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Home My WebLink About1999-01-12 CorrespondenceErnie Lehman Iowa City Council Members December 11, 1998 Dear Ernie Lehman, The Historic Preservation Commission has nominated the Harmon Building almost four months after the Iowa City Council proposed its demolition as part of the Iowa Avenue improvements. The commission is obligated to advise council on the historic significance of properties in Iowa City. On November 12, 1998, we reviewed Richard Carlson's nominatation of the Harmon Building at 2-6 Hnn Street for designation as an Iowa City Landmark. We agreed unanimously with the historic basis of that nomination and have no recourse but to support Carlson's nomination under the existing Iowa City Historic Landmark Ordinance. While the Historic Preservation Commission does not believe that all eligible landmark properties in Iowa City should be preserved above every other consideration, we do believe historic preservation is essential to civic identity, commercial stability and economic growth. Unfortunately, if the City Council decides to demolish the Harmon Building despite its landmark eligibility it may, result in the unfortunate impression that City Council does not value Iowa City's historic heritage. The current situation confirms the pressing need for a historic survey of downtown Iowa City. The Historic Preservation Plan adopted by City Council in 1992 identified the downtown district as essential to historic preservation in Iowa City. A historic survey would identify buildings or districts which retain significant historic features--City Council may or ma.v not choose to landmark any or all eligible properties, but the recommendations resulting from such a survey would be the foundation of the conscious, informed incorporation of Iowa City's historic and architectural heritage into Iowa City's Comprehensive Plan. We believe that funding a downtown survey at this time would demonstrate the council's concern for historic preservation at a critical juncture. Because of shrinking state resources, it is unlikely that the Historic Preservation Commission can secure grants to pursue this evaluation without appropriations from council. Iowa City Historic Preservation , We respectfully request that the Iowa City Council fund a historic survey of downtown Iowa City to provide timely, accurate basis for future downtown improvements projects. We also urge you to support historic preservation in Iowa City by recommending to the City Manager that staff time for the commission be increased from its current level of ten hours per week to twenty. The current staffing level was established before 1992, three new historic districts have been added with proportionately more staff expertise and attention required. Respectfully submitted, Doris Malkmus, Chair Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission Jo .resort County ]listori cal ocje " 4g 2 · P.O. Box Ill Fi['tb St · Coralviile, Iowa · phone (31II 351-5 · fax IllS) Ili!-5310 · The Board of Directors Hally Adams Mildred Bidlack John Chadima, President Lloyd Epley Micheile Grace Kristin Summerwill Dec. 30, 1998 Mayor Eruic Lchman Councillors Champion, Kubby, Norton, O'DonneH, Thornberry, Vunderhoef City of Iowa City - Civic Center iowa City, iA 52240 Dear Mayor and Councillors of the City of Iowa City: For FY00. we are asking you to consider Iowa City's support for the Johnson County Historical Society in the amount of $6.000 - about 10 cents per city resident. This amount would help to: · insulate us from the devastating effects of upcoming federal funding cuts · explore fully our proposal for building a new history center for the county in Iowa City · and keep up with the rising costs of everything from duplicating paper to security services Please note that the Society is a private, nonprofit organization- not an agency of county government. The 'Johnson County' in our name denotes our service area, which includes the City of Iowa City, its rural surrounding axea, and its neighboring communities. As a private nonprofit, the Society, is, of course, mission driven. Our mission is simple: We collect, preserve, and teach our local history. Every year, more than 10,000 members of the county community - the vast majority of them from Iowa City! - attend our programs, visit our three museum sites, read our publications, or avail themselves of our collections. We believe Iowa City should support the Johnson County Historical Society for these reasons: · The Society provides services essential to building a cohesive community. · ~he Johnson County Historical Society provides its basic services free to the public at large. · The Society's museums --the Heritage Museum; the Fkfst Asylum, and Plum Grove Historic Home-- attract tourists. · The Society brings grant dollars to Johnson County--more :hart $120,000 in the last 9 years. · The work of the Society is highly valued by Iowa City residents. · The Society achieves excenence. · The Society accomplishes all this while raising more than 60% of our own operating revenue each year from non-government sources. We are proactive and aggressive in seeking means of support other than governmental. But unless we can add an additional staff person soon to assist with fundraising activity, our growth must come to an end. Please consider increasing city support [currently $4000 per year] to $6000 this year. Members of our board will be visiting with each of you to discuss this request. I hope you will feel free to call upon any of them-- or to call me--- if you have any questions or would like further information. Peg ~ Executive Director also to: City Manager Steve Atkins, City Finance Director Don Yucuis, City Clerk Madan Karr 12-22-98 To: Mayor Ernie Lehman Civic Center 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Support