HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-16 Transcription#2 Page 1
NO. 2. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
a.) Cancer Survivor's Day- May 20.
Lehman: Whereas today nearly 1 in 30 Americans are cancer survivors thanks to
advances in early cancer detection, treatment, and research. And whereas
the five year survival rate for children with cancer improved from 65% in
the early 1980's to 74% in the early 1990's. And whereas over 1.2 million
Americans and 14,200 Iowans are expected to be diagnosed with cancer
this year. Whereas Iowa City, Iowa has an active and productive cancer
survivor population. Now therefore I, Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor of the
city of Iowa City, Iowa, do hereby proclaim observance of cancer
survivor's day Saturday May 20, 2000 in Iowa City. And urge all citizens
to join in this joyous celebration of life from 1 to 3 PM in Mercy Medical
Plaza, 540 E. Jefferson St. Iowa City.
Karr: Here to accept is Darlene Kasper.
Kasper: I just want to thank you Mayor Lehman and the City Council. And I
wanted to invite you to our cancer survivor day. It is a lot of fun and
anybody who would like to come we would like to have you. It is like you
said, May 20 1:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon in the McCauley Room. Thank
you.
Lehman: Thank you.
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ITEM NO. 4. PUBLIC DISCUSSION. (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
[UNTIL 8 PM]
Lehman: This is a time reserved on the agenda for people to address the council on
items that do not appear on the agenda. If you wish to address the council
please come to the podium, sign your name and address and limit your
comments to five minutes or less.
Clifton Young: My name is Clifton Young. I live at 1124 Dodge Street Court.
Some time ago we were concerned about the parking there, you know,
when some condominiums were going to be built and at the time we were
told that the street would be widened a little and that there would be no
parking since the people would be able to park in their drives. Since then
"No Parking" signs have gone up but I understand that a vote was taken
for a short ways on the block and those people only voted whether to have
parking on one side or not. The rest of us, and it is a no outlet street, were
not allowed to vote and that is why we are here. We want to be
considered in on the survey of those who have an input as to whether we
will have parking since it affects all of us.
Lehman: Okay.
Mary Lou Emery: My name is Mary Lou Emery and I live on Dodge Street Court
also. I live at 1331 Dodge Street Court and I was surveyed twice now
about the parking situation. My concern is that residents who, like Teresa
and Clifton Young, are directly affected by this parking situation were
excluded from the survey. And according to the letter we received from
JeffDavidson, those who were included are those people who are
considered to be adjacent to the area. Now, two people- two residents-
who don't live on Dodge Street Court but who live on Conklin and whose
houses are numbered 1100 and 1126 have been considered adjacent and
have been surveyed. Teresa and Clifton Young who live on Dodge Street
Court and whose house number is 1124, their house is directly parallel to
those houses that were surveyed and their house as well the one next door
to them which is also an 1100 house is not only directly parallel to those
that were surveyed but it is by any meaning of adjacent that I can think of
also directly adjacent to that area of the street that is affected. So, what we
are asking for is that we have not just a repeat of the first survey in which
the same people are surveyed once again, but a new survey that would be
fair that would include all of the residents who will indeed be affected by
this change. And we would like you to consider the safety issues involved
on a fairly narrow street when most of this parking on this street now
which is going on in spite of the "No Parking" signs that are now there are
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trucks and vans that are blocking the visibility and seem to have
something to do with a business. At one particular residence they are
blocking visibility for drivers. They are certainly blocking visibility for
pedestrians and for people in wheelchairs. So, we are asking for a new
and a fair survey. Thank you.
Lehman: Just a couple of questions. First of all, we- this was deferred from our
consent calendar I think you know because of the results from the second
survey have not come in. Is there a lot of traffic on this street?
Emery: Is there what?
Lehman: A lot of traffic?
Emery: It is increasing because these-
Lehman: Is there a lot of traffic? I have no idea- I guess we could find the traffic
count without too much difficulty.
Emery: What is a lot?
Atkins: It is a dead end street.
Champion: It is a dead end street, I can't imagine there is much traffic.
Lehman: From a safety standpoint I know that police and fire have looked at this.
And I think they are pretty critical sort of folks. And from their report to
council safety is not an issue with the parking of the cars.
Emery: What is the date of that report?
Lehman: I don't know. I can't tell you that. But I do know-
Emery: Because in my memory that report was submitted to a previous council
when the subdivision was being approved and that report was made under
the assumption that there would be no parking on the street.
Lehman: That may be but I do know that since the first survey was done there has
been the police department and the fire department have been out there. I
know that for a fact.
Emery: Since the first survey?
Lehman: Right, because JeffDavidson contacted and I think I got a note from, I
don't know about the rest of the council-.
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Emery: And was that survey made with the assumption that there would be no
parking on the street or that there would be parking on the street?
Lehman: That survey was made that if determined by the police and the fire
department that safety would not be impacted by parking on the street.
That is the recommendation from police and fire. So, I mean, it is not that
that issue has been ignored (can't hear).
Emery: So there would be clearance for a large vehicle is what you are saying?
Lehman: Apparently. I haven't been out with the cars parked so I can't tell you.
Champion: Out there today there weren't any cars parked at all so it was hard to
judge. But it didn't look that narrow to me. And parking on the north side
would be on my right with the side that has no houses right now.
Emery: No, it is the south side that has houses. It is the noah side that doesn't.
Champion: And it is the noah side where the parking is going to be. Isn't it?
Emery: I didn't know that a decision had been made yet about parking.
Lehman: No it hasn't.
Champion: But, the way the modification is is that parking would be permitted on the
noah side of the street. That is what the plan is. The noah side-.
Emery: So there is already a plan.
Champion: No.
Emery: Because the survey-
Champion: No, I am just reading it off the agenda.
Emery: But the survey that we received asked us whether we would like no
parking, parking on the south side, parking on the noah side, parking on
both sides. So I am surprised here that there is a plan that it would already
be on one side.
Lehman: Well it certainly wouldn't be on both sides.
Champion: No.
Vanderhoef: That would be the results of the survey that the request was for noah side
if that is what is in the agenda for us to approve.
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Emery: So you are basing that on the survey that is now no longer the legitimate
survey?
Vanderhoef: The survey that was done-
Champion: -before.
Lehman: Now we are waiting for the next survey.
Champion: Now we are waiting for the next one.
Emery: And we are asking for another survey from all of the residents that are
going to be affected by the change.
Lehman: From a practical standpoint you could argue that there isn't a street in
town that doesn't have some impact on people who live blocks and blocks
and block away. So, there has to be some-
Emery: They don't live blocks and blocks away.
Lehman: Wait a minute. There has some criteria that the city uses in determining
parking situations and whatever.
Emery: Of course.
Lehman: The criteria that we have used, and there may be from what you say there
may be one house that we didn't, but my understanding Steve and correct
me ifI am mistaken- we surveyed the people adjacent to the affected
street. Is that correct?
Atkins: Yes. It has been our past practice.
Lehman: I mean, that is the practice that we use.
Emery: How do you define adjacent?
Wilbum: Immediately adjacent to or that is-
Atkins: There are somejudgements that have to be made. I mean, in this case as I
understand this petition is that the individuals wish to have no parking on
one side of the street. Yet the L, the other section, is to have parking
permitted on both sides of the street. Is that right? That is where you live-
around the comer. We had better wait until the petition comes.
Lehman: We will wait until we get that.
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Kanner: I would like to say that even though we sent out a survey to one section I
personally will take into account if you wanted to survey the other people
that you are saying should have been counted. If you will go door to door
and ask them the same question that the other people were asked, I will
take that into account when I make my decision and we decide on that. So
I would appreciate if you would do that with the same question that was in
the postcard.
Emery: Certainly. I would be happy to do that. And I would also be happy to use
the rule ofadjacency when I do that because that is the rule I have in mind
when I say that two houses were excluded.
Pfab: I have a question and maybe it is a really dumb question. But, as of now
everyone living in that area is required to have off street parking?
Emery: Yes.
Pfab: Is it broken? Do we need to fix anything?
Emery: Is it broken?
Pfab: I mean, in other words-
Emery: Is the rule broken?
Pfab: Is there any reason why there has to be street parking?
Emery: Not in my opinion.
Pfab: And it looks to me like we have a fairly divided set of opinions so maybe
it would be just until there is an agreement coming down from that
neighborhood that we ought to just table it and leave it sit.
Lehman: Irvin, most residential streets in Iowa City have adequate off street parking
that you could conceivable prohibit parking on almost every residential
street based on whether or not you have off street parking.
Pfab: I am just- I said it may be a dumb question.
Lehman: No, no. Well, we are going to be- this will be on the agenda at the next
meeting so-
Kanner: Separate from the consent calendar right?
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Lehman: It will probably be on the consent calendar. If we choose to deal with it
separately we certainly can.
Kanner: Well, I would recommend that we deal with it separately because it is
obviously something that is controversial.
Lehman: And I think the easiest way to do it is just take it on the consent calendar.
It will be coming up the 13th of June.
Emery: The 13th of June.
Lehman: Right.
Emery: Thank you.
Kanner: And if you can submit your survey before that to the Clerk's office that
would be appreciated.
Pfab: Now will there-
Lehman: And I also- I am sorry Irvin.
Pfab: Will there be a chance for any other people to come and speak?
Lehman: Anybody can speak.
Champion: Sure.
Pfab: At the next meeting?
Champion: Yeah.
Pfab: Okay, so people can come and speak.
Lehman: Steve, I would like for my own information and I think the rest of the
council if we could just get a little diagram of the street and marking the
houses that were surveyed.
Atkins: Sure.
Lehman: Okay, so we all know which ones were and weren't.
Emery: Thank you.
Lehman: Okay, thank you.
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Judy Nickols: Hi, I am Judy Nickols and I live at 1311 Dodge Street Court and I was
here last time with one neighbor and now we have I guess five residences
represented. And I just want to reiterate that for you to just postpone this
and wait until the next survey results does not make logical sense. I
understand the importance of tradition and doing things the way that you
have always done it but in this case that adjacent rule is not making sense.
Two homes- there were two homes definitely that are on what we call the
north side, the part of Dodge Street Court that runs north and south. They
face the street on which this debate is all about. In one case, the driveway
is actually on the north side and they will clearly be affected by parking on
the north or south side of the street and yet you didn't include them in the
survey. As Mary Lou said, we are concemed because there appears to be
one residence in the neighborhood- they have numerous trucks parked out
there on a regular basis. Currently now they are blocking sidewalks.
They are parking on property that is not their own and we do not want that
street turned into a parking lot for these people. They appear to be just
meeting there and then they all go off in one truck in the morning. And
we don't want that street to be a parking lot which is what it will turn into.
Lehman: You know that if someone blocks the sidewalk and you wish to register a
complaint that they can be ticketed for that?
Nichols: Well I am aware of that but you know I have neighbors and I mean, we are
trying to get along with each other. And believe me, your police
department would be extremely busy ifI called every time there was a
violation.
Lehman: I think they might leam.
Nichols: Okay. The other thing is those homes that, one of the homes that you
polled on Conklin has its own special drive on Conklin for its family and
visitors to park on. So, you know, why you polled that home I really can't
figure out how they are adjacent. They clearly are not as adjacent as some
of those properties that Ms. Emery who spoke before, you know, had the
specific addresses for you. But in this- the other argument that I hear is
that well on the stretch on Dodge Street Court that runs north/south they
can park there. So shouldn't we allow the same privileges to individuals
who live on the portion east/west? Well, if you go down there that is a dirt
road. And trust me, it is a narrow dirt road. Nobody parks there because
you can't without blocking everything. So that argument doesn't even
hold water. And those other two residences that are down at the end of
Dodge Street Court have no way in or out and they don't want that stretch
to turn into a parking lot. And that is exactly what it is going to do. And
this gentleman here on the end- no, that isn't a dumb question. If it is not
broken, I don't know why we need it changed. Just because other
residences, other neighborhoods, have on street parking does not mean
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that we have to do that or that it is required in any way. So, any way, that
is all I have to say on the subject.
Lehman: Thank you.
Nichols: You are welcome.
Lehman: I certainly encourage those of us who can, we have got three weeks to get
out there and get a look.
Champion: I was down there today and there wasn't anybody parked on the street.
Lehman: All right, but I think it would be-
Nichols: No, they are parking on property that doesn't belong to them.
Lehman: Ma'am if you are going to speak you have to speak in the microphone.
O'Donnell: Steve, did we do this survey in any way different than we do other
surveys?
Atkins: I'd like to believe we didn't.
Lehman: We will have to look at it.
O'Donnell: Well, but that is (Can't hear).
Lehman: Other public discussion?
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ITEM NO. 5 PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
d.) PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE 54
ACRES FROM PUBLIC/INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL (P/CI)
TO SENSITIVE AREAS OVERLAY- PUBLIC (OSA-P) AND
FOR APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY SENSITIVE AREAS
DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE
NORTH PART OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY, WEST OF
RIVERSIDE DRIVE. (REZ99-0001).
Lehman: The public heating is open. This is a piece of property that will be able to
be leased by the airport when the master plan is completed and the closing
of the north/south runway. So it will be available for commercial
development. The public hearing is closed.
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ITEM NO. 5e.) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING CHAPTER
14-6D-5G1 REGARDING THE NONCONFORMING PROVISIONS
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL
ZONE (RNC-12). (FIRST CONSIDERATION).
Vanderhoef: Move first consideration.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Champion: Ernie, is this the one we have to expedite?
Lehman: No. IfI am not mistaken, and Karin you don't have to speak to this, but
this is the one that makes uses in the RNC-12 area that we have voted to
down zone conforming. Is that correct? Kind of?.
Champion: Oh, okay.
Dilkes: It takes the date out.
Lehman: Grandfathers in some of those.
Dilkes: It takes the date out and makes the operative time (can't hear).
Champion: Oh, right.
Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 51.) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING
DESGINATION FROM LOW DENSITY MULTI-FAMILY
RESIDENTIAL (RM-12) TO MEDIUM DENSITY
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION RESIDENTIAL (RNC-12)
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) (SECOND CONSIDERATION).
Wilbum: Move second consideration.
Vanderhoef: I move-.
Lehman: This is second consideration but this is relative to the zoning, down
zoning. Whenever an application is made for zoning there is a 60-day
moratorium where no activity can occur in that area that is affected.
Because under normal situations where we have three normal readings that
moratorium would expire before the opportunity council would have for
the third reading of this ordinance so we have been requested to expedite
this so that it will coincide with the moratorium dates.
Vanderhoef: I move that the rule requiring the ordinances must be considered and voted
on for passage at two council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is
to be finally passed be suspended. That the second consideration and vote
be waived and that the ordinance be voted on for a final passage at this
time.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell, for expedited
consideration. Discussion? Roll call.
Vanderhoef: I move that the ordinance be finally adopted at this time.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell, for final adoption.
Discussion? Roll call.
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ITEM NO. 5n.) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14,
CHAPTER 6, ZONING, TO ALLOW WIDE-BASE
FREESTANDING SIGNS IN SOME COMMERCIAL ZONES
UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. (PASS AND ADOPT).
Champion: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Pfab: I will be voting against this because I think it makes the signs too big.
Lehman: Right.
Pfab: That is all and I have made my point before.
Lehman: Right. Roll call. Motion carries 5-2, Kanner and Pfab voting "no".
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ITEM NO. 5q.) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14,
CHAPTER 6, ZONING, TO ALLOW OVERNIGHT BOARDING
OF ANIMALS WITHIN SMALL ANIMAL CLINICS IN THE
COMMERCIAL OFFICE (CO-1) ZONE. (PASS AND ADOPT).
Champion: Move adoption.
Pfab: I second it.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Pfab. Discussion?
