HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-20 Public HearingNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing
will be held by the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, at 7:00 p.m. on the 20th day of October,
1998, in the Civic Center Council Chambers,
410 E, Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa; at
which hearing the Council will consider:
An ordinance vacating the Madison Street
right-of-way south of Prentiss Street, the Des
Moines Street right-of-way west of Capitol
Street and the 20-foot wide alley south of
Prentiss Street and west of Capitol Street.
Copies of the proposed ordinance are on file
for public examination in the office of the City
Clerk, Civic Center, Iowa City, Iowa. Persons
wishing to make their views known for Council
consideration are encouraged to appear at the
above-mentioned time and place,
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
ppdadm/nphl020.doc
Prepared by: John Yapp, Associate Planner. 410 E.
Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5247
ORDINANCENO.
ORDINANCE VACATING THE MADISON
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH OF
PRENTISS STREET, THE DES MOINES
STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY WEST OF
CAPITOL STREET, AND THE 20-FOOT
WIDE ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY SOUTH OF
PRENTISS STREET AND WEST OF
CAPITOL STREET.
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City has
initiated the vacation of Madison Street south
of Prentiss Street, Des Moines Street west of
Capitol Street, and the 20-foot wide alley
south of Prentiss Street and west of Capitol
Street; and
'WHEREAS, these rights-of-way are not
needed for vehicular or pedestrian
circulation, as they are bounded by the Iowa
Interstate Railroad tracks on the south and
the Iowa River on the west; and
WHEREAS, the City of Iowa City intends
to convey the vacated rights-of-way to the
University of Iowa; and
WHEREAS, the University of Iowa will
own all properties adjacent to the rights-of-
way at the time of vacation; and
WHEREAS, the University of Iowa
intends to redevelop the block south of
Prentiss Street and west of Capitol Street for
a University office and administration
building.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY.OF
IOWA CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. VACATION. Subject to the
retention of all necessary public and pdvate
utility easements, and a 20-foot wide
emergency vehicle access being retained
from Prentiss Street to the Iowa Interstate
Railroad tracks between Capitol Street and
the Iowa River, the City of Iowa City hereby
vacates the rights-of-way legally described
as follows:
Ordinance No.
Page 2
Madison Street from the south line of
Prentiss Street to the south line of Des
Moines Street; the north south alley in Block
13, County Seat Addition to the City of Iowa
City, Iowa; all of that part of Des Moines
Street lying south of Blocks 13 and 14 in
County Seat Addition to the City of Iowa City.
SECTION II. REPEALER. All
ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict
with the provisions of this Ordinance are
hereby repealed.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any
section, provision or part of the Ordinance
shall be adjudged to be invalid or
unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not
affect the validity of the Ordinance as a
whole or any section, provision or part
thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This
Ordinance shall be in effect after its final
passage, approval and publication, as
provided by law.
Passed and approved this __ day of
,1998.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
It was moved by and seconded
by that the Ordinance as read be
adopted, and upon roll call there were:
AYES: NAYS: ABSENT:
Champion
__ Kubby
Lehman
Norton
O'Donnell
__ Thornberry
Vanderhoef
First Consideration
Vote for passage:
Second Consideration
Vote for passage:
Date published
ppdadm~Nord/madison.doc
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
Item: VAC98-0005: Madison Street,
Des Moines Street, alley right-of-way
vacation
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant:
Requested Action:
Purpose:
Location:
Size:
Existing Land Use and Zoning:
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
Comprehensive Plan:
File Date:
45 Day Limitation Period:
Prepared by: John Yapp, Associate Planner
Date: September 17, 1998
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Street and alley right-of-way vacation
To allow the University of Iowa to
assemble all the property south of Prentiss
Street, west of S. Capitol Street, north of
the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks, and
east of the Iowa River.
Madison Street right-of-way south of
Prentiss Street, Des Moines Street right-of-
way west of Capitol Street, and the 20-
foot wide alley between Prentiss Street
and the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks,
west of S. Capitol Street.
