should stay at the airport because
Ws a larger space Therefore. the
fireworks can be btgger and bet-
ter."
-- Peg Gugllano,
1106 Duck Creek Dr.
"I believe we should have the
fireworks at the airport because of
the congestion in the park, due
partly to growth of the city. And
more people are able to view the
fireworks at the airport in the
safer environment. I remember
strongly m '53 the wind that came
through City Park. We were just
fortunate no one was hurt, but l
think something of that naix~re
might happen again And with the
fireworks. in that area so con-
gested. 1 don't think it is feasi-
ble."
-- Elaine Ivie 1424 Laurel St.
lhe Oa~l¥ lowan. Iowa Cay, Iowa. Wednesday, June 12, 1996!
Jaycees reject proposal
to return show to park
galharine Horowitz
lhe Daily lowan
Although the aanuat Fourth of
July firewin'ks show will remain at
the Iowa Git3' Mumcipal Airport
for tbe present time, fireworks of
another sort were shot off at Tues-
day night's Iowa City/Coralvfile
Jaycees meeting.
The heated discussion began
when the issue was raised of
whether or not the fireworks show
should be moved back to City Park
from ~ts present location at the
Iowa City Municipal Airport
Lane Wyrick, an Iowa Git3' resi-
dent who has been petitioning for
the past month to get the firewin'ks
display moved back to City Park,
presented his reasons for the move
- against the advice of Monte
Wlutlock of the Iowa Fireworks
Production and John Nosbiff, a
fireworks recreation specialist.
ed parking problems. but also
endangered children by putting
them near the vicinity of the high-
way.
'This is not a feel-good event to
have the fireworks at the airport
and in an industrial area." he said.
"We don't want people feeling tense
and nervous during what should be
a fun event."
However, Nesbitt and Whitlock
said the issue of safety needed to
come before tradition and the envi-
ronment.
"City Park is no longer eligible
as a site." Nesbitt said. "And our
No. 1 consideration is and should
be safety."
"It doesn't make sense to me'
Whitlock said. 'We're talking about
warm, fuzzy feelings here, but
nothing about the danger of fire-
works. the risks involved and the
safety factor."
Both men agreed the tradition of
IVyrick began his argument with fireworks started 50 years ago by
a statement recalling the long- the Jaycees was much different
standing Iowa City tradition of from the caliber of fireworks today.
Fourth of July fireworks in the ~Compare the fireworks of today
'A great tradition bas been
changed/ he said. "One of the
more posit,ve things about Iowa
City ~s its sense of environment
and community..And a strong
aspect of this has been fireworks m
the park and in a beautiful set-
ting/
Wyrlck went on to present a
series of photographs showing the
varmus parking and picnic areas at
the airport and at City Park.
explaining the airpart anti its park-
mg areas not only obstructed the
view of the fireworks and present-
FIREWORKS
Continued from Page IA
with fireworks of 50 years ago,"
Nesbitt said. "Shells are larger anti
much more dangerous.
"We started with a very small
population 50 years ago,' he said.
"Now we have at least 60,000 very
diverse people living in the city
and we have to deal with crowd
control. traffic and where to put
them. Things have changed dra-
matically."
Several times daring the discus-
s~on. AI Alvarez, co-chairperson of
the Jaycees. reminded those at the
See I:IREWO.~KS. Page
and although he gathered 500 sig-
meeting the discussion was not a natures from Iowa City and
debate but an open forum for those Coralville residents who ,also want.
who wanted to participate. ed the display moved back to the
"The Jaycees organization
believes that the current location
for the fireworks shiny is the safest
location to have at the present
moment," he said. "We wdl recon-
sider the location for next year's
show at this November's planning
Wyfick stud he was disappointed
with the outcome of the meeting,
park, he is unsure whether he will
contlaue.
"Although I think safety is a very
important factor, I also don't think
people see and appreciate the
importance of beauty and the aes-
thetic quality of this issue," he
said. "I don't think we're going to
have the fireworks back in the
park"
WEDNESDAY, JL]J~e 12 1996 /,,,,,,¢,t,/',,., ( a,...
Iowa Cit Javcees
Local man's attempt to
move £u'eworks fizzles
By Shuva Rahim
The P/'e.~
Dismissed
~' Monte
City Park may host fall fireworks
Katharine Horowilz
]he Dady lowan
Whfi= 'I'hursday'~ firework,~ din.