Kanner: Those dogs will be sleeping a little better tonight.
O'Donnell: Hopefully.
Champion: Hopefully, right.
Lehman: Even if they are not watching. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion
carries.
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ITEM NO. 5r.) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO
SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN ESCROW
AGREEMENT FOR LOUIS CONDOMINIUMS, IOWA CITY,
IOWA.
Champion: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
Vanderhoe~ Second.
Lehman: Second by Vanderhoef. Before we have any- I would like to explain this
has been on the agenda for a number of meetings and it has been deferred.
This is an escrow agreement allowing a curb cut to be placed in a street
and at the time the traffic reaches a certain volume that curb cut has got to
be removed and a driveway be installed. This requires that the person who
owns that property escrow in an amount of money sufficient to put in the
driveway at whatever time it needs to occur. Is that correct?
Dilkes: They can put up the money or they can build the driveway.
Lehman: Well yeah but the escrow is for the money?
Dilkes: Yes.
Lehman: Any discussion?
Pfab: I would just like to make a comment. I believe the city gave up something
and got nothing in return. But that is alright.
Lehman: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries 5-1, Pfab voting "no". 6-1 f Pfab voting
"no".
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ITEM NO. 6. CONSIDER A RESOULTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE ARTIST FOR
THE IOWA AVENUE LITERARY WALK AND AUTHORIZING
THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST
THE SAME.
Vanderhoef: Mr. Mayor, I must excuse myself for a conflict of interest.
Lehman: Okay.
Pfab: I move the resolution.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Kanner: I just wanted to say that this, to me, is an exciting concept this idea of
putting artists into the sidewalks. And I think a lot of people will be
excited by it also and drawn to it. And I was concerned about one artist
getting all six blocks but in the contract it does mention that after the first
block if it is not meeting our expectations of what was agreed upon that
then we have an option of doing something else. Of not having to pay the
rest.
Lehman: I think for the public's information, as I think most folks are aware, Iowa
City does have a public art committee. We have a budget item, each year
is budgeted for $100,000 to be used for public art. The committee has
determined that the placement of art in the sidewalk on the Iowa Avenue
Streetscape, and there is some rather interesting pieces of art that will
actually be placed in the concrete on the sidewalk and I believe they are
bronze. So it should be a very interesting thing. I think most folks are
pretty excited about it. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 6-0
with Vanderhoef abstaining.
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ITEM NO. 7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT PROCEDURES FOR
THE IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART PROGRAM.
Champion: Where are we at? I am sorry.
Lehman: Item 7.
Champion: Move adoption of the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Champion.
Pfab: I'll second it.
Lehman: Seconded by Pfab. This is to adopt procedures that have been submitted
to us by the public art committee. Discussion?
1.) Amendment number one.
Kanner: Yeah, I would like to move an amendment. I am going to have three
amendments. And amendment number one will add in paragraph number
one. After what is currently printed it says the site must be public
property and then it will be followed by (which may also include the
University of Iowa, state, or federal property). That would be my
amendment number one.
Lehman: Do we have a second?
Pfab: I will second it.
Lelunan: Moved by Kanner, seconded by Pfab. The amendment which would add
the words "include the University of Iowa, state, or federal property".
Champion: I think it is redundant. I think we already say public property and all those
that you want to add are public property.
O'Donnell: I agree.
Kanner: Well, Connie, the reason I am adding this is because throughout the text
there is an implication that we are talking about city public property. And
I just wanted to be made clear that if the case ever arose that they can
consider other public property such as the University, such as the federal
government or the state government at another venue. And that is also
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why I put it in parentheses so that it is a parenthetical thought just to make
sure that it comes out that it is a possibility.
Wilburn: I think it is redundant but I am fine with that particular amendment. May
be it might throw that button to somebody's head at some point some day.
So, I will support it.
Pfab: There is one thing we did forget, the counties.
Lehman: I don't know that there is any county property within the city. I just there
are-
Atkins: County has property in the city.
Champion: Offices and-
Lehman: Do you want to add county in your amendment?
Kanner: I would take that as a friendly amendment (can't hear) county.
Lehman: Alright.
Atkins: Observation- is the University and the state on in the same? Are we
calling it out specifically just given the character of our community?
Pfab: If you look at the- what is the- where they keep all of these old records?
Historical Society.
Atkins: Yeah, I am just thinking the University is a state agency. Is not that
property owned by the state?
Lehman: Would it be simpler just to say this site must be public property regardless
o f jurisdiction?
Vanderhoef: I like that.
Lehman: That includes absolutely any piece of property owned by any
governmental unit.
Kanner: I like the idea of including these words so that it could throw the idea into
the future committee member' s heads. And I think there is a different
administration between the state in general and the University and that you
have to go through different people and it might be good to separate it out
realizing that they are ultimately the same entity.
Lehman: Other discussion of the amendment?
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Atkins: I think another thing for you all to keep in mind is that remember this is an
expression of public policy. It is not law. Correct Eleanor7 And so,
incorporating the University into it- there is some merit to that.
Lehman: Well, I think just drawing attention to the fact could be because I don't
think that would naturally occur if you are thinking of public art and I
think that it is a suggestive sort of thing. Other comments?
Pfab: I would support what you just said there in the fact that it might plant a
seed of something of maybe some cooperation that hadn't been thought of
earlier.
Lehman: All in favor of the amendment say "aye".
All except Champion: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed?
Champion: No.
Lehman: The amendment carries 6-1, Champion voting "no". Other discussion on
the resolution as currently amended?
Pfab: Are we going to do the others?
2.) Amendment number two.
Kanner: Yeah, I would like to propose amendment number two as submitted. This
talks about the selection process and there are three different processes
that are laid out. And the words that are currently included are "there are
three standard ways of purchasing a piece of art: open competition, limited
competition, and direct invitation. All of which are described below."
And it would be amended to say, "the preferred method shall be open
competition". And I would like to submit that as an amendment.
Lehman: We have a motion by Mr. Kanner.
Pfab: I would second it for the sake of discussion.
Lehman: Seconded by Mr. Pfab. Discussion? Karin, would you care to speak to
this?
Franklin: Well, in this particular part of it since what you are starting to talk about
now particularly if you are going to bring the other issue that you raised
last night. The first amendment, I think, is a fairly minor amendment and
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the public art advisory committee would be comfortable with it. However,
when you start talking about a preferred method of side selection or if you
are going to suggest you amendment which related to certain populations
being given preference I believe that should be referred back to the public
art advisory committee and not be voted on by the council tonight.
However, an expression of your collective inclinations would probably be
useful.
Lehman: If we are to adopt either of the next two amendments we will defer and
send it back to the committee.
Franklin: That are under amendment number two. Okay.
Lehman: That is right.
Franklin: Okay, thank you.
Lehman: Other discussion? I have a- I really believe that this is a matter of
procedure and should be left to the art advisory committee. And I am not
personally willing to tell them that the best method is open competition,
although I think in most cases it may be. I think it should be to their
discretion and I will not support the amendment.
Champion: I won't either.
O'Donnell: I believe too it is their option and I won't support it.
Pfab: I don't think we are telling them, it is a preferred method.
Lehman: That sets a policy that I think you have to justify if you don't do it. Other
discussion?
Kanner: Yeah, Ernie, I think you make a valid point but I would say that I think the
council can set a direction that we want as much openness as possible.
That I think is a philosophical point of view that I think we should have in
most of our dealings on these issues. And that sometimes the committee
might think it is easier just to go with a somewhat of a closed process.
And I think we should encourage them to always look for the open
process.
Letwnan: I don't disagree with you but I do- you have to remember that ultimately
the council has to approve what they do. So if they choose a closed
process and council doesn't approve of that they don't have to approve of
their recommendation. So, I mean, I think we are pretty well covered.
But that is just my own opinion. Other discussion on the amendment?
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Vanderhoef: Yes, Mr. Mayor, on page 166 under "Maintenance".
Lehman: No, no. We are talking about amendment number 2.
Vanderhoef: Oh, that one.
Lehman: Yeah. Other discussion?
Vanderhoef: I thought we had decided we weren't going to do 2-
Lehman: No, no. If we do the amendments we then will not act on the ordinance.
We will send it back to the committee. That is what Karin I believe is
asking for. If we don't pass the amendment it doesn't make any
difference. Other discussion on the amendment which would indicate that
preferred method is open competition? All in favor of the amendment?
Kanner and Pfab: Aye.
Letunan: Opposed?
All except Kanner and Pfab: Aye.
Lehman: The amendment is defeated 5-2, Pfab and Kanner in the affirmative.
Further discussion on the resolution as amended?
3.) Amendment number three.
Vanderhoef: Okay, on page 166 under "Maintenance" there is a bullet number three. It
presently states "estimated maintenance needs" and I would like to amend
that bullet by saying "estimated annual maintenance needs and cost in
dollars".
Lehman: Annual maintenance costs, okay. Is there a second to that amendment?
Pfab: I would second that.
Lehman: We have an amendment that would require that the estimated maintenance
needs of a project be stated in dollars and this would be, actually this is as
it would then be presented to council. That amendment is made by Mrs.
Vanderhoef and seconded by Pfab. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: I think it is important for us to have a long range view of how much it is
going to cost us in the long run to put public art out there. Some things
obviously will take a lot more dollars and others less and when we
purchase a piece of art I think we should have those costs in mind.
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Lehman: I think that is an excellent point.
O'Donnell: I do, too.
Pfab: I think it also states a little bit more that we have an intention of creating
the art and supporting it but also long term commitment to it.
Vanderho ef: We have to take care of it.
Pfab: I think that is a good point.
Lehman: Other discussion? All in favor of the amendment say aye.
All: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? Amendment carries. Any other amendments to the motion as
amended?
4. Amendment number four
Kanner: Yes. The third amendment that I would like to propose in the Iowa City
Public Art Program and Procedures would be adding a new paragraph in
the selection process entitled "Encouraging diverse applicants and being
proactive in selection of artists". Whereas there will often be many
quality artists to choose from in purchasing art for Iowa City. And
whereas among these quality artists the City of Iowa City wishes to
encourage Iowa City and Iowa artists. And whereas the City of Iowa City
which in order to encourage the expansiveness of the applicant pool and
encourage diversity, therefore the Iowa City Public Art Program
acquisition procedures will give extra credit to an artist in consideration of
selection if they voluntarily note on their proposed art submittal
application that they are 1- a resident of Iowa City and/or a resident of
Iowa and/or a person of color and/or a woman and/or a person with a
recognized ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act disability.
Lehman: Is there a second to the amendment?
Pfab: For point of discussion, I will second it.
Lehman: Motion by Kanner, seconded by Pfab. Discussion?
Kanner: I would say in support of this that it is not enough just to- (00-60)
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Kanner: -and working to recruit diverse people to be part of those that reap the
benefit of city actions. And this is one way to do that.
Wilburn: I actually would- I would- I would be willing if- what am I trying to say?
Excuse me, I had a momentary lapse there. I was looking at your first
sentence there and I would be okay with encouraging diverse applicants
and being proactive in recruiting a diverse applicant pool and forgetting
about the rest of it because we did leave open the selection process
whereas if someone in the art world or we became aware of an artist from
one of those categories that you mentioned- an artist who did have a
disability then we could use the- the committee could use the limited
invitational competition. We want to highlight some art someone with a
recognized disability, person of color, Iowa City resident, lowan. So I
think I am not supportive with the incentive there but I think it is
important to do recruitment. So.
Lehman: I guess I have a question and I don't know the answer because I haven't
read this as carefully as I should have. Is there any other part of the
procedures that references Iowa artists or local artists? Okay.
Pfab: I have- I am a little uncomfortable with one part here and that is the one,
two, three- the 4th paragraph second line. It says, "thereafter the Iowa City
Public Arts Program acquisition procedure will give extra credit" and I
have extra credit in- I am just a little uncomfortable with that wording.
Maybe give- I don't know, maybe there is no other way around it.
Champion: I am uncomfortable with the whole paragraph.
Vanderhoef: -I am too.
Pfab: I am not uncomfortable with the whole paragraph. That just seems a little
maybe tilting just a little far. And it may in a sense be bordering on the
line of being discriminatory towards those people because they have got to
have extra credit to do it. See? You might be talking down to them when
it is not necessary. If there is another way of saying that we would like to
take a special look at it or something but extra credit says, you know, you
are not good enough to compete on your own so we are going to give you
a bonus. That implicates and leaves me just a little boggled.
Kanner: Irvin, first of all there is the notation that people can voluntarily or not put
down these qualifications and so if they decide and they agree that they
feel that there is a need in our society to make an extra effort to bring in
people that aren't normally part of the process or it is harder to be part of
the process, they can buy into this. And as far as the wording, if there is
some concern with the wording extra credit, I had some concern with that.
Part of the problem is that there is no standard procedure or quantifiable
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procedure that I could see that the arts committee uses in choosing artists.
Like the Housing and Community Development. I think it would be better
if they would try to quantify a few things. There is always going to be
some subjectivity especially in something like an art piece. But, if they
had something like Housing and Community Development where they
rated these pieces according to certain industry standards that are used in
art historians and for artists, I would feel a lot more comfortable and I
think these would fit in better. This would just be one of many points.
This would be one of- you would have 50 points that you would grade
these art pieces on giving it a one to ten score perhaps.
Vanderhoef: I guess the way I would see it is that this is almost a reverse discrimination
and I don't know what the process is with the selection committee but it
seems to me that all of this information on anyone is irrelevant. It is the
art piece that is relevant. So if the selection committee doesn't know
whether it is a man or a woman or of color or disability or anything else,
then there is no possibility for discrimination.
Franklin: Right. The way this has worked so far and as you know this is a new
program. But there are selection panels that are chosen for each project
that we are working on and when they review the work that the artist has
submitted they have the resume, they have their listing of exhibits, they
have slides of their work, but they don't know the- they can probably tell
the gender often of the artist although sometimes not. But they have no
notion as to whether this person has a disability, whether this is a person
of color, where they come from usually in that first round because all they
are seeing are the slides. And that is the way they have approached it so
far.
Vanderhoef: I like that.
Franklin: They have discussed having a more structured kind of selection process in
terms of some kind of a point system but it is very difficult because of
course there is different characteristics of different pieces that you are
looking for depending upon the project. And so it is very hard to get
anything that is very meaningful. The last selection process in which we
were looking at sculptures for the downtown pedestrian mall they tried to
rank the reduced list from one to five and thereby got through a process of
looking through sets of eighty different artists and their slides by kind of
narrowing it down that way and funneling it into a more select group. But,
those numbers did not have anything attached to them other than the
person who was viewing the slide- their personal, you know, likes or
dislikes or how they thought it would fit in with the site.
Pfab: Ernie?
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Lehman: Yes?
Pfab: I think that the point- we may be even just missing the point a little bit
here and I would say that maybe we should say there would be an extra
effort to solicit from this group. In other words, an outreach type of thing.
I would become a lot more comfortable with that, that the selection
committee maybe put a little extra effort into trying to solicit some of
these populations.
O'Donnell: But that goes against what Dee said as far as being non-discriminatory. I
guess I am putting more faith in this public art committee than others. I
don't think we need this paragraph.
Wilburn: Ernie, can I ask a quick question of Karin?
Lehman: Certainly.
Wilbum: Sorry Karin. What did the committee have in mind when they talked
about limited invitational competition? Can you fill that in for me?
Franklin: Well, that could be a circumstance in which you are- for instance the water
fountain possibility out at the water plant- that then you are only soliciting
artists who do water features. You don't send it out to, a broad call to
everybody throughout the United States or the world. We have a registry
of artists and it is broken down by the medium within which they work.
And so in that particular circumstance you may do a limited invitational to
maybe 10 or 15 artists who do a particular type of water feature. That is
what a limited invitational competition is about.