Approximately 80,000 square feet
Commercial, residential, and public; C1-1,
Intensive Commercial and P, Public
North:
South:
East:
West:
Johnson County Sheriff Building;
P, Public
IA Interstate Railroad, I~1 Industrial
Residential; PRM, Planned
Residential Multi-Family
Iowa River
Public, mixed use
August 21, 1998
October 5, 1998
2
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of Iowa City is proposing the vacation of Madison Street between Prentiss Street
and the Iowa Interstate (IAIS) railroad tracks, portions of the unbuilt Des Moines Street right-
of-way west of Capitol Street, and the 20-foot wide alley between Prentiss Street and the
IAIS railroad tracks, west of S. Capitol Street. The University of Iowa owns property adjacent
to most of this right-of-way, except for three parcels. The University is in the process of
acquiring the three parcels it does not control, and plans to own them by November or
December 1998. Staff has contacted the owners of the three parcels, and none object to the
City moving forward with the vacation process provided the rights-of-way are not vacated
until their properties are purchased by the University. The City intends to dispose of the right-
of-way to the University should it be vacated.
The City has made this application in order to facilitate the University' s assembling of the
property in this block. The University intends to construct a building on the block which
would house functions now located at the Eastlawn building on Iowa Avenue. The utility
companies have been contacted regarding the proposed vacation. All necessary public and
private utility easements will be retained.
ANALYSIS:
Madison Street: The portion of Madison Street proposed for vacation is a developed City
street with curb and gutter. The University of Iowa owns property on both sides of Madison
Street except for one parcel, which is owned by a private property owner. This block of
Madison Street dead-ends at the IAIS railroad tracks to the south.
Des Moines Street Right-of-Way: The portion of the Des Moines Street right-of-way that is
proposed to be vacated is undeveloped. Other portions of the Des Moines Street right-of-way
have been vacated in the past, and the remainder of the right-of-way west of Capitol Street is
now being proposed to be vacated. The IAIS railroad runs parallel to and across a small
portion of this right-of-way. The railroad would retain their right-of-way.
Alley: The alley between Prentiss Street and the IAIS railroad tracks, west of Capitol Street,
is a developed alley that provides secondary access to the properties along Capitol Street.
Two parcels abutting this alley are in private ownership, and both make use of the alley as a
meads of access.
Access Issues: Release of a street or alley right-of-way should not be recommended when it
would result in: 1) detrimental vehicular or pedestrian circulation, 2) interference with the
rights of access to any private property, or 3) if it would inhibit the access of fire or
emergency vehicles, or utility service vehicles.
The areas proposed for vacation are not part of the neighborhood circulation system. Madison
Street and the alley parallel to it both dead-end at the IAIS railroad tracks. Madison Street and
the alley provide circulation only for traffic with a destination on this block. The Des Moines
Street right-of-way dead ends into the Iowa River. The Des Moines Street right-of-way is also
unbuilt, and because portions of it have already been vacated, it will never be built. Vacating
any of the developed portions of right-of-way prior to the University of Iowa owning all
adjacent property would interfere with access to that private property. Staff recommends
that the University show proof of ownership of all adjacent properties prior to a vacation
taking place.
Regarding emergency vehicle access, University of Iowa staff has indicated that the majority
of Madison Street will be kept as an access drive to the redeveloped site. To ensure
continued emergency vehicle access to the area, staff recommends that a minimum 20-foot
wide access be kept open from Prentiss Street to the IAIS railroad tracks, between Capital
Street and the Iowa River. It is likely this access will be within the vacated Madison Street
right-of-way, due to the utility easements it contains, and the University' s desire to retain it
as an access drive. If the University desires to construct a building over part of Madison
Street in the future, the 20-foot wide access may be moved elsewhere on the block, as long
as it is open from Prentiss Street to the IAIS railroad tracks.
