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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-01 Correspondence CITY OF IOWA ClTYE MEMORANDUM Date: January 26, 2005 To: City Clerk From: Anissa Williams, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Re: Item for February 1, 2005 City Council meeting: Move NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign at the intersection of Oakcrest Street and George Street 40 feet to the south. As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Move NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER sign on the east side of George Street at the intersection with Oakcrest Street approximately 40 feet to the south. Comment: This action is being taken to improve sight distance at this intersection. jccogtp/mem/oakcrest&george.d oc February 1,2005 To: Mayor Emie Lehman and Members of the City Council From: Anne Hesse, President, Janet Maas, Treasurer, and the Project GREEN Steering Committee Re: Project GREEN's Investment in the Iowa City community Since designing and planting the 6-block-long Iowa Avenue medians in 1968, Project GREEN has contributed $1,380,471.79 to more than 30 major community landscape projects, as well as one or more landscape improvement projects at all schools in the Iowa City Community School District. Our investment in the first five major projects from 1968 through 2004 as listed below include the cost of plant materials, installation and on-going maintenance. The sixth, and largest project, College Green Park, is maintained by the city today. -Iowa Avenue, 6-block- long medians $116,285.53 -Melrose Avenue medians from Emerald Street to Deer Creek Road $130,582.22 -Highway 6 By-pass, 2 ½ mile entryway from Lakeside Manor to Gilbert Street $106,528.33 -North Dubuque Street Entryway, 1-80 to Meadow Ridge Road $134.564.10 -Park Road Improvement Project, Phase I $ 32,500.00 -College Green Park $284,616.00 Since the establishment of GREEN Grants for Schools in 1978, every school in the Iowa City Community School District has received one or more grants of matching funds for plant materials. Some schools have received total design grants to pay for their landscape plan. --GREEN Grants for Schools(including $17,320 for the development And preservation of Roosevelt School Ravine) $205,825.79 Project GREEN Distribution for the years 2003 and 2004: TOTAL FOR 2 YEARS % OF TOTAL DISTRIBUTION Landscape Projects $62,801.39 42.7% Maintenance of Projects $44,345.21 30.1% Professional Services (Landscape $17,815.15 12% Architects/Designers) GREEN Grants for Schools $8,518.09 5.8% Second Sunday Garden Forums $6,308.90 4.3% Bi-annual NEWSLETTER $7,332.12 5% TOTAL $147,120.86 100% ~:~ '~ -- Project GREEN Income for 2003 and 2004 Total for 2 years %of Total Income Garden Fair (net) $51,587.66 53.6% Garden Tour (net) $4,767.41 5% Contributions $29,795.30 31% Interest $10,122.30 10.5% Total $96,272.67 100% As Project GREEN salutes its volunteers this year by designating 2005 as the Year of the Volunteer, we will continue to work creatively and cooperatively with you on projects which will enhance the public and natural environment of the greater Iowa City area. February 1,2005 To: Mayor Ernie Lehman ant[ Members of the City Council From: Anne Hesse, President, Janet Maas, Treasurer, and the Proj, Committee Re: Project GREEN's Investment in the Iowa City community Project GREEN was founded in 1968 by citizens in Iowa City who ~ highly visible public areas. Our successes over the past 36 years rest working commitment of those citizens to create and maintain a more attractive : m 1968 through the year 2004, P, roject GREEN has contributed $1,3 8( or community landscape projects, as well schools in the Iowa City Community School District. Our investment in the first foUr.major projects fxom listed below include the cost of plant materials, The fifth, and largest project, College Green Park, is maintained by the civ. -Iowa Avenue, 6-block- long mediam'~.. $116,285.53 -Melrose Deer Creek Road $130,582.22 -Highway 6 By-pass, 2 ~ mile entryway Gilbert Street ' $106,528.33 -North Dubuque Street Entryway, 1-80 to Ridge Road $134.564.10 --College Green Park $284,616.00 Since the establishment of GREEN ( 1978, every school in the Iowa City Community School District has grants of matching funds. Some schools have received design grants to : plan. --GREEN Gran~ $17,320 : development And preservation $205,825.79 Proj, years 2003 and TOTAL FOR 2 YEARS % OF TOTAL DISTRIBUTION Landscape Projects $62,801.39 42.7% Maintenance of Proj{ $44,345.21 30.1% Professional $17,815.15 12% GREEN Grants $8,518.09 5.8% Second Sunday/,, ....... $6,308.90 4.3% ~ ~:. ~ -- Bi-annual NEV/fSLETTER $7,332.12 5% TOTAL $147,120.86 100% Project GREEN's Sources of Incom~(0~ a percentage basis for 200?/and 2004: Project GREEN volunteers raise 53.~/o of our income through t~/GREEN Garden Fair and the Garden Tour ~ // Monetary or in-kind contributions account for 31% of our i~ome Interest on financial assets amounts to 10.5[,% of our inc~/~(e As Project GREEN salutes its volunteers thigh, ear by/designating 2005 as the Year of the Volunteer, we will continue to work creatively,? [d~ooperatively with you on projects which will enhance the public and natural environment of~ e/greater Iowa City area. / / / Marian Karr From: Ed Moreno Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:20 AM To: 'abrobston @ixpres.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: FW: Handling of water main breaks Brobs~n-Andrew response Ieee... Mr. Brobston, Per our phone conversation on Monday I am send you the attached response to your e-mail. Thanks Ed ..... Original Message ..... From: Dale Helling Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 1:19 PM To: Ed Moreno Cc: Rick Fosse Subject: FW: Handling of water main breaks Ed, Please respond and cc. the City Council. Thanks, Dale ..... Original Message ..... From: Andrew Brobston [mailto:abrobston@ixpres.com] Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2005 10:10 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Handling of water main breaks Dear Council: I live en Aster Avenue in southeast Iowa City, where apparently there was a water main break early this merning. Apparently also, such a break necessitates that water service be shut off to residents and businesses in the area. I realize that emergency situatiens such as this ene are