Wilburn: Had the committee considered or thought of we would like to feature an
lowan here or an Iowa Citian here? And that might be a possibility.
Franklin: Well, there is one pad left in the sculptures downtown that the committee
has decided will be reserved for an Iowa artist. And they may in fact do a
rotating exhibit in which there is a different artist that is displayed there
every year.
Lehman: I really think that telling the committee how to select the art is
compromising the ability of the committee to do the job that we ask them
to do. That their selection should be based on the quality of the product as
they see it. I have no reason to believe that they wouldn't solicit the best
possible product for what they are doing and I guess I would not favor
trying to tell them how to do it. So, I can't support the amendment. Other
discussion?
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Kanner: Dee, I wanted to answer a couple of your questions I think. I think one of
the reasons to do this is to get the word out that people who traditionally
perhaps have been kept out of the process will feel that there is a better
chance that they will have more of an in. And I think art especially is very
contextual as far as culture is concerned. And we want to be multicultural
I think is our purpose in the city. And that is good for the city to do that.
And I think that we have other committees we say we want so many
males- or we don't say we want so many but we are- we note that males or
females because we realize traditionally women didn't have the same
access that men, and still don't in many areas. And that we wanted to
make an extra effort to make sure there are some women that are on the
committee and we have that kind of balance. So I think we do it in other
committees and I think this is just going a step farther. We do go farther
in our Human Rights Committee in looking at different populations. And
so I think it would be appropriate to do it here especially in this art field
where we are giving out large amounts of money. And we are giving out
$120,000 to one artist. That is a lot of money and I would like to see other
populations that traditionally haven't had access to that and give them
perhaps a little bit of a better shot.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Dilkes: I just wanted to note as I did last night I think analogizing to the
employment context I think the part of the proposed amendment that deals
with making efforts to get the word out and making sure you have a
diverse applicant pool is fine. I have some trouble with the giving of a
preference to women and people of color. I think that is a little troubling
from my perspective.
Kanner: In what way, Eleanor, is that troubling?
Dilkes: Because I think it opens the door to a discrimination claim.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Kanner: Has the city, Eleanor, ever gone out of its way to see if it has a past history
of discrimination? Solicited input from the community? My
understanding is the Supreme Court-
Dilkes: In the employment context?
Kanner: Yeah.
Dilkes: In the employment context?
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Kanner: And in general I guess. Yeah, in any ways that the city deals with the
public.
Dilkes: Not that I am aware of.
Atkins: I am not sure how to answer that. I mean, in the time that I have been
here- we have the policies in place.
Dilkes: I think what Steven is talking about is that the courts have pretty strictly
reviewed programs that for instance in the employment context provide a
preference to a person of color, gender, that kind of thing. Subjects them
reverse discrimination claims. And has required that there be a pretty
clear nexus between what has happened in the past and what the measure
is that is being proposed or being used. So I think that is what Steven's
question is aimed at. And if I am fight, I am not aware of such studies.
Kanner: It is something we might want to consider.
Champion: Can we vote?
Lehman: Okay. On the amendments, and this is as it appears number three on the
handout from Mr. Kanner. All those in favor of the amendment say "aye".
Kanner: Aye.
Pfab: Number three ?
Lehman: Yes.
Pfab: No.
Lehman: Opposed say no.
All except Kanner: No.
Lehman: The amendment is defeated 6-1, Mr. Kanner voting in the affirmative. Is
there other discussion of the procedures?
5. Amendment number five.
Wilburn: I would like to go ahead since it kind of came up anyway just to move
under Selection Process a new sentence, just "we hope to encourage a
diverse applicant pool".
Pfab: I would support that.
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Lehman: Moved by Ross Wilbum, seconded Pfab, to encourage a diverse applicant
pool. Discussion?
Wilbum: That is along the lines within employment type stuff isn't it?
Champion: I don't have any objections to it except is that the (can't hear) procedure
thing?
Lehman: I don't think- I think they would do that anyway but I think it does (can't
hear) and I think it does indicate our intention.
Vanderhoef: It indicates what this city expectation is.
Lehman: That is fight. And I don't think it materially changes anything so.
Champion: So it is all fight to have it in there. Okay, I will support it.
Lehman: All in favor of the amendment?
Kanner: Wait-
Lehman: I am sorry.
Kanner: I would like to offer an amendment to that. That the committee will
annually report to the council on the demographics of those that have
applied and that have been chosen for Iowa City art purchases.
Lehman: Actually we are going to have to vote the first one before we take another
vote.
Dilkes: We have to vote on Ross's amendment.
Lehman: Those in favor-
Pfab: No, no- he wants to amend the amendment.
Kanner: I want to amend the amendment.
Lehman: All right, that has to be with the permission of the person making the
motion.
Wilburn: No.
Lehman: Ross says no. Those in favor of the amendment as made say aye.
All: Aye.
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Lehman: Opposed? The amendment carries. Okay, now we are ready for another
amendment.
6. Amendment number six.
Kanner: Okay, well I would like in the spirit of what Ross offered I would like to
get a report, an annual report, to the council on the demographics of those
that have applied and have been chose for Iowa City art purchases.
Lehman: So that is a motion to amend.
Kanner: Yes.
Lehman: Motion by Mr. Kanner. Is there a second to that motion? Motion dies for
lack of second. Is there other discussion on the procedures as amended?
We have made two amendments to this one-
Pfab: Three.
Lehman: -which would indicate the amount of money required for maintenance,
would have to be in the applications, and we have added the words
University of Iowa and other public property to the description of the
locations.
Dilkes: And the maintenance- or- and then Ross's.
(several talking)
Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. We are going to take
about a 5 or 10 minute break.
Pfab: A half hour.
Lehman: No, we are not taking a half hour.
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ITEM NO. 8. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING DISTRIBUTION OF
THE "PROGRAM FOR IMPROVING NEIGHBORHOODS: PIN
GRANT FUNDS.
Lehman: Annually the city allocates $25,000 and we are receiving the
recommendation for those grants this evening. Do we have a motion to
approve?
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Wilbum. Discussion?
Champion: Are we going to have a presentation for this?
Lehman: No, I think the discussion- the presentation will be part of the discussion.
Jerry Hansen: Good evening. My name is Jerry Hansen and I am proud to be here
tonight representing the neighborhood council of Iowa City in our annual
requests for PIN grants. For several years now I have been active in this
group that is comprised of all of the Neighborhood Associations of Iowa
City. In my opinion, this group is the premier place for discussion and
debate of issues in Iowa City. Nowhere else can you get such a diverse
amount of ideas and opinions without hostility. Tonight we are here with
a wide variety of requests for funding. As you know, PIN grant stands for
Programs for Improving Neighborhoods. Each year we are allotted
$25,000 from which we make our requests. These grants foster an
atmosphere of cooperation and sharing among the different associations in
town. The grant requests are submitted to the NCIC and discussed.
Council then ranks them according to criteria. This year we again had
more requests for funding then monies allotted. In the spirit of
cooperation some associations reduced or withdrew their applications to
fit the funding available. In the past many worthy projects have been
funded with these grants that could not have been accomplished in any
other way. We applaud the city for making these funds available to us and
for having the vision to establish a department such as neighborhood
services to enhance the ability of Neighborhood Associations to function.
None of us involved have the time to keep track of everything that goes on
in town. This is why it is so critical to have neighborhood services
available. Tonight there will be eight grant requests from four
Neighborhood Associations. These will be presented in the order that is
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on your memorandum. If you have any questions please feel free to ask.
The first grant request tonight is Computers for Kids from Wetherby
Friends and Neighbors. So I will turn my hat around and say that I am
chairman of Wetherby Friends and Neighbors and I am here tonight to
request $4,000 to fund two computers for the Neighborhood Center on
Broadway. To Wetherby Friends and Neighbors, the neighborhood center
and the neighborhood centers of johnson County are critical to us.
Absolutely critical and we will do anything we can to back these people.
We would like to put two computers in and if funding is available perhaps
a third so that the kids from the neighborhood have something to do in the
summertime to keep them off the streets and to enhance their ability to
access information. To us, the great divide is going to be who has and
who hasn't access to information in the future and how to use it. And we
feel that these children should have the ability and the means to access this
information.
Pfab: Is a question in order?
Lehman: Sure.
Pfab: Okay. I have a question. How- in what method do you plan to be able to
access the internet?
Hansen: They have intemet hookups over there.
Pfab: Just the dialup?
Hansen: Right.
Pfab: Is there any way that higher speeds can be brought into those computers?
Hansen: I called AT&T Cable, which I have personally at home, and they are
unwilling to do anything other than what the service contract with the city
requires. So they will not install any type of flee service.
Pfab: So, you are talking the cable hookups?
Hansen: The cable internet right.
Pfab: What about DSL I believe, or whatever?
Hansen: Well, that would be up to the neighborhood center itself and funding
available for that type of service.
Pfab: Because I think that when you have a lot of users, which I hope there will
be-
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Hansen: There will be many.
Pfab: And I would think that that would be a great method. It is also- I would
look at it as a way for young people to see the potential rather than a
method that is relatively slow.
Hansen: I agree.
Pfab: Okay, so I mean-
Hansen: I wouldn't give up my services.
Pfab: I think that is really part of it. Now, and with that in mind, I have a
question of how the computers are going to be selected and is there going
to be local bidding or are there ways that we can use- or that the
Neighborhood Association because I understand that after the money is
theirs it is theirs to do whatever they want with it. Is there a way to
encourage them to look at local providers that may be able to provide as
good or better service for less money?
Hansen: Well, in my discussions with the neighborhood center and at the NCIC, we
discussed this in length as to which computers should be in there. The
request from the Broadway Neighborhood Center who will be the
recipients and the users of these computers was for Dell computers
because of their current usage of those computers.
Pfab: So in other words Dell has an exclusive in essence?
Hansen: Those are the ones that they requested as fitting their needs and their
abilities to use.
Pfab: Well, Dell is a brand name and its component parts not necessarily Dell's.
And is there-
Hansen: Like you were talking to me outside, you know, some of them have
different operating windows or desktops and stuff and I really feel that the
people, I mean, we are giving them as a gift and maybe you don't look a
gift horse in the mouth or anything but I will tell you that if they request
something I will bend over backwards to give them what they want.
Because they see that as fitting the criteria of the neighborhood center.
Pfab: What I am concerned is, is it competitively- is the association or is the
money that we are giving going to be- get the most bang for the buck
when it is delivered? In other words, if you can save enough in the
computer equipment and get- I am not saying, I think there should be
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excellent equipment in there. I am for the best because these people if
they can learn the potential that is there by working with good computers
rather than somebody that donated something and scrambled together. I
think first class is what should be there. And whether it is Dell or not, you
know, it doesn't make that much difference. But are we getting- are they
getting the most bang for the buck? That is my question.
Lehman: May I suggest we have got a very, very good experienced expertise group
of folks here at the city and if you need assistance in the selection of
computers or equipment I believe we have folks here that could be of
tremendous assistance in picking a computer.
Hansen: That is fine. I will talk to the neighborhood center and I will ask them if
they are willing to accept something else. But if they feel very strongly
about this I will push forward for the Dell computers.
Pfab: My only question is if that is the case, was that arrived at in a democratic
way? If it is then I have no problem.
Hansen: I don't know if they took a vote over there or not Irvin.
Pfab: In other words, if that as a community is what they decide- fine.
Kanner: To take Emie what you said and Irvin what you said perhaps farther.
Maybe we could authorize that if there is a significant discount to be
gotten from purchasing a computer from the city and if that works out that
we could authorize that.
Hansen: You know, we could mix this up all night long you know as to what
should or should not be done.
Champion: We do not want to micromanage every dollar we give them.
Hansen: But quite frankly, these people have requested these. And I think that we
should honor that request.
Lehman: Actually, what we are being asked to do tonight is to approve the
recommendations and the recommendation in this case is $4000 for
computers.
Hansen: Right. That will include printers and possibly a scanner too.
Lehman: Okay.
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Kanner: Jerry, I do think it is valid to see if money can be saved and I think these
are valid questions. I have another question though. Is there staff there to
work with these folks? (can't hear)
Hansen: They have promised to me that staff is there and will work with them.
Lehman: Okay, thank you.
Hansen: The next four for rezoning of a portion of Governor and Lucas Street,
alley gravel resurfacing, sidewalk repair, and retaining wall for a bus
shelter will be presented by Longfellow.
Bowans: You are going to be so happy I am going to be so brief tonight. The alley
gravel resurfacing- this is our third year for this. It has been a wonderful
program. It has done great things to improve all of the alleys in our
neighborhood. We started out asking for $400 but we found out we had
about $240 left over from last year and since there was a big demand for
money this year we decreased that to $200. And so far we have four
alleys to do this year which should pretty much wipe out last years and the
$200 we have asked for this year. It just maintains the alleys in good
shape. Is there any questions?
Lehman: And that is how much?
Bowans: $200 is what we are asking for.
Lehman: Thank you.
Karr: For the record could you just state your name please?
Bowans: Oh, Lorraine Bowans, 510 S. Governor Street. No questions? All right.
To the next one. This is an application for- oops, I went one too far. Is it
the sidewalk repair that is next? Rezoning? Anyway, I don't have that
one in front of me. That was we had requested $400 to reimburse the
Neighborhood Association for monies that we took from- that we
borrowed from the treasury for a neighborhood defense fund to make an
application to the city for rezoning Governor, Lucas and Bowery Streets.
Champion: I would like to move that we take that out of our regular voting on when
we approve all- how do I say that? I would like to-
Lehman: We will get all the presentations and then when we act on the total then we
can remove that or any items that we choose to remove that would be the
time. When we have motion to approve the resolution that would be an
amendment to delete certain items or add or whatever.
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Champion: Okay.
Bowans: Our Neighborhood Association at our last- at a board meeting in February
it was decided to establish a neighborhood defense fund of $400 that
residents could also increase this fund by making direct donations to our
treasury funds. And this is I believe the third application we have had for
rezoning in Longfellow neighborhood in the last few years. So this was
just kind of a defense fund for any other future projects, not necessarily
rezoning but anything else that may come up that benefits the
neighborhood as a whole. So it would just be replenishing the treasury
funds that have already been spent.
Kanner: Jerry, could you speak to how you arrived at the decision with this
particular issue? I understand there was some talk about that maybe this
was not appropriate- this kind of funding. And from the neighborhood
council could you speak to that?
Bowans: Me or Jerry?
Kanner: Jerry. Jerry, you were part of the decision making you said?
Hansen: I am just one person that is on the council.
Kanner: I know, if you could explain what the process was. We were told by the
staff-
Hansen: We have a criteria sheet for each one of these grant applications and there
is seven maybe ten different criteria on there. And it is who is benefited
off this [and] how the monies are being used. There is many different
criteria. And we rank them and each criteria has a point value. And so we
arrive at, for each grant, at a point total and then the top grant goes first,
second, third, fourth, however many we have. In this case there were
more grants than the money allowed and so at the very last grant we cut it
of and put it in at the remaining amount of funds.
Kanner: Was this the lowest ranked?
Hansen: I don't- it was the third or yeah-
Kanner: The third lowest?
Hansen: It was not ranked at the top, no.
Kanner: Thanks.
