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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-06 Transcription#2 Page 1 ITEM 2 PROCLAMATIONS. a. Constitution Week: September 11-17, 2005 Lehman: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Shalla Wilson, representing the Pilgrim Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. (applause) Wilson: Members of the Council, on September 17, 1787, in Philadelphia, in Independence Hall, the U.S. Constitution was signed, fulfilling the promise that the Declaration of Independence had made eleven years prior. Today, myself and the members of Pilgrim Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, are very appreciative of the proclamation of September 17-23 as Constitution Week. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution was founded in 1890 by four women, two southern and two northern, when the Sons of the American Revolution rejected their application for membership. Their goal was to heal the terrible wounds still bleeding from the Civil War. The founders believed that a call to the common bond, the ancestor, who fought together in the Revolutionary War to liberate us and found our country would be a unifying and healing process. The objectives of the DAR are historic preservation, promotion of education, and patriotic endeavor. Pilgrim Chapter was chartered in 1898 in Iowa City, and has celebrated over 100 years of service to the community. Membership is open to interested individuals who want to trace their lineage to a revolutionary ancestor. We welcome interested individuals at our meetings, and we ask that you hang these posters in the City Hall somewhere to celebrate Constitution Week. Thank you. (applause) Lehman: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #2 Page 2 ITEM 2 PROCLAMATIONS. b. National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month - September 2005 Lehman: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here representing the College of Public Health is Dana Figlock. (applause) Figlock: Good evening. Thank you for having me here this evening and for accepting this proclamation. As you read, National Recovery Month is a national initiative to raise awareness that, number one, addiction can be identified and that they are treatable, and that those people can then recover and go on to lead meaningful lives and contribute to their communities. We have many events going on for Iowa City this month. Mostly advertisements, some displays, perhaps a few radio spots, so perhaps you'll see those, and I encourage you, and also to encourage other people, to reach out to those with addictions and also to celebrate those that are currently in recovery. Thank you. (applause) Lehman: Thank you. This represeats only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. //3 Page 3 ITEM 3 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Champion: Move adoption. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion; seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Karr: Mr. Mayor, you do have somebody here who would like to talk about it. An item on the Consent Calendar. Zumwalt: Good evening, Council Members. I'm Gordon Zumwalt. I reside at 1010 Scott Park Drive here in Iowa City. This concerns our veterans, mainly our World War II veterans, our seniors, our other seniors, and our handicapped residents at the Regency Heights apartments. We are landlocked, as far as about half of us, to be out and go out and see the entertainment that you folks in Iowa City have given us, made available for us, because we cannot get to the bus stop. The bus stop that is available is about 200 feet away from our door, but it's across Scott Boulevard. I am not handicapped, 83-years-old handicapped maybe (laughter), but I cannot get across that street without shuttering sometimes. If the people have a walker or a cane, forget it! They won't go near it, and we can't get out to the entertainment, like I say, to your ball games or anything in the afternoon or evening. Some of us can't drive, I for one cannot drive after sundown, and this is when you have your movies and all this, and we have to go and have a member of the family or a friend take us somewhere where we want to go, and we are losing our independence by doing that. So, we've asked to do this. Rather than a 4-way stop sign that says on the form there, we would like to have temporarily a crosswalk sign, exactly what you have back of the V.A., at that bus stop. I go to the V.A. three days a week and it does a tremendous job there to get us across the street, and some of us are walkers, some are regular, and all that, but they come around the curve, they see the sign, and when somebody, and I found out myself, all you have to do is be on that curb, and those cars stop. The other day, I was being a nice fella, I motioned for the guy to go around. He said, "Uh-huh, you go across." So, and this is what we want to get. Something that we can, there's still some nice weather, that we can get out and enjoy what you folks have to offer here in Iowa City for us, and then this would be suffice until you have a bus route schedule made up, and just to show you how these people, the apartment, want this, they will even put up the money to buy the post and the concrete to put the post in the ground. All you need to do is give us the sign and give us the labor, and we'll appreciate all the rest of it, and in closing, I want to thank all of you and the City of Iowa City for what you have made available