HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-27 Info Packet~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
(~ITY OF IOW2~ (~ITY January 27, 2005
www.icgov.org
IP1 City Council Meetings and Work Session Agendas
IP2 City Conference Board Meeting January 31, 2005
IP3 Memorandum from the Director of Planning and Community Development to City Council:
Design Review
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
IP4 Memorandum from the City Manager: Saturday Meeting with State Legislators
IP5 Letter from the City Manager to Community Event and Program Funding Applicants: Notice
of Budget Public Hearing
IP6 ECICOG Meeting Thursday, January 27, 2005 [From Mayor Pro tem Wilburn]
IP7 Police Department Use of Force Report - December 2004
IP8 Agenda Packet for: January 20 PATV Board of Directors Meeting
IP9 Senior Center: Notice of Public Events for February
IP10 Minutes [Approved] Scattered Site Housing Task Force: January 3, 2005
I PRELIMINARY DRAFT/MINUTES
IPll Telecommunications Commission: December 20, 2004
IP12 Charter Review Commission: January 13, 2005
IP13 Charter Review Commission: January 14, 2005
IP14 Airport Commission: January 13, 2005
~ City Council Meeting Schedule and
~ Work Session Agendas Janua~27,200~
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
· SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 Emma J. Harvat Hall
11:30a-12:30p Special Work Session with lC Legislators re: Priorities
· MONDAY, JANUARY 31 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall
6:30p City Conference Board Meeting
Separate Agenda Posted
Council Work Session
Airport Commission - Randy Hartwig, Chair
Planning and Zoning Items
Design Review
Agenda Items
Council Appointments
Council Time
Identification of Priorities for Discussion
· TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Emma J. HarvatHall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p City Conference Board Meeting
Separate Agenda Posted
TBA Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, MARCH 1 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
· MONDAY, MARCH 21 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, MARCH 22 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
· MONDAY, APRIL 4 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, APRIL 5 Emma J. Ha/vat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
Meeting dates/times/topics subject to change
FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS
Regulation of Downtown Dumpsters
IP2
OFFICE OF THE
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR
JOHNSON COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
DENNIS BALDRIDGE
ASSESSOR
CAROLYN BURKE
DEPUTY
BRAD COMER
DEPUTY
January 25, 2005
Dear Conference Board Member:
The annual meeting of the Iowa City Conference Board for the consideration of the Iowa
City Assessor's FY 2006 budget is scheduled for Monday, January 31, 2005 at 6:30 P.M. at
the Iowa City Civic Center. Enclosed for your review before the meeting are:
1. The Agenda.
2. The Proposed Budget.
3. Salary Survey.
4. A copy of the March 1, 2004 minutes.
5. The 2004 Annual Report including the program division statement.
There is an increase in the amount to be raised by the Assessment Expense Fund from last
year's amount. The increase consists of:
a. $17,200 for a 5% COLA increase in salaries, and a step raise for one employee.
b. $ 9,600 for a 5% merit increase for the assessor and two deputies.
c. $ 2,050 for an increase in FICA.
d. $ 9,090 for an increase ~n health insurance.
e. $ 100 for in increase ~n publications and subscriptions.
f. $ 700 for an increase ~n schools and conferences.
g. $ 200 for an increase in dues.
$38,940 Total Increase
This increase is offset by the following decreases:
a. $ 7,250 for a decrease in IPERS, which had a one year increase for Board of Review.
b. $ 5,800 for a decrease in postage, an alternate year expense.
c. $ 1,300 for a decrease in printing, an alternate year expense.
$14,350 Total Decrease
$24,590 Net Increase
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET · IOWA CITY IOWA 52240
TELEPHONE 319-356-6066
The Assessment Expense Fund levy rate will increase from .22926 to .22932. The largest
increase is for salaries, with a 5% cost of living increase and a 5% merit increase for the
assessor and two deputies.
The cost of living increase is supported by an increase received by Johnson County
administrative unit employees who work in the same building as Iowa City Assessor
employees and are our closest peer group. They received 2 percent increases in July 2004
and January 2005 and will receive the same in 2005-2006. This amounts to a 4 percent
increase at the end of each year for a total of 8%. Iowa City Assessor employees received a
3 percent increase in 2004-05, so an additional 5 percent increase in 2005-06 would total 8
percent. Our employees will begin to contribute an employee share to health insurance costs
for the first time, family deductible was increased from $100 to $200, and the family out-of
pocket maximum increased from $500 to $1000. A larger cost-of-living increase would
help to offset these increases and was one reason for the larger increase in the Johnson
county negotiations. The consumer price index is up 3.3 percent over the last year, which
includes noticeably large increases in gasoline and heating costs. Locally, home price
increases are higher than state averages.
Historically, the Iowa City Conference Board and the Johnson County Conference Board
have kept the salaries of the Iowa City Assessor and the Johnson County Assessor at the
same level. However, when new assessors were appointed in both jurisdictions in January
2002, the Johnson County Assessor's salary was increased by 10 percent and the Iowa City
Assessor's was not. The difference has remained at 10 percent since that time. One of the
reasons given for no change was the lack of experience in the assessor's position. Three
years have gone by and I would like to ask the conference board to reconsider.
As shown by the accompanying salary survey, the Iowa City Assessor's salary has fallen
tol7th highest among Iowa assessors. This is lower than several jurisdictions with smaller
populations, less total assessed valuation, and less real estate activity.
The chief deputy assessor has 25 years experience in the office, is the key person with our
appraisal and taxation software packages, and supervises our residential appraisals. Her
salary is lower than deputies with much less experience.
Health insurance is projected to rise by 13%. Employees will begin to contribute an
employee share for health insurance on July 1, 2005. Single policy holders will pay $5 per
month and family policy holders will pay $12.50. Family deductible and family co-pay were
also increased on the first of this year and drug co-pay increased from 10 percent to 20
percent on July 1, 2003.
IPERS decreased dramatically because a one-time expense incurred in the current year will
not be needed in the future. The assessor was required to pay the employer's share of IPERS
for current Board of Review members for several previous years.
Schools and conferences and equipment purchases were increased by small amounts to
cover expected cost increases.
Postage and printing were decreased because 2006 will not be a reassessment year and
assessment rolls will only be mailed for properties with new construction.
The Special Appraisers Fund adds another $1500 to the car replacement fund, and $2500 to
the leave contingency fund which was depleted to pay unused vacation for retiring
employees. The computer replacement fund was also replenished in the amount of $2500.
These amounts are all the same as last year.
The assessed value of new construction that will be taxed for the first time in FY '06 will
produce nearly $17,000 for the City Assessor Expense Fund and approximately $918 for the
Special Appraisers Fund.
If you have any specific questions or wish to see any of the supporting documents for this
budget, please feel free to phone me at the office at 356-6066 or at my home at 688-2661.
Sincerely,
Dennis Baldridge
Iowa City Assessor
Januaw 25,2005
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
The Iowa City Conference Board will meet at 6:30 P.M. on Monday January 31, 2005
at the Iowa City Civic Center. The purpose of this meeting is to hold a public hearing
on the Iowa City Assessor's proposed budget for FY 2006.
AGENDA:
1. Call meeting to order by the Chairperson.
2. Roll call by taxing body.
3. Act on minutes of March 1,2004 Conference Board meeting.
4. Assessor presents proposed budget.
5. Discuss proposed budget.
6. Conference Board acts on proposed budget.
7. Set date for public hearing.
8. Other business.
9. Adjournment.
Dennis J. Baldridge
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
ITEMIZED BUDGET - ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND FY 2005 FY 2006
ITEM # EXPENDITURE
SALARIES
36 CITY ASSESSOR $69,560 $76,690
37 FIRST DEPUTY 59,130 65,190
37 SECOND DEPUTY 51,730 59,880
40 REAL ESTATE CLERK 40,040 42,040
40 CLERK/APPRAISER 33,330 35,000
40 CLERK/ACCOUNTING 35,830 37,620
36,37,40 LONGEVITY 2,675 2,675
TOTAL SALARIES $292,295 $319,095
OTHER EXPENDITURES
39 BOARD OF REVIEW $10,500 $10,500
41 EMPLOYER SHARE: FICA 23,170 25,220
42 EMPLOYER SHARE: IPERS 26,200 18,950
43 HEALTH INSURANCE 62,290 71,380
44 MILEAGE & AUTO 1,600 1,600
45 OFFICE SUPPLIES 3,500 3,500
46 POSTAGE 7,000 1,200
47 TELEPHONE 1,000 1,000
48 PUBLICATIONS, SUBSCRIPTIONS & DUES 600 700
49 PRINTING 1,800 500
50 APPRAISAL SERVICE 600 600
51 INSURANCE 3,500 3,500
52 SCHOOLS & CONFERENCES 7,800 8,500
53 APPEALS TO COURT & LEGAL FEES 27,000 27,000
54 EQUIPMENT PURCHASE 3,400 3,400
55 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE 200 200
56 UNEMPLOYMENT 2,000 2,000
57 CONFERENCE BOARD 0 0
58 EXAMINING BOARD 30 30
59 BOARD OF REVIEW EXPENSES 200 200
60 DATA PROCESSING SERVICES 14,000 14,000
61 SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE 14,000 14,000
62 DUES 1,400 1,600
63 BONDS & WORKER'S COMPENSATION 1,200 1,200
TOTAL OTHER EXPENDITURES $212,990 $210,780
TOTAL BUDGET $505,285 $529,875
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE -$45,353 -$49,294
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $459,932 $480,581
BUDGET - SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND FY 05 FY 06
MAPPING & APPRAISAL $11,081 $10,881
CAR REPLACEMENT 3,171 4,671
RE-APPRAISAL FUND 15,202 14,452
LEAVE CONTINGENCY 7,500 10,000
COMPUTER REPLACEMENT 2,500 2,500
DP SOFTWARE PURCHASE 7,500 0
TOTAL $46,954 $42,504
UNENCUMBERED BALANCE ($31,583) ($16,509)
TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $15,371 $25,995
GRAND TOTAL TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION $475,303 $506,576
MAXIMUM LEVY ALLOWED
MAXIMUM ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND 2,095,675,841 X .00027 $565,832
IPERS & FICA FUNDS $44,170
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION & TORT LIABILITY $4,000
MAXIMUM FOR ASSESSMENT EXPENSE FUND $614,002
MAXIMUM SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND 2,095,675,841 X .000405 $848,749
MAXIMUM ALLOWED WITHOUT STATE APPROVAL $1,462,751
MAXIMUM EMERGENCY FUND 2,095,675,841 X .00027 $565,832
(requires State Appeal Board approval)
MAXIMUM THAT COULD BE RAISED BY TAXATION FOR FY 2006 $2,028,583
PRIOR YEARS LEVIES AND RATES
EXPENSE FUND SPECIAL APPRAISERS FUND
FY AMOUNT LEVIED LEVY RATE AMOUNT LEVIED LEVY RATE
1995-96 303,281 0.20446 30,000 0.02023
1996-97 319,513 0.2045 17,000 0.01088
1997-98 318,270 0.19946 52,834 0.03311
1998-99 318,699 0.19269 184,357 0.11146
1999-00 341,910 0.19784 352,508 0.20398
2000-01 359,341 0.19823 180,293 0.09946
2001-02 396,829 0.20636 6,442 0.00335
2002-03 403,136 0.20694 4,426 0.00227
2003-04 412,379 0.20818 10,051 0.00507
2004-05 470,398 0.22926 15,728 0.00767
2005-06 480,581 0.22932 25,995 0.01240
SALARY SURVEY
Assessor Chief Deputy Deputy Assessed_Value 2000
Rank Jurisdiction Salar~ Salar~ Salar~ (in millions) Population*
1 Polk County $96,683 $90,178 $67,346 23,585 374,601
3 Ames $86,254 $64,970 50,731
5 Johnson County $77,420 $63,539 3,622 48,786
7 Sioux City $74,081 $59,265 $51,857 3,125 85,013
9 Cerro Gordo County $73,500 $58,800 1,215 17,275
11 Muscatine County $73,144 $48,647 $40,406 2,131 41,722
13 Black Hawk County $72,100 $54,100 $50,650 6,481 128,012
15 Dubuque County $70,639 $56,511 2,046 31,457
17 Iowa City $69,560 $59,130 $50,470 3,140 62,220
19 Dallas County $63,063 40,750
22 Clinton (City) $56,180 1,009 27,772
*City population has been deducted
from counties with a city assessor.
IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
March 1, 2004
City Conference Board: March 1, 2004, 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers at the
Iowa City City Hall. Mayor Emie Lehman presiding.
Iowa City Council Members Present: Bailey, Champion, Elliott, E. Lehman,
O'Donnell, Vanderhoff, Wilbum.
Johnson County Supervisors Present: Stutsman, Thompson.
Iowa City School Board Members Present: Goodlaxson
Others Present: Baldridge, Burke, Atkins, Helling, Dilkes, Karr.
Tape Recorded: Reel 04-22, Side 1.
Chair Ernie Lehman called the meeting to order and clerk Baldridge called roll and
stated that a quorum was present. (The School Board having only one member
present will not have a vote recorded.)
The City (Vanderhoff) moved to accept the minutes of the last Conference Board
meeting, February 2, 2004, the County (Stutsman) seconded and the motion carried,
2/0.
Chairman Lehman declared the public hearing open. After no comment from the
public, the public hearing was declared closed.
After a discussion of the total compensation package, the City (O'Donnell) moved to
accept the proposed budget as published, the County (Stutsman) seconded and the
motion carded, 2/0.
There being no further business it was moved by the City (Vanderhoef) and seconded
by the County (Stutsman) to adjourn at 6:37 P.M. Motion carried, 2/0.
Dennis Baldridge
Clerk, Iowa City Conference Board
IOWA CITY
CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
2004 ANNUAL REPORT
2004 IOWA CITY CONFERENCE BOARD
IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL
Ernie Lehman, Mayor
Regenia Bailey
Connie Champion
Bob Elliott
Mike O'Donnell
Dee Vanderhoef
Ross Wilburn
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL BOARD
Lauren Reece, President
Toni Cilek
Bob EIliott
Don Jackson
Gayle Klouda
Jan Left
*Alecia Morgan
*Peter Wallace
*Conference Board Designee
JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Sally Stutsman, Chairperson
Mike Lehman, Vice Chairperson
Pat Harney
Terrence Neuzil
Rod Sullivan
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE AND FINANCE
Michael D. Ralston - Director, Iowa Department of Revenue and Finance
2004 STAFF OF IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
MEMBERS OF BOARD OF REVIEW
AND EXAMINING BOARD OF IOWA CITY, IOWA
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S OFFICE
Dennis J. Baldridge Date of Employment: 12 Jul, 1982
Iowa City Assessor Appointed: 2002 thru 2007
Carolyn R. Burke
Chief Deputy Assessor Date of Employment: 08 Oct, 1979
Brad Comer
Deputy Assessor Date of Employment: 14 Jan, 2002
Mark Fedler
Appraiser/Clerk Date of Employment: 20 Jun, 1994
Diane Campbell
Accounting Clerk Date of Employment: 16 Feb, 1998
Todd Kruse
Real Estate Clerk Date of Employment: 14 May, 2001
IOWA CITY BOARD OF REVIEW
Haywood Belle, Chairperson Appointed 2003 through 2008
Dick Donahue Appointed 2002 through 2007
Jane G. Downer Appointed 2004 through 2009
Dave Hintze Appointed 2001 through 2006
Jack Yanaush Appointed 2000 through 2005
IOWA CITY EXAMINING BOARD
John McDonald for City Appointed 2000 through 2005
Lane E. Plugge for School Appointed 2000 through 2005
Jerry Vanni for County Appointed 2004 through 2009
LEGAL COUNSEL
Eleanor Dilkes - City Attorney
Andy Matthews - Assistant City Attorney
To Members of the Iowa City Conference Board
From: Dennis J. Baldridge - Iowa City Assessor
Subject: 2004 Annual Report - Issued December 31,2004
The following report covers the activities of this office from January 1,
2004 to date of issue.
VALUATIONS
Since 2004 was not a real estate revaluation year, assessed values remained
the same as 2003. New construction added approximately 80 million dollars to
residential, 32 million dollars to commercial and 3 million dollars to industrial for
2004.
The 779 residential deed sales for 2004 give us a median ratio (assessed value vs
sale price) of 84.44% compared to 88.30% for 809 sales in 2003. This tells us that
the selling prices of homes have gone up since last year and an increase will be
necessary for the 2005 assessments.
It should be kept in mind that when a jurisdiction is at the State mandated sales
ratio level of 100%, a full one-half of home sales will be for less than the assessed
value. Sales for less than the assessed value tend to result in appeals to the Board
of Review.
COURT CASES
There were two appeals to District Court in 2004. One appeal was for residential
property and one was for commercial property. All 2003 appeals have been
settled.
BOARD OF REVIEW
The Board of Review was in session from May 1 through May 14, the day of
adjournment. 51 protests were filed, with 8 being upheld and 43 denied. The total
value of real estate being protested was $40,443,790. The Board allowed a total
reduction of $1,659,920.
EQUITY VERSUS MARKET IN ASSESSMENT
It is difficult to be both equitable among assessments and in tune with the
market. Similar properties do not always sell for similar prices, so the market is
not always equitable and some times a long way from it. Most assessors would
lean toward equity if they could choose between the two. Our first priority is
equity since it is not always possible to have every assessment match the selling
price. Our statistics show that we are doing a good job in this regard.
WEB PAGE
The Iowa City Assessor's web page went online during the spring of 2001.
Internet availability of comparable sales and comparable assessments has been
very helpful to taxpayers concerned about the fairness of their assessments.
Appraisers and Realtors have also been very complimentary about this service,
commenting that it saves them considerable time and money since they can
make copies of our property record cards without leaving their office. There have
been over 350,000 hits on our web site since it went online. It can be viewed at
www. iowacity, iowaassessors.com.
.ROLLBACKS
The residential rollback has gone down from 48.46% for the current taxes to
47.96% for next year's taxes. The rollback for commercial property will change
from the current 99.26% to 100%.
The League of Municipalities has been trying to get legislation passed to stop
the decrease in the residential tax base. Iowa City's residential tax base has
not actually decreased because of our increase in market value and new
construction. Nevertheless, the shift of the tax burden should be of concern.
The tables on pages 12 and 13 illustrate this shift. Commercial property has
remained close to the same percentage of the total value, but is becoming a
larger percentage of the taxable value when looking back over the years.
NEW LEGISLATION
HF 692 - House File 692 was passed by the 2003 Legislature and signed by the
Governor, then went to an implementation committee. This legislation
proposed sweeping changes in property tax assessment, most notably a
"square foot" assessment, which would adjust assessed values to a square
foot value based on the 2005 assessment or the selling price if the property
sold. HF 692 was deemed unworkable by the implementation committee and
is no longer in effect.
LEGISLATIVE PROSPECTS
Although there were several property tax proposals in the 2004 session of the
legislature, nothing of major significance was passed into law. The most far-
reaching proposal was a bill requiring the assessor's office to pay for the
property owner's attorney and appraisal fees related to an appeal to the board
of review and/or district court. This bill passed in the house, but fortunately for
assessors' budgets it was stopped in the senate. It is expected to come up
again this year.
A joint committee of the Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa
League of Cities has presented their own Property Tax Reform Proposal. It is
a very comprehensive package encompassing Assessment and Valuation;
Budgeting and Taxation; and Constraints and Limitation. This proposal has
been widely publicized and you may have seen a copy. If not, it is available
through ISAC or the League of Cities on their websites. All or parts of this
proposal may be adopted by the legislature.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Continuing education is a requirement for the assessor and deputies for
reappointment to their positions. Over a six-year term, assessors must complete
one hundred-fifty hours of classroom instruction including at least ninety hours
from courses requiring a test. Deputies must complete ninety hours of
classroom instruction including at least sixty tested hours over their six-year
terms. It is also good for other employees to attend some classes so they can
update their skills and stay current with assessment practices.
The Assessor attended the following courses and conferences during 2004:
MSATA Conference (Midwestern States 8.00T C.E. hrs.
Association of Tax Administrators)
IAAO Conference on Assessment (Internat-
ional Association of Assessing Officers)
ISAA Annual School of Instruction 11.75 C.E. hrs.
(Iowa State Association of Assessors)
The Second Deputy attended the following courses and conferences during 2004:
Commercial Construction Class (East-Central 15.00T C.E. hrs.
District of Iowa Assessors)
IAAO Course 102 - Income Approach to 30.00T C.E. hrs.
Valuation
ISAA Annual School of Instruction 11.75 C.E. hrs.
The Residential Real Estate Appraiser attended the following course
IAAO Course 1 - Fundamentals of Real 30.00 C.E. hrs.
Property Appraisal
T -- Tested
APPRECIATION
My staff and I would like to thank the Conference Board, the Board of Review,
the City Attorney and her assistants, and the City Staff for their assistance,
cooperation and confidence during the past year. I would also like to recognize
and thank my staff at this time for their part in establishing and maintaining the
professional standards of the office.
2004 ABSTRACT OF ASSESSMENTS FOR IOWA CITY
Value of Agricultural Land and Structures $ 1,812,134
Value of Residential Dwellings on Agricultural Realty 1,126,450
Value of Residential Lots and Buildings 2,236,008,098
Value of Commercial Lots and Buildings 938,957,340
Value of Industrial Lots and Buildings 63,882,310
Value of Industrial Machinery and Commercial 0
Equipment as Real Estate
Actual Value of All Real Estate* $3,241,786,332
*All the above values are based on the 2004 abstract as reported to the Iowa Department of
Revenue and Finance on July 1,2004. The values for Railroad and Utility Property are supplied to
the Auditor by the Iowa State Department of Revenue and Finance. The value of utilities and
railroads in Iowa City for 2004 was $58,116,000.