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Bowans: The next one is the sidewalk repair program. It is Longfellow
neighborhood's turn to have the orange X's on the sidewalks. And we
followed Grantwood's example of many years ago. They filed a PIN
grant application for the amount of $5000 to absorb the cost of people on
low or fixed incomes who could not afford to have this done. I have
spoken with a contractor who lives in the Longfellow neighborhood who
is willing to sign a contract to do this work if we get the funding but he
wasn't going to sign anything until we got the funding. So it is kind of
one of those catch 22 things. And again it depends on- the cost will be a
little bit flexible because it depends on if he can use the concrete and put it
on a creek bank in an area where he might be working there. If he is doing
a whole block at a time or whatever so it is not a set cost. We are looking
at around $100 a square. We broke this down into $3000 we would
replace the sidewalk at no cost for the most needy. They would not have
to pay any charges of this. And $2000 that we would like them to pay half
of the cost of replacing the sidewalk. We are going to use the city's
guidelines for low income which is- I forgot to bring those with me
tonight but those are down in Housing Inspections. And we will do a little
questionnaire in trying to get people most needy to get the money that it is.
$5000 will not do a lot of sidewalks but at least it will help a few people in
the neighborhood. And we do have a fairly good sized portion of low and
moderate income people.
Pfab: My question was will the contractor take the money and do everything in
the neighborhood but I think you answered the question-.
Bowans: No, he will only do the people who qualify. But he can do a better price
for the people who qualify by doing other people' s at the same time.
Pfab: I don't think I made myself clear. You said that you have a contractor that
has agreed if the money comes. Now, will that mean that the complete
neighborhood finished when he is finished?
Champion: Not necessarily.
Bowans: No. This is just for the people who are in low income.
Pfab: Okay, but so- so it will take care of all of those people?
Bowans: It probably won't cover everybody but it will at least get a few of them.
Pfab: I was hoping- I thought you were going to say and this will take care of
the whole neighborhood.
B owans: No.
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Lehman: Well, basically I think what you said is the cost to do that is about $100 a
square.
Bowans: About $100 a square.
Lehman: And until- when the $5000 runs out whatever isn't done isn't done.
Bowans: And we are going to encourage alternatives too, which was brought up at
the neighborhood council meeting. One of the people at the ranking
meeting talked about how he had his sidewalk shaved because it was just a
little bit uneven and mud jacking and things like that. So we are going to
try the lower cost alternatives first. Ready for the next one?
Lehman: Ready.
Bowans: This is Pam Erhardt's and I know enough to be dangerous here I think.
But this is- she cannot attend tonight- this is the comer at Burlington and
Summit Street which is by the Summit Street apartments there. This is
one of the most heavily used bus stops in the city. There is no place to put
a shelter there because of the retaining wall and there is no property to put
the bus shelter on. Pam has worked out with the owner of that apartment
building that they will give an easement so the city can erect a bus shelter
there. The cost for this has been lowered to $3500. The basic cost will be
the city will do the building itself, the will also do the concrete pad. The
cost is for the retaining wall and also for landscaping because it will be
accessible to the roof. So they are going to put prickly bushes around so
people maybe won't climb on top of the roof. The owner of the property
has talked with the assistant City Attorney but no official paperwork has
been done yet pending the approval of the money. But it has been worked
out legally that there shouldn't be a problem. He will give an easement.
The property owner is very much in favor of it. I think it will be a great
benefit to the city. And I think it was a nice cooperative effort.
Champion: That is a real nice idea.
Pfab: I think that is wonderful.
O'Donnell: Is that the noaheast comer?
Bowans: Yes.
Kanner: I had a bus rider ask where the coffee pot is going to go in.
Bowans: I don't know.
Kanner: Maybe the next round.
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Bowans: There might be a coffee shop up there next.
Champion: Maybe with next years PIN money.
Bowans: Yeah, next year PIN money. Any other questions on this one? Okay.
Lehman: Thank you.
Kanner: Before you go on though I had a question Steve. Do we have any plans
for bus shelters over the years to try to get more bus shelters?
Atkins: Generally speaking we will apply- there is a pool of state resources that
we will apply for 3, 4, 5 bus shelters at a time. But generally speaking,
what we will do is as I have pointed out, we will take care of the concrete
work, we will actually install the bus shelter, but if there is any unique
circumstances we rely on the property owners such as this. More often
than not it is at a neighborhood request that we put up new bus shelters.
Kanner: So we should encourage neighborhoods if they are interested to call the
city and see what can be done (can't hear).
Atkins: Call the department of parking and transit, yes.
Hansen: Okay, the next two- planning funds for the conservation education
reclamation project and the project itself are the Westside Drive
Neighborhood Association.
Dan Bray: Good evening, my name is Daniel Bray and I come as a neighbor to
neighbors. I represent the West Side Neighborhood Association and you
represent our adjoining neighbor. We share with you a thousand-foot
boundary along this area that is the south part of Kiawani's Park and it is
the north part of the property lines of four condominium associations. But
we share more than a boundary. We share aesthetics. We share water.
We share an overall need for planning together. This lake which has no
name and eventually we are going to come to the Mayor and ask for help
in naming this lake, appears to be deep. It is not. It is about 3 ½- 4 feet
and the process of eutrophication is overtaking it at a very rapid rate. It
will silt in. That lake drains a thousand acres of land to the west of 218. It
drains land to our south and our west. It comes through Plainview, it
comes through Abbey Lane, it comes through a variety of places and is
held here as part of your storm water detention system in the city. And as
you can see, we not only share a boundary but we share a creek bed. This
is an old dry creek bed from here to here that has been cut off. And we
share the Willow Creek, which extends through part of the condominium
association land in this area. Our problem and the reason we are before
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the city council tonight is that when this area was developed with the
city' s work with the developer we were left without the ability to plan for
the eutrophication of this area and without the ability to plan for how to
make this whole area appropriately an extension of the Kiawani's park.
The city provided access easements here and here that go all the way
around our condominium associations on West Side Drive and people who
are walking through the park will make the whole route in this fashion
seeing the detention basin and our condominium association as an
extension of the park. What we would like to do with the planning grant
and the construction grant is to be able to take 275 or 300 individual
property owners in this area, plan together an extension, a visual extension
of the park, so that we can do the prairie grass and the sort of wonderful
things that the city is planning in this area. And we can extend that around
the edge of the detention basin and further that we have some money to
meet some immediate erosion control needs while we figure out how 250
or 300 people can sit down and plan and anticipate the horrendous costs
and the long term liabilities of the eutrophication of the detention basin.
When this land was developed it was left without a maintenance
agreement.
Lehman: We have a maintenance agreement right here that has been signed that
says they are responsible for that property for maintenance.
Bray: No. The problem Ernie is very simple. How are you going to take 300
individual owners who couldn't agree on how to spend $150,000 to
maintain it and have a common vision or understanding of what to be
done? We are left without that. I understand- I am not here to debate
where the responsibility lies. I am here to say that it can't be executed at
the present time without doing this kind of planning and understanding
this area as a visual and functional extension of the park and an awareness
that eutrophication is going to overtake this at an alarmingly fast rate.
And without the planning grant we cannot even begin to execute any
responsibilities that are there.
Lehman: How did- according to this agreement was signed by John and Sandra
Moreland in August of 1996 which is approximately 4 years ago. I would
assume that when this was signed the agreement provides for the
maintenance of this area. Somebody agreed to maintain the area.
Bray: Well-
Lehman: Where does that- I mean, John Moreland and Sandra apparently do not
own this property anymore but I would assume that the maintenance of the
easement agreement probably goes with the property.
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Bray: Well, where you did the similar kind of maintenance agreement was with
Southgate on the Walden area out by the Quick Trip Store on Benton. The
agreement specifically called that Southgate Development will maintain it
in perpetuity on its own. This does not. And when these neighbors
acquired their individual interests in this area they had no idea of the
enormity of what was here. And many of them shared the same thought
that this was the city's land. And it has been a very difficult thing to
educate neighbors about this. But my own view is that this detention basin
maintenance agreement should have stayed with the developer and did
not.
Pfab: I have a question.
Lehman: What happened to it?
Bray: Don't know.
Lehman: It says it goes with the assigned. In other words, if the property is sold it
goes with the property.
Bray: It is obviously recorded and goes with the property and the titles but
doesn't show up or come to the attention of any of the owners to any great
extent. And yet, the cost is enormous. We have an estimate that to- if we
had to actually dredge that it would be $150,000 and worse yet, we would
have to come to the city and say we want to haul all of the dirt over the
Kiawani's Park. And worse yet, we would have to re-grade these sides of
the detention basin because they are not flat enough to bring in equipment
to dredge the thing. These are sloping things. So it is designed not to be
maintained. And we have to figure out as neighbors- and that is why we
have the planning grant- what to do. We don't know.
Lehman: Irvin?
Pfab: I have a question. Now, you say there is 300 and some property owners?
Bray: Approximately around this area.
Pfab: And each one of those went to a closing where an attorney did a title
search and what happened?
Bray: Well, attorney's questions are handed over to Eleanor.
Pfab: No, but I think there is attorney questions that are- that maybe there are
some liability. If those owners can absolutely say that they new nothing
about it I think they ought to maybe go visit the attorney that did the title
search and failed to tell them about their obligations.
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Bray: Well, Irvin, what we are trying to do is not point fingers because there are
at least ten fingers to point here, one of which is the city lets its dirt drain
through Kiawani's park into our pond. Another is the developer as the
mayor brought up. Another is the attorneys and the title searches.
Another is- all sorts of fingers to be pointed. Our objective here is not to
point fingers but to recognize a problem.
Pfab: Okay, I am not pointing fingers. I am just saying I think your real
problem is we are looking for funds to do something that needs to be done.
Bray: Or decide what needs to be done. One of the- there is an elderly
gentleman in our neighborhood and I told you this last night and I will tell
it for the benefit of the audience. He said his idea is to let the whole thing
silt in and then solve the city's cemetery problem by burying people there.
The notion of maintaining a wet detention basin or allowing it to go to
marsh or managing the eutrophication by allowing depth changes that
would naturally occur and still serve the function are all issues to be
studied and understood. And I frankly don't have the answers to those
questions.
Dilkes: I gave you the storm water detention easement agreement at the mayor's
request. Just to clarify a couple of things. This easement agreement is of
course of record which means it would have showed up in any abstract.
My recollection is when I was examining title anyway that I certainly
would have called this out in the title opinion, but I don't know obviously
what has taken place in connection with the properties that are involved
here. This easement agreement quite clearly places the obligation for
maintenance in a number of respects on the developer. This was done at
the time of the subdivision. At the time the condominiums were then
established, and I am assuming home owner's associations were
established, the city was not involved in that process. The city's
involvement ended at the time of subdivisions.
Lehman: Which would be the normal time the city's involvement would end?
Okay.
Kanner: So there are four associations- condominium associations?
Bray: Yes.
Vanderhoef: And how many developers?
Bray: None, they are gone.
Lehman: How many were there?
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Bray: One, John Moreland.
Lehman: We have one developer?
Vanderho ef: For all of that?
Bray: This whole area was developed by one developer. (changed tapes) -
detention agreement with you.
Lehman: (can't hear)
Bray: But the thing is the city didn't say okay you are going to split this up
among four-
Lehman: He didn't have to. He agreed to take care of it. He signed right here.
Bray: Well he didn't take care of us.
Lehman: I realize that but from our perspective and I am not saying what is right or
wrong, but from our perspective when the city signed off and he agreed to
take care of it that was the end of the city' s interest.
Bray: Yes, except that you continue to send water our way. And that- you have
built this as an extension of the park so the city does have an interest
ongoing in the area although I understand the liability issues that you
raise. But the interest issues are strongly there.
Kanner: How much reserve do the four associations have? Cash reserves in their
maintenance fund?
Bray: Park Edge operates in the red. Lake Point I understand is marginal.
Mallard Point has a fund that exists only because they collected insurance
settlements for hail damage to the building. And Fox Hollow has a fund
only because the city paid for an easement over this area to access the
park. Other than that there is no capital funds maintained by any of the
condo associations for this purpose.
Lehman: Steven, I don't think the condo associations maintain capital funds
anyway. They are there to cover the cost of their operations. If they have
to do roofs or siding they have assessments and whatever. So I mean, they
are not there to have capital funds unless they know they have got some
sort of replacement. So I don't think if you were to look at all of the
condo associations funds I doubt very much if you would find very many
that have capital reserve funds.
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Kanner: Once you build up a certain amount to do funds for large expenses?
Lehman: They can do that but I think typically they do the work and then make the
assessments. Isn't that pretty much true Dan? The condo associations
generally do the work and then make assessments to cover the work?
Bray: Well, this is so huge I don't think we can.
Lehman: No, no. Just in general.
Bray: I think this- what we are- this takes us off into a whole another area.
Lehman: True.
Bray: But what I am proposing to the condo associations is all of them establish
a contingency resolution assessing the maintenance fund for the detention
building over five years to build up the capital as you are talking about.
But they still don't know what they are going to do with their money. For
example, if Park Edge said "Gee, we can let this go to a marsh" and
Mallard Point says "Gee, we would like it 12 feet deep" and Lake Point is
somewhere in between. The only obligation is not your particular condo
association but the whole thing as a unity. So it doesn't mean that
everybody has to do it the same way.
Pfab: There might be a way to create an incentive to do something. Maybe the
city does what needs to be done and then tax the property owners as a lien
on the property and maybe that would create an interest in (can't hear).
Lehman: I don't think Eleanor buys into that.
Bray: You are understanding the enormity of the problem and this is why we
simply want a little bit of planning money. There is some immediate
erosion control issues on the east end and there is a need to do some
prairie grass planting for erosion control on the west end. And the creek
bank, the little creek bank, coming in from this end. And we are asking
for a small amount of money to start the dialogue and to start the
understanding and the long term planning of this so that all of the good
questions you have asked kind of roll into what we need to do.
Kanner: I like the idea of the planning and using some of the funds for that. But I
also after reading this and heating some of the discussion need to see some
sort of concrete good will faith or compromise such as it is from the
condominium association saying that they are going to put some money
into this also. I haven't heard that exactly and I am not-
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Bray: Well, let's figure out what it is we have to do first. And that is where the
planning comes in where people then buy into the ideas or become
educated about the process of ###### and educated as to where their
boundaries are. Right along here when we had a neighborhood cleanup a
couple of weeks ago, there were young kids that were coming in and
building tree forts and these forts- and saying that they could do it because
it was city property. In fact, it is private property. And their parents-
Lehman: The whole pond is private property is it not?
Bray: Well- see, we share a common dead creek with the city. We share a tree
line with the city. We share an active creek with the city. And the public
doesn't know the difference. People come down and they walk along the
edge of this basin and they get to here and there is no access and they have
to walk back or they have to walk through the creek because the spillway
right here doesn't allow any direct access back to the west. You have to
actually cross the active creek to get back on a pathway. But people walk
that and they see that this part is the park. They don't see it as our land.
Kanner: What if your first move would be to say, go to each of the condominium
associations, and say that we are going to get a matching grant- the four
associations put up $3000 or $4000 and we will match that?
Bray: Match to what? The whole purpose-
Kanner: The PIN grant.
Bray: No. The whole purpose of the PIN grant is to get people that understand
prairies, that understand erosion, that understand eutrophication that can
educate these 250-300 neighbors and agree on a common problem for
which they have to pay for the solution or enroll the developer in the
solution or enroll grant monies in the solution. We have had- the Johnson
County soil conservation commission came out. They were very helpful.
They have begun the process of education. This planning fund extends the
process of education and will allow us then to move to that point of cost.
We aren't ready to act and I don't think anybody should feel compelled
that tomorrow they have to spend $150,000. But they need a vision of the
area. They need a long-term plan of what needs to be done in the area and
to talk about how to fund it. As both you and the mayor have brought up.
Pfab: I think, Dan, what you are seeing here is a group of people on the city
council somewhat puzzled why the problem was let go so long and now
coming to us and saying we have a problem and you solve it. No, no- just
let me- and so that is why everyone here isn't the most friendly to you
tonight. There is a certain amount of hostility here. So we are trying to
figure out a way to make this thing work. At least I am.