of Riverside Theater Dear Mayor Lehman: Linda A. Whitaker 35 Audubon Place Iowa City, Iowa 52245 phone: 337-2417 fax: 354-8266 01-12-99 4g(3) 4 DEO 2 3 1998 clrl, At4riARt',,i,S Or, tTC We have been following the proposed partnership with Riverside Theater and the City of Iowa City with interest. What a great way to draw people downtown, expand the arts, share resources, and increase the use of City Park! We believe this represents precisely the kind of innovative thinking that will complement existing plans for the downtown area. We cannot think of a better linkage than this. Riverside Theater is a regional and local treasure - worthy of your trust and the relative low risk in trying something different. Ron Clark and Jody Hovland are professionals with an exceptional track record. They are good stewards of donated monies and are proven fundraisers for the past 18 years. And the quality of their productions rivals that found in much larger cities. If anyone can make this partnership work, they can. Please vote yes when this comes before you in January. Everyone in the community will benefit. Sincerely, Duane and Linda Whitaker CC: Connie Champion Karen Kubby Dee Norton Mike O'Donnell Dean Thornberry Dee Vanderhoef L. GRAHAM DAMERON, MPH DIRECTOR City Council, City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Tobacco Issues Johnson County Department of Public Health December 18, 1998 Dear Members of the Iowa City Council: 49(4) Board of Health Richard C. Dobyns, M.D., M.S. Kelley J. Donham, D.V.M., M.S. Diane Joslyn James H. Martinek Anita Sehr As you may know, I am a member of the Johnson County Citizens for Tobacco Free Youth (JCCTFY). We appreciate the Council and City staffs efforts to curb teen smoking. You are to be commended for the enactment of the new Teen Tobacco Possession Ordinance. At a meeting on December 10, 1998, we had as our guest your Assistant City Attorney, Andrew Matthews to discuss the ordinance with us. Mr. Matthews answered all of our questions about the ordinance. However, when we asked him about the progress the City of Iowa City regarding the initiation of the administrative civil penalties, we were perplexed to learn that the City does not intend to impose any penalty against an establishment until the establishment had shown a "pattern" of violations. As you may recall, the administrative civil penalty can be imposed on retail permit holders if their employees sell cigarettes to minors. The first offense is a $300 civil penalty and suspending or revoking the permit for additional violations is required under Code of Iowa, Chapter 453A.22. I believe the "pattern" approach, if this is the case, is inappropriate for several reasons: 1. There is no provision in the Code of Iowa for a "pattern" to be established with any retail permit holder before an administrative civil penalty is imposed. 2. Chapter 453A, Code of Iowa, known more commonly as Iowa's Adolescent Smoking Prevention Law was passed in 1991. Retail permit holders have had an ample amount of time to be familiar with the law. 3. The County Attorney and I sent a joint letter on August 3, 1998 to all tobacco permit holders in Johnson County outlining the penalties that would be imposed if the permit holders were to violate the law. I would like clarification of your intent and\or policy in regards to the administrative civil penalty for retail permit holders who violate Chapter 453A, Code of Iowa. Thank you. L. Graham Dameton, MPH Director Copy: Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney, Iowa City Steve Atkins, City Manager, Iowa City J. Patrick White, County Attorney, Johnson County Eileen Fisher, Chairperson, JCCTFY Jim Martinek, Chairperson, Johnson County Board of Health h\440Metter\iowa city3 1105 GILBERT COURT · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 ° PHONE (319) 356-6040 · FAX (319) 356-6044 recycled paper January 5, 1999 Mr. L. Graham Dameron Director, Johnson Co. Dept. of Public Health 1105 Gilbert Court Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Tobacco Issues CITY OF I0 WA CITY Dear Mr. Dameron: City Attorney Eleanor Dilkes has provided me with a copy of your December 18, 1998 letter to the Iowa City City COuncil and asked that I respond. In your letter you express concerns regarding recommendations made to the City Council that administrative proceedings for civil penalties against retail permit holders not be initiated against retail permit holders if their employees sell cigarettes to minors until there is a "pattern" of violations. You suggest that such administrative proceedings be initiated against retail permit holders each and every time an employee sells to minors. Our committee's recommendation was based on a number of factors. To begin with, in my earlier conversations with Johnson County Attomey J. Patrick Whim, Pat indicated a preference for pursuing such proceedings based upon a showing of repeat violations. Additionally, Pat suggested that his office would in effect present the matter before the affected City Council in an administrative hearing, thus allowing the City Attorney to act in his or her traditional role of providing legal counsel to the City Council presiding over such administrative proceedings. Additionally, as a matter of practicality, the committee was concemed that there simply are not enough resources or time to administratively process each and every such violation, thus the recommendation that the City Council focus on repeat violations. Otherwise, County Attorneys and City Councils may very likely have to set aside a significant amount of time of every Council session to present and hear such proceedings, or call special sessions to present and hear such matters. I am trying to set up a meeting with Pat White to discuss and ~nalize suggestions