EXEMPT PROPERTY IN IOWA CITY FOR 2004
Religious Institutions $ 52,175,940
Charitable and Benevolent Societies 95,558,020
Educational Institutions 2,476,880
Low Rent Housing 4,858,430
Literary Societies 739,340
Associations of War Veterans 397,590
Forest and Fruit 523,757
Partial Industrial, Urban Revitalization, Recycling, Mobile 24,455,770
Home Storm Shelter & New Jobs
Sub-Total $ 181,185,727
University of Iowa (As Reported by UI as of June 30, 2004) 1,312,995,697
TOTAL $ 1,494,181,424
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1993' Agricultural $ 1,865,755 1.000000 $ 1,865,755
Ag Dwelling 1,124,020 .680404 764,788
Residential 1,088,592,820 .680404 740,682,909
Commercial 541,066,293 1.000000 541,066,293
Industrial 37,640,010 1.000000 37,640,010
M & E 55,181,660 1.000000 55,181,660
TOTAL $1,725,470,558 $1,377,201,415
1994 Agricultural $ 1,884,736 1.000000 $ 1,884,736
Ag Dwelling 1,224,510 .675074 826,635
Residential 1,135,164,290 .675074 766,319,898
Commercial 555,664,033 1.000000 555,664,033
Industrial 37,584,600 1.000000 37,584,600
M & E 63,678,377 1.000000 63,678,377
TOTAL $1,795,200,546 $1,425,958,279
1995* +10% Agricultural $ 2,038,805 1.000000 $ 2,038,805
Ag Dwelling 1,466,630 .593180 869,976
Residential 1,342,714,470 .593180 796,471,369
Commercial 632,219,253 .972824 615,038,063
Industrial 41,717,330 1.000000 41,717,330
M & E 64,300,377 1.000000 64,300,377
TOTAL $2,084,456,865 $1,520,435,920
1996 Agricultural $ 2,118,889 1.000000 $ 2,118,889
Ag Dwelling 1,449,530 .588284 852,735
Residential 1,380,932,970 .588284 812,380,771
Commercial 648,238,303 1.000000 648,238,303
Industrial 42,041,700 1.000000 42,041,700
M & E 56,962,378 1.000000 56,962,378
TOTAL $2,131,743,770 $1,562,594,776
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
1997' +8% Agricultural $ 2,186,897 .964206 $ 2,108,619
Ag Dwelling 1,402,930 .549090 770,335
Residential 1,499,358,470 .549090 823,282,742
Commercial 709,209,833 .973606 690,490,949
Industrial 42,415,010 1.000000 42,415,010
M & E 55,638,669 1.000000 55,638,669
TOTAL $2,310,211,809 $1,614,706,324
1998 Agricultural $ 2,158,813 1.000000 $ 2,158,813
Ag Dwelling 1,341,350 .564789 757,580
Residential 1,541,306,570 .564789 870,512,996
Commercial 723,017,343 1.000000 723,017,343
Industrial 47,180,180 1.000000 47,180,180
M & E 50,859,985 1.000000 50,859,985
TOTAL $2,365,864,241 $1,694,486,897
1999* +13% Agricultural $ 2,429,624 .963381 $ 2,340,654
Ag Dwelling 1,410,140 .548525 773,497
Residential 1,666,425,090 .548525 914,075,823
Commercial 784,974,960 .987732 775,344,887
Industrial 45,349,600 1.000000 45,349,600
M & E 38,736,298 1.000000 38,736,298
TOTAL $2,539,325,712 $1,776,620,759
2000 Agricultural $ 2,262,120 1.000000 $ 2,262,120
Ag Dwelling 1,447,020 .562651 814,167
Residential 1,717,631,820 .562651 966,427,261
Commercial 834,493,620 1.000000 834,493,620
Industrial 50,704,150 1.000000 50,704,150
M & E 29,532,092 1.000000 29,532,092
TOTAL $2,636,070,822 $1,884,233,410
10
VALUE COMPARISONS WITH ROLLBACKS APPLIED - CONT'D
STATE STATE ADJUSTED
YEAR ORDER TYPE VALUE ROLLBACK VALUE
2001' Agricultural $ 2,214,758 1.000000 $ 2,214,758
Ag Dwelling 1,186,690 .516676 613,134
Residential 1,931,059,600 .516676 997,732,150
Commercial 857,451,510 .977701 838,331,199
Industrial 51,345,260 1.000000 51,345,260
M & E 9,026,072 1.000000 9,026,072
TOTAL $2,852,283,890 $1,899,262,573
2002 Agricultural $ 2,227,654 1.000000 $ 2,227,654
Ag Dwelling 1,186,690 .513874 609,809
Residential 1,985,146,985 .513874 1,020,115,422
Commercial 863,303,060 1.000000 863,303,060
Industrial 54,903,110 1.000000 54,903,110
M & E 0 1.000000 0
TOTAL $2,906,767,499 $1,941,159,055
2003* -8% Agricultural $ 1,968,057 1.000000 $ 1,968,057
Ag Dwelling 1,186,690 .484558 575,020
Residential 2,154,612,478 .484558 1,044,034,713
Commercial 921,889,040 .992570 915,039,404
Industrial 59,784,450 1.000000 59,784,450
M & E 0 1.000000 0
TOTAL $3,139,440,715 $2,021,401,644
2004 Agricultural $ 1,812,134 1.000000 $ 1,812,134
Ag Dwelling 1,126,450 .479642 540,293
Residential 2,236,008,098 .479642 1,072,483,396
Commercial 938,957,340 1.000000 938,957,340
Industrial 63,882,310 1.000000 63,882,310
M & E 0 1.000000 0
TOTAL $3,241,786,332 $2,077,675,473
The adjusted values given are not exact but are meant to give a representation of the growth
of Iowa City's tax base.
*Reassessment Year
11
COMPARISON OF RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL
APARTMENT OTHER
YEAR RESIDENTIAL % COMMERCIAL % COMMERCIAL %
ASSESSED VALU ES
1992 948,162,720 62.0 187,803,160 12.3 296,179,940 19.3
1993 1,088,592,820 63.1 215,508,613 12.5 325,557,680 18.9
1994 1,136,388,800 63.3 220,464,483 12.3 335,199,550 18.7
1995 1,344,181,100 64.5 247,749,743 11.9 384,469,510 18.4
1996 1,382,382,500 64.9 252,376,673 11.8 395,861,630 18.6
1997 1,500,761,400 65.0 270,554,593 11.7 438,855,240 19.0
1998 1,542,647,920 65.2 269,414,303 11.4 453,603,040 19.2
1999 1,667,835,230 65.7 287,848,720 11.3 497,126,240 19.6
2000 1,719,078,840 65.2 307,040,200 11.6 527,453,420 20.0
2001 1,932,246,290 67.7 316,260,890 11.1 541,190,620 19.0
2002 1,986,333,675 68.3 314,435,200 10.8 548,867,860 18.9
2003 2,155,856,028 68.7 333,066,140 10.6 588,835,140 18.7
2004 2,237,134,548 69.0 336,598,530 10.4 602,358,810 18.6
TAXABLE VALUES
1992 689,300,075 54.2 187,803,160 14.8 296,179,940 23.3
1993 740,682,909 53.8 215,508,613 15.7 325,557,680 23.6
1994 767,146,533 53.8 220,464,483 15.5 335,199,550 23.5
1995 797,341,345 52.4 241,016,896 15.9 374,021,167 24.6
1996 813,233,510 52.1 252,376,673 16.2 395,861,630 25.3
1997 824,053,077 51.0 263,413,575 16.3 427,077,374 26.5
1998 871,270,576 51.4 269,414,303 15.9 453,603,040 26.8
1999 914,849,320 51.5 284,317,392 16.0 491,027,495 27.6
2000 967,241,428 51.3 307,040,200 16.3 527,453,420 28.0
2001 998,345,284 52.6 309,208,589 16.3 529,122,610 27.8
2002 1,020,725,231 52.6 314,435,200 16.2 548,867,860 28.3
2003 1,044,637,285 51.7 330,591,458 16.4 584,460,095 28.9
2004 1,073,023,689 51.6 336,598,530 16.2 602,358,810 29.0
12
AND INDUSTRIAL VALUES
TOTAL
COMMERCIAL % INDUSTRIAL ~ OTHER %
ASSESSED VALUES
483,983,100 31.6 84,743,140 5.5 13,912,576 0.9
541,066,293 31.4 80,274,334 4.6 15,537,111 0.9
555,664,033 31.0 86,882,374 4.8 16,265,339 0.9
632,219,253 30.3 93,423,546 4.5 14,632,966 0.7
648,238,303 30.4 89,741,281 4.2 11,381,686 0.5
709,209,833 30.7 92,194,909 4.0 7,883,675 0.3
723,017,343 30.6 92,682,117 3.9 7,516,861 0.3
784,974,960 30.9 80,852,272 3.2 5,663,250 0.2
834,493,620 31.6 78,284,458 3.0 4,213,904 0.2
857,451,510 30.1 59,748,630 2.1 2,837,460 0.1
863,303,060 29.7 54,903,110 1.9 2,227,654 0.1
921,901,280 29.3 59,784,450 1.9 2,103,884 0.1
938,957,340 29.0 63,882,310 1.9 1,812,134 0.1
TAXABLE VALUES
483,983,100 38.1 84,743,140 6.7 13,645,996 1.0
541,066,293 39.3 80,274,334 5.8 15,177,879 1.1
555,664,033 39.0 86,882,374 6.1 16,265,339 1.1
615,038,063 40.5 93,423,546 6.1 14,632,966 1.0
648,238,303 41.5 89,741,281 5.7 11,381,686 0.7
690,490,949 42.8 92,194,909 5.7 7,811,196 0.5
723,017,343 42.7 92,682,117 5.5 7,516,861 0.4
775,344,887 43.6 80,852,272 4.6 5,574,280 0.3
834,493,620 44.3 78,284,458 4.2 4,213,904 0.2
838,331,199 44.1 59,748,630 3.1 2,837,460 0.2
863,303,060 44.5 54,903,110 2.8 2,227,654 0.1
915,051,553 45.3 59,784,450 2.9 2,103,884 0.1
938,957,340 45.2 63,882,310 3.1 1,812,134 0.1
13
2004 TOP TAXPAYERS
Excluding Utilities Assessed by the State
RANK NAME TAXABLE VALUES
1 American College Testing $ 26,902,023
2 James A Clark (Apartments) 26,252,287
3 Southgate Development Co Inc 18,474,674
4 National Computer Systems Inc 16,158,680
5 Moen Group 11,824,110
6 MEHSM LC (Sycamore Mall) 11,457,180
7 Procter & Gamble LLC 10,523,027
8 MIP Iowa City LLC (Sheraton Hotel) 10,200,250
9 OC Group LC (Old Capitol Mall) 9,261,640
10 Ravinder K Ghai (Lakeside Manor Apts) 9,236,400
11 Iowa State Bank 9,099,652
12 Barker Partnership (Apartments) 8,651,770
13 Oral-B Laboratories 8,158,940
14 University View Partners (Apartments) 8,116,857
15 Mercy Facilities Inc 7,958,944
16 Mark IV Investors (Pheasant Ridge Apts) 7,511,290
17 Hawkeye Real Estate Investment (Apts) 7,506,080
18 US Bank 7,245,060
19 Russell Gerdin 7,071,450
20 Blackhawk Partners LC (Apartments) 6,944,863
14
COMPARISON OF TAX RATES
FOR CITIES WITH THEIR OWN ASSESSOR
SORTED BY 2004-2005 ASSESSOR TOTAL LEVY
2004-2005 ASSESSOR LEVY TOTAL CITY LEVY
ASSESSOR SPECIAL TOTAL '03-'04 '04-'05
NAME EXPENSE APPRAISERS ASSESSOR CITY CITY
FUND ~FUND LEVY LEVY LEVY
MASON CITY .17947 .03422 .21369 29.66555 30.90453
IOWA CITY .22926 .00767 .23693 37.24674 37.02665
DAVENPORT .22347 .05301 .27648 37.85185 38.02891
DUBUQUE .25598 .03997 .29595 30.91063 31.60687
AMES .24335 .07653 .31988 30.14403 30.60745
CEDAR
RAP I DS .23129 .12991 .36120 34.80524 35.46024
SIOUX CITY .24648 .18486 .43134 40.87328 43.52522
CLINTON .27000 .20404 .50845 36.77840 39.87675
15
IOWA CITY ASSESSOR'S PROGRAM DIVISION STATEMENT FY '06
DIVISION PURPOSE:
The purpose of the Iowa City Assessor's Office is to find, list and value for tax
purposes, all real property in Iowa City and maintain records for all parcels
in Iowa City.
DIVISION GOALS:
To establish values according to Iowa law on all commercial, industrial, agricultural
and residential property within the City of Iowa City in the most equitable manner
based on actual physical aspects of the property and all the pertinent sales data
available; to improve the efficiency by which these assessments are made; to
provide prompt and courteous response to all inquiries for information.
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Receive calls and inquiries and dispense information efficiently and on a
timely basis.
2. Complete all daily record changes and related duties as received.
3. On a quarterly basis, review in the field all new construction and demolition,
and by January 1,2006, make final review of said construction and
demolition.
4. Prepare forms and get signatures for all new homestead and military credits
by July 1,2006.
5. Remove all homestead and military credits from the permanent file for those
who are no longer eligible to receive the credit by July 1,2006.
6. Prepare and get signatures on all other new annual forms, making sure they
are in compliance with all laws and rules, by their statutory dates.
7. Receive and review tentative equalization orders from the State Department
of Revenue and Finance in August 2005.
8. Receive final equalization orders by October 1,2005.
9. Accept formal written protests for the Board of Review Special Session from
October 15 to October 25, 2005 and coordinate the Board of Review Special
Session from October 15 to November 15, 2005, if needed.
16
GENERAL DIVISION OBJECTIVES CONT'D.
10. By April 1,2006 send out assessment rolls for new construction.
11. Accept formal written protests for the Board of Review from April 16 to May 5,
2006 and coordinate the Board of Review meeting during May 2006.
12. Prepare and distribute to Conference Board members the annual report by
December 31,2006.
13. Hold preliminary Conference Board and public hearings to adopt the annual
budget by March 15, 2006.
14. Prepare and submit annual abstract to the Department of Revenue & Finance
by July 1,2006.
NEW DIVISION OBJECTIVES:
1. Maintain the web site information and make improvements to
h~p://ww~v.iowacity.iowaassessors.com based on input from the public. The site went
on line February 15, 2001 and has over 350,000 hits since that time.
2. Review sales as they occur for all classes of property so we may complete
our biennial reassessment for 2006, making sure our values stay at the
mandated level.
3. Review selling price/assessment ratios by neighborhood, age, size, building
type and other criteria to be established during the sales study.
4. Make any adjustments to assessed value as indicated by the sales review.
5. Continue a program of physical inspection of properties where selling
price/assessment ratios fall outside acceptable standards.
6. Utilize digital imaging software to store historical data and make it more
readily available to the public.
7. Continue to work with the Johnson County GIS Director to utilize our records
in a GIS system.
17
MEASUREMENTS:
(median) is the middle sales ratio and a measure of the
the actual sales prices. The coefficient of dispersion
assessment uniformity based on the degree to which
from the median sales ratio. The goal of the Iowa City
C.O.D. below 10. A C.O.D. of 10 is considered excellent
only 4 of the 107 assessing jurisdictions in Iowa. The
median, C.O.D., and the number of deed sales for Iowa
the assessments went to the 100% level in 1975.
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D # OF SALES
1975 87.10 10.36 682
1976 76.30 11.38 681
1977 65.10 12.10 840
1978 74.70 9.83 639
1979 91.80 9.40 551
1980 87.85 8.69 394
1981 88.90 8.74 393
1982 87.30 9.38 299
1983 94.00 7.19 544
1984 92.80 8.03 451
1985 96.15 8.27 448
1986 95.30 9.02 513
1987 94.90 9.26 522
1988 93.60 9.34 555
1989 91.80 9.80 538
1990 87.05 9.75 608
1991 90.40 8.49 659
1992 85.00 9.88 688
1993 90.80 8.57 651
1994 84.10 9.59 627
1995 91.20 8.48 595
1996 91.20 9.59 636
1997 93.45 8.71 658
1998 91.60 8.24 699
1999 93.30 9.38 691
2000 89.00 9.16 675
2001 94.60 7.83 682
2002 94.32 8.03 777
2003 88.30 7.93 809
*2004 84.44 9.81 779
18
The following statistics are for residential sales, and below are tables of the
ranking of Iowa City in comparison to the other 106 assessing jurisdictions in
Iowa. For brevity, only the top 10 are shown. Data is for 2003 sales which is
the last complete year available.
These tables show that Iowa City is still one of only a few jurisdictions in Iowa
with a C.O.D. of less than 10. The average sale price of a home in Iowa City
one of the highest in Iowa for 2003. Iowa City also has a large number of
sales as could be expected by its size and mobile population.
SORTED BY COD
NO JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD C O D REGR INDEX
1 AMES CITY 97.17 96.75 96.93 6.03 100.24
2 JOHNSON 92.51 92.85 92.28 7.68 100.24
3 IOWA CITY 88.37 88.30 87.94 7.93 100.48
4 SCOTT 94.75 94.10 94.11 8.69 100.68
5 LINN 93.94 94.10 94.77 10.11 99.12
6 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 96.24 95.30 95.10 10.15 101.19
7 JASPER 96.06 96.60 95.22 10.54 100.88
8 WINNESHIEK 97.13 96.20 95.00 10.59 102.24
9 WARREN 95.01 95.15 95.69 10.69 99.28
10 STORY 94.17 94.20 94.06 10.77 100.11
SORTED BY AVERAGE SALE PRICE
NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
1 DALLAS 611 106,123,159 173,688
2 SCOTT 741 124,239,774 167,665
3 JOHNSON 540 86,787,090 160,717
4 IOWA CITY 809 129,250,592 159,766
5 AMES CITY 588 92,155,790 156,728
6 DICKINSON 202 29,717,630 147,117
7 POLK 6225 904,114,108 145,239
8 LINN 818 112,982,273 138,120
9 WARREN 384 51,486,384 134,079
10 CERRO GORDO 169 21,345,684 126,306
19
SORTED BY NUMBER OF SALES
NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE
1 POLK 6225 904,114,108 145,239
2 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 2063 259,825,023 125,945
3 BLACK HAWK 1654 173,574,594 104,942
4 DAVENPORT CITY 1459 160,959,762 110,322
5 SIOUX CITY 960 90,323,987 92,167
6 POTTAWATTAMIE 918 94,924,356 103,403
7 LINN 818 112,982,273 138,120
8 IOWA CITY 809 129,250,592 159,766
9 DUBUQUE CITY 782 87,198,451 111,507
10 SCOTT 741 124,239,774 167,665
The regression index is an indicator of the degree to which high value properties are over
or under assessed in relationship to Iow value properties. An index of 100.00 indicates no
difference in assessments of high value properties in comparison to Iow value properties
based upon that year's sales. An index over 100 indicates that high value properties are
under assessed in relation to Iow value properties. As you can see in the following table,
Iowa City's regression index is still close to the ideal 100.00 level. Again, for brevity, only
the top 20 are shown.
SORTED BY REGRESSION INDEX
NO JURISDICTION MEAN MEDIAN WGHTD C O D REGR INDEX
1 STORY 94.17 94.20 94.06 10.77 100.11
2 CLINTON 88.24 87.30 88.06 16.62 100.20
3 BLACK HAWK 97.88 95.60 97.65 15.82 100.23
4 AMES CITY 97.17 96.75 96.93 6.03 100.24
5 JOHNSON 92.51 92.85 92.28 7.68 100.24
6 IOWA CITY 88.37 88.30 87.94 7.93 100.48
7 SCOTT 94.75 94.10 94.11 8.69 100.68
8 WARREN 95.01 95.15 95.69 10.69 99.28
9 LINN 93.94 94.10 94.77 10.11 99.12
10 JASPER 96.06 96.60 95.22 10.54 100.88
11 POLK 93.57 92.60 92.55 10.89 101.10
12 CEDAR RAPIDS CITY 96.24 95.30 95.10 10.15 101.19
13 MARION 96.77 95.70 95.61 13.10 101.21
14 BOONE 90.85 90.00 89.51 17.08 101.49
15 POTTAWATTAMIE 95.20 92.60 93.80 15.51 101.49
16 BENTON 101.02 98.70 99.51 15.67 101.51
17 DALLAS 91.92 93.50 93,32 12.80 98.49
18 DUBUQUE CITY 97.84 95.20 96.13 13.62 101.77
19 LOUISA 88.73 86.30 86.97 15.73 102.02
20 CERRO GORDO 92.78 93.30 90.88 12.05 102.09
20
The table below shows the top 15 jurisdictions for commercial sales. The
commercial C.O.D.s vary from 6 to 120 with a median of 26 for all of Iowa, while the
residential C.O.D.s vary from 6 to 40 with a median of just over 18 for all of Iowa.
Also shown are the top 10 jurisdictions which had at least 10 commercial sales. This
data is a little more significant since a Iow number of sales can skew the statistics in
both directions.
COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN C O D
1 AMES CITY 17 3,546,150 208,597 98.30 6.53
2 CLARKE 3 1,626,738 542,246 104.90 7.27
3 MARION 8 1,055,020 131,878 98.50 9.21
4 BUENA VISTA 7 541,000 77,286 95.10 12.32
5 WORTH 5 240,500 48,100 105.50 13.89
6 IOWA CITY 33 24,807,864 751,753 90.80 14.61
7 SCOTT 25 7,996,000 319,840 100.70 14.83
8 JOHNSON 16 7,835,000 489,688 87.45 15.42
9 BREMER 15 3,052,500 203,500 101.00 15.49
10 SAC 8 354,800 44,350 127.15 15.83
11 HUMBOLDT 5 203,000 40,600 109.10 16.15
12 ALLAMAKEE 9 1,099,500 122,167 88.00 16.62
13 CERRO GORDO 13 1,682,200 129,400 97.40 16.98
14 HOWARD 9 811,000 90,111 76.30 17.86
15 DUBUQUE CITY 42 10,213,191 243,171 97.45 18.06
MINIMUM 10 COMMERCIAL SALES SORTED BY C O D
NO JURISDICTION NO SALES TOTAL PRICE AVG PRICE MEDIAN C O D
1 AMES CITY 17 3,546,150 208,597 98.30 6.53
2 IOWA CITY 33 24,807,864 751 753 90.80 14.61
3 SCOTT 25 7,996,000 319 840 100.70 14.83
4 JOHNSON 16 7,835,000 489 688 87.45 15.42
5 BREMER 15 3,052,500 203 500 101.00 15.49
6 CERRO GORDO 13 1,682,200 129 400 97.40 16.98
7 DUBUQUE CITY 42 10,213,191 243 171 97.45 18.06
8 POLK 156 92,855,312 595 226 95.75 18.37
9 CEDAR RAPIDS 72 40,409,508 561 243 95.25 18.44
10 HENRY 11 1,288,635 117,149 106.90 18.66
The following is a tabulation of the commercial properties for the same period as
described at the top of Page 18. Because of the small number of sales, one or two
bad sales can greatly influence the performance measurements, therefore creating
more fluctuation in the measurements. See data above to illustrate this and to show
Iowa City's standing.
21
YEAR MEDIAN C.O.D. # OF SALES
1975 84.30 19.75 14
1976 72.30 13.19 18
1977 62.90 28.20 27
1978 84.60 13.49 12
1979 78.00 16.66 15
1980 80.85 22.69 12
1981 87.55 10.07 14
1982 78.00 10.25 8
1983 87.85 10.58 26
1984 76.80 18.30 13
1985 82.00 12.63 16
1986 98.20 14.21 15
1987 87.65 17.27 16
1988 95.40 19.77 20
1989 94.40 13.81 13
1990 89.60 19.53 13
1991 87.85 8.38 8
1992 89.90 14.86 21
1993 90.35 14.24 26
1994 87.90 12.44 24
1995 90.10 12.76 22
1996 89.50 15.78 24
1997 87.80 11.57 21
1998 89.10 11.68 25
1999 87.50 14.14 33
2000 96.85 14.99 28
2001 93.50 15.04 23
2002 92.40 16.81 17
2003 89.22 15.08 39
*2004 80.86 16.37 33
statement is on the fiscal year, the remainder of the
the assessment year, which is the calendar year. The
meaning when based on the assessment year, since the
come in a different fiscal year than the biennial reappraisal
equalize.