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Bray: Let me put out a timeline for you for your point. The developer let go of
this property in 1998. All of these condo associations went on their own
within two years. And these are people who are just now exploring what
happened to them. Okay? The developer walked out of here within two
years ago and I frankly would love to see the city pull him back in because
having failed to implement this easement agreement by getting separate
agreements between these 275-300 condo owners as to what exactly what
will be assessed here. That is another issue.
Dilkes: That quite clearly- wait a minute- that quite clearly is not our obligation.
You need to understand that.
Bray: It is-
Champion: No it is not.
Pfab: It looks to me like it is the home owner's association that have a- maybe
have some action there. But I am thinking of something that may be as a
compromise. And my thought would be I would guess, and I am speaking
off the cuff here without any checking with these other members of the
council, is that I don't think that the request for the grant that you are
asking is totally indigestible for us. I think what we are probably liking to
say is once you come to us with an agreement then at that point we may be
happy to help pay for getting to it.
Bray: Exactly. And we don't have an agreement.
Pfab: But not put the money out first and then see if you can go find an
agreement.
Bray: What we are asking for Irvin is very simple. It is peanuts compared to the
problem that is there. And we are asking for it simply to be able to
organize our neighborhood to get 300 people together. Where the city
made its mistake is they allowed that thing to be split up between four
separate lots and didn't plan for that split up. All the other detention
basins in the city are with one unified structure where you just go to one
group like South Gate development and say take care of it.
Dilkes: That is not the case.
Bray: Where are the others?
Franklin: We have a number of subdivisions in which the storm water detention
basin is an obligation that is split between the lots within the subdivision.
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O'Donnell: You know- and I want to tell you first that I am not the least bit hostile.
Champion: Me either.
O'Donnell: And I understand the problem. But we have an agreement here that
clearly says to me that successors- all these covenants run with the land.
Bray: Right.
O'Donnell: It says here that you have an agreement that you will not permit this to fill
in with silt.
Bray: To what depth? See, these are the kinds of problems that are here- I am
looking at this, I am reading it fight now and Eleanor and I could argue for
two weeks over what it means. For example, if the city has to operate the
easement what does that mean? We have to maintain it and not allow it to
silt in. What does that mean? The whole purpose of the planning grant
we are asking for is to help us do- is understand as a neighborhood and
engage us in a common plan to come back and talk about what we need to
do particularly since we are viewed as part of the park.
Champion: By whom?
Bray: By the whole neighborhood. You can- you can stop 50 people doing that
walking along that sidewalk and I will bet you 40 of them would view that
as park.
Kanner: Dan, how will the money be used to bring these 300 people together?
Could you be specific about that?
Bray: Okay, what we have already done- we have a lot ofstuffbefore we can to
city council. We have had neighborhood cleanup day which there were 60
people came and participated. We got great cooperation from the city and
it was a wonderful day. People bonded with each other and started to see
the problem. We have also brought in the Johnson County Soil
Conservation Commission and asked for their help and advice on what we
ought to be looking at. And they produced a very nice report. Amy and
Wayne over there did a great job for us. We shared that report with
everyone in the Neighborhood Association and in the neighborhood so
that they could understand and begin to understand what is there. What-
the whole purpose of this grant is to get to the point where people sign on
to a plan. And right now we don't have that. We have got the interest
developing. We have approached all of the condo associations with a
draft of a proposed resolution for maintenance of this area. There is a
committee that has been established to attempt to approach the developer
and ask him to come and remove some dirt that he left. You know, he just
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had a mistake of leaving a few things at the construction site and we think
he should come back and pick it up. And to talk more with the city about
what it means for the city to operate a detention water easement in our
neighborhood. That sort of thing. We have started that process of dialog.
This little grant allows us to pull together a lot of things that are
happening.
Champion: I frankly think you need some help getting people together to discuss this
problem. You have a big problem. And I don't have any problems with
the neighborhood having some help getting together on how they are
going to solve this problem they have. I personally want the money
separated. Like I am totally willing to give you a PIN grant to- 350 people
is a lot of people- to bring these people together with some other people to
help find the solution you need to find. I don't have any problems with
that. I would have problems with spending taxpayers money on correcting
a problem since it is not really our- it is like saying well, you know what, I
don't want to mow my yard anymore so I am going to get the city to do it.
But I can see where 350 people are a lot of people and four condominium
associations is a lot of people to bring together and I think you do need
help doing that.
Bray: That is what we are trying to do with these PIN grants. And a little
demonstration helps too. I mean, the city is doing great things with the
park- they are planting a prairie and if we extend that into the
neighborhood we can say look you need to own onto that with a little
demonstration. There are also some emergency erosion stuff that needs to
be done that there is no money to do. This whole east end could break out
in a bad storm and the thing is strained with erosion on the east end.
Lehman: Well, let me suggest that we go through the rest of the PIN applications
and when we get ready for the resolution if we chose to we could- go
ahead Irvin.
Pfab: I just have a short statement. I am not so sure here that we don't have an
opportunity buried in a problem. I think that there is great potential for
that area and I just want to get everybody on board. And if everybody gets
on board I think there is an absolutely marvelous opportunity out there.
Bray: That is what the grant is designed to do.
Lehman: Thank you.
Hansen: Our next grant tonight is going to be from Benton Street Park
Improvements and that will be presented by Miller Orchard Neighborhood
Association.
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Ruth Baker: Hi, I am Ruth Baker from Miller Orchard Neighborhood and I will make
this very brief for you. We have a park and need some development there.
We are asking for $5000 and this would be for improvements to the
parkland on Benton Street. And this would be for uses for playground
equipment, some picnic tables, grills, landscaping materials. And that is
our request.
Vanderhoef: It is the capital part-
Baker: Pardon me?
Vanderhoef: It is the capital part rather than the development part.
Baker: It is the- that is right. That is right.
Champion: Good.
Baker: Any other questions?
Lehman: You have been waiting a long time for this.
Baker: Yes.
Lehman: A long, long time.
Baker: Thank you.
Vanderhoef: Good luck.
Hansen: In closing tonight, I would like to thank you for your time, dollars and
continued support of neighborhoods in Iowa City. I would also like to
take a moment to appeal to all citizens of Iowa City to join their
Neighborhood Associations. If their neighborhood does not have one then
I would strongly urge that they start one. It is very easy to do, just call the
office of Neighborhood Services- Marsha Klingaman at 356-5237.
Pfab: I would make one comment to that. I would second that whole-heartedly.
Go for it!
O'Donnell: Thanks Jerry.
Lehman: Thank you.
Champion: Mr. Mayor, I would like-
Lehman: Council discussion, yes?
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1. Amendment number one.
Champion: I would like to make an amendment to the motion. I would like to move
to withdraw the Longfellow Neighborhood's request for funds to repay
their treasury for the rezoning.
Lehman: Okay.
Vanderhoef: I will second that.
Lehman: Moved by Champion and seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Champion: I would like to just why I want to pull that. I think there is a reason that
people have to use funds of their own to do rezoning [and it] is to pay staff
and pay for work- is that right? And that I don't think the city should be
paying for its own fees. I have problems with that. And I also think that it
is a bad precedent to start because we could have people bringing us kind
of foolish zoning things if they think their Neighborhood Association can
get reimbursed for it. So although I totally supported the rezoning I do not
support the repayment of the funds to the Longfellow Neighborhood
Association.
Pfab: Ernie?
Lehman: Yes.
Pfab: I would like to respectfully disagree with my honorable colleague here and
I think it is a good way. I think it is something that the homeowner's
association did not go out and seek. It was thrust upon them and we say
we want to support Neighborhood Associations? This is how you do it.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Wilburn: I think it has an awkward feel to it when I was reading through it. It just
seems that it could create some problems and I am looking at the- while I
could see looking at the neighborhoods saying we saved our neighborhood
through this a lot of us would agree but I guess just the process, like you
were saying Connie, I think it feels awkward.
Pfab: (can't hear)
Vanderhoef: $365 of that is for the permit to the city to instigate the down zoning. And
I agree with Connie that there are times that when you go into a down
zoning as we had to expedite tonight, a down zoning means a 60~day
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moratorium and a few other little things that happen during that time
period and frivolous requests from other areas could bog down a lot of
things in the city. And I agree that we just shouldn't set this precedence.
Pfab: My point was that was maybe a frivolous request but it was a real threat-
Champion: No, this one wasn't frivolous.
Vanderhoef: This one was not frivolous. What I am saying is that we are going to set a
precedence that we may get a number of requests and then they will go to
the PIN grant money and -
Wilbum: There are other appeal processes in the city related to fines and things like
that.
Vanderhoef: Fees.
Wilbum: Fees.
Lehman: Other discussion of the amendment?
Kanner: I tend to agree with Irvin. I think we should encourage this kind of thing
in certain ways. I do have some difficulty in whether or not it should go
through perhaps an organization like the Broadway Neighborhood Center
or whether it is appropriate to go through the Neighborhood Association.
But I guess I feel the Neighborhood Association has enough mass to it and
to be an association has to reach a certain level of number of individuals
and complexity and that I don't think its- its different than if individuals
were to apply to it. And I think the PIN grants, the purpose is to
encourage neighborhoods working together and coming together for a
common cause. And so on this situation I think I would vote for it
because of that.
Lehman: Other discussion? All in favor of the amendment say "aye".
Pfab: Restate the amendment.
Lehman: The amendment is that we delete the payment of the $400 rezoning fee to
the Longfellow Neighborhood.
Pfab: Okay. I just wanted-
Lehman: That is all right. All in favor say "aye".
All except Kanner and Pfab: Aye.
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Lehman: Opposed?
Kanner and Pfab: No.
Lehman: Motion carries 5-2, Kanner and Pfab voting "no". That will be deleted
from the PIN grant proposal.
2. Amendment number two
Champion: And then I would like to move that we take the West Side Neighborhood
Association's request, send it back to the Neighborhood Association
committee and ask them to separate the PIN grant money from
maintenance and to organization. I am totally willing to support the
organization of this group and expertise that they are going to need on
how they are going to handle their problem. But I am not willing to do the
maintenance that they are required to do.
Lehman: I think your amendment is that you are asking that we defer this and send
it back to the Neighborhood Association for more input and comment?
Champion: Right. Thank you.
Lehman: We have a motion by Champion and a second by O'Donnell, that we defer
this.
Dilkes: I just wanted to know it appears to me and maybe Marcia can address this
that it appears to me that from the descriptions here that there has already
been a division between the planning money and the actual improvement
money.
Champion: Actually I do see that. Can I change my motion?
Vanderhoef: Let' s get a description first.
Klingaman: Within the first planning grant is a line between the planning component
and then material costs or improvements. The $4000 is being requested
for planning and then $1000 for improvements.
Champion: I will amend my motion to read "to remove the improvement part of the
PIN grant which is $1000".
Klingaman: I would think that would- then you would probably remove the second
application as well which is totally for improvements.
Champion: Right.
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Dilkes: As I read it here the first one planning funds for CERP is $4000 for
planning and $1000 for improvements. And the second application is
$1900 for improvements.
Champion: Right. I would like to move that we give them the organization money
which is the $4000. And remove the rest of their-
Lehman: What you are saying is that-
Champion: You know what I want- yes, please do.
Lehman: You are saying that you would reduce the amount of the PIN grant by
$10007
Champion: Yes, but-
Wilburn: And designate it for planning purposes.
Champion: Right and the money should be used for planning. The remains- keep the
$4000 for planning.
Vanderhoef: That is for the first.
Champion: That is for the first.
Vanderhoef: Okay, so that is for the first one that is $5000.
Lehman: Eleanor, I don't think I said that right.
Dilkes: No, I don't think you did.
Champion: And I didn't either. Somebody help us.
Dilkes: Connie, I think what you are proposing is that you would provide them
with $4000 in planning money but would eliminate the $1000 in the first
grant for improvements and the $1900 in the second grant for
improvements.
Champion: Yes, put Connie says fight before what she said.
Lehman: Is there a second to Connie's motion?
O'Donnell: I am not sure what she wants.
Lehman: Connie wants to remove the- to allow the planning monies to stay in the
PIN grant. That money is to be used for the actual-
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Vanderhoef: Improvements.
Lehman: -improvements to be eliminated.
O'Donnell: Does leaving this money in there- do you feel that this in any way would
commit us to a future repair or set a precedence for another area with a
like problem within the city?
Dilkes: Do you mean if you awarded the money for the improvements?
O'Donnell: Right.
Dilkes: No.
O'Donnell: Okay.
Champion: But I do think this group needs help to organize themselves.
Kanner: Do we have a second?
Lehman: We haven't got a second yet.
Karr: If Connie reworded her first amendment then the seconder was O'Donnell.
If Mr. O'Donnell would like to accept that rewording.
Lehman: Do you accept the rewording Mr. O'Donnell?
O'Donnell: Oh, of course.
Karr: Then we have a second.
Lehman: We have a motion and a second. Discussion?
Pfab: I would see a little bit of irony here that we are willing to help organize to
get this problem solved but we want to take the money away from
organization and (can't hear) neighborhood in Longfellow. I mean, that
is- I just see a little bit of irony in that. We have already voted that one.
In other words-
Lehman: (can't hear)
Champion: I don't Irvin.
Pfab: -well I will try again. Okay. We just voted down the organization
because the Longfellow neighborhood wished to defend itself from being
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encroached by large unsightly developments in the neighborhood. Okay,
so that was organization money but we said we can't do that. We don't
want to set a precedence. Now we are willing to do that here to protect
the- to help organize the thing to help it from erosion. Now maybe there is
a different kind of threat I don't know. But I just see a little bit of irony in
it.
Lehman: I think there is a significant difference.
Pfab: You know, sometimes I can't figure some of those things out very good.
Lehman: I have a problem with this project and I am not sure that ifI understand it
totally I will have a problem. Connie, I can't support your amendment
because I would like to have a lot more information than we have fight
now. It appears to me that we have an agreement signed by the developer
who agreed to maintain the property. That was not carded through when
the property was subdivided and four condominium associations built on
it. I understand the difficulty that is associated with the property- it
reminds me a great deal of situation that occurred to our city to the west
when they didn't put curb and gutters in. I would like to know- I would
like to know more about this. I certainly- I can't say that I will not support
this because I might support it. But I don't know enough about it as at this
point that I am willing to support anything. I would like to see this
deferred. I would like to know more about it, bring it back to us when I
understand it better. Now, maybe you folks understand it better than I do.
But it appears to me there is an agreement that requires maintenance to be
done. It appears also to me from what I have heard that they are asking to
do a lot more than the minimum. In other words, to make this into a park
like thing which I think is a wonderful idea. But I just think there is- we
don't even have a direction from the condominium associations. We don't
know that they even have an agreement among themselves to pursue this.
I don't think that we should be leading the charge on this one.
Champion: I think it is clear they don't have.
Lehman: I don't think we should lead the charge.
Champion: They haven't been able to get together.
Pfab: I made a suggestion while Dan was making his presentation was that
maybe after they come together with an agreement we will cover the cost-
we would pay up to $4000 to get to that. But let them do the initiative and
then at that point we would help- we would pay whatever the amount is.
Is it $4000 or-?
Lehman: $4000.
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Pfab: $4000. I would have no trouble putting it in once the plan and once the
agreement is there. In other words, contingent on them coming up with a
satisfactory plan.
Champion: But Irvin, they need some help on getting together. That is their problem.
They have got 4 different condominium associations that were lea by the
developer. Now, whether he didn't make it clear to them or they just
ignored it thinking that somebody else is going to take- I don't care what
the reason is that it is not organized. But 350 people is a neighborhood.
And trying to get a neighborhood together without some help- even to
bring forth a discussion on how they are going to solve their problem is
really difficult. And they are not experts, they need some expertise help
on how to get this done. And I am more than willing to give them the
money to that point to do that. There has been nothing done. There has
been no communication-just backyard stuff is what my understanding is.