for us This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #3 Page 4 that we can go to, and the residents of the Regency Heights Apartments and the surrounding residents, we thank you. Good night. Champion: Where is that bus stop? Lehman: Bus stop... Atkins: Scott and Washington. Champion: Scott and Washington? Lehman: Are there sidewalks on the .... east side? (several talking at once) Vanderhoef: No, no, they are not there. Atkins: Yeah, I don't believe they are, and we will prepare something in response to Mr. Zumwalt. Lehman: Okay, we're going to check into it. Elliott: Steve? Just...Mr. Zumwalt was talking about one location. I'm on a committee that meets regularly at the University College of Medicine Administration Building, and on that street there is a hump, not a bump, and brightly painted crosswalk, and the cars coming by there are extremely conscious of that, and if you're anywhere near the street, they stop, and it might be something to look at also there. Atkins: Sure you want a speed hump on Scott Boulevard? Lehman: No, We can't do that. Elliott: No, but it just shows the type of thing that happens. How it's designed. Atkins: We owe Mr. Zumwalt and answer and we'll get it for him. Lehman: Thank you. Bailey: Can we move quickly enough on this that it can be at our next work session? Atkins: Oh sure. O'Donnell: I would like to have it there also. Champion: 'Cause there's a lot of people interested in doing something there. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #3 Page 5 Bailey: Right. While the weather is still nice, let's get this going. Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #4 Page 6 ITEM 4 COMMUNITY COMMENT(ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). (UNTIL 8 PM) Lehman: If you wish to address the Council, please sign in, give your name, and limit your comments to five minutes or less, but to start tonight, we're going to take the City Manager's report first. So Steve? Atkins: Mid-afternoon today I participated in a conference call with Governor Vilsack and representatives of the ten largest cities in Iowa, and the purpose of this conference call was to have the Governor outline the mechanisms for coordination of the State and, in this case, localities providing assistance to those suffering from Hurricane Katrina and everything associated with it. The State of Iowa has pledged that we can receive in our state up to 5,000 people, and the Governor explained to us a procedure, and I'd like to take just a moment or two and kind of walk you through it, because there are some important elements of this procedure that affect our community, and particularly those that are anxious to provide support. It is expected that evacuees from New Orleans and the surrounding communities would be flown to Des Moines. In effect, as the Governor said, they may come in waves, about 300 at a time. Upon arrival, they will go through a security check, because also it was pointed out to the Governor most of the folks that are taking advantage of this are without identification, no Social Security cards, birth records are lost, and we need to establish some sort of an identification with the folks in order for them to secure the assistance. The Fairgrounds is being readied in the form of providing space and some reasonable comforts for folks. The Red Cross will be helping with providing money, staples, the general kind of things that folks might need. After the arrival, it is expected that they will seek housing throughout the state, and we are to inform the State of any availability we may have in housing. They are encouraging the cities to be able to provide information on vacant housing; they are not encouraging at this time for folks to simply say "I will sponsor someone or take someone in." Apparently, to date, there have been about 40 of the evacuees have arrived in Iowa through some church sponsorship, and are being settled in the state. The concern, and the desire, for us to be able to provide vacant housing opportunities is that there is no real way to predict just how long these folks might be here. The Governor's words were "one month, three months, twelve months." We simply don't know. FEMA, Federal Emergency Management, provides an 18-month voucher to individuals and families to secure alternate housing. With that description, we were making the assumption that everything was going to begin occurring in the next couple days. I feel a little bit like Dan Rather, but I just had handed to me, because I checked on my email, apparently the evacuees are somewhat reluctant to leave Texas, at this point, and quite frankly, everything is on hold, and we will be preparing ourselves to accept these folks at some time in the future. Exactly when, and I think this simply This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #4 Page 7 demonstrates the importance of having a coordinated effort, as you begin to make a move and then things can change dramatically, but the Governor's office did point out a couple of critical issues, and hopefully, if the technology works, scrolling on the screen right now are some phone numbers for folks to take note of. The most important thing we can do right now is provision of cash, that is helping the Red Cross, and you may do so by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. That is the single most important thing we can do is providing the financial support. Please do not send goods to the affected areas. At least not now. We have army and guard troops that are