Near Southside Redevelopment Plan: The Near Southside Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan
is a plan for the 20 block area south of Burlington Street, bounded by Gilbert Street on the
east, the Iowa River on the west, and the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks and Des Moines
Street right-of-way on the south. The plan encourages the redevelopment of areas of the
Near Southside to uses such as professional offices, businesses, and high density residential
development. The vacation of public right-of-way may be considered favorably if it is
necessary for a redevelopment project or other project involving the assembly of smaller
parcels for a large site. It appears that vacating public right-of-way to facilitate development
of a University office building is consistent with the objectives of the Near Southside
Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan.
CONCLUSION:
The University of Iowa desires to assemble the properties on this block to develop an office
building and to control portions of right-of-way where it owns all adjacent property.
Redevelopment of this land for office functions is consistent with adopted plans such as the
Near Southside Neighborhood Redevelopment Plan. The areas proposed to be vacated are not
necessary for pedestrian or vehicular circulation, and due to the barriers of the IAIS railroad
tracks and the Iowa River, it is unlikely these rights-of-way will ever be used for general
circulation. Once the University owns all adjacent property, the access to any private
property will not be inhibited. It is appropriate to vacate property that is not needed for
circulation or access, if the release of the property will facilitate the assembly of parcels for a
redevelopment project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that VAC98-0005, a request to vacate Madison Street right-of-way south
of Prentiss Street, Des Moines Street right-of-way west of Capitol Street, and the 20-foot
wide alley between Prentiss Street and the IAIS railroad tracks, west of Capitol Street, be
approved, subject to the University of Iowa submitting proof of ownership of all adjacent
parcels of property, subject to all necessary utility easements being retained, and subject to a
minimum 20-foot wide access for emergency vehicles being retained from Prentiss Street to
the Iowa Interstate Railroad tracks, between Capital Street and the Iowa River.
4
Attachments:
1. Location map
Approved by:
ppdadminLstfrep\98005jy.doc
~{"~Planner,
~o, Senior
Department of Planning & Community Development
CITY OF IO~A CITY ~ '
~ CH
HARRISOK ST
~ 1 Qd 1 CI
.44 , '~ P ~ ~ I ~-0;2
BENTON /_~
~ I , III If' :/ I I_1'
SITE LOCATION:
600 Block Madison Street and
Undeveloped Des Moines Street Right-of-Way
VAC98-0005
Proposed Vacation/Disposition Area
Harrison
Prentiss
*-100'-*' 20'
*- 150"->
*--150'-+
<5'~ t30'
I
f
I I I
I I
Not vacated
Vacated
x
SO :q lqd I~, Olq~ 86
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City Council
of Iowa City will hold a public hearing on the
20th day of October, 1998, at 7:00 p.m. in the
Council Chambers of the City of Iowa City, 410
E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa,
regarding an Ordinance amending section 8-5-
E, entitled "keeping disorderly house," to
provide for police initiated complaints, to
provide for police authority to restore order and
disperse persons from violating premises, to
establish an obligation on attendees to disperse
upon order of the police, and to establish
penalties for violation of such regulations.
Persons interested in expressing their views
concerning this matter, either verbally or in
writing, will be given the opportunity to be
heard at the above-mentioned time and place.
