HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-09-15 Info Packet-,%_-.-S~:_~=~ CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org September 15, 2005
19 WORK SESSION ITEMS
SEPTEMBER
IP1 City Council Meetings and Work Session Agendas
IP2 Memorandum from the Community and Economic Development Coordinator: Presentation
on Tax Increment Financing
IP3 Memorandum from the City Manager: Budget Review
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
IP4 Memorandum from the City Manager: Hurricane Katrina-Relief Efforts
IP5 Letter from the City Manager to Citizens regarding noise complaints at the First Avenue
Club
IP6 Memorandum from the Senior Civil Engineer to the Director of Public Works: MS4
Stormwater Permit
IP7 Memorandum from the Civil Engineer to the Public Works Director and City Engineer:
Cardinal Ridge-Sanitary Sewer Connections
IP8 Memorandum from the Director of Traffic Engineering Planning to the City Manager: Update
on intersection of Scott Boulevard and Scott Park Drive
IP9 Memorandum from the JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner to the City Manager:
Update on City of Iowa City curbside recycling and refuse services
IP10 Memorandum from the JCCOG Solid Waste Management Planner: Postcards from Iowa
City and Coralville Public Libraries
IPll Email from Laron Jensen to the JCCOG Executive Director: Traffic lane markings needed
at Riverside/Burlington/Grand [Staff response included]
IP12 Agenda: Economic Development Committee September 20, 2005
I PRELIMINARY/DRAFT MINUTES
IP13 Parks and Recreation Commission: August 25, 2005
IP14 Planning and Zoning Commission: September 1, 2005
IP15 Police Citizens Review Board: September 13, 2005
September 15, 2005 Information Packet (continuedI 2
IP16 Economic Development Committee: September 6, 2005
IP17 Public Art Advisory Committee: September 1, 2005
City Council Meeting Schedule and
CITY OF IOWA CITY Work Session Agendas September 15, 2005
www.icgov.org
· MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Formal Council Meeting (Separate Agenda Posted)
· Executive Session
Council Work Session
· Planning and Zoning Items
· Development Code/Presentation by P&Z Chair (agenda item 4a)
· TIF Report Update
· Budget Review
· Council Appointments
· Agenda Items
· Council Time
· TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
I TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
· MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session (zoning code)
· TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Work Session (zoning code)
· MONDAY, OCTOBER 3 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
· WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Special Formal (public hearing zoning code)
· MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 Emma J. Harvat Hall
TBA Special Work Session or Formal (zoning code)
· MONDAY, OCTOBER 17 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Council Work Session
· TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18 Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00p Regular Formal Council Meeting
· WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 North Liberty
TBA Joint Meeting
IP2
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 14, 2005
TO.' City Council
City Manager (~
FROI~: Steven Nasby, Community and Economic Development Coordinator
RE-' Presentation on Tax Increment Financing
The City Council Economic Development Committee requested that staff prepare a brief
presentation on the use of Tax increment Financing CT[F). This presentation will provide
data on the iowa City -I'[F projects and how the use of T[F in iowa City compares to other
communities in Johnson County.
Staff is scheduling approximately :[5 minutes for this item on the City Council's September
:[9 work session. If you have any questions, please contact me at 356-5248 or via e-mail at
Steven-Nasby@iowa-city.orq.
Cc: Karin Franklin, Director of Planning and Community Development
Date: September 14, 2005
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Budget Review -Work Session of Monday, September 19
Scheduled for our continued discussions is an item on the Monday, September 19 work session
agenda to provide an opportunity to review the budget and establish goals, interests, etc. While
the work session does have a reaSonably busy agenda, I believe we could devote one hour to
this continuing discussion, and will plan to do so accordingly.
mgdmem/budgetreview9-19.doc
Date: September 13, 2005
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Hurricane Katrina - Relief Efforts
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide you with an update of the activities and general
efforts on the part of area human service agencies, local governments, etc. in response to the
needs of hurricane evacuees arriving in the Iowa City area.
Generally speaking, we have found those arriving in the Iowa City area have relatives and/or
friends in the area who are accommodating their immediate needs. There are other support
services available, and the United Way of Johnson County, in particular, has organized an effort
to provide human services as needed. I recently attended a meeting of the agency heads of the
United Way and found they were well-organized. They have indicated an interest in providing
case management approach for evacuees.
Our Housing Authority has also been in involved in providing housing and directing evacuees to
support services. We are able to direct individuals to properties of private landlords who have
made their properties available. One of the more important efforts we undertake in counseling
these families is to encourage them to secure FEMA eligibility; that is, register for future
services provided and financed by FEMA. Workforce Development and unemployment
compensation eligibility is part of the review process undertaken by our Housing Authority staff.
Our web page, www. icgov, org, has a link whereby you can be provided with disaster assistance
information. We are keeping it updated.
mgr/mem/katrina-u pdate.doc
CITY OF IOWA CITY
September 13, 2005 41o East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
Avonell Rutherford (319) 356-~ooo
1920 E. Court St. (3~9) 3~6-so09 F^X
Iowa City, IA 52245 www.icgov.org
Dear Avonell:
Your correspondence as well as other letters and emails concerning the outdoor concert held at
the First Avenue Club have been directed to the City Council for their information. The
overriding theme appears to be the music was "too loud". The Department of Housing and
Inspection Services, as they do routinely, approved a temporary use for the outdoor concert as
well as the food and drink tents. There were a number of conditions placed upon this event. To
the best of our knowledge, the First Avenue Club did abide by all the conditions. I can only say
that in the future such events, particularly from the First Avenue Club, will need to be scrutinized
far more carefully given the number of complaints received.
Thank you for taking the time to write. I will be informing the management of the First Avenue
Club of our concerns, and our future review of concert activity will need to be far more stringent.
Sincerely,
Stephen J. Atkins
City Manager
This letter also sent to:
Amy Blessing
cc: City Council Liz Goodman
Dept. of HIS Ellen Lewin
Ned MendenhalI-First Ave Club Martha Ollivier
Chief of Police Patrick Owen
mgdltrs/firstave-concert.doc
Page 1 of 1
Steve Atkins
From: amy blessing [ablessing7@msn,com]
Sent: Sunday, September 04, 2005 8:28 PM
To: steve-atkins@iowa-city.org
Subject: outdoor "concerts" at '1 st Ave Club
I live on 5th Ave and Muscatine in Iowa City & for the past two evenings have had to listen to very
loud (not to mention bad) music coming from the 1st Avenue Club from about 6 pm 'til 9:30 - I
know I'm not the only person to register a complaint about this, as my neighbors report finding it
obnoxious, too. Why does the city allow this?
9/12/2005
Martha Ollivier
327 4th Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
September 7, 2005
Steve Adkins
City Manager
City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Sir:
Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 2005, an inordinate
amount of noise came from the First Avenue Club, 1550 South 1st Ave.
I live on the corner of 4th Ave. and Court Street, 1.2 miles from the
Club. There is no place in my hc~e whichwas not saturated with noise,
especially an incessant vibration and drun~ng whichwas physically
painful. Sunday evening, I called the police for help. I was told
that the Club had an amplified sound permit. Any difficulties I have
should be referred to the City Manager, who issues such perm/ts.
There should be some restrictions attached to sound permits. The
sound should be confined to the vacinity of the source of it. Residential
neighborhoods should not be subjected to levels of noise which are
painful to those with normal hearing, and even to some of my nighbors
who are hearing impaired.
Iowa City is rapidly becoming a playground for the young, the
inconsiderate, the irresponsible, and those who make a profit from such
behavior. Please find a way to keep their activities away from residential
areas. When issuing permits in the future, please take time to consider
the distance the sound will travel and the impact it w~lL have on the
residents of that area. Those of us who have lived in Iowa City for
many years and have found it a good, peaceful place to live should
not be asked to sacrifice our way of life to the behavior of those who
do not choose to be good neighbors.
Sincerely,
cc:Mayor and City Council
Page 1 of 1
Steve Atkins .
From: PATRICK OWEN [patowen@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, September 05, 2005 10:22 AM
To: steve-atkins@iowa-city.org
Subject: First Avenue open-air concerts _~,
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Red
Please could you explain to us how the First Avenue Club received a licence to hold open air
concerts in its parking lot this Labor Day weekend?
We live more than a mile away from the club, and the windows in our house were vibrating from
the excessive noise emanating from the enormous concert speakers. The concerts ruined our
evening activities--even indoors, we could hear the noise above the sound of our own television
or stereo system. So much for our relaxing holiday weekend!
! can only imagine how much worse it must have been for people who live closer to the club--
especially if they have children. My husband called the police both evenings to complain about the
noise. The response he received indicated that the police had received numerous such calls.
The club is located in the middle of a densely populated and quiet residential area. ]:t has no
proper facilities for outdoors entertainment. Did no-one in the council take this into account when
granting the licence? We're appalled that a large section of the !owa City community was
inconvenienced in this way, just so a relatively small group could attend the concert--and,
presumably, so that the club owner could make a tidy profit.
We'd be interested to know the city's criteria for granting licences for such open-air
performances. Does the First Avenue Club propose to hold further concerts in its parking lot? Tf it
does, we hope that the council will heed the complaints of the club's neighbors before deciding
whether to grant the licence.
Sincerely,
Pat and Tina Owen
9/12/2005
Avonell Rutherford
1920 E. Court St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
Steve Adkins, City Manager
City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Sir:
Last weekend we were inundated with noise from the First Avenue Club. It was
so loud that it sounded as if it was coming from next door. It took us two
evenings of walking around the neighborhood to £md the source, and we were
amazed to fmd it over a mile away. I am hearing impaired, but the noise was still
so loud that it was annoying even with my house closed up.
During our walks to fred the noise, we found many police cars patrolling the
area. We met several people who were also looking for the source of the noise.
They said they had called complaints to the police depmhnent. I am wondering
who pays for the added expense for the police department. With the increase in
cost of gasoline, it should be a concern to the city. Also, how many man hours
were spent patrolling and answering the telephone complaints.
Future pemfits should consider the volume of the noise, the distance it travels,
and the people who live in that area. Please think about these facts before issuing
permits that affect residential areas.
cc: Mayor and City Council
Sincerely,
Avonell Rutherford]5
City of Iowa City IP6
MEMORANDUM
TO: Rick Fosse ,- ¢/t~l
U
FROM: Brian Boelk ~ ~'6w}'v~
DATE: September 1, 2005
RE: MS4 Stormwater Permit
As of June 1, 2005, Iowa City has completed its' first year under the new NPDES MS4
Stormwater regulations. Our first annual report was submitted in May of this year. I have
received no comments back from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which is a
good sign according to the Storm Water Coordinator for the IDNR. This report included a 12-
page narrative on our program and how best management practices were met, as well as a 35-
page comprehensive appendix including various documentation, maps, and media.
Year 1 of this permit focused on stormwater public education and involvement. As a result, we
have sent out several educational mailings, as well as featured material on City busses and the
cable television channel. A new ordinance pertaining to illicit discharges was also developed and
approved through council.
The following are some of the major activities that took place in permit Year 1, meeting and
exceeding goals designated by the permit:
Illicit Discharge Prohibition Ordinance - Passed and adopted March 22, 2005
Community Cleanup Events - Three stream cleanups took place along Ralston Creek. Two were
completed in the residential areas of Creekside and Longfellow
Neighborhood. The third was a very successful event near the
downtown business district near the Burlington Street bridge. At
this cleanup, 25 volunteers from the University and general public
removed over 1.34 tons of material from Ralston Creek.
City Cable Television Spot - Following a cleanup event, City staff, and the lead University
student and professor, participated in an interview session with
Carol to be featured on the City Cable Television network.
Storm Drain Markers - We made great strides in labeling our storm sewer intakes, and that
progress continues to strengthen as Carol gathers more and more
volunteers.
Storm Sewer Mapping - Our surveyor and several summer interns have made great progress in
mapping the City's storm sewer system. We are approximately 2-3 years
ahead of schedule, and expect to be completed some time next year.
Iowa Stormwater Education Program - Iowa City has joined 21 other Iowa communities in this
program, that is intended to provide and share public
education material for our community. We have
currently used some of this material in mailings to the
public, and hope to use mom in the near future.
The following are a few of the major activities scheduled for the upcoming Year 2 of our permit:
Construction Site Runoff Control Ordinance - To be adopted by April 1, 2006, this ordinance will
require proper soil erosion and sediment control
on construction sites. Issues addressed will
include waste at construction sites that may cause
adverse impacts to water quality such as building
materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, solid
waste and sanitary waste.
Community Cleanup Events - An Iowa River cleanup is scheduled for September 2005, in
cooperation with the University of Iowa. Other cleanup events are
also being scheduled along several creeks and streams.
Storm Sewer Mapping - Hope to complete the mapping of the entire City storm sewer system.
Construction Site Review and Inspection Program - Create and implement a program requiring
site plan and pollution prevention plan review
and approval. In addition, implement a
standard inspection program for all
construction sites which fall under General
Permit no. 2.
Training Program for Municipal Employees - Develop an operations manual and program for
training municipal employees regarding practices to
be implemented in city operations to reduce
pollutants in storm water.
As shown above, we have been very busy trying to meet the new federal mandates. This requires
continued staff time and revenues will be needed. Funding for most of this work has come from
our new stormwater utility, and I plan to update you on the status of that utility as well in and
upcoming memo.
Cc: Ron Knoche
City of Iowa City IP7
MEMORANDU
DATE: September 14, 2005
TO: Rick Fosse, Ron Knoche
FROM: Ron Gaines
RE: Cardinal Ridge - Sanitary Sewer Connections
For you information, as stated in Section 3 Paragraph a of the Conditional
Zoning Agreement, an agreement has been reached regarding the location
of the sanitary sewer lines to be extended to the south property line. I have
worked with South Gate's consulting engineer, Scott Pottorff of MMS, to
finalize these locations. They are now illustrated on the Preliminary Plat.
Date: September 14, 2005
To: City Manager
From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Traffic Engineering Planning
Re: Update on intersection of Scott Boulevard and Scott Park Drive
The City Council received a petition from residents of the Regency Heights senior apartments
area, regarding the safety of pedestrians crossing Scott Boulevard at the Scott Park Drive
intersection to get to the bus stop on the west side of Scott Boulevard. Two petitions were
presented, one to establish an all-way stop at the Scott Boulevard/Scott Park Drive intersection,
and one to paint a pedestrian crosswalk at this intersection. You asked us to investigate this
matter.