,Ion=on s~(i they could be dinplayed
"W~'ro in thg midst of filhng out
works) performed at C~ty Park,"
at noon and lasting through the end
on the hanks of the Iowa R~ver.
"The plan ts that people
stretch along th~ r~ver so that by
the final part of the day, whlch wqll
be the fireworks. they'll be s~ttmg In
front of Hahchef green watching
fireworks," Phng said
planning to launch the fireworks
from I.ower City Park, which
reqmre theIn to have large enough
"The plan ~s that people
wdl stretch along the river
so that by the final part of
the day, which wifl be the
fireworks, theyql be sitting
in front of Hancher green
watching fireworks."
Sheila King, co-
coordinator of
sesquicentennial events
shells to reach a hmght where peo-
ple can see them whale still meeting
safety regulatmns.
'We thought of I.ower C~ty Park
because there's that separation
between Hahchef and the park,
which make~ ~t much safer," King
said
However, both King and Terry
T~'enkamp, president of the Iowa
C~ty/Goralwlle Jaycees, &d not feel
hawng sesqmcentennmlfliomecom.
ing fir=works at the park and
Fourth of July fireworks at the air-
pert posed any contradiction.
"It's hke comparing apples and
oranges," King said. 'They are very
different events, very. different dis-
plays and a much d~fferent crswd
Wl~ile the crowd for Thursday's
fireworks d,splay is estimated te ~e
about 20,000 people, Homecoming
expected to be closer to 3,000.
'I doubt Fourth of July fireworks
at the park would work." Trenkamp
said. 'You wouldn't have any room
left and couldn't shoot off anything
large."
Monte Whirlock of Iowa F~re-
works Productsons said the airport
fireworks cost more because they
use Isrger shells, which produce
more eye-catching effects.
'The bigger and better the fire-
works are, ths more intricate the
show is," Whirlock said. 'But the
Nggest and best shelb can't h~ppen
at City Park with the way regu!a-
uons are now. If ~t did happen, spec-
tators would have to be four lootball
fields ~way to be safe, which is what
they ate now st the tarpert."
At the atrpo~, the Jaycees use
12-inch shells, but if the display
were held at the park, safety tog'dia-
l{ohs and crowd popularran would
reqture shells no larger than 6 inch-
'As it was, the last time we bad
tireworks m the park we had
crowds literally pressed up against
the fence used to separate them
from the shooting area," Trenkamp
said. 'It was too big eta risk te keep
takang."
,Park alternative viable for next year's fireworks
To paraphrase -
Mark Twain, "The
Lane
reports on the
deathof the fire- Wyrick
works in the park
movement have
been greatly exaggerated."
The cause and the struggle live on,
gaining widespread enthusiastic sup-
port. Our voice witl be heard and
soon, although not in 1996, there again
will be fireworks in City Park.
Over the past six weeks, I have been
talking with our community about the
Jaycees' continued use of'~he Iowa
City Airloon as a location for its
Fourth of July fireworks display, fol-
lowing its 1993 move from City Park
due to flooding.
! have found almost unanimous
agreement with my position urging
that our Independence Day celebration
be returned to its original location of
City Park.
Iowa City residents are very con-
cemed about the loss of our great
tradition that allowed for real public
celebration in a pleasant, natural en-
vironment. Many have said they will
Guest opinion
just go to a fireworks display in a
neighboring community or stay at
home. The Press-Citizen's editorial
endorsement on June 7 put it best.
"The airpon's no place for fire-
works."
! was temporarily unsettled by my
reception at the Tuesday, June 11,
Jaycees meeting because I requested
but did not receive any specific in-
formation about the safety issues con-
ceming City Park fireworks. ! know
that informed decisions can be made
on how to have a safe show in the
traditional park location, with the
.proper information. I am now gather-
ing that information from reliable and
official sources.
At that meeting, the belittling talk of
Monte Whidock (the licensed pyrote-
chnician from Solon, who benefits
directly from selting and shooting the
fireworks) made me realize that some
people are willing to sacrifice the
value of tradition, community and
beauty for their own personal benefit.