MARlAN K. KARR, CITY CLERK
sarah\police\housord.nph
Prepd by: Sarah E. Holecek, First Asst. City Attorney, 410 E, Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE OF
THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, BY
AMENDING SECTION 8-5-5, ENTITLED "KEEP-
ING DISORDERLY HOUSE," TO PROVIDE FOR
POLICE INITIATED COMPLAINTS AND TO
PROVIDE FOR POLICE AUTHORITY TO RE-
STORE ORDER AND DISPERSE PERSONS
FROM VIOLATING PREMISES
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Iowa City
City Council to address and discourage criminal
behavior and negative externalities associated
with uncontrolled social gatherings and parties;
and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Iowa City
City Council to hold persons sponsoring and/or
hosting social gatherings and parties account-
able and responsible for behaviors and negative
externalities associated with such gatherings
and parties; and
WHEREAS, strengthening regulations to
provide for police initiated complaints and
police authority to restore order will address
negative impacts associated with such gather-
ings and parties; and
WHEREAS, strengthening regulations on
uncontrolled social gatherings and parties is in
the best interests of the health, safety and
welfare of the citizens of Iowa City, Iowa for
the reasons stated above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 8, Chapter 5,
entitled "Miscellaneous Offenses" of the City
Code be hereby amended by deleting Section 5,
entitled "Keeping Disorderly House" and adding
a new Title 8, Chapter 8, Section 5, entitled
"Keeping Disorderly House", as follows:
Section 8-5-5: Keeping Disorderly House
A. Keeping Disorderly House. No person shall
permit or suffer to continue, without taking
legal steps to prevent the same, any quarrel-
:'~. fh..]~;I:~'~], cJsor,,'i~riy ~;c.r'.',:L.:ct. o'
ot"i,'.'~r co":,,'JGc.: or ,.';c)l'lfjitio"l :limit ~;~:'(;~lt~:lis
i".,t;~y 1. o j.)e's,:)..'l~.; ()r .:", '.]:'|~)~:]t,~ to proF,.;'ly,
J(.;L,,:J, raUCOUS, c~|:s~.~Jret;;.|:;'(; ~iolsts:,; It,} I'F.'.;
disturbance of the neighborhood, or
general pub.c, upon any
premises owned by the person or in the
[;,,;r',.;o;'1's [)c,.~i'jf:s'jio:'l. F.:;:' tl'~: D,l';),:):i',!s of
t'15 :}ucl,',;.r', "to lh(~ I.;~j.',urtjL!:'..c(2 el i. tirJ
ger;eral r:.:-'blic" inc!u,a..es t!~e d;s.:urbance of
pc.' sons beyond tl:o Sd-~j',;CI premises ~;~d, or
to 1"'.e dl:~l::r!:~:.r. ce of pi,'.'sc;'ls t/;;f}n D.~l:lic
B. AuLhor,ty :o Restore Orcier a."~:.! Disperse;
Failure to D~sperse. Upo:~ issL. ance of a
cit~.~t. on [or a viola.:ion of th,s sect:on, any
peace oflicer of tl'e City of Iowa City shal'.
ha~,e authority to restore ord~r upon the
subject prem.ses, up to ~nd including order-
ing Lhe dispersal el person{s) frorn the sub-
jec: pren':~ses. Any parso~ who fails or
reluses to obey and abade by such an order
shall be gJ~lW of a wolatkm o~ tiffs section.
SECTION II. REPEALER. All ordinances and
parts of ordinances in conflict with the provi-
sions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed.
SECTION III. SEVERABILITY. If any section,
provision or part of the Ordinance shall be
adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such
adjudication shall not affect the validity of the
Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision
or part thereof not adjudged invalid or unconsti-
tutional.
SECTION IV. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordi-
nance shall be in effect after its final passage,
approval and publication, as provided by law.
Passed and approved this day of
, 1998.
MAYOR
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
Approved by
City Attorney's Office
sarah/police/partred .ord
Prepd by: Sarah E. Holecek, Fir t Asst. City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 5:
ORDINANCE NO.