22
IOWA CITY
RANDUM
To: City Council
From: Karin Franklin, Director,
Re: Design Review
At the Council's formal meeting on Jan. 18th, Kevin Digman of Old Capitol Town Centre
requested consideration of a different approach to the approval of design plans for downtown
urban renewal projects. Mr. Digman suggested the Council enable the staff Design Review
Committee to authorize minor changes to design plans for projects in the downtown.
Design Review of projects in the downtown was initiated with adoption of the Urban Renewal
Plan in the 1960s. At that time, and for many years, there was a Council-appointed citizens
committee to review all the urban renewal projects for design. That review applied to all exterior
alterations or new construction projects that were a result of urban renewal redevelopment as
well as any building extensions in or over the public right-of-way on City Plaza (the pedestrian
mall). A few years ago, the Council dissolved the citizen committee and made design review an
administrative function. However, certain projects continued to require Council approval. In
the last twenty years, city councils have not delved deeply into the design review projects before
them. Often these projects are signs on buildings on urban renewal parcels or buildings
abutting City Plaza. An exception to this is the design of Plaza Towers. A couple of years ago,
the staff brought a proposal before the Council to eliminate Council approval of Urban Renewal
projects. At the formal Council meeting at which this was to be considered, a member of the
public argued for continued opportunity for public input (via the Council meetings) on these
matters, especially since a citizen committee no longer did the review. The Council opted for
continuing to have Council review of these projects.
In the revised Development Code, which should be before you shortly, a proposal is included for
a two-tiered approach to design review. A Level I review, or administrative approval, would
occur for projections into City Plaza, sidewalk cafes, multi-family developments in the Central
Planning District, multi-family design in the R/O and PRM zones (mixed use and high density
multi-family areas), projecting signs, and certain public-private development agreements (TIF
and abatement projects). A Level II review, or Council approval, would be required for Urban
Renewal Parcels and certain public-private development agreements. The current proposal
retains most of the review procedures we currently follow except for the City Plaza projects,
which would move from Council approval to administrative review. The proposal as currently
drafted will not address Mr. Digman's request. However, we could amend the proposal to
enable Council review of new construction for Urban Renewal parcels and administrative review
for certain exterior alterations. With this practice, a developer would submit a concept plan for
Council approval for any new construction or major alteration to an Urban Renewal Parcel;
minor deviations and changes would be approved administratively.
Please let us know if this is an avenue you wish to pursue.
Cc City Manager
Kevin Digman
Date: January 25, 2005
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Saturday meeting with State Legislators
Attached information for Saturday, January 29 meeting with State Legislators:
1. One page summary of the proposed property tax reform
2. One page draft summary of the impact of the property tax reform as proposed
3. Complete copy of the property tax proposal
4. Previous memo to State Legislators concerning issues for discussion
PROPERTY TAX REFORM PROPOSAL
Assessment and Valuations
Creates a broader tax base
Assessment limitations eliminated-all classes of property
Homeowners exemption of 50% of assessed value
· Floor of $10,000 - ceiling of $150,000
Vacant or undeveloped land assessed based on potential use
All government property for public use remains non-taxable
· Opt out provisions-declare exempt from taxes
· May impose a public safety fee
· All exemptions sunset every 4 years
Manufacturing Housing - occupied lot charge
· Land in manufactured housing community-taxed commercial
BudRetin.q and Taxation
Military credits will become refundable income tax credit
Low income credit will become direct payment from State
Family farm credit will become payment by State
Current Homestead eliminated-vote new property exemption
City resolution establishing ending fund balance policy
Unfunded mandates require State funding or levy authority
Constraints and Limitations
Assessments limits/tax caps replaced with new revenue limits
Property tax revenues limited to inflationary increases, plus new construction
Unused levy capacity depends on maximum for previous year, not actual.
Exceeding limits requires special hearing, reverse referendum
1/24/2005
4:42 PM
Iowa City
Fiscal Year 2004-05 Financial Impact of Proposa~
Comparison if Proposal Tax Asking Remain Equal to FYE 05 Tax Asking
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Taxable General Le~,~ Regular General Annual Properb/Taxes on
Scenario Valuation * Tax Askinq Levv Rate $100k Home** ~355k Home** ~40Qk Home** $100k Business 9100k 2nd Home ,~400k 2nd Home ~50k Exempt Land
StatusQuo $ 2,003,871,359 $ 16,231,358 $ 810 $ 392 $ ~,393 $ 1,570 $ 810 $ 392 $ 1,570 $
Proposal $ 2,393,412,743 $ 16,231,358 $ 6.78 $ 339 $ 1,393 $ 1,695 $ 678 $ 678 $ 2,713 $ 339
Difference $ 389,541,384 $ $ (1 32) $ (53) $ (0) $ 125 $ (132) $ 286 $ 1,143 $ 339
Breakeven
Taxable City's Entire Portion of Properly Tax Annual Propert7 Taxes on
Scenario Valuation* Askinq Rate $100kHome** $355kHome** $400kHome** $100kBusiness ~100k2ndHome $400k2ndHome $50k Exempt Land
Status Quo $ 2,003,871,359 $ 34,787,578 $ 1731 $ 841 $ 2,978 $ 3~356 $ 1,731 $ 839 $ 3,356
proposal $ 2,393,412,743 $ 34,787,578 $ 1453 $ 727 $ 2,978 $ 3,634 $ 1,453 $ 1,453 $ 5,814 $ 727
Difference $ 389,541,384 $ $ (278) $ (115) $ (0) $ 278 $ (278) $ 615 $ 2,458 $ 727
Breakeven
*Taxable valuation subject ot the City's operating levies
**Assumes homes are owner occupied.
Analysis prepared by
K O'Malley Estimates based on Ames' ratio.
Property hx Reform
Pr lP Sa!
Presented by the Local Government Tax Group
A Joint Committee of the
Iowa State Association of Counties and the Iowa League of Cities
October 2004
The Local Government Tax Group consists of 30 elected officials, with cities and counties represented equally with 15 members each.
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Iowa state ^ssocT~o. o~ course, LEAGUE
_of CITIES
Iowa State Association of Counties Iowa League of Cities
501 SW Seventh Street 317 Sixth Avenue
Suite Q Suite 800
Des Moines, IA 50309 Des Moines, IA 50309
www. iowacounties.org www. iowaleague.org
Marsha Carter Carol Barnes
Auditor, Shelby County City Finance Director, Bettendorf
Holly Fokkena Mary Burton
Auditor, Butler County Mayor, Polk City
Ellen Gaffney Nancy Carmichael
Supervisor, Buchanan County City Clerk, Coming
Jeff Garrett Gerald Ciausen
Treasurer, Washington County City Manager, Carroll
Rick Hecht Paul Eckert
Supervisor, Sac County City Manager, Sioux City
Jane Heun Rick Ellars
Auditor, Greene County City Assessor, Cedar Rapids
Dale Hyman Dennis Henderson
Deputy Assessor, Polk County City Manager, Clive
Dawn Jindrich Mark Jackson
Budget Director, Linn County City Manager, Story City
Mike King Todd Kieikopf
Supervisor, Union County City Clerk, Indianola
Mary Mosiman Jeff LaGarce
Auditor, Story County City Manager, Knoxville
Bill Raney John Mardis
Supervisor, Greene County Mayor, Evansdale
Wayne Schwickerath Allen McKinley
Assessor, Story County City Budget Officer, Des Moines
Jennifer Sease Patti Moore
Budget Director, Warren County City Clerk, Storm Lake
Grant Veeder Jody Smith
Auditor, Blackhawk County Director of Admin. Svcs., West Des Moines
Lannie Miller Ted Tedesco
Supervisor, Palo Alto County Mayor, Ames
LGTG Membership ................................................................................................................................. 2
Directors' Message ................................................................................................................................. 4
Executive Summary
Section 1 - Assessment & Valuation .................................................................................................. 5
Section 2 - Budgeting & Taxation ..................................................................................................... 6
Section 3 - Constraints & Limitations ............................................................................................... 6
Report of the Local Government Tax Group
Section 1 - Assessment & Valuation
Assessment Limitations and the Homeowner's Exemption .............................................................. 7
Multi-Classification ........................................................................................................................... 7
Agricultural Property ......................................................................................................................... 7
Exempt Property ................................................................................................................................ 7-8
Manufactured Housing ...................................................................................................................... 8-9
Platted Lands ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Assessment Procedures:
Onsite Inspections ........................................................................................................................ 9
Infom~al Assessment Reviews ..................................................................................................... 9
Equalization Orders ..................................................................................................................... 9
Standardization ............................................................................................................................ 9
Multi-Jurisdiction Assessors ........................................................................................................ 9
Central Assessment ...................................................................................................................... 9
Assessor's Budget ........................................................................................................................ 10
Confidentiality ............................................................................................................................. 10
Filing Deadlines ........................................................................................................................... 10
Effective Date .................................................................................................................................... 10
Section 2 - Budgeting & Taxation
Truth in Taxation ................................................................................................................................ 1 t
Property Tax Credits and Exemptions ............................................................................................... 11
Budget Timeline ................................................................................................................................. 11
Fund Balances .................................................................................................................................... 11
Budget Appeals .................................................................................................................................. 12
Unfunded Mandates ........................................................................................................................... 12
Effective Date .................................................................................................................................... 12
Section 3 - Constraints and Limitations
Property Tax Revenue Limitation ...................................................................................................... 13
Applic able Funds ......................................................................................................................... 13
Base Year Calculation .................................................................................................................. 13
Inflationary Index ........................................................................................................................ 13
Net New Valuation ....................................................................................................................... 13
Unused Levy Capacity ................................................................................................................. 14
Exceeding the Limitation ............................................................................................................. 14
Temporary Exception or Permanent Addition ....................................................................... 14
Effective Date .............................................................................................................................. 14
Appendix A-l- Mock budget notice for city ........................................................................................... 15
Appendix A-2 - Mock budget notice for county ..................................................................................... 17
Resources .......................................................................................................................................... 19
The Iowa property tax system has recently been subject to much legislative and public
scrutiny. In his 2003 Condition of the State address, the Governor proclaimed the system
broken and called for its replacement. A few months later, lawmakers passed a major overhaul
of the property assessment system. The "square foot" approach, however, would ultimately be
abandoned before it was scheduled to take effect. That same summer, the assessed value of
agricultural land plummeted 19 percent to a near-record low, even while agricultural land
market values exceeded $3,000 an acre in parts of Iowa. In the fall of 2003, the state issued its
annual rollback order and confirmed local governments' suspicion that residential properties
would, for the first time, be taxed at less than half of their actual values. The state revenue
picture looked bleak during this time, and some prominent lawmakers proposed eliminating
state funding of property tax credits to the tune of $160 million. The confluence of these and
other factors led to calls for comprehensive property tax reform from around the state. City
and county officials have responded.
At the close of the 2004 legislative session, the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC)
and the Iowa League of Cities (League) jointly created the Local Government Tax Group
(LGTG). The 30 members, split evenly between cities and counties, sought to identify a
comprehensive package of property tax reforms that would result in a better tax system for
Iowa. To best achieve its goal, the LGTG divided into three subcommittees, each of which
was responsible for identifying necessary reforms to one of three aspects of the property tax
system: 1) Assessment and Valuation; 2) Budgeting and Taxation; and 3) Constraints and
Limitations. The Assessment and Valuation Subcommittee focused on issues related to the
fundamental aspect of property taxes: how to accurately assign values to both similar and
dissimilar properties so that, in the absence of preferential treatment, each property owner
pays his appropriate share of the tax burden. The Budgeting and Taxation Subcommittee
addressed how city and county budgets affect and are affected by property taxes, and analyzed
the connection between the underlying valuation and the bottom-line tax bill. The Constraints
and Limitations Subcommittee tried to identify the most reasonable restrictions on the ability
of cities and counties to impose property taxes. Its goal was to strike a balance between the
flexibility that locally elected officials need to address the changing community, social and
economic conditions, and the stability that taxpayers need to manage the financial aspects of
their own lives.
Among its guiding principles, the LGTG aimed to increase accountability, equity, and
stability in the property tax system. This report is the result of two and a half months of
research, discussion, analysis and compromise. It is the opinion of the League and ISAC that
these reforms, when implemented as a whole, are consistent with those principles and will
result in a better property tax system for Iowa.
William R. Peterson Thomas G. Bredeweg
Executive Director Executive Director
Iowa State Association of Counties Iowa League of Cities
4
Various proposed changes to the 51.5 percent exemption for all homeowners.
assessment and valuation process would The worth of that exemption, in terms of
primarily result in a broader tax base, reduced valuation and thus reduced taxes, is
thereby lowering the nominal tax rate for far greater for the owner of a $500,000 home
everyone. The residential rollback, as well as than for the owner of a $100,000 home. The
all other rollbacks, would be eliminated; current rollback provides a greater benefit to
agricultural and residential valuations would more wealthy homeowners with greater
be uncoupled; farm buildings would add net abilities to pay. (The presumption is that
valuation to the tax rolls; and ALL private home value equates to wealth and ability to
properties would pay some property tax, pay, which is generally, but not always, tree.)
unless affirmatively exempted by their Another facet of the current property tax
individual city and county. Because of these system, the homestead credit, corrects that
changes, it is the estimation of the League anomaly (i.e., providing the most tax relief
and ISAC that the vast majority of non- to those who need it least) by allowing a fiat
agricultural businesses will pay less in dollar amount credit. The current credit,
property taxes. Additionally, because of an however, is too small to be very effective as
expanding tax base, we expect most a property tax relief tool. The League and
homeowners to pay less property tax or see ISAC believe that a four-part change to the
no significant change. There are, however, homestead credit and the de facto exemption
three exceptions, achieved through the rollback will stabilize
The first is newer apartment properties, the property tax system and make it more
which, via a quirk in current tax law, can be progressive:
classified as residential property and pay an
effective tax rate less than half that of older o Eliminate the rollback.
apartment buildings that are classified as o Convert the homestead credit to a
commercial property. The League and ISAC homeowner's exemption.
believe that as income-generating properties, o Increase the homeowner's exemption
apartments are inherently commercial from $4,850 to 50 percent of assessed
properties and should be classified as such. value, with a floor of $10,000 and a
Further, providing a tax break to apartment ceiling of $150,000.
owners does not reduce the cost for renters, o Allow the homeowner's exemption
as is often suggested as the rationale for such only for owner-occupied residences.
a break, and would likely lead to other
pseudo-residential properties, such as The combined effect of these four
nursing homes, seeking the benefit of the changes is a minor increase in taxable value
same tax break. This general erosion of the for most owner-occupied homes assessed at
tax base has been the norm in Iowa in recent or below $300,000; higher taxable values for
years; it is increasing taxes on non-favored owner-occupied homes assessed at more than
property owners and it must end. $300,000, with a greater effect as the value
The second exception is high-value increases; significantly higher taxable values
homes and those homes not owner-occupied, for houses not owner-occupied, such as
The current residential rollback system taxes rental property and second homes; and
all homes at a constant percentage of value, reduced state funding of approximately $102
now 48.5 percent, which essentially creates a million for the homestead credit.
The third group that.may experience higher from fully exempt to fully taxable status may
property taxes is currently exempt properties, jeopardize their operation, so we propose an
Non-profit organizations, religious, and exemption on all improvements for eligible
educational institutions, and other charitable properties, while the value of the land will
properties benefit from police and fire protection become taxable to cities and counties. This
and other services funded with property tax amounts to an approximate exemption of 80
revenue, just like taxable businesses. Since percent of the total value, and a tax bill
everyone benefits, the League and 1SAC believe approximately 20 percent of that for comparable
that ALL private property owners should pay properties. An individual city or county, acting
property taxes, unless affirmatively exempted at in its capacity as the service provider and the
the local level. (Government property used for a taxing body, may "opt out" of this provision and
public purpose will remain non-taxable.) maintain the 100 percent exempt status of its
However, the League and ISAC also believe that charitable, educational, and other exempt
non-profit, religious, educational and charitable properties, or establish a public safety fee in lieu
institutions play an extremely valuable role in of the tax.
society. We recognize that an immediate jump
Changes related to budgeting and taxation governments as middlemen. This is
are designed to improve all areas of accomplished by eliminating the homestead
accountability within the property tax system, credit in favor of the homeowner's exemption,
Cities and counties will publish a more rolling the ag land credit into the family farm
meaningful, understandable, and concise budget credit, and administering all remaining credits
form and notice of public hearing that highlight through the income tax or by a direct payment
local government decisions. City councils and from the state to the taxpayer. The state will also
boards of supervisors will also establish by be responsible for funding any new programs or
resolution what they individually deem to be an mandates it chooses to implement. Finally,
appropriate ending balance in certain funds, and citizens will be allowed to protest any city or
citizens can monitor their policies. State county budget just as they are now. However,
government will be responsible for funding and only those issues raised on the budget petition
administering any property tax credits it sees fit may be raised at the budget appeal hearing.
to implement, and will no longer rely on local
The final section of the proposal, constraints in each of those funds, while retaining enough
and limitations, fundamentally changes the types flexibility for local government officials to
of restraints imposed on city and county respond appropriately to economic, social and
governments. Assessment and rate limitations, community influences. Other limitations,
which only indirectly limit property taxes, are including the restriction on the type of expenses
gone. Instead, the League and ISAC suggest an eligible to be paid from supplemental or trust
inflationary property tax revenue limitation on and agency funds, will remain in place. And the
the general fund for cities and the general basic most effective property tax limitation, the local
and rural basic funds for counties. This proposal citizens' fight to vote out incumbents, will
will directly limit the total property taxes levied remain as powerful as ever.
REPORT OF THE
Assessment I. Jmitatians and the Homeovmer's Exemption Agricultural Property
Assessment limitations (and the resulting The productivity formula for agricultural
rollbacks) will be eliminated for all classes of land will be expanded to cover ten years of
property. Residential, commercial and industrial production data rather than five. This will not
property, and agricultural buildings, will all be have any significant effect on long-term
assessed and taxed at 100 percent of market valuation or taxes due, but will provide greater
value. Agricultural land will be assessed and stability to the tax base by preventing drastic
taxed according to its net earning capacity as fluctuations in any one year.
determined by the productivity fmmula. Agricultural buildings and other structures
Agricultural and residential valuations will be will be assessed at their market values like all
uncoupled, other improvements. Such valuation will be in
A "homeowner's exemption" of 50 percent addition to the valuation determined for
of assessed value, with a floor of $10,000 and a agricultural land by the productivity formula.
ceiling of $150,000, will be allowed for all Any factors in the current productivity formula
owner-occupied residences, and will replace that incorporate the value of buildings and other
both the residential rollback and the current structures will be eliminated.
homestead credit. Homes valued at less than
Assessors will be required to consider at
$20,000 will receive an exemption of $10,000 or
least six questions when determining "good
their full value, whichever is less. Homes valued
faith" use of agricultural property. They include,
at more than $20,000, but less than $300,000,
but are not limited to, the following:
will receive the 50 percent exemption, while
homes valued higher than $300,000 will receive O Is the parcel set off and awaiting
an exemption of $150,000. If the owner of a development?
multi-unit residence (such as an apartment o What permitted uses does current
building) occupies a unit in that residence, the zoning allow?
homeowner's exemption will be allowed against o If the parcel is being offered for sale, or
the value of that unit - not the entire property, if it were, would it be viewed by the
marketplace as other than agricultural?
Multi-Classification o How does the land conform to other
Multi-classification will be allowed on all surrounding properties?
properties. (Currently a parcel may only have o What is the actual amount of income
one classification.) A property, including land produced and from what sources?
and improvements, will be classified and o What is the highest and best use
assessed in proportion to its actual use, when of the property?
determinable. Vacant or undeveloped land will
be classified and assessed based on its potential Exempt Property
use. For example, this will allow a portion of a All government property used for a public
property to be classified as residential and purpose will remain non-taxable. This includes
another portion of the property to be classified local, state and federal property.
as commercial or agricultural.
TAX GROUP
Non-government (privately owned) The forest and fruit tree reserve exemptions
properties deemed exempt by the Legislature will be allowed a maximum of $1,000 of value
will have only their improvements exempted; the per acre. For example, an acre of forest reserve
value of land used in conjunction with any land with an assessed value of $50,000 would
exempt improvements will become taxable to have a taxable value of $49,000, while an acre
cities and counties, unless the applicable city of forest reserve with an assessed value of $800
and county "opt out" of this provision (see would have a taxable value of zero.
below). Manufactured Housing
O The "default" status is that the land value
The square foot tax currently charged to
of exempt properties will become taxable
manufactured home owners (inside
to cities and counties. However, manufactured housing communities) wilt be
individual cities and counties may "opt eliminated. It will be replaced with an occupied
out" of this provision by passing a
lot surcharge that will be imposed against the
resolution declaring all exempt properties landowner of a manufactured housing
within their jurisdiction 100 percent community. The surcharge will be equal to a
exempt from that jurisdiction's taxes.
Upon its passage, the resolution is percentage of the tax due on the taxable property
within the manufactured housing community,
effective for four years, adjusted by the percentage of lots occupied on a
O In lieu of collecting a tax on the land given date, as certified by the landowner and
value for exempt properties, a city or confirmed by the assessor. The surcharge will be
county may impose a public safety fee by five percent if the community is 100 percent
ordinance. The fee must be reasonably occupied, four percent if the occupancy rate is
related to the entity's public safety costs, 80 percent, three percent if the occupancy rate is
and cannot exceed the tax that would 60 percent, and so on. For example, if the tax
have otherwise been paid. due on all taxable property within a
manufactured housing community is $100,000,
O For urban renewal areas established prior and the community is 90 percent occupied, the
to January 1, 2007, the base assessment surcharge would be $4,500 ($I00,000 * 5% *
year will be 2006 for previously exempt 90% = $4,500). The owner of the community
land used in conjunction with exempt would be responsible for remitting $104,500 to
improvements, the appropriate county treasurer.
All current and future property tax All permanent improvements (as defined in
exemptions will sunset every four years and Code of Iowa Chapter 427A) to manufactured
must be reaffirmed by the Legislature to remain housin~ communities will be assessed along
in place. Additionally, individual property with the value of the land, and the taxes will be
owners must reapply upon every legislative re- charged to the landowner. Non-permanent
enactment to continue receiving the exemption, improvements to manufactured housing
The Legislature will enact categorical communities, or the homes located therein, will
exemptions; local assessors will review not be assessed.
individual applications for compliance and
approve those that meet eligibility standards.