Lehman: They have a legal obligation to do it.
Champion: Yes, but I am willing to take away their legal obligation but they need help
on organizing on how they are going to take care of their legal obligation.
And I think that is what a Neighborhood Association is for and I have no
trouble using the PIN money for that.
O'Donnell: I have one problem Connie in the have been left by the developer. Well,
the developer also left them with this agreement.
Champion: I know that. I am not giving them an excuse.
O'Donnell: It is not like it was a desertion because I am sure this shows up in each and
every abstract.
Champion: I am sure it does too.
Lehman: Other discussion on the amendment?
Pfab: My point to speaking the way I did here about a possible-
Lehman: Well, let's do the amendment right now.
Pfab: Which is?
Lehman: The amendment is that we would furnish from the PIN grants the money
for the planning portion of this project and not for the construction.
Pfab: And so the amendment is that we agree to do it that way?
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Lehman: That is the amount we are committing.
Pfab: We are committing $40007
Champion: Right.
Pfab: Is that the amendment?
Lehman: Whatever the planning portion is.
Champion: That is $4000.
Pfab: So we are saying- you are going to vote on whether we should allocate
$4000?
Lehman: That is the amendment.
Pfab: Okay.
Lehman: Other discussion? All in favor of the amendment say "aye".
All except Lehman: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed? No.
Pfab: No, no, let me- say it again.
Lehman: All in favor of the amendment say "aye".
Pfab: To put money into the planning?
Lehman: That is correct.
Pfab: I will vote for it.
Lehman: Opposed? No. It is a 6-1 vote, Lehman voting "no". Now, we have two
amendments to the PIN grants. One of them is to delete the Longfellow
rezoning request for $400. The other one is to change the West Side Drive
application so that it includes only planning money. Is there any other
discussion on the resolution? Roll call. Motion carries.
Vanderhoef: Once again I would just to thank the neighborhood council for all of your
work in bringing these projects to us and the work that you have done in
presenting all of this to us. Thank you.
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Hansen: All of this discussion does bring up one question for me. If these funds
are deleted from our PIN grants what will happen to that money?
Champion: You can reallocate them- can't they?
Hansen: It will stay with the PIN grants?
Lehman: Yeah.
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#10c Page 58
ITEM NO. 10c.) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY
FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES: CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE
OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES, AND PENALTIES"
OF THE CITY CODE, TO INCREASE WATER SERVICE
CHARGES AND FEES IN IOWA CITY, IOWA. (FIRST
CONSIDERATION).
O'Donnell: Move first.
Vanderhoe~ Second.
Letunan: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Go ahead
Connie.
Champion: I just wanted to say I will be voting against this. I know it is a long term
plan but I think our water rates are becoming a handicap for families. I
know we have things in place for low income people but sometimes
moderate income people also have problems paying their bills. And I
think our water rates are as high as I am willing to let them go. I know we
are not behind in our water revenue fight now so I am not going to make
an increase at this time. We are building a water plant that hopefully is
going to last at least 100 years and I would rather see us extend- I hope it
is going to be 100 years.
Atkins: So do I.
Champion: That we are building for the next couple generations and that I am willing
to extend the period of time that we take to pay for this instead of raising
our water rates at this time.
Lehman: Other discussion? I need to point out that the financial plan for the water
and wastewater treatment plant were put in place I believe in 1995. Is that
correct?
Atkins: That is correct. Yes.
Lehman: At that time the council was faced with literally about $100 million worth
of sewer and water improvements and it was the decision of the council at
that time to, as far as the water plant was concerned, was to come up with
a 20% down payment so that instead of financing the entire cost of that
plant 20% of that would be paid in cash. At that time, the fee schedules
were put in place that would be necessary to pay off the bonds for the
sewer and water plant to meet those goals that were set back in '95. These
increases are in keeping with the same rules and regulations that went into
effect at that time. My understanding is that if we change the rules and
regulations or in this case the water rates, we could materially affect the
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# 10c Page 59
manner in which the bonds are paid back and should we not be able to pay
those bonds back in a timely fashion, could in fact even affect our bond
rating. So what we are really doing is in this we are continuing to do what
we said we were going to do back in '95. And I think the consequences
could be rather severe if we made any major changes.
Pfab: I have a question.
Lehman: Yes?
Pfab: Is this- does this have to be passed tonight to work?
Lehman: Why do you ask that?
Pfab: Because I know that there are other discussions, other people have some
other ideas that possibly another week or two weeks whenever our next
meeting is-
Lehman: I think it- we need to pass it at three consecutive meetings and it has to be
printed to go into effect. There is a certain legal obligation but this rate
increase came up during the budget time, you've known about it since
January, I see no reason in the world why we wouldn't act. We have to
read it two more times.
Pfab: Okay, so- but a simple question. Is there time or not time for one delay?
Lehman: Well obviously- I don't know if there is or not. I don't know what the
publication- we don't meet again for three weeks.
Atkins: If we are to implement on August the first, which is how we projected the
income, if you vote tonight, two readings in June, that would give us a
month to print it. Yes, you have to do it.
Pfab: Okay, that was my question.
O'Donnell: I don't know why we would delay this anyway, we are obligated to do it.
New councils inherit a lot-
Lehman: -of baggage.
O'Donnell: -that last councils didn't do in a timely manner. So I will support it.
Lehman: Roll call.
Kanner: Emie, I am sorry, I have something to say. I was originally going to vote
"yes" for this and also note that I brought up the idea yesterday that there
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# 10c Page 60
should be more equitable distribution to the charges that people pay
currently. For up to a certain rate you pay $3.49 per cubic foot and then
over 3000 cubic feet you pay $2.51. And I feel that especially from an
environmental point of view we should be encouraging people to use less
water. It is a precious resource and it seems to be an unfair system. The
council agreed that we are going to talk about this issue and hopefully we
will be able to bring a resolution to a formal council meeting and have
further public discussion on changing the amounts that people pay per
cubic foot so that it would be more equitable. And we will hear a
discussion on both sides.
Lehman: Yeah, I think what we decided is that sometime in the next two months we
will have a work session a discussion of the manner in which we have
arrived at the fee schedules which we use and if we have enough interest
on the council we will pursue that it could in fact go to a resolution if there
is enough council folks interested in changing it.
Kanner: But I did want to just pursue what Connie was bringing up. If we were to
spread that 10% over 10 years, 1% each year, what are the consequences
of doing it that way?
Atkins: I will try to give you a very abbreviated answer. The policy at the time in
'95 of the council is that we would create 20% of the value of the project,
approximately $20 million, on our water and sewer rates to pay cash. That
means that we are actually charging that to the current users. One of the
debates that the council had at that time was rather than raise the cash, do
it all in debt, that would have made the rates lower but stretched out
longer. They rejected that. This is the compromised decision that they
made in '95 that is cash and a set of rates that allows us to put in place the
capital assets, the water and the sewer systems contracts that you have just
(can't hear).
Pfab: Emie? Could I ask a, as long as you brought this up, where are we in line
with the projection of where we would be when you made the projections
in '957 Are we ahead in raising cash or are we behind?
Atkins: We are a tad bit ahead in water but I only mean a little bit. And a little bit
behind in sewer.
Lehman: But I believe if you will check that the increases that we have had have not
been as great as we projected.
Atkins: No.
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Lehman: We found some costs that we actually lower and we did not increase the
rates exactly- we did not increase them the full amount that we had
intended to back in '95.
Pfab: So we-
Lehman: So the increases were less.
Pfab: -have been delayed or-
Lehman: No, no. The costs of the projects were less and we did not have to raise as
much money. I think the same thing is going to be true long term in the
cost of the water plant which came in substantially under the bid. So the
actual increase in water rates will not be as great as it would have been
had the cost of the plant come in at $30 million.
Atkins: What will happen also folks is that, remember, built into this policy is the
accumulation of cash. And we will use cash to pay down some of the
capital debt that you have built into those rates so that cash at some time in
the future will also begin to accumulate. You can make a rate decision
some time in the future either to bring them down, stretch them out,
redistribute them, all of those things are available to you. The important
thing is that we must have sufficient income to operate, maintain, and pay
the principle interest on the debt for our water and sewer systems. How
you get there is clearly a policy decision.
Champion: But we don't even- but we don't have all of the debt yet.
Atkins: No, you do not have all of the debt.
Champion: That is what I- I obviously would not allow us to not repay debt.
Atkins: We have let contracts for water and sewer projects with debt pending.
Lehman: We have incurred the cost though, Connie.
Atkins: Pending is that we must pledge a rate schedule to the prospective bond
buyers. They look at the rate schedule, determine whether our projections
are satisfactory. If they believe they are, that has implications on the
credit rating for the particular bond.
Lehman: Our $25 million water plant that we all approved gets paid for by the rate
increases.
Champion: I know.
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Pfab: Okay, but I have one other- just a technical question. Maybe it is not that
technical. You are saying that fortunately for the city the bids for the
water plant have been coming in a little less than what we had anticipated?
Atkins: Our overall project costs are less than anticipated. That is correct.
Pfab: Okay, so now I go back and ask- we had intended to raise X percentage of
cash?
Atkins: Right. 20%.
Pfab: Okay, where are we in the percentage of cash versus total cost? Are we
ahead or behind what we had anticipated or what we had projected back in
19957 You used a dollar number.
Atkins: Yeah?
Pfab: You said $20 million-
Atkins: 20%.
Pfab: 20%? Oh, okay.
Atkins: We had estimated at the time of the projects cost for both in the
neighborhood of $100 million. What the council's decision was is to the
fullest extent practical and you can't nail it exactly because there is too
many other economic fluctuations that can occur. They wished to be able
to raise 20% of the value of the capital investment in cash. That means
you and I the current users will pay cash and thereby we will not borrow
the full amount.
Pfab: So you are saying that it is about- we are about in line even though the
cost, bids, have been coming in less? We are still about in line with what
we had anticipated which is 20% in cash?
Atkins: The question you asked me was the income to the water and the sewer
systems is as we had projected. And that included 20% cash and a project
estimate. Now, our bids have come in lower. As our bids come in lower
we can factor that into the future adjustments.
Lehman: Steve I think though what he is asking- we already have done that in the
last couple years.
Atkins: Yes, to the fullest extent we can. Right. That is correct.
Lehman: The increases have not been as big as we said they were going to be-
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Pfab: Because the bids are coming in lower?
Lehman: That is right.
Atkins: That is one factor.
Pfab: That was all my question.
Atkins: That is one factor.
Kanner: We are still tough at the 20% because of some of those factors?
Atkins: Yes.
Lehman: But the 20% goes down when the bids come in lower.
Kanner: Right, right. So we are still- because we lowered the rates in the past we
are still (can't hear).
Pfab: Not increasing as much?
Lehman: Yes.
Kanner: Yeah.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries and we are going to take five
minutes.
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#1 lb Page 64
ITEM NO. llb.) CONVEYANCE OF A VACATED PORTION OF NORTH
JAMIE LANE, CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY 4,229
SQUARE FEET LOCATED AT THE NORTHWEST TERMINUS
OF NORTH JAMIE LANE IN VILLAGE GREEN SOUTH PART
3A, TO ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER AND DEVELOPER
GLASGOW-WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE.
Consider a resolution authorizing.
Champion: Consider adoption of the resolution.
Several: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by everybody including O'Donnell.
Discussion? Yes?
Kanner: Just- this is 30.4 cents per square foot just so that we- I know prices will
vary. Just so we know that.
Lehman: Okay. Roll call.
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# 12b Page 65
ITEM NO. 12b.) CONVEYANCE OF OUTLOT B, VILLAGE GREEN PART 14,
CONSISTING OF APPROXIMATELY .35 ACRES LOCATED
ALONG THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF VILLAGE ROAD, TO
ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNERS AND DEVELOPER VILLAGE
PARTNERS.
Consider a resolution authorizing.
Champion: Consider adoption of the resolution.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Pfab, to adopt the- or, yeah- the first
reading of the resolution. Discussion?
Kanner: Yeah, I have a question and a request. This one we were given in acres,
.35 acres. And I was wondering if someone can tell me what that is in
square feet and can we have these kinds on figure in square feet so we can
compare other properties?
Atkins: An acre is 46,000 square feet. A third of an acre is (changed tapes)
Lehman: Yeah, but the problem with that is that the property values vary so greatly
in various parts of town that the price per square foot isn't really going to
be relevant.
Kanner: Well, actually that I can take that into account. It is easier for me ifI can
see per square foot then how that figures and with other parts of town.
And it is one of the factors I can use to see if it seems to be a fair price.
But I would request could we get those figures in the future in square feet?
Atkins: Sure. No problem.
Pfab: In other words, what you are asking is that the resolution come with the
per square foot cost?
Kanner: Yeah.
Pfab: Okay.
Kanner: Not necessarily the cost, I can figure that out. But just to have the square
feet.
Pfab: Might as well go one more step because the variables will all be there.
They might as well do that.
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Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 14. A PURCHASE AGREEMENT WITH SUPER VALU AND THE
DISPOSITION OF PROPERTY IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.
a.) Public hearing.
Lehman: This is a property swap with Super Valu doing business with Cub Foods
and it is to provide access to the noah airport property for a subdivision
for commercial, I believe. The public heating is open. The public hearing
is closed.
b.) Consider a resolution approving.
O'Donnell: Move adoption.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Roll call.
Motion carries.
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# 16 Page 68
ITEM NO. 16. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EAST
CENTRAL IOWA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS REGIONAL
COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN.
O'Donnell: Move adoption.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Pfab. Discussion? Mike, tell us a
little something about it.
O'Donnell: This is something that I have been working hard to get for about a year
and I know Brad Newman has been after it for a substantial period of time.
Basically what we are doing is asking some- we are going to organize a
group to help us reduce the amount of waste going into the landfill. And
we are dealing specifically with apartments and businesses. I believe this
is a step in the fight direction and it needs our support.
Vanderhoef: This is the- that isn't this. This is the regional comprehensive plan that is
required by law.
Lehman: (can't hear)
O'Donnell: Oh, this is our Solid Waste Management Plan. This isn't our committee, I
(can't hear).
Lehman: Still like it.
O'Donnell: I like this a lot.
Lehman: Other discussion?
Vanderhoef: This is put together by the seven county region and the tack committee for
those folks.
O'Donnell: You are right. Very good.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CONVEY 1512
DICKINSON LANE AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
JUNE 13, 2000.
Vanderhoef: Move adoption of the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Kanner: Emie, could you just let folks know what this is?
Lehman: This is the dream home that was built by the city.
Vanderhoef: The parade house.
Lehman: Pardon?
Vanderhoef: The parade house.
Lehman: Yeah, it was built by the City of Iowa City and it is part of the tenant to
ownership program where the city, well actually I believe the city as an
agent for HUD, put up the money and built the property and will assist a
lower-moderate income family in purchasing that property so they can
become a homeowner. This shows our intent to convey and set up the
public heating for- convey- sets the public hearing for June 13.
Champion: Good.
Vanderhoef: This is the house that will be on the great homes for everyone to come and
look and learn about new ways to use recyclable materials and energy
efficient housing.
Lehman: Right.
Kanner: I had a question. In the future, for people that wish to consider buying one
of these homes, could you just tell briefly how they go about that?
Atkins: Why don't you have Maggie, she is in the audience.
Lehman: Maggie?
Grosvenor: It is very easy. We have about a two page application. They stop in any
time and we will mail one out to them.
Kanner: To the Iowa City Housing Authority?
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Gro svenor: Yeah, it is at the Iowa City Housing Authority. It is a very easy
application. We take applications at all times but we don't always have
homes available. So it just depends.
Kanner: How many people applied for this specific house?