providing provisions for folks that are still there. If you wish to donate something, we have something called the Iowa Concern Hotline, and again, the Governor's office, through the Governor, encourages the use of this number. If you have something you wish to send, make your contact at 1-800-447-1985. If you have a truckload of this or a truckload of that, hold on to it for the time being. Quite frankly, they're just simply not equipped to begin taking miscellaneous items coming from a variety of directions. It is the understanding of the Governor's office that they will be setting up a national repository somewhere in this New Orleans area where all of these goods can be trucked to and distributed out of one point. That has not been done yet. There are also folks who would like to post information about a variety of subjects, and that's also been accommodated. It's called webmaster~HLSEM.state.ia, us. That's the most recent information we have. As far as the City's role right now, we're being asked for information on vacant housing. We will provide that to the State. We also encourage...we were encouraged to be respectful of the folks. They do need some sense of privacy. Their lives have been played out in front of everybody and the cameras. The Governor had indicated that the folks that will come into the Fairgrounds are going to be under some reasonably strict rules and regulations, with respect to access by the public. We need to get these folks comfortable, provide the basic care, and then the various cities will hopefully be able to identify, and in our case, it's going to be mostly through the private market. We are already aware of some apartment owners who have provided housing. We would encourage them to call that Iowa Concern Hotline if there's something you wish to provide. Again, with the .... again, just at 6:00 this evening, there's really not much more we can do right now. Try to answer some of your basic questions for you, but Governor very clearly said, "We will have a coordinated effort on the part of Iowa." Elliott: Steve, initially the report I heard indicated that Iowa was one of those states to whom would be receptive of people who have connections, friends, relatives. Would this group you're talking about, would that be inclusive of that group, or in addition? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. Page 8 Atkins: No it would not. This would be in addition to .... these are folks that they intend to fly here, do the security check on them after they've arrived. Traditionally when you're getting on an airplane it's...so they can work with them and establish identification the best they can so they have some I.D. available to them. There are vouchers provided; there's a variety of resources being made available. It's just, everybody has to take a deep breath, and we're trying to do this in a coordinated fashion. The Governor had indicated that he talked to the governors of the surrounding states, and their efforts are going to be, as I understand it, substantially the same as ours. Bailey: Have you talked to the .... I mean, potentially this could also have an impact on the school district if people come with families. Atkins: Yeah, I placed a call to Lane. Did not get to talk to him. I did talk to Kay, his administrative assistant, and apparently they have registered kids already. Or, there are folks in town, and that's being done, as the Governor indicated, short of immunizations, which they're...that are important, they're waiving many of the reporting, recordkeeping requirements, to get these kids in school. Bailey: But, potentially, the kids .... I mean, will have specific needs around the trauma they've been through, so I think as a community we need to be aware of that and move in that direction so we can help them in that way, as well as their schooling. Atkins: Shelters the most important thing right now. Bailey: Right now. Atkins: Yeah. Okay, folks? Lehman: Thank you, Steve. Atkins: Okay, if you don't mind, excuse myself, I suspect you may have a question and we'll do it outside. Thanks. Lehman: Okay. Any other public comment? Helms: Good evening, my name is Walter Helms. I'm...I live at 330 Beldon Avenue, and I'm also the pastor at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, and I come tonight speaking on behalf of Citizens for Public Power, and urging a "yes" vote on the referendum that is to be voted on November 8th. Reason I became involved with this issue is four years ago I heard about the possibility of lower utility rates for our community. Our community, and many others, contribute to what is known as a "common fund" This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #4 Page 9 through the Consultation of Religious Communities, and many of the requests for the poor, from the poor, for assistance, are in regard to utility bills that they might be able to pay their electric bill. Certainly lower rates would benefit the poor, but also all citizens of Iowa City. It's been demonstrated that municipal utilities significantly offer lower rates than corporate power companies, and so with that possibility, we as a citizen's group, began a very grassroots, and a very low-funded effort, to bring this forward to the citizens, and we are coming to the November 8th ballot. I would encourage the citizens of Iowa City to consider a "yes" vote as being keeping the door open to exploring more seriously the feasibility and the possibility for public power being the way that Iowa City might