We feel the suggestions outlined in the two petitions could result in a decrease in pedestrian
safety rather than improvement. Because police enforcement cannot be everywhere, it is
important that traffic control be established where there is voluntary compliance by the majority
of motorists. Because an all-way stop at this intersection would not meet the warrants of the
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, we would not expect vehicles on Scott Boulevard to
actually come to a stop if stop signs were erected. They would slow down but roll through the
intersection. This would trade one type of pedestrian hazard for another. Similarly, a federal
study showed that painting a marked crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection decreases
pedestrian safety, because pedestrians have a false sense of security that vehicles will stop,
when in fact they do not. Although we feel these two suggestions will not improve pedestrian
safety, we have attempted to evaluate if there are strategies which can improve pedestrian
safety at this intersection.
We investigated rerouting the Iowa City Transit bus so that the bus stop would be relocated to
the east side of Scott Boulevard. It does not appear that this is possible because of bus
schedule time constraints. We are currently assessing installation of a push button operated
overhead pedestrian signal at this location. Such a signal would operate so that a pedestrian
could push a button and call up a red signal on Scott Boulevard. The signal would stop traffic on
Scott Boulevard until the pedestrian had crossed. We have a signal like this at the intersection
of College Street (ped mall) and Clinton Street. We should have the results from this evaluation
in a couple of weeks.
Let me know if you have any questions.
cc: Anissa Williams
jccogadrn/mem/regency-signal.doc
. ', JCCu, u
Date: September 6, 2005 ~t~ rr[l~ memo
To: Steve Atkins, city...c..~,,M./anager
From: Brad Neumann4', ~*CCOG Solid Waste Management Planner
Re: Update on City of Iowa City curbside recycling and refuse services
In 1992 the City of Iowa City began a curbside recycling program that is now going into its
fourteenth year. In the first few years of the program residents were required to provide their
own recycling containers and separate items into paper bags for easy collection. The program
collected newsprint, clear glass, metal cans, #1 and #2 plastics, and cardboard and the
collection was every other week.
The program remained essentially the same until 1996 when the City Council, in order to
increase participation, decided to provide recycling containers and weekly recycling collection.
The City Council also provided incentives to recycle at the curb. The incentives included a unit
based pricing system (pay-per-bag) on garbage and a bulky item collection program.
A 1998 study showed that one third of the residential waste stream was still paper and
cardboard. After a survey indicated paper and magazine recycling was desired, in 2000 the City
purchased larger recycling trucks and added mixed paper and magazines to the curbside
recycling program. This required glass to no longer be collected at the curb. Glass was the
hardest to handle, had the fewest markets, and made up the smallest portion of the recycled
items being collected. The curbside collection program has remained the same for the past five
years.
As you can see in the table below, Iowa City's curbside recycling program has remained steady
over the past five years since the last change to the program. Refuse amounts have increased
by about 10% between FY01 and FY05. This increase is most likely due to an increase in the
number of curbside customers over the years.
FY01-03 IOWA CITY CURBSIDE RECYCLING AND REFUSE COLLECTION
- VOLUME IN TONS -
:~ !vewsPape~i: ~ ,, , ~ ~:~in PeS[ ~ec¥cijng:: RefUse
FY01 1,027 223 91 65 460 1,866 7,895
FY02 946 189 96 64 481 1,776 8,211 -
FY03 974 204 95 57 516 1,846 8,362
FY04 970 203 92 55 513 1,833 8,715
FY05 967 200 92 55 506 1,820 8,667
Curbside Recycling & Refuse Services
September 6, 2005
Page 2
Recently, a survey was sent to 1,000 residents in Iowa City asking questions regarding the
current recycling collection system and possible changes to the program. The survey results
indicated that most people are satisfied with the current program and would not likely increase
their participation if the City implemented a co-mingled system of collection. Co-mingled
recycling would allow residents to place the same items into their recycle bin without having to
separate each item into bags. In addition, there was not overwhelming support for increasing
rates in order to implement a co-mingled recycling program.
Based on the survey results, it was recommended that we continue the current curbside
recycling collection system but also continue to plan for an eventual change to a co-mingled
recycling collection program. Co-mingled recycling could create recycling opportunities for multi-
family dwellings and small businesses since the recyclables would be much easier and cheaper
to collect than sorted materials. We are also investigating enhancements to the drop site
recycling locations, particularly establishing more convenient in-town locations for some of the
landfill programs. This will not impact the curbside recycling program, but will affect overall
recycling rates.
Let me know if you have any questions.
cc: Jeff Davidson
Rick Fosse
Rodney Walls
jccogsw/memos/curbside.doc
Date: September 14, 2005
To: City Council
From: Brad Neuman~,-~COG Solid Waste Management Planner
Re: Postcards from Iowa City and Coralville Public Libraries
Attached you will find postcards from the Iowa City and Coralville Libraries thanking the
Iowa City Landfill and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) for
bringing their Summer Reading Program to both libraries. This year's program theme
was vermicomposting, or composting with worms. The program materials, including
worms and books, were paid for by the Iowa City Landfill and presented by Kristin Simon
of ECICOG. Kristin is the education coordinator for ECICOG and she provides a
Summer Reading Program to libraries in ECICOG's six-county region, including Johnson
County. All of the programs relate to recycling, waste reduction, or composting.
If anyone has any questions regarding the Summer Reading Program, please give me a
call at 356-5245.
Attachments
cc: Dave Elias
Rick Fosse
Jeff Davidson
jccogsw/mern/verrn.doc
Dear Council Members, :Iowa City Public Library, 3uly 14u'
~, c ',~ ~ d ~,.~ ~ Iowa CiW, CiW Council
~.,~a, ~ ~ ~.~ ~r~A~ c/o Dave Elias, WOrM
, .,~ . ,~~ %+~ ~ s Iowa Ci~ Landfill Supe~isor
c,,~5 c, ~v',~&~ m.~o~, 4366 Napoleon Street
~ ~; ~e~ ~ ~" ,~&', Iowa Ci~, IA 52240
Dear Council rvlembers,
..~,r~ar~.1 q'/'lr3 F~~'" ......................- ..... Coralville Public
~ ~, i~ ~ a~o ~ Iowa CiW, CiW Council
~ ~. C/O Dave Elias,
~e/~OZi~ ~p~~, Iowa Ci~ Landfill Supe~isor
=. 4366 Napoleon Street
~[ ~~,~ p(~ Iowa C'~, IA 52240
Marian Karr
From: Anissa Williams
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 4:49 PM
To: 'Laron Jensen'; Jeff Davidson
Cc: *City Council
Subject: RE: Traffic lane markings needed at Riverside/Burlington/Grand
Laron Jensen,
Thank you for your request. We are currently waiting for the painting contractor to come
back to town to paint those skip dashes (white intermittent dashes) like you mention in
your email. We are also going to install lane usage signs on the signal mast arm next to
each signal head. This will hopefully direct vehicles into the two right lanes on the
bridge.
The skip dashes should be painted in the next few weeks barring inclement weather. Feel
free to contact me with further questions. Thank you.
Anissa Williams
JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5254
..... Original Message .....
From: Laron Jensen [mailto:laron_jensen@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2005 4:41 PM
To: jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org; anissa-williams@iowa-city.org
Cc: council@iowa-city.org
Subject: Traffic lane markings needed at Riverside/Burlington/Grand
September 7, 2005
Mr. Jeff Davidson, Executive Director and Transportation Planner & Ms. Anissa Williams,
Traffic Planning Engineer
Now that you have reconfigured Grand Ave. as it meets the Riverside/Burlington street
intersection, one step remains unfinished, without which I have witnessed confusion by
drivers and you risk traffic accidents -- you need white lane-markers to guide traffic
across Riverside to the Burlington St. bridge.
Heading east from Grand onto Burlington bridge, crossing Riverside, drivers don't know
which lane to follow on the bridge. Eastbound on Grand you have now made 4 lanes: the
left-most is a left-turn lane, and the right-most is a right turn lane. Cars in the two
middle "through" lanes have a choice of moving into any of three lanes on the Burlington
bridge, and this is dangerous. I have seen near-misses when cars on Grand's second-lane-
from the right do not stay in the right-most lane on the bridge, and "fight" for the
bridge's middle lane with the other thru lane from Grand. This forces traffic in the
other "through lane" to hug the left-most lane on the bridge for safety, and this lane
quickly becomes a left-turn only lane.
The fix seems cheap and simple: to paint white intermittant (dashes) lane
markers to enforce lanes -- the kind Coralville uses at the !st Ave. & Second St.
intersection to guide traffic from 1st Ave. westbound onto 2nd.
St., or at the 25th & 2nd St. intersection, guiding traffic as it turns from 25th
eastbound onto 2nd St.
I would appreciate your timely consideration of this matter. Thank you.
Laron Jensen (laron_jensen@hotmail.com)
1705 2nd St.
Coralville
319-358-1212
IP12
AGENDA
City of Iowa City
City Council Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
8:30 a.m.
City Hall
City Manager's Conference Room
410 East Washington Street
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of September 6, 2005 Minutes
3. Updates from Completed Business Visits
- ACT, Communications Engineering Company and Four Oaks
4. Staff Update on Activities
- Loparex Project
- 2005 Community Profile
5. New Business
6. Set Next Meeting Date
7. Adjournment
P/ease Note I~eeting Location
The Real EConomic Threat
In the last two years, and especially since the
heated 2004 presidential election, it has be-
come commonplace for politicians, pundits and the
populace to bemoan the emerging economic threat
posed by China and India. The hand-wringing only
increased earlier this month when China and India
announced a new "strategic partnership."
Why all the anxiety? Among the greatest fears Is
that outsourclng, which has thus far affected mostly
lower-skill Jobs in fields like data processing, is be-
ginning to move upstream to threaten higher-wage,
high-skill Jobs--the jobs upon which American
prosperity and many citizens' dreams are based.
Though outsourclng is understandably distressing
to many, hlsto~ teaches us that it is manageable, if Richard Florida, Ph.D.
we are able to create a new tier of jobs derived from NBA programs, were increasingly choosing European
cutting-edge technologies, ideas and industries, business schools. An eminent Oxford University pro-
What should really alarm us is that our capacity lessor told me that he had never seen such impres-
to create these new technologies and industries is sive applications for graduate study, and that most
being eroded by a different kind of competition: the of the improvement had come from international
competition for highly skilled, highly educated global students who were choosing Oxford instead of top
talent. American universities.
China, India and other countries will, of course, Roger Pedersen, one of the world's top stem
continue to grow rapidly and take away many Iow- cell researchers, recently left his position at the
paying--and even some high-paying--American University of California, San Francisco, to take up
Jobs. But, increasingly, it is Canada, Australia, and residency at the Centre for Stem Cell Biology Medi-
the Scandinavian and Northern European nations clne at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
that are stealing our real thunder. His concern was that tolerance for scientific explora-
Consider a few indicative trends: tion is rapidly eroding in the United States, while
A growing number of countries are increasing other countries are opening their arms, minds and
their efforts not Just to retain their own talent, but pocketbooks to capture a spot in the leaders' pack.
to draw economic advantage from around the globe. Pedersen wasn't the first such scientific casualty, and
Immigrants already make up about a quarter of the he certainly won't be the last.
high-skilled workforce In Australia and about 20 per- Such examples are but a handful of the alarm-
cent in Canada--compared to less than 10 percent in lng warning signs. The point is this: Top talent is
the United States. migrating to open, diverse and tolerant cosmopolitan
By the mld-~.990s, the European Union had centers the world over. The United States no longer
already surpassed the United States as the largest has a lock on this highly mobile talent pool--and
producers of scientific literature. In 2001, Western neither does any single supposed rising superpower.
Europe researchers generated 229,000 articles Let me take one step back. [n 2002, I argued
compared to 201,000 in the United States, 57,400 In The Rise of the Creative Class that growth and
in Japan, and 42,700 In the rest of Asia. In physics, prosperity rely on the 3 Ts of economic develop-
the U.S. lead fell from 61 percent of all publications ment: Technology, Talent and Tolerance. Very few
In 1983 to 29 percent in 2003, according to Physical people these days find the first two controversial.
Review, a series of top physics journals. The importance of tolerance, however, is far from
In .luly 2003, the New York Times reported that
agreed upon.
Brazilian students, long a source of talent for U.S. Continued - page
~ ON COMMUNmES Sgl~Vi£R 2005 P~E 2
Threat -- continued from page 2
But if technology and talent are by now well-es- economy, With cuts in education spending, and
tablished drivers of economic innovation and wealth research and development, tightening visa restric-
creation, the question remains: Why do certain tions, a chilled foreign policy and a level of economic
places develop or attract more technology and talent inequality that makes it impossible to tap the full
than others? Put more simply, why do people choose creativity of the populace, America is in desperate
the places where they live and work? The data need of the kind of leadership that can put forward a
analysis and focus groups ! conducted led me to New Deal for the creative age.
believe that the best way to explain the agglomera- Instead, our leaders are mired in polarizing poli-
tion of invention and innovation in creative centers tics, cultural and moral arguments not usually the
can be boiled down to one thing: a place's openness providence [sic] of government, an understandable
to people, but overzealous concentration on physical security,
The reason is pretty simple. Human creativity and a myopic preoccupation with China and India.
--the generator of technological, economic and cul- .]ust as the United States' obsession with the So-
rural advancement--comes in all shapes and sizes, vlet Union in the final years of the Cold War caused
all ages and races, both genders and all types of us to miss the emerging economic challenge posed
family arrangements, sexual orientations, and moral by .]apart, our eyes are not currently on the biggest
or religious belief systems. The places most tolerant threat to American economic might. That threat lies
of the cornucopia of human lifestyles will naturally at the cutting edge, and it is growing every day.
be most ready to tap the creative energies of the Richard Florida is a professor at George Mason
greatest number of people. Instead of hindering University's School of Public Policy and author of the
creativity, a place that is inclusive, diverse and open new book The Flight of the Creative Class: The New
engenders it. Global Competition for Talent.
This brings me back to China and India, two
traditionally less-tolerant societies, where too much
experimentation--economic or otherwise--has long
been frowned upon. The remains of India's caste
system, though it serves its own purpose, are detri-
mental to mobility and creativity. China, in addition
to a similar social stagnation, has a tendency to
crush creativity with a repressive political atmo-
sphere.
This is not to say that either of these places is
wholly intolerant, that there aren't pockets of incred-
ible Innovation and productivity tucked within both,
or that official rules and regulations are the only
factors holding them back. On the contrary, both are
becoming at least more outwardly open, especially
!ndia. But there persists in China and India a highly
pervasive intolerance towards dissent and rebellion,
two crucial sidekicks to creativity.
The resulting self-conscious censorship has both
positive and negative effects; it is well-known, for
instance, that Chinese and Tndian students excel at
mathematics and in more rigorous analytical fields.