ORDI ANCE AMENDING THE CITY CODE O
THE ITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, Y
AMEN NG SECTION 8-5-5, ENTITLED" EP-
ING DIS RDERLY HOUSE," TO PROVI FOR
/
of the Iowa City
City Council to
behavior and negati
with uncontrolled soci
and
WHEREAS, it is
City Council to
hosting social
able and respo
externalities
and parties;
WHERE
provide
police
ge criminal
Iernalities associated
gatherings and parties;
of the Iowa City
sponsoring and/or
parties account-
for and negative
sociated with ~ch gatherings
strengthening ulations to
initiated laints and
to restore order address
negati impacts associated with gather-
ings ~arties; and
strengthening ~s on
un, social gatherings and is in
tt.~e~ best interests of the health safety and
are of the citizens of Iowa C~ty, Iowa or
h r
t ~ easons stated above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED B
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY, IOWA:
SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 8, Chapter 5,
entitled "Miscellaneous Offenses" of the City
Code be hereby amended by deleting Section 5,
entitled "Keeping Disorderly House" and adding
a new Title 8, Chapter 8, Section 5, entitled
"Keeping Disorderly House", as follows:
d
permit or suffer to continue, without taking
legal steps to prevent the same, any quarrel-
ing, fighting, disorderly conduct, or any
other conduct or condition that threatens
319-356-5030
Ordinance No.
Page 2
injury to persons or damage to property, or
loud, raucous, disagreeable noises to the
disturbance of the neighborhood, or to the
disturbance of the general public, upon any
premises owned by the person or in the
person's possession. For the purposes of
this section, "to the disturbance of the
general public" includes the disturbance
persons beyond the subject premises an
to the disturbance of persons upon
places, including peace officers.
Authority to Restore Order and
allure to Disperse. Upon
tation for a violation of this
~ce officer of the City of Io
authority to restore
sub ct premises, up to
ing dispersal of perso
ject ;mises. Any pc
ref o obey and ab
shall be uilty of a vic
~erse;
of a
any
City shall
upon the
order-
from the sub-
who fails or
by such an order
of this section.
SECTION II.
parts of
sions of this
SECTION III. S
provision or par
adjudged to be in'
adjudication shi
Ordinance as
or part thereo
tutional.
SECTION
REPEALEl All ordinances and
'.onflict with the provi-
are hereby repealed.
ABILITY. If any section,
f the Ordinance shall be
id or unconstitutional, such
affect the validity of the
or any section, provision
ed invalid or unconsti-
E DATE. This Ordi-
nance be in effect :er its final passage,
approval publication, ~ provided by law.
Pass and approved t's day of
, 1998. ~
ATTEST
CITY CLERK
Ap r by
Cy
sarah/police/party2 .ord
-,,
Mayor Ernie Lehman
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
September 30, 1998
Dear Mayor Lehman:
This is just to encourage you to support the nuisance ordinance. Here are a few
considerations I ask you to bear in mind as you decide whether to vote in favor
of the proposed ordinance:
Having an ordinance is a way of changing our community expectations. It
would be a formal way to say: "You have a right to have a part), with alcoholic
beverages as long as you are old enough. However, please bear in mind that
you don't have a right to serve people who aren't of legal age. And you don't
have the right to disturb your neighbors with noise, by damaging their
property, or by threatening them or physically assaulting them if they ask you
to 'tone it down'."
There is no single thing that we can do to eliminate binge drinking. However,
there are lots of actions we can take, each of which can help reduce the
problem. The nuisance ordinance seems to be working in other communities,
so it seems worth trying it here.
Please don't assume that all university students oppose the nuisance
ordinance. The Harvard study of binge drinking i as well as the UI's statistics
from that study -- indicates that 4 out of 5 of non-bingers report suffering
personal, social and economic harm at the hands of students who drink to get
drunk. Passing the nuisance ordinance would be a good way to support the
rights of those students.
Thanks for your consideration.