serve its citizens, and I think that if we continue to explore that in that serious way that we will find the promises that we are trying to make can be realized. So, I thank you for your time and consideration. Lehman: Thank you. Malatek: Good evening. We are a group of youths... Lehman: You need to give us your names first. Malatek: Oh, I'm sorry. It's on there too. My name is Danielle Malatek. Subramanian: I'm Subha Subramanian. Lucas: I'm Johanna Lucas. Lehman: Thank you. Malatek: Okay. We are a group of youths who want to make a difference in our community. We are here to propose our idea of a Youth Advisory Commission for the Iowa City City Council. We ask that you take what we are about to say into careful consideration. We believe that the Commission should serve two main purposes. First, the Commission should promote the awareness and understanding of the community, and second, the Commission would enable a select group of youth to help make decisions concerning them and their peers. Today youth aspire to be influential members of their society. Forming a Youth Advisory Commission would allow youth to be involved in important issues that Iowa City faces today. It would also enable youth to utilize and expand on his or her leadership abilities. The Commission would also serve as a communication tool between youth and adults in Iowa City. This would create a bridge whereon youth and adults can develop partnerships. Youth have many ideas that they would like to express, and we believe that this formulation is the ideal way for youth to express their concerns and opinions on issues that concern Iowa City today. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #4 Page 10 Subramanian: We're proposing that the Commission have six members from the ages of 15 to 21, and the seats will be highly selective, meaning that this would guarantee productive youth on the Commission. Two of the six seats will be available to members over the age of 18, and the members will serve 2- year terms, two of the six...sorry. However, for the initial Commission, youth will apply in a staggered type of application or term process, rather. In addition, in order for the Commission to achieve success, we hope that the Iowa City City Council will be able to allow two of their Council Members to serve as liaisons for the Commission. We propose that youth interested in serving on the Commission should be able to complete an application, which would be given to the liaisons for review. The liaisons would interview the top applicants, based on the City's applications, and following the interviews, the liaisons would inform the City Council of their recommendations and the City Council would vote on applicants. Thus, this process would insure that only the most fitting youth serve on the youth Commission. Lucas: We strongly believe that this is a very worthwhile opportunity for the community, and it will immensely benefit Iowa City. Many youth see members of the City Council as role models. So, we ask that you give youth a chance to be involved and to learn and help our City become the best community it can be. Thank you for your time. Lehman: Thank you. O'Donnell: Very well done. Bailey: Motion to accept correspondence. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Bailey: I would like to just add this item to our October 3rd discussion about Boards and Commissions, if that's agreeable to the rest of you? O'Donnell: I agree. Lehman: Yeah, okay. Bailey: Great. Kresowik: Hello again, my name's Mark Kresowik. I'm the President of the Student Government. I'd actually like to start today by addressing, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #4 Page 11 acknowledging, my support for this endeavor. It's wonderful to see young people get involved, and I can't say how happy I am that I actually know a couple of them over there, and just think it's a fantastic idea. You should definitely consider it strongly. I've actually spent some of the summer traveling around to other communities, talking about the importance of getting young people involved, and it's just a fantastic idea. So, if I can figure out how to get this sticker offI'll get started. (laughter) There we go. I keep thinking I'm going to learn something if I actually go to class one of these days. (laughter) Anyways, I'm also here tonight to invite all of you, actually, to an event that the Student Government at the University of Iowa and the UI Greek community is going to throw. On October 21st, it's a Friday night, from 7 to 10 PM. It will be at the Sheraton ballroom, right here in Iowa City, and basically it's called the "town gown social," and our goal with this, it's going to be an evening of socializing, education, entertainment, a little bit of everything, and the chance for the community and the students to interact. And we're actually inviting all of you personally, as well as the rest of the community today, to come to this event. The reason is just to give those students and the community a chance to get to know each other, make some relationships, meet, and just talk about whatever it is, be it the local jazz scene to community issues, doesn't really matter, but just give people a chance to meet, and give you a chance to be visible with the students, as well, in kind of an informal setting. Dave Zollo is going to be playing. This is all free, so anybody who likes Dave Zollo. I know I do. You can come down and see a free Dave Zollo performance, and as well we'll hope we have some community organizations there, tabling, providing information about activities in Iowa City, things to do. A brief little program from UI student leaders and community leaders, hopefully, and that's pretty much going to be it. And, and dessert, of course (laughter). Can never miss dessert or something like that. So, just wanted to let you know. Get you all hopefully to be there on Friday, October 21st, from 7 to 10 PM in the Sheraton ballroom. And I'll give you a little invite here. This is from me, Mark Kresowik and Ryan Cloverdance who's the President of the Inter- Fraternity Council. So... Champion: Great! Kresowik: We'll hope to see everybody there, and everybody who's watching too. Hopefully you'll all come down too. Thanks. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. O'Donnell: So moved. Bailey: So moved. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. //4 Page 12 Lehman: We have a motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Lagios: Good evening, City Council. My name is Peter Lagios and I'm a part- time amateur video producer at Public Access Television, and I would like to talk to you about the upcoming terms agreement with Public Access TV Incorporated. Lehman: That is on the agenda later this evening, is it not? Oh, it is not. Oh I'm sorry, go ahead. Lagios: Okay, I...the subject I want to bring up about it is that for the most part, I think that the people and the folks down at Public Access TV are doing a really fine job of providing television and telecommunication services to the public. One of the issues though that I wanted to bring up was that I'm a little bit cautious about...I've heard that it's been suggested that there may be a really lengthy contract to be signed with these folks, possibly as high as ten years, not the Mediacom funds, but with this particular provider, Public Access TV, and I'm a little, I want to come to the Council here to say that I'm a little bit cautious about granting a, one particular company, since Public Access TV is a private corporation, that is contracted with the City to be the provider. I want to caution that I'm a little bit hesitant about granting this one particular corporation and group of people and a considerably lengthy time period, like a contract. I've heard that three years is the amount now, and then they have to be reviewed again, and somewhere, I don't know if this is true or not, but I heard that it could be signed for up to ten years, and the reason I feel that this should, this lengthy contract should not be signed is because I think there isn't enough accountability if one particular company is granted the exclusive rights to be the provider for such an exceptional period of time. I think that two or three year periods with review would give more of an accountability to the people to in fact provide, to do what they're supposed to do. I have a copy of the budget that says that 78% of their funding comes from the city, the people, the taxpayer's money, so it's over three- quarters of it are funded by the people; therefore, I think getting anybody ten year, fifteen year, something like that, would be a bad idea. So that's all I wanted to say. Lehman: Thank you. Lagios: Thank you. Lehman: Any other public comment? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #7 Page 13 ITEM 7 APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DUPLEX HOME UNDER THE AFFORDABLE DREAM HOME OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS. a. PUBLIC HEARING Lehman: Public heating is open. Public heating is closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Bailey: Move adoption of the resolution. Champion: Second. Lehman: Moved by Bailey; seconded by Champion. Discussion? Vanderhoef: Just for public information, these homes are going to be 3-bedroom homes and sell for $110,000. So, they are getting quite a bit of space for the price, and certainly in a good location for these. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #9 Page 14 ITEM 9 CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 9, ENTITLED "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," CHAPTER 3, ENTITLED "RULES OF THE ROAD," SECTION 6, ENTITLED SPEED RESTRICTIONS," SUBSECTION B, ENTITLED "EXCEPTIONS" TO ESTABLISH THE SPEED LIMIT ON COURT STREET EAST OF ITS INTERSECTION WITH LINDEMANN DRIVE. (PASS AND ADOPT) Wilbum: Move adoption of the ordinance. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: We have...is this, just a moment. Karr: The last sentence should have been struck. This is final. You collapsed the first and... Lehman: Okay, do we have a motion, I'm sorry. Wilburn moved, and O'Donnell seconded. Okay. Discussion? Roll call. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #12 Page 15 ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGETED POSITIONS IN THE HOUSING INSPECTION DIVISION OF THE HOUSING AND INSPECTION SERVICES DEPARTMENT BY THE REDUCTION OF ONE FULL-TIME HOUSING INSPECTOR POSITION TO A PART-TIME (.5) POSITION AND THE ADDITION OF ONE PART-TIME (.63) HOUSING INSPECTION ASSISTANT POSITION AND AMENDING THE AFSCME PAY PLAN BY THE ADDITION OF THE POSITION OF HOUSING INSPECTION ASSISTANT. Lehman: Now, did anybody understand what I just read? Champion: No. Bailey: Move adoption of the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Bailey; seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Vanderhoef: Could you give us a little background on what happened, why we're having two half-times here? Atkins: Primarily, here comes Doug, well primarily it's