Contrary to Whitlock's statement at
the meeting that only people belonging
to the Jaycees or contributing money
for the fireworks are entitled to make
decisions about the fireworks displays,
! believe the citizens of Iowa City need
to be consulted.
We are the audience -- and the
reason -- for the fireworks celebration
and we have asked for their return to
the City Park area, even if that means
somewhat less powerful explosives to
maintain safety. Do we have a voice in
the matter?
Although we are told that we will
eventually accept airport fireworks,
none of us who have witnessed fire-
works in the park will ever substitute
the hollow experience of sitting in a
parking lot for the vivid memories of
our traditional gathering along the
river.
Many people are now asking, "Why
are the Jaycees so firmly committed to
a location for fireworks that the vast
majority of our community dis-
approves?"
'1 his question will remain in our
minds unless the Jaycees make a seri-
ous attempt, immediately following
this ycar's fireworks display at the
airport, to pave the way for the return
of timworks to City Park in 1997.
Otherwise, organizing an alternative
celcbration for next year in the City
Park area is a definite possibility.
This event, along with the down-
town Jazz Festival, will allow a broad
spectrum of the community to spend
an entire day in the heart of Iowa City,
where the scenery is beautiful and we
can relax, walk between events and
really celebrate.
We may not have explosions as
as the airport show, but we will have
bigger smiles. Because the Fourth of
July is a celebration of the diversity of
our community and the beauty t,f our
environment and you can't really ex-
perience that while sitting in your car.
I invite anyone interested in working
to restore our important tradition or
who would be interested in contrib-
uting in the future toward Fireworks in '
the Park to call me at 351-9379.
Lane Wyrick is a resident of Iowa City.
SATURDAY, May 25, 1996
9A
Editorial Board members:
Charles T. Wanninger
Michael Beck
Stephen P. Weeks
Daniel W. Brown
Cheryl I. Taylor
Mary Anne Madden
President and Publisher
Managing Editor
Editorial Page Editor
Director of Marketing Services
Inside Sales Executive
Commumty Member
Letters to the editor are welc
than 250 words and must inclu~
number where you can be teac
Letters that cannot be verilied ~
are subject to editing.
Mail letters to the Press-Citiz
Box 2480, Iowa City, Iowa 52~.
Send e-mail to the Press-Citl,
Bring fireworks display back to City
The Fourth of
July is approach- L a n e
ing, and prepam-
are be,ng Wyrick
made for timworks
displays throughout
the country. In the past. Iowa City has
held an inspiring evcnl wilh thousand%
of members from the commumty
gathering in C~ty Park. 11 was always a
festive day spent in such a wondcrlul
location next to the river.
But now wc face yet another year
where we must drive to Ihe Iowa City
A~rport for a sanitized fireworks prc-
senration. far away from the heart of
the commarely and the beauty ot the
park's natural setting.
What made fireworks m Ctty Park
so umquc and special'? Why was ~t
such an important event':'
I grew up in Iowa C~ty and renlcnl-
bur the excitement and cnc~gy as my
Guest opinion
family and friends would ~pcnd tbe
Fourth of July at City Park, playing
Frtsbec. having u picnic and generally
mmglin$ w~th all the unique people
that had galhcrcd together to have a
common positive experience. It was
the brilliant flowering lights that il-
luminated Ihc glowing faces of young-
sters and adults alike, as they "ooh-
bed" and "aahhhcd" while seated in
the green grass, surrounded by the
trees.
It was the reflection of the fireworks
in the river and hundreds of people
croxsing the bridges to get a better
vmw. F~rcworks at Ihe park was the
day where all of Iowa City came
together to experience a spectacle of
pure bcuuty in a pleasant envlromr~cnt.
Well. Ihe Great Flood of '93 forced Many
Ihc Jaycees to relocate the fireworks to the eye
the Iowa Cily Airport thai year. But It' y¢
ever since then, Ihc fireworks have inc)
continued to take place al tbe airport, park,
not because of actual flooding but event
because it migh! flood, Our rich tradi- lion. ~
lion has been changed out of precau- feel sir
lion not out of necessity, always
I believe that the fireworks them- and on
selves (the gunpowder. the ruses. the they Ix
explosions) are not the primary attrac- specifi,
lion to Ibis Fourth of July event, It is i do~
the spirit of community and the on- wrongl
livened almospbere thai City Park as a co
creates that makes it a magical event feel. N
and has created so many vivid memo- firewo
ties for people Ihat have shared this proud ',
experience. tradlti¢
Everyone I have talked to that went shed n'
to Ihe fireworks at Cily Park in the
past is disappointed with its current
IotaDon at Io a C' y Airport. City.