Land in a manufactured housing community Informal Assessment Reviews - Assessment
will continue to be assessed and taxed as rolls will be mailed by April 1, rather than the
commercial property, current April 15 deadline. Assessors will conduct
informal reviews of protested assessments
Manufactured homes outside of between April 1 and April 30. If an assessor
manufactured housing communities will changes the value of a property as a result of an
continue to be taxed as residential real estate, but informal review, the assessor shall mail an
the tax shall be imposed on the properly owner, amended assessment notice to the affected
with the value of the home being added to the taxpayer. Appeals may be filed with the board of
total value of the parcel on which the home is review between May I and May 15; hearings
located. If a manufactured home is owner- will run from May 16 to June 30, and can be
occupied, it is eligible for the new homeowner's extended until August 1 upon approval from the
exemption Iowa Department of Revenue (IDR).
Taxes imposed against all buildings on E ualization Orders - Equalization orders
leased land will now be charged to the will be applied prospectively, not retroactively.
landowner, not the owner of the building. For example, orders promulgated in August of
However, if a manufactured home or a building 2005 will be effective for the assessment year
on leased land sits on land which is exempt from beginning January 1, 2006.
property taxes (such as government-owned
property), the owner of the manufactured home Standardization - IDR shall develop
or building on leased land shall be required to procedures and rules necessary to establish
pay the property tax due. uniformity and standardization among the
several assessors' offices throughout the state.
Platted Lands IDR shall also have the power to enforce those
Platted lands will receive a maximum rules. Those rules shall address, but are not
assessment freeze of six years, as opposed to the limited to, the following:
three-year limit currently in place. After six o A definition of agricultural land as it
years, or when the properly is first improved, the relates to rural residential property;
assessment freeze will expire and the O A definition of agricultural land as it
classification will be changed to reflect the relates to land held for development;
intended use of the land. The classification will
o Assessment of farm buildings at uniform
not be agricultural unless the standards for levels of cost; and
determining "good faith" use for agricultural o Assessment of cable television property.
purposes are sufficiently achieved.
Multi-Jurisdiction Assessors ~ Local
Assessment Procedures conference boards will be allowed to enter into
Onsite Inspections - For the purpose of 28E agreements for the purpose of jointly
accurately listing all properties, local assessors employing an assessor.
shall conduct onsite inspections of every Central Assessment - Cable television
property in their jurisdictions at least once every property and cellular towers will be centrally
ten years, assessed by IDR.
TAX: GROUP
~ - The assessor's general
appraisal fund and special appraisal fund will be
combined into one fund and levy. Fund balances
may be designated for specific purposes.
Confidcatialit_y - Assessors and boards of
review will maintain the confidentiality of all
income and expense information submitted to
their offices by a private entity.
~ - All filings for exemption
from property tax will be due April 1, except the
homeowner's and charitable property
exemptions, which will be due July 1.
Effective Date
Changes related to assessment and valuation
shall be effective for the assessment year
beginning January 1, 2006. The 2006 values will
be the basis for taxes payable in the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2007.
REPORTOF
:
Truth in Taxation The agricultural land credit will be
Cities and counties will be required to use eliminated, and the associated funding should be
standard budget publication and notice of public transferred to increase the family farm credit.
hearing forms developed by the state's city and The family farm credit will be changed to a
county finance committees. The forms will show direct payment from the state to the taxpayer, in
changes in property valuations, expenditures, the form of either a property tax reimbursement
revenues, tax askings, tax rates and equalization or a refundable income tax credit.
orders from the current fiscal year to the The current homestead credit will be
proposed budget year. The information should be eliminated with no phase-out. As noted earlier in
presented as increases or decreases in dollar this report, a new homeowner's exemption of 513
amounts and percentages. The information percent of assessed value, with a floor of
should also show what the tax rate would be if $10,000 and a ceiling of $150,000, will be
there were no tax increase for the proposed implemented.
budget. The notice will include a description of
major changes in the proposed budget and Budget l meline
examples of the effect of the proposed tax levy
Cities and counties will certify tax increment
on each property class. (See Appendices Ai-A2.) financing (TIF) debt to, and request TIF revenue
Property Tax Credits and Exemptions from, county auditors by November 15 rather
than December 1. The budget publication form
The nfilitary credit and exemption will revert
and notice of pubhc hearing must be published
to a refundable income tax credit, which will
no more than 20 and no less than 4 days prior to
make the credit available even to veterans that the public heating (current requirements are no
do not own property, more than 20 and no less than 10). All state
The low-income (elderly and disabled) credit appropriations to cities and counties shall be
will revert to a property tax reimbursement, i.e., enacted no later than March 1. If the deadline is
a direct payment from the state to the taxpayer, not met, such appropriations shall be no less
Taxpayers will file for the credit with their than they were the previous year.
county treasurer by April 1. The treasurer will Fund Balances
send the list of approved claims to the county
auditor by June 1. The auditor will calculate the Cities and counties will pass a resolution to
taxes due for each claimant and send a list to establish a target maximum ending fund balance,
IDR by July 1. IDR will then send a check for expressed as a percentage of expenditures, for
the appropriate amount to each claimant by undesignated/unreserved funds in the general
September 1. The first property tax payment is fund for cities and the general basic and rural
due September 30th. basic funds for counties.
TAX GROUP
The scope of budget appeal hearings will be
limited to only those issues raised in the budget
protest petition.
Unfunded Ma.dates
Code of Iowa Section 25B.2 will be
amended so that local governments do not have
to comply with any new state mandates if the
state does not provide sufficient funding or levy
authority.
Effective Date
Changes related to budgeting and taxation
will be effective for the fiscal year beginning
July 1,200"/.
12
REPORT OF
Assessment limits and tax rate caps, two of could have been certified in each respective fund
the current constraints on the property tax in the fiscal year beginning either July 1, 2005
system, will be replaced with a new property tax or July 1, 2006 if the city or county had levied
revenue limitation. The new limitation will place its maximum statutory rate allowed under Code
an inflation-based ceiling on property taxes of Iowa Section 384.1 for cities and Code of
levied for the city general fund and the county Iowa Section 331.423 for counties.
general basic and rural basic funds. The ceiling Inflationary_ Index - The index used to
will be adjusted annually to reflect growth in
determine the inflationary limit will be the
assessed valuation due to new construction and
"State and Local Government Price Index for
other net new valuation. Cities and counties may
Gross Domestic Product" (GPI), promulgated by
levy up to the ceiling in any year, and may
the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of
exceed the limitation only by following specific Economic Analysis. The inflation factor will be
procedures. A detailed description of the
the change in the third quarter average (July,
limitation follows: August and September) from one year to the
Property TaN Revenue Limitation next. For example, the inflation factor for the
fiscal year beginning July 1, 2007 will be based
Applicable Funds - City general fund on the change in the GPI from third quarter of
property tax revenues and county general basic 2005 to the third quarter of 2006.
and rural basic fund property tax revenues will
be lirmted to inflationary increases, plus an Net New Valuation - In addition to the
allowance for net new valuation, inflationary lirmt, all net new valuation will
increase the property tax revenue limit for cities
O The city general fund and county general and counties. "Net new valuation" is the net
basic and rural basic funds will not have effect of the combined valuation changes
any levy rate limits, i.e., the $8.10, $3.50, resulting from: new construction; additions or
and $3.95 limits will be removed, improvements to existing properties; annexation
or other boundary adjustments; expiration of tax
Base Year Calculation - The base limitation abatements; and release of TIF increment
amount shall reflect actual taxes certified or valuation, only to the extent that the released
potential tax capacity in the fiscal year increment valuation is due to new construction,
beginning either July 1, 2005 or July 1, 2006, as additions or improvements to existing properties,
chosen by each city and county, and shall be annexation or other boundary adjustments, or
adjusted by inflation and net new valuation to expiration of tax abatements occurring after the
arrive at the limitation amount for the fiscal year division of TIF revenue begins.
beginning July 1, 2007. The base limitation
amount shall be the greater of: 1) the actual o The current tax rate in the appropriate
arnount of property taxes certified in each fund will be applied against the total
respective fund (general fund for cities, general amount of net new valuation to
basic and rural basic funds for counties) in the determine the additional allowable
fiscal year beginning either July 1, 2005 or July revenue.
1, 2006; or 2) the amount of property taxes that
TAX GROUP
Unused Levy Capacity - Subsequent to the Upon petition of ten percent of the registered
base year, the property tax revenue limitation voters of the city or county, as appropriate, a
will be calculated by multiplying the maximum referendum will be held on the proposed tax
amount for the previous year by the current levy. If a majority of voters oppose the proposed
inflation factor, and then adding allowable levy, then the city or county may not exceed its
revenue for net new valuation. The maximum revenue limit by more than three percent.
property tax revenue for any year depends on the
o Temporary Exception or Permanent
maximum for the previous year, not the actual
Addition - A city or county may propose
for the previous year. This allows cities and
to exceed its limitation with either a
counties to carry forward an unlimited amount
of unused levy capacity, and prevents penalizing temporary exception or a permanent
addition; both are subject to the
local governments that tax less than their
additional public hearing and petition
maximum amounts. Any restriction on carrying
forward unused levy capacity encourages local provisions noted in the previous
paragraph. A temporary exception allows
governments to tax to the maximum allowable
extent and is counter-productive to the intent of the jurisdiction to levy amounts in excess
of the limitation for a specified number
a tax limitation, of years, but does not increase the base
limitation amount. A permanent addition
Exceeding the Limitation - In lieu of the
increases the base limitation amount and
emergency levy for cities (Code oflowa Section
will therefore result in a higher limitation
384.8) and the additions to basic levies for
in all subsequent years. Whether the
counties (Code of Iowa Section 331.426) proposal to exceed the property tax
allowed under current law, a local government
revenue limitation is temporary or
may exceed its property tax revenue limit,
subject to certain restrictions. If a city or county permanent shall be noted on the notice of
the additional public hearing.
proposes to exceed its limitation, it is required to
conduct a public hearing, at which the proposed o This section is in addition to, and shall
levy is presented and citizens' views may be not be construed as prohibiting or
heard, no less than 30 days prior to the budget amending, the budget protest provisions
certification date. This is separate from the of Code of Iowa Chapter 24.
public hearing at which the budget is certified.
Additionally, the portion of the proposed tax Effective Date
levy that exceeds the limitation by greater than The property tax revenue limitation will be
three percent, a figure that is comparable to the effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
size of the $0.27 emergency levy currently in 2007.
effect for cities, is subject to reverse referendum.
Local Government Tax Group Notice of Public Hearing - City
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - CITY BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAXES
Fiscal Year Jul), 1, 2004 - June 30, 2005
CITY NAME: FAR LAKE
Your mayor and city council enact the budget that determines the total property tax asking for your cily government.
The mayor and city council will hold a public hearing on the city budget and on [he amount of property taxes it is
proposing to collect to pay for the costs of services the city will provide in fiscal year 2004-05.
SPENDING: The total budget amounts below compare the city's FY04 budget with the amount the city proposes
to spend in FY05.
FY04 Total ~ Proposed FY05 Change from ~ Percent
Actual BudgetI Budget I FY04 to FY05I Change
$104,419,901 $107,390,544 ~ $2,970,643 2.84%
TAXES: The property tax amounts below compare that podion of the current budget levied in property taxes for FY04
with the property taxes the city proposes to receive in FY05.
Taxes Property Taxes FY04 to FY05 Change
$30,843,366 $33,494,416 $2,651,050 8.60%
OTHER REVENUES: The city funds much of its budget from non-property tax sources, including state and federal
monies, other local taxes, use of cash reserves, and fees. The amounts below compare the Other Revenue budgeted
in FY04 to the Other Revenue amount anticipated in FY05.
i FY04Other i ProposedFY05 I Change fromI Percent
Revenue Other Revenue FY04 to FY05 Change
$73,576,535 $73,896,128 $319,593 0.43%
TAX RATE COMPARISON: The following compares the city's current (FY04) local tax rate, the city's tax rate if no
tax asking increase is adopted, and the city's proposed tax rate for FY05. {Rates are expressed in dollars of tax
per thousand dollars of taxable valuation of your property.)
I FY04 I FY 05 Tax Rate if , ProposedFY05
Tax Rate NO Tax Increase ~ Tax Rate
$18.90913 $17.28204 ~ $18.78999
TAXES BY CLASS OF PROPERTY: Because of State orders regarding property valuation, different classes of property
are affected as follows:
Increase/ Increase/ Tax
Decrease in gross Decrease in gross Increase/
taxes, $50,000 taxes, $100,000 Decrease
property property %
Residential $24 $48 4.95%
Commercial $155 $310 16.39%
Industrial -$6 -$12 -0.63%
Agricultural -$32 -$63 -21.00%
MAJOR CHANGES: Major changes in revenues and expenditures (and consequently tax askings) include the following:
wage increase of SXXXX
insurance increase of SXXXX
etc
etc
etc
etc
ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING
All cit~ residents are invited to attend the public hearing of the city council to express their opimons on the
budget and on the proposed amount of FY05 property taxes. The hearing will be held as follows:
Monday, March 8, 2004 at 5:30 pm
Far Lake City Council
123 Main Street
Far Lake, Iowa
You are invited to send your written comments to: The complete city budget may be viewed at:
Far Lake City Council Far Lake City Council
123 Main Street 123 Main Street
Far Lake, IA 00000 Far Lake, IA 00000
~5
Local Government Tax Group Notice of Public Hearing - County
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - COUNTY BUDGET AND PROPERTY TAXES
Fiscal Year July 1, 2004. June 30, 2005
COUNTY NAME: NEAR LAKE COUNTY NO: A-1
Your county board of supervisors enacts the budget that determines the total property tax asking for your county
government The board of supervisors will hold a public hearing on the county budget and on the amount of property
taxes it is proposing to collect to pay for the costs of services the county will provide in fiscal year 2004-05.
SPENDING: The total budget amounts below compare the county's FY04 budget with the amount the county proposes
to spend in FY05
FY04 Total [ Proposed FY05 Change from Percent
Actual BudgetI Budget FY04 to FY05 Change
$60,846,333 $61,118,064 $269,731 0,44%
TAXES: The property tax amounts below compare that portion of the current budget levied in property taxes for FY04
with the property taxes the county proposes to receive on its own behalf in FY05.
FY04 Property I Proposed FY05 I Change from Percent
Taxes ] Property Taxes FY04 to FY05 Change
$25,326,540 [ $26,333,266 $1,006,726 3,97%
OTHER REVENUES: The county funds much of its budget from non*property tax sources, including state and federal
monies, ether local taxes, use of cash reserves, and fees. The amounts below compare the Other Revenue budgeted
in FY04 to the Other Revenue amount anticipated in FY05.
Revenue Other Revenue FY04 to FY05 Change
$35,521,793 $34,784,798 ($736,995) -2.07%
TAX RATE COMPARISON: The following compares the county's current (FY04) local tax rate, the county's tax rate if no
tax asking increase is adopted, and the county's proposed tax rate for FY05. (Rates are expressed in dollars of tax
per thousand dollars of taxable valuation of your property.)
Tax Rate NO Tax Increase Tax Rate
$7.74621 $7.25646 $7.49237
TAXES BY CLASS OF PROPERTY: Because of State orders regarding property valuation, different classes of property
are affected as fellows:
Increase/ Increase/ Tax
Decrease in gross Decrease in gross Increase/
taxes, $50,000 taxes, $100,000 Decrease
property property %
Residentia $4 $9 2,15%
Commercial $51 $103 13.29%
Industrial -$13 -$25 ~3,28%
Agricultural -$78 -$156 -20.09%
MAJOR CHANGES: Major changes in revenues and expenditures (and consequently tax askings) include the following:
- A 2% across-the-board wage increase for county workers results in an expediture increase of $445,000.
- An 8% increase in health insurance rates results in an expenditure increase of $255,000.
etc
etc
etc
etc
ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING
All county residents are invited to attend the public hearing of the board of supervisors to express their opinions on the
budget and on the proposed amount of FY05 property taxes. The hearing will be held as follows:
Monday, March 15, 2004 at 6:00 pm
Near Lake County Office Building, Room 100
1234 Elm Street
Far Lake, Iowa 00000
You are invited to send your written comments to: The complete county budget may be viewed at:
Near Lake County Office Building, Room 100 Near Lake County Office Building, Room 100
1234 Elm Street 1234 Elm Street
Far Lake, iA 00000 Far Lake, IA 00000
~7
Ames Tribune, "Property Taxes: They Aren't Journal of Public Economics, "The Effect of
What They Seem," 1995. Property Tax Limitation Measures on Local
Government Fiscal Behavior," Richard F
California Taxpayers' Association, "Why Taxpayers Dye and Therese J. McGuire, 1997.
Hate the Property Tax System," Eric
Miethke, 1998. National Association of Counties, "County
Revenues: A Survey of Authority and
Cato Institute, "Proposition 13 and State Budget Practice," 2001.
Limitations: Past Successes and Future
Options," Michael J. New, 2003. National Conference of State Legislatures, "A Guide
to Property Taxes: An Overview," 2002.
Citizens Research Council of Michigan, "Outline of
the Michigan Tax System," 2003. National Conference of State Legislatures,
"A Guide to Property Taxes: Property Tax
Code of Iowa, 2003 and Merged Supplement Relief," 2002.
Colvin v. Story County Board of Review, 653 Point Blank, "Money to Burn," 2004.
N.W. 2d 345, Iowa Supreme Court 2002.
The Public Interest Institute at Iowa Wesleyan
Florida Department of Revenue College, various papers.
Illinois Department of Revenue South Dakota Department of Revenue
International Association of Assessing Officers, State Tax Commission of Missouri
"Standard on Property Tax Policy," 1997.
State of Oregon Legislative Revenue Office, "The
Iowa Administrative Code New Direction of the Oregon Property Tax
Iowa Department of Management System Under Measure 50," 1999.
Iowa Department of Revenue Texas Comptroller, "Taxpayers' Rights, Remedies
and Responsibilities," 2004.
Iowa General Assembly, 2003 Session,
Senate File 41 Wisconsin Counties Association, "TABOR Update,"
2004.
Iowa General Assembly, 2003 Session,
Senate Study Bill 1168 The World Bank, Economic Development Institute,
"Designing and Implementing a Property
Iowa Legislative Services Agency, "Fiscal Tax System: Policy and Administrative
Factbook," 2003. Issues," Michael E. Bell, 2003.
Iowa Legislative Services Agency, "Iowa Property Tax," Jeff Robinson, 2004.
Iowa Legislative Services Agency, "Legislative Guide to Local Property Taxes," 2002.
The Iowa Policy Project, various papers.
Iowa State Association of Assessors
Iowa State University Extension Services
, IOWA
fie LEAGUE
of CITIES
Iowa State Association of Counties Iowa League of Cities
501 SW Seventh Street 317 Sixth Avenue
Suite Q Suite 800
Des Moines, IA 50309 Des MoJnes, IA 50309
(515) 244-7181 (515) 244-7282
www. iowacounties.org www. iowaleague.org
Date: January 6, 2005
To: Iowa City Area State Legislative Delegation
From: Iowa City City Council
Re: Legislative Issues
Recently, the City Council convened in an informal work session to discuss various legislative
issues they would like to bring to your attention. These issues are intended to provide you with
some of our concerns and how state legislation might be undedaken to address these concerns.
1. Hotel Tax - The City Council would be interested in the hotel/motel tax cap being raised
from 7% to 9%. The Council is aware of how the current law restricts the expenditure of
these tax funds. We did, however, specifically note that cultural activities would be an
area of interest for financing with respect to a new source of hotel/motel tax income.
2. Condominium Taxes - Developers often build new "apartment buildings" to be leased
by the ownership interests as income property and yet by merely calling them
"condominiums" avoid the full taxable value by securing residential rollback. In that these
"condominium" units are not truly owner-occupied it is the Council's position and concern
they should be taxed at a rate that is similar to other commercial properties and income-
producing apartments. Furthermore, there should be no provision for grandfathering of
the existing condominium/apartments as well as halting further conversions.
3. Property Tax Code - While there are a number of issues associated with the property
tax rules and regulations, of specific concern to the Council is the desire to have a
minimum rollback guarantee. It is difficult to budget on an annual basis when the value
of residential property is subject to an annual formula-driven reduction. Long-term
planning can be more effective if rollback is stabilized at a particular percentage.
4. Penalties for Alcohol Violations - While there is much discussion and many opinions
about alcohol abuse, of particular concern is the fine schedule, notably possession of
alcohol under the legal age (PAULA). The $100 fine is simply not sufficient to be a
deterrent to this type of alcohol abuse activity. It has been suggested that $500 for each
PAULA violation would be a far more effective deterrent. Furthermore, all of these
Janua~ 6,2005
Page 2
problems associated with alcohol misuse, including public intoxication, alcohol
distribution by license holders, fake IDs, etc. are of a serious community concern.
5. Labor Contracts - In the current public employee bargaining laws, the arbitration
process is ultimately guided by the comparison of proposals with only other public
agencies. In our case it is most often the ten largest cities in Iowa. Comparing public
agencies only makes it difficult to achieve a realistic picture of what the actual employee
market is for a particular position and the scale of wages and benefits that must be paid.
In order to achieve better cost control, comparison with the private sector (clearly the
largest employer throughout the state) is being excluded for comparison purposes and
therefore difficult to have the City discover the "real" market for employee wages in a
comparable position. A change in the public employee bargaining law to allow a broader
comparison opportunity would be helpful to managing costs.
6. No Smoking - The adoption of legislation which would grant the City the ability to
provide its own initiatives as it relates to smoking regulation. This would allow us to act
at the local level on this important community issue.
CITY OF IOWA CITY www,iegov.org
January 24, 2005
OFFICE OF THE
CITY MANAGER
Conner Center
Chris O'Hanlon
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager 730 S. Dubuque Street
steve-atkins~iowa-city.org Iowa City, IA 52245
Dale E. Helling
Assistant City Manager Dear Chris:
dale-helling~iowa-city.org
This letter is to inform applicants of the FY06 Community Event and
Program Funding that a public hearing on the FY06 budget for Iowa City will
be held by City Council on February 15, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.
You are welcome to attend. If you should have any questions, please call
Kathi Johansen in my office at 319 356-5010.