~ncere , ,.-'
Steve Parrott
2714 Ferndale Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52245
351-3555
FROM: MECCA-ADMIN
PHONE
: 31e 341 00B5
Oct. 19 1998 02:10PM P1
Fax Transmission
· No. of pages incl. this one: One
Iowa City Council Members
Fax number:
From:
Date:
341-0085 Voice: 351-4357, #116
Deb Hammes, Prevention Supervisor/~, '<5/.'~
Monday, October 19, 1998
If you do not receive all pages, please contact:
MECCA
430 Southgate Ave
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 351-0114/(319) 351-4907
Subject:
Keeping Disorderly House Ordinance. Any action
that can be taken by the city to reduce the possibilities of minors exposed to
alcohol and other drug parties is a step in the fight direction. Although we can
provide information and education on the roasons for
minors to not become involved in these situations, it is
continually undermined by an environment that
provides easy access to parties which promote
intoxication and "getting high." City government must
take a strong stand and not waiver under the threat of making someone feel
uncomfortable if this ordinance is passed. We can not
just give lip service to reducing underage dtfnking
and problem behaviors, the Iowa City Council must be willing to take the leading
role for city governments in Iowa to address this
problem.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM OFC
319 335 3692 P.O1
r Council Member,
7 .,...:.~.: .'.i'm writing to you in support of the nuisance ordin~rlce. For years, people in various
".' :i ' ,' ."I: '.neighborho~uJs within Iowa City have suffered from large, out-of-control parties. Many
: :.~:'.~ ~'~'...~msidmu clo~ windows and turn on air-conditioning; m
': ' "'i: :~.'. "avoid the m ~isc; and some actually r~port the disturbance.any go out for the ov~ing to
".. ': -':)' ,"%.l: ~-.". '~LUC yca~ age, [ Telx~t~ a next-alooF f~Lt~mity pmty that w.s sti]l z~ing at ~ am a~c~
· ;. '::ii: ': '-' ~ .~,eraJ polite phone falls to the pmsideBt. When | w~ ]aughecl at and ~,n_~P~ fLm Of, [
. .: . . linaJi), c~zllKi the police. ~Jd~ thin pho.e call r~sultcd ~ co~tinu~ hazass~cnt b~
". '~' :::'47 ':li',LtC'rniLy members IrafiX tile ~;k s¢ 0fthc ac,~er~c :yea'. Bh'ecrackc~s were set 0f~'ol~tsic!c
.. '.".' !~,':,,. 'our window, [ncbristed sl~deuts appc~rcd 81 OLLr doo~ wi~ telgLLlar[~ wantjail to discuss
;: ;/:~:.i~:~..~:' ~}ur action and, fLually, every call made to the polWc thcrcaRcr was attributed to mc and
, ,'.: .~ ~" .;vtv husband. As you might imagine, it was not a pleasant semester and their actions
:: .,, '-i urge, ,you to supFort the auisan~ ordinance.
in~rely,
Solow
,"7
TOTAL P.O1
-7
From:
Date sent:
To:
Subject:
Send reply to:
RodSulliva@AOL.COM
Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:48:45 EDT
j cnews@yosemite.leepfrog.com
Re: JCNEWS: police powers
jcnews@yosemite.leepfrog. com
I do not like the idea of the police arbitrarily deciding what
constitutes a "crime". When we have set standards (ie: drive over
65mph; have 0.1% alcohal in your blood; it is a problem once we get a
complaint; etc.) there is less room for interpretation. When there is
less room for interpretation, there is less room for abuse of power.
It is preferable to have all citizens aware of the law, and
interpreting it in basically the same way. I have always been told
that a person can be arrested for Public Intoxication, even if they
have no drugs or alcohal in their system! It is based solely on the
opinion of the arresting officer. Why is it that the State can use
hard evidence (urine or blood tests) to prove that you are guilty, but
you cannot use the same tests to prove your innocence? Why do you have
to prove innocence, anyway? I think that increasing police powers in
this case will lead to more people being forced to prove their
innocence. That runs very contrary to some basic tenets of our legal
system. PS- I can't be there Tuesday night. Karen, could you print
these comments and give them to the rest of the council? It would be
appreciated!