out ef the control of the water utility service. Hewever, I canner imagine being more displeased with the customer service aspect ef how this break has been handled se far this morning. I had ne indication that there was a problem until my wife leeked eutside and neticed that there was a city van in frent ef our heuse and that, when she tried to turn en the water, there was none. I went eutside to see if anyone ceuld tell me what the preblem was. A city employee, presumably the one driving the van, did at that point tell me that there was a water main break across the street. She did net velunteer the infermation that the water had to be shut off -- I had te ask specifically. Hy wife then went eut to talk with the empleyee to find out why we had net been netified that the water was geing te be shut elf. The empleyee responded that, in emergency situations such as this one, it is not pessible to netify water customers of the shuteff. I then called the city water department and was forwarded to someene to discuss the situatien. I insisted that we sheuld have been notified at least a bit after the water had te be shut elf, particularly given that the empleyee was right in frent ef our house. The weman on the phene told me that it was the water department's pelicy not to notify customers of water main breaks, whether or not they require water shuteff, because it weuld take teo much time. She also could net give me even an appre×imate time frame ©f when the preblem would be fixed. I expect better custemer service from city departments than what I have experienced this merning. There is ne reason that we could net have been netified ef the water shutoff, given that there was a city employee right in frent ef our house. Net having time te inferm custemers ef their status is not an acceptable excuse. The empleyee in frent o£ eur heuse, when I approached her, appeared net to be deing anything. There is ne reasen that the empleyee who shuts elf the water canner ge deor te doer in the neighborhood and inferm custemers of the situatien. Or, the water department, who presumably has telephone numbers for its custemers, ceuld call residents and businesses in the affected area to inferm them if it weuld werk better. I imagine that the water department would defend its pelicy ef hen-notification by stating that the time spent netifying customers weuld be better spent on fixing the break. Hewever, that defense is specieus because I speke with two employees this merning whe apparently have nothing to do with actually fixing the break. Apparently, the empl©yee in the city van was sent out to assess the situatien and to shut eff the water if needed, but she appeared to have cempleted that work when I spoke with her. Alse, had we net seen the van, she could have left already, and we would have had no explanatien fer the lack of water service. I urge you to direct the water department te change its policy ef non-netificatien ef water main breaks t© a customer-friendly policy that demands notificatien o£ custemers whese water service is affected. The citizens of Iewa City deserve to know when such an essential service is net geing te be available and, within reasen, for hew leng. Further, the citizens deserve to be netified of this information as seon as pessible. Thank yeu for your time and attentien. I eagerly await yeur actien and yeur reply. Sincerely, Andrew 8rebston 2530 Aster Ave. Iowa City, IA 52240 t ¢it of January 18, 2005 Andrew Brobston 2530 Aster Ave. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Andrew, I am writing in response to your e-mail dated 1/13/05, regarding the handling of the main break in front of your home. I am responsible for the policies and actions of the Water Division staff. As we have already discussed the event on the phone yesterday, I will not reiterate all the circumstances surrounding my staff's response to the main leak in front of your home. However, I want to emphasize that our response to such events, particularly in the winter, is often an emergency action. Many times a quick reaction to isolate the running water is necessary to preclude damage to property and danger to people in the area. I must rely on the discretion of the responders to make this critical and sometimes difficult call. We will continue to explore methods, in addition to those that are already in effect, to notify those water customers that are affected by a water main shut down. I have requested information from some water utilities that are comparable in size to Iowa City to glean some ideas. If you would like to be kept apprised of the ideas we obtain and implement, I would be happy to share them with you. If you have any additional questions or comments regarding this issue or others related to the Water Division please feel free to contact me at 356-5162. Sincerely, Edward A. Moreno Water Superintendent CC: City Council Rick Fosse; Kevin Slutts; Jude Moss; Leon Schlueter 410 EAST WA'SHINGTON STREET, IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319)356-5000 · FAX (319)356-5009 Marian Karr From: Barron, Michael [michael-barron@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 2:25 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: 2005-06 budget support Dear Members of the Council: I am writing to express my support for the signalization of the Court St. / Scott Boulevard intersection. The city staff has worked with various neighborhood associations, including Windsor Ridge, for the last several years to study the traffic flow and patterns at that intersection. It is gratifying to see this signalization project listed in the 2005-06 budget. The resulting escalation of safety issues associated with the traffic produced by significant residential growth in the area will be mitigated by this project now being proposed by city staff. I strongly support this item in the budget and look forward to the completion of this signalization project. Thank you for receiving and considering this recommendation. Sincerely, Michael Barron Past President, Windsor Ridge Homeowner's Association 725 Arlington Drive Iowa City 52245 *~* eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** ~** IMPORTANT: Do net open attachments from unrecognized senders *** 1/19/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Michelle Cook [haman1993@hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 2:07 