996
9A
Editorial Board members:
Charles T. Wanninger
Michael Beck
Stephen P. Weeks
Daniel W. Brown
President and Publisher
Managing Editor
Editorial Page Editor
Director of Marketing Services
Cheryl i. Taylor Inside Sales Executive
Mary Anne Ladden Community Member
Letters to the editor are welcome. They should be no more
than 250 words and must include name, address and telephone
number where you can be reached between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Lellers that cannot be verified will not be published. All letlers
are subject to editing,
Mail letters to the Press-Citizen, Letters to the Editor, P. Oo
Box 2480, Iowa City, Iowa 52244. Fax letters to 339-7342.
Send e-mail to the Press-Citizen at: icpc@inav. net.
Bring fireworks display back to City Park
Thc Fourth or'
July ~S approach- L a n e
inc, and prepara-
are be,.g Wyrick
made for lire,.vorks
displays throughout
the counlry. In the pa~.t. Io',va City has
held an insprong event w~th thuusallds
of nittubers from the ctmmtullity
gathering m City Park. it was always
festive day spent in such a v, ondcrfnl
locution next to the river
But now we t'ncc yc! analher yca~
where we must drivc to the Iowa City
A~rport for a sanitizcd tireworks pro-
sumerian, tar away from the heart at'
the community and the beauty of' the
park's natural .,,citing.
What made t'ircworks m C,y Park
so unique and ~pccial'? Why was it
I grew Up III Io%¥a City and l~Clllelll
ber the excitement anti oneres. as my
Guest opinion
Ibmily and I'nend.'. would spend Ihc
Fourlh or' July al City Park. playing
Fnshec. having a p~cnic alld generally
mingtitle wuh all the unique people
tl~at had gathered together to have a
common postlive experience. h was
the brfitiant flowering hghts lhat il-
luminated the glowing lucca of young-
sters and adahs alike, as they "ooh-
hod" and "aahhhcd" while seated in
the green gm~s. ~urroundcd by the
trcc~.
h was the reflection of the timworks
in the nvcr and hundreds of people
cro~smg the bridgc~ 1o get u better
v~cw. Fireworks at the park was the
day where all ol Iowa C~ly came
together to cxperlcncc a spectacle of
pure beauty in a pleasure environmum.
Well. the Great Flood of '93 forced
the Jaycees Io relocate the fireworks to
Ihe Iowa City Atrporl that year But
ever since then. the fireworks have
continued to take place at the airport,
not because or' aclual floixiing but
because tt might flood, Our rich tradi-
tion has been changcd out of precau-
tion nol OUt of necessity,
I believe that the fireworks them-
selves (the gunpowder, the ruses, Ihe
cxplosions) are not the primary artrat~
t~on to this Fourlh of July event, It is
the spirit of commumty and the ca-
livened atmosphere that City Park
creates that makes it a magical event
and has created so many vivid memo-
rios tbr people Ihal have shared this
experience.
Everyone I have talked It) that went
to Ihe t'ircworks at Cily Park in Ihe
past ~s disappointed with its current
location at the Iowa City A~rport.
Many students can't even make it to
the event because they don't have cars.
it' you can remember (or just imag-
ine) Ihe beauty of fireworks in the
park. Ihen you rcalizc the power of the
event and the importance of its loca-
tion, We should tell the Jaycees we
feel strongly Ihal the fireworks should
always be held at City Park. and if,
and only if. there is flooding should
they be moved to the airpont for that
specific instance.
I don't believe the Jaycuss acle, d
wrongfully; we just haven't spoken up
as a community to tell them how we
feel. Now is the time to restore the
fireworks at the park so we can be
proud again of a unique Iowa City
tradition that has created such cheri-
shed memories for so many people.
Lone Wyrick ia a resident of Iowa
City.
Iowa City
Press-Citizen
paper
Lane Wyrick
lobbies to get
fireworks
moved to
City Park, 7A
Local reside t
to Ci~ Park
What do you think?
Fireworks
from 5A