Sincerely,
. ~ Stepnen J. Atkins
City Manager
cc: City Council
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356-5010
Fax: (319) 356-5009
Community Events Aid to Agencies in FY06
Conner Center
Chris O'Hanlon
730 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52245
Downtown Association
Jill Hansen
PO Box 64
Iowa City, IA 52244
Extend the Dream Foundation
Elisabeth Beasley
401 S. Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Iowa Arts Festival
Bob Goodfellow
PO Box 3128
Iowa City, IA 52244
Iowa City/Coralville Jaycees
Craig Norton
PO Box 2358
Iowa City, IA 52244
Iowa City Jazz Festival
Steve Grismore
PC) Box 10054
Iowa City, IA 52244
Johnson County Historical Society
Margaret Wieting
PO Box 5081
Coralville, IA 52241
Johnson County Juvenile Justice Youth Development Program
212 Rocky Shore Drive
Iowa City, IA 52246
Young Actors Theatre
Adam Burton
PO Box 705
Iowa City, IA 52240
om Mayor Pro tem Wilburn /
F_~SI CFNIP~L IOWA
COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
YOUR REGIONAL PLANNING AGENCY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: January 19, 2005
TO: ECICOG 13,~d of/..Directors .
FROM: Doug ElliotflhL~ecutive Director
SUBJECT: Annual Meeting - Thursday, January 27, 2005
The ECICOG Board of Directors will meet at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, January 27, 2005, at the
ECICOG offices. This will also serve as the annual meeting, and appropriate items have been
added to the agenda.
Item 2.0 Routine Matters: Financial statements for the month of December are enclosed.
Item 3.1 Chairperson's Report: Chairperson Barron appointed a nominating committee at the
December executive committee meeting including Ann Heam, Ed Brown and Ric Gerard. The
nominating committee met in December, and will present the following slate of officers for 2005
for the board's consideration:
Chairperson - Lu Barron, Linn County Supervisor
Vice Chairperson - David Vermedahl, Benton County Supervisor
Secretary/Treasurer - Gary Edwards, Iowa County Citizen
On behalf of the board, I'd like to welcome Randy Payne, Washington County
Supervisor, and Bill Daily, Belle Plain Public Works Director, as new members of the board of
directors. At this writing, not all counties have completed board appointments.
Item 3.3 Director's Report: As required each year, a resolution naming the official dePOsitory
for ECICOG's funds is enclosed for your consideration. I have also enclose.d a letter from the
Iowa League of Cities regarding training for small communities. In addition to your concurrence
in coordinating with the League, i'd also appreciate your ideas on training topics.
Items 3.4 Community Development Report: A travel request to attend the national conference
of the American Planning Association (APA) is enclosed for your consideration.
Items 3.5, 3.6 & 3.7 Housing, Circuit Rider and Solid Waste Reports: ACircuit Rider Report
will be distributed at the meeting. Other staff reports are enclosed.
Item 3.8 Transportation Report: A staff report is enclosed. The board will be asked to set a
public heating to take place in February for the Consolidated Transit Applic'ation for FY 2006.
OVER
108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401 319-365-9941 FAX 319-365-9981 www. ia.net/Necicog
100%' POST CONSUMER CONTENT
Next Meeting
January 19, 2005
Page 2
Item 4.0 Committee Reports:
4.1 Executive Committee Report: The Executive Committee met in lieu of the full board on
December 22, 2004. Minutes from the meeting are enclosed.
4.2 Personnel Committee Report: The ECICOG Personnel Committee met on December 9,
2004, to conduct the executive director's performance review and to deliberate the proposed
salary plan for FY 2006. Minutes are enclosed. Recommendations of the committee were
forwarded to the Budget Committee, and are reflected in the proposed budget.
4.3 Budget Committee Report: The ECICOG Budget Committee met on December 20, 2004,
and is presenting the enclosed proposed agency budget for FY 2006.
4.5 & 4.6 Transit Operators Group & Solid Waste TAC: Minutes from the most recent
meetings are enclosed.
Please review the remainder of the enclosed materials, and contact us if you have questions prior
to the meeting on the 27th.
Enclosures
East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board Meeting Notice o~
1:00 P.M. January 27, 2005
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
108 Third Street SE, Suite 300- Cedar Rapids, Iowa
TEL 365-9941 FAX365-9981
pages
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
· 1 Recognition of Alternates
.2 Public Discussion
· 3 Approval of Agenda
2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS
1-3 .1 Approval of Minutes (November 23, 2004)
4-12 .2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets
3.0 AGENCY'REPORTS
· 1 Chairperson's Report
· Nominating Committee Report
.2 Board Members' Reports
13-14 .3 Director's Report
· Depository Resolution
· ILC Workshops
15-18 .4 Community Development Report
· Travel Request- APA National Conference
19-21 .5 Housing Report
.6 Circuit Rider Report
22 .7 Solid Waste Report
23-24 .8 Transportation Report
· Set Public Hearing for Consolidated Transit Application
4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
25-26 .1 Executive Committee
· Approval of December 22, 2004 minutes
27-28 .2 Personnel Committee
· Executive Director Performance Review
· Present Proposed FY 2006 Salary Plan
.3 Budget Committee
· Present Proposed FY 2006 Agency Budget
.4 ITS Task Force
29-30 .5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee - information only
31-32 .6 Transit Operators'Group - information only
5.0 OLD BUSINESS
· 1 Approval of Expenditures
6.0 NEW BUSINESS
7.0 NEXT MEETING: February 24, 2005
ECICOG is the Region l O planning agency serving local governments in the counties of Benton, Iowa, Johnson,
Jones, Linn, and Washington.
MINUTES
East Central Iowa Council of Governments
Board Meeting 2:00 p.m. -November 23, 2004
1512 7th Street, Coralville, Iowa
MEMBERS PRESENT
Lu Barron-Linn County Supervisor
Linda Langston-Linn County Supervisor
Ann Hearn-Linn County Citizen
Aaron Chittenden-Jones County Citizen
Ed Brown-Mayor of Washington
Pat Harney-Johnson County Supervisor
Henry Herwig-Coralville City Council
Don Magdefrau-Benton County Citizen
Don Gray-Mayor of Central City
Dennis Hansen-Jones County Citizen
Gary Edwards-Iowa County Citizen
Charles Montross-Iowa County Supervisor
Larry Wilson-Johnson County Citizen
Ed Raber- Washington County Citizen
Dawn Pettengill-Mayor of Mt. Auburn
David Vermedahl-Benton County Supervisor
Leo Cook-Jones County Supervisor
Ross Wilburn-Iowa City City Council
MEMBERS ABSENT
Ric Gerard-Iowa County Supervisor
Bob Stout- Washington County Supervisor
Wade Wagner-Cedar Rapids Commissioner
ALTERNATES PRESENT
Alice DeRycke-Iowa County Supervisor
OTHER'S PRESENT
Larry Pump-Larry Pump, CPA
STAFF PRESENT
Doug Elliott-Executive Director
Gina Peters-Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Ryan-Planner
Mary Rump-IT~Transportation Planner
Robyn Jacobson- Transit Administrator
Amy Peterson-Program Administrator
Eric Freese-Housing Specialist
Kristin Simon-Planner
Chad Sands-Planner
Lisa-Marie Garlich-Planner
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Lu Barron at 2:04 p.m.
.1 Recognition of Alternates
Alice DeRycke - Iowa County Supervisor
.2 Public Discussion - None
.3 Approval of Agenda
M/S/C (Brown/Wilson) to approve the agenda. All ayes.
2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS
.1 Approval of Minutes (September 30, 2004)
M/S/C (Langston/Hansen) to approve the minutes as written. All ayes.
.2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets
(Raberjoined the meeting at this time.)
Elliott gave an overview of the October financial statements.
M/S/C (Heam/Harney) to receive and file the October financial statements for audit. All ayes.
3.0 AGENCY REPORTS
.1 Chairperson's Report
(Vermedahl, Pettengill & Cook joined the meeting at this time.)
Larry Pump from Larry Pump, CPA presented the FY 2004 audit report. A copy of the report was handed out
to all board members.
M/S/C (Langston/Cook) to receive and approve the FY 2004 audit report. All ayes.
.2 Board Members' Reports - None
.3 Director's Report
(Wilburn joined the meeting at this time.)
Elliott said Dr. Wu from www.publicsalary.com contacted him and offered a full membership to the region at
no charge. Board members are to let Elliott know by December 15th if their counties are interested.
Elliott handed out an Opportunity Iowa handout. Discussion followed. Elliott noted general support from the
board and will support it at the IARC level.
Elliott told the board COG's recently have become eligible to participate in Iowa Communities Assurance Pool
(ICAP) for professional coverage. ECICOG would have to cancel current policies and join ICAP. Elliott said
the cost would be close to the budgeted amount. Brown and Gray both said their cities have ICAP coverage and
are happy with it. Discussion followed.
M/S/C (Wilburn/Langston) to allow the chair to sign the agreement with ICAP. All ayes.
Elliott handed out his performance review form and goals from the previous year. Wilson gave an overview of
the revised executive director forms and asked board members to fill them out and return to him at the end of
the meeting. The minutes from the personnel committee were handed out also. Elliott then gave a presentation
to the board. Brown, Hansen, Hearn, and Edwards, personnel committee members, praised Wilson on his work
to revise the forms.
.4 Community Development Report
Sands told the board hazard mitigation plans for the City of Central City and Linn County have been completed.
Peterson announced staff will be submitting nine CDBG applications in December.
Freese gave an overview of the 2~ Annual Lead Conference held in Cedar Rapids. He also gave an update on
the GRO house. He said USDA has requested 3 items be completed before the house is sold.
.5 Housing Report
This report was combined with item 3.4.
.6 Solid Waste Report
Ryan told the board she recently assisted the City of Vinton with a SWAP application for composting
equipment. She also submitted an application on behalf of the Jones County Solid Waste Commission for
recycling collection and education. Ryan gave an overview of the ISOSWO/IRA fall conference she and Simon
attended in Sioux City. She told the board Benton County and its landfill commission received the 2004
Outstanding Intergovernmental Cooperation Award from the Iowa Society of Solid Waste Operations for their
recycling program. ECICOG received the 2004 Outstanding Solid Waste Management Education Program
Award for the summer library reading program. Ryan told the board Simon will be in Washington D.C.
December 1-5 attending the national conference of Keep America Beautiful. She will accept the President's
Circle Award on behalf of Keep Linn County Beautiful.
.7 Transportation Report
Rump told the board six STP and nine enhancement applications were received. These applications are for FY
2006-2008 projects.
4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS
.1 Executive Committee
M/S/C (Pettengill/Vermedahl) to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2004 meeting. All ayes.
.2 ITS Task Force
Langston gave an update on the meeting held last Friday. She said Route Match will make a presentation at
their meeting on December 7.
5.0 OLD BUSINESS
.1 Approval of Expenditures
M/S/C (Brown/Wilson) to approve payment of expenditures. All ayes.
6.0 NEW BUSINESS
Ban'on and Elliott presented awards to board members that have terms expiring on December 31~t.
M/S/C (Brown/Chittenden) to authorize the executive committee to meet in lieu of the full board in December.
All ayes.
NEXT MEETING: Executive Committee to meet in December - TBA
Gary Edwards, Secretary/Treasurer
January 27, 2005
Date
3
Community Development Report
Date: January 27, 2004
From: Chad Sands, AICP, Planner
Lisa J. Treharne, Planner
Lisa-Marie Garlich, Planner
Amy Peterson, Program Administrator
Eric Freese, Housing Inspector
Status of Planning Projects
· Work is continuing on the Benton County Comprehensive Plan. Monthly work-sessions
with the Planning and Zoning Commission have focused on development tools to assist
in managing the rapid growth in the County. In particular, the Commission is reviewing a
proposed Land Evaluation and Site Assessment (LESA) program.
( Work on the Johnson County Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance is complete. The
County Board of Supervisors adopted the ordinance in December. Major changes to the
ordinance include updated definitions, format changes to the overall ordinance layout
and changes to specific requirements and regulations.
· Linn County has asked for a service proposal for the creation of another City/County
Strategic Growth Plan.
· The City of North Liberty's update of their comprehensive plan is progressing. The
Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting monthly, focusing on updating outdated
community goals.
The City of Springville's zoning ordinance is nearing completion. The Planning and
Zoning Commission will review the draft ordinance in February before recommending it
on to the City Council. Once the Zoning Ordinance is complete, work on the subdivision
ordinance will begin. In addition, a planning and zoning training session will be held
after both ordinances have been adopted.
· ECICOG staff prepared a grant application for the city of Vinton to fund the creation of a
local pre-disaster mitigation plan. The grant was approved by the State pending final
approval by FEMA. Final approval should occur soon and the plan should take 6 to 8
months to complete.
ECICOG is providing site plan and development review services for the Cities of Bertram
and Shueyville. Staff represents the City of Bertram on the Linn County Technical Review
Committee when reviewing conditional use applications outside of the City of Bertram.
There were no conditional use permit reviews during the month of December in Bertram.
· Economic Development Administartion (EDA) staff has contacted ECICC)G about our
designation request. As you recall, ECICOG had requested to become designated as an
EDA District. It appears that the request is ready to be approved, pending an update to
our Region 10 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) information.
EC[COG--Housing Report--3a Ua 200S
Lisa Treharne, Planner, ext. 29
Amy Peterson, Program Administrator, ext. 21
Eric Freese, Housing Specialist, ext. 24
Lisa-Marie Garlich, Planner, ext. 33
Grant Updates
Funded: Citizen State Bank in Wyoming has received $55,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank for
single-family housing rehabilitation in ]ones County. EC[COG submitted the Federal Home Loan Bank
grant application for 3ones County October 1, 2004.
Benton County and possibly Washington County will apply for a Federal Home Loan Bani( grant for single-
family housing rehabilitation in April of this year.
Housing Rehabilitation Projects J
Anamosa Rehabilitation T[. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Eleven homes are
completed. One home is currently under construction. The City may have additional funds to complete
two more homes, for a total of 14. The City is using -FIr Funds to rehabilitate another home. Three
homes were deemed ineligible.
Grant: $379,850 Local Match: $10,000 T~F Funds: $52,120 Source of Funds: HUD/~DED Housing Fund
Brighton Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 9 houses. Seventeen
applications were received. Four homes are complete, three homes are in construction, and two homes
are in the verification process. Four applicants have dropped out of the program.
Grant: $370,600 Local Match: $14,000 Source of Funds: HUD/TDED Housing Fund
GoralvilleRehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to
rehabilitate
at
least
11
houses.
Twelve
omes are complete and closeout paperwork has begun.
rant: $417,411 Local Match: $20,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Fairfax Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Ten homes are
completed and funds are available to complete an eleventh home. This home is under construction.
Grant: $273,990 Local Match: $10,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
GRO House. SOLD
v one Tree Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 8 houses. Fifteen applications
ere received. Five homes are complete. Three are in the verification process.
rant: $320,312 Local Match: $8,000 Source of Funds: HUD/]DED Housing Fund
Marion Rehabilitation. City of Marion was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 affordable single-family,
owner-occupied units. Funds have been released. Homeowner meetings are being scheduled. The top
three applicants are being verified and inspected. 23 applications were received.
Grant: $396,790 Local Match: $40,000 Source of Funds: HUD/TDED Housing Fund
Martelle Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 8 houses. All nine homes are
completed. Close-out should be commencing soon. Two homes were deemed ineligible.
Grant: $307,986 Local Match: $8,000 Source of Funds: HUD/TDED Housing Fund
Olin Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. The City had additional
funds to complete twelve homes. Twelve homes are completed. The 13th home is currently in the
bidding process. Eight homes have been deemed ineligible. A waiting list has been established.
Grant: $379,850 Local Match: $10,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
Wellman Rehabilitation. The City was awarded funds to rehabilitate 10 houses. Seven homes are
complete. Three homes are under construction. Additional funds may be left to do more homes. Two
homes were deemed to be infeasible. The other applicants are on file on a waiting list.
Grant: $379,850 Local Natch: $17,000 Source of Funds: HUD/IDED Housing Fund
IFederal Home Loan Bank Projects
.aOhnson County Federal Home Loan Bank ][11. ECICOG received a third round of funds on behalf of
he Johnson County Housing Task Force for the rehabilitation of 20 homes. Applications are being
ccepted and processed. Fourteen applications have been received and are eligible for the program.
More applicants are needed. Ten have been completed, one is in the construction phase, two are
waiting on bids and one is in the verification stage.
Grant: $107,500 Local Match: $101,820 Source of Funds: Federal Home Loan Bank
Washington County Federal Home Loan Bank T. ECICOG received funds on behalf of Washington
County to assist 10 homes. There are 8 homes that have been completed and 2 that are in the
construction phase.
Grant: $53,750 Local Match: $50,910 Source of Funds: Federal Home Loan Bank
IFlood Buy Out Projects
Central City Flood Buy-Out I. All five homes have been purchased. All homes have been
demolished. The financials are cleared. The project cannot close out until the Hazard Mitigation Plan is
adopted.
Grant: $179,632 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/Central City
Central City Flood Buy-Out T:L All homes have been bought out. Three homes are scheduled for
relocation. The fourth home is going to be demolished or burned by the city. Another home was added
to this project. Tt has been bought out and was sold by the city. As of 3une 2004, another home was
added to be bought out from the program. This will be completed by September 31, 2004.
Grant: $371,547 Source of Funds: FENA/State of Iowa/Central City
Unn County Flood Buy-Out [. The county was awarded funds to acquire four houses. All demolition
is complete. The last home was disqualified for funding. Financials complete.
Linn County Flood Buy-Out Phase II. The county was awarded funds to purchase and demolish
four homes. This project is now complete. FEMA is currently closing out the project.
Grant: $118,169 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/Linn County
Marion Flood Buy-Out. The City was awarded funds to acquire and demolish three homes flooded by
the June 04, 2002 rains. The City closed on one home. The Demolition is completed. The second home
was able to get an extension: the extension has been granted until 2005. The third home chose not to
participate.
Grant: $ 264,117 Source of Funds: FEMA/State of Iowa/City
Monticello Flood Buy-Out. The City was awarded funds to acquire and demolish two homes flooded
by the _lune 02, 2002 rains. Both homeowners have closed on their homes. The Demolition is
completed. The other home was sold by the city and relocated out of the floodplain. Close out
procedures will soon commence.
Grant: $133,599 Source of Funds: FENA/State of iowa/City
ECICOG Hous/ng Repod
ECICOG
Solid Waste Planning Report
DATE: January 17, 2005
FROM: Jennifer Ryan, Solid Waste Planner, ext. 31, iennifer, ryan~ecico.q.or.q
Kristin Simon, Solid Waste Planner, ext. 26, kristin.simon~ecico.q.or.q
Jones County School Recycling Project. Submitted a SWAP application on behalf of
the Jones County Solid Waste Management Commission to assist all four school
districts with recycling collection and education. Requesting funds for containers and
storage sheds to collect recyclable materials more efficiently. If funded, ECICOG staff
will develop and give presentations to faculty, staff, and students about recycling at
school. A recycling contest at each school will encourage involvement within the
community. Contact Jennifer for more information.
Community / Member Assistance.
City of Keystone. Assisting Keystone with their RFP and contract for waste /
recycling collection services.
City of Lone Tree. Assisting Lone Tree in their effort to ban open burning
including providing sample ordinance language.
City of Traer / City of Dysart. Traer and Dysart are considering changes to their
current municipal waste collection services. Staff is providing technical
assistance.
Benton County Landfill. A recyclables processor has had an increase of sharps
in the material coming from Benton County. Staff is researching opportunities to
partner with health clinics and pharmacies to promote proper disposal.
CR / LC Solid Waste A.qency. Assisting the Agency develop a strategy to
encourage small businesses to increase their recycling efforts.
Contact Jennifer for more information.
Education Update. Compiling an education plan specific to each member landfill
including advertising, brochure updates, presentations, and local event displays.
Contact Kristin for more information.
ECICOG
PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
Meeting: Committee Meeting, December 9, 2004
Location: Linn County Administration Office Building
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Attendance: Ed Brown, Ric Gerard, Ann Heam, Don Magdefrau, Larry Wilson,
Chair
Absent: Dennis Hansen
Also Attending: Doug EIliott (for review portion of meeting)
Meeting Notes
I. Agenda
A. No changes were made to the Agenda
II. Board Responses and FY 2005 (yrs. 2005-2006) Performance Goals
A. Committee reviewed the tabulation of the Board responses from the Executive
Director Evaluation forms distributed at the November 23 Board meeting. Reviews
were very positive with no concerns expressed. There were several notes of
commendation of efforts that were well done.
B. FY 2005 goals suggested by the Board were reviewed and tentative goals were
developed for discussion with the Executive Director.
III. Review of Current Year Performance Evaluation and 2005 Goals with Executive
Director
A. Executive Director was invited to join the Committee meeting for review of the past
year's performance evaluation by the Board. The Committee expressed great
satisfaction with the review comments and the Executive Director's excellent
performance over the past year.
B. Tentative goals for FY 2005 were discussed and by mutual input and agreement four
goals for FY 2005 were set. The committee decided that four goals were sufficient
since one goal was expanded with specific implementation strategies. The FY 2005
goals in order of importance are:
1. Update agency Strategic Plan
2. Visit the constituency in the agency service area
a. Executive Director visit member government city councils, boards and
other agencies throughout the EClCOG service area to the extent
practical to listen to constituency concerns and needs as well as
inform them of agency services available.
b. Staff visit member government city councils, boards and other
agencies throughout the ECICOG service area, particularly those that
the Executive Director is unable to visit.
c. Notify the local ECICOG Board representative when meetings are set
so he/she can attend.
d. Develop a visitation plan and schedule for the year.
3. Prepare an evaluation of the agency's office physical facilities and recommend
any interim improvements that are needed in the next five years or until space
in the proposed transit facility becomes available.
4. Continue to monitor and advocate securing EDA designation
IV. Salary Recommendations
A. The committee reviewed with the executive, his evaluation of staff performance and
salary recommendations.
B. The committee will recommend to the Budget Committee, a FY 2005 salary for the
Executive Director. The committee will also recommend to the budget committee that
the excellent performance by staff during the past year be recognized in budgeting
MINUTES
EAST CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee (SWTAC)
I PMf .lanuary 13f 2005
Iowa City Airport, Iowa City
NON-VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT
VOTING MEMBERS PRESENT Iowa City/Johnson County:
CR/LC SW Agency: Floyd Pelkey ]on Thomas, Brad Neumann
CR/LC SW Agency: Marie DeVries Iowa Waste Exchange: John Koch
Iowa City/.lohnson County: STAFF PRESENT
Dave Elias .lennifer Ryan
Tama County: Lyle Brehm Kristin Simon
MINUTES: Minutes from the December 2004 meeting were corrected and approved.
oOCal Updates-
wa City J .lohnson County Thomas, Neumann, and Elias reported:
· Submitting a request to the DNR to use a 50/50 blend of chipped railroad ties and soil as
an alternative cover.
· Beginning _lanuary Ist, landfill staff assumed responsibility for the methane collection
system fieldwork.
· Submitting the final report to the DNR for the spray-on alternative intermediate cover pilot
project. The spray-on cover has proven to be an effective cover and saves substantial
airspace and money.
· Beginning the process of purchasing eighty acres of land adjacent to the landfill.
· Neumann will present a local perspective at the "Waste Reduction: Addressing the
Overlooked R' workshop on _lanuary 21st.