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Traffic Light at Court St/Scott Bird I wish to express my support for a traffic signal to be installed at the intersection of Court St/Scott Blvd. During peak traffic times it gets very congested and can take a long time to be able to get across Scott Blvd. I have also noticed the dangers pedestrians face when trying to cross Scott Blvd in the face of not the cars on Scott, but also those turning from Court St. A traffic signal seems necessary for the safety of all. Thank you. Michelle Cook 4902 Sheffield P1 Iowa City, IA 52245 1/20/2005 Marian Karr From: Lisa Dutchik [Idutchi@kirkwood.edu] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 5:01 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Signal Light at Scott and Court I am very much in favor of adding a stop light to the intersection of Scott Blvd and Court Street. Very seldom am I at this intersection when there are not multiple cars already present. I feel people often take unneccesary risks to enter Scott Blvd from both sides of Court Street. In addition, many times I have been traveling on Court Street and cars will actually stop at this interestion even though they are not turing on to Court.( I imagine because there are so many cars line up on Court Street they think this must be at least a four way stop). Occassionally, my family and I are also pedestrians at the intersection. It is very difficult to cross. A pedestrian crossing signal would also be very much appreciated. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Lisa Dutchik 829 Barrington Road Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Rockne and Susan Foreman [rsforeman@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 8:44 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Item Dear Council Members: We are writing regarding a line item in the proposed Fiscal Year 2006 budget concerning a traffic signal at the intersection of Court Street and Scott Boulevard. We have written the city before requesting some sort of traffic control at this extremely busy intersection. Traffic at this intersection will increase significantly in the next few years due to the large volume of development planned for the area north and east of this intersection. With safety concerns in mind, we express our strong support of a traffic signal that includes pedestrian signals, at the intersection of Court and Scott. Thank you, Rockne and Susan Foreman 1201 Hamilton Court Windsor Ridge Subdivision Iowa City, IA 52245 1/21/2005 Marian Karr From: Raymond Galbreth [rayg@deltachi.org] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 9:34 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-c[ty.org Cc: Janet Subject: Stoplight at Court and Scott My name is Raymond D. Galbreth, Sr. and my wife and I live at 722 Barrington Rd. in Windsor Ridge. We both wish to go on the record in strong support of the proposed stop light at the intersection of Court and Scott Blvd. This is based on both time spent trying to get through that intersection as well as safety concerns that we have from witnessing some "close calls." These "close calls" have been partly due to frustrated drivers making poor choices in their efforts to finally get across Scott. Sincerely, Ray Galbreth Marian Karr From: Glenn, Christine [christine-glenn@uiowa.edu] Sent: Friday, January 21,2005 9:38 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Traffic signal at Scott and Court Dear City Ceuncil Hembers: I theught I weuld express my views regarding the prepesal fer a traffic signal at Scett 8oulevard and Ceurt St. We moved eut te Windsor Ridge almest three years ago when it almost seemed like we were in the ceuntry. Well, those days are gone! We travel up Court St. several times a day and always find cressing over Scett te be nothing short of a challenge especially in the morning when we're heading te werk and in the afternoens ceming heme. If there hasn't been any accidents at that cerner yet it's just a matter of time and with the speed ef the vehicles en Scett Blvd. net to mentien semi traffic it will be mere than a little fender bender. I'm even more concerned abeut the children who live out my way whe need to "get to tewn'. Hy sen attended Junier High Prep last summer at SE Junior High. As my husband and I beth werk it was necessary fer him te ride his bike te and frem the school every day as did many kids from around town. Well, there's two ways fer any child from Windser (er any ef the other develepments eut that way) to get across Scett; bring the highway in se they have a 4-way step er come up Court and "try" te make a judgment of when to cress at that intersectien. Well, neither were eptions in my mind for a 12 year eld. So, we had te ceme up with a different plan which was fer him te come up Ceurt, turn left before crossing Scett, and head up that sidewalk into the grass up to the eld seccer fields and cress ever in the middle ef Scett where he had a wide open view ef the traffic. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. If I had a teenager just beginning te drive (which I will in a few short years) I'd be just as worried! Please help avoid a tragedy at this intersectien and plan for this expenditure seon. Thank yeu for yeur time. Sincerely, Chris Glenn Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Doug & Deanna Green [ddnngreen@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 12:28 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Signal at Court St & Scott Blvd. Dear Council Members, We live in Winsor Ridge subdivision and are in favor ora traffic light at the intersection of Scott Blvd and Court St. We find it very difficult, if not impossible, to cross Scott Blvd at various times throughout the day. I've noticed in the warmer months that many children walking or riding bicycles are also unable to cross Scott Blvd. This is a very dangerous situation. Our children go to The Enchanted Neighborhood and I find it very difficult at 5:30 each evening to cross Scott Blvd to get home. In addition, it appears that the traffic on Scott Blvd is traveling in excess of the speed limit, which only adds to the situation. We understand that a traffic light is in next year's operating budget. We request that you approve this traffic light and install as soon as possible. Thank you for you time. Douglas & Deanna Green 827 Coventry Ct. Do you Yahoo ! ? Yahoo! Search presents - Jib Jab's 'Second Term' 1/19/2005 Marian Karr From: Jim Griffin [jgriffin@iowacityarea.