---Rod Sullivan
1733 Wilson St.
-- 1 -- Tue, 20 Oct 1998 10:32:17
THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
319/356-0330
FAX 319/356-8378
E-mail: carol-scott-conner@uiowa.edu
Head
Department of Surgery
200 Hawkins Dr #1516 JCP
Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1086
October 19, 1998
Mr Ernie Lehman
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: Proposed "Disorderly House Ordinance"
Dear Mr Lehman:
I strongly support the proposed ordinance, Section I. Amendment. Title 8, Chapter 5,
which addresses the issue of "keeping disorderly house". As a trauma surgeon and
faculty member, I am concerned about the adverse affects of such activities on the use
of our community, and the general ambiance of our community, as well. I hope that you
will support this ordinance.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Carol EH Scott-Conner, MD, PhD, MBA
Professor and Head
csc/Irs
Iowa City
Ballot Proposition
Date: 10/5/~8
19
0% for property tax relief
40%
for capital improvement expenditures for the renovation of and an
addition to the public library; construction of a center for
community events; construction
thoroughfares, bridges, storm sewer
parks, and related infrastructure.
of streets and public
projects, public buildings,
25% for water rate stabilization.
10%
for operating expenses for the library, center for community
events, and related community activities.
10%
to support the operating and capital expenses for public transit and
paratransit, and other lawful community transportation purposes.
10%
for hiring and equipping police officers and/or firefighters
construction of related public safety improvements.
and
5% for funding of Johnson County area human service agencies.
mgr/ballotpr. doc
Sales Tax Policy
As required by law, the ballot proposition establishes the purposes for which the sales tax
revenue may be expended. The following statement reflects the position of the 1998-99 City
Council and is a statement of policy only. This Council and future Councils may choose to
amend this policy statement as long as the changes in policy and resulting expenditures are
allowable under the language of the ballot proposition.
1 .) 40% of the sales tax revenue will be used for the purpose of financing capital improvement
projects on a pay-as-you-go or debt service "borrowing" payment, to be determined by the
City Council. The initial capital improvement projects to be financed from the sales tax will
include a renovation of the existing Public Library; construction of an addition to the Public
Library; and construction of a center for community events.
The Library and event center are planned for construction on what is known as the last
downtown urban renewal parcel. It is now a parking lot immediately south of the Public
Library. The estimated cost of the Library/center project is $22.5 million in 1997 dollars.
Other capital projects are planned as pad of the ongoing City capital improvement plan, and
projects to be financed with the sales tax will be identified. Initial projects qualifying under
this policy would be Mormon Trek Boulevard from Melrose to First Avenue in Coralville,
Mormon Trek in the area of Highway 1 and eventually around the airport to Highway 921,
and podions of 965 extended from Coralville to Melrose Avenue in Iowa City. Other joint
projects will be identified in consultation with area local governments.
2.) 25% of the sales tax revenue will go into the City's water fund operating budget. The
purpose of this new revenue will be to stabilize water rates with the goal of maintaining
water rates at their December 1998 level for a period of no less than eight years.
3.) 10% of the sales tax revenue will be used to finance police officers and/or firefighters as well
as capital projects for public safety purposes. These capital projects could include new fire
stations, new police or fire training facilities, and other capital projects directly related to
public safety. The number of new personnel and/or capital projects will be determined by the
City Council during its annual budget review. Community policing has been considered a
priority.
4.) 10% of the sales tax revenue will be used for operations and maintenance cost for the
Library and center for community events. The Library anticipates the need for three
additional full-time personnel when a new addition is constructed.
Furnishings, computer, audio-visual aide materials, etc. and other capital replacement
reserves may also be financed by the sales tax. These current costs, if financed by sales tax
revenue, would relieve the general fund of this current property tax obligation.
An operating subsidy will be required for the event center. This subsidy is intended to
provide funding to help offset any shodfall in revenues over the operating budget
expenditures for the center. Upon payment of the expenses as identified for operating the
Library and for the operational subsidy of the event center, any additional monies generated
by the 10% sales tax contribution to the operation, or maintenance at these facilities can be
directed toward creation of reserves for operations, depreciated expenses, and related
recurring expenses as well as assist in the financing of related community events.