· On _lanuary 28th, The Habitat for Humanity ReStore will have a grand opening celebration
at their new location on First Avenue in Coralville.
Cedar Rapids / Linn County Solid Waste Agency Pelkey and DeVries reported:
· Tssuing a RFP for a facility improvement plan for Site #2. The pre-bidder meeting is
scheduled for January 19th at 2Prvl.
· Organizing staff trainings to be scheduled in the spring.
Benton County. Ryan reported:
· Benton County has raised the solid waste per capita fee assessed to citizens. (City $17,
Rural $2:L)
· The landfill experienced another break in attempt.
· The Fareway store in Vinton is not accepting redemption containers.
Iowa County Ryan reported:
· There are some personnel changes taking place at the landfill.
Tama County Brehm reported:
· Requesting an exemption from DNR to use contaminated soil as an alternative cover.
· Garbage tonnage is decreasing.
Iowa Waste Exchange Koch reported:
IP7
IOWA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
USE OF FORCE REPORT ~
December 2004
OFFICER DATE INC # INCIDENT FORCE USED
27 120204 04-66342 Armed Subject Officer assisted DPS with a felony
traffic stop and observed handgun on
backseat of vehicle. Officer drew
sidearm for cover. Driver taken into
custody with no problems.
60 120204 04-66358 Injured Animal Officer used sidearm to dispatch an
injured deer that was struck by a
vehicle
16 120404 04-66793 Injured Animal Officer used sidearm to dispatch an
injured raccoon.
19 120404 04-66797 Fight Officer used hands on technique and
active countermeasures to prevent
subject from assaulting another.
19 120404 04-66797 Fight Officer used hands on technique to
keep subject that had been placed under
arrest in a seated position when this
subject attempted to stand up and kick
at the desk of medical personnel.
19 120404 04-66797 Fight Officer used hands on technique and
directed subject to the ground after
subject attempted to assault Officer.
19 120504 04-55797 Fight Officer used hands on technique to
assist jail staff in putting subject into a
jail cell.
13 120504 04-66833 Fight Subject had been arrested and taken to
hospital for a previous chemical
exposure. Officer took subject's cuffs
off for treatment. Subject then became
assaultive and was directed to the
ground to be cuffed.
19 120504 4-66833 Fight Subject was in a physical altercation
with another. Subject was told to place
hands behind back for arrest and
refused. Subject was then directed to
the ground and continued to resist
cuffing. Subject was exposed to
chemical irritant which enabled him to
be cuffed.
19 120504 04-66833 Fight Subject was in a physical altercation
with another and placed under arrest.
Subject refused to place hands behind
back for cuffing and was directed
against a building. Officer was then
able to cuff subject.
19 120604 04-67090 Trespass Officer drew sidearm during search of a
residence where it was believed an
intruder had entered. No one was
located in the search.
56 120904 04-67608 Injured Deer Officer used sidearm to dispatch a deer
that was injured in a motor vehicle
collision.
52 120904 04-67502 Injured Deer Officer used sidearm to dispatch an
injured/ill deer. Unknown source of
injury/illness.
22 121204 04-68133 Injured Animal Officer used sidearm to dispatch sick
raccoon.
19 121304 04-68351 Arrest Subject was stopped by Officers for
having a possible arrest warrant.
Subject assaulted Officer and ran when
found in possession of an illegal
controlled substance. Subject ran into a
closed area and faced Officer in a
threatening manner. Officer drew
sidearm and gave verbal directives for
subject to go to ground. Subject
complied with verbal instructions of
Officer to get on ground for cuffing
when Officer presented canister of
chemical irritant.
19 121404 04-68497 Disorderly Conduct Subject had been placed under arrest
and was being searched for weapons.
While being searched for weapons
subject attempted to turn towards
Officers. Officers used a hands on
teclmique to control subject while the
search for weapons was £mished. No
weapons were located.
90 121604 04-68719 Injured Deer Officer used sidearm to dispatch a deer
injured in a motor vehicle collision.
55.51 121804 04-69117 Suspicious Activity Subjects were stopped for suspicious
activity. One subject attempted to turn
away from Officers while reaching for
his waistband. Officers searched this
subject and found a loaded handgun in
his waistband. Officers drew sidearms
when the handgun was located and
ordered subjects to the ground. Subject
with gun was taken into custody
without incident.
23 122804 04-70313 Assault Subject displayed knife and came
towards Officers. Officer drew sidearm
and gave verbal instructions to subject.
Subject complied and was taken into
custody without incident.
23 122804 04-70313 Assault Subject was assaulting another. Officer
instructed subject to move away from
the victim. Subject did not comply.
Officer used hands on technique to
direct subject away from victim.
05 122804 04-70384 Assault Subject displayed knife, made
threatening comments, and came
towards Officer. Officer drew sidearm
and gave verbal instructions to subject.
Subject complied and was taken into
custody without incident.
16 122904 04-70535 Injured Deer Officer used sidearm to dispatch a deer
that had been injured in a motor vehicle
collision.
25 122904 04-70540 Harassment Subject had been arrested, cuffed, and
put in the back of a squad car. Subject
began to kick the windows of the squad
car. Officer used hands on technique to
remove subject from the squad car and
direct them to the ground.
16 122904 04-70544 Trespass Subject was placed under arrest and
refused to be cuffed. Officer used
hands on technique to cuff subject and
escort him to a squad car for
transportation.
CC: City Manager, Chief, Captains, Lieutenants, Training Sergeant, City Clerk, Library
AGENDA
PATV BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Thursday, January 20, 2005
7:00 pm
PATV - 206 Lafayette Street
1. Call meeting to order
2. Consent agenda
3. Approval of December minutes
4. Old business
5. Short public announcements
6. New business
7. Reports
· ICTC
· Committees
i. Building & Grounds
ii. Outreach & Fundraising - Chili Supper 2/10105
iii. Refranchising
iv. Evaluation
v. Bylaws
· Treasurer
· Management- Iowa Shares, Annual Meeting
8. Board announcements
9. Adjournment
If you have additional agenda items or cannot attend the meeting, please contact
Josh at 338-7035.
PATV Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, November 18, 2004
[DRAFT FINAL January 2, 2005 (Adopted and Edited)]
6:00 PM Board Meeting, 7:00 PM Annual Membership Meeting
PATV, 206 Lafayette Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
1. Tom Nothnagle called meeting to order at 6:24 PM:
Present were: Holly Berkowitz (11/04-11/07), John Carhoff (11/02 - 11/05), Jack
Fuller (12/01-11104), Brett Gordon (11/04-11/07), Tom Nothnagle (11/01-11/04),
Steve Newell (11/01-11/04), Phil Phillips (11/03-11/06) and Director Josh Goding.
Members of the public/applicants for board positions: Hannah Weston, Doug
Allaire, Ross Meyer, (3 applicants) and Shelly Berkowitz (visitor: Shelly left during
confidential session.)
2. Consent agenda: Approved.
3. Approval of October minutes:
Brett Gordon Motioned, Jack Fuller seconded, unanimous approval.
Moved to interview candidates first because of time constraint, Annual
Membership Meeting at 7:00 PM; Approved.
4. Old business: See end of minutes.
5. Short public announcements: none
6. New business:
a. Expiring terms renewed: Both Steve Newell and Jack Fuller are at endof
terms. Phil P. moved and John C. seconded to extend terms. Boardvoted
unanimously to reappoint both.
b. Three applicants for PATV Board of Directors made presentations and
were interviewed, Hannah Weston, Doug Allaire and Ross Meyer. Candidates
left. Board discussed how many seats were open to be filled:6 members on
board, 3 to be filled. Phil: Put one forward as choice ofboard, another to be
elected by membership, keep one open still to befilled. Board members decided
to select one applicant as recommendedcandidate of the board, and to allow
membership to select one ofremaining two. Board votedthat Board selects one
candidate (Hannah), membershiP selects one, andhold one position open. Board
voted on Hannah Weston as candidate selected by board, after much discussion
of 3very good candidates for the one position. One to be selected
bymembership, one to be left open.
7. Reports
* ICTC: None
* Committees
i. Building and Grounds: none
ii. Outreach and Fundraising
a) Steve Newell: Discussed future fundraising events.
b) Josh Goding: Discussed chili supper fundraiser at Old Brick [ Josh on 12/7:
Chili supper fundraiser at Old Brick Church in middle of January when students
back. Hope to have space donated by Old Brick on a Thursday night] [Steve
Newell explained after meeting: Nonprofits now are scheduled for Thursday
nights instead of Saturdays at Old Brick.] (~"(-o~-f',,~,,-,~ ~)
PATV Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, November 18, 2004
[DRAFT FINAL January 2, 2005 (Adopted and Edited)]
7. Reports, Continued:
iii. Refranchising: In negotiation.
iv. Evaluation
Phil P. presented quantitative/qualitative results of PATV Director Josh Goding's
evaluation from Board, Staff and Producers. Discussion of Josh's evaluation and
salary: Josh's evaluation. Phil P.: Very good evaluation. Board voted
unanimously to give Josh a raise.
Josh attended Management Academy class.
Josh: New Production Assistant Aaron Valdez. Josh: Very good selection.
Phase-in in January.
v. Bylaws
a. Phil P.: Discussion of whether to change the term "cable" to "carriage." Board
voted not to change.
b. Phil P. Re: 6.08 term "exofficio:" non-voting board members may be
appointed by board members, such as cable and library representatives. Board
voted to change term "ex-office" to "associate." Board voted not to change to
term of "alternate." Board voted that board member candidates not elected on
11/18/04 become "associate" members.
c. Phil P.: Robert's Rules advise against a fixed term terminating without allowing
for extension until a new member is appointed: Board voted to allow Board to
operate without loss of a member in case a member resigns before another
member is appointed. Board voted to change Section 6.08 to "Associate (Non-
voting) Board Members may be appointed by the Board of Directors."
Re: Section 8.02: Term of Office: Board voted to amend Bylaws in Board
meeting [and also in annual meeting: At annual meeting on 11/18/04,
membership voted on Phil's wording of change to bylaws: "Each officer of the
board of directors shall serve a term of one year and until his successor be
elected. Notwithstanding 6.01, 6.04, and 6.10, such officer shall retain his seat on
the Board, with full authority and voting privileges, until election of his or her
successor."]
Board discussed difference between using the term "or" or "and" and Board
voted unanimously to use the word "and."
* Treasurer's Report:
Steve N.: Submitted treasurer's balance sheet as of 10/31/04 and reported on
return on investment. Board made money on mutual fund investment. BOD
voted to accept report.
8. Board announcements: None
9. None
10. Adjourned at 7:30 PM.
SEE: PATV Annual Meeting at 8:00 PM on 1 t/18/04 (Continued):
- 2 -
PATV Annual Meeting at 8:00 PM on 11118104:
1, Election of Board Members:
Tom Nothnagle introduced Hannah Weston of the three candidates that had
applied to the Board of Directors on 11/18/04, and stated that three very good
candidates would introduce their selves. Tom stated that membership would vote
on all three candidates. Jack Fuller nominated Doug Allaire, and Doug gave a
presentation. Brett G. nominated Ross Meyer, and he gave a presentation. Tom
N. asked for any other nominations and there were none. Membership elected
Ross Meyer and Doug Allaire to Board. Hannah withdrew, but she had already
been elected at the BOD meeting earlier.
2. Adam Burke distributed Equipment Ballot for vote of membership at
Annual Meeting. See final vote tally.
3. Phil presented version of 7.v. and membership approved:
Membership voted to accept change to Bylaws: "Each officer of the board
of directors shall serve a term of one year and until his successor be
elected. Notwithstanding 6.01, 6.04, and 6.10, such officer shall retain his
seat on the Board, with full authority and voting privileges, until election of
his or her successor."
4. Meeting adjourned about 9:00 PM
Holly Berkowitz sent rough draft 11/20/04, 11/23/04, 12/7/07. Hard copy
delivered to PA'IV on 12/8/04. Reviewed at meeting 12/16/04 for edits. BOD
accepted edited copy 12/16/04. Edited 1/2/05 and sent 1/2/05.
Respectfully submitted, Holly Berkowitz. 112/05
-3-
Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center
28 S. Linn Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-3920
Phone: 319/356-5220. Fax: 319/356-5226
Web: www.icgov.org/senior
February Public Events
Lois Wiedernecht-Finke "Taking Down the Barn" and Gilbert Glandorf "The
Recycling Station" on exhibit through February 27.
Brainstorming Session and Curriculum Committee Meeting
Friday, February 4
Brainstorming at 9:30 AM
Curriculum Meeting at 10 AM
Have direct input and involvement into what happens at the Center. Bring your
ideas, interests and suggestions to the Brainstorming Session.
Travelogue: Visiting Copenhagen
Friday, February 4
1:30 - 3 PM
Presenter: James Scheib
Enjoy the flavor of old Scandinavia in this historic city.
College Planning Strategies: Helping Your Grandchildren
Tuesday, February 8
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Presenter: Chad Andrews
Explore financial options for helping to fund a college education for your
grandchild.
When In Doubt, Don't Throw It Out!
Wednesday, February 9
2-3PM
Presenter: University Archivist David McCartney
What curators are - and are not- interested in collecting with respect to materials
of historical interest for archives and manuscript repositories. Offered in
conjunction with "So I Saved It: Now What? On Wednesday, February 16.
Travelogue: Visiting St. Petersburg, Russia
Friday, February 11
1:30 - 3 PM
Presenter: James Scheib
View the most famous area attractions of St. Petersburg, Russia.
Red Hat Public Valentine Party
Monday, February 14
2:30 PM
Open to the public and sponsored by the Centers Red Hat Divas. Entertainment,
refreshments, hat contests and more.
NEW! Evening Beginning Gentle Yoga Class Offered to Public
Monday, February 14- May 23
7 - 8:30 PM
Instructor: Helen Chadima
Instructor Fee: $65
Increase strength and flexibility of muscles. Relaxation exercise.
Senior Center Commission Meeting
Tuesday, February 15
2-4PM
So I Saved It: Now What?
Wednesday, February 16
2-3PM
Presenter: UI Preservation Librarian Nancy Kraft
Special care in handling and storing paper items, documents and photographs as
well as keeping them from deteriorating.
Travelogue: On Safari in Eastern Africa
Fridays, February 18 and 25
10- 11:30 AM
Presenter: Ruth Williams
Will cover the "Big Five" animals seen on safari in Africa: Cape Buffalo, Elephant,
Rhinoceros, Lion and Leopard and major national parks in Kenya and Tanzania.
Dinner Dance Featuring Jim Hall Trio
Thursday, February 24
5:30 - 6:30 PM Dinner
7 - 9 PM Dance
An evening out with your spouse or friends! Dinner/Dance: Members $$, Non-
members $12. Dance only: Members $3, Non-members $5. Dinner reservations
required. Call 356-5220 by February 11.
Cancelled - Cuba!
Friday, February 25
Piano Recital - William "Bill" Johnson
Monday, February 28
2 PM
February Classes
Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640): Painter, Scholar and Diplomat
Wednesday, February 2 - March 2
9:30- 11 AM
Instructor: Shana Stuart
Materials Fee: $10
Art History class. Baroque master used drama and color to produce portraits,
religious and mythological paintings and landscapes.
The Art of Storytelling
Wednesdays, February 2 - 23
10:30 AM- 12 PM
Instructor: Tom Walz
Materials Fee: $5
Theories, history, traditions and models of storytelling. Steve Thunder-McGuire
will be a guest speaker.
Literature and Grief: Seeking and Creating Meaning
Wednesdays, February 2 - 23
1 -3PM
Presenter: Sally Darley
The variety of responses to the experience of loss through literature.
Reading Aloud: Your Favorite Poems and Mine
Thursdays, February 3 - March 20
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Facilitator: Ina Loewenberg
Poems were meant to be read aloud. Meet to enjoy reading and hearing others
read lyrical, dramatic and descriptive poems.
College Planning Strategies: Helping Your Grandchildren
Tuesday, February 8
1:00- 2:30 PM
Presenter: Chad Andrews
Explore financial options for helping to fund a college education for your
grandchild.
NEW! Evening Beginning Gentle Yoga Class Offered to Public
Monday, February 14 - May 23
7 - 8:30 PM
Instructor: Helen Chadima
Instructor Fee: $65
Increase strength and flexibility of muscles. Relaxation exercise.
IPIO
MINUTES
SCATTERED SITE HOUSING TASKFORCE
JANUARY 3, 2005
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Don Anciaux, Jerry Anthony, Darlene Clausen, Matthew Hayek, Jan Left,
Jan Peterson, Sally Stutsman, Joan Vandenberg
STAFF PRESENT: Steve Nasby, Steve Rackis
OTHERS PRESENT: Charles Eastham, Maryann Dennis
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Hayek called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Approval of the December 6, 2004 and December 13, 2004 Minutes:
Some edits noted for the minutes. Left gave edits to Hayek. Anciaux moved to accept both the December 6
and 13 minutes as revised. Stutsman seconded and the motion passed 7-0.
DELIBERATIONS REGARDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL
Hayek suggested the Taskforce begin this meeting by discussing the new data and information regarding the
location of service agencies as requested by the Taskforce and compiled by City staff. He also noted that
the packet contained additional information from Vandenberg. Hayek distributed the list of service providers
he and Peterson compiled by looking at the JCCOG Service Providers list index. Hayek said that this was
the list that was sent to City Staff and all locations were then plotted on the map. This map was posted on
the wall and the agencies were identified according to the reference numbers on the list that was distributed.
He noted that the list is subject to change if the Taskforce members want to add or subtract agencies.
Clausen asked what the providers in bold denoted. Nasby answered that the key to the different typefaces is
located at the bottom of the last page. Regular typeface denotes on-site services, bold denotes services
provided in the community (e.g. in home care), and italics denote a combination of site based and in-
community services. Stutsman asked whether National Alliance for the Mentally III (NAMIJC) should be on
the list. Peterson replied it depends on what are considered direct services. NAMIJC provides support and
education. Stutsman said she understood that organization to be mostly advocacy. Peterson said it also
provides support groups, classes, and operates a hotline.
Hayek reiterated that the list is subject to editing. For example, Johnson County Public Defender is on the
list, but its location is determined by other factors, as the office needs to be in a commercially zoned area
and near the courthouse. Hayek said that he, Peterson, and City staff tried to be inclusive on the list rather
than exclusive. Peterson added that compiling the list was difficult because some offices are not located in
areas where they provide services, while others offer services that are unrelated to their locations.
Anthony arrived at this point.
Vandenberg noted that there is a Coralville Family Resource Center now that could be added. Stutsman
asked whether the Iowa Department of Human Services is on the list. Peterson agreed it should be added if
it is not on the list. Hayek asked how the Taskforce would like to approach the list, as it would be too much to
edit during a meeting. He suggested looking over the list after the meeting and sending comments and
suggestions to him via email.
Anthony asked if the Taskforce members could have a map of the locations. Nasby said yes, though it would
be probably have to be shrunk to ledger size. He asked whether the Taskforce would like the current map or
the one after the list is changed. Hayek recommended making changes and then replotting the map before
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 2
sending it out to the Taskforce members. Peterson asked for confirmation that amendments would include
providers that the Taskforce members think are not relevant, or should be added. Hayek said yes.
Anthony asked if the list was of all services in the City. Nasby replied no. Hayek said that he and Peterson
tried to be inclusive when compiling the list, but it is not exhaustive. Stutsman asked whether the Juvenile
Court should be on the list. Hayek said it depends on where the services are provided. Stutsman replied the
office is on Kirkwood Avenue, so usually provided at that location. Left said they also have liaisons in the
schools.
Hayek noted there is a large number of providers whose administrative headquarters are in one place, but
that offer programs or assistance in the schools or neighborhoods. Peterson suggested that is true for the
majority of service providers, as the office location is usually determined by other factors, such as availability
of space. Hayek gave the example of the Girl Scouts, who have troops in many of the elementary schools
but are actually based in Cedar Rapids.
Hayek said he would send an email reminding the Taskforce members to send comments and suggestions
to him. Stutsman noted that the Iowa Department of Human Services is located under "H" on the list.
Clausen asked what Hayek is looking for, since this is all new information to some. Stutsman replied people
might have changes or edits to the current list. Hayek agreed, adding that the goal is to have all relevant
services listed, but if someone does not have any suggestions, that's fine. Anciaux noted there are some he
does not recognize. Peterson added that some that are not listed would require phone calls to get specific
information about what they do and where. Also, she questioned what the information would ultimately tell
the Taskforce, since such a small number of services are located in a specific place for a specific reason.
Vandenberg asked whether outreach programs should be included or not. Stutsman replied yes. Hayek said
those services may not be able to be plotted, but it would be helpful to have a list.
Peterson said that for instance, certain services are targeted to certain schools for specific reasons, such as
student advocates and special Girl Scouts troops. Some organizations that have gone to great lengths to
provide services in the area can probably be identified easily. Hayek asked if it would be possible to plot
those on a map. Vandenberg said yes.
Left asked if the services could be listed by census tract. Anciaux suggested they be listed by census block
group. Left added that it would be helpful know what agencies exist in the different tracts. Vandenberg added
that she would like to know if they provide service to the neighborhood. Left volunteered to help gather this
information, if needed.
Peterson said there are things such as transitional housing that have an impact on the neighborhood, but
does not provide services. Vandenberg said there are different types of services. Hayek agreed, noting that
Elder Services is an example of one that is difficult to categorize, since their office mostly coordinates elder
care that is done in the client's homes. Stutsman said that service is denoted on the list in bold, which
indicates that it is out in the community. Hayek added that it is currently plotted as a dot on the map, but
perhaps instead it should be on a list saying it provides services out in the community.
Clausen said that the map indicates most services are located in the central and eastern parts of the City.
Peterson replied that agencies try to find places with affordable rent. Hayek added that there is also the
question of commercial versus residential zoning, which dictates where certain things can be located. All of
that needs to be considered as well.
Hayek asked when the tract data will be available. Nasby replied it will be ready for the next meeting packet,
and asked if the Taskforce would like any other information to be broken down by block group. Hayek said
possibly, and that the Taskforce will talk about it.
Hayek moved on to the discussion about the additional school data. Vandenberg began by noting that data
from the School District might be over-represented because the district regularly gathers this data and has it
readily available. She continued by saying the chart she submitted in the recent packet reflects 2003
proficiency data, 2002-03 mobility data, and 2003-04 free/reduced information. The data is compared to the
overall school enrollment for each building. The data submitted by Eastham for the last meeting included
only free/reduced lunch students. The newer chart in the packets is looking at overall enrollment in the
Scattered Site Housing Task~rce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 3
school and the data does in her opinion indicate a stronger relationship between mobility and reading
proficiency.