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 10:25 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Scott and Court Intersection City Council, I am writing as a concerned citizen/parent with regards to the consideration of a stop light at the Intersection of Scott Blvd and Court Street. I live on the east end of Court Street and I am very familiar with the traffic type and volume that this intersection facilitates. While the volume at the intersection, in all directions, is quite high making the intersection more difficult to navigate and leading to frustration at most times of the day, my biggest concern is the traffic traveling North and South on Scott Blvd. With the growth of the Scott Industrial Park, HyVee, and the Industrial businesses on Hwy 6, the amount of Semi-Tractors and Trailers has increased substantially. Most times these Tractor and Trailers are not observing the 35mph speed limit and pose a significant risk to traffic entering and exiting Scott Blvd., particularly at the already overloaded intersection of Court St. It is anticipated that this intersection will become even more overloaded as the Court St. extension and continued development expands on the east end of Court St. As with most overloaded intersections, drivers take more risks in entering and exiting traffic in order to get through the intersection. I am amazed that we have not already had a tragic accident resulting in a fatality due to an accident involving a passenger vehicle and one of the many semi-tractors and trailers traveling Scott Blvd. As parent, I am even more concerned because I have high school children who travel Court St. and cross Scott Blvd. multiple times a day between our neighborhood and City High School. There are several families in our neighborhood that face these same fears. I am hopeful that the City Council can be proactive and approve the installation of a stop light at this intersection. I am hopeful that it does not take a tragic accident or fatality in order to justify the stop light. The installation of a stop light would serve in the interest and the safety of the citizens on the east side of Iowa City who frequent Scott Blvd. 1) It would facilitate traffic traveling east and west on Court St. to cross Scott Blvd. safely. 2) It would offer a step in slowing down the many semi-tractor/trailers that travel Scott Blvd. Thus, enforcing the 35mph speed limit. I strongly urge the City Council to act quickly in approving and installing a stop light at this intersection. I appreciate your serious consideration on this issue. Respectfully, Jim Griffin 4702 Chandler Court Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: WAYNE HOGAN [cahogan@msn.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 3:54 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Scott and Court intersection Just a quick note to let you know I am definitely in favor of a stop and go light at the intersection of Scott Blvd and Court Street. It will be a welcome safety feature for the many who travel across and through it! Thank you for your time and work on this important matter. Sincerely, Colleen A. Hogan 1027 Barrington Rd I. C. IA 52245 1/18/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Lisa Hunter [Im.hunter@mchsi.com] Sent: Thursday, January 20, 2005 10:25 AM To: cou nci]@iowa-city.org Subject: Traffic at intersection of Court & Scott Blvd. Dear City Council, Please place a stop light or four way stop at the intersection of Court Street and Scott Blvd. in Iowa City. The traffic is heavy, crossing is dangerous and time and traffic is at a standstill waiting for an opportunity to cross over or turn onto Scott Blvd. Please support the expense and wisdom of making this intersection safer. Respectively, Lisa and Timothy Hunter 671 Huntington Drive Iowa City, Ia 52245 1/20/2005 Message Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Maggie Winegarden [winegarden@ptmlaw.com] Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 9:31 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Scott Blvd and Court St. Dear Council Members, My family and I live in the Windsor Ridge subdivision east of Scott Blvd. We cross through the Scott Blvd - Court St. intersection every day. At the normal a.m. and p.m. busy traffic times, the intersection is extremely dangerous. The traffic is so heavy and traveling so fast on Scott that traffic gets backed up substantially on Court. People are late for work, school, etc. Many of the drivers in the morning are young, high school age kids who are inexperienced drivers anyway, and who are then made more reckless by the fact that they're being made late for school by the traffic jam at this intersection. The pressure exerted by all the backed up traffic induces people to take risks at the intersection that they might not otherwise, like pulling out in inadequate spaces in traffic, not yielding to a left turner opposite them who was there first and who thinks they have the right of way, etc. Just as bad, if not more dangerous, are the pedestrians attempting to cross this intersection. Many of these are children. And the cars at the intersection are often not as yielding to pedestrians as they might otherwise be, due to the pressure to clear the intersection described above. Although I hate to lose the by-pass effect that Scott Blvd serves for the city, I think the above dictate that there be a traffic signal placed at this intersection. I know you've heard about this intersection and the need for something to be changed there for quite some time. It would be tragic to wait until someone is seriously hurt there to do something about it. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Maggie Winegarden Maggie P. Winegarden Phelan, Tucker, Mullen, Walker, Tucker & Gelman, LLP 321 East Market Street P.O. Box 2150 Iowa City IA 52244-2150 Tel: 319/354-1104 FAX: 319/354-6962 E-Mail: winegarden @ptmlaw.com Website: ptmlaw, com NOTICE: This transmittal may be a confidential attorney-client communication or may otherwise be privileged or confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this transmittal in error; any review, dissemination or copying of this transmittal is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply or by telephone (call us at 1.319.354.1104) and immediately delete this message and all its attachments. Thank you. 1/19/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Pattyyeater@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 10:00 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Court/Scott BIvd stop light City Council of Iowa City: It is my understanding that a stop light is being considered at the interesection of Scott Blvd and Court Street. I live in Windsor Ridge subdivision and would like to appeal to you to strongly consider placing a stop light at this intersection. It has become a very busy and dangerous intersection, especially for bikers and pedestrians. We have children who ride bikes in this area and crossing Scott Blvd can be very difficult. I strongly urge you to consider a stop light at this intersection. Patty Yeater 4721 Chandler Ct Iowa City IA 52245 319-358-2471 pattyyeater@ao!,com 1/19/2005 Page 1 of 1 Marian Kart From: Sdyeater@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2005 11:07 AM To: council@iowa-city.erg Subject: Intersection of Court Street and Scott Blvd. Dear Council Members: As a resident of the Windsor Ridge Subdivision in Iowa City, I wanted to express my desire for a traffic signal at the intersection of Court Street and Scott Blvd. It is my understanding that for Fiscal Year 2006 budget that there is a line item to fund this traffic signal so I just wanted you to know that I support that item. Thank you for your time, Steve Yeater 4721 Chandler Court Iowa City, IA 52245 319-358-2471 1/19/2005 Marian Karr From: N S [ncsjunk@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 6:37AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Building height restrictions City Council, With the Plaza Towers due to be complete later this year, I would like the council to reflect on what the Towers will represent to Iowa City. When visiting Chicago, I walk down the streets in awe of the giant skyscrapers that loom above me, but as I stand among the older buildings of the Iowa City, I enjoy the familiar surroundings of the smaller, more intimate buildings. I realize that some towns have a need for large super structures, but I feel as if our city has lost a little of its appeal with the Giant that now stares down our streets. Please consider a height limitation on downtown buildings, so that Iowa City may retain some of its charming personality. Sincerely, Nate Steele Iowa City Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! 1/18/2005 Marian Karr ~ From: Joseph Manuel [NA_1821 @peoplepc.com] Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 10:42 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Social Security Dear City Council Members, I am very concerned about the future of Social security and its impact on local citizens. As you know, there are many Iowa Citians already drawing Social Security, and many more Iowa Citians approaching retirement. In short, Social Security is an issue that affects virtually everyone in Iowa City. I strongly believe Social Security should be preserved in its present form. It should not be privatized, nor should the "proposed" benefit reductions be allowed to occur. As City Council members, please voice your opinion about this issue. It's an issue that affects us all. Our representatives in Congress need to know how our City Council members feel about this, and so do the local voters! Respectfully, Joseph Manuel 1/18/2005 Marian Karr From: Joseph Manuel [NA_1821@peoplepc.com] Sent: Sunday, January 16, 2005 '10:14 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Out of Iraq Now! (This may be a duplicate message - if so, please disregard...) Dear City Council Members, I would strongly encourage the City Council of Iowa City to condemn the continued occupation of Iraq. It is a moral outrage of one nation to intervene in another nation's internal affairs - WITHOUT CAUSE! As we are painfully aware, American military intrusions into Iraq were not justified. Unnecessary death, injury, and destruction were caused at the behest of American policy makers Jn Washington. Yet, isn't it ironic that such policy makers do not have any personal stake in their war of agression, ie., none of their family members are involved in the actual fighting. Why do they commit the less fortunate among us to their holy crusades of death & destruction, yet believe they (and their family members) should be immune from any of the "dirty" and "lowly" aspects of war.. Unfortunately, some of our local citizens are being affected by this disastrous foreign policy! So, this is where your stance on the IRAQI fiasco needs to be aired to the local populace. Recent national polls reflect that the MAJORITY of Americans NO LONGER SUPPORT the IRAQI intervention. On global terms, this means the majority of Americans now side with the overwhelming majority of the world's citizenry in the belief that the American attack of Iraq was wrong and uniustified! This fact alone should be an alarming signal to our political representatives. Again, let me repeat, the majority of Americans NO LONGER SUPPORT the occupation of IRAQ. And, our local representatives (ESPECIALLY our local representatives) need to reflect the true feelings and beliefs of their local citizenry. Simply stated, the majority of Iowa Citians NO LONGER support the occupation of Iraq! Bring the troops home now. Respectfully, Joseph Manuel (319) 354-0958 1/18/2005 January 18, 2005 Ernie Lehman, Mayor 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Emie: We commercial prope~y owners along Noah Gilbert have recently received letters from the State ~storical Society of Iowa. A~ached is a copy of this letter and a supplemental notice. Basically, the State ~stofical Society is saying that they will consider both versions of the pro~sed ~lbea-Linn Historic District, including the first version that includes our commercial properties and pick the one that "best represents the case for significance" at their Feb~a~ 1 l, 2005 meeting. We inte~r~ t~s to mean the State Historic Society is planning to t~ and approve the original version of the proposed ~lbe~-Linn Historic District including our commercial prope~ies. It is our underst~ding that the City of Iowa City and our City Attorney, Eleanor Dilkes, have notified the State ~stofical Society that the original version was not submitted in a legally valid or appropriate ma~er and is therefore null and void. We commercial prope~y owners ~e therefore asking and