Grosvenor: Boy, I don't know Steven.
Kanner: Do you have just a rough guess? Were there hundreds?
Grosvenor: No, no.
Kanner: Scores?
Grosvenor: Maybe a dozen.
Kanner: A dozen?
Grosvenor: Yeah.
Kanner: Thank you.
Lehman: (can't hear) build 11 more. What?
Wilburn: When are you all moving into this building again?
Grosvenor: June 12.
Wilburn: June, all fight.
Champion: It is a really good program.
Lehman: Yes, it is.
Wilburn: Thanks.
Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 18. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION FIXING DATE FOR A MEETING
ON THE PROPOSITION OF THE ISSUANCE OF $12,000,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (FOR AN ESSENTIAL
CORPORATE PURPOSE) OF IOWA CITY, IOWA AND
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF NOTICE THEREOF.
Pfab: I move adoption of the resolution.
Vanderhoefi Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? This is used for a
myriad of different projects- construction, reconstruction, repair,
improvements, streets, sidewalks. A number of different things that is
lumped together as one bond. And I assume that it is lumped in that
fashion to achieve a good rate?
Atkins: What we will do Ernie, is that you have several other resolutions to adopt.
What our bond council advises us is how to package each of these with
respect to laws, general corporate purposes, essential corporate purposes.
And that is why you have three or four. When we go to sell the bonds, it
will go out as one sale.
Lehman: Okay. Other discussion? Roll call.
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ITEM NO. 20. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION FIXING DATE FOR A MEETING
ON THE PROPOSITION OF THE ISSUANCE OF $330,000
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS (FOR A GENERAL
CORPORATE PURPOSE) OF IOWA CITY, IOWA, AND
PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION NOTICE THEREOF.
Lehman: This is for equipping of the Parks Maintenance facility.
O'Donnell: Move adoption.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Pfab. Discussion?
Kanner: Just to let everyone know, these will be June 13. The date that people can
come and make comments on how we are spending these large amounts of
money or offering bonds.
Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call.
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ITEM NO. 23. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING INITIATIVE
DELETING THE GRADING AND PAVING OF THE FIRST
AVENUE EXTENSION FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM.
Vanderhoef: Move adoption of the resolution.
Champion: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Ross: My name is Brandon Ross from Iowa City making a strong suggestion that
the resolution adopting the initiative deleting the grading and paving of
First Avenue extension should be accepted that by popular vote the road
was deleted before. And that a large amount of people have already again
come forward to dispute and say that the road is not what is wanted by the
citizens of Iowa City.
Lehman: Okay. Other discussion?
Brown: Hi, my name is Randy Brown. I would like to say that last night as I
attended the work session I found it interesting that Mayor Lehman was so
certain that the majority of the council represented the majority of Iowa
Citians in wanting the First Avenue extension. That goes exactly in the
opposite direction from the 1997 referendum. And it goes in the face of
4,600+ people signing the initiative against the extension in such a short
period of time. So, I am glad that we are going to have the election and I
am glad we are going to have the election when there is a lot of people
voting so that we can go ahead and decide once and for all whether this is
what the people of Iowa City want. I am hoping that the First Avenue
extension will be rejected and I am hoping that we can start having some
meaningful discussions about how both sides can be winners in this. We
can have development in that area. We can take care of the fire
department needs and the transportation needs and the development needs
without having First Avenue go through to the Irish Parkway. I think that
there is a lot of common ground here that we haven't explored this. We
haven't had discussions yet. It has been a one side versus the other side
type of thing. So I am looking forward to the day when we can sit down
and talk about what is best for that neighborhood. Thank you.
Kanner: Thank you.
Lehman: Other discussion? I would second your comment. I really believe that it
is time the public has an opportunity to say once and for all this is a go or
non-go. So I certainly would not support the council deleting the
resolution without the public having the opportunity to vote on it. Other
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discussion? Now, if we approve this resolution we will be deleting that
from our CIP and not putting it on the ballot. So a yes vote means it does
not go to the public. A no vote means that we will then do the next
resolution which would then put it on the ballot. Roll call.
O'Donnell: We vote no if we want it on the ballot?
Lehman: You vote no if you chose if you want the public to have an opportunity to
vote on First Avenue. Roll call. The motion is defeated 6-1, Kanner
voting in the affirmative.
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ITEM NO. 24. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND
DIRECTING THE JOHNSON COUNTY AUDITOR TO PLACE
THE QUESTION OF WHETHER TO ADOPT A CITIZEN
INITIATIVE RESOLUTION TO DELETE THE GRADING AND
PAVING FOR THE FIRST AVENUE EXTENSION FROM THE
IOWA CITY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM BEFORE
THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY.
Lehman: Does that set the date? It does set the date for November 7, 2000 which is
the general election this fall.
Wilbum: Move adoption of the resolution.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Wilburn: I am just glad that last night agreed that November was the time to do this.
So, I am looking forward to seeing it happen.
Lehman: There appear to be no financial implications for the City on this regard.
Vanderhoef: No.
Lehman: Okay, roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 25. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION SETTING A SPECIAL ELECTION
FOR NOVEMBER 7, 2000 TO APPROVE ISSUANCE OF BONDS
IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $18,400,000 FOR THE
PURPOSE OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING
A CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Pfab: I move the adoption.
Wilbum: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion?
Wilbum: I am just looking forward to having the people have a chance to look at
this. I was supporting this when I knew that the amount of children's
space would be a little more than doubled. That adult circulation
collection would be doubled. But I think the clincher for me was when I
went up to a League of Cities leadership training meeting and found I
think it is the City of Johnson where Fort Dodge is, they are building and
constructing a library where they have with their population 3 square feet
per person. And in Iowa City currently we have less than 1 square foot
per person according to our population. And this in the largest- I think
what is the largest utilized library in the state. So I am going to vote yes
and hope that in November the citizens of Iowa City will do the same.
Champion: I totally support this resolution also and I certainly intend to vote yes. I
think in the long term despite all of the discussion there has about library
expansion and branch libraries, that for this time for Iowa City that this is
the best decision and will move the city forward in the future with the
library expansion. And possibly later an expansion of a branch library
somewhere. I am very enthused about this. It is a lot of work cut out and
it is time for the community to quit arguing what each individual wants
and what is best for our community as a whole. And I totally support this
resolution. I think it is really exciting and I look forward to helping with
it.
Pfab: I support this. There is no question that the city needs a larger library and
at this point I see nothing that is any better that is going to happen. So,
let's do it.
Lehman: We have someone, I think, from the library board who would like to
express themselves.
Parker: Thank you. I am Lisa Parker, vice president of the Library Board of
Trustees. And I just have got to say that it is really exciting to see this
project put to the voters. Many years of development and many different
options for library expansion were considered before the solutions that
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were picked by the library board and the city council. And we look
forward to explaining this project to the citizens in the community. And
the library space needs increase every year and it is time to provide a
modern library facility of appropriate size to a community that really
values its library services. Thank you very much.
Greenleaf: My name is Steven Greenleaf. I am a former library board member and
past board president. And I have been involved in the process of library
expansion since we began discussing it many years ago. And I wanted to
take this opportunity to thank you for allowing this to come before the
voters. But, in addition to saying thanks on behalf of the persons who
worked to bring this project forward, I want to begin a new process of
saying please. And that is to please join a wide spectrum of community
members who will be working to convey to the public the wisdom of this
project. Your support as citizens, library users, and especially as
community leaders who have been chosen by the community because of
your leadership skills makes your contribution to this issue very important
indeed. So again, I want to thank you and I want to look forward to
working with all of you to make this project a reality.
Kanner: I wanted to say I want to join with my colleagues in saying that I look
forward to this issue being passed by the citizens of Iowa City. There are-
certainly there are some negatives to it but I think the positives are
overwhelming and that the benefit to our city in having a public library
that we have now and that is going to be expanded is just something that
makes me terribly excited and looking forward to offering my support on
the campaign for the bond issue.
Vanderhoef: I have got a couple of questions.
Lehman: Please, go fight ahead.
Vanderhoef: Okay, thank you. I am assuming that the council will stay on the course
with their budgeted and projected capital improvement plan at a rate of
approximately $10 million for the next year or for the next five years
which is what we have planned out in the future. Given the scenario of-
this is actually for Steve- given the scenario of the $18.4 million bond
issue referendum and even if it is reduced by $1.5 million in private fund
raising, we still have a $16.9 million project. How does this impact the
city's indebtedness and in particular how does it affect our debt service
levy that the council policy has that we don't exceed the 25%?
Atkins: We have a long standing policy- I don't even recall its history, it was long
before I was around- that in our tax rate we will not have a tax rate or
more than 25% of that tax rate to retired debt. With the current capital
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plan that you have which is approximately $40 million over four years, if
you add the library on top of that you will exceed the 25% along about
fiscal year '02. And at least for a couple of years you would be in the 27-
28%. So you would be contrary to your own policy.
Vanderhoef: Okay, and how does this possibly affect our AAA bond rating?
Atkins: It is difficult to say. I can tell you that the bond rating companies
traditionally look a little more favorable upon debt that is imposed,
caused, by citizen referendum that is (can't hear). That they are also in the
business of making sure that they put out proper credit ratings. I would
think with the bond issue we have tonight- or tonight, the upcoming bond
issue the one that you considered tonight for a public hearing- the next one
adding the library on top of that of the one after that we will have to be
very cautious. I cannot tell you that it will support our current credit
rating or whether it will diminish it.
Vanderhoef: And as I understand it, then if we were to lose the AAA bond rating
obviously then the cost for all of our future bonds could be expected to be
a higher interest rate?
Atkins: If- credit rating and the interest costs go virtually hand in glove. If you
lose anything in your credit rating that just simply means it costs you that
much more to borrow.
Vanderhoef: And to regain a AAA bond rating I understand is very difficult?
Atkins: Very difficult once you have lost it.
Vanderhoef: Okay. So I would like to make just a couple of comments about how I see
all of this. When I put together a budget I am looking at all of the things
that have to come to create the things that are expected by the citizens of
Iowa City for the health and welfare and safety of this community. The
library sits in a situation that they are in the same pot of money as all of
our other activities with the exception of sewer and water that have their
own funding stream. So I have to balance and weigh what services and
things that we must provide for the city. I look at the needs for employees
for instance and those salaries are paid out of our general fund and we
have a great need for a new fire station and nine new employees for
instance. That is just one area. We have other areas that have been
consistently asking for more employees like our Parks and Recreation
division. We are getting more and more roads so our public services for
road maintenance, snow plowing those kinds of things, are all changing.
When you add employees we also increase the tax for their benefits. So
that goes straight on my citizen's property tax bill. I am very committed
to a lot of the projects that are on our capital improvement budget and if I
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want to go forward with those projects then I can't support $18.4 million
for all this library expansion. I can support some. I don't want to
jeopardize the AAA bond rating. Something that we have to remember
with the higher taxes, if this happens we are increasing the tax specifically
for this bond issue but for lots of other things. And those $10 million for
the next four years are critical in my eyes. And we have to remember that
the higher the taxes go the harder it is for property owners and also for
business owners who are assessed at 100% of their assessed value. Now,
we are trying desperately in this city to increase our tax base and to put a
large tax increase on our property owners and particularly our business
owners. When we are trying to invite businesses in and invite businesses
to expand in our city it makes it very, very difficult to make a good case
for this. I have said in the past and I continue to say I support expansion
of the library in a modest form that balances these other things in my eyes.
We have an excellent library. The library board and staff are to be
congratulated on their proficiency for what they do do out of a crowded
building. I won't argue that one at all. They have received many honors
for their good work and in comparable cities and in even larger cities in
this nation. They are in that upper elite section. I will support placing the
library bond issue on the ballot for the elector to decide. However,
personally I cannot support the size of this project over the many other
projects that the capital improvement plan has identified. I choose not to
jeopardize the city's AAA bond rating. I choose not to raise the property
taxes to this extent. For me, I feel I am representing the many people who
last November supported my reelection for a second term on this council.
Lehman: Well, just let me say first of all the people are going to make that decision
when they vote on the bonds irregardless of how they voted for us when
we ran for- I mean, this is a decision that this council is not going to make.
This is a decision the public is going to make. This in no way jeopardizes
the bonding limit that we would have imposed by the state of Iowa. We
still be dramatically lower than what- I mean, we are allowed to borrow up
to 5% of our assessed valuation and this will keep us I think at probably
up to 60%?
Atkins: Approximately.
Lehman: Approximately 60%, so from a financial standpoint I don't think it is
probably something that is out of the ordinary. But I will say, and I have
to say, the library board has for years has, I think, been a very good group
of very dedicated hard working people. And for a long, long time they
have examined a number of various options for expanding the library. In
fact, the first proposal came to us I think 3 or 4 years ago. At that time
obviously less money. And they have put together what has been selected
by the council and the library board together as the best option that was
presented to us. And there were a number of options that were looked at
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by a lot of- the library board, the council themselves looked at 14 different
options. And of the ones presented to the council- this isn't saying that
council endorsed the building of a new building- but the council did say
that of these plans this is the best one. And as a council person I would
certainly give kudos to that board. They have worked extremely hard.
They have put together a- and there is no question if you have seen the
drawings of this building and whatever it is absolutely a first class,
beautiful, beautiful facility. It is going to be up to the voters to make that
choice, whether or not they are interested in bonding to the extent of $18.4
million. But I can tell you that whether or not they do, it isn't because of
lack of effort on the part of the library board. And I applaud those folks
for the effort that they have put in.
Pfab: I have a question. I believe, Dee, you mentioned how the fact that as we
raise the taxes it makes it more difficult to attract new businesses here. It
seems to me I read an article someplace in the last week or so about how
Iowa City was rated by some Forbes organization. I don't remember the
exact details or maybe somebody can fill it in.
Lehman: We were rated very high but I think the question here is not taxes really.
It is a question of whether or not to put this on the ballot. The question of
taxes and bond ratings and all of that sort of thing is going to be discussed
in the coming months and the campaign by the library board to pass this.
So I mean, those questions are all going to come out. what it is going to
mean in the way of taxes, what it is going to mean in the way of what it
takes to retire those. I mean, I am sure there is going to be tons of
information. The only question we have- are we willing to put this on the
ballot for November 77
O 'Donnell: Of course.
Champion: Yes.
Vanderhoef: Uh-huh.
Lehman: Have we made a motion to that effect before all this (can't hear)? Can we
have a roll call? Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 26. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO APPROVE A
PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY AND SON JAY AND JIGNA JANI FOR CONDOMINIUM
UNIT l-B(2) IN TOWER PLACE AND PARKING AND TO
DISPOSE OF UNIT l-B(2) IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH, AND
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JUNE 13~ 2000.
Pfab: I move the resolution.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab, seconded by Vanderhoef. This is regarding a purchase
agreement in the new Tower Place parking facility. We have a person
who wants to buy some of our property over there?
Champion: In that beautiful building?
Lehman: I think that is very significant. This building isn't even done and we have
got a purchase agreement offered. That is wonderful.
O'Donnell: Great.
Kanner: I had a question.
Lehman: Yes?
Kanner: I had a little trouble reading the packet and the terms. What I understood
it to be was a 1300 square feet for $177,000 approximately?
Atkins: Full price offer, right.
Kanner: So that is about $136 per square foot?
Atkins: That sounds about right.
Kanner: And that is finished with just the bare walls?
Dilkes: Vanilla box finish.
Kanner: What does that mean, vanilla box finish?
Atkins: Sheet rock.
Dilkes: Sheet rock stubbed out for the connections and that kind of thing. So they
can go in an do their final finish as they want.
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Kanner: Okay, thank you.
Lehman: This sets the public hearing for June 13. Other discussion? Roll call.
Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 27. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE POLICE
LABOR RELATIONS ORGANIZATION OF IOWA CITY TO BE
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2000, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2003.
Pfab: I move consideration of the resolution.
Lehman: Moved by Pfab.
VanderhoeE Second.
Lehman: Seconded by VanderhoeE Discussion? Thisisathree-yearcontract. Th~
is good.
Kanner: Yeah, I had some questions.
Lehman: Okay?
Kanner: Dale, I guess this is for you. Can you explain the overtime specifically for
working over an 8-hour day? They receive overtime for working over an
8-hour day?
Helling: I don't think it is stated that way. It is beyond their assigned hours.
Kanner: It is 311 in our book. I don't know if that is the same.
Helling: I will just have to find it.
Kanner: And can you explain the day off schedule that rotates? I didn't quite
follow that.
Helling: The day off schedule is they work 6 on and 2 off. And then every fourth
rotation when they come up with a Friday and Saturday they get the
Sunday off and then with the Saturday and Sunday they get the Monday
off. If you structured your fair labor standards period, over seven weeks, I
think it is seven weeks, anyway it averages out that it is a 40-hour week.
They never work more than 40 hours in a week.
Kanner: Is that pretty standard in the industry that kind of schedule?
Helling: It is common for police but not terribly common for the Monday through
Friday 8-5 kind of thing. But for police officers and I don't know about
fire departments whether they go to that kind of schedule if they don't
work a 24 hour or not. It is common for police.
Kanner: Was there any contention on that issue?
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Helling: We have had discussions in the past about whether some other schedule
might work and I think the chief had agreed to sit down with some of the
folks and talk about what other schedules might be but my recollection is
that a number of years ago the police fought very hard to get this in the
contract. So, it has been agreed to and it has been in place for a long time.
They do have some interests, some of them anyway, in other schedules.
There are a variety of them.
Kanner: And for us it works well from the city's point of view?
Helling: It has for a least 20 years.
Kanner: And did they ask for a union business agent or someone representing the
union that is a police officer for being able to get paid at all for their time?
Helling: Not that I recall.
Kanner: Has that ever been asked? I know in other industries that happened where
if they have to work on union business they want to be paid.
Helling: Yeah, there are provisions. We have them in other contracts where we do
pay for certain types of things as well. But it is specified what types of
activities those are. Normally it is internal grievance procedure, that type
of thing.
Lehman: Dale, this contract that we have here represents an agreement between the
union and our negotiators which in this case is yourself. Is that correct?
Helling: Right.
Lehman: I mean, this is the total- this is the sum of all the negotiations. This has
been agreed to by both parties?
Helling: This is the formal contract you agreed to the tentative agreement- you
approved that back in January. That is fight.
Lehman: But this has been ratified and this is agreed to by all of the parties?
Helling: Yes.
Lehman: And now we are being asked to give approval for the three-year contract?
Helling: Right, that is correct.
Lehman: Okay.
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Kanner: If it all right, I have a couple of more questions.
Lehman: I don't have a problem with that but I don't think we should negotiating a
contract in public.
Kanner: Well, actually I think that there are certain- this is a public document-
Lehman: It certainly is. I agree.
Kanner: -and I think it is good that the public know about certain things and that
we should find out some answers to it. I would like to know, it talks about
the minor infractions taken off for one year. And what are minor
infractions?
Helling: Well, minor is not defined. So, they would be looked at individually as to
whether it would be considered minor or not. Each one would stand on its
own and be judged on its own.
Kanner: We don't define it?
Helling: No. Generally-
Kanner: What would be a major then and how long would that stay on?
Helling: I don't know where the line is but a minor infraction generally might be
something where a reprimand where a major might be a suspension or a
demotion. Somewhere in between there some written reprimands might
be considered minor, some maybe not. It depends on the nature of it.
Kanner: I guess what I am getting at is I would like the record to stay on perhaps
longer especially since it is not determined. And what-
Dilkes: I am sorry, I am going to interrupt. Can I suggest that- I think it
appropriate in this forum what the meaning of the terms are. It is not
appropriate in this forum to raise issues that are subject to negotiation or
may the subject of negotiation. And I think that there are provisions
allowing for closed session for those kind of things and that is the
appropriate place to discuss it. I think if you have questions Steven about
the meaning of a term like the question about what is a minor infraction or
what is a major infraction I think that is appropriate. But I think to raise
issues that are the subject of negotiation is really not appropriate for this
forum.
Kanner: When does city council get into those discussions beyond just approving
it?
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Champion: We are not- that is not our responsibility.
Dilkes: Dale, I don't-
Kanner: My point is that I think it is appropriate. I am not quite sure what the legal
precedence is to say that we can't discuss this.
Dilkes: I think-
Kanner: I would help me I guess if that would be outlined.
Dilkes: That is my advice. That is my-
Champion: I move we call the question.
O'Donnell: I second it.
Lehman: We have a motion to call the question and a second. All in favor?
All except Kanner: Aye.
Lehman: Opposed?
Kanner: Aye.
Lehman: Motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting no. Now we will have a roll call on the
resolution. I do think in fairness Steven that we have in the past and in the
time I've been on the council have- we have really given Dale and our
folks the authority to negotiate for the council. We have not entered into
those things. Should we decide that that is something that we would like
to be involved in then I think that is something that is another discussion.
Certainly not after a contract is negotiated but before it is. And that is
something that we need to communicate to our City Manager and to those
folks doing the negotiations if we wish to be a part of or influence those-
that should occur prior to the contract being negotiated. And we just
haven't done that.
Kanner: I think that is something that should be discussed at the goal setting
session that this should be (can't hear)
Lehman: That is fine. And make a note of it and you know, we will talk about it.
Dilkes: Ernie, that was just what I was going to say when the question was called
that if the majority of council wish to be involved in that then that would
have to be a decision that was made.
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Lehman: But the time to do that is prior to the time we start negotiations and not to
try to renegotiate a contract that is done.
O'Donnell: And it does take four of us.
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ITEM NO. 28. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE SETTLEMENT
OF PENDING LITIGATION.
Vanderho ef: Move adoption of the resolution.
Pfab: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Pfab. This is the one that we had in
discussion last night. Discussion? Roll call. Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 32. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION
Lehman: Who would like to start?
O'Donnell: I will start it.
Lehman: Please.
O'Donnell: Very successful Crisis Center breakfast last Sunday. The Mayor and I
manned the only grill the showed up and with a little training he was able-
Lehman: You leam pretty quick Mike. You really did.
O'Donnell: It was a real pleasure.
Lehman: It was a pleasure. We had a ball.
O'Donnell: And it was for a good cause. It was a good time and Emie and I had no
idea we were entertaining as many people as we did. It was a lot of fun.
Lehman: It was.
O'Donnell: I also want to bring up that a week or so ago a young girl was walking her
dog in Hickory Hill park and the dog was shot with a pellet or something.
This is an outrageous act and it speaks to maybe accessibility to park and
enable to patrol it. I think anybody that would take a shot at a dog is just
this far away from shooting at the dog's walker or owner. And we need to
get into this. Is there anything- any information on this Steve?
Atkins: As far as I know it is still under investigation. The last conversation I- we
will have to leave it there. It is still under investigation.
O'Donnell: Okay, that is all I have.
Champion: I just have two small things that are really big deals. And that is I went to
the Airport open house and it is beautiful. I am so proud of that building
and to think that there were people who wanted to tear it down. It is a gem
of preservation. It is absolutely- every Iowa City citizen ought to go and
look at this building that was really a dump. It has been restored to this
incredible building that we should be really proud of. And so the second
part of my statement is we can to the same thing for the Englert theatre.
That it also can be a real gem to this community and the kick off is going
to be Sunday afternoon downtown in the Ped Mall. And I hope people
who think the Englert is a dump will just go and look at that gorgeous
airport.
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Lehman: Bring your checkbooks too when they go Sunday.
Champion: Yeah, bring your checkbooks. I want you to know that even Dean
Thornberry who was very much against doing anything to that building
except ripping it down loves it.
Lehman: Which one?
O'Donnell: What building?
Champion: The airport building.
Lehman: He loved the airport.
Champion: He wanted that building torn down.
Lehman: Well, he sure likes it now.
Champion: Yeah.
Vanderhoef: Yes he does.
Champion: He does.
Lehman: Irvin?
Pfab: No comment. I mean, nothing.
Lehman: Dee?
Vanderho ef: No, they took care of both of the places where I went this last week.
Lehman: Okay, Ross.
Wilbum: I just want to point out I went to the dedication ribbon cutting for the
concession stands at the soccer complex. It looks real nice and my kids
already bought a bunch of sweets and treats down there. So it looks good.
It is a good addition.
Kanner: Malted Milkballs?
Wilbum: No, the Fun Dip and the pixie straws.
Vanderhoef: And the announcement that it is something like a total of $380,000 now
that the Kickers have put into the development of that park and I think it is
close to $900,000 roughly has been put into it totally. And when you
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think about nine years ago a bond issue went down in flames to be exact-
it was the first year I was on Parks and Recreation commission. And it is
really nice to know what public private partnerships can do and what can
be produced and how many people are (can't hear) the activities that
happen there.
Kanner: I was going to mention about our ad hoc committee for the deer
management and that we chose two at large (changed tapes) the deer
management committee to fill those spots. And we did not fill one for the
master gardener position. And so we are still looking for that position and
also we had picked one for the hunter position but it was pointed out to
myself and I think to some other council members that the person we
appointed did not apply for the hunter position. He had applied for the at
large. So, I would recommend that we take back that appointment for now
and that we reconsider the hunter position appointment to the ad hoc deer
committee at our next council meeting.
Lehman: And in the meantime I will contact the person. The person we appointed
indicated on his application that he was a hunter. Now, if he would
choose to- if he would chose to want to represent hunters, (can't hear), that
certainly is our decision. If he feels that that is his call. But that
appointment along with the master gardener will be made at the next
meeting which will be the 13th- 12th.
Kanner: I would recommend that we consider for that category that we open it up
to everyone that qualifies.
Lehman: Oh, absolutely. But I want to make sure this person is interested should
we choose to consider him. He would become part of the pool in other
words.
Kanner: Is that agreeable with the rest of us?
Pfab: I would like to know then where- what is the status of the people on the
committee?
Lehman: What do you mean?
Pfab: Are we postponing everything-?
Lehman: Nancy Menning and Harold Gaff have been appointed. That committee
probably will meet prior to the appointment of the next two people. They
have got to start meeting.
Kanner: I have a couple of other things.
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Lehman: Yes.
Kanner: One of the great things in this community that I am enjoying more
recently is the free music that is offered. And I just wanted to let people
know about two events that I attended recently. One at the Preucil School
of Music there was an alumni concert, a beautiful concert. I got to hear
some of that music there and that was a free event up in the north park.
And then I also got to hear the choral group from the University perform
for free at Clapp recital hall. And these concerts are going on all the time
and it is just a lot of talent out there. And that is one of the things that
along with some of the other things that people have mentioned that makes
Iowa City really a nice place to be. And there are some nice faces there.
Wilbum: The Friday night concert starts this Friday doesn't it?
Champion: Yep.
Wilbum: In the Pedestrian Mall.
Kanner: So that is pretty nice. And one of the other things that I appreciate about
Iowa City is the diversity and the openness people have to people taking
different positions. And I wanted to mention that I think that is coming
under attack. There is a group that is coming to attack the position of the
Emma Goldman Clinic as an abortion provider in town. Also along with
Planned Parenthood. To meet that protest, an organization has been
organized called Congregating for Choice. And I am going to be there
tomorrow morning at 8:00 AM in front of the Emma Goldman Clinic on
North Dubuque and we will be there to do a counter protest. And the
purpose of the counter protest is to discourage the anti-abortion protestors
from returning by showing that Iowa City community supports its local
reproductive healthcare providers. So that is tomorrow Wednesday
moming at 8 AM in front of the Emma Goldman Clinic if you would like
to join us for the Congregating for Choice. And that was it. Thank you.
Lehman: Okay, I would like to point out, for those of you who haven't been down
First Avenue, the school district is installing a sidewalk that has been
sorely needed for years and years and years. And I noticed last Thursday
morning construction had started on it. this would be from the comer of
Court Street I would assume west-
Vanderhoef: North.
Lehman: Noah to wherever the sidewalk ends. And that is an action on the part of
the school district. We have- that is something we have talked to them
about a long ,long time. And at our last meeting they said that that was on
their itinerary. So, that has started.
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Vanderhoef: Thank you school district.
Lehman: Yes, indeed. And tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 there is a meeting at the
senior center honoring Betty McKray. The main speaker is going to be
Christie Viisack. And I think any of us who have an opportunity- I will be
there and certainly would encourage council folks to be there in honoring
Betty. I think this is a really lovely event and it certainly would be- I am
sure a lot of seniors will be there. So if there is any interest, why, feel free
to attend.
Vanderhoef: And Historic Preservation is at 5:00 at the Court House tomorrow and they
are giving out their awards for preservation.
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ITEM NO. 33.
a.) City Manager
Lehman: That is true. Steven?
Atkins: Nothing sir.
b.) City Attorney
Dilkes: I just quickly wanted to let you know that the Governor did sign the bill
making changes to the condemnation law. Procedural changes so that will
be helpful to us. The time period will really not change a whole lot but
these notices of intent to commence public improvement projects that you
have been seeing- we will not do those except when agricultural land is
involved. So.
Vanderhoef: Great.
c.) City Clerk
Lehman: Marian? Florence, I know this is going to be up to Council if they want
you to speak. We have had time for public discussion tonight and you
have had a chance to speak.
Boos: I was going to speak in comment on something that was just brought up by
a councilor as an announcement so I waited until the appropriate time on
the agenda I believe.
Lehman: I don't think the appropriate time is during Council Time but if it pleases
the council I am willing to let Florence speak.
Champion: Of course.
Lehman: Go right ahead.
Boos: I will be brief. I wanted to say that I hope that the council will permit
there to be more at large members of the deer committee. This is the only
committee that has set designated slots. Perhaps it is a sign from the
power to be that no one from a particular slot has even applied. But it is
my belief that there is a wide sentiment in Iowa City for new opinions and
that many of the people who have applied are motivated to give it another
view. So I hope that rather than feeling obligated to search for the one
person in Iowa City to fit the particular category and might represent a
particular point of view that you will be motivated to choose at large
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members that might come to the matter without bias. In any case, that is
my request. Thanks.
Lehman: Incidentally Florence, I do not know either of the people we appointed last
night.
Boos: Oh sure.
Lehman: How many of the council do know? I read their applications but I do not
know them.
O'Donnell: I have never met one.
Boos: Sure, I am just saying that rather than have designated slots for a hunter
and master gardener perhaps you could just let it be open.
Lehman: Well, you know, and that is something- the deer committee is going to be
meeting I think before the next council meeting. And we do have a
problem with the master gardener. There are very few master gardener.
And they may very change that recommendation to one at large. And I
think that that is something that they will be discussing.
O'Donnell: Master gardener or active gardener.
Boos: Yeah.
Lehman: But I think that is something-
O'Donnell: (can't hear)
Lehman: I think that is something I am sure they will discuss.
Boos: Good.
Kanner: I just wanted to correct something. Florence, I appreciate the information
you brought and the passion you brought. But you said that we don't have
designated slots in other commissions and committees and that is not true.
We have for instance in our Public Art Advisory Committee, we have
slots designated for art professionals. And some of our other boards and
commissions we have designated slots-
Letunan: Historic Preservation.
Kanner: -for people so there is precedence for that.
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Boos: Well, I would hope that some of the people that applied at large might fit
into the other positions.
Letunan: Thank you.
O'Donnell: Move we adjoum.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. All in favor?
All: Aye.
Lehman: Meeting is adjourned. Thank you.
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