just a review (can't hear). Lehman: It was easier than hiring a. 13 time... Atkins: Well, that was part of it, and again, it was substantially a division of the work. Our, with the approval of the housing fee change, we needed extra staff time devoted because the number of units for housing, and our zoning complaints have, well, we do about a hundred a month. Probably a few years ago, we were doing half that. It's just where we can turn our attention to. I can't say that two years from now, we may come back and pose it go another direction. It meets our work load right now. Okay, Doug? (not at microphone) Lehman: Okay, any other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #13 Page 16 ITEM 13 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND FOUR OAKS FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES FOR OPERATION OF A CHILD CARE CENTER AT 1516 SHERIDAN AVENUE. Champion: Move the resolution. Lehman: Moved by Champion. Elliott: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Elliott. Discussion? Wilbum: I believe I have a conflict of interest with this. It involves Community Development Block Grant Funds. Is that correct? Lehman: Correct, I think so. Wilbum: I will be not participating in this because of a conflict of interest, due to the fact that I work for an organization that receives Community Development Block Grant Funds. Vanderhoef: Can someone tell me whether this home had any renovations up to this point? Atkins: I thought it had. Steve, you probably... Nasby: The... when it was purchased by Eagle's Flight, some of the CDBG money that was put in the project was used for renovation, so it is completely up to code and meets the DHS requirements for a child care. Vanderhoef: And how many can we house in there? Nasby: I believe the license is for 30 or 35. Vanderhoef: And the neighbors are all okay? Nasby: Well, the property was a daycare center before that, it's been that way for years. So, it was grandfathered in as a use in that neighborhood, and the house is significantly in better condition than at the time it was acquired. So, the Four Oaks folks will not be using it to the fullest capacity, so hopefully (can't hear) little more neighbor friendly. Champion: It's a very needed service. (TAPE ENDS) Terrific actually. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #13 Page 17 Vanderhoef: For people who don't know that neighborhood, I used to live in that neighborhood, almost directly back yards to this property. So, it's walkable without crossing but one short street from the school, so after school activities certainly young children can walk over there. Lehman: Any other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #14 Page 18 ITEM 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGETED POSITIONS AT THE LIBRARY BY DELETING ONE OFFICE MANAGER - LIBRARY POSITION AND ADDING ONE ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR - LIBRARY POSITION. Bailey: Move adoption of the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Bailey; seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Elliott: I just commend the Library for doing this. I think this is the routine thing that you do when a position comes available, but often times it doesn't get done, and that's to evaluate the position in conjunction with how it fits with the organization to see if changes are appropriate, and apparently at this time this change is appropriate. I like it. Lehman: Any other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #15 Page 19 ITEM 15 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING LOCAL FUNDING FOR LOPAREX INC. RELATED TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACT AS CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND SUBMIT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION TO THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND/OR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. Champion: Move the resolution. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion; seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Bailey: I just want to point out that the recommendation from the Economic Development Committee is $75,000 in City assistance. It's going to be in the form of a 3-year forgivable loan, and this will allow the creation and retention of 15 high-paying jobs with benefits, and it's a $6.32 million project, and City funds will be secured through the compliance period, and we decided to make this contingent upon Loparex being awarded CEBA funding from the state of Iowa. Do you have anything to add, Bob? Elliott: Said perfectly. Bailey: Thank you very much. Lehman: Something you said in about 15 seconds, but we couldn't say in a half an hour earlier today. Bailey: (can't hear) after we said it so many times this afternoon. (laughter) Lehman: Discussion on the part of Council? Vanderhoefi And it's true we're not clear at this point whether this will be from CDBG Economic Development Funds or whether it will be from the City Economic Development Fund? Lehman: That's correct. Vanderhoef: Uh-huh, just so it's clear that it's one or the other. Bailey: We could do a mix. Lehman: I think it will boil down to whether or not it will qualify for CDBG. It may not qualify, but I think we're very fortunate to have a corporate This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. # 15 Page 20 citizen, such as Loparex, and I believe, if we read our packets, the average wage of these new jobs if $19.50 an hour. The benefits are great. These ~ are good corporate