urging that you as Mayor and also Eleanor Dilkes, as City Attorney, both send le~ers to the State ~stofical Society reinforcing your position that the original version including our commercial propeaies, is illegal and null ~d void and therefore should not ~d cannot be considered at their Feb~a~ 11, 2005 meeting. Sincerely yours, Don & Dorothy Fowles oward Carroll 310 N. Gilbert 322 E. Bloomington John Kammermeyer, M.D. Pat Fisher 404 E. Bloomington & 412 E. Bloomington 311 N. Gilbert & 315 N. Gilbert John Logan ~ Tom Comity- ~ 305 N. Gilbert 225 N. Gilbert St. ary Ellett Chudacek for Chudacek Partnership 214 N. Gilbert St. 210 N. Gilbert St. 204 N. Gilbert St. 402E. Market St. cc: Eleanor Dilkes January 18, 2005 Emie Lehman, Mayor 410 E Washin~on Iowa City, IA 52240 De~ Emie: We commercial prope~y owners along No~h Gilbea have recently received letters from the State ~storical Society of Iowa. A~ached is a copy of this letter and a supplemental notice. Basically, the State ~stofical Society is saying that they will consider both versions of the pro~sed Olbe~-Linn Historic Distfi~, including the fir~ version that includes our ~mmercial prope~ies and pick the one that "best represents the case for significance" at their Febma~ 11, 2005 meeting. We inte~r~ t~s to mean the State ~stofic Society is planning to t~ and approve the original version of the pro~sed Olbe~-Linn Historic Distri~ including our ~mmercial propeaies. It is our und~st~ding that the City of Iowa City and our City Attorney, Eleanor Dilkes, have notified the State ~stofical Society that the original version was not submitted in a legally valid or appropfime ma~er and is therefore null and void. We commercial prope~y omers ~e therefore asking and urging that you as Mayor ~d also Eleanor Dilkes, as City Attorney, both send le~ers to the State ~stofical Society reinforcing your position that the original version including our commercial prope~ies, is illegal and null ~d void ~d therefore should not and cannot be considered at their Febma~ 11, 2005 meeting. Sincerely yours, Don & Dorothy Fowles t-toward Carroll 310 N. Gilbert 322 E. Bloomington John Kammermeyer, M.D. Pat Fisher 404 E. Bloomington & 412 E. Bloomington 311 N. Gilbert & 315 N. Gilbert John Logan Tom Con~-- ~ 305 N. Gilbert 225 N. Gilbert St. Mary Ellei~ Chudacek for Chudacek Partnership 214 N. Gilbert St. 210 N. Gilbert St. 204 N. Gilbert St. 402E. Market St. cc: Eleanor Dilkes i_ISTATE ISTORICAL ISOCIETYo/ A Division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs January ]2, 2005 __~'-: - __ "-- Jolm K. Kammermeyer ' :' 404 E. Bloomington St. Iowa City, IA 52245 RE:, Gilbert-Linn Street Historic District, Portions of 200-600 Blocks of N. Gilbert & N. Linn Street, Iowa City, ,lohnson County Dear Friends: We are pleased to inform you that the above named properly will be considered by the State National Register Nominations Review Committee for nomhmtion to the National Register of Historic Places on February 11, 2005. The National Register is the Federal Government's official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Listing in the National Register provides recognition and assists in preserving our Nation's heritage. Listing of the property provides recognition of the community's historic importance and assures protective review of Federal projects that might adversely affect the character of the historic property. Listing in the National Register does not mean that limitations will be placed on. the properties by the Federal government. Public visitation rights are not required of owners. The Federal government will not attach restrictive covenants to the properties or seek to acquire them. Listing in the National Register results in: · Consideration in the planning for Federal, £edcrally licensed, and federally assisted projects.. Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 requires Federal agencies allow the Advisory Council on .Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment on projects affecting historic properties listed in the National Register. For further information please refer to 36 CFR 800. · Eligibility for Federal tax provisions. Ifa property is listed in the National Register, certain Federal tax provisions may apply. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 revises the historic preservation tax incentives authorized by Congress in the Tax Reform Act of 1976, the Revenue Act of 1978, the Tax Treatment Extension Act of 1980, the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981, and Tax Reform Act of 1984, and as of January 1, 1987, provides for a 20 percent investment tax credit with a full adjustment to basis for rehabilitating historic comlnercial, industrial, and rental residential buildings. The former 15 percent and 20 percent investment Tax Credits (iTCs for rehabilitation of older commercial buildings are combined into a single 10 percent ITC for cominercial or industrial buildings built before 1936. The Tax Treatment Extension Act o£ 1980 provides Federal tax deductions for charitable contributions for conservation purposes of partial interests in historically important land areas or structures. Whether these provisions are advantageous to a property owner is dependent upon the particular circumstances of the property and the owner. Because tax aspects outlined above are complex, individuals should consult legal counsel or the appropriate local Internal Revenue Service office for assistance in determining the tax cons,equences of the above provisions. For further information please refer to 36 CFR 67 and Treasury Regulation Sections 1.48-12 (ITCs) and 1.170A- 14 (charitable contributions). · Consideration of historic values in the decision to issue a surface coal mining permit where coal is located, in accord with the Surface Mining and Control Act of 1977. For further information please refer to 30 CFR 700 et seq. · Qualification for Federal and State grants for historic preservation when funds are available. · Eligibility for State Tax Credits for rehabilitation. Properties listed on the National Register, ~ligible for listing on the National Register or Barns constructed before 1937 are eligible to apply for a 25 percent state tax credit for rehabilitation. The cost ora 24-month qualified rehabilitation project would exceed either $25,000 or 25 percent of 600 EAST LOCUSt STREET, DES MOIN ES, lA 50319-0290 P: (515) 