Until they deal with the tolerance factor, though,
China and India will only go so far in attracting the
best and the brightest from around the world.
in the meantime, the United States has dropped
the ball on remaining at the forefront of the global
~ ON COMMUN]'~[S SUMMER 2005 PA~E
Page 1 of 3
Steve Atkins
From: mark edelman [medelman(~iastate.edu]
Sent: Thursday, August 18, 2005 6:25 PM
To: CVC Leader List
Subject: Community Vitality Update August 2005
Community Vitality Update
August 2005 Issue No. 20
This newsletter provides community leaders, economic developers, entrepreneurs, and other Iowans
interested in community vitality with features on innovative strategies, updates on CVC projects, and
info about opportunities for learning and networking.
Iowa Ranks 3rd Lowest in National Cost of Doing Business Index
The Milken Institute released its 2005 Cost of Doing Business Index on August 11. States with the
lowest costs of doing business are South Dakota, with costs at 28 percent below the national average;
North Dakota, with costs at 23 percent lower than the national average; and Iowa, with costs at 19
percent below the national average. Hawaii is the most expensive state in which to do business this year
and also in last year's index. According to the Milken Index, Hawaii has business costs that are 43
percent higher than the national average. Second-place New York has costs 30 percent higher, and third-
place Massachusetts has costs that are 25 percent greater than the U.S. overall. California is fourth, with
costs more than 24 percent greater, and Connecticut is fifth, with costs greater than 22 percent. For the
latest report hit the Milken Institute link on the CVC web site: www.cvcia.org and click on the "Rural
Growth Indicators" hot topic box.
The Milken institute index weights five factors. Average annual wage per employee for all industries is
weighted as 50 percent of the index. Average annual state and local taxes as a percent of personal
income receives a 20 percent weight. The additional factors include commercial and industrial
electricity rates in cents per kilowatt per hour (15 percent), cost of industrial warehouse space on a
square foot basis (10 percent), and cost of renting office space on a per square foot basis (5 percent).
Rand Fisher, President of the Iowa Area Development Group has recently inquired as to whether CVC
might help develop a measure for cost of doing business in rural Iowa. Based on the 2000 metro
definitions plus Story County, nonmetro Iowa accounts for approximately half of the state's income and
employment. While no index has been developed yet, we do know that Iowa's nonmetro counties have
costs lower than the state average for several key factors. The annual wage across all industries
averaged for all nonmetro counties in 2003 was 17.5 percent below the statewide average annual wage
across all industries. While not true in all potential comparisons, other studies have indicated that
nonmetro counties often provide lower costs for land, office and warehouse space rent, and local taxes.
While such indices are not designed to provide a detailed analysis of cost of doing business for a
particular industry or firm, they do provide a general indication of key business costs for the economy as
a whole. CVC has compiled Iowa's annual wages by county and ranks. To see your county rank, go to:
www.cvcia.o[g and click on the "Rural Growth Indicators" hot topic box.
CVC Entrepreneurship Academy Set for October 21 at Manning Hausbarn
October 21*~ at the Hausbarn in Manning is the date and location for CVC's 2005 Community
Entrepreneurship Academy. Over the past decade, Manning Iowa has emerged with a reputation for
being one of the most entrepreneurial small communities in Iowa. This year's academy provides a
8/19/2005
Page 2 of 3
unique opportunity to learn the secrets of Manning's success. The morning panel will share keys to
success and the role of community leaders in such entrepreneurial projects like Tall Corn Ethanol,
Struve Labs, Caleris, Plastico, and others. The conference is being held at one of Manning's most
entrepreneurial ventures, the 350-year old Manning Hausbam is a symbol of local heritage and the
community's "never take no for an answer" spirit. The Hausbarn was disassembled and transported
from Germany. Reconstruction at the Konference Centre location in Southeast Manning was completed in
2000.
Brian Dabson, Associate Director for the Rural Policy Research Institute and Co-Director of the
National Rural Entrepreneurship Center will provide a keynote presentation in the morning. Last year,
Brian headed up the Kellogg Foundation/CFED rural entrepreneurship initiative. He will present some
interesting perceptions about entrepreneurship nationally and internationally in rural communities and
regions. The lunch will feature German dishes as well as tours of the Hausbarn and winners of the CVC
Community Entrepreneurship .Awards. Afternoon workshops include Capital Financing and Technical
Assistance for Community Entrepreneurs and a workshop on Wind Entrepreneurship is in the planning
stages.
The program is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with registration starting at 8:30AM. The
conference registration fee is $35 until October 11 and $50 thereafter. Registration and program
information will soon be available on the CVC website: www.cvcia.org by simply clicking on the
"Conference Registration" box on the left hand menu.
Regional Forums for Business Leaders on Recruiting Mature Workers
To help Iowa prepare for changing workforce demographics and the need for workers in the future,
Governor Vilsack is inviting the state's business leaders to participate in one of the six regional business
leader forums during September in Des Moines, Ottumwa, Davenport, Council Bluffs, Cherokee or
Waterloo. The purpose of the forums is to examine ways that business leaders can use the untapped
workforce of mature workers to continue contributing to the state's economic health. Due to the greater
proportion of older workers in non metro counties, it is particularly important for rural business leaders
and employers to participate in the forums to help plan strategies for dealing with the expected future
erosion in workers available in the state.
Each forum will bring together members of the Governor's Task Force on Mature Worker Issues, Iowa's
Community Colleges, the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, and the AARP Foundation for a two-hour
discussion of the opportunities and barriers to expanding employment for mature workers in Iowa. CVC
and ISU Extension have representatives on the Governor's Task Force and have been developing fact
sheets on Iowa's older workers that will be provided during the regional and state meetings. Findings
from these sessions will be recorded and used to guide development of a statewide conference on mature
workforce issues in the spring of 2006.
Sessions are planned in Ottumwa, Davenport, Council Bluffs, Cherokee and Waterloo, and at the
Historical Building in Des Moines. Each meeting will highlight the best practices businesses used to
recruit, train, and attract older workers, and bottom line results that older workers have produced. The
meetings are free and open to all businesses in the state. More information about the forums and on-line
registration is available at: www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs/living/connectingwithexperience ·
School Foundation Meetings
The Midwest School Foundation Conference will be held on September 29* at the West Des Moines
Marriott and will provide an opportunity for school administrators, district education foundation staffs,
school board members, and other community volunteers and foundation interests to network, gather
ideas, share resources, and increase knowledge about current opportunities in K-12 foundations and fund
8/19/2005
Page 3 of 3
raising. Such meetings can provide an opportunity for local philanthropy interests to identify relative
strengths and to discuss ways to coordinate local community philanthropy strategies so that unintended
consequences don't occur. Richard Koontz, Iowa Non-Profit Resource Center Director will highlight a
session on forming a School Foundation. Chip Muston of Indianapolis based e-Tapestry, will speak on
Intemet Fundraising. For more infom~ation see the National School Foundation Association website at:
http://www.schoolfoundations.org/en/meetings conferences/.
Call for Innovative Community Entrepreneurship Challenge Grants
CVC is now accepting proposals until September 1~ for Innovative Community Entrepreneurship Mini
Grant projects. The maximum award for each project is $10,000 and requires a local match. The purpose
is to help communities and regional entrepreneurial support networks to implement innovative
entrepreneurial development concepts locally or to feature lessons learned from an existing innovative
project that would be of interest to leaders in other cormnunities. The Community Vitality Center has
funded five or six mini grants to communities each year of the past three years. Local projects have
included development of Community Entrepreneurial Centers, Entrepreneurial Coaching and Mentoring
Programs, organization of Community Entrepreneurial Support Committees and Business Plan
Competitions, Entrepreneurial Training Support, Sirolli workshops, and others. Application materials
and spending guidelines are available by clicking "Mini Grant Submission" on the CVC website:
http://www.cvcia.org/. Applications should be submitted by email to cvc~iastate.edu by September 1,
2005 for the July 2006-2007 fiscal year and are contingent on funding availability.
Call for CVC Board Nominations
The CVC Board Nominating Committee is receiving nominations of leaders that would be interested in
serving on the CVC Board. The CVC mission is to serve as a catalyst for innovative projects and
initiatives designed to improve the vitality of Iowa communities, particularly those in nonmetro
counties. The CVC facilitates networking among small and medium size rural communities, sponsors
policy analyses, engages communities in dialogue, and fosters discussion among rural and urban
interests. CVC Board members serve 3 year terms and are expected to attend quarterly board meetings
to establish budget priorities, set center policy and monitor projects and initiatives of the center. To
submit a nomination, please Email the name and contact information for the nominee in addition to the
name and contact information for the nominator to <cvc~iastate.edu> by September 1, 2005.
Comments and CVC Contacts
If you have comments, suggestions, innovative ideas, or community success stories, please email us at
cvc~iastate.edu and indicate your comment. If you would no longer like to receive this newsletter or are
receiving duplicates, simply type "duplicate" or "unsubscribe" in the subject line. For more information
about our mission and projects visit our web site at: www.cvcia.org.
COHHUNITY VITALITY CENTER
A Catalyst for Creating Real Impact in Real Communities
The Community Vitality Center Board represents university, agency, and diverse
community interests from across the state of Iowa. Iowa State University
Extension serves as the administrative host and fiscal agent for the Community
Vitality Center.
477 Heady Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1070
Phone: 515-294-3000 Fax: 5t5-294-3838.
8/19/2005
Corridor Business Journal Article
B tig 'fiaessJo fil,
ONLINE
CEDAR RAPIDS/IOWA CITY CORRIDOR'S INDEPENDENT, LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS WE
Wednesday August 24,
2005 This Week's CBJ
Home ~ UI to engage public during
Subscribe ~ year
,;~ Reporter: John Kenyon
Register for Daily News I~ ~ ~- Johnk~corridorbiznews.com
Updates ~
As the largest employer in the Corridor
This Week's CBJ by a considerable margin, the
University of Iowa can't help but
News Archive engage the community at large. The
UI's 29,000 students and 14,000 staff
Opinion
' ~ ~ and faculty contribute in numerous
Internet Directory ways.
Calendar But the UI is taking steps to formalize
that engagement this year. The 2005~
CBJ Lists 06 academic year has been dubbed the
Year of Public Engagement. It is the
Consulting second year with an overarching focus,
following 2004-05's Year of Arts and
Send a Confidential Humanities.
News Tip
Contact Us Both were declared by UI President
David Skorton. Hr. Skorton first raised
About Us the idea for the year publicly during his
1004 keynote address in October 2004~ There he talked about the Ul's commitment
"As a public and publicly supported institution, we have a special obligation not only to
seek knowledge and teach in the realms of pure intellect, but also to dedicate
ourselves to improving the lives of our fellow citizens directly," he said. "We must
think of service to the public as more than a political obligation. Service is a covenant,
40 Under 40 ~ solemn compact with the state that created us and the citizens who support us."
Nomination n that speech last fall, Mr. Skorton said the year would have "an ambitious agenda of
l~ engagement with the public and public issues at the local, state, national and
international levels. However, though the school year officially started July 1 and fall
classes start Aug. 22, the year still has no steering committee and no major events
have been planned.
iTom Dean, special assistant to the president, said the year is going to be less
centralized than the Year of Arts and Humanities.
"We're not going to be organizing a lot of specific events throughout the year," he
said. "We are encouraging others to do that. We're providing the framework and
inspiration."
In the October speech, fir. Skorton highlighted several parts of the UI that form a
partnership with the public, including UI Hospitals and Clinics, the Legal Clinic, the UI
Law, Health Policy and Disability Center and the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit
Resource Center.
"Of course, there is nothing fundamentally new about this concept of engagement;
you are contributing to the present and future of the state and nation every day," he
said. "But the discourse of 'engagement' reframes and re-energizes our public
http://www.corddorbiznews.com/aspx/newsdetail.aspx?Itemld=371 &flag=W99 8/24/2005
Corridor Business Joumal Article
institutions' commitments to the world outside of academla's walls."
"Engagement" can encompass many things, and Mr. Dean said that is the point.
"We're defining the idea of public engagement pretty broadly," iVlr. Dean said. "This is
an idea that has been floating around and people have been grabbing onto in higher
education in the past few years.
"D~vid has really war'ted to emphasize the traditional ideas of s~rvice and outreach,"
he said of i~lr. Skorton.
To further-thos~ .efforts, the university, is taking sl~ep~s bo. th large and small. It started
~ 'near ~2~[~'~"h~m'e6t Progi~am l~Irfi~'e~%°[h'a'ac ~}l'i"~g~l~[rt existing student
ph anthropic efforts assist faculty members in integrating service learning into the
curt cu um and Connect commun ty Organlzat 6~s W~h UI facu fy, staff and student
volunteers."
Mary Mathew Wilson will serve as the program coordinator. The UI's annual volunteer
fair, now coordinated by Ms. Wilson's office, will for the first time this year address all
students and employees of the university. The fair puts prospective volunteers in
touch with local service organizations.
Ms. Wilson also is leading the UI's membership in the national Campus Compact
coalition, a group of 950 colleges and universities joined to further civic purposes of
higher education. The UI also is a member of the Iowa Campus Compact, charged
with furthering civic engagement through community service and sentice learning.
One key engagement for the coming year will be in economic development. The state
board of Regents has charged its institutions to contribute more to the state's
economy, and much will be made during the Year of Public Engagement of the UI's
efforts in that arena.
"We want this to be a place where people who are doing things and want to get
connected up with other people in the university or community organizations, or have
their efforts publicized, we're going to help with that," Iqr. Dean said. "We want to let
people know what the University is doing."
A sneak peek at part of that campaign was had earlier this month at the UI's booth at
the Iowa State Fair. Amid the Hawkeye posters and temporary Tigerhawk tattoos
were displays touting the university's economic development efforts, highlighting
programs in workforce development, business and statewide community partnerships,
including technology transfer.
In the October 2004 speech, Mr. Skorton said education and workforce development
are the chief means of promoting economic development for the UI.
"Educated with a strong liberal arts and sciences background, the highly skilled,
professional workers we help provide to the Iowa economy also contribute greatly to
our communities and our state culture within and outside the workptace," he said.
People doing these things will be recognized by two new programs. One is called the
President's Award for State Outreach and Public engagement. Three awards -
including $1,000 - will be given each year; one each to faculty, staff and students.
Announcement of this year's winners is expected in September.
In addition, a grant program has been established that will award 10 to 20 grants of
between $5,000 and $10,000 for "demonstration projects in the spirit of the Year of
Public Engagement."
"We want to raise the profile of what people are doing," Mr. Dean said. "And we hope
that there are new things that will come out of it, too." CBJ
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http://www.conSdorbiznews.com/aspx/newsdetail.aspx?Itemld=371 &flag=W99 8/24/2005
Region Focus Summer 2005: Feature 4 - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Page 1 of 3
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Region Focus
Summer 2005
r ~ Youth Movement
By Doug Campbell
Blacksburg, Va., and Morgantown, W.Va. are counting on their local universities to create good-paying jobs that will keep
kids from leaving town after graduation. But is that realistic?
You could do worse, much worse, than Blacksburg in the spring, This time of year the rolling landscape in southwest Virginia is popping
with purple and green, the mountain air crisp. The campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, more famously known as
Virginia Tech, bustles with backpack-bearing students and brisk-walking faculty. Throughout town the streets appear to be recently paved
and they are clean.
What a great place to live. If only there were more good jobs,
That's where Joe Meredith comes in. He is president of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center, which 10 years ago was hardly
worth mentioning but today is home to 1,830 high-tech, mostly private-sector workers, The CRC was established in 1985 as a for-profit
subsidiary of the Virginia Tach Foundation; its mission is to at once advance technology-transfer operations at Virginia Tach as well as to
spur the economy of southwest Virginia. Today it makes its own money and does not draw on university funds.
On a recent afternoon, Meredith was chatting with a visitor over grilled chicken sandwiches at the research center's on-site cafb when a
park tenant wanders over. Meredith looks up and says, "1 got a resume this morning from a guy whose wife has been accepted to the vet
school. He's a marketing guy." The tenant is chemistry professor and entrepreneur Ketan Trivedi. His face brightens with this news: "We
need him," Trivedi says emphatically. "Send him to us please. Right away." Meredith nods and smiles.
Welcome to 21st century economic development, college-town style. Meredith is a significant piece of Virginia Tech's growing impact on
greater Blacksburg, More to the point, he is part of a wider effort by community and university leaders to harness the considerable
economic power of their local schools of higher education. Universities like Virginia Tach are being counted on to create more jobs in more
places than ever before.
In places like Blacksburg and Morgantown, W.Va., there are jobs, sure, But most of the really good ones are already under the auspices of
the universities that call those cities home, and there are only so many of them. This situation tends to be most pronounced in otherwise
rural towns that are home to land-grant and state universities; you don't see nearly as much hand-wringing over retaining and recruiting
young and educated professionals in places like Cambridge, Mass., Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay area. What nonurban
economic developers want is their regions' universities to create more private-sector, for-profit, off-campus jobs.
This is a relatively new concept: In the past, economic developers in rural areas were just thrilled to have all those college employees and
students spend their paychecks and allowances with local merchants. Now the thinking has changed, Classrooms are great for educating
young people. But only a critical mass of good jobs, it is believed, will keep university grads from fleeing the region after graduation.
Equally, only large numbers of good jobs can attract accomplished out-of-towners.
Research parks have become the leading solution to this problem, Historically, research parks are also a relatively new concept. The
majority of the 150 university research parks now operating in the nation were established after 1980. The long-term vision is that these
endeavors will spawn scores of knowledge-based jobs that spread farther from campus -- to neighboring communities whose economic
profiles pale in comparison to generally prosperous college towns.
But it's not yet apparent that this vision is realistic. Yes, the research park at Virginia Tach is such a smash that it is drawing visitors from
universities around the globe. Encouraged by places like Virginia Tach, Morgantown's West Virginia University recently broke ground on its
first research park, anticipating that it will employ 2,500 workers by 2015. (That would be almost 5 percent of the Morgantown MSA's
current workforce.)
At the same time, university officials and local economic developers acknowledge that spreading the wealth beyond a core area around
their schools is a challenge. As much as the communities surrounding college towns would like to reap more benefits from the schools, the
possibilities have limits. Besides the lure of good jobs elsewhere, rural college towns are also battling the basic human desire to seek out
new places to live and work.
"Clearly, these other communities would like to have more of Virginia Tech. They see it as an engine. But we struggle to see how to do
that," says Ted Settle, director of the Office of Economic Development at Virginia Tach. "We haven't, I think, figured out how to help those
communities."
New Twist on Town and Gown
The economic impact of universities is well known and documented. In a 2001 report, the National Association of State Universities and
Land-Grant Colleges found that member institutions provide an average 6,562 jobs, not including part-time student employees.
Additionally, for every university job, another 1 ~6 jobs are generated beyond campus, the survey said. Most of this impact is in the way
universities have always helped their local economy -- with students paying tuition and faculty and staff spending their money Iocally.
Virginia Tach was found to employ 8,038 people and generated an additional 6,806 positions in the surrounding area. Its presence was
http://www.richm~ndfed~~rg/pub~icati~ns/ec~n~mic-res~arch/regi~n-f~cus/summer-2~~5/feature4.cfm 8/15/2005
Regign Focus Summer 2005: Feature 4 - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Page 2 of 3
said to increase Montgomery County's gross regional product by $521 million, or $16,000 per household. A more recent but different study
put economic impact by West Virginia University on the entire state of West Virginia at $2 billion a year. West Virginia University directly
provides almost one out of every three jobs in the entire Morgantown MSA.
Increasingly, the quest for economic development officials in college towns is to unlock even more value from their resident universities.
They want to keep those engineering degrees from leaving. And they also want to recruit human capital from other places.
So how well is greater Blacksburg doing in holding onto and growing its youthful and educated population? "Not very," says David
Rundgren, executive director of the New River Valley Planning District Commission, which encompasses five counties including the one
that is home to Virginia Tech. "There's a tremendous amount of talent out of these [thousands of] students from which to develop
corporations ._ The goal of education is to train you so that you can work for somebody. The problem [in the New River Valley] is that we
don't have anybody to work for."
Rundgren is exaggerating for effect. The employment situation in Blacksburg is relatively healthy, not dissimilar to any number of college
towns -- where thousands of people work for the university as well-paid administrators or faculty and where thousands of students come
from out of town, spend their money and tuition and indirectly fund service~sector jobs. The number of jobs the university proper creates ~s
a simple function of enrollment and research funding. The problem, or at least the perception of the problem, is that the farther you get
away from Virginia Tech, even well within commuting distance, the farther employment rates fall and the number of "good" job
opportunities diminish. (To be sure, the New River Valley's economic profile isn't miserable, but Rundgren sees plenty of room for
improvement.) Policymakers are vexed as they watch what they term "brain drain": The university isn't producing a critical mass of students
who stay in the region after graduation. Nor is it creating enough jobs to lure droves of out-of-towners.
Blacksburg is economically healthy, thanks mostly to the presence of Virginia Tech. The New River Valley, which encompasses
Blacksburg, isn't faring as well, however, with unemployment at 4 percent, above the state average. Personal income growth in the
metropolitan area that encircles Blacksburg lags the U.S. average. A 2004 report by the New River Valley Planning District Commission
described the "distressed economy of our region." With an eye toward recently shuttered manufacturing plants throughout the area,
planners said that old-economy industries "can no longer provide the number of jobs and spin-off companies it did so well in the past. We
must build on our local talents and strengths."
A recent study by Virginia Tech's Center for Regional Studies found a dearth of knowledge-based jobs in the region and mean earnings
that were "extremely Iow" compared with six similar areas around the country (The six compared areas were Colorado Springs, Colo.; Fort
Collins, Colo.; Athens, Ga.; Asheville, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lexington, Ky., all university towns in otherwise rural regions.)
A recent survey asked students in the New River Valley whether they were thinking about staying in the area after graduation. The report is
not yet released, but Rundgren says the overwhelming majority of responses were negative. But when asked whether they would stay if
there was a good job waiting for them, 98 percent switched their answer to the affirmative. Rundgren certainly doesn't expect that many
young people to ever decide to stay in the area, but he takes the results to mean that the New River Valley would do a much better job of
keeping its kids if it had more good jobs. Rundgren is working on several programs to create these jobs, but the biggest promise in the
New River Valley remains Virginia Tech and the Corporate Research Center. "When we say Virginia Tech, that's huge," Rundgren says. "It
makes a tremendous difference in all kinds of activity."
Turnaround
tt can be slow-going starting a research park. The early years of the CRC were not promising. Five years after opening in 1988, thanks to a
$4 million contribution from the Virginia Tech Foundation with 10 tenants and a single building, there were just 20 tenants, half of which
were university offices. Joe Meredith arrived in 1993 and developed a value proposition that focused on helping young firms grow --
instead of serving as a mere property manager -- and that made the difference. Today there are 125 tenants representing businesses that
usually align with Virginia Tech's core competencies in engineering and physical sciences. Most of the employees are not university
employees, meaning these are new jobs that arguably wouldn't have existed without CRC. Tenants get proximity to Virginia Tech and its
research capabilities and easy access to a crop of young, affordable employees.
Almost counterintuitively, the CRC until just this spring wasn't anything like a business incubator, in the sense that it didn't seek out startup
companies with no funding and no revenues. Only in April did a true incubator, called VT Knowledge Works, open in a new building (the
18th at the park) and start helping 13 incoming startups grow their operations and align them with investors and advisers. Meanwhile,
Meredith is plenty busy. He keeps clipboards on his desk with all his active prospects. There were 20 of them in April, all real firms with
revenue and a strong interest in locating in Blacksburg.
Several communities have approached Meredith with a proposition: Build a CRC in my town. Meredith isn't so sure that's feasible. "Part of
it is location specific, meaning we're adjacent to Virginia Tech," he says. "It's a chicken*and-egg problem. What comes first, the
entrepreneurs and the technologies or the [research park] services. If you had services, would it attract entrepreneurs and technologies? I
don't know."
Morgantown Takes Notice
By no means is Virginia Tech's research park an economic panacea. But its success is the sort that has emboJdened other universities to
start their own research parks. One of the most recent to get going is West Virginia University.
Like Blacksburg, Morgantown looks like an oasis of economic vibrancy when viewed on paper. There is also a growing biometrics corridor
down Interstate 79 toward Clarksburg, where the FBI's fingerprint center has helped spawn a cluster of like-minded firms. As the state's
leading university, however, the responsibility for driving the new economy is keener here than at Virginia Tach. West Virginia ranks 48th
out of the 51 states and the District of Columbia in net migration of the "young, single, and college educated."
Between 1995 and 2000, according to the U.S. Census, West Virginia lost 4,691 of this group (aged 25 to 39, with at least a bachelor's
degree), a rate topped only by the Dakotas and Iowa. By contrast, Virginia landed relatively high on the list, gaining 6,475 of that cohort
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· Region Focus Summer 2005: Feature 4 - Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Page 3 of 3
during the same period. But data from the Census Bureau suggest that the lion's share of those young and educated folks migrated to
Washington, D.C.'s Northern Virginia suburbs -- not to the southwestern pad of the state.
Russ Lorince, director of economic development at West Virginia University, says the under-construction research park will be the highest-
profile component of the school's effort to reverse the trend of poor economic showings. He says it's a natural move for the university,
since more companies are giving up costly R&D and looking to schools to pick up the slack. "It's a tragedy to see people from your region
grow up and graduate from the local university and then go to Seattle and Austin and San Diego, some to return and many not to return,"
Lorince says. "So our desire is to create opportunities for our young people and at the same time we create this stream of talent of young
employees for potential employers."
The West Virginia research park is expected to open around winter 2006 at an initial investment of $19 million, paid for from grants and
state and federal agencies. Lorince expects most tenants will have ties to the university and its research strengths -- biometrics and
forensics, advanced materials and information technology.
Tom Witt, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at WVU, says that land-grant universities are taking the next logical
step from their origins. Where their outreach once concentrated on aid and advice to farmers and establishing branch campuses and
classrooms, now the mission is job creation. "There's an increasing sense of entrepreneurial activity focused on economic development,"
Witt says. "With the adverse demographics that we face in this part of southern Appalachia, the development of these types of institutions
is one way of readdressing the loss of young people." They seek, Witt says, "a reverse brain drain."
A Realistic Vision?
Expecting research parks to fix many economic woes might still strike some as nafve. But there are ardent believers. Here's what William
Drohan, executive director of the Association of University Research Parks, tells to skeptics: A West Coast university 50 years ago fretted
over losing a stream of talented graduates each year to jobs in New York and Chicago. So the school, Stanford University, opened its own
research park. Drohan says that Silicon Valley would not exist today were it not for Stanford University Research Park, whose famed
original tenants included Hewlett-Packard. And closer to home there is Research Triangle Park, which Drohan says "to call a pipedream
was an understatement/'
Now, a fair amount of luck is involved with those success stories, Drohan allows, but that doesn't mean some similar sort of brushfire of
innovation can spread across West Virginia or southwest Virginia. "When you start this momentum and create these new jobs that feed off
each other, it can be just like what happened in Silicon Valley."
The United States may never birth another Silicon Valley, but Lee Cobb would settle for just a sliver of that kind of success. Cobb is
executive director of Region 2000 Economic Development Council, which covers greater Lynchburg in south-central Virginia. For the past
year, Cobb has been in talks with Virginia Tech officials about setting up a tech-transfer office in Lynchburg, which is about 90 miles from
Blacksburg, home to several liberal arts colleges and saddled with a reputation of being a poor choice of location for young folks just
starting out.
Cobb's group aims to get approval this summer and funding from the state soon after. Without a solid link to a research university,
Lynchburg is at a disadvantage in the 21st century economy, Cobb says. He grants that it's only human nature to want to explore other
lands, but he thinks Virginia Tech is Lynchburg's greatest hope for appealing to a wider swath of workers. "To me, it's just reality that kids
grow up somewhere, they want to go somewhere different. That's a challenge for us and it's an opportunity for us since we have probably
close to 10,000 students in our region," Cobb says. "We've got to make those kids understand what the opportunities are here. And that's
one of the things that this alignment with the university in the city would help with."
E-maih
Doug Campbell
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Daily Iowan Page 1 of 1
Daily Iowan - Opinions
Issue: 8/24/05
Diversity needed for dynamic downtown
By DI Editorial Board
As students return to campus for the start of the fall semester, numerous new businesses fling
open their doors in hopes of capitalizing on the large student population shuffling through
downtown Iowa City.
However, a disturbing trend has developed over the past few years - many of these new business
are liquor establishments or coffee shops, and many close by the start of the next school year.
This year, we have the opening of House of Aromas, another coffee shop adding to the abundant
number of cappuccino options downtown. While the owners are convinced that the place can
succeed in the already saturated Iowa City coffee market, many have already tried and failed.
Terrapin was here and gone in what seemed like the blink of an eye.
The trend of establishments opening and quickly closing does not pertain only to coffee shops;
several liquor establishments have also closed downtown: the Siren, 124 S. Dubuque St., has
closed its doors after only a year of business.
Change is a good thing, but constant change prevents the city, community, and the university from
flourishing. When students and residents have to deal with a new business every year, it prevents
them from developing a relationship with the business. Without such a relationship, people will not
return, and thus it fails.
It is imperative that the Iowa City City Council, Chamber of Commerce, and business developers to
try to bring in unique businesses to downtown and work with the owners to help them remain
fixtures for years to come.
Unique business does not mean a retailer that has a very specific niche but businesses that are
unique to Iowa City's downtown - i.e., not coffee shops and bars.
Two of UI students' largest complaints would help fix the problem of diversity in downtown
business and would also help return downtown Iowa City to its past glory.
One of the most vocal complaints from students is the lack of a fast-burger eatery downtown.
There once was a Burger King at 124 S. Dubuque, but it closed its doors in 2003, and a similar
establishment has not opened since. It is hard to imagine how a place that would provide students
name-recognized, quick meals would not have great success in this market.
Another complaint is the lack of name-recognizable retailers downtown. While many left in a mass
exodus when Coral Ridge Mall was completed, it seems local officials have done little to bring in
new ones to replace those departed. Many of the retailers downtown are unfamiliar to students,
driving them to go to Coral Ridge Mall to shop at a familiar store.
It is easy to become complacent when many businesses in the downtown area are doing okay,
mainly because coffee shops and bars fit the college-aged niche so well. However, the only way the
downtown will be able to flourish again is the return of a diverse marketplace where people want to
spend their money.
http://www.dailyiowan.com/global_user_elements/printpage.cfm?storyid=969050 8/24/2005
MINUTES DRAFT
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
August 25, 2005
MEMBERS PRESENT: Craig Gustaveson, Judith Klink, Margaret Loomer, Matt Pacha, Jerry
Raaz, John Westefeld
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ryan O'Leary, Phil Reisetter
STAFF PRESENT: Terry Trueblood, Terry Robinson
GUESTS PRESENT: Gary Sanders, Abbe McWilliam, Jeff Harper
FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved by Raaz, seconded bv Pacha to approve the July 13, 2005 minutes as written.
Unanimous.
Moved by Raaz~ seconded by Pacha to proceed with preliminary design for an 18-hole disc
golf course in the Peninsula Park and also notify Peninsula Neighborhood Association in an
effort to create awareness to the general public. Unanimous
Moved by Walz, seconded by Pacha~ that City Council delay any action on significant
leisure pool improvements to City Park Pool until we have a master plan. The Commission
does suggest going ahead with placement of the ramp. Unanimous
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Gary Sanders was present and discussed his concerns regarding very poor ventilation in the
locker rooms at City Park Pool. He suggests that when the City looks at updates/renovations to
the pool that they very seriously consider opening the ceilings up again to provide better air
circulation.
CONSIDER A PROPOSAL FOR PLACEMENT OF DISC GOLF COURSE IN IOWA
CITY:
Jeff Harper was present to follow-up with the Commission regarding his request to place a disc
golf course in Iowa City. Jeff and his group have looked at five areas including the Peninsula
Park, Hickory Hill North Park, Willow Creek Park, an area on north side of the sewage treatment
plant, and City Park. Harper's first preference is the Peninsula Park area between the Dog Park
and the river. There is ample room for a deluxe 18-hole golf course, plenty of woods to provide
for natural fairways, and two open spaces on either side of the woods. The primary problem
could be the risk for flooding, however, as materials are cemented in place, this should not cause
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 2 of 7
a huge problem. Parking may also become a concern depending on the popularity of both the dog
park and disc golf.
Harper's second preference would be Hickory Hill North which would possibly allow enough
space for an 18-hole golf course and this park also contains many beautiful mature trees, and a
lot of elevation changes. It's location being close to the interstate is also a positive attribute for
this location. Conflicts include lack of parking and it would require some grooming, however, it
would probably not be necessary to remove any trees.
Harper's third choice is Willow Creek Park. This park contains trees as well as open space and it
is already maintained (mowed, etc). It does not provide much elevation change and it would be
necessary to construct mostly short holes. Parking is also a concern for this location.
Harper's next choice would be the sewer treatment plant property which would provide enough
space for a nine-hole course. Trueblood stated that after his conversations with Public Works
staff, this location is no longer an option.
Harper's last choice would be City Park in the southern part along Park Road. While there is
room at the park, the heavy pedestrian traffic would provide a problem. Also the fact that there
are not many trees in the lower park area, makes it not ideal for a disc golf course. Parking is also
an issue in this park, especially when the pool is open.
Harper announced that an anonymous donor has approached the group with a proposal to do a
$1000 matching funds. The group believes that they should be able to collect at least $2000 in
additional funds towards this project from other team members. Harper stated that they would
envision raising approximately $4,000-$5,000. Much of his group is willing to provide volunteer
labor as well as volunteer their time to help with fundraising and sponsorship. To move forward
with fundraising, however, Harper would need a definite location. Harper provided Commission
members with a price list for the materials for this project.
Harper is asking Commission for their thoughts on the idea. He would like approval from
Commission to start design of the disc golf course. Once he receives approval regarding the
proposed design he would like to proceed with installation of a disc golf course
Harper noted to the Commission that when these courses are placed in an area with numerous
trees, a disc golf course is barely visible. At this point, Harper asked Commission members if
they had any questions.
Pacha asked for rough estimate for deluxe course which was said to be $15,000-$17,000
including concrete costs.
Klink asked when the Turkey Creek course was built. Harper stated it was constructed in 1982.
She also asked how many courses they would like to build. Harper said that realistically they
would like to construct two courses in Iowa City. Klink asked about how much consideration
they give to pedestrian traffic. Harper stated they typically design away from trails, playgrounds,
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 3 of 7
etc. Klink stated that the plan at the Peninsula actually incorporates two bridges in the park.
Harper stated his group would be concerned only with the bridge on the Iowa City side of the
park and they would design with that in mind.
Walz stated her concern also regarding the parking lot as it is currently designated for the Dog
Park. Trueblood, also being concerned about whether this lot was even big enough for the Dog
Park alone, indicated the lot will be about twice the size of the original plan, and will hold
approximately 50 to 55 cars.
Westefeld asked Harper if this is a sport that is played in the winter. Harper stated that it is.
Sara Walz recommended that steps be taken to notify the neighborhood of this concept.
Trueblood stated he could coordinate this with Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services
Coordinator. Walz also discouraged Hickory Hill as a possible location.
Pacha asked about the possibility of Willow Creek Park. Klink mentioned that parking would be
an issue at this location as well as pedestrian traffic.
Raaz recommended that staff get drawings to Jeff of the proposed locations for a bridge/s at the
Peninsula site so that he has an idea where to start and possibly lay it out so that regardless of the
possible locations it doesn't disrupt the course. Raaz supports Walz idea of notifying the
surrounding neighborhood. Raaz would also like to look further at the possibility of Willow
Creek as a location.
Moved by Raaz~ seconded by Pacha to proceed with preliminary design for an 18-hole disc
golf course in the Peninsula Park and also notify Peninsula Neighborhood Association to
create awareness to the general public. Unanimous
DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE PLACEMENT OF A SLIDE OR OTHER FEATURE AND
A RAMP-IN AT CITY PARK POOL:
This issue was discussed at a recent council meeting. Specifically, Mike O'Donnell stated that he
would like a feature or two added to City Park Pool in hopes to attract more people and provide
more fun. Council Member Bailey said she would like to see the placement of a ramp in the pool
as well. Parks and Recreation staff has already been discussing the ramp. Trueblood stated that
they will continue to pursue this and that it should be in place by the opening of pool season next
year.
Trueblood informed the Commission that in 1999 a conceptual plan/feasibility study was
cmopleted to convert City Park Pool into a water park. At that time there were also preliminary
cost estimates provided. The consultant said it was feasible, however, the consultant did not
address parking. At this time there are 146 parking spaces in upper City Park. This could
possibly be increased to 155-160 spaces by decreasing the width of each parking stall. It was
determined at that time that it was not a good time for a referendum (library and school district
were both on the verge of having referendums). It was decided then that if the Commission ever
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 4 of 7
decided that it was a high enough priority to then again look at the referendum possibility with
City Council's support. There was also some talk of possibly building it at a different location
and leave City Park Pool as is. Estimated expense in today's dollars for this plan would be
approximately $5.8 million, and that did not include cost of expanded parking. Trueblood did
contact a company for estimates on slides but has not heard back as of this meeting.
Approximate cost for a "drop-in" slide would be $75,000, which does not include concrete work,
design fees, etc. The "flume" slide is $200,000 and the "tunnel" slide is $170,000. A lazy river
would need its own mechanical building and the two of them together would be $1.5 million.
They originally gave cost estimates for construction in two phases.
Raaz and Walz agreed that the ramp is a necessary addition to City Park Pool.
Pacha asked what dollar amount would require a referendum. Trueblood stated over $700,000.
Walz is not for spending that amount of money on a pool when there aren't strong feelings or
requests from the public to do so. She would rather wait until we have a master plan in place to
move on this issue.
Trueblood mentioned that there are State of Iowa pool rules and regulations that have to be
followed. It would not be a simple matter of deciding to buy a certain slide and placing it at a
certain location. There has to be a barrier around the landing area so that other swimmers don't
come into that area. In other words, there are other expenses involved in accommodating the
slide.
Klink noted that there are some improvements that could be made to City Park Pool while
maintaining its current status.
Moved by Walz, seconded by Pacha~ that City Council delay any action on significant
leisure pool improvements to City Park Pool until we have a master plan. The Commission
does suggest going ahead with placement of the ramp. Unanimous
DISCUSSION OF ANNUAL PARK TOUR:
The annual park tour has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 14. The Commission will
meet in Room B of the Recreation Center at 4 p.m. Trueblood will send invitations to the City
Council members. Members to let Trueblood know of areas that they would like to tour.
COMMISSION TIME:
Pacha spoke of an article he read regarding possible dangers of dog parks.
Walz stated that she attended the Friends of Hickory Hill meeting where Gil Janes was present.
He expressed his thanks for the memorial stone that was placed in the park in honor of his
mother.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 5 of 7
Walz announced that September will be her last meeting as she has accepted a position as
Associate Planner with the City of Iowa City and she is required to attend another meeting that
runs on the same schedule as this one.
Raaz presented Trueblood with his proposed guidelines for memorials in parks. Raaz asked if
there is a specific birth date of City Park. Trueblood informed him that the park was acquired in
three parcels, however, the major portion of the park was acquired on July 11, 1906. Raaz stated
that he has contacted the Johnson County Historical Society who said they would love to help
with this celebration. Trueblood stated that staff will be doing research through the Library as
well.
Westefeld inquired about concession construction status at City Park. Trueblood will discuss
later in the meeting (noted in minutes that follow).
CHAIRS REPORT
Gustaveson informed Commission of happenings at the Benton Hill Park grand opening
celebration. He stated that it was a very good event. He had one person approach him who
stated that she was part of the original planning meeting that occurred 23 years ago.
Gustaveson also spoke of a salsa band that performed at the Friday Night Concert Series last
Friday. He stated that there was a great turnout and a number of people were dancing. He again
noted the positive remarks from band members and public about their appreciation of the
fountain being turned off during these events.
DIRECTORS REPORT
Boys' Baseball Concession Building
Boys' Baseball reps have been informed that the exterior of the building needs to be complete by
the first week of September, as the Parks Division will be placing sod in this area. Trueblood
will be giving them a definite deadline in the near future -- thinking of mid-October. Shingles
are being put on at this time.
Trueblood will be scheduling a meeting with the Boys Baseball Board. Pacha, Westefeld and
Gustaveson will be attending this meeting as well.
Angel Statue:
This item may be placed on a future City Council agenda. Trueblood announced that Bruce Titus
will be a guest on the Dottie Ray Show on Labor Day.
Dog Park:
Bid opening on September 8. City has agreed to loan $70,000. Reseeding will take place this
spring.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 6 of 7
City Park Pool Article:
Press Citizen ran an article regarding City Park Pool admission numbers. This numbers listed in
this article were incorrect by over 7,000 swims. Tmeblood will provide Commission with a
complete report at a future meeting.
Brookland Park Master Plan:
The first meeting with the neighborhood association was held August 16. It was well attended
and many good ideas were expressed.
Walnut Ridge:
No new developments.
Motion to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. Unanimous.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 25, 2005
Page 7 of 7
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2005
TERM
NAME EXPIRES 1/12 2/16 3/9 4/13 5/11 6/8 7/13 8/25 9/14 10/12 11/19 12/14
Craig
Gustaveson 1/1/07 NM X X X X X X X
Judith
Klink 1/1/07 NM X X X X O/E X X
Margaret
Loomer 1/1/08 NM X X X X X X X
Ryan
O'Leary 1/1/06 NM X X O/E X O/E X O/E
Matt
Pacha 1/1/05 NM X X O/E X O/E X X
Jerry
Raaz 1/1/08 ...... X X X X X X
Phil
Reisetter 1/1/09 NM X X O/E X X X O/E
Sarah
Walz 1/1/07 NM X X X X X O/E X
John
Westefeld 1/1/06 NM X X X X X X X
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
LQ = No meeting due to lack of quorum
.... Not a Member
MINUTES r~
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
SEPTEMBER 1,2005
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dean Shannon, Terry Smith, Beth Koppes, Bob Brooks, Don Anciaux, Wally
Plahutnik, Ann Freerks
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sunil Terdalkar, Mitch Behr
OTHERS PRESENT: John Moreland
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
Recommended approval by a vote of 7-0 ANN05-00002/REZ05-00018, an annexation to the City of Iowa
City and rezoning of approximately 51.9-acres of land from County Residential (R) to Low Density Single-
Family Residential (RS-5) located on the American Legion Road, subject to a Conditional Zoning
Agreement specifying the developer's responsibility of contributing to the cost of upgrade of American
Legion Road.
Recommended approval by a vote of 5-1 (Shannon voting in the negative, Plahutnik recused) REZ05-
00015, a rezoning from Central Business Service (CB-2) Zone to Central Business Support (CB-5) Zone,
Neighborhood Commercial (CN-1) Zone and Mixed Use (MU) Zone for all property currently zoned CB-2
located south of Davenport Street and north of Jefferson Street as depicted in the current map.
CALL TO ORDER:
Brooks called the meeting to order at 7:33 pm.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
REZONING ITEMS:
ANN05-00002/REZ05-00018, discussion of an application submitted by Arlington Development, Inc. for
an annexation to the City of Iowa City and rezoning of approximately 51.9-acres from County Residential
(R) to Low Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5) located on American Legion Road.
Terdalkar said the annexation application was for approximately 51.9-acres not 51.3-acres as listed in the
Staff Report. The property, located in Scott Township, was currently zoned County Residential (R) and
was being used as a golf course. Staff felt RS-5 Iow-density single-family residential zoning would be
appropriate in view of existing residential development on surrounding properties.
The Comprehensive Plan stated that annexations were to occur primarily through voluntary petitions filed
by property owners. Voluntary annexation requests were to be analyzed under three criteria:
1. The area under consideration fell within the City's long-range planning boundary.
The area proposed for annexation fell within the adopted long-range planning boundary for Iowa City.
2. Development in the area proposed for annexation will fulfill an identified need without imposing an
undue burden on the City.
The area under consideration is one of the faster growing areas of Iowa City, developers had identified
a demand for residential development in that area. Recent subdivisions in that area are almost
completely built out. Infrastructure would be extended by private development.
3. Control of the development is in the City's best interest.
The property was located within the City's Long-Range Planning boundary. If the lots were to develop
under County jurisdiction they would likely be one acre in size and would require private wastewater
treatment systems and water wells. Annexation would allow for more compact development.
Terdalkar said the Comprehensive Plan stated that voluntary annexation requests should be viewed
positively when the above conditions existed; Staff felt the three conditions had been met.
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
September 1,2005
Page 2
The applicant had also requested a rezoning to RS-5, Iow density single-family residential zone. The
developer had submitted a concept plan showing how the property might be subdivided but had illustrated
only one street connection to the undeveloped property to the west. After Staff's preliminary review of the
plan and to assure that the development of this property would adhere to the Comprehensive Plan's goal
of "providing an interconnected street system", Staff recommended a conditional zoning agreement
specifying (1) the developer's responsibility of contributing to the cost of the upgrade of American Legion
Road and (2) the subdivision design provide at least two local streets connect to the west property line of
the Fairview property.
Public discussion was opened.
John Moreland, partner in Arlington Development, Inc. said the developers had met with the residents of
Far Horizons who lived next door to the Fairview property on the previous Saturday. He'd met with staff
several times regarding this development. It was a conceptual plan, it was not set in stone. It was almost
10-acres of open space and trails and was conducive to being next to Windsor Ridge. Staff and the
developers had a slight argument regarding the second property access to the west. The developer's
reasoning was that the way the land laid, it came flat over off their property and dropped straight down.
He felt they could get by with one access. Morland said he personally felt this should not even come up in
the current process, it was the wrong time to bring it up. It was a platting issue, not an annexation or
zoning issue. When they came to the platting process that was the time they needed to argue about one
access or two accesses, where they met onto American Legion Road. Moreland said he didn't think it was
right for Staff to put that on him at this point. He had no problem paying for his part of American Legion
Road, it needed to be upgraded. There really needed to be a sidewalk along it for bicycles; when they
designed it they would make sure there was enough right of way for bicycles and everything else.
Moreland said one of the things that had come up in the meetings with Staff was the request to show
what they felt a good concept would be for the adjoining Hieronymous property. A good stab had not
been made at the project so he and Staff had not come to an agreement. Moreland said he would prefer
to see that CZA requirement taken out of the zoning/annexation issue, there would be plenty of time to
address it at the platting process. The Commission would still have control at that point. He asked if there
would there have to be two meetings on this application or would the Commission vote on it at this
meeting.
Miklo said it was a policy not a requirement to have two meetings. It had been adopted a number of years
ago to allow for plenty of public discussion of a major rezoning or annexation. It could be waived if the
Commission so wished, especially since there were no members of the public present and Staff had
received an email from the people at Far Horizons indicating that there was not a lot of concern on their
part in terms of the annexation and zoning.
Miklo said in terms of the conditional zoning agreement the City often times placed conditions on zonings
and annexations, mostly in relationship to furthering a goal of the Comprehensive Plan. A goal of the
Comprehensive Plan was to have interconnected streets and a more fine grained street network which
would provide a better distribution of traffic for better access for emergency vehicles and options for the
property owner to the west to have more than one access point which would allow for possible better
designs for their property. It could be handled at the subdivision stage but in this case because there was
some resistance to it on the part of the applicant, the City felt it was important to include it in the CZA now
so that coming to the City the developers would know what was expected and it would not be an
argument for a later day. In the future the City could waive that condition under the subdivision process,
but at this point Staff felt it was important to get that condition included. Looking at Windsor Ridge, there
were quite a few street intersections throughout the subdivision. Unless there was an over-riding
topographic or natural feature that would dispense with that need, the staff felt it should be part of the
contemplated subdivision design. There was some relief to the topography to the west, but it was not
severe. There were other areas with similar topography that had a fairly fine grained street network. It
was Staff's recommendation that the CZA include both conditions at this time.
Plahutnik said the developers were voluntarily requesting the annexation. When moving farther out from
the City the pattern tended to be a one entry key-hole, cul-de-sacs and one exit. Since the developers
were requesting to attach themselves to town and driving around town streets which did interconnect and
because they did wish to be part of Iowa City, what was his objection.
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
September 1,2005
Page 3
Moreland said there was no question about wanting to be connected but his issue was looking at the
topography, it came out on a shelf and fell straight off. On the concept plan they had a street running
north and south, he personally thought that who ever developed the Hieronymous property would have
the same thing. They would stay up on the top of the hill and run it north and south. Moreland said he was
not saying that he wouldn't do it, if it was in the best interest of the development he would put in a second
access. He felt a little bit weird about designing someone else's property just to prove to Staff that he only
needed one entry. He knew never to say never. His point was there was plenty of time at the platting
level, he'd learned a long time ago that you were better off having some sort of agreement before even
coming to the City meetings or you were not going to get very far. At the platting level, they would have
had more time to give Staff a better concept plan as to what they thought Hieronymous' people would do
although they would have nothing to say about what they were going to do, they would give the best
ideas they had. He'd given Staff one idea and it had not been well received. His point being, to put that
restriction on it right now without having more research when at the platting time the Commission could
say they didn't like the plan and were not going to approve the preliminary plat because of what ever
reason, they had time to do it at that point. Moreland said he felt the Commission still had tons of control,
unless they approved the preliminary plat the developers could go nowhere.
Moreland said it would be single family, big lots and they were meeting the Comprehensive Plan. It was
an issue of working out the second access, he'd like to have more time to try to work it out with Staff. He
wanted to make this thing go and would probably do what it took in the end but he hated to have it put on
him right out of the shoot when he'd not had time to have a good effort to show Staff what they could do.
Once the condition was put on the CZA he was done for at that point, he'd rather be restricted at the
platting level.
Freerks said that condition could be lifted at any time.
Miklo said the Staff's goal was to adhere to the Comprehensive Plan. They'd talked about the design of
the property to the west. By agreeing to only one access point the City would be restricting the design
possibilities for the property to the west. The requirement could be waived at the platting stage if the City
was convinced that environmentally or topographically it was impossible or it was not warranted to have a
second access to the west. In terms of authority, the Commission had more authority at the time of zoning
and annexation than they did at platting.
Smith said without having the second CZA condition at this point they are not agreeing to a single access.
At this point they were looking to approve the annexation and the zoning but not the concept plan.
Behr said that was correct, if the Commission were to approve this without that condition they would not
have affected their ability to impose it at the platting stage.
Koppes asked Staff to discuss the 1,000-foot between American Legion Road and the access point.
Miklo said the concept plan showed a distance of approximately 1,000-feet between American Legion
Road and the only access point to the west. There was no standard but in other parts of town it was 300-
feet for older blocks and ranged for the newer blocks. 1,000-feet was a long block. One of the reasons for
having shorter blocks was, the longer the block the more straight of way and the more speeding and the
more complaints regarding it.
Miklo said the Comprehensive Plan Neighborhood Design Concept showed a fine grained street network
design. There was no absolute number or range regarding block length.
Public discussion was closed.
Smith said he agreed with the applicant, he was not sure that now was the time to tie their hands when
the Commission had the options to review later.
Freerks said she agreed with Staff. She felt now was the time when the Commission had the power to
control something like this and she would rather have it there for the Commission to work with and be
able to waive it in the future rather than try to come up with it at a later date. She thought it was in the
best interest of the City. She lived on a street that was a very long block and it was difficult for traffic
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
September 1,2005
Page 4
circulation. Freerks said personally she felt it would be a better development with two access points,
leave the condition in and it could be changed at a later time. If the developer could come up with a
design that showed two access points were not needed they could discuss it, but she felt it was good to
plan ahead, to have it there and they could pull it later.
Motion: Smith made a motion to accept correspondence (e-mail from subdivision homeowner's
association, Tovin's concerns regarding drainage). Freerks seconded the motion.
The motion passed on a vote of 7~0.
Brooks asked what would be the process for rescinding something that had been included in a CZA.
Miklo said the CZA would be written in such a manner that the condition could be removed, i.e.: At the
Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation a second access would not be necessary based on
topographic or similar conditions.
Behr said it would be up to the Commission whether or not they did it. It would be part of the platting
process that they would either agree or not. It would go to the Council as a recommendation and they
could accept it or not.
Koppes asked if the Commission did not include the second CZA condition regarding a second access to
the west, could they still indicate they didn't like the plat if it didn't show a second access.
Behr said if the Commission passed the rezoning with out the CZA condition for two access points, it did
not decrease their ability to insist upon a second connection at the time of the platting stage. The
Commission will not have agreed to only one, they would basically just be deferring that determination.
Miklo said it would put the Commission in the position of recommending denial of a plat, which changed
the tone of whole the discussion.
Behr said there was more discretion at the annexation/zoning stand point, but the Commission would not
have agreed to one access point.
Motion: Smith made a motion to approve ANN05-00002/REZ05-00018., an annexation to the City of Iowa
City and rezoning of approximately 51.9-acres of land from County Residential (R) to Low Density Single-
Family Residential (RS-5) located on the American Legion Road, subject to a Conditional Zoning
Agreement specifying the developer's responsibility of contributing to the cost of upgrade of American
Legion Road. Shannon seconded the motion.
Koppes said she was comfortable supporting the motion with only one CZA condition as long as the
Commission could look at a second access point at the platting stage and as long as they could deny it if
it did not include two access points.
Brooks said he was totally sympathetic toward Staff's position. It troubled him that they didn't have
something such as a policy or standard that they could latch on to and bind them to something like that
right now. Brooks said he felt the developer understood that there was a great deal of interest on the
Commission's part to have the opportunity to have two connections. On his part there was a reluctance to
bind that because he would prefer to have a standard or policy or platting guideline to point to and say
this is in conformance with that. Saying that it was general best practice was fine and he agreed with that
but he was reluctant to tie them to that.
Freerks said she saw the Comprehensive Plan as serving that function. She was not going to vote
against this because of that, but she felt it was in the Commission's best interest to plan ahead and to not
have to vote in the negative in the future because of something like that. They'd had a few instances in
the past where they'd had to haggle over something that some Commissioners felt was very important
and others did not and it had made things drag out. She didn't think that was a good idea. She didn't see
that the Commission needed to have a policy that they attach things to, that was the Comprehensive
Plan's function. They attached stipulations to things all the time. She didn't see the necessity to have
further regulation, she saw this as a having a vision for something and they were making it known to the
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 5
developer so the Commission could speed the developer's process in the future. Freerks said she was
not going to deny this or vote against it because of that but she did think it was a mistake.
Anciaux said he lived on a street that was approximately 1,000-feet long and it was too long. He wanted
the developer to really look at breaking up that expanse. He didn't expect the developer to plan the
neighbor's property or should it be his expense. Anoiaux said he felt they needed to look at the
topography and if possible get a second access. He would vote in favor of the motion.
Plahutnik said he agreed, it was not an unreasonable request for them to be considering it at the platting
process knowing that they were sympathetic already with Staff's position on this.
The Commissioners agreed that there was no need to defer the item for a second meeting.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
Anciaux said for the record he would like to commend Moreland. It seemed when neighborhood meetings
were held and the developer explained what he was going to do, it seemed to go a lot easier. The people
seemed to know what was what and there wasn't the massive rabble of uninformed public before the
Commission.
Brooks said he hoped Moreland got the tone of what the Commission's interest was.
Moreland said he did and he guaranteed that before they came to the Commission with the plat, he and
staff would have it worked out. They were not going to argue at this stage, they would have it worked out
one way or another.
REZ05-00015, consideration of an application submitted by the City of Iowa City for a rezoning from
Central Business Service (CB-2) Zone to Central Business Support (CB-5) Zone, Neighborhood
Commercial (CN-1) Zone and Mixed Use (MU) Zone for all property currently zoned CB-2 located south
of Davenport Street and north of Jefferson Street.
Plahutnik recused himself citing possible conflict of interest due to employer.
Brooks said at the previous Commission meeting there had been quite a bit of discussion about this item.
The item had been deferred. It was with the understanding that the draft Zoning Code didn't have a CB-2
component in it. If the vote was such that the CB-2 zone were to remain, they would have to go back,
review and revise the proposed draft of the Zoning Code. The plat shown on the overhead showed the
proposed rezoning changes. It was his understanding that the owner of the service station in an area to
be rezoned was comfortable with the proposed rezoning to CN-1.
Miklo said the property owner had indicated it orally but had not provided anything in writing.
Motion: Anciaux made a motion to approve REZ05-00015, a rezoning from Central Business Service
(CB-2) Zone to Central Business Support (CB-5) Zone, Neighborhood Commercial (CN-1) Zone and
Mixed Use (MU) Zone for all property currently zoned CB-2 located south of Davenport Street and north
of Jefferson Street as depicted on the map. Koppes seconded the motion.
Anciaux said no matter what they did on the Zoning Code rewrite, someone would not be happy. In the
process of moving it forward for some things they were going to have to look at the greatest good and go
from there. Property owners could always come back at a later date and request a rezoning.
Koppes said the Commission had discussed this rezoning multiple times in detail. Hopefully the property
owners realized that they could come back and request a rezoning at a later date if there was a need to
rezone to CB-5. She didn't feel the Commission was taking anything away from the neighborhood.
Freerks said right now for the type of growth that the CB-2, which was going away, would provide, it was
more CB-5, which the Commission was trying to push south of Burlington Street with the infrastructure
and the parking ramp. The CB-2 would provide tall skinny buildings surrounded by seas of parking and
that was not the vision for Iowa City. At some point in the future it could be rezoned to CB-5 if at some
time in the future it looked like it reflected better the future of this area and the parking concern was
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes
September 1,2005
Page 6
addressed but she didn't see that happening at any time soon. It was a nice small neighborhood
commercial area surrounded by neighborhood residential zones. This plan fit that best, she would vote in
favor of it.
Shannon said he would repeat what he'd said at the last meeting. He agreed with the property owner who
had come to the meeting, they had wanted to keep what they had. They couldn't see how this was going
to simplify anything, going from a CB-2 and changing it to 3 or 4 other zones. He still didn't understand
how it would simplify anything. Shannon said he didn't get as concerned as City Staff did about parking
requirements because the price of gasoline had jumped $1.50 in one week and might be at $4.00 next
week. Things were going faster than he had thought they would, but maybe parking considerations would
not be as important as previously. He didn't mean to buck progress, but since no one was in attendance
maybe they hadn't understood that they could come back. He had liked the CB-2 for this neighborhood
and would vote against it.
Smith said he was not sure how he felt on the whole concept but for the sake of moving the proposed
changes to the Code forward and this being one piece of a much bigger puzzle, he would support taking it
forward to the next step and trying to work out what ever issues existed in the bigger plan.
The motion passed on a vote of 5-1 (Shannon voting in the negative, Plahutnik recused.)
CONSIDERATION OF THE AUGUST 18, 2005 MEETING MINUTES:
Motion: Anciaux made a motion to accept the minutes as typed and corrected. Freerks seconded.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
OTHER ITEMS:
Anciaux said with respect to The Planning and Zoning Case Processing summary, they frequently heard
complaints about how hard it was to get things done in Iowa City and how people were moving to
Coralville because it took too long and it was too expensive. The summary showed most applications
were handled in 3-4 weeks from the date of submission of all materials.
Brooks said it was very interesting and he appreciated Staff's time to compile the data.
Freerks said it showed that City's response was very quick.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Anciaux seconded the motion.
The motion passed on a vote of 7-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 pm.
Elizabeth Koppes, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Candy Bamhill
s:/pcd/minutes/p&zJ2005/09-01 *05.doc
Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission
Attendance Record
2005
FORMAL MEETING
Name Expires 1/6 1/20 2/3 2/17 3/3 3/17 4/7 4/21 5/5 6/16 6/27 7/6 7/21 8/4 8/18 9/1
D. Anciaux 05/06 X X X X X O/E X X X X O/E X X O/E O X
B. Brooks 05/10 X X X X X X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X
A. Freerks 05/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
E. Koppes 05/07 O/E X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
W Plahutnik 05/10 ................................ X X X X O/E O/E X X
D. Shannon 05/08 X X X O/E O/E X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X
T. Smith 05/06 ................................ X X X X X × O/E X
INFORMAL MEETING
Term
Name Expires 1/3 2/14 2/28 3/14 4/4 4/18 5/2 6/13 7/18 8/1 8/15 8/29
D. Anciaux 05/06 CW X X O/E X X X X X O/E X
B. Brooks 05/10 CW X X X X X X X X X X
A. Freerks 05/08 CW X X X O/E X O/E X X X X
E. Koppes 05/07 CW X X X O/E X X X X X X
W Plahutnik 05/10 CW .................... O/E X O/E O/E X
D. Shannon 05/08 CW O/E O/E X X X X X X X
T. Smith 05/06 ............................ X X X X I I
Key:
X = Present
0 = Absent
O/E - Absent/Excused
N/M= No Meeting
DRAFT
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD IP15
MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 13, 2005
CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chair Greg Roth called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Elizabeth Engel, Michael Larson, and Greg Roth
MEMBERS ABSENT: Loren Horton, and Candy Barnhill
STAFF PRESENT: Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh and Staff Kellie Tuttle present
OTHERS PRESENT: Capt. Tom Widmer of the ICPD
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
(1) Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #05-02
CONSENT
CALENDAR Motion by Engel and seconded by Larson to adopt the consent calendar.
· Minutes of the meeting on 08/16/05
· ICPD General Order #99-05 (Use of Force)
· ICPD General Order #00-05 (Off-Duty Conduct: Powers of Arrest)
· ICPD General Order #01-04 (Bomb Threats / Emergencies)
· ICPD General Order #05-01 (Persons with Mental Illness)
· ICPD Department Memo #05-33
· ICPD Use of Force Report- July 2005
Motion carried, 3/0, Horton and Barnhill absent.
OLD BUSINESS None.
NEW BUSINESS Engel and Larson were chosen for the Nominating Committee and will give a
report with their recommendations at the October meeting.
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION Widmer informed the Board he had spoken with a journalism student regarding
the general orders wanting to know why the Board receives them and what type
of changes are made. Widmer asked the Board what kind of information they
would like him to provide regarding the general orders. It was decided that
Widmer would come prepared to the meeting with the changes in case the Board
has questions. Widmer also stated that if it was a substantial change he would
let the Board know during their discussion.
BOARD
INFORMATION Roth introduced the new Board member Michael Larson and Larson gave the
Board some background on himself.
PCRB
September 13, 2005
Page 2
STAFF
INFORMATION Tuttle informed the Board that Barnhill had been accepted into the Johnson
County Master Gardner trainee program which meets every Tuesday and
Thursday from September 8-November 1.
EXECUTIVE
SESSION Motion by Larson and seconded by Engel to adjourn into Executive Session
based on Section 21.5(1 )(a)of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records
which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or
to be kept confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or
continued receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11 ) personal information in
confidential personnel records of public bodies including but not limited to cities,
boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative
reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and
22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are made to
a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those
communications from such persons outside of government could reasonably
believe that those persons would be discouraged from making them to that
government body if they were available for general public examination.
Motion carried, 3/0, Horton and Barnhill absent. Open session adjourned at 7:14
P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION Returned to open session at 7:16 P.M.
Motion by Larson and seconded by Engel to forward the Public Report as
arnended for PCRB Complaint #05-02 to City Council.
Motion carried, 3/0, Horton and Barnhill absent.
MEETING SCHEDULE
· October 11, 2005, 7:00 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
· November 8, 2005, 7:00 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
· December 13, 2005, 7:00 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
· January 10, 2006, 7:00 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by Larson and seconded by Engel. Motion carried, 3/0,
Horton and Barnhill absent. Meeting adjourned at 7:20.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2005
(Meetin1 Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8 4/12 5/10 6/14 7/12 8/16- 9/13 10/11 11/8 12/13
NAME EXP.
Candy 9/1/07 NM X X NM X X NM X O/E
Barnhill
Elizabeth 9/1/05 NM X X NM X X NM O/E X
Engel
Loren 9/1/08 NM X X NM X X NM O/E O/E
Horton
Greg Roth 9/1/09 NM X X NM X X NM X X
Roger 9/1/05 NM X X NM X O/E NM X ............................
Williams
Michael 9/1/09 ........................ X
Larson
KEY: X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
.... Not a Member
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319)356-5041
TO: City Council
Complainant
Stephen Atkins, City Manager
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Officer(s) involved in complaint
FROM: Police Citizens Review Board
RE: Investigation of PCRB Complaint #05-02
DATE: September 13, 2005
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board's (the "Board") review of
the investigation of Complaint PCRB #05-02 (the "Complaint").
Board's Responsibility
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8-8-7B (2), the Board's job
is to review the Police Chief's Report ("Report") of his investigation of a
complaint. The City Code requires the Board to apply a "reasonable basis"
standard of review to the Report and to "give deference" to the Report "because
of the Police Chief's professional expertise" (Section 8-8-7B (2). While the City
Code directs the Board to make "findings of fact", it also requires that the Board
recommend that the Police Chief reverse or modify his findings only if these
findings are "unsupported by substantial evidence", are "unreasonable, arbitrary
or capricious" or are "contrary to a Police Department policy or practice or any
Federal, State or Local Law". Sections 8-8-7B (2) a, b, and c.
Board's Procedure
The Complaint was received at the Office of the City Clerk on May 05, 2005. As
required by Section 8-8-5 of the City Code, the Complaint was referred to the
Chief of Police for investigation.
The Chief's Report was due on August 3, 2005 and was filed with the City Clerk
on July 29, 2005.
The Board voted to review the Complaint in accordance with Section 8-8-
7B(1)(a), on the record with no additional investigation.
The Board met to consider the Report on August 16, 2005, and September 13,
2005.
Findinqs of Fact
The complaint alleges the use of aggressive behavior and the use of improper
language.
The general facts of the incident, as follows, are not in dispute. On Friday, April
22, 2005, at approximately 23:58 hours, a complaint of a loud party was received
by the Iowa City Police Department. Two Iowa City police officers were
dispatched to the location of the loud party, 1220 Village Road CfA, Iowa City. The
complainant, identified as the resident of 1220 Village Road #4, was issued a
citation as a result of this call. (~~ ~
The complainant reported the conduct of Officer A to be aggressive an~-~ r~
unprofessional during th,e, incident and reported that Officer A called th~, -u -'T'I
complainant an "asshole'. The complainant considers the alleged actio.i~ahd -'- .,r---
language of Officer A to be improper for that of a police officer.~, ~ CFI
The two officers involved in this call were in the professional relationshj~of Fie.~
Training Officer and Officer Trainee. Officer A was the Field Training Officer am
Officer B was the Officer Trainee. At the time of this call Officer B was in the final
phase of training and Officer A was in the position of observer and backup
officer, clothed in street clothing. The complainant stated that Officer A told the
complainant not to tell him how to do the officer's job. The complainant described
the actions of Officer A as being "up in my face". Officer A recalls being firm and
direct during the initial contact with the complainant and the Board could find no
evidence of inappropriate aggression on the part of Officer A. The complainant
could not recall the exact words that Officer A allegedly used but related them
generally as "You're being an asshole" or You're "being an asshole about the
situation". It was disclosed through the police department's investigation that an
upset neighbor lady had exited an apartment and inadvertently called Officer A,
who was not in uniform, an "asshole" thinking that Officer A was the complainant
or another person present at the party. Officer A does recall telling the
complainant how upset Officer A was over being called an "asshole" due to the
actions of the complainant and may have used the term "asshole" in this context.
Officer B stated he did not hear any offensive language from Officer A and did
not observe any aggressive actions on the part of Officer A. Officer B told the
police interviewers that it was a surprise that a complaint had been filed due not
only to the absence of any thing out of the ordinary at the call but also due to the
fact that the complainant was calm and non-combative or verbally abusive.
Officer A related feeling the complainant was initially "rude and disrespectful" at
first but once in the police car for the citation the complainant was very polite and
took responsibility. Officer A related the initial actions as firm and direct but did
not call the complainant an asshole and only used the term in reference to the
neighbor lady's mistaken identification of Officer A as a member of the party.
Conclusion
By unanimous vote, the Board set the Level of Review for this complaint at 8-8-
7(B)(1)a, believing there to be enough information in the Chief's Report, and
other attached materials, to allow the Board to come to an informed conclusion.
The Board vote was 3-0 with 2 members of the board absent. The Board finds
allegation #1 to be not sustained. The Board could not determine exactly what
was said, or who said what, during the incident. There is no evidence to support
that Officer A acted in an overly aggressive manner for the situation, nor that
Officer A directly called the complainant an asshole or made any other reference
to the person of the complainant using that terminology. The only substantiated
directed use of the term "asshole" was by the upset neighbor lady and it appears
to have been directed at Officer A.
The Board concludes the findings of the interim Chief of Police are supported by
substantial evidence, are reasonable, not arbitrary or capricious, and are
consistent to a Police Department policy or practice or any Federal, State or
Local Law.
Complaint #05-02
Alle.qation # 1: A,qqressiveness and Improper Lan.qua.qe
* It was noted by the Board that the two complaints originally made by the
complainant were contained in one allegation in the Chief's Report. The Board
found this condensation of allegations to be consistent with the complainant's
original complaint and concerns.
The board has no cause to suspect or believe that Officer A used overly
aggressive actions or improper language in this situation. Allegation #1 against
Officer A is not sustained.
Comment
None.
M .UTES PRELIMINARY
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2005
CITY HALL, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
Members Present: Ernie Lehman, Bob Elliot, Regenia Bailey
Members Absent: NONE
Staff Present: Steve Nasby
Others Present: Paul Steigleder, Joe Raso
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Lehman called the meeting to order at 4:02 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM JULY 19, 2005
Motion: Bailey moved to approve the minutes from August 15, 2005 meeting as submitted. Elliot
seconded the motion.
Motion passed 3:0.
CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FOR LOCAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND CEBA APPLICATION
TO THE STATE OF IOWA FOR LOPAREX INC.
Nasby said that Loparex is in the final stages of being acquired by a multi national firm from Netherlands
in September or October. The local Loparex plant is looking for public funds to help them gain efficiency
in the plant through an addition and purchase of new equipment. He said that they have three facilities in
the U.S. that are capable of handling the products. He said that one is in Illinois and that the most recent
plant was built in North Carolina and the company had gotten a generous package from that state.
Bailey said that it should be recognized that people appreciate Iowa workers, and the quality of the
workforce.
Nasby said that local and state financial assistance will help them gain some efficiency and enable them
to do other things that are not currently done in the Iowa City plant. They will have a new product line(s),
retain 6 jobs and create 9 new jobs. He said that most of the investment is in machinery and equipment
and a smaller capital investment in the new building. He added that the new building is approximately
7,500 square feet, and the budget for the development of the building is about $690,000. Nasby noted
that the new addition will add tax base to the plant, and will probably pay an additional $12,500 in
property taxes annually, and the City's share is 40% of that amount. He said that this project also
qualified for the high quality jobs program that the state has, and this is the second application statewide
that will be considered for the program and the State of Iowa is looking to this project as a model.
Nasby asked Steigleder to explain the time and wage information shown on the application form.
Steigleder said that people work every other weekend, and on Saturday they get paid 18 hours, and on
Sunday it is 24 hours. He said that they pay for an extra 6 hours on Saturday, and 12 extra hours on
Sundays.
Elliot asked what is the average hourly wage of the people working in the plant. Steigleder said that there
are about 30 people employed by hour, and their average hourly salary is $16, and more senior people
are making in the range of $20-$22. Raso said that the average for Johnson County is $13.38 per hour
and that is the threshold used by the state.
Economic Development Committee Minutes
September 6, 2005
Page 2
Bailey asked if there are emission complaints from the plant. She said that they do have emissions, and
this issue has not been covered in the application process. Steigleder said that they have air emissions,
and that it is federal and state regulated. He added that they destroy over 98% of the emissions. He
mentioned that in the past they had some complaints about the quality of air, but since the late 1990s or
2000 they increased the percent of destruction.
Bailey asked if there are any actions that go beyond and above the required regulations. Steigleder said
that they started to use less solvent. He said that they also generate chemical hazardous waste, and they
are in the process of finding a use for their waste.
Elliot asked for a summary of how the funds will be used, and what will happen if the project will not go
through. Nasby said that the City money will be used to match the CEBA minimum requirement. He said
that the funds will also go towards leveraging the high quality jobs program from the state, and training
from Kirkwood.
Lehman asked if the company was asking for a $75,000 forgivable loan.
Elliot asked what the company would have to do to not have to pay back the funds. Nasby said that they
would have to create the proposed jobs, and maintain them at a wage level with benefits for a minimum of
three years. Nasby noted that the application has requested $5,000 per job.
Lehman said that the assistance could be prorated if the company will not make it through the three
years. Raso said that a certain number of jobs need to be made to the state. Nasby said that they are
prorating it over a period of three years, which is what the City has none with other projects in the past.
Lehman said that the committee could recommend a forgivable loan for a period of three years.
Elliot asked when the starting time of the three years is. Nasby said that the three years would start when
all of the jobs are created or on another schedule negotiated between the city and the company.
Lehman said that it is an issue of wording. He proposed to use as timeframe when the new facility is
operational.
Bailey said that the loan star[s immediately, and the timeframe for reaching the goal would start when the
funded project becomes operational.
Lehman said that they would need to determine what to do if the goal is not achieved. Nasby said that the
City would have some security. This could be a company guarantee or they could have a lien on the new
equipment. This would secure the City in case they will not make it.
Elliot said that the overall agreement is to retain 6 jobs and create 9 new ones. Nasby noted that they
would retain 6 jobs and create 4 new jobs in the first year.
Steigleder said that it is important to set the start date according to the progress of the company in
creating those jobs.
Raso asked if the committee is looking to tie the approval of the loan to the state approval. Lehman said
that they would.
Bailey said that this project will probably not go forward without the state funding, but there is an interest
in getting the new jobs in Iowa City regardless of what the state chooses to do.
Raso said that the only concern would be that this is a brand new program which requires each company
to meet a certain set of obligations. He asked whether they would be interested in supporting this new
program regardless on what the state has to say.
Economic Development Committee Minutes
September 6, 2005
Page 3
Lehman said that they might consider to make it contingent to the state response, and if the state would
not support it they would come back to be reviewed by the city council.
Nasby summarized the terms agreed upon: $75,000 forgivable loan. The 15 jobs created\retained will be
there for at least a period of 3 years from July 1 of 2006, and the City funds would be secured.
MOTION: Elliot moved to approve the terms agreed upon. Bailey seconded the motion.
SET NEXT MEETING UPDATE
Next meeting was tentatively scheduled for September 13, 2005 at 8:30 AM.
.ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:37 PM.
s:lpcdlminuteslecodevl2OO5109~6-O5, doc
Council Economic Development Committee
A~endance Record
2005
Term
Name Expires 02/01 02/17 3/17 3/31 06121 07/19 08/15 09~06
Regenia Bailey 01/02/08 x x x x X X X X
Bob Elliott 01/02/08 x x x x X X X X
Ernest Lehman 01/02/06 x x x x X X X X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
..... Not a Member
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2005, 3:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Members Present: Charles Felling, Rick Fosse, Emily Martin, Mark Seabold, Terry Trueblood,
Members Absent: James Hemsley, Emily Carter Walsh
Staff Present: Karin Franklin, Marcia Klingaman
Call to Order
Seabold called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m.
Public discussion of any item not on the agenda
No items were presented for discussion by the committee members.
Consideration of the Minutes of July 7, 2005 Meeting
MOTION: Felling moved to accept the minutes as submitted, and Trueblood seconded. The motion was
passed unanimously by those present.
Recommendation to Council
That two Calls to Artists, one each for the Kickers Soccer Park and the Sycamore Greenway Trail be
approved by the City Council so that proposals for sculptures for these areas can be requested of artists.
Updates
Benton Hill Entryway
Franklin said there is typically a dedication ceremony when new art is installed, though it is not
mandatory. Since the arch was not completed in time for the park dedication, she asked whether the
committee would like to do an additional dedication. Klingaman said that there would be a plaque with
information about the piece, which will be installed by the base. Fosse said it might be awkward to do a
second ceremony so soon after the park dedication. General agreement expressed to forego a dedication
for the archway.
Seabold reported that the archway turned out well, and the concrete looks very natural.
Iowa Sculptors Showcase
Klingaman said that a call needs to be sent for artists to submit for 2006, since it takes several months to
go through the process. Franklin said the timing issue is that the piece may need to be made. Aisc, the
honorarium is paid out in advance to help purchase materials, which has worked out in the past.
Klingaman said paying out the honorarium in advance has helped increase response to the call,
especially for newer artists who may not have as many resources.
Franklin said the process needs to get started, to give ample time for selection and construction of the
piece, since it is installed in June. Klingaman suggested reviewing the call at the October meeting.
Franklin asked whether the committee would like to focus the call to a particular style or theme. She
added that the committee and council do not need to review the call or proposal if it is done the same as it
has been in the past. Martin said she would recommend not making it too specific.
No specific changes were suggested by the committee members. Franklin said the call would be sent out
as in previous years.
Peninsula Sculptors Showcase
Klingaman stated that at the August PAAC meeting that she mentioned that Goddard selected the Willow
Creek Park location for his sculpture since the Peninusula construction work was not completed in time
for the installation at that site. She passed around recent photos of the sculpture in process. She said he
still needs to grind down the concrete, so to keep that in mind. Seabold said he had a different vision of
the lower half of the sculpture than is indicated by the pictures, that the figures were going to grow out of
a common base.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 2
Franklin asked if the pictures indicated the current state of the sculpture. Klingaman said yes, as of
Tuesday. Franklin said that one goal of this rotating sculpture is to give students a public venue; varying
degrees of quality and sophistication in the works is to be expected. Seabold said that the mockette of the
piece was very nice, but noted that he does not think Goddard had previous experience working with
concrete. Klingaman agreed that Goddard was still trying to decide how to do the concrete part while they
were reviewing the Willow Creek Park site.
Seabold said it appeared that Goddard wrapped each individual section with duct tape and poured the
concrete inside, and that he thought the base was going to be different. He asked if more concrete could
be added to the lower part of the sculpture. Fosse said it is difficult to get concrete to bond to itself after it
dries, and adding concrete to it possibly would reduce its durability. Franklin said she understood from
Goddard that part of the evolution of the piece would be its disintegration, so durability might not be a
major issue. Fosse asked if the committee could ask Goddard to add more concrete to the lower part of
the sculpture. Franklin said the committee could ask the artist to make improvements so that the sculpture
more closely matches expectations.
Klingaman said it would be easier for more cement to be added before Goddard spends time grinding
down the base of the sculpture. Fosse said Goddard would have to grind it to remove tape residue and
create a rough surface for the new cement to bind to. Klingaman said she does not want additional work
on the base to interfere with completing the rest of the sculpture before Goddard leaves the area. Franklin
noted that that committee needs to keep in mind the potential to acquire the piece after the display year is
over. If the committee does not want to recommend the piece to the council as it currently appears, then
some change needs to be made. Part of working with the students is to help educate them about working
with a committee and meeting their expectations.
Felling asked when Goddard planned to leave the area, and if the committee could see the piece after he
had worked with the grinder. Klingaman said he originally planned to leave about six weeks after
August 1. She added that it would probably be more practical for Goddard to do the extra cement work
before spending a lot of time grinding down the bottom part of the sculpture. Seabold said the bottom part
could be formed out of plywood around the base to hold the cement in place, which would be squarer but
would be able to handle the weight better than duct tape. He added that the upper part of the sculpture
looks very similar to the proposal.
Martin suggested expressing concerns to Goddard about the difference between the proposal and current
state of the piece, and discussing options with him. Klingaman will contact Goddard regarding the
committee's concerns.
Franklin left at this point.
Discussion and approval of Calls for Art in Park projects
Martin asked for confirmation that the two calls are essentially the same, but refer to the different sites.
Klingaman said that the project parameters and design considerations are also different, but the rest is
the same. She said the plan is to send the letters out to the artists who were selected at the July meeting.
Fosse asked if the call should be limited to completed work, or also include submission of concepts.
Klingaman said the slides were of sculptures submitted several years ago, so the assumption is those
pieces are not available. Felling said it is exciting to follow a piece from conception to completion, though
there are risks with that approach. Seabold said that some difficulties arose with artists working with
materials they are unfamiliar with, so perhaps the committee could ask for examples of completed work
using the proposed materials.
Trueblood said that a September 30 deadline would only allow for submission of completed work.
Klingaman said the September deadline date is not valid, since it was based on an August review of the
call. The deadline would be changed to the end of October, since the council will need to review it as well.
Fosse suggested having artists submit sketches of concepts along with slide examples of completed
work. Martin said given the sizes and locations, the committee members might be more pleased with the
results if the pieces are designed specifically for this project. She agreed with reviewing concepts as well
as finished pieces.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 3
Seabold asked whether the calls would be sent out only to artists who were reviewed at the July meeting.
Klingaman said yes. Seabold asked if a larger pool of artists would be included if the committee invites
concept submissions. Martin asked if including concepts would result in the committee starting over.
Klingaman said no, because the artists were selected based on examples of their work, though not
necessarily the availability of a specific piece. Felling noted that in the selected group, the committee
would be soliciting experienced artists.
Trueblood asked how many artists were selected. Klingaman estimated 20-25 artists. Franklin returned at
this point. Klingaman explained that the committee is discussing the option to solicit concepts in the call,
in addition to finished pieces. Franklin noted that this project does not have a strict timeline, so the
committee could do a commission. She asked if this is being considered for both calls. Seabold said yes.
Franklin suggested changing the date from November 15 to spring of 2006. In the calls, installation is
currently slated for December 15, 2005. Trueblood said installation might be difficult in the winter. He said
that a good time to install a piece in the soccer park would be March, before the season begins, although
it could be done during the season as well. Franklin said that an installation date would be put into the
contract, but that date could still be changed if necessary.
Trueblood asked if it would be better to wait to install in April or later. Fosse said the base is not a
concern, since it would generate enough heat to cure. The concern is how soft the ground will be, which
is unknown.
Seabold asked if a site for the piece has been designated, or if it will be left up to the artist's concept.
Klingaman said the calls do not dictate location. Trueblood said it would have to be reviewed so it does
not interfere with utility lines or other obstacles, but there is plenty of space available. Seabold asked if
the artists are local. Klingaman said no. Franklin said the slides were from a national call. Klingaman said
a series of photographs of the sites will be included with the call, and they may come see the site in
person if they wish.
Klingaman asked if the deadlines for both should be March 31. Franklin suggested having staggered
deadlines. Klingaman said it might be easier doing both at the same time, though she would prefer not to
specify a deadline date that is not feasible. Trueblood suggested having deadlines of May 1 and June 1,
with the soccer park deadline earlier. Fosse said a longer lead-time would help reduce the cost of
fabricating a new piece.
Franklin said that the contract would set out the responsibilities and expectations for both the artist and
the city. Fosse asked if the contracts have language that refers to the Artists' Rights Act. Franklin said
yes.
Klingaman asked if there were any other concerns with the calls. Seabold noted his name is misspelled.
Franklin said it is important to make sure the design considerations accurately reflect what the committee
is looking for, since those will set the tone of the submissions. Trueblood suggested changing them to say
"vandal resistant." Klingaman asked if the Greenway call should include anything regarding a kinetic
piece. Martin said that the letter could express an interest in kinetic pieces, but not to the exclusion of
others.
Martin asked if the soccer park site would have a seating area. Trueblood said that is hard to say, since
the location is not known, but it is unlikely since the seating areas are between fields. He added that
having it near the entry or driveway would not be ideal, and suggested instead to put it somewhere that is
pedestrian friendly, so people who would like to go up and see it are able to do so safely. An area in the
north section of the park is planned for parkland, and it might fit there well. Also, there is a lot of activity
near the north concession stand near the shelter.
Franklin asked when the improvements are planned. Trueblood said they are planned for the next several
years. Ma[tin suggested leaving the soccer park description as it is. Trueblood said the artist might have
suggestions, as well.
Franklin said the calls need to go to council, so the submission deadline would not be before October 31.
Felling asked if there were thoughts about where a Greenway piece would be located. Trueblood said
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
September 1, 2005
Page 4
there are a lot of possibilities. Fosse indicated some areas on the map, and said a piece that incorporated
seating might be a good option. Franklin said there is a local artist who does beautiful seating pieces
carved from granite.
Franklin asked if the committee members are comfortable with a national artist, versus a local one. Fosse
asked if local artists could be added. Franklin said the call could be opened up, by contacting local art
councils and other groups. She noted that most of the artists in the slide registry are not local. Martin
asked how people get into the slide registry. Franklin said the city solicited the arts councils in the
Midwest. It is also on the city website, and she receives unsolicited requests to be added on a regular
basis. Martin confirmed that artists can be added to the registry at any time. Franklin said yes.
Martin said as long as it is clear that local artists can become involved, then the issue has been
addressed. Franklin said for the two park projects, the decision had been to do a selected commission,
which is a process outlined in the procedures. Trueblood said he is fine with opening up the call to local
artists, depending on how many submissions the committee would like to review.
Seabold asked if the call could be both a selected and open commission. Franklin said yes, they can be
posted on the website. She said the Public Art program is registered with America for the Arts, which is
national. She added that she would discourage a mass mailing to the entire registry, as not being cost
effective. Trueblood asked if putting it on the website would include more local artists. Franklin said not
necessarily, but it would include anyone who accesses it. Fosse said the website would not exclude local
artists. Martin noted that it is the artist's job to look for opportunities.
Committee time/Other business
Franklin asked if there would be any neighborhood art projects ready for discussion at the next meeting.
Klingaman said it is unlikely any will be discussed at the next meeting, more likely in November. Martin
asked if there is a deadline. Klingaman said that a schedule has been established, but it does not have a
deadline.
Klingaman said that the Melrose Neighborhood has been going through the process very aggressively.
They have determined where historical markers could and could not be located, which has narrowed
down that aspect and allowed them to focus on what historical structures they would like to highlight.
They are having a meeting September 18.
Felling asked if there was an update regarding Brooklyn Park. Trueblood said there was a meeting
recently to discuss both public art and the neighborhood park master plan. One of the ideas was to
include public art in the park. They are primarily considering historical markers, but art in the park is also a
possibility.
Klingaman said that Wetherby has a general concept of what they would like, with the weathervane and
the decorative railing. She will be helping them put together a call, but is unsure whether it will be ready
for the October meeting.
Trueblood asked if the peninsula area would be revisited once the bridge is completed. Seabold asked if
work on the bridge has been progressing. Fosse said the river is down. Trueblood said there had been
discussion about having a sizeable sculpture on the Iowa City side of the bridge. Franklin said that could
be discussed later if the committee wished.
Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the committee, Fosse moved to adjourn and Martin
seconded. The meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
s:/pcd/minutes/PublicArt/2OOS/ar~09~)l ~5 doc
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2005
Term
Name Expires 1/06 2/02 3/02 4/07 5/05 7/07 9/01 10/06 11/03 12/01 0/00
Emily Carter Walsh 01/01/08 CW X O X X X O/E
Charles Felling 01/01/06 CW X X X O/E X X
James Hemsley 01/01/06 CW O/E X X X X O/E
Emily Martin 01/01/08 CW X O/E O/E X O/E X
Mark Seabold 01/01/07 CW X X X X X X
Rick Fosse CW O/E X X X X X
Terry Trueblood CW O/E X X X X X
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
CW = Cancelled due to Weather
..... Not a Member