citizens, and I'm really pleased that we've been asked, and we're able to, assist them. Any other discussion? O'Donnell: Well said. Lehman: Roll call. Dilkes: I'm looking at the resolution right now. Steve, is it necessary to amend it to make it contingent upon the .... so we need a motion... Bailey: I move to amend it to make it contingent upon the State's awarding of CEBA funding. Elliott: Second. Lehman: Do we also need that amendment to include the terms that you... Bailey: Do we need that, those terms, as well? Lehman: I think we do need an amendment. Her statement as to the length of time, that it's a grant rather than a loan, that it's dependent on funding. Bailey: The 3-year forgivable loan. Do we need those terms? Dilkes: Go ahead and add them. Lehman: Yeah, the motion made by you was an amendment, was it not? Bailey: It was. Lehman: We have a motion... Bailey: My discussion items were amended. Lehman: Yes. (several talking at once) Just trying to figure out how Marian is going to look at this when she does the record. We honestly really do need two motions. One, a motion to approve... Karr: You already have a motion on the floor, and we have a motion to amend. So, we... Lehman: Can we assume that the motion, the comment was the amendment? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #15 Page 21 Karr: We have a move by Bailey, seconded by Elliott to amend. So, if we have a motion to amend, we can vote on the main motion. (several talking at once) Lehman: We have a motion for the resolution, and now we have a motion to amend by Bailey, and second by Elliott. Now... Dilkes: We need to vote on the amendment. Lehman: All in favor of the amendment, say "aye." Thank you. Okay, now discussion on the motion as amended. Roll call. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #16 Page 22 ITEM 16 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR COMMUNITY ECONOMIC BETTERMENT ACCOUNT (CEBA) FUNDS TO ASSIST LOPAREX INC. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef; seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? This is an effort on the part of the City, on behalf of Loparex, to the State of Iowa, which indicates our support for these folks. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #17 Page 23 ITEM 17 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION CONCERNING MEDIACOM COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION'S 2005 UPDATING OF RATES FOR BASIC CABLE SERVICES. (DEFERRED FROM 8/16) Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoe£ Champion: Second. Lehman: Thank you; seconded by Champion. Champion: Painful second. Lehman: Discussion? (laughter) O'Donnell: I really...I know there's nothing we can do on this. Everything that can be done, has been done, but I really believe that when we negotiate, you need a lower tier and a medium tier and an upper tier. Not just a lower tier and an upper tier. I'm going to vote for this because I believe we've negotiated to the best of our ability, and within our guidances, and just troubles me to vote for this, but I'm going to vote for it. Bailey: Mike, I suggest that the something you can do is join me in voting "no" against this, because we don't necessarily have to raise rates, even though there's...they seem to meet all the formulas, but we all know that sometimes meeting the formulas isn't necessarily the right thing. Elliott: I will be joining you. Bailey: Thank you, Bob. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 5 to 2; Elliott and Bailey voting in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #21 Page 24 ITEM 21 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Elliott: A couple of items - people are perhaps tired of hearing about it, but I think that which we have witnessed in our Nation over the past few days, you need to take, give it a lot of thought. I think there's plenty of blame to go around, local, state, national. I think the thing now is to get to work and try to help the people who need help. In talking about that, Russ Gerdin and Heartland Express here in Iowa City is offering him, will send, has sent, a million dollars. Those are the kinds of things I think we can be proud of. Nationally, Wal-Mart is putting up, it says here $20 million in cash, 1,500 truck loads of merchandise, offering jobs to those who have lost their jobs, those are just a couple of things that have happened locally and nationally, and what we saw on TV, these kinds of situations clearly illustrate that at times like this, it brings out the absolute best and the absolute worst in human nature, and I hope that we can learn from it. Champion: Well said. I have a little thing about alleys again, but it's a different concern of mine, and we talked about this about a year ago at a work session about the parking behind the Englert Theater exits. I think it's important that we look at those, or have the Fire Chief look at those. I think there should absolutely be no parking behind that building in a tow- away zone because even though the exit is what do you call it? Recessed, if there is a van or a car parked in front of that exit, people would have to climb over the car to get out, and in case of a fire, we could have our own disaster here, and I think we should look at that very carefully. There should be absolutely no parking and cars should be towed if they're parked there. I mean, that's my personal feeling. Lehman: I agree, Connie. Bailey: I agree with that. Champion: That was easy. You all agree with me? Elliott: Even I agree with you! Champion: Thank you! Lehman: That is, boy I tell you, if the back door was locked and there was a fire (several talking at once). Bailey: Alley parking is a problem. Vanderhoefi ...is aproblem. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #21 Page 25 O'Donnell: Well, we've brought up before removing parking from alleys downtown, except for loading vehicles, and ! think that's the way it should be. Vanderhoef: Well, the loading part needs to have equally the same amount of signage as vehicles that are in the loading zones. So, if it's a business that has a receiving room in the rear, and they are actively unloading to that business, so that there is someone right there that can move that vehicle, that's one thing. But when it's a one-person vehicle who says 'I have to run in some place,' and they don't have to use it for shopping and other purposes. O'Donnell: ! thought that's what I had just said. (laughter) Okay, will not allow passenger cars, but loading trucks are okay. Vanderhoef: Well, with the signage. There are some cars that unload, like office supplies and so forth, that if they've got the proper signage that says... Lehman: You have anything else? (laughter) O'Donnell: I want to follow up on what Bob said here a little bit. It's time to get on the wagon and help those folks who had very little and now have nothing. We can affix blame afterwards, but it is time to get aboard and help these people. That's all I had. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoef: I have something that is a real positive in our county, even, and it's something that the City has done for a long time, which is housing rehabilitation, and making either grants or loans available for people to keep their own personal homes in good repair, and there are housing grants available through our regional council of government and I thought I would just swing down through and earmark the cities in our county and the houses that they have rehabbed just in this past funding and construction season. Lone Tree, matched with only $8,000; they got $320,000 of federal money for rehabbing 8 homes. They've been so frugal with it, they're doing a ninth home. These others have similar kind of, very small amount of match, for small towns and they leverage these big federal dollars. So not only did Lone Tree do this, Wellman has rehabbed 13 houses; Solon has rehabbed 8 houses; Johnson County has gone through the federal loan bank process and they have done 20 houses, and they are reapplying for another one of those federal grants to do more rehab. So, when we think about the housing stock in Iowa City, we certainly want to keep it up; however, we want to acknowledge our neighbors who are doing the same thing because we've got a lot of people who need these houses. So, thank you to all the people in Johnson County, and Ross for giving us the minutes from ECICOG. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005. #21 Page 26 Wilburn: You bet. I have two items tonight, but first, being related to the hurricane relief, I also want to thank the public, the community response, and it's been tremendous, from people going down and volunteering, to people collecting goods, items, water, etc. I want to emphasize the importance of if you're able and have the ability, to donate cash to national organizations such as the American Red Cross who can both provide assistance on site down in the south in the affected areas, but also locally for people who have already been arriving and support, and you know, arriving with basically the clothes on their back. So, cash if you're able (can't hear) tremendous amount of flexibility and planning to occur, so thank you, City Manager, for your comments related to that. Secondly, I want to thank the four young folks who showed up, talking to us about the possibility of a youth commission. I've seen, and well, Dee, all of us have seen groups, communities around the country, that have youth commissions who do a variety of work related to parks and rec type things to actually overseeing funding being distributed, so I think the range of possibilities for young people to have an impact on the development in our community is critical, and as a by-product of that involvement, we get young people, such as those who showed up tonight, who get experience with planning and interest in their own community. So, thank you, again, for your work. Bailey: I want to echo that thank you and thanks for your hard work on the development of this proposal. I look forward to discussing it. I also want to talk a little bit about the hurricane and commend the University of Iowa Hospitals for their rapid response to it, and also our own United Way has adopted a sister city United Way in South Baldwin County. It's in Foley, Alabama, and if you have items or want to contribute to our sister city United Way, you should contact the United Way of Johnson County at their web site, www.unitedwavjc.org~ or you can give them a call to see what you can do, and I think that this was a really nice leadership move. Many of those communities aren't yet prepared to accept anything, as the City Manager said, but this community apparently, the director of the United Way has secured warehouse space and has called around the country, so they are prepared to accept help, and organize, so I think this is a nice connection that we can make for people who are affected by this hurricane. Lehman: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of September 6, 2005.