281-5111 the fair market value for a residential property or barn less the land before rehabilitation. For commercial properties, the rehabilitation project would exceed 50 percent of the assessed value of the property less the land before rehabilitation - whichever is less. The State Historic Preservation office must approve the rehabilitation work before an amount of tax credits will be reserved for your project. There are limited credits available each year, so let us know il'you want thc application in£ormation. Owners of private properties nominated to the National Register of Historic Places have an opportunity to concur in or object to listing in accord with the National Historic Preservation Act and 36 CFR 60. Any owner or partial owner of private property who chooses to object to listing is required to submit to the State Historic Preservation Officer a notarized statement certifying that the party is the sole or partial owner of the private property and objects to the listing. Each owner or partial owner of private property has one vote regardless of what part of the property that party owns. Ifa majority of private property owners object, a property will not be listed; however, the State Historic Preservation Officer shall submit the nomination to the Keeper of the National Register for a determination of the eligibility of the property for listing in the National Register. if the property is then determined eligible for listing, although not formally listed, Federal agencies will be required to allow the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation an opportunity to comment before the agency may fund, license, or assist a project which will affect the property. If you choose to object to the listing of your property, the notarized objection must be submitted to the State Historical Society of Iowa, 600 E. Locust, Des Moines, lA 50313 not more than 75 days ti'om the date of this notice. lfyou wish to comment on the nomination of the property to the National Register, please send your comments to the State Historical Society of Iowa before the State Nomination Review Committee meets on <<date>>. lnfornmtion on the National Register is available from http://www.cr.nps.gov. You are invited to attend the State Nomination Review Committee meeting at which the nomination will be considered. The meeting will take place in <<meetingaddress>>. A meeting agenda is enclosed. Should you have any questions about the National Register of Historic Places, Tax Incentives or about this nomination in particular, please feel free to contact me by telephone at 515-281-4137 or by e-mail at beth.foster(~_,iowa.~ov. You may enjoy visiting the National Register website at http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/index.htm. Sincerely, 5' --.-.,' for Lowell Soike DepuW State Historic Prese~ation Officer NOTICE: On June 11, 2004 the State Nomination Review Committee (SNRC) approved a nomination for the Gilbert-Linn Historic District which included 140 properties (111 contributing and 29 non-contributing). At the City's request, the nomination has been revised by the preparer to reduce the boundaries and decrease the number of properties to 120 (94 contributing and 26 nonrcontributing). See the map below. The shaded area is the area being removed. The SNRC will be reviewing and discussing both nominations at their February 11, 2005 meeting and will decide which version of the nomination best represents the case for significance under National Register criterions A and C of the district's association with the early residential growth and development of Iowa City and as a cohesive collection of domestic architecture dating from the late 19th century through the first half of the 20th century. This notification letter is being sent to everyone within the original boundaries approved by the SNRC last June. We invite your comments favorable or unfavorable regarding the original and revised nominations. Anyone within the original or revised boundaries for which we have previously received a notarized objection to listing does not need to submit another. Your original objections have been retained and applicable objections will be forwarded to the National Park Service with the fmal SNRC approved nomination. Sincerely, Elizabeth Foster Hill lq Tax Incentive Programs Manager/ National Register Coordinator .~ p,~ -_.~ Valley HFH P.O. Box 1241 Web: www. ivhlh.org Iowa City, IA 52244-1241 January 21 2005 To: Mayor Lehman City Council Members City Staff Re: Ribbon Cutting for the new Habitat for Htunanity ReStore Dear Iowa City Government Friends: Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is opening a ReStore: a place for the public to donate new or used building materials and appliances for resale to the public. We invite you to our ribbon cutting at the ReStore at 909 2nd Ave. East in Coralville (turn east at the stoplight at Perkins Restaurant on 1st Avenue) at 2:30 p.m. on Friday January 28, 2005. A brief tour of the facility will follow. Contractors have also been invited that afternoon for a tour. The ReStore will open to the general public for sales the next morning at 9 a.m. A ReStore is like a Goodwill Store for building materials. Donated new items may be used in our Habitat homes and used items will be sold for 20%-30% of new cost. This is an effort to save tons of construction material fxom going to the landfill, assist home owners and landlords with an affordable source of building materials, and raise money to build homes for Habitat families: a real win/win/win scenario. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Johnson County Council of Governments has helped underwrite the start of the ReStore locally. The warehouse in which the ReStore is located is on loan fxom the City of Coralville. We hope to identify a more permanent site within the year to keep the ReStore open to meet the growing demand for smart recycling of building materials and appliances. Please join us on January 28 at 2:30 p.m. for our celebration. Sincerely, / .~ e~'~,~-~j~C~O (4Vlatk~i>att~m. Mande Butler Executive Director ReStore Manager Marian Karr From: Kathryn Johansen Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 1:44 PM To: 'samuel-mccormick@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Fiery Discussion and Public Hearings Dear Samuel: Thank you for your e-mail message to the City Council. Council members do not receive their e-mails directly and your message will be forwarded to them as official correspondence. If you wish to communicate with Council members, please contact them individually. Council member names and phone numbers are listed on our City website at wwwJcgov.org. Click the blue link for Departments then select City Council. Thank you for writing. Kathi Johansen Administrative Assistant to the City Manager ..... Original Hessage ..... From: Samuel McCormick [mailto:samuel-mccormick@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, lanuary 26, 2005 11:44 AFl To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Fiery Discussion and Public Hearings Dear Council Members, As a researcher at the University of Iowa, I study public discussion and debate occurring between local citizens and government officials. Can you point me in the direction of any recent City Council meetings in which a particularly heated or controversial discussion has occurred? Do you anticipate any such discussion in the near future? Any and all assistance you can provide on this matter would be most appreciated. I may be reached at 319.688.5247 and samuel-mccormic~uiowa,edu.. Best wishes, Samuel McCormick Communication Studies BCSB # 105 The University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52240 1/26/2005 Non-voting student member of City Council Goal: The goal is to have a University of Iowa student act as a non-voting member of the Iowa City City Council. This will increase both the depth and breadth of communication between the University of Iowa Student Government (UISG) and the City of Iowa City. This person will strive to improve the accessibility and consistency of relations between UISG and City Council. With experiential knowledge from the City and the University, this student will inform UISG and City Council of both parties' concerns and perspectives on appropriate topics. Details: The strategy for achieving this goal begins with placing a non-voting student member on the Iowa City City Council. This position will include an alternate. The non-voting student member of City Council will serve a one-year term and would be replaced by the alternate the following year. The alternate is responsible for attending meetings when the student member of the City Council is unavailable and will assist him/her in all appropriate manners. The consistency of communication between UISG, University Of Iowa, and City Council will build a stronger and better informed relationship. Qualifications: The non-voting member of City Council must be a full-time student at the University of Iowa. The student who is appointed to the Iowa City City Council must be dedicated to the City of Iowa City and The University of Iowa students. This individual must be willing and available to work 10-20 hours a week. Furthermore, it is important that the assistant understands that they serve a two- year term. The students must be articulate, strong listeners, and demonstrate past leadership and student advocacy experience. Responsibilities: The responsibilities of the student member of The Iowa City City Council will be analogous with other members of City Council, as per the Iowa City City Council Charter with one exception: the University of Iowa student will be a non-voting member of the council. Therefore, in addition to serving on the appropriate number of commissions, this student will participate in all work sessions and city council meetings. Furthermore, this position will receive internship credit through the appropriate academic departments. The student member of City Council will receive three hours of credit, which is equivalent to 150 hours of work in a semester. The alternate student member of City Council will receive one hour of credit, which is equivalent to 50 hours of work in a semester. Reporting Structure: The students will work within a three-pronged reporting structure. First, the student member of the City Council and the alternate will report to UISG three times per month: once with the UISG President and Vice President, once with the government relations committee, and once with the student assembly. Second, the student member and assistant student member of City Council will be advised by the Office of Student Life and will be assigned a specific adviser by the Director of Student Life. Lastly, the student member and alternate student member of City Council will have their internship credit hours approved by a professor in the appropriate department, and they will need to comply with all internship requirements for them to gain their credit hours. This reporting structure will allow for a thorough evaluation of the efficiency and effectiveness of the position. Selection and Dismissal Procedure: The position of non-voting member of City Council and his/her assistant will be equally publicized to all University of Iowa students. The non-voting member and his/her alternate will be selected by a three-part process. First, the UISG Nominations Committee will interview applicants for this position in accordance with UISG constitutional guidelines. Second, the Nominations Committee will bring the nomination to the UISG Student Assembly. Once the Student Assembly approves the Nominations Committee's decision, the UISG Vice President will formally recommend the individual to the City Council. Once the City Council approves the appointment, the selection process will be complete. The removal of the student member of City Council can be initiated by City Council or UISG. In order for this process to occur, it must have the approval of the majority of City Council, majority of the UISG Executive board, and 2/3s of the Student Assembly. A student's removal is only complete with the combined consent of UISG and City Council. Conduct that will result in termination includes, but is not limited to, excessive absences and/or tardiness, poor work ethic, inability to foster and maintain strong relationships between UISG and City Council, and unsatisfactory maintenance of any previously stated qualifications or responsibilities. If the non-voting member of City Council is removed from their position, his/her alternate will assume the position and the nominations committee will immediately begin the process to find an assistant. If the alternate is voted out of office, the nominations committee will convene to find a new assistant.