for how and when such administrative proceedings would be conducted. It may be that Pat has some additional thoughts, suggestions, or recommendations on how to pursue such violations. After I have had the opportunity to visit with Pat further, I would be happy to discuss your concerns. Sincerely, Andrew P. Matthews Assistant City Attorney cc: City Council 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET ® IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-$000 , FAX (319) 356-S009 Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney Steve Atkins, City Manager Marjan Karr, City Clerk J. Patrick White, County Attorney Jim Martinek, Chairperson, Johnson County Board of Health Eileen Fisher, Chairperson, JCCTFY December 15, 1998 City Council Iowa City Civic Center 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Council Members: It has recently been brought to my attention that Benton Street (between Orchard and Sunset Street) is slated for capitol improvements. I concur that the surface of the street is definitely in need of improvement. In connection with this improvement project, it is my understanding Jeff Davidson from the City Planning Department has submitted a recommendation to the City Council to increase the number of lanes on this street to more than two lanes. As a homeowner who does not live on Benton Street (or even in that neighborhood), I fail to understand how tile Planning staff can responsibly make this recommendation knowing the negative impact such a project would have on the homes in this established neighborhood within walking distance to downtown and the University. As anyone driving or walking along Benton Street is aware, these homes are already extremely close to the existing street. Some of the homes are so close that I would think residents would feel unsafe even inside their houses if the street is brought even closer. I travel this tree-lined street daily to get to and from work and fail to see the need to widen it. We all know if it's widened speeds will increase and it will invite more traffic through this fragile neighborhood, which already tolerates more than its share of speeders. The only problems I've witnessed in traveling Benton Street are for those people who wish to exceed the speed limit. I would suggest these people not be given an even wider street on which to break the law. Zf they wish to travel faster, they need to use Highway 1, which is the route that needs to be widened and meet the needs of excess traffic. If anything needs to be done on Benton Street, there needs to be better patrol of speeders (it's very rare to see a patrol car on this street). I'm hoping I've been misinformed and that, in fact, there has NOT been a recommendation to widen the street. But should this be the case, I wanted to be certain City Council members heard from some Iowa City residents who do not want to see our neighborhoods destroyed. Let's keep our City a pleasant place for EVERYONE to live in. 1164 Cambria Court Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Ron Vogel 307 3rd Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Dec. 14, 1998 01-12-99 4g(6) City Council of Iowa City Civic Center, 410 E. Washington Iowa City, Iowa .52240 Councilors: Several recent confrontations between area schools and residences show that the time has come to include schools in the zoning regulations. There is plenty of precedent for this, it would not harm the basic mission of the schools, and if not done, the confrontations are going to increase. When zoning regulations first came into existence, no one imagined there was any need to include schools. School were places where students studied books, and it was desirable to be near them. Today, the advances in intrusive technologies and the lack of a neighborhood ethic on the part of the schools makes them equivalent to the 19th century industry that zoning laws were directed toward. When the kids in the school I attended wanted to have a party on the football field, the superintendent simple told them no, that it would disturb the neighbors. Contrast that with the party held on the football field at City High. The first year, no notification was given, the amplified music continued past midnight. The following years, a notice, with no identification or source on it, was placed on the doors of neighbor's houses, but the amplified sound was the same as the first year. The various meetings the neighbors have had with school representatives about these things have turn into shouting matches with the school officials telling the neighbors to lump it or move out. The ethic has obviously changed somewhat. As the technology of lighting systems, sound amplification, and automotive equipment advances and the affluence of Iowa Citians allows greater use of these technologies, the intrusion will increase. A perfect example is a party recently held at City High. Someone called the principal to complain about the noise and received the usual harangue about lumping it or leaving it followed by the statement that these parties have been going on for ten years and people have endured it okay. That may be true, but the subwoofer only came into common use two or three years ago. Before the subwoofer, not much sound would have lea the building, with the subwoofer, low frequencies are present that can go through walls with little attenuation. The purpose of zoning regulations is to prevent commercial or industrial enterprises from moving into a residential neighborhood and driving the residents out. The recent confrontations between schools and neighbors, whether over parking lots, traffic, lights, or noise, show that the schools have become as intrusive as commercial and industrial enterprises used to be. I have kept track of the sales of houses on the southern and eastern borders of the City High School grounds for the last ten years and the turn over rate now is about three times that of most East Side neighborhoods. An objective assessment of this; that is, without confusing it with school loyalty or support of sports teams, will lead to the obvious conclusion that the schools, due to changing technologies and the lack of a neighborhood ethic, must be subject to the zoning regulations like everyone else. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Ron Vogel City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM 01-12-99 Date: To: From: Re: January 4, 1999 City Clerk {/ Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Removal of two metered parallel parking spaces on the west side of the 10 block of north Dubuque Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after January 20, 1999. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(17) of the City Code, two metered parallel parking spaces will be removed on the west side of the 10 block of North Dubuque Street. A "No Parking Corner to Here" sign will be installed on the west side of North Dubuque Street 60' south of the intersection of Jefferson Street. Comment In September 1997, twelve metered parallel parking spaces were installed on North Dubuque between Iowa Avenue and Jefferson Street. Upon evaluation, it has been determined that the northern most two spaces (D151 and D153) are hindering traffic movement at the intersection of Dubuque Street and Jefferson Street. By removing the two spaces closest to the intersection traffic flow will be safer and more convenient for southbound traffic. In their place a "No Parking Corner To Here" sign will be installed. ImVnern~drl 2-30.doc City of Iowa City : MEMORANDUM Date: January 6, 1999 To; From: City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner~j/ Removal of Two Handicapped Parking Spaces on 500 East Davenport Street As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after January 27, 1999. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(14) of the City Code, signage will be removed indicating two 30-foot long handicapped parking zones. These handicapped parking zones are in the most westerly parking stalls -- one on the north side and one on the south side of the 500 block of East Davenport Street. Comment This action was originally taken in 1996 to provide on-street parking for the resident at 502 East Davenport Street. The resident for which these were intended no longer resides at this address and the handicapped parking spaces are no longer necessary. These spaces will be returned back to the calendar parking that is in effect on the remainder of East Davenport Street. Im~nem~drl-6.doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM 01-12-99 4g(7)C Date: To: From: Re: December 22, 1998 City Clerk Doug Ripley, JCCOG Traffic Engineedng Planner Parking Prohibition on River Street from Lee Street west 300' on the North Side As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Unless directed otherwise by the City Council, this action will occur on or shortly after January 13, 1999. Action : Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(11 ) of the City Code, signage will be installed indicating "No Parking Any Time" on River Street from Lee Street to a point 300' west of Lee Street on the north side of the street. Comment This action is being taken to reduce a sight distance deficiency adjacent to Lincoln School around a sharp curve on River Street. This prohibition will not modify existing parking on the remainder of River Street. jw/mem/dr-rivsr.doc December 9, 1998 0~-12-99 [ | .h TO: RE: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Customer Service Rep. Bill Dollman IOWA CITY CIVIL COM~,;~ Michael W. Kennedy, Chair SERVICE ATTEST: Madan Karr, City Clerk 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 , (319) 356-5000 * FAX {319) 356-5009 December 28, 1998 LI ~A 01-12-99 4g(S)(b) TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - HOUSING PROGRAM ASSISTANT We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby certify the following n,amed person(s) as eligible for the position of Housing Program Assistant. Robin Behr. Card Fox IOWA CITY CIVIL CO~j~;S ON . MiiLel W. Kertned , Chldr SERViCE ATTEST: Madan Karr, City Clerk 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA S2240-1S26 * (319) 3S6-SO00 · FAX (319} 356-5009 December 9, 1998 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council Civil Service Entrance Examination - MAINTENANCE WORKER I - PARKING We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible fjr the position of Maintenance Worker I - Parking. Ryan Kriz iOWA CITY CIVIL CO ISSION SERVICE Chair ATTEST: ~ Karr, City Clerk 4 10 EAST t, VASHINGTON STREET * IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 * (319) 356-5000 * FAX (319) 356-5009 Madan Karr From: Sent: To: Subject: Judy L. Pfohl [judypfohl@compuserve.com] Tuesday, January 12, 1999 8:43 AM Iowa City Council Increasing Police in Budget Our neighbors have commented that they feel safer seeing police cars driving through our neighborhood. University Heights is known for a tight police enforcement of traffic. Can't Iowa City be the same? With only 4 police on the west side, any one may be in court so we don't have real coverage. I asked if using our pin grant money towards increased police would send a message the neighborhoods care about more police. I was told to mail a letter instead, the funds would be minimal towards the real cost. So, here is my letter. Please increase the policeforce and fire department to help neighborhoods. If you need to reduce budget you could wait longer on the sewedine going down Abbey Lane. Or, ask people if they would be willing for a tax increase to pay for more fire and police protection. Judy Pfohl Ty/n Cae neighborhood