2
5.) 10% of the sales tax revenue will be directed to public transportation systems. The current
Transit budget includes the operational and capital costs for a fixed-route system and
paratransit services. The sales tax revenue will offset the general fund subsidy of $440,000
to the transit system and reduce property tax commitments to transit.
6.) 5% of the sales tax revenue will be directed to help finance area human service agencies.
The 5% of the sales tax revenue would reduce the general fund contribution to the Aid to
Agencies budget and provide additional funding for the support of the City's contribution to
the area human service agencies.
mgr~salestx5.doc
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
"To advocate for a vibrant local economy, provide opportunities and
valuable services to our members and contribute to the quality of life
in Johnson County."
OCT 1 1998
October 12, 1998
Dear Mayor Lehman and Council:
(XRWE ,C I TY
325 E. Washington Street
P.O. Box 2358
Iowa City, iowa 52244
319-337-9637 (tel)
319-338-9958 (fax)
The mission of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce is to
· advocate for a vibrant local economy
· provide opportunities and valuable services to our members and
· contribute to the quality of life in Johnson County
In the quest to keep the local economy vibrant, we encourage development of the
infrastructure of the county. Moreover, to improve the quality of life in our area, we actively
support many cultural and civic projects.
The Chamber has recently completed a study of a local option sales tax to determine if, and
under what conditions, we would support a local option sales tax referendum. We believe the
local option sales tax is an appropriate means of funding projects that have significant
countywide benefits. Using our mission statement as a guide, we have developed a set of
guidelines by which a community's funding proposals would be judged.
Collaboration is of primary importance. We feel it is extremely important that the communities
of Johnson County seek out and fund projects that will enhance long-term community
cooperation and provide countywide benefits. Some of the top areas for collaboration are
projects designed to improve economic vibrancy and quality of life. Qualifying joint projects
might include:
· Transportation and arterial streets,
· Community facilities,
· Public safety, and
· Human services.
Just as we have long enjoyed the benefits of a consolidated school district, perhaps we
should now consider the benefits of other cooperative area projects.
Long-term commitment to collaboration is also important. We feel it is important that each
community express a long-term commitment to collaborative projects. We believe each city
and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors should reaffirm their commitment to working
together in a spirit of cooperation to meet challenges that transcend political boundaries. We
agree with those that contend the local option sales tax is only one method for completing
desired projects, but recognize it as a viable financing option. Ultimately we seek to improve
Serving the Communities of Johnson County
· Page 2 October 9, 1998
agree with those that contend the local option sales tax is only one method for completing
desired projects, but recognize it as a viable financing option. Ultimately we seek to improve
the quality of life in Johnson County, to enhance our economic vitality, and to provide
opportunity for area residents.
The
Chamber also recognizes the importance of community input. We encourage each
community to seek regular input from its citizens on spending proposal and projects. One
mechanism used by many cities to ensure regular community review is the adoption of a
sunset clause. If using a sunset clause is not part of the referendum, alternatives for regular
public input should be a clearly stated part of the tax proposal.
Benefits to lower income groups. Additionally, lower income groups should benefit from projects
supported by a local option sales tax, to help offset the regresslye nature of a sales tax.
Projects that would particularly benefit lower income groups might include:
· fee relief, such as the stabilization of water rates,
· human services,
· housing assistance, and
· transportation assistance.
Fee or tax relief. In evaluating proposals, the Chamber will consider whether the proposal
provides fee or tax relief, either directly or indirectly.
The Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce has over 1000 members, representing
communities throughout the county. We believe that active Chamber support of a local
option sales tax would improve its chances of passing. The challenge facing our
community leaders seeking to implement a local option sales tax is to work together to
benefit all county residents o promoting cooperation and synergy in economic and quality
of life issues, while encouraging community input on these decisions. We urge you to
consider these ideas as you plan your ballot issues and welcome the opportunity to
facilitate collaborative efforts.
Richard Schwab
Chairman
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce