HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-03-21 Transcription#2 Page 1
ITEM NO. 2 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
Lehman: So if Hannah, Emily, Drew and Ryan would come forward please. What
school are you from?
Hannah Cates: Robert.
Lehman: Robert Lucas, okay. Now, you folks- we will tell you what this is all
about later, but if you would each give your name and then read why you
have been nominated for this then we will get started.
Cates: Hi, my name is Hannah Cates. I am really happy that my teachers and
friends think of me as a good student citizen. Being a good citizen means
many things. To me, being- to me it means being self-motivated and
complete homework assignments on time without having to be reminded.
It means trying to do my best at whatever I do. A good citizen is also
someone who works well with others. I like to work in groups and
encourage everyone to work hard and have fun. Being a good citizen also
means helping others at school and in my community. I help out with
school computers and with anything else my teachers need done. Thank
you for honoring me with this award.
Ryan Roth: Hi, my name is Ryan Roth. I am very pleased to receive this award. I feel
I have made the following contributions to my school. I am in the- I am in
a program where I help younger students read. I have been in the student
council twice. I deliver messages for the office every day and I am a
(can't hear) that helps other students with computer skills. Also out of
school I participate in band playing the piano, soccer, church activities,
and Boy Scouts. About 2 weeks ago in Boy Scouts I finished the
Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge. I would also like to thank my
peers, teachers and the council honoring me with this award. Thank you.
Emily Cress: Hi, my name is Emily Cress. First of all I would thank my classmates for
nominating me and also thanks to my teacher (can't hear). I would also
like to thank my principal, Mr. (can't hear), and I would like to give a
special thanks to my mom who encouraged me that I was good enough for
the award, which I am very proud and honored to receive. Here are some
qualities I think you need for this award: good student in class, which
includes respect to your teachers and classmates and always turning your
assignments in on time. I am glad you see these qualities in me. Thank
you.
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Drew Foreman: Hi, my name is Drew Foreman. I am honored and proud to receive
the Citizenship Award. I am proud to have been chosen from many great
Lucas students for an award that is not a popularity contest nor the honor
roll. I think there are two very important qualities that are needed to be a
successful student. First is to have a good relationship with teachers and
parents. I would like to thank my mom for this because she did not teach
me just the mechanics of writing but also how to make something sound
convincing, witty or mysterious. I also owe my good student parent
relationship to my dad who is always good at explaining what seems like
the hardest science concepts and making them tmderstandable. As for a
teacher student relationship all of my teachers have been great but there
are three in particular that have made me a better student. First, Mrs.
Clark who has taught my class and me to be better listeners. Second, to
Mrs. (can't hear) who made us work together better. Third, to Mrs.
Honohan who even though I was young pushed me to do my best and if
not then try again. The second most important thing is to try hard at
everything, especially by fulfilling all requirements on assignments and
doing more. I think a good student needs to be a thoughtful respectful
listener and be able to take suggestions from other people and help out in
the community. I am very glad that other people would see these qualities
in me and acknowledge them. Thank you.
Lehman: Last fall I had the privilege of speaking to these two classes and I really
had a great time. You know, there is a lot of jobs the mayor gets. Some
of them are a lot of fun, and some of them aren't quite as much fun as
others. But there is really nothing that is much more fun than talking to
kids in school. The kids are so bright and it is really- I think the result of
my talking to them, you saw this tonight- I'd like to take some credit for
that although I know (can't hear). Anyway, these awards read "For
outstanding qualities of leadership within Lucas Elementary as well as the
community. And for sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we
recognize these students as outstanding student citizens. Your community
is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City, City Council."
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ITEM NO. 3. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
Lehman: The next thing on our agenda- it is not on the agenda as printed but it is
one that I am particularly proud to read. It is a award of excellence for the
show of great teamwork, sportsmanship, and success. We recognize
members of the 1999/2000 West High boy' s basketball team.
Congratulations on achieving the state championship. Your community is
proud of you. Will Coach Bergman and the team come forward please?
You are right Mike, we have got to stand up to look these guys in the eyes.
Well I am sure that I speak for the entire community. We have always
been very, very proud of our schools academically and whatever. And
you folks have done something that we are extremely proud of. And don't
think we are getting used to it just because you are good all the time. But
we are very, very proud of you. The entire community is. I want to give
this to you Coach. Congratulations and thank you for coming down to the
Council meeting.
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ITEM NO. 3a. MAYOR'S PROCLAMTIONS. AMERICAN RED CROSS
MONTH.
Lehman: The next proclamation is American Red Cross Month. Whereas the
Grantwood area chapter of the American Red Cross provides vital services
to eastern Iowans regardless of their race, education, income or political
persuasion. Whereas the chapter provides local disaster victims with the
emotional and physical support to help them recover from tragedy.
Whereas the American Red Cross is a communication link between
service members and their loved ones by relaying news of birth, death and
serious illnesses. And whereas eastern Iowans team vital lifesaving skills
including CPR and First Aid under the guidance of dedicated Red Cross
instructors. And whereas every year thousands of area youth complete
water safety classes taught by the Red Cross trained instructors employed
by City Pool and Recreation Centers. And whereas many of our
communities youth have learned the facts about AIDS, including
preventative measures through the dedicated efforts of Red Cross
HIV/AIDS educators. Therefore I, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the City
of Iowa City Iowa, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2000
American Red Cross month in Iowa City. And urge our citizens to
support the American Red Cross.
Karr: Here to accept is Gary Wicklund.
Wicklund: On behalf of the Grantwood chapter in Cedar Rapids and Johnson County
we appreciate this proclamation tonight and hope that we can come back
again next year.
Lehman: Thank you.
Champion: We appreciate all the work you have done, especially this year.
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ITEM NO. 3b. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS. MEDICAL LABORATORY
WEEK.
Lehman: Whereas there are more than 265,000 laboratory personnel including
pathologists, medical technologists, medical laboratory scientists,
specialists and technicians that work in almost 40,000 hospitals and
independent laboratories in the United States. Whereas these highly
trained and dedicated health professionals make an invaluable contribution
to quality health care and save countless lives each day by providing the
reliable laboratory test results required for the prevention, detection,
diagnosis and treatment of disease. And whereas laboratory medicine is a
honorable profession which should be recognized by all individuals as
vital to the high standards of health care enjoyed in the United States.
Therefore I, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the City of Iowa City, Iowa do
hereby proclaim the week of April 2-7, 2000 to be Medical Laboratory
Week in Iowa City and urge all citizens to recognize the vital role these
professionals play in the health care field.
Karr: Here to accept is Mike Geursten.
Lehman: Kodak moment.
Geursten: Thank you.
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ITEM NO. 3 MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
Lehman: The next proclamation is one we had 2 weeks ago and apparently we
weren't all on the same sheet of music. So we will read it again tonight.
Iowa City Barbershop Harmony Month. Whereas the society for the
preservation and encouragement of Barbershop Quartet singers in
American Inc. was officially organized on April 11, 1938 in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. And whereas what began as a small group more than a half a
century ago has steadily blossomed into the world's largest all male
singing organization than any international organization of men from all
stations of life. And whereas the organization encourages harmony among
all people of the world through the universal language of music. And
whereas the organization has actively preserved and presented a distinct
style of vocal music that originated in Noah America. And whereas the
organization promotes musical education through music scholarships and
other means and supports charitable foundations. And whereas
Barbershoppers are engaged in laudable civic service and enrichment of
our cultural life through the fostering of traditional values in entertainment
and community endeavors. Therefore I, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the
City of Iowa City, Iowa do hereby proclaim the month of April 2000 as
Barbershop Harmony Month.
Karr: Here to accept is Jim Brown, Dave (can't hear), Rick Green, and Paul
(can't hear).
Brown: On behalf of the Old Capitol Chorus I would like to thank the City
Council for supporting our efforts to make singing a life long activity in
our community. Thanks very much.
Lehman: Thank you.
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4b ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING HORACE MANN NEIGHBORHOOD.
Lehman: I would just like to make an announcement. There was- communicated to
the- the Horace Mann neighborhood. There is a meeting that is going to
be on Thursday night discussing the housing project that may or may not
be located in that area. And we had communicated to that neighborhood
association that the Council folks would be in attendance at that meeting.
After some discussion last night, it was decided that the relative metits of
that project would best be discussed and heard at a public hearing here in
the Council Chambers which will occur. And as a result, the Council will
not be attending that meeting but we certainly encourage anyone in that
neighborhood to contact each Councilperson individually if they wish to
discuss the issue with them. But, again, that meeting on Thursday night at
Horace Mann school, at 7:00 will not be attended by the Council. Also, it
would have been a violation of the open meetings law. So, we will be
taking the information at a public heating I think next month.
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ITEM NO. 6. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
[UNTIL 8PM[.
Lehman: This is the time we reserve at each meeting for the public to address the
Council on items that do not otherwise appear on the agenda. If you
would like to address the Council please stand at the podium, sign in, give
your name and address, and try to limit your comments to five minutes or
less. Council generally does not respond to comments that are made by
the public. That does not indicate Council's agreement with or
disagreement with the statements that are made though it is an opportunity
for anyone to speak to us.
Greg Thompson: My name is Greg Thompson. I am the chair of the Public Access
Board of Directors. I am here tonight to invite City Council members and
members of the public to the 10th Anniversary Celebration of PATV's
existence which will be a week from Friday, March 31 ~t any time between
12:00 and 6:00. We are open and we will have cake. You are welcome to
come in. We will be rtmning old footage from the past 10 years and we
will be doing live breaks and there is the regular open channel from 5 to
6:00. So I just want to invite everybody to come into that. And also to
thank the City of Iowa City and everybody who has been involved in this
over the past 10 years for helping make public access TV possible. Thank
you.
Lehman: Thank you Greg.
Atkins: Excuse me Ernie. It might be appropriate to give the address of where it
will be.
Thompson: I am sorry. It is 623 South Dubuque Street. North of the railroad tracks.
Lehman: 623 South Dubuque. PATV office.
Deb Schoenfelder: Good evening. My name is Deborah Schoenfelder. And I am a
member of the Senior Center Commission. And I am here to report on
behalf on the commission. And our meeting was actually held just a few
hours ago today. First of all, in regard to the reimbursement parking
program for the Senior Center participants- the 50% reimbursement. I just
had some feedback that I wanted to pass on to you. It has been very
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positive from the participants that have used it. It is generally going well
and very much appreciated. So I wanted to pass on that good news.
Second, the Strategic Planning Committee continues to be active in
supporting the skywalk for the new parking facility as well as responding
to questions and concerns as they arise. Third, last month there was a
brief report given that we were putting a time line in place for the
accreditation process. And that will take about a year to complete starting
with an extensive self study. The kick off for this has now been
scheduled. We will start April 25th. And just to tell you briefly a little bit
about it. there are three subcommittees that will be meeting regularly with
the entire group meeting about every 3 months to report on completed
work. The group will be composed of Senior Center Commission
members, 3 Senior Center staff members, 3 Council elder members, and
then people from the community as well will be invited to take part in this
to serve. So, we are looking forward to getting that started. It is an
extensive project but I think well worth doing. Fourth, the furniture
project. It probably could be better. We've called it the furniture project
from the beginning but it really is a redecorating project at the Senior
Center. It is actually getting close to done. Within the next few weeks we
are thinking that will be finished. Please feel free to stop by. It is looking
very nice. If you don't make it informally however, there will be what
they are calling a Grand Opening on May 15th at 2 PM. They are going to
do that in conjunction with the Senior of Distinction Award Presentation
that day. So we hope you will come by. It is looking very nice. Next, as
usual, there is a wide variety of programs going on at the Senior Center. I
never cease to be amazed at the quality of programming that is done at our
Senior Center. Including such things as (can't hear), there is health
information presentations this month. And Ti Chi exercise classes and
that is to just name a few. And then finally, tomorrow is the town meeting
at the Senior Center and that is from 2 to 4 PM in the Assembly Room.
Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you. Any other items for public discussion?
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ITEM NO. 7e. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS
CONSIDER A MOTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
APRIL 18 ON AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING
DESIGNATION FROM LOW DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (RM-12) TO MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-8) FOR PROPERTY SOUTH OF
BURLINGTON STREET ALONG THE 300-600 BLOCKS OF
GOVERNOR STREET AND A PORTION OF THE 800-900
BLOCKS OF BOWERY STREET. (REZ00-0007).
Champion: Move to set the public hearing.
Wilburn: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Wilbum. Discussion?
Wilburn: I think it is important just for us to have some time to really look at what is
going on so that we can take a look at staff recommendations and the
Planning and Zoning Commission. And to give us time to take a look
before we make a decision.
Lehman: I think the discussion regarding this public hearing probably will be
limited to not the merits of the zoning, because obviously that will be the
subject of the public heating, but whether or not we wish to set the hearing
which would then trigger a 60 day moratorium. Hi.
Lorraine Huneke-Bowans: Hi, I just wanted to say that it is a very emotional issue.
My name is Lorraine-
Lehman: You need to state your name and address.
Huneke-Bowans: Lorraine Huneke-Bowans, 510 S. Governor Street and I am one of
the applicants for the rezoning. I just wanted to say this is a very
emotional issue and I want all the time to be given that it needs and that is
why I hope you place it on the agenda for the building moratorium. Thank
you.
Lehman: Council discussion? I have heard you Ross. Is there other discussion
from the Council?
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Vanderhoef: I agree with Ross that we need to look at this issue and we need the time
to do it. So 60 days is what we have got.
Lehman: And that 60 days is set by law. That is not something that we have any
choice in. All in favor of setting the public hearing?
All: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? Public hearing is set.
Karr: Do we have a motion to accept correspondence?
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. All in favor?
All: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 7g. PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE CONDITIONALLY
CHANGING THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM MEDIUM
DENSITY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RS-8) TO LOW
DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-12), FOR 0.82
ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF
BENTON COURT, NORTH OF BENTON STREET (OAKNOLL).
(REZ00-0001).
O'Donnell: At its February 17 meeting, by a vote of 7-0, the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommended approval and Staff has recommended approval
as well. The public hearing is open.
Franklin: I just wanted to let you know that we have the signed conditional zoning
agreement. So, if you chose, you may close the public hearing this
evening.
Robert Downer: Members of the Council, I am Bob Downer. I am the attorney for
Christian Retirement Services, the operator of Oaknoll Retirement
Residence. I will be brief because this matter has been before the Council
for some time over the past 15 months or thereabouts in connection with
primarily accommodating a parking lot that had originally been
constructed several years ago to replace parking that was taken out by
virtue of a 14 unit addition to Oaknoll that was constructed and opened in
1998. The property in question consists of three residences together with
a former residential location at the extreme north end of Benton Court
which has been a parking lot for several years now. And the primary
purpose for this rezoning is to permit the continuation of that use as a
parking lot. This required an ordinance amendment that occurred last year
and if this proposal is adopted it will require that Oaknoll go before the
Board of Adjustment to seek a special exception to continue to use that
property for a parking lot. This zoning request as was indicated, is for an
RM-12 classification. The balance of Oaknoll is RM-44. The Council
had before it when this matter first came up, a proposal to zone this
parking lot RM-44. That was not voted upon by the Council but there was
then the effort made to resolve this through the ordinance change that
ultimately occurred. To the best of my knowledge no one has voiced any
objections at all with respect to the parking lot usage. And no neighbor in
close proximity has expressed any views on this at all to my knowledge.
There has been one comment that was made that there would be nothing
that would prevent Oaknoll from selling this property and having some
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free-standing apartment complex occupy that property. And while it is
absolutely true that there is no absolute assurance that can be given, I
would point out that there is both a conditional zoning agreement and a
restrictive covenant with respect to the use of this property. The
conditional zoning agreement being part of the rezoning. The covenant
being something that Oaknoll has voluntarily offered to assure that this
would not happen. Furthermore, it is not realistic economically for that to
occur. The four properties in question have been purchased by Oaknoll at
a cost exceeding $600,000. This zoning request would permit an
expansion of Oaknoll if the area was fully developed by approximately 10
units. I think that you will all agree that there is no way that there would
be an economic justification for anyone paying $60,000 per unit for land
on which to build an apartment. This was purchased simply because it
was in proximity to Oaknoll, a facility that has existed in this community
for over a third of a century that has had well over $10 million invested in
it in terms of capital construction that has occurred up to this point. And
this property was acquired simply for the purpose of enabling this non-
profit corporation to continue to carry out its mission of service to this
community. I would be happy to answer any questions. There is no
reason in my view to belabor the point further other than to ask questions.
I know that we have several Council members who are present now who
were not involved when this came before and they may have some
questions. But I have nothing further to add.
O'Donnell: Any questions?
Downer: Thank you.
O'Donnell: Thank you Bob. Any further discussion? Public heating is closed.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence?
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Champion: Second.
O'Donnell: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Champion. Would somebody like to
inform the Mayor he can return?
Karr: All those in favor of accepting correspondence?
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All: Aye.
Champion: Has anybody ever voted "no"?
O'Donnell: We will have a short delay while we are waiting for the Mayor.
Champion: What happened to him?
O'Donnell: I don't know. Unless he thought more was going to happen. We need the
Barbershop Quartet.
Lehman: You must have done a really good job.
O'Donnell: Absolutely.
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ITEM NO. 7h. AMENDING TITLE 14, CHAPTER 6, ZONING, TO ALLOW
WIDE-BASE FREESTANDING SIGNS IN SOME COMMERCIAL
ZONES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Lehman: The public hearing is open.
John Bell: My name is John Bell and I represent Chezik-Sayers Honda.
Lehman: What is your address please?
Bell: 2343 Mormon Trek Blvd, Iowa City. And I have some handouts Mr.
Mayor.
Lehman: That is fine.
Bell: The handouts that I am passing out to you, they show the renovation that
Chezik-Sayers is doing. They show the design of the sign that we are
talking about and they also have an overlay that should show where the
sign is going to be located. I am going to express my thanks to the
members of the Planning and Zoning Commission for recommending the
approval of the broad base sign. And thank you members of the City
Council for listening to me tonight. Chezik-Sayers Honda is spending $1
million to enhance its existing property at the gateway to our city. We are
remodeling our property in accordance and in an attempt to comply with
American Honda's franchise agreement and an architectural design. It
does present one problem. The sign that Honda incorporated into this
design is an expensive pre built sign by Plasti-Line Corporation made
exclusively for Honda dealerships. The sign is 25 feet 9 inches tall. The
sign ordinance as it is proposed will restrict the use of wide clad signs to
be only 25 feet tall. I recognize that the reason for the height limitation is
aesthetic. We at Chezik-Sayers are very conscious of aesthetics and have
always endeavored to keep our property looking first class. The complete
renovation that we are putting together on the property, I think everyone
will find very pleasing to the eye. Many months ago we asked the city for
a variance because of the height. I don't think anyone understood that this
sign can not be modified since it is not a question of lengthening or
shortening a pole which it sits. It was suggested to us that we sponsor this
ordinance which is the one before you tonight. Unfortunately, the way in
which the proposal has come forward, it will still not accomplish our goal.
We have received some correspondence from the city suggesting that we
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berm the sign so that makes it comply. I personally would like to reject
this idea because I feel that it actually breaks the very rule that would be
passed. I would prefer and suggest that the sign ordinance clearly be
approved without resorting to any type of method to detract from the
height of it. I hope an amendment will be made to allow signs to be 26
feet tall so that this manufactured sign is acceptable without question.
You are probably aware that if the sign were moved 200 feet to the west it
could be an additional 10 feet taller. We have always wanted to cooperate
with the city and we hope now that the city will assist us in allowing this
Honda sign which is close to the freeway. That you very much.
Lehman: I just have a couple of questions. You say that if you move the sign to the
west- is the grade there higher?
Bell: Yes it is.
Lehman: Then a legal sign 25 feet tall would be 10 feet higher in the air than this
sign would be at the location that you have chosen for it on your lot?
Bell: Yes it would.
Lehman: And that sign would be legal where this one would not even though it is
10 feet tall?
Bell: It would be 35 feet higher than where we are going to plant this sign.
Champion: It would be 10 feet higher.
Bell: Well, 35 feet total from where we are going to plant this sign.
Lehman: And this sign is- this is a sign that franchise dealers, of course obviously
we are all aware of franchises whether we are talking about automobile
dealerships or fast food places or whatever. This is a sign that is made by
or endorsed by- whatever Honda would ask you to use on your
remodeling?
Bell: Actually the remodeling plan that we signed up for requires us to use a
sign that complies. And this is the sign that complies with that plan.
Lehman: You said that if you- what do you mean "berm" the sign? If you berm the
sign it would be legal. How would you do that?
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Bell: Well, the suggestion was made, in fact the suggestion was made that we
would go ahead and we would actually put a dip together or pile dirt up
around the sign until it comes up 9 inches. And then the sign would
technically be 25 feet in the air.
Lehman: The sign would be exactly the same height if you berm it as it would if
you didn't berm it? Is that correct?
Bell: It would be the same height. Yes.
Lehman: I am just trying to understand this.
Pfab: I have a question. You are saying if the sign was in a different location it
could be 10 feet higher and still be legal?
Champion: We measure from the ground.
Bell: The grade in front on the dealership, if you come off the freeway, the
grade moves like this.
Pfab: Okay.
Bell: And it is actually a mound. You know, the way it is landscaped. So
where the sign is mounted this mound fades down into that area and it
flattens back out. So where this sign would be mounted it is 25 feet. If we
moved over about 50 feet it would be up on higher ground. I guess the
question is- the elevation of the sign is dictated from the ground it is
sitting on.
Pfab: Okay, now how much difference- how much difference in distance would
the short sign be too tall and the tall one be okay? 10 foot higher? Is the
short one a lot closer to the highway or not?
Bell: There is not two different signs.
Pfab: No, no I mean- the idea of each sign. Is the shorter one illegal because it
is closer to the highway?
Champion: No.
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Lehman: It is illegal because it is 9 inches too tall.
Pfab: Yes, but the direction- this is what I am trying- I haven't been able to sort
this one out. So the sign is closer- this sign is closer than the one that
would be 35 feet tall?
Bell: No, the- that- I guess I might not have answered that question clearly. The
question was if I move the sign 25 feet to the west would it be at a higher
elevation from sea level?
Pfab: No, no- I am looking at distance from the travel portion of the highway.
Bell: No, it would be the same distance from that portion of the highway.
Pfab: It is the same distance from the highway?
Bell: Yes sir.
O'Donnell: But it is higher up the hill.
Bell: Yes, exactly. (can't hear).
Champion: When we allowed the new hotel- Sheraton is it?- to have larger letters. I
mean, I don't know, it seems almost laughable that you can berm it or
move it. I think we ought to just (can't hear)-
O'Donnell: I would like to see the set back plan Ernie. If we could do that.
Lehman: Well, I think we need to- well Eleanor. I think there is going to be some
interest from my perspective anyway in having Planning and Zoning staff
look at some of the ways this sign can be done. Should we conclude the
public hearing and ask them to take a look at the sign- the height
restriction and work out some way that this can take place? Or should we
continue the hearing? What is the proper way of doing this?
Dilkes: Well, I think you do have to send it back to Planning and Zoning.
Particularly because my understanding is the 25 foot height was put in
place because it is consistent with our other sign ordinances. So, I would-
we probably want to continue the public hearing. Send it back.
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#7h P age 19
Lehman: What- let me get some consensus from the Council. Is there interest on
the part of the Council on sending this back to try to make this sign-
excuse me- to enable them to erect a sign that 25 foot 9 inches?
O'Donnell: Sure.
Champion: Yes.
Vanderhoef: I will send it back.
Lehman: I think we have 4 people that would send it back.
Champion: We do have four.
Dilkes: I think it needs to be clear that that is to the applicant- or to Honda
dealership that that is going to take some time.
O'Donnell: How much time is that going to take? Do you know?
Lehman: I think Karin Franklin might be able to address that. Karin, do you have
an idea of what time is involved with this?
Franklin: It would need to go back to at least one meeting to the Planning and
Zoning Commission. So that would be their first meeting in April. And
then it would come back to you presumably at your-
Lehman: Second meeting.
Franklin: Second meeting in April.
Lehman: So approximately a month from now?
Wilburn: Karin? The sign ordinance, the aesthetic concern in this case is the
height? Is that bottom line with this?
Franklin: The height appears to be the issue. All of our freestanding signs are 25
feet high. It has been that way since the late 70 's when the first sign
ordinance was adopted.
Wilbum: And I- a comment that you made Connie is kind of making me want to
just go ahead with it if the sign can be moved and be 10 foot higher-
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Lehman: No, I think you misunderstood that. The sign- this sign kit is not legal
regardless of where you put it.
Wilburn: Okay.
Lehman: His point was that if you move the location of the sign 200 feet to the west
and put up a 25 foot sign, that sign would then extend 10 feet taller than
this sign would if it were legal.
Wilburn: I see, okay.
Vanderhoef: What we are saying is the aesthetics of it because they are choosing to put
it in the lower land- keeps it more conforming with our other signs in the
area vs. what they could have done in putting it on the higher part of the
property.
Champion: Well, sometimes (can't hear).
Vanderhoef: And make that much higher than all our others.
Champion: Right. The sign things- they don't take into account all the local
ordinances. And the fact that they could put this sign in and just build up
the lawn area high enough for that 9 inches- I mean, I don't know. That
is-
Lehman: Cheating?
Champion: That seems like Chicago politics.
Lehman: No offense Chicago.
O'Donnell: After you build the nine inch berm you could also have a rain storm and
wash it away and be illegal again.
Dilkes: Can I say- Karin correct me ifI am wrong. But, the issue that Planning
and Zoning is going to have to look is an amendment to our sign
ordinance. The height of our signs or some kind of minor modification
provision. They are not going to, nor are they allowed to, look at this one
particular situation and put some kind of ordinance in effect that will
address that.
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Lehman: This sign only.
Dilkes: Right. So one of the things you might want to consider doing is going
ahead and moving forward on this and then directing Planning and Zoning
to take a look at the whole issue of height of signs.
O'Donnell: Let's do just that.
Pfab: In other words, approving it even though it (can't hear).
Wilbum: This is first consideration.
Pfab: Is that what you are saying? Moving forward or continuing the hearing?
Dilkes: Moving forward with the ordinance. Before, you remember we had- the
major issue here is the approval of the wide clad signs.
Champion: Oh sure. That is what is on the- right.
Dilkes: And the height issue has come in as sort of a, you know, a pick up issue-
Wilburn: A side bar.
Dilkes: A side bar because of the Honda sign that is nine inches higher than 25
feet.
Lehman: So what we are saying is that we can go ahead and act on this revision
which allows wide clad signs and refer the matter back to Planning and
Zoning to work out some manner in which a taller sign could be used
either administratively or by changing the height restriction in the
ordinance?
Champion: Are there other ways? I mean, are there- can you make an exception?
Vanderhoef: That is what I was asking last night on the appeals. Is there any appeals
process or exception and from what I understood Eleanor to say we don't
have that possibility.
O'Donnell: It wouldn't be very difficult to make an exception.
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Pfab: I would be favored to continue the heating and let everyone sort some
more things out. I think there is more- I think it is not a case of distance or
height. It is how big it appears to the eye. An airplane that you are
standing tight beside looks pretty big but when it is up in the sky it is
pretty small. And that is- I think that is what is going on here. And I think
these ordinances were not drafted on a whim. I think there is a lot of work
done on them.
Dilkes: You need to remember there are going to be some enforcement issues
here. I mean, it is easy to take the ground and measure up so far. It is far
more difficult I would assume to take an airplane over you know see what
it looks like or stand at some point or go to sea level. So those are all
going to be issues that P&Z and the Planning staff are going to have to
look at.
Vanderhoef: Can we send it back to P&Z even though we have given first
consideration?
O'Donnell: Sure.
Lehman: We can't give it first consideration until we have closed the public
heating.
Dilkes: You have to- yeah, if you decide you want to proceed with the ordinance
in front of you as opposed to making some change to that ordinance then
you need to close the public hearing to move forward.
Lehman: That is the question. Other Council comment?
Pfab: I am not ready to change the ordinances without some more thought.
Lehman: Well, the portion of the ordinance that this deals with is only the base of
the sign and it has been approved by the staff and it has been approved by
Planning and Zoning and there seems to be no dispute.
Pfab: The (can't hear) of the sign is what you are saying?
Lehman: Yeah, there seems to be no disagreement.
Pfab: Well if there is no- that part fine. But the other part-
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Lehman: This is another issue not addressed in this revision.
Dilkes: So we are all clear (changed tapes) in this ordinance that allows this
particular type of sign. That is the side bar issue and was just incorporated
from the height limitation we have for our freestanding signs. But moving
forward with this ordinance would put that 25 foot limitation in place.
Champion: So we need to keep the public heating open and not-
Lehman: Do we want to continue the public hearing?
Champion: Yes.
O'Donnell: Yes.
John Bell: The- there is a couple of points I would like to bring forward for the City
Council to consider. Number one is when we came forward we proposed
an ordinance change for a new type of sign. The wide clad signs didn't
exist. The code was written that stated if you had so much surface
covered that that was not permitted. There was, you know, sign base
requirements. And we came forward and we said we want to propose this
type of sign, a wide clad sign. The language in the ordinance gives quite a
bit of discretion for this sign not to be allowed. You will see that the
language in the ordinance that's before you states that, you know, limited
use in certain areas etc. We propose that we have the wide clad sign that
is 26 feet. That is what we propose to do. We came forward and we said
here is a new type of sign. We would like to have an ordinance that
allows it and allows it to be 26 feet. For some reason, when they drafted
the ordinance they said because other types of sign, not this type of sign,
but because other types of signs have to be 25 feet we are going to make
this type of sign 25 feet. This type of sign, once again, is unlimited use
and it could have been drafted that this ordinance was 26 feet for wide
clad signs only. The second thing I would like you to take in
consideration is we are well within 1000 feet from a divided highway. If
you look at the ordinances for a property that is zoned CH- 1, which we are
not zoned CH-1 we are C-1, but we would qualify for CH-1 zoning under
any circumstances. We could have a sign that is 50 feet up in the air.
Now, we already had FAA clearance for 35 feet and we are 1000 feet from
a divided highway. So, once again I would ask that you take into
consideration making an ordinance for wide-clad signs because there is
discretionary power to not permit them at 26 feet and so that we can install
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this sign on the gateway. And we would qualify for up to 50 feet should
we be zoned CH-1, and we would qualify to be zoned CH-1 provided that
it would stand public hearing. That is all I have.
Lehman: Let me just state I believe- I mean I have not talked to Planning and
Zoning or staff on this but my- I surmise that the 25 foot regulation was
kept to be consistent with the rest of the ordinances even though this is a
different one. But I also sense from the Council that we are probably
going to continue this public hearing and send this back to Planning and
Zoning and request that they make a change that will make the sign
conforming. Is that what I hear?
Champion: Yes.
Vanderhoef: You brought up a good point there though that around the airport so if you
had put the sign on the high side of the hill on your property you would
have been up close to the limit.
Bell: Every time you plan- actually every time that you plan to install a sign
they will come out and tell you are either clear for a flight path or you are
not. And at the location where we have that sign we are clear- we could
go up another 10 feet. You know, we are not interested in going up
another 10 feet. There may be areas along there that we could be up 50
feet, if we were zoned that way. But, you are correct. If we moved it over
and if that same restriction applied (can't hear) flight path. Yes, they
might say it could be allowed.
Vanderhoef: Thank you.
Pfab: I myself certainly would be ready to move on this. That doesn't mean I
wouldn't (can't hear).
Lehman: Well, we need a motion to continue this till-
Dilkes: April 18th.
Pfab: I move that.
Lehman: April 18th. Moved by Pfab.
Champion: Second.
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Lehman: Seconded by Champion. All in favor?
All: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? We will refer this back to Planning and Zoning and continue
this hearing umil April 18th.
Karr: Could we have a motion to accept correspondence?
O'Donnell: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoefto accept correspondence. All in favor?
All: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 7i. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SENSITIVE
AREAS OVERLAY (OSA-8) CONDITIONAL ZONING
AGREEMENT TO ALLOW A DRIVEWAY ACCESS ONTO
FOSTER ROAD FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 500 FOSTER
ROAD. (REZ99-0016) (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Vanderhoef: Move second consideration.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? This is the
Lewis driveway off of Foster Road.
Vanderhoef: And this is the amended form of the ordinance.
Lehman: This is- we voted on it the first time 2 weeks ago tonight.
Champion: This is the second vote.
O'Donnell: This is the one where it is the traffic vs. the house count, remember?
Vanderhoef: Yes.
Pfab: Is it going to be traffic?
O'Donnell: That was the discussion at the last meeting. I am just telling everybody.
Pfab: But did it pass as-
Kanner: It is house count.
O'Donnell: It is going to be house count.
Champion: Right.
Kanner: 250 house count. The amendment was west of the driveway.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries 6-1, Pfab voting "no".
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ITEM NO. 8. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION SELECTING TERRY L. STAMPER
AND ASSOCIATES AS THE PREFERRED DEVELOPMENT
TEAM FOR THE PENINSULA NEIGHBORHOOD AND
AUTHORIZING STAFF TO NEGOTIATE OF A DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENT FOR COUNCIL APPROVAL.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Vanderhoef: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Karin, we
just have to have a little- this is a big deal. I mean, you folks have worked
very, very hard on this. I think it has had the commitment of two
Councils. Obviously, I think a tremendous amount of concern and
excitement from the neighborhood and it just appears that maybe the baby
is being born. So if you would like to just bring folks up to date before we
vote on it?
Franklin: Okay. What we are recommending to you is that the Terry Stampers and
Associates team be selected to develop the Peninsula. The next steps in all
of this will be to put together a development agreement with the
developers as to how to proceed over the next year or two. And then to
approve the plats and zoning through the regular process. And we are
trying very hard to get it going so that we will have some site work being
begun in the fall. And hope to have some lots ready for development in
the spring of 2001.
Lehman: And just for the public's information- describe briefly the mix of the- I
mean, the unique part of this project is the mix of housing. We have never
seen that.
Franklin: Yes. Well, we have never seen it in anything new.
Champion: (can't hear).
Lehman: Not like this.
Franklin: And one of the reasons as you all know that we are doing this is to provide
a model for a different way to develop neighborhoods in Iowa City. And
one of the unique things about this project is going to be that within single
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blocks there will be a variety of housing types and through the design of
those housing types they will be able to co-habitate very closely together.
There will also be a lot of public spaces in terms of not just park but trails,
access to the Peninsula park that is in the lower level of the Peninsula. A
very pedestrian oriented kind of community that is being built here at the
end of Foster Road. So it is pretty exciting.
Lehman: I want to congratulate you Karin and your staff. This has been- you know,
I know in the total scheme of things this is not been a long time. But some
times it seems like it has been a long time. But I really think this is worth
waiting for.
Franklin: Well, we are not done yet. But we are getting there.
Lehman: I know that. But we are on our way. Irvin?
Pfab: Okay, my only concern is- and I believe you mentioned earlier that it is
being taken into consideration where there will be a provision where
people with low to moderate incomes will have access to that by various
procedures and other entities being involved?
Franklin: Yes. We will have other entities involved, possibly doing some kind of
land truss where we retain ownership of the lot and the houses sold. Also
just by the diversity of the housing, trying to build in to the whole
development different cost housing so that that housing can move with the
market but will always have entry level units.
Pfab: As long as that is- that is very important.
Franklin: That is a very important part of it.
Lehman: Irvin, this requires our approval of the agreement. So we will see this
before we sign it. We are just authorizing our staff to enter into the
agreement, which we then still must approve. Correct?
Franklin: That is right.
Pfab: I just wanted to declare my position on that.
Lehman: Okay.
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Franklin: You will be seeing it two or three times.
Lehman: I am sure.
Kanner: Karin, is the committee that was put together to approve, give the initial
approval, are they going to continue to work on this next round of
negotiations in putting together-?
Franklin: In terms of the selection panel?
Kanner: Yeah. Are they going to be involved- the same people in the next round of
getting specifics put on paper of how development will be?
Franklin: Yes. Yes. Now whether we have the specific people from the Housing
Community Development Commission and the Planning and Zoning
Commission I am not sure. But we will have those folks involved in this
as we proceed through this. Certainly.
Kanner: Good.
Franklin: Thanks.
Lehman: Thank you Karin. Discussion from Council? Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 10 THE CITY'S INTENT TO PROCEED WITH AND
AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY RIGHTS
FOR THE JOHNSON STREET SANITARY SEWER PROJECT.
a.) Public hearing.
Lehman: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. It involves the
repairing of the sanitary sewer from Lucas Street to Van Buren Street.
The public hearing is closed.
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ITEM NO. 11 PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND
ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE
MORMON TREK BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS- ABBEY
LANE TO HIGHWAY 1 PROJECT, ESTABLISHING AMOUNT
OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING
CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND
FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a.) Public hearing.
Lehman: The public hearing is open. The estimated cost of this project is $2.88
million. The public heating is closed. Do we have a motion?
b.) Consider a resolution approving.
Champion: Move adoption.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Wilburn: I have a question concerning controlled intersections. I am not sure if
there is a staff person here that-
Atkins: Rick should be back there- around.
Wilburn: Is it Ron?
Knoche: Ron, yes.
Wilburn: Okay. At which intersections are going to be controlled with signal- has
that been finalized yet?
Knoche: Yeah, we will add a signalized intersection at the Westside drive
intersection where the Amoco and the McDonalds and Lepic Kroger
Building is- fight by the Chezik-Sayers entrance.
Wilbum: Okay. Are there any other intersections- are there any other uncontrolled
intersections along the Mormon Trek?
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Knoche: The other intersections have stop signs.
Wilbum: Okay. Did you-
Pfab: I have a question. Now, are those going to be computer controlled? In
other words, traffic control? Or are they just time?
Knoche: No, the type of- we will be using a visual type of detection instead of the
underground detection. So it will be video detected and it will be queued
that way by the videos.
Pfab: But it will be traffic- the traffic that is at the intersection will control when
the lights go off?.
Knoche: Correct.
Wilburn: I am assuming with allowing- how will traffic flow be affected through
this area and the areas with the stop signs? Are we looking at some point
in putting additional signs up- lights out there? Or how will-?
Knoche: In the future there may be a need for a sign at the next- Westside Drive
intersection because of development that may occur there. But we don't
see any need for lights further to the noah off of the side streets that are
there. The flow of traffic, we are hoping it will improve the flow of traffic
in some situations with having the additional light at Westside Drive
because of the congestion that occurs there today. People trying to get in
and out of the McDonalds and the Amoco.
Wilburn: Okay, and if residents in the area are having a concern about whether with
future development or existing things about traffic flow, would they- if
they are calling with concems or complaints will we be- will that be able
to initiate some type of traffic count or monitoring situation to-
Knoche: Yes, we would be able to do some traffic counts and see if the warrants are
met for signals at those intersections.
Wilburn: Okay, and that would come through your department that (can't hear)
Knoche: It would probably go through JeffDavidson's Office in traffic planning.
Wilburn: Okay, thank you.
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Vanderhoef: I have one question while you are there. As you are headed south or east,
I don't know which way it is but it is sort of on the curve there southeast
anyway, we will have two lanes for mm lanes to go towards town?
Knoche: At the Highway 1 intersection?
Vanderhoef: At the Highway 1 intersection.
Knoche: Correct, there will be two left turn lanes.
Vanderhoef: And will there be a third right hand turn lane all the way from the previous
stop light at Westside Drive?
Knoche: The intersection at Highway 1 would be 2 left turn lanes and then a
through lane and a right through lane there by- at the intersection.
Vanderhoef: So it will be four lanes?
Knoche: So it would be four lanes coming on the southbound and then there would
be 2 lanes going noahbound.
Vanderhoef: Okay, because I am concemed with stacking between those two lights at
Westside Drive and Highway 1. That is sort of a short block in there.
Knoche: Yeah, when you go back- when you are coming from Highway 1 back to
the noah for the light there there will be four lanes. There will be a left
turn lane into Chezik-Sayers, two through lanes and then a right turn lane
going into the Amoco on Westside Drive.
Vanderhoef: Okay. Thank you.
Lehman: Thank you.
b.) Consider a resolution approving
Champion: Move adoption.
Lehman: We want to adopt this really bad. Roll call.
Vanderhoef: It is needed.
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Champion: It is needed.
Lehman: Motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting "no".
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ITEM NO. 12. PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND
ESTIMATE OF COST FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
HIGHWAY 6 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVERPASS PROJECT
[STP-U-3715(14) 70-521.
a.) Public hearing.
Lehman: This is a project over Highway 6 at the Westlawn curve. The public
hearing is open. This is at no cost to the City of Iowa City. The
University and I think the DOT. Public hearing is closed.
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ITEM NO. 13. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK
TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE
HIGHWAY 6 PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVERPASS PROJECT
[STP-U-3715(14) 70-52].
Lehman: (can't hear) the estimate was $860,000. The public works and engineering
recommended the awarding of the project to Iowa Bridge and Culvert of
Washington Iowa for $1,242,356.90. Do we have a motion?
Vanderhoef: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Arkins: Mayor and members of the Council- this is kind of an unusual procedure.
Maybe Rick can make sure the public understands.
Lehman: Understands why we are approving without comment?
Atkins: Well, that is it. Yeah. For a million and two.
Lehman: About 40% higher than the engineer's estimate.
Atkins: As well as the process question I think.
Fosse: This is a project in which we are serving as a pass through agency for
some federal funding and that is why there is no cost to the city on it. As
far as the project cost, what we see- there is a good number of bidders
there. Good (can't hear) so that is the cost to get it done. I do know that
the designers as well as the University are looking at options for reducing
the cost- making modifications after the award and they will begin
negotiations probably tomorrow on things that they can change here.
Lehman: We are basically the facilitators for this.
Fosse: For the funding aspects of it. For the federal funding aspects.
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Kanner: The discussion the University will be having what to change, will that
significantly affect the timeline of when it is going to be built and how
long it will take to do it do you anticipate?
Fosse: No, I don't believe it will. And it will have no affect on the function or f
functionality of it as well.
Atkins: And ifI recall Rick, the Board of Regents had to approve this also.
Fosse: Yes.
Lehman: Thank you Rick. Other discussion? Roll call.
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ITEM NO. 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AND
AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT WITH
COLLEGE TOWN PARTNERS AND KROEGER-TIGGES L.C.
FOR TEMPORARY USE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY FOR A
PORTION OF DUBUQUE STREET IN IOWA CITY, IOWA.
Vanderho ef: Move adoption of the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Wilburn: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Wilbum. I think this is relative to construction of this new
building. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: Well, the reason they are asking for this is because we have asked them to
protect the tree that is in our public fight-of-way. And for them to do this
safely they need to block this little area off so they don't run construction
trucks over the root system of this tree and compact it to the point that it
will kill the tree. So I will support this.
Lehman: It will be until September 1st 2000. This was recommended by Planning
and Zoning Commission. Other discussion? Roll call.
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ITEM NO. 17 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION CERTIFYING UNPAID WATER,
WASTEWATER, SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING CHARGES,
INCLUDING FEES AND PENALTIES, TO JOHNSON COUNTY
FOR COLLECTION IN THE SAME MANNER AS A PROPERTY
TAX.
O'Donnell: Move first consideration.
Lehman: Moved by O'Dormell.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion.
Karr: Mr. Mayor, I would like to note the revised changes you have distributed
this evening.
Lehman: This motion would be to approve this with the revisions.
Karr: That is correct.
Champion: It is an additional list, is that what it is?
Karr: It is an amended list.
Lehman: It is an amended list.
Champion: Okay.
Kanner: What changed mostly on the list?
Karr: Payments.
Kanner: Some of those on the previous list paid and are off the list?
Karr: Correct.
Lehman: This is really filing liens against the property to collect the unpaid utility
bills, is that correct?
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Dilkes: That is correct.
Lehman: Discussion?
Vanderhoef: Well, number one- it is now split that if they have the tenants name then it
is the- we try to collect from the tenant. It does not go back onto the lien
of the property owner.
Lehman: This sets the lien though, fight?
Vanderhoef: Yes.
Lehman: This has nothing to do with (can't hear)
Vanderhoef: Trying to collect from them. The other thing that crosses my mind in here
and some people may be wondering why, but there is a state law that says
that we cannot put a lien on for the water portion of those utility bills and I
find that quite unusual and it might be something that we would want to
look into at some future date.
Lehman: Like when the water quality gets better?
Vanderhoef: Yes.
Pfab: I have a question.
Lehman: Yes?
Pfab: You are saying that if a tenant skips without paying a water bill- what
happens?
Lehman: The landlord is responsible for the water bill.
Pfab: But you are saying that you cannot attach a lien to the landowner's
property?
Lehman: That is what we are doing right here, is attaching a lien.
Dilkes: For the water portion that is correct.
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Pfab: So it is not possible to attach a lien for water that is used by a tenant to a
landlord?
Dilkes: For water. The water component, correct.
Lehman: The sewer charges you can and the refuse collection.
Pfab: So what happens to that unpaid bill.
Lehman: We just don't get it. Other discussion?
Karr: Mr. Mayor? Please note the bottom of it, the property owners will be
permitted to be heard tonight. So this is a form of a public hearing. So we
should allow for comment.
Lehman: Right.
Doug Yansky: Doug Yansky, Kansas Ave., Iowa City. I got one of these here, thanks for
the lien. The think I ain't understanding is don't these guys pay deposit? I
mean, what-? I mean, I don't live in Iowa City so I don't know but you
come in and you get utilities don't you like have to put down a deposit?
Champion: There is a deposit.
Lehman: There is a deposit.
Yansky: Well, what happens to that?
Lehman: I am sure the deposit is applied against the bill.
Yansky: I called and they said they gave it back to the guy. I mean, I just bought
this house and I never rented to this guy but I am getting charged his bill.
Atkins: Ernie, we can have Dianna Donahue if you wouldn't mind sir coming to
the microphone she can explain. Or Kevin. Furman, excuse me Dianna. I
got the wrong last name.
Furman: Hi, I am Dianna Furman the Customer Service Manager for the City of
Iowa City. And my department is the one that does the collections for the
utility billings. Mr. Pfab, is in answering his question Emie, was fight that
the water is not a lienable portion on a residential rental property in a
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tenant's name but the rest of the account can be liened. In answer to the
question of the deposit, we hold an $80 deposit on a residential rental
account in the tenant's name and that deposit is held for a 15 month
period. If the payment history is good on the account at the end of that 15
month period the deposit is applied back to the account and used up on the
bills. It is not actually given back to the tenant if it is still an active
account. At the time we close an account if there is a deposit on that
account, then that deposit is applied to the balance due at the time the final
bill is produced and used up.
Lehman: So what you are saying is that ifI lived in a property for 24 months you
would apply during the 15 month my deposit. And should I leave that
property after 24 months and not pay my bill, and I was a renter, that
would be a lien against the property owner?
Furman: Yes, if the tenant did not pay it in full.
Lehman: But because my deposit would then have been applied to the bill in the
15th month.
Furman: Yes.
Lehman: Okay. Does that answer your question sir?
Yansky: I just don't think it is fair. I think the point of a deposit is just that. I
mean, you are getting a deposit to make sure that you get paid and then to
make somebody else responsible-. I mean, you know, I just bought this
house and I don't know that much about it. Is it like the cable guy is going
to come after me too?
Lehman: Well, I would assume and I haven't bought a house recently, but I would
assume when you buy a house you do a title search and the title search
probably shows you what liens are against it.
Yansky: This guy was evicted before I even bought it. He wasn't even there.
Lehman: Dianna?
Furman: When we go through this process we determine that whoever is the owner
of record at the time the bill is incurred is now the current owner of record.
So, if there is a mistake that Mr. Yansky did not own the property at the
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time the tenant left the property, then you know we can check into that.
But we have- our records are by what at the court house at this time or at
the county records. Who is the property owner vs.-.
Atkins: And I would like to remind the Council and Dianna can speak to it from a
historical perspective, these deposits have cost us-.
Lehman: I know.
Atkins: Okay.
Furman: There is another deposit if I might add, on our collection system. We give
back the deposit within 15 months if the collection on the account or the
payment history on the account is good. If there are three times that an
account or a tenant is delinquent or an owner, any account holder, is
delinquent three times within a 365 day period to the extent that we have
to post a notice to the property, that account is then subject for what is
called a delinquency deposit and we require the account holder to pay
deposit equal to an average two month billing for that account. That
deposit then is then held for 1 year from the date it is actually paid. If
there is no further delinquencies on the account. If there is another
delinquency with the posting of a notice it is held one year from that last
posting. So we have a mechanism with which to try to not hold the
owners responsible with that delinquency deposit program but
unfortunately it just doesn't catch every account.
Lehman: Well, Dianna, I think the question that I- at least what I can you tell you
here is if a person buys a piece of property and the previous owner had
the- the previous owner had an unpaid utility bill. Will the new owner be
responsible for that utility bill? Will it be filed against that property and
transferred to the new owner?
Furman: That is not the intent. That is not what we do. If the ownership has
changed-
Lehman: Okay. I think that answers Mr. Yansky's question that if you are a new
owner of a piece of property and the lien was against the previous owner
that you probably can discuss that with her.
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Yansky: Well, it wasn't the previous owner but the tenant moved out just before I
bought it and he just didn't pay his last month's bill. And she had,
whoever had, given him back his deposit already so.
Lehman: Well I think you will understand. We get a lot of folks who are very
unhappy about us retaining an $80 deposit forever. I pay my bill
regularly, I gave you my $80 for a year now, I've never been late. Give
me my money back, because you know I pay my bill.
Yansky: That doesn't make sense to me because any landlord in this town isn't
going to give somebody back their damage deposit after 15 months. I
mean, it is just something that isn't done. That is the point of a deposit in
my opinion.
Champion: But you can include deposits- when you rent an apartment you can include
a deposit that would cover such things for yourself.
Lehman: Some landlords do.
Champion: We can't hold onto that money for people till they leave your premises.
Yansky: I don't know- I just think that if- is that a law or something? Has anybody
ever challenged you on it?
Dilkes: We are authorized by state code to do this.
Yansky: To do it.
Dilkes: State code and city code.
Yansky: So it is like law or something?
Dilkes: Yeah.
Yansky: All right.
Lehman: Okay, thank you.
Furman: Any other questions for me?
Lehman: Well, I don't know. Let's see.
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Tom Bayliss: Yes, my name is Tom Bayliss and I have a residence at 3810 500th ST
SW, Riverside, Iowa. But I do have rental properties throughout Iowa
City that I do have rental permits on issued by the city. And for that
permit I do pay a charge. And when I take a look at the city wanting to
assess myself for a charge that I did not incur it does not seem fair. Now
that tenant, when I put an advertisement in the mail or in the paper, I better
have very good reasons for not offering that tenant a contract if he comes
forward. For legal reasons. Likewise, he has the ability to leave the
premises, taking services that have provided by the city and stiffing me for
it. Now, I don't see if I did not receive the services- the property is there
but it wasn't the property that received the services. It was the tenant.
Now, beings that the city issued me a rental permit does that mean if he
does not pay for the last months rent that I can assess that to the city?
Lehman: Well, I think the obvious answer to that is no. But I also think that
anybody in this town who rents properties knows fight up front that sewer
bills, water bills, refuse bills, are going to be assigned to that property if
the tenant doesn't pay them. If the landlords keep deposits for that, just in
case they move out without paying those bills. That has been the case for
years.
Bayliss: No, but that is why you are trying to have an ordinance established here at
this time.
Lehman: This isn't an ordinance. We are just doing what we have been doing every
year. This isn't an ordinance. This is just once a year we file the liens on
bills that were not paid. We did that last year at this time. We did it the
year before that. We have done it every year since I have been on the
Council.
Bayliss: So I have had good tenants up until this point and never got my house
liened? Is that what you are saying?
Vanderhoef: You have been very lucky.
Bayliss: Okay. So then this will go as a lien against my property unless I pay the-
unless I pay you for it? Right?
Lehman: That is correct.
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Furman: Yes, excluding any water portion.
Bayliss: I guess then I would have a question. Why is water excluded and the other
services not? If it is all considered as a services provided?
Atkins: State law.
Vanderhoef: State law.
Lehman: I have no idea why.
Furman: Yes, I can answer that question. It is specified under state law and I think
it is code 384.84 that references the city has the right to collect these
services and gives the city the option of collecting a 90 day deposit from
the owner to forgo a lien process. We choose not to request that 90 day
deposit and we just write off the water from the owner.
Dilkes: I think what Dianna is saying is that we are- our city code provision is
more liberal than, and actually more favorable, to landlords than the state
code would allow.
Lehman: We don't protect ourselves when we would be allowed to do so by law.
Okay.
Kanner: Do we ever go a~er the water bills through other means? Through small
claims courts or collection agencies?
Furman: We don't use small claims court at this time and we don't use a collection
agency. Our first intent and prime interest is to try to collect from the
account holder themselves and we send out notifications but- and we do
transfer as a wrote in my memorandum to you from myself and Kevin
O'Malley that we will look for the account holder on another account and
collect it on another account and transfer it over. But we do not use a
collection agency or small claims.
Dilkes: One of the things you need to remember too is there is a $30 filing fee for
every small claims action. So with amounts that are small, it is just not- it
doesn't make sense to do it.
Bayliss: Thank you for your time.
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Lehman: You bet. Thank you. Other comments?
Karr: Mr. Mayor, there is a gentleman- sir, did you want to talk?
Alan Saba: My name is Alan Saba. I have the same concern as the other gentlemen
had. I have two rental properties and I have two bills here. And I feel it is
extremely unfair to do this to property owners. I only have two. So the
bottom line is I am going to be responsible for the water? Or the sewer?
Or both?
Furman: Not the water.
Saba: The sewer.
Furman: The sewer, you have a sewer charge of $61. (can't hear) for the sewer
portion.
Saba: So why are we here then? Are we here to just talk about it?
Furman: It is your opportunity to speak before Council and provide your opinion.
Or you objections.
Karr: Excuse me, but neither one of you are being picked up so it is like a silent
movie at home. So if you wouldn't mind-
Saba: So it is not going to change anything?
Lehman: That is correct.
Saba: Whether it is picked up or not. Thanks.
Lehman: Thank you. Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO 18. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAILING AND
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMMENCE PUBLIC
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT THE FIRST AVENUE
WATERMAIN PROJECT AND TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY FOR THE
PROJECT; AND SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MAY 2.
O'Dormell: Move first consideration.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Wilbum: Eleanor, can you explain the significance of that date with this action
about the public hearing?
Dilkes: I think that is the next item.
Wilbum: Is it? Okay. Never mind.
Lehman: Okay.
Dilkes: I will do it then.
Wilburn: Okay, I appreciate it.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO 19. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING MAILING AND
PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF INTENT TO COMMENCE
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT THE
CAPTAIN IRISH PARKWAY EXTENSION, FIRST AVENUE
EXTENSION WATERMAIN INSTALLATION, AND FIRST
AVENUE GRADING PROJECT AND TO ACQUIRE PROPERTY
FOR THE PROJECT; AND SETTING DATE OF PUBLIC
HEARING FOR MAY 2.
Vanderhoef.' Move adoption of the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Wilbum: Eleanor, what I said before.
Dilkes: I think as I said in my memo of March 20, there have been a number of
questions and hypotheticals posed about the initiative process in our city
charter and the interplay between that and the First Avenue project. I had
been, and still would be, reluctant to opine about hypothetical situations
but now that this is on the agenda and this sort of sets the execution of the
First Avenue grading project as well as the other projects, sets it off, then I
thought with that schedule it was then incumbent on me to give my
opinion as to when I thought there would be execution of the First Avenue
project. And I was asked for that opinion by members of the public. The
reason that the execution issue is significant is because the city charter
allows an initiative and referendum on plans and policies but not on the
execution of those plans and policies. The resolution that is before you is
something that we now are required to do by state law due to the changes
in the condemnation law. Until these changes the resolution authorizing
acquisition was a much simpler process and involved far less (can't hear).
We are now required to notify property owners up front, get your authority
to send them a notice, hold a public hearing on your intent to commence
the project and then you must resolve to commence that project and
authorize acquisition and authorize other things that are needed to be done
for the project such as remaining design and that kind of thing. So my
opinion is that if on May 2 you, after the public hearing is held, you
resolve to commence this project which includes the First Avenue
extension grading project that that would constitute an- the beginning of
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execution of the First Avenue project. I say that principally for three
factual reasons. One, the acquisition of property will be different because
we are doing the First Avenue grading. We will do a right-of-way
acquisition as opposed to a water easement acquisition. I think it was
clear at the last public heating or public discussion of this that the grading
would not be done but for the plan to put First Avenue- or to pave First
Avenue in 2003. And finally the distance, as I understand it, the distance
between the water mains is different if there is a street on top of them or if
there isn't a street on top of the water mains.
Champion: Thank you.
Lehman: Other discussion.
Dilkes: I am sorry, let me- I should say, and so the significance of the timing here
and the opinion I have given those who have asked me who would be
interested in an initiative to delay the grading project is that they would
have to have a petition certified as sufficient, i.e. having the requisite
number of signatures prior to your action on May 2.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Pfab: I think I might have an idea what it means but I am not sure. So, in other
words, this starts the- this locks in the process?
Dilkes: Your action tonight?
Pfab: Right.
Dilkes: No. My opinion is that if you would choose to take action on May 2, if
you would resolve on May 2 to commence this project and authorize
acquisition as well as the other things that are necessary for the project,
that that would-.
Pfab: But before that notices will be sent to property owners?
Wilburn: That is what this-
Dilkes: This resolution tonight authorizes the sending of notices to property
owners.
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Pfab: Okay, that brings up another question. Has that law been changed at the
State Legislature about the notification of property owners?
Dilkes: Are you talking about the attempts to change the law that was put in place
last summer and became effective on July 1, 19997 To my knowledge, it
has not been changed as of yet. I think there are efforts to change it.
Pfab: Right, okay. So as ofnow-
Dilkes: We are complying with the law as it now stands.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion passes 5-2, Kanner and Pfab voting "no".
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ITEM NO. 20 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING A STANDING RULE
REGARDING THE EFFECT OF A COUNCIL MEMBER'S
ABSTENTION WHEN NOT REQUIRED BY A CONFLICT OF
INTEREST.
Champion: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
Vanderhoe~ Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Wilbum: I think it is pretty clear given there is going to be certain issues certain
values that we are going to come close to 3-3 splits and therefore having
some type of interpretation or understanding of what an abstention means.
I think that is going to have a direct affect on what happens with those
potential 3-3 votes. And so I think it is important for us to- since our
action either saying "yes" or "no" has legal ramifications, I think it is
important for us to look at you know what does an abstention mean? That
it takes effort to defeat something. I don't see that this limits debate or
discussion. There are other avenues if you don't feel that you don't have
enough information on something. My understanding of Robert's Rules
of orders, I can make a motion to table something and that has the same
effect. Or to defer something- is that correct?
Dilkes: A motion to defer is I think what we took (can't hear).
Wilbum: So that option is still there. Also, if you wish to abstain this does not
remove your ability to abstain but it again provides us a legal
interpretation of understanding of what an abstention means. So, I am in
favor of this with that understanding. Especially, again, for those potential
3-3 close votes so that we know what we are doing and what are action is
going to mean- or inaction is going to mean. And then again, there is
other ways for someone to- if you don't have a feeling that you can- that
you have enough time to look at a particular issue there is other ways to
try to defer this with a motion, so I am going to support it.
Champion: I want to make a- that was really good. I want to make it clear too that if
you are abstaining because of a conflict of interest-
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Lehman: This doesn't apply.
Champion: This doesn't apply.
Lehman: So a 3-3 vote would (changed tapes) I cannot vote because I have conflict.
If I abstain and the Council votes 3-3 the motion fails.
Dilkes: Correct.
Lehman: IfI abstain because I chose not to vote without cause, the motion would
then pass.
Dilkes: Correct.
Lehman: So it does not affect anybody's legal, moral right to abstain. I think it is
pretty clear cut.
Dilkes: One of the things that you all really need to remember is that when you
have a conflict you really have to state it on the record.
Champion: Okay.
Lehman: I don't think this- ifI am not mistaken, and Eleanor you certainly correct
me here if I am wrong, I believe that the Council, at least since I have been
on the Council, we have been extremely understanding of conflict of
interest. If there has been anybody who even suspects they have a conflict
and chooses to do that, we have never had an argument about that.
Dilkes: No. Typically when somebody- a Council member feels they have a
conflict they talk to me about it and decide whether we think it is a
conflict.
Wilburn: I guess it also seems like it- by abstaining working to defeat a motion that
is giving an individual Council member some additional authority or
power by not taking action. So that is again, that is why I am in favor of
this.
Lehman: Other discussion?
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Pfab: I would be- I am in favor of it because it defines what an abstention is. An
abstention what it is. It is a- (can't hear) what is it? And it is as far- (can't
hear). I asked when I first came on the Council privately what did an
abstention mean and nobody had an answer. Nobody would declare an
answer.
Champion: Now we know.
Lehman: All fight, now we know.
Dilkes: We will know after you vote.
Vanderhoef: But it certainly makes sure that we can continue to do our Council
business which if you had more than one abstention and didn't know what
it meant, we could end up in not having any action.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries, 6-1, Kanner voting "no".
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ITEM NO. 21 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY TO ENGAGE THE LEGAL SERVICES OF OUTSIDE
COUNSEL IN CONNECTION WITH PENDING LITIGATION
AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY
CLERK TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT TO REPRESENT THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY IN SUCH LITIGATION.
Lehman: We have a copy of that resolution passed out to us tonight. Do we have a
motion?
O'Donnell: So moved.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Pfab. Discussion?
Kanner: Ernie-
Lehman: I am sorry, yeah?
Kanner: Will you explain this to people out there so they just get an idea of what
we are voting on?
Lehman: Yeah, I guess we can. There is a- we have a dispute with a contractor who
did some work for the City of Iowa City. There was some changes in
work orders. We understood the changes were to be of a certain amount.
The contractor has since filed bills of almost 3 times the amount that we
understood those bills to be. We are attempting to protect the interests of
the citizens of Iowa City. At the same time, there is an engineering
company involved in this that assisted us in preparing the plans for this
particular construction project. They are also a party to this. We feel that
it is important that we have the best expertise available to us in
representing the city because the claim in this case is in excess of $1
million and this is an agreement reached in executive session on the part
of the Council to engage a private third party to represent the city in this
action. Is that pretty accurate? Okay, roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO 22. PUBLIC DISCUSSION [IF NECESSARY] (ITEMS NOT ON THE
AGENDA).
Lehman: For those folks who didn't get an opportunity to speak at the beginning of
the meeting, if there is any.
Jim Walters: Jim Walters. I might have made this comment on the earlier item which
was the pedestrian overpass on Highway 6, just west. I guess I am
concerned that we can facilitate the type of overpass or pedestrian
overpass that is being proposed here and the amount of money that pass
through agency to do this and I am wondering if we couldn't provide the
same kind of momentum on the east side on getting some pedestrian
overpasses on Highway 6 bypass. If we couldn't get-
Atkins: Can I address that for you Jim?
Walters: Yeah (can't hear).
Atkins: It was brought to the Council's attention I think a meeting or two ago and
we have sent those engineering drawings back to have updated cost
figures and I will be bringing them back to the Council. So I think-
Walters: It seems that in this situation we have got a pedestrian overpass that is less
than a quarter of a mile away. So, we are building an additional overpass
where one already exists safely to get people across and we have got some
situations in southeast Iowa City where people have nothing.
Atkins: I just need the updated information to bring to the Council. But it is
coming back to them.
Lehman: Let me just make it clear though. We are working on the overpass that
you asked about but this is not a project that the City of Iowa City has any
involvement in whatsoever in deciding the location, where it is built, how
much it costs or whatever. This is something that the University along
with the DOT has put together.
Walters: Right, but I guess my point is that if the DOT has this kind of money to
assist in that point then maybe we ought to be asking the DOT to provide
some money to assist us over there.
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O'Donnell: We ask them and we will continue to ask them.
Vanderho ef: (can't hear) you have a choir up here.
Lehman: Other discussion?
April Dierks: I am April Dierks. I work for the Women's Resource and Action Center
and am a graduate student here in Iowa City. And I am interested in
Council for many reasons because you see me here a lot sitting out here
and just some of you wondered who I am. Because I have seen things
happen in Iowa City I have been upset about them and actually it was Ross
Wilbum that one day said "well, why don't you come to the Council
meetings?" And one thing I want to talk to you about even though I have
been moved to speak about many different items is about the clarity of the
agenda. And I remember when I first came to the Council meetings I had
to ask Ross how to actually interpret the agenda. I was very confused by
the language and I have a lot of people tell me "oh, you go to the Council
meetings, why don't you tell them this?" And why don't you say this
because I am intimidated to go because I don't understand the language.
And as a graduate student if I struggle to understand the language I think
about the common citizen, maybe not in Iowa City, but the common
citizen that has an education where they don't understand the Robert' s
Rules of Order, they don't understand a lot of this language. And I
understand it Emie that years ago you used to after you read the agenda
item you would kind ofrephrase it quick- is this true?
Lehman: I do sometimes and I think your criticism is well taken because for
example when we do second and third considerations because we all know
about it we don't always tell you- I mean, we have talked about it. We
have had public hearing and whatever and because we are familiar with it
sometimes we assume incorrectly that you know what we are talking
about. There is no way you would know because the second and third
considerations frequently- in fact we did that tonight on several where we
had second and third considerations with no discussion whatsoever. And I
think that is a point well taken.
Dierks: Yeah, and tonight actually as I am really watching for this I am seeing that
things are a little more explained actually tonight. But an example would
be with the South Central Plan. I am reading through the agenda and I am
seeing a lot of complicated words. I believe I should maybe send you an
e-mail of the actual agenda item, but, and I see South Central Plan and
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talking about some extensions or sewer and I am not really sure I just kind
of pass through it, I am skimming. And it wasn't until Mr. Dane stood up
and spoke that I realized what it meant. And I think that if there is a way
in either, you know, just the way that the comments are written. If they
are written you know just a little more so people can understand them. Or
if you know I could mention here that people at home that are watching
the Council meeting can get the agenda over the web so they can have a
good idea. It is just a little- I just want to say that I appreciate what you all
do and if you could work to make it a little more accessible and that is a
concern that the Women's Center has too. It is that-
Lehman: I will try to do that. Let me say though that there are some issues, and I
think the South Central plan is an excellent example, that is an extremely
complicated document that has been worked on for several months. It has
involved a number public hearings with the Planning and Zoning
Commission. It has involved neighborhood meetings and whatever. We
could try to give you a thumbnail sketch of what we are doing in that
comprehensive plan but I think it would be impossible to tell the public
with any kind of accuracy whatsoever the complications of that plan.
Now, fortunately, we have in projects like that- norn~ally those folks who
have an interest and are in the area have kept up with it which means that
if you come in having not seen it you are fight, it is going to be- and I
don't think we can really inform you to the degree that we would like to
before that. But I do think you are right. On many of these I can do that
and I will do that. A little brief explanation of exactly what we are doing.
It isn't going to be detailed but to make it more understandable. That is a
good point.
Dierks: Thanks.
Vanderhoef: And April, remember there are 7 Councilors up here that have some
background on it. So if you have questions give us a call.
Dierks: Yeah, and also I guess I am speaking more- I am understanding things
that- every time I come but I am speaking more also for the general
community and the amount of people that approach me that don't feel like
the Council is accessible basically because they don't understand what the
language is.
Lehman: And I think that, April, if- and I think I hear you right. It is easy if you
know something is on the agenda to give one of us a call and talk about it
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before the meeting. But if you walk through that door and want to come
to a meeting and being that all you have is this- we can do, I can do, a
better job of explaining what we are talking about. And I will try to do
that.
Dierks: Thanks.
Pfab: I have a question. Would- this is just for discussion. Is it possible that on
(can't hear) items that a staffperson's name should be attached for any
questions? Is that unreasonable, unwieldy? I don't know.
Lehman: I think that when it comes to putting it on the agenda, you are putting a
staffperson's name on an agenda when it is impossible for the public to
talk to that staff person before we take it up. They walk in and pick up the
agenda. If we wanted to make it, obviously after we act on it or when we
talk about it, we can identify the staff person and they talk about it. But if
we have acted on it, it is a little bit late.
Pfab: To answer that person's (can't hear)- is this something that she just leams
as she walks in the door or does she pick one of these up earlier?
Lehman: Well, April speak for yourself, but most people walk through the door and
pick this up and they do not have it until they get here.
Dierks: I actually pick it up before I come in or look it up but- and I have stopped
in Ross's office and had the Peninsula project fully explained to me
otherwise I am sure I would be panicking over it saying what are you
doing in the Peninsula! But I think that even if I am looking at it before I
come here it is confusing to me. And like the citizen's summary of the
budget to me is completely ludicrous. I mean, if I just stop and think
about the amount of paper that goes into that stack over there that people
are going to take home that is sitting on my desk, I cannot understand it at
all. And it- maybe it is just because of the density or the education that I
have but I just think that the Council could be more accessible. I don't
know if you can use different language because it is a legal- it involves
legalities. But even for people who get the agendas beforehand or even
for my father- it is confusing. You know?
Lehman: Well, I think you have made a good point. I think we hear you. We will
see what we can do.
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Pfab: Right. I think it is something we definitely have to pursue and this is my
point. We have to make- just because we know it we have an obligation to
help (can't hear). And you make a good point.
Lehman: We will work on it. Thank you.
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ITEM NO. 25 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Lehman: Who would like to be first?
Champion: Well, I am- I just wanted to ask if we are going to try to set a date for a
goal setting? Or is this not a good time?
Lehman: Well, if we have our calendars.
Champion: We weren't going to do it tonight- we were to do it the next work session?
Lehman: Next work session.
Champion: Oh, okay.
Atkins: I had understood you wanted me to put it on the next work session, to
bring your calendars and you would do it then. So it would be the meeting
of the 3rd.
Lehman: Okay.
Vanderhoef: I would request along with that that we look at the summer schedule.
Lehman: I have that down. Good idea. Next, we do need to do summer schedule at
the next meeting if at all possible.
Vanderhoef: Yes, please do.
Lehman: So, if you folks have vacation plans.
Wilbum: I don't know ifI have a job yet.
Lehman: In that case you don't have to worry about the schedule because you will
be here any time.
Wilbum: That is true.
Lehman: We need to look at our schedules for vacations or when we are going to be
out of town so that we can try to schedule meetings when as many as
possible can be in attendance. Irvin did you have anything?
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Pfab: No, I pass.
O'Donnell: Nothing today.
Vanderhoef: I just want to ask people to be sure to pull those census letters off of their
desks and fill them in and pass them out. Get them out. That is it.
Lehman: Ross?
Wilbum: I was asked by a group- another group of graduate students who are
working with some human service agencies about trying to create ways for
young people to get involved in our community and in our government
process and I was asked to announce that they are having a youth forum
Tuesday April 8th from 5:30 tO 7:00 PM at the Iowa City Public Library
Meeting Room A. Free pizza and pop. Everyone is welcome to come
share your ideas with community leaders. I hope people get out to that.
We just- three of us- Dee, Steven and I were in Washington DC for the
National League of Cities Conference and one of the exciting areas that I
was involved in was talking to other communities that have some type of
youth council or youth advisory council. I just- this type of thing I fully
support and look forward to hearing what they come up with.
Lehman: Steven?
Kanner: Nothing.
Lehman: I have just one. I got a note from Lisa Mollenhauer and I will just read it.
So folks who are watching, smile, you are going to be on Candid Camera.
Here is the scoop. There is a statewide research project being conducted
for the IDOT. It is to measure the instance of red light running. It has
nothing to do with enforcement or citations, only with determining how
much red light running is occun'ing. Iowa City is one of five cities
included in the project. Within the next few weeks there will be video
cameras mounted on light poles adjacent to a few signalized intersections.
These will be monitored for a week and the data used to compile a report
for the DOT. So if you run a red light, smile. You may be on Candid
Camera.
Pfab: I have one more question. That is something that I think that we ought to
seriously take a look at.
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Lehman: It is illegal to do it Iowa.
Pfab: Right, but I mean, I think it is something that- I understand in other states
it works quite well.
Lehman: Well (can't hear) can't do it in Iowa.
Pfab: I understand.
Lehman: Steven?
Atkins: I am last.
Lehman: All fight. Eleanor? Madan? Steve, you are last.
Atkins: I just wanted to give you a heads up. We met this afternoon with the new
owners of the Sycamore Mall. They are beginning to put together their
project plans and hopefully we will be able to give you some kind of an
official report in the next couple of weeks or so. They had some pretty big
ideas.
Lehman: I don't- I hope I speak for the rest of the Council- but I am absolutely
delighted that we have a local investor that has bought Sycamore Mall.
Atkins: That is correct Emie. It is local ownership.
Lehman: What they did with South Riverside Drive is amazing and I am looking
forward to really working with them and seeing something developed in
Sycamore Mall. Very pleased. Do we have a motion to adjourn?
O'Donnell: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. All in favor?
All: Aye.
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Lehman: Opposed.
Pfab: Just to see if everyone is awake.
Lehman: We are adjourned, 6-1. Irvin is going to stay.
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