Hayek asked why the data now reflects a diagonal rather than a horizontal line. Vandenberg replied it is
because the total number of students eligible for free/reduced lunch at each school varies widely. For
example, 50 students at Lemme are eligible for free/reduced, while 210 are eligible at Wood. Anthony asked
for confirmation that the difference between the two charts is that the one submitted by Vandenberg shows
the percentage of the whole school, while the one submitted by Eastham shows the percentage of just 3rd
through 6th grades in free or reduced lunch. Eastham replied that is not correct, and that the y-axis is different
on Vandenberg's chart from the one he submitted, not the x-axis.
Anthony asked if both charts deal with percentages of 3rd through 6th grades on free/reduced lunch.
Vandenberg replied that is correct, except on the reading proficiency chart, which reflects total enrollment in
each school. She noted that the distinction between the two data sets is significant. For example, 50% of
students at Wickham were not proficient, but only 30 students total are on free/reduced lunch. Those 15
students have a different impact than 45% not proficient students of the 210 students at Wood who are
eligible for free/reduced lunch.
Eastham said that in his view, the opposite is the case, because the best comparison is with tike numbers to
like numbers. He noted that Vandenberg makes a valid point that it is difficult to evaluate schools with
relatively Iow numbers of students on free/reduced lunch with one year's data. He suggested another way to
look at the data might be to designate a cutoff number of students on free/reduced lunch, and only look at
schools that meet or exceed that number.
Vandenberg distributed an additional table, which gives a breakdown of the additional professional, certified
staff and programs in each elementary school. It does not include programs that are district-wide, and
assumes a general estimate of $50K per full-time position. All schools have at least one part time guidance
person and one part time reading person. This also shows what schools have programs previously
discussed by the Taskforce, such as BD and ESL. Left added that some special education services, such as
tutoring, are for students who need a little extra help but are not severely disabled, and all schools offer it.
Stutsman asked whether Hills had received some additional funding through grants. Vandenberg replied yes,
Hills and Penn have access to additional resources because they are more rural schools. Peterson asked for
confirmation that efforts had been made to obtain additional resources and grants for certain schools and
programs. Vandenberg agreed. She noted also that the asterisk on the chart by Wood is to indicate the plan
to have preschool and/or after-school programming for Wood for next year.
Stutsman asked what the "mental health" designation indicates. Vandenberg explained that it is onsite
therapy for students who are beyond the expertise of school staff.
Hayek asked about the designation of students who are not LF in the ESL program at Longfellow.
Vandenberg replied that indicates how many students attend the programs that are from other neighborhood
schools. Peterson noted that most of the students in ESL at Longfellow are not from that school, but are
assisted by a full time staff person. Vandenberg replied that the full time numbers of staff are weighted
according to the number of students.
Anciaux asked if the high numbers of ESL students at Mann are from Hawkeye Court. Vandenberg said it is
more due to Forest View trailer park. Peterson asked if additional services are being provided at Forest View.
Left replied that tutoring services are offered.
Hayek asked the Taskforce members to talk in general about the current position of the deliberations and
how to proceed. He noted that the procedure so far had been to develop defensible and reasonable criteria
to apply to different areas of the City, which has been a struggle. At the same time, there seems to be a
consensus that tract 18 has the bulk of the problems in the community. He asked which way the Taskforce
would like to approach the issue, either to continue pursuing the criteria, or to begin with the area that has
the problems and attempt to support that conclusion with statistics or other information.
Anthony asked if the group is done with the school district charts, or if they will be discussed later. Hayek
replied the group could get back to the charts. Stutsman suggested doing the general discussion about the
criteria first, which may make the charts irrelevant. Vandenberg said she would like to find and build on the
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 4
group's common ground. Peterson said she would like to take a break from looking at data, since she is not
sure what relevance the data has or what it will tell the group. Vandenberg agreed.
Left said that there are probably a large number of people who already would agree that there is a problem,
and will be sympathetic to and support the Taskforce's decision and recommendations. Anthony replied he is
not sure, as some groups will be concerned with changes because of what the cost of land and zoning laws
already in effect will have on their operations. They may have an opposite view, and are the ones that will
need to be convinced.
Anthony expressed concern with the process of the deliberation, first of all because the Taskforce does not
reflect equal representation from all sides of the issue. The Taskforce was created because of the letter
written by the School District, and two people from the district are part of the Taskforce. However, no one
who produces, administers, or lives in assisted housing is on the Taskforce. A case will need to be made to
the ones not represented on the Taskforce. Having a realtor, developer, or a resident of assisted housing on
the Taskforce would help legitimize the decisions to those groups. Since they are not part of the decision-
making process, all data and decisions will need to be very clear and defensible in order to reach out to the
ones not represented.
Anthony continued by noting that at the November 22 meeting, there had been discussion about keeping
away from school district data during the deliberations. He still believes that should be the approach because
the proficiency data is not linked to assisted housing, and it can be read both ways. Other factors can be
investigated and used in the Taskforce deliberations. He noted it is not the Taskforce's mandate to address
educational issues within the School District, but to evaluate the housing issue. He suspects that the
Taskforce's recommendations will still benefit the schools. However, not approaching the solutions from a
school-impact perspective will increase the legitimacy of the Taskforce's decisions.
Hayek asked if the school data should be removed from both the criteria of a concentration, as well as the
impacts. Anthony replied yes, because of the lack of link to assisted housing. Vandenberg agreed that it is a
community issue, not just a school issue, but noted that the Taskforce does not have very much data from
other areas of the community. Also, she said the neighborhood school is a reflection of the neighborhood,
and people buy or do not buy houses in certain attendance areas because of the school. The two are very
closely related, so it would be important to establish that link.
Vandenberg added that while data on the number of students on free/reduced lunch who live in assisted
housing is not available, she does have the number of students who are in poverty. An increase in poverty in
certain areas is not desirable, and increasing the amount of assisted housing will increase the number of
students who are in poverty. Differe.nt groups have common ground already, as they all want to have more
affordable housing in Iowa City. The question is where it will be located, and how to make it palatable or
positive to the rest of the community.
Anthony said that since the poverty data could be obtained, the Taskforce can use the poverty data for
deliberations and leave out the link to the schools. Vandenberg said that is fine, though she believes there is
a link to the schools. Anthony said that even if there is a link between free/reduced lunch and proficiency, he
questioned whether it is related to assisted housing. Solutions created by the Taskforce may work for the
schools as well, but since there is a lack of representation from all sides of the issue, he would like to avoid
the question of school impacts altogether.
Hayek suggested considering school impacts in the same category as the other impacts. Anthony replied
that if there is a correlation between school performance and poverty, the Taskforce probably could just
examine poverty and leave the schools out of the discussion. The school data is conflicting and not
conclusive, and he is not comfortable using it.
Vandenberg asked what the Taskforce members' common ground is, whether there is consensus that
concentrations of poverty exist. Anciaux noted that according to federal standards, Iowa City does not have
concentrated poverty. However, the group can say that meeting federal standards is undesirable, so assisted
housing should be spread out more to prevent increased concentrations from occurring in the future.
Anthony suggested waiting for the block group data to see what it shows. Alternatively, the group can use
the CITY STEPS standard of adding 10% as a benchmark to evaluate poverty.
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 5
Vandenberg asked what goal the Taskforce is shooting for, adding that she does not wish to take the path of
least resistance. Developing in certain areas because it has the cheapest land and least hassle is probably
not the best way to plan a community. A better community does not have such a strong division between the
good and bad parts of town. Anciaux said Iowa City already has a strong division. Leff agreed, saying that
people in the community also probably agree that there is a problem on the south side of town.
Peterson observed that a lot of the impact data the Taskforce would like to examine is not available, which
poses a problem and leaves the group with only school data. Leff noted also that the letter from the School
District led to the creation of the Taskforce, and leaving out the school impacts would seem to negate that
fact and the people who said there is a problem. Vandenberg agreed, saying that approximately 170 people
from different facets of the community expressed concern about putting all the poor people in the same area
of the city.
Rackis said he was at the conference and does not recall the conclusion that there was a concentration of
assisted housing, although assisted housing was a topic of discussion. A letter from the School District
stated a concentration of assisted housing was affecting school performance. However, after the Taskforce
was formed the City Council rejected a request by Burns to build duplexes for disabled people south of
Highway 6. The Council decision was partially due to the School District as it had identified a concentration
of assisted housing in that area. The Taskforce was formed to determine whether or not that was a true
statement. If the Taskforce concludes there is a concentration of assisted housing in tract 18 without
accounting for the fact that it is 57% owner-occupied, the group could appear to assume that none of the
people in the owner-occupied units have children in the schools.
Vandenberg said it does not matter where people live, if they are in poverty. Rackis replied it is still a leap of
faith if only assisted housing is included in the discussion. Vandenberg disagreed; saying that in the future,
more poor people in one area is undesirable, regardless of where they live. Assisted housing equals more
poor people. Anthony disagreed; saying that poor people can also live in owner-occupied housing. Rackis
agreed.
Vandenberg noted that building more housing would bring more poor people into the area. Dennis replied
that more housing would house the poor people already in the community. High rent is very burdensome, so
giving them more affordable places to live would help them become less poor. Vandenberg asked if it would
be better if poor people could afford to live in different areas of town. Dennis said that would be great.
Vandenberg noted that is the common ground, since some of the poor people do not want to live on the
southeast side of town either.
Dennis said she is leery of saying that one of the recommendations is to stop building housing in a certain
area, as opposed to making other areas easier to develop. As soon as a restriction is placed on building
housing in one area, it will be big news because it is a violation of federal fair housing law. Hayek said
incentives could be given to develop elsewhere. Rackis agreed that a proactive rather than restrictive
approach would be more effective. Anthony added that all types of affordable housing, both rental and
'owner-occupied, should be made more available throughout the community. That is not happening now
because of land costs and zoning, and that funneling lower income housing to the southeast side should be
stopped. The Taskforce expressed general agreement.
Rackis noted that much of the discussion about assisted housing in the community is based on
misinformation. For example, a former school principal thought that Pheasant Ridge was a Housing Authority
site, and said he wished the Housing Authority would stop expanding their programs. However, the Authority
has not expanded its public housing stock since 1998. Vandenberg replied that though people are not
informed about how public housing is administered, they still perceive a problem with concentration that
needs to be addressed.
Rackis added that the perception is that the Housing Authority runs Pheasant Ridge and Cedar Wood, and
that any housing with African American families who receive a subsidy is public housing administered by the
Housing Authority. People also say that the Housing Authority has advertised in Chicago, though that rumor
cannot be verified. Regardless, the City Council rejected a proposal for assisted housing on the basis that
the School District identified a concentration of assisted housing in certain parts of the City.
Hayek said that he has three things that the group seems to agree on at this point, they are as follows: 1)
Concentrations of poverty should be avoided, if possible; 2) More affordable housing is needed in Iowa City;
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 6
and 3) Affordable housing, whether assisted or not, should be scattered throughout the community. The
Taskforce expressed agreement with those three items. Stutsman asked whether a statement about
incentives should be added. Hayek replied that would be a step under implementation of policy.
Hayek suggested starting from those three points of agreement, and re-examining the criteria with those
three goals in mind. Perhaps also a re-examination could be done in a way that focuses less on school data.
Vandenberg noted that showing all the negative impacts or issues associated with assisted housing is not
the best way to proceed from a public relations perspective. Effort should be made to put a positive spin on
things, and look perhaps instead at the ultimate goal rather than the problems. Explaining how a
concentration of poverty and the culture of poverty that it produces can have far-reaching negative aspects is
more difficult to explain.
Anthony agreed, saying that though restricting development in tract 18 would cause controversy, giving
incentives instead would be effective because most people would prefer to live elsewhere. If a real option
were given, developers would be happy to accommodate that preference. Hayek said the Council would still
need to have reasons why the Taskforce wants to give incentives for housing in other areas. Anthony
agreed, saying that those reasons would be developed using the three common ground statements.
Eastham recommended giving some sort of time limit or framework in which the recommendations would be
carried out. Because the housing market is always changing, a recommendation with an ultimate goal and a
plan for re-evaluation in the future could be easier to accept. He said that a set of recommendations that
come about now but will not have any effect for 15 years may not be effective if the housing market has
changed significantly in five years. Stutsman asked whether that too would be an implementation issue.
Peterson asked for confirmation that the group's recommendations are not being made at this point yet, as
she has other considerations to add to the discussion that might be helpful, such as guidelines for property
management. Hayek said no; these are not the final recommendations.
Stutsman asked Hayek to restate the three common ground statements again. Hayek did so. Peterson said
those are three very good large statements the group agreed with. She asked Anthony for confirmation that
he was referring to those statements when talking about giving reasons to the Council. Anthony said yes.
Hayek asked whether the Taskforce should go through a similar exercise with the criteria the group had
developed earlier. Anthony said he would like to wait for block data. Hayek noted that additional data is
available, such a median income and housing values. On the maps, if the areas populated by students are
set aside, patterns do emerge. Those two measures show concentrations of poverty, at least in relation to
the affluent areas.
Vandenberg asked whether incentives could be developed to put more housing on the west side of the river.
Hayek replied that is a question beyond the scope of the Taskforce, and is something the Council will have to
address. Anthony said that if the Taskforce has recommendations about zoning that the Council accepts,
perhaps the zoning laws can be amended and help address the density question.
Rackis said that Iow-income families could not compete with students in some areas because the rental rates
are so high. His program restricts the amount of rent that can be paid, which is exceeded in the downtown
and other university areas. This limits Iow-income households' housing choices.
Dennis said that the Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship does not have high numbers, but it appears their
units are scattered. They only own one multi-family unit in Coralville. Some information may be gathered, at
least anecdotally, that explains that poor people like to live in a house. Once they find a house that is safe,
decent, and affordable, they tend to stay, so kids stay in those schools. This is opposed to saying too many
poor people live in apartments. Peterson asked for confirmation that Dennis' and Eastham's groups would
have developed affordable housing in other parts of the City already if they had been able to get property.
Eastham agreed.
Hayek said he is noting shelter and transitional housing, which are very controversial and should be
considered in light of those common ground statements.
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce Minutes
January 3, 2005
Page 7
Stutsman said that she would like to pursue dispelling myths and misinformation about public housing. The
recommendations will not be very helpful if the Council cannot combat the people who protest having
assisted housing in their neighborhoods. The only way to work on that aspect is to educate people and give
the facts. Vandenberg said the data from Dennis would be helpful for that part, to help show that people who
live in assisted housing are good neighbors.
Rackis said the Housing Authority could supply that data as well. His program has turnover because people
buy a house, or because they are removed from the program. However, that also leads to a discussion about
good landlords and management versus bad. Bad landlords lead to a concentration of problems.
Vandenberg agreed, noting that people like living at Pheasant Ridge and stay there for long 3eriods, as
opposed to Cedar Wood, which has high turnover and many problems.
Vandenberg said some attention should be given to marketing, since focusing on all the negative ~mpacts will
not help convince people to accept assisted housing in their neighborhoods. The Taskforce expressed
general agreement. Rackis said that the focus could be on the positive aspects, such as the high home-
ownership percentage in tract 18, because of people who transitioned out of public housing into home
ownership. Peterson suggested Habitat probably has information about positive outcomes as well.
Vandenberg added that the distinction should be made in the education part of the project between what
sorts of assisted housing are being dispersed. For example, the Taskforce is not suggesting that a place like
Cedar Wood will be built somewhere else. Peterson agreed, noting that goes back to the issue and problem
of referring to assisted housing as though it was one thing, rather than a huge variety, not all of which is
owned by the City.
Rackis agreed that most people's perceptions of assisted housing are of public housing, which in the past
usually involved a big tower with a lot of units, or a larger area over several blocks where families are
warehoused. Either way involves concentration. Most people think of Pheasant Ridge or Cedar Wood, rather
than a duplex or a zero-lot unit. People don't want to have large apartment units going up, and that's what
they think assisted housing will mean in their neighborhoods.
Anciaux said there was another Taskforce the Council created on neighborhood relations, and some of the
things they were considering should be revisited, such as the issues of neighborhood nuisances. Stutsman
said that sometimes those concerns could involve cultural issues. Anciaux agreed, and noted that while
those issues are outside the purview of this Taskforce, they should be noted because neighborhood
nuisances cause some of the perceptions that need to be addressed.
Rackis said that some of the recommendations made by that Taskforce that would have had a positive
impact on the neighborhoods and schools were not implemented because of lack of money. A lot of the
recommendations involved activities for children outside of school and City Recreation Center hours, to give
them something constructive to do.
Left suggested talking about the next meeting time before Anciaux needs to leave. Hayek said there are five
Mondays in January. Clausen noted that one is a holiday. Left said that the holiday is the 17th. Vandenberg
asked when the students would have the block data. Nasby said it would be available by the end of the
week. Hayek said that the group should meet two more times in January, in order to keep up the momentum
and tr,ythto stay on schedule. Clausen suggested meeting on a night other than Monday during the week of
the 17 . Various members noted conflicts with those dates, and Nasby noted that the data would not be
available in time for meeting on the 10th. Hayek recommended meeting on the 24th and 31st
Anciaux left at this point.
Meetings set for the 24th and the 31st, both at 6:30 p.m. Nasby said he would confirm the room reservation.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the taskforce, Left moved to adjourn. Anthony seconded,
and the motion passed 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm.
s:lpcdlminuteslScatteredSiteHousingTaskforcel2005/01-03-05ssh~.doc
Scattered Site Housing Taskforce
Attendance Record
2005
01/03 1/24 1/31
D. Anciaux X O/E
J. Anthony X X
D. Clausen X X
M. Hayek X X
J. Left X X
J. Peterson X
S. Stutsman × X
VandenBerg X X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
..... Not a Member
MINUTES
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2004 - 5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. L1NN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKiNG FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jim Pusack, Terry Smith, Saul Mekies, Brett Castillo, Kimberly Thrower
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Drew Shaffer, Mike Brau, Bob Hardy, Dale Helling, Andy Matthews
OTHERS PRESENT: Kevin Hoyland, Michael McBride, Susan Rogusky, Jon Koebrick, Phil
Phillips
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Koebrick reported that the Video on Demand (VOD) service is being rolled out and has been very
successful where it is available. A subscription VOD for the Starz channel is available and one for
HBO will be available soon. Digital Video Recorders are now available and the demand for them is
nearly outpacing their supply. Michael McBride reported the University of Iowa channel is currently
sharing a channel allocation with the school district in Cedar Rapids and some of their programs are
unavailable in Cedar Rapids. As a result, the University has started using programming blocks with
more replays and setting specific days and times for some programs. Phil Phillips reported that PATV
will be closed from 7 p.m. 12/23/04 until 12 p.m. 1/3/05. The following people were elected to the
PATV Board of Directors: Jack Fuller, Chair; Brett Gordon, Vice-Chair; Holly Berkowitz, Secretary;
and Steve Newell, Treasurer. Hardy reported that the video on demand (VOD) service is up and
running on InfoVision channel 5 and offers City Council meetings and the Avatar Project. A new
program schedule strategy for channel 4 is planned in which public affairs programming will be on
Tuesday and Thursday and community programming will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Shaffer reported that the Avatar program was cablecast live on December 13. A shorter version will be
cablecast every Monday at 7 p.m. These other Monday Avatar programs will not be live. The channel
4 program guidelines are being rewritten to accommodate underwriting and sponsorship of programs.
Pusack also said that during the City Council meetings that Councilors often mention the work
accomplished at the informal sessions and suggested that the Council be asked if they would permit the
informal sessions to be cablecast. The sessions may be well suited to the video on demand service.
Helling said that issue comes up periodically and that he will mention the Commission's interest to the
mayor. Shaffer said there just a couple of issues remaining regarding the refranchising process.
Modification to language regarding the City's ability to use music licensed by ASCAP/BMI is being
developed. Clarification of the ability and costs of additional local origination sites is also being
worked on. Mediacom has provided the access channel signal test data. The existing franchise and
ordinance are being reviewed to update any non-substantive language that is out of date. The length of
the franchise term has yet to be determined. The Commission voted unanimously to plan for a public
hearing on the new franchise.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Castillo moved and Mekies seconded a motion to approve meeting minutes of October 25, 2004. The
motion passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
None.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint reports included in the packet and noted that there were 14
complaints in the last 2 months. This is an average number of complaints per month and is a
comparatively low number. Among the complaints were 1 about wanting to receive a receipt after
payment, 1 requesting a la carte programming, 1 about "pornographic" programming on the basic tier,
2 that CNBC should not have been moved to the expanded basic tier, 2 that CNBC was moved without
notification, 1 about a general dissatisfaction with Mediacom, 1 wanting to be able pay over the
Internet, 1 that subscriber's current payment balance is not available on the Internet, 1 about a program
on channel 4, 1 about a billing problem, and 1 that there was no notification that an outage was to
occur. All the complaints that could be resolved have been.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Koebrick reported that the Video on Demand (VOD) service is being rolled out and has been very
successful where it is available. A subscription VOD for the Starz channel is available and one for
HBO will be available soon. This has been a very popular service. Digital Video Recorders are now
available and the demand for them is nearly outpacing their supply. Castillo said that on occasion he
has had a connection failure when ordering a VOD program. Koebrick said he will look into the
problem.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
Michael McBride reported the University of Iowa channel is currently sharing a channel allocation
with the school district in Cedar Rapids and some of their programs are unavailable in Cedar Rapids.
As a result, the University has started using programming blocks with more replays and setting specific
days and times for some programs.
PATVREPORT
Phil Phillips reported that the annual report is expected to be available for the next Commission
meeting. PATV will be closed from 7 p.m. 12/23/04 until 12 p.m. 1/3/05. The following people were
elected to the PATV Board of Directors: Jack Fuller, Chair; Bi:ett Gordon, Vice-Chair; Holly
Berkowitz, Secretary; and Steve Newell, Treasurer.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky reported that SCTV had two live programs appear on InfoVision Channel Five, which
originated from the Senior Center last month.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT REPORT
Hoyland reported that the schools have had some complaints that the sound was a problem during the
school board meetings and that he is looking into solutions. Koebrick will be contacting Hoyland to
check on signal quality coming from channel 2 i.
LEGAL REPORT
Matthews said he had nothing new to report.
LIBRARY REPORT
No representative was present.
KIRKWOOD REPORT
No representative was present.
MEDIA UNIT
Hardy reported that productions are down, as expected, during the Holiday season. The Community
Television Service has programs planned that are sponsored by the Iowa City Bicycle Project, the
Johnson County Council on Aging, the Emma Goldman Clinic, and an AARP State Senator Forum.
The video on demand (VOD) service is up and running on InfoVision channel 5 and offers City
Council meetings and the Avatar Project. Promotion of the VOD service will begin in January. A new
program schedule strategy for channel 4 is planned in which public affairs programming will be on
Tuesday and Thursday and community programming will be on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported that the Avatar program was cablecast live on December 13. A shorter version will be
cablecast on Monday at 7 p.m. The channel 4 program guidelines are being rewritten to accommodate
underwriting and sponsorship of programs. Pusack said that the quality of the school board meetings
on channel 21 could be better, particularly the audio. Pusack said that if better equipment is needed for
an improvement and the school district cannot fund improvements that there might be a way for the
Commission to fund improvements through the pass-through fee. Pusack also said that during the City
Council meetings that Councilors often mention the work accomplished at the informal sessions and
suggested that the Council be asked if they would permit them to be cablecast. The sessions may be
well suited to the video on demand service on InfoVision Channel 5. Helling said that issue comes up
periodically and that he will mention the Commission's interest to the mayor.
REFRANCHISING
Shaffer said there just a couple of issues remaining concerning refranchising negotiations.
Modification to language regarding the City's ability to use music licensed by ASCAP/BMI is being
developed. Clarification of the ability and costs of additional local origination sites is also being
worked on. Mediacom has provided the access channel signal test data. The existing franchise and
ordinance are being reviewed to update any non-substantive language that is out of date. The length of
the franchise term has yet to be determined. The Commission voted unanimously to plan for a public
hearing on the new franchise.
SET DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARiNG REGARDING EXTENSION OF FRANCHISE BETWEEN
MEDIACOM AND THE CITY OF IOWA CITY.
Shaffer said the final franchise documents need to be finalized a least one week prior to any public
heating. Smith said the Commission should discuss the final documents prior to a public hearing. It
may be possible to hold the public heating at the regular February Commission meeting. If that is
done, it should be the only item on the agenda. Shaffer said that in addition to the required posting for
the public hearing an ad would likely be placed in the newspaper and a press release issued. Smith
suggested that the Commission discuss the franchise and ordinance at their January meeting if they are
complete and defer discussion to the February meeting if they are not. If the public hearing is held in
February it should be held in the Council Chambers at the time of the regular Commission meeting. If
the Council Chambers are not available, then the library and Senior Center are tow other possible
venues.
ADJOURNMENT
Pusack moved and Thrower moved to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously. Adjournment was at
6:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
'12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Date Kimbcrly Saul Meikes Brett Castillo Terry Smith Jim Pusack
Thrower
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x x x
8/25/03 x x x x o/c
9/22/03 x x x x o/c
10/27/03 x x x x o/c
11/24/03 x x o/c x x
12/15/03 o/c o/c x x x
1/2/04 x o/c x x x
1/26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x o/c x o/c x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/26/04 x x x x O/C
5/24/04 x x O/C x x
6/28/04 x x x o/c x
7/26/04 o/c x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
10/25/04 X X
11/04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet
X X X X X
12/20/04
1/24/05 X X X X X
(X) = Present
(O) = Absent
(O/C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
MINUTES DRAFT
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION - PUBLIC HEARING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 13, 2005 - 7:00 PM
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Kevin Wemer, Andy Chappell, Karen Kubby, Nate Green, Naomi
Novick, Vicki Lensing, Lynn Rowat, and William Sueppel, Chair
Members Absent: Penny Davidsen
Staff Present: Marian Karr, Eleanor Dilkes
OPENING REMARKS BY CHAIR:
Chair Sueppel called the meeting to order, and then proceeded to give some background
on what the Charter Review Commission has been doing. To date, the Commission has
met 22 times; has had two previous public hearings; and has reviewed the Charter in
detail. As a result of these meetings, and especially the meeting of January 6, 2005, in
which some final decisions were made, the Commission is preparing to present a Charter
recommendation to the City Council at their Tuesday, January 18, 2005, meeting.
Sueppel further stated that there is a red-lined version of the Charter available, either at
this evening's public hearing, or people can stop by the City Clerk's office for a copy, or
people can go the City's website at www.icgov.org/council/charterreview.htm.
Next Sueppel stated that at the last public hearing, in December 2004, four issues were
identified as being significant. The first issue concerns the election of the mayor.
Currently, the mayor is elected/appointed by the other members of the council.
Considerable discussion by the Charter Review Commission has taken place regarding
whether or not the voters of the city should elect the mayor, instead. Sueppel noted that it
was not a unanimous vote, but the Commission has decided not to change the mayoral
process. Another issue that arose, concerning the mayoral seat, is the number of terms
that a mayor may have. After in-depth discussions, the Commission decided that term
limits would not be appropriate, and that the Council and voters can determine this. The
third issue concerns how many people should be on the council, and what should be the
composition of the council, in terms of district seats and at-large seats. The Commission
decided to continue with seven (7) council members, four (4) of whom are elected at-
large; and three (3) of whom are elected from districts, with each of them serving a term
of four (4) years. The final issue concerns whether or not district council members
should continue to be elected as they currently are, or if the process should change to a
"pure district" vote. Sueppel noted that again, this was not a unanimous vote, but it was
decided to keep this system as it currently is.
Sueppel stated that the Charter Review Commission is currently preparing a report to
present to the City Council at their January 18 meeting, which will give a "line by line"
discussion of why changes were made, and what the significance of these changes may
be. Sueppel then introduced the members of the Charter Review Commission to those in
attendance, before opening the public hearing.
Charter Review Commission
January 13, 2005
Page 2
PUBLIC HEARiNG:
The following individuals appeared:
John Balmer, 10 Princeton Court, thanked the Commission members for their thorough
and comprehensive review of the Charter. Balmer gave a brief history of the City
Council, stating that he was one of the first seven members of the first council, voted in
30 years ago. He stated that he agrees with the mayoral issue and the Commission's
decision to keep this as it currently is.
Derek Maurer, 1405 Oaklawn Avenue, stated that he is present tonight because he is
disappointed to hear that the Commission is not going to make any significant changes to
the Charter. He stated that he feels the community has grown sufficiently to warrant
making changes. He feels that with the population growth, economic growth, and the
reality of the "Corridor" point towards change. Kubby asked him if he could make one
change to the Charter to help local government maintain participation by its citizens,
what would it be. Maurer stated that a colleague of his, Becky Soglin, is also present,
and that the two of them "brainstormed" one day and they came up with some ideas for
an "ideal city government." He stated that she would give further details.
Melvin Dvorsky stated that he would like to see one change in the current form of city
government, and that is allowing all voters to have a voice in who the mayor is going to
be. Other than this, he feels everyone is doing a good job.
Becky Soglin, Longfellow Neighborhood, thanked the Commission for their hard work,
but stated that she is also disappointed that recommendations aren't being made to
change the Charter. She stated that it would be ideal if the mayor were elected directly
by the people. On the district issue, she feels each district should elect their
representatives, and she gave some examples of having four (4) districts and three (3) at-
large seats.
Caroline Dieterle, 727 Walnut St., stated she had been at the last public hearing and
agreed with both Derek Maurer and Becky Soglin on the issues. She spoke of the
changes that have taken place in Iowa City, and how the growth calls for change. She
feels that local activism is needed, and more direct representation of districts. Dieterle
also stated that she feels the Charter Review Commission should have had more
members, perhaps including people from the neighborhood groups, in order to give more
input. Novick asked ifDieterle was directly proposing that they change the Charter to
require a larger number of Commission members in the future. Dieterle stated that yes,
that is what she would like to see, with perhaps fifteen members and representation from
the neighborhood groups, as well.
Shelton Stromquist, 316 Myrtle Avenue, stated that he has been active in the Melrose
Avenue Neighborhood Association over the years. He referenced the changes in city
governments over the years, and what he has noticed in his work in labor history at the
Charter Review Commission
January 13, 2005
Page 3
University of Iowa. He feels that the review of the Charter is an opportunity to help
"restore a healthy democracy" in a very progressive city, and he urged the Commission
members to consider making recommendations for change, especially with the mayoral
issue and the city manager position. Sueppel noted that in 1985, the issue of direct
election from each district was sent to the voters and it was voted down.
Melvin Dvorsky asked how many years Iowa City has had a city manager. Sueppel noted
since approximately 1952 or 1954.
Garry Klein, 628 2nd Ave., congratulated the members on their task, and voiced his
disappointment that no significant changes were going to take place with the Charter. He
feels that people in the community most likely feel "left out" of the process, and that
what is being recommended to the City Council is not necessarily what the citizens feel is
best. Green thanked Klein for his previous recommendations, and noted how this helped
the Commission make decisions along the way. Sueppel followed up by noting that at
the December 1st "community type" public hearing, the consensus was that the city is
divided and there is no one particular stance. He further stated that citizens can always
petition to change the Charter, and do not have to wait another ten years before the next
review occurs.
Caroline Dieterle returned to comment about citizen activism, and that the Charter could
be changed via petition. She feels there needs to be a clarification of the authority of the
Objections Committee. She feels they should only be able to make objection to whether
or not there were sufficient signatures, and not the substance of the amendment that is
proposed. She stated that this question is currently waiting for an answer from the Court,
but this could take some time. She stated that if there could be an internal way to clarify
that for everybody, she feels it would be a good thing to do.
Sueppel asked if anyone had any closing remarks. He thanked everyone for attending
and participating.
MINUTES DRAFT
CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION
FRIDAY, JANUARY 14, 2005 - 7:30 AM
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Kevin Werner, Andy Chappell, Karen Kubby, Penny Davidsen (on
speakerphone), Lynn Rowat, and William Sueppel, Chair; Nate Green arrived at 8:20am
Members Absent: Naomi Novick, Vicki Lensing
Staff Present: Marian Karr, Eleanor Dilkes
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Sueppel called the meeting to order at 7:33 AM. He noted that this is the
23rd meeting for the Charter Review Commission.
APPROVE M1NUTES:
MOTION: Chappell moved to accept the minutes of January 6, 2005, as written;
seconded by Rowat. Motion carried 6 to 0. (Green, Novick, Lensing absent)
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
REVIEW PUBLIC HEARiNG iNPUT FROM PREVIOUS EVENiNG:
Sueppel stated that he thought the input was "excellent" and he wished that those present
at last night's public hearing had been present at the first public hearing, as he welcomed
their comments and more participation in this process. Kubby stated that she felt that
Becky Soglin and Derek Maurer's suggestions for a 4 district/3 at-large, with the top
"vote getter" being the mayor, were a new approach. She also noted that Caroline
Dieterle's observation about the number of members on the Charter Review Commission
was good, and Sueppel agreed, stating that he feels this warrants further discussion.
Rowat stated that his understanding is that the number of members is not set at nine, but
rather it's a minimum of nine. Chappell stated that he feels that adding too many people
can also make the process more difficult and cumbersome. Questions arose over the
diversity of those picked for the Charter Review Commission, and which areas of the
City are covered by those chosen. Sueppel recommended to Karr and Dilkes that in the
future, when other Charter Review Commissions are formed, that they receive all of the
past Commissions' final reports so they can see any recommendations for the future. The
members asked Karr how many applications had been received. Karr retrieved the
information, stating they had received twenty applications, and nine appointed. Due to a
conflict of interest John Balmer resigned and Nate Green was appointed. Therefore, of
the original 20 applicants ten people were appointed. The conversation turned to the
neighborhood associations and having more input from these groups in the future. The
members discussed the need for diversity, a topic that was raised at the previous
evening's public hearing. Kubby stated that the question for her, now that they are at the
Charter Review Commission
January 14, 2005
Page 2
end of their review process, is what have they done here to aid more participation by the
citizens, in regards to their work on the Charter. Davidsen noted that several decades
ago, there was a participation of the citizens, but that there is an "ebb and flow" to the
whole process, and right now it could be on a low end of participation. Karr noted that in
her office they have noted how difficult it is currently to get people involved in boards
and commissions, and the members agreed that perhaps it is a sign of the times.
Kubby turned the discussion to asking the members if they wanted to review the number
of districts, in light of last night's comments. Sueppel stated that he spoke with Lensing
after last night's meeting, and her comment was that she was ready to pass their
recommendations on to the Council. He noted that she is interested in more "diversity,"
as well. Chappell stated that he has given further thought to the number of districts, but
he doesn't feel a change is warranted yet. Members continued their discussion while
reviewing a district map that Kubby brought in, which has some ideas that colleagues of
Kubby's came up with. Rowat stated that his feeling, as well as those he has heard in
discussions, is to stay with the 4/3 split, which gives the at-large more seats. (TAPE
ENDS)
Chappell brought up the topic of participation by the citizens and low voter turnout, and
asked the Commission members just how much they can do about this issue, noting that
this is a national problem and not just a local one. Rowat picked up this topic by asking
if perhaps there doesn't need to be some "grass roots" efforts within districts to spark
more participation. Kubby stated that by having more districts, she feels this grass roots
eflbrt would be easier to implement, and she pushed for a more "down home and close to
home" participation. Sueppel noted that if they were to recommend a change to 4 or 5
district seats, he does not feel the City Council would accept this, and it would force an
election on the citizens in this issue. He feels there has not been a "ground swell" by the
citizens to make this type of change. Davidsen stated that she feels that if the
neighborhood groups continue to grow and become more involved, then a change would
be warranted, but at this point she is reluctant to make a change. Werner stated that he
also favors keeping the 4 at-large/3 district seats, as is. Green stated that he agrees with
Kubby that it would increase representation, but at the same time, he believes having the
4 at-large/3 district seats keeps the majority at-large, and he feels they should not make a
change at this time.
MOTION: Kubby moved that there be four (4) district seats and three (3) at-large
seats on the City Council; seconded by Chappell. Motion did not carry 1 to 6;
Kubby voted in the positive; Werner, Chappell, Davidsen (on speakerphone),
Rowat, Sueppel, and Green voting in the negative. (Novick, Lensing absent)
REVIEW CHARTER:
Sueppel stated that as there are no new issues to consider, he would like to have a motion
to approve the non-redlined version for presentation to the City Council at their January
18, 2005, meeting. At this meeting he would like the Council to receive both the redlined
version, and the non-redlined version, of the Charter.
Charter Review Commission
January 14, 2005
Page 3
MOTION: Chappell moved the motion to approve the current non-redlined version
of the Charter, for presentation to the City Council at its January 18, 2005, meeting.
Motion seconded by Rowat. Motion carried 7 to 0. (Novick, Lensing absent)
PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL:
Sueppel stated that he felt Chappell had done a fantastic job putting together the
presentation for the City Council. Chappell noted that Dilkes had reviewed his report, as
well, and she had some additional items to add. Kubby noted that Item 12, on page 3, she
questions the sentence, "From a policy standpoint, the Commission also determined it
would be more appropriate for such amendments to go through the public hearing process
than simply through a petition and voting process." She questions the word "simply" in
here. Discussion ensued on how to best re-word this sentence, as well as what the initial
discussion had been on this issue.
MOTION: Kubby moved to remove the word "simply" only; seconded by
Chappell. Motion carried 7 to 0. (Novick, Lensing absent)
Green noted that on the first page, his name should be changed from Nathan to Nate.
Chappell noted that under the "Conclusion" paragraph, the last two sentences make
reference to "leaving the decision in the hands of the City Council," and he wanted t~o get
the members' thoughts on this. Kubby stated that she feels that since there were no
significant changes made to the Charter, there would be no need for these changes to be
on a ballot. She feels the Commission should go ahead and recommend that the Council
do this by ordinance. After a brief discussion, the wording; "The Commission
recommends the City Council adopt the proposed Charter amendments by ordinance,"
was decided upon. All members present agreed to this change in the last paragraph of the
Commission's report. Chappell stated that he would make the changes, as discussed, and
he will then have Rowat review the final draft. After this, he will get the final draft to
Dilkes for her final review. It was then decided to have all of the Commission member's
names on the report.
MOTION: Kubby moved to adopt the redlined version as amended, giving
Chappell and Rowat authority to complete this document; seconded by Davidsen.
Motion carried 7 to 0. (Novick, Lensing absent)
MEET1NG SCHEDULE:
Sueppel noted that other than the City Council meeting on January 18, when they present
their report to the Council, he sees no need to schedule any further meetings at this time.
Kart asked for a clarification on what the members want to have available for the Council
meeting on January 18: the redlined version, the non-redlined version - both to be
presented that evening. Kubby then brought up the issue of the citizen's guide to the
Charter, and how they could guarantee this process getting started. Dilkes stated that
once she has a draft prepared she will get copies to the Commission members, and they in
turn can get copies to those they know have an interest in the guide.
Charter Review Commission
January 14, 2005
Page 4
OLD BUSiNESS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: Green moved to adjourn; seconded by Werner. Meeting adjourned at
9:08 AM.
Batch Posting Listing as of January 20th, 2005
Page 1
International Institute of Municipal Clerks
Batch: 050119 01/20/2005 11:08 AM Deposit from MCEF Posted
Transaction Date BillTo Qty Paid Thru Adjust~nent Amount
120003 01/19/2005 9882 (NJ SOUTH Kathleen Thorpe, MMC, From the Township of South Brunswick
BRUNSW)
FR Income Thorpe Scholarship Fund 1 400.00
FR Check: 3970P 400.00
Total for 01/19/2005 1 Payments 400.00 A/R 0.00 Distribution 400.00
Total for Batch: 050119 1 Payments 400.00 A/R 0.00 Distribution 400.00
Control: 1 400.00
Grand Total 1 Payments 400.00 A/R 0.00 Distribution 400.00
IP14
Minutes
Iowa City Airport Commission DRAFT
January 13, 2005
Iowa City Airport Terminal
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, John Staley, Carl Williams, Michelle Robnett
Members Absent: Dan Clay
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Jeff Davidson
Other Present: Rick Mascari, Jack Young Jr., Johnny Owens, David Hughes, Ron Duffe,
Harry Wolf
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m.
Recommendations to Council: Accept the Airport Strategic Plan.
Approval of Minutes: Mr. Staley moved and Mr. Williams seconded motion to accept minutes from
December 9, 2004 meeting. Motion carried.
Public Discussion - Items not on the Agenda: Johnny Owens and Jack Young of the United Methodist
Men's Club addressed the Commission. Their purpose at the meeting is to request permission to hold a
Fly in-Drive in Pancake/Sausage Breakfast on May 21, 2005. Estimated time of event will be 6:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. Ron Duffe has already given the Men's Club permission to use his hangar. The event will
be advertised to the public and other airports and churches. Mr. Owens is not sure of the size of the
crowd, but it should be no larger than Sertoma. Commission discussed insurance concerns, and tabled
event request until next meeting.
Unfinished Items for Discussion / Action: None
Items for Discussion / Action:
A. Runway 7/25 Project - David Hughes brought the Commission up to date on progress of the
extension project. Field surveys were completed mid December. Surveyors will get back out in
the field when the weather is better. Started hydraulic model and preliminary designs. Mr.
Hughes talked with the State Historic Preservation Officer and the FAA regarding the
Memorandum of Agreement on the United Hangar, as to what requirements had to be in place as
documentation for that hangar. The final draft of the MLA is at the SHPO, and should be
approved this week.
The later part of December, Mr. Hart~vig received a "go" letter from FAA State Engineer, Ed
Hyatt. The letter says they anticipate funding of the next phase of the project and to go ahead and
start moving forward with the design. The next phase of the project will be the grading package
for the runway extension. Airport not currently under contract for this phase of the project,
although it is in the Master Plan. Started discussions with Mr. Hartwig on what steps to take to
get that in place. Project looks very good, and we are moving forward.
B. Aviation Commerce Park - Mr. Wolf brought Commission up to date on activity of the project.
Mr. Wolf is optimistic things are going well. Ms. Robnett questioned the status of land parcels if
the park deal fell through. Mr. Wolf is keeping a list of interested parties. Mr. Staley moved to
approve resolution to extend of the agreement with Iowa Realty Commercial to sell and/or lease
property in the Aviation Commerce Park. Seconded by Ms. Robnett. Resolution passed 3-0 on a
roll call vote with Mr. Williams recusing himself.
Airport Commission
January 13, 2005
Page 2
c. Strategic Plan - Jeff Davidson presented the Strategic Plan with all requested modifications
requested at last meeting. Subject to further modifications by the Commission, the only
difference to the final version will be to insert the executed resolution, and take off the final
pending approval. Final plan will be on blue paper, and stapled as a booklet. Cost per booklet is
about 50 cents. In lieu of this Tuesday's council meeting, the City Clerk and City Attorney
decided to have the minutes of this meeting presented to council with the Commission's
recommendation, prior to their consideration. Mr. Hartwig and Mr. Davidson will attend the work
session meeting on January 31st, and Mr. Hartwig will present it for their acceptance. The council
~vill accept it on February 1st.
The Commission thanked Mr. Davidson for his assistance and guidance on this project. The
report communicates well, in a non-technical way, but also sets forth where the Airport would
like to be several years from now.
Mr. Staley moved to recommend approval of the strategic plan. Mr. Williams seconded.
Resolution passed 4-0 on a roll call vote.
D. Airport Budget- Mr. Hartwig represented the Commission at last Monday's city council meeting
where City Boards and Commissions go over their budgets. Mr. Hartwig pointed out the biggest
decrease was in personnel expense; the budget did include salary for an airport manager however.
There is a request for money towards a park area. Commission discussed many areas at the
airport that could use the maintenance and repair monies.
E. Airport Management- Mr. Staley requested an update on the interns. Mr. Hartwig thinks they
have 2 good candidates. There was discussion on the prospect of having an office in the terminal
building. Snow removed efficiently from the runway with the new snowplow. Airport tractor
broke, and is being repaired.
F. Obstruction Mitigation Project - Mr. Hartwig provided an update on the project. Resolution to
accept the hangar lighting project was moved by Ms. Robnett and seconded by Mr. Staley.
Passed on 4-0 roll call vote. A group from Gerard Electric showed up to start the project, but the
Airport was never notified of the work date. There was no way to alert all of the tenants.
Commission needs to make sure a notification policy is in place for future issues.
G. Airport Viewing Area - Mr. Hartwig stated the FAA wrote back, as to what they needed for the
viewing area. Howard R. Green did the last ALP. Discussed grant possibilities.
H. iowa Dept. of Transportation Grant - Mr. Hartwig explained that the Airport Commission needs
to tell DOT they will accept their grant for FY05 for hangar/floor repairs. Resolution to accept
the grant was moved by Mr. Williams and seconded by Mr. Staley. Resolution passed on a 4-0
roll call vote.
I. Hanger Repair - Resolution to award a contract repair for hangers B & C to CBS L.L.C. Moved
by Mr. Staley. Seconded by Ms. Robnett. Resolution passed 4-0 on a roll call vote. The
Commission instructed Ms. Dulek to provide for notification to tenants in the contract so that
would know when their hangar was being prepared.
Chairperson's Report: Mr. Hartwig reported the cleaning from the first snow fall went well with
good reports from users.
Airport Commission
January 13, 2005
Page 3
Commission Members Reports: Discussion on public use ofthe terminal meeting room. Itwas
mentioned that our Airport was represented well in an aviation calendar.
Administrative Reports: None.
Set Next Meeting: Next meeting set for February 10, 2005.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2005
TERM 01/13
NAME EXP.
Daniel Clay 3/1/08 O/E
Randy 3/1/09 X
Hartwig
Vlichelle 3/1/07 X
Robnett
John 3/1/06 X
Staley
Carl 3/1/10 X
Williams
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
.... Not a Member