HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-31 Info Packet for 5/25 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
May 25, 2000
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
iP1 Memorandum from City Manager to Council-Airport Commission Subcommittee:
May 30 Agenda
IP2 Memorandum from City Clerk: Office Changes
IP3 Letter from Acting Traffic Engineering Planner to Residents in the 1300 Block of
Dodge Street Court and 1100 and 1126 Conklin Street: On-Street Parking in
the 1300 Block of Dodge Street Court
IP4 Memorandum from Parking and Transit Director to City Manager: Big
Brothers/Big Sisters Request
IP5 Letter from Stephen Dunham to Brenda Durbahn (Earth Tech): North Dodge
Street Project
IP6 Letter from Lora Morgan Dunham to Brenda Durbahn (Earth Tech): North
Dodge Street Project
Fire Department Annual Report 1999.
Letter from Iowa League of Cities to City Manager: Leadership Training Program
05-25-00
City of Iowa City ~p~
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 24, 2000
To: City Council - Airport Commission Subcommittee
(Ernie Lehman, Ross Wilburn, Tom Bender, Rick Mascari)
From: City Manager
Re: May 30 Meeting
AGENDA
Tuesday, May 30, 2000
11:45 pm- 1:00 pm
Civic Center Lobby Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. North Commercial Area
3. Other Business
4. Adjourn
Lunch provided.
cc: Ron O'Neil
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 22, 2000
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE: Office Changes
Deputy City Clerk Sue Walsh will be leaving the City after ten years of service on June 2.
Adm. Clerk-Typist Julie Voparil has been appointed Deputy effective June 5.
May 23, 2000 ~~ C
Residents in the 1300 Block of Dodge Street Court and 1100 and 1126 Conkiln Street
Re: On-street parking in the 1300 block of Dodge Street Court
You received a letter from me dated May 3, 2000 indicating the City Councirs desire to resurvey
you regarding the issue of on-street parking on Dodge Street Court. Eight questionnaires were
returned regarding this issue, four in favor of on-street parking in the 1300 block of Dodge Street
Court, and four opposed. By copy of this letter I will be informing the City Council of the results,
and indicating to them my recommendation to take no action regarding establishing on-street
parking in the 1300 block of Dodge Street Court. My recommendation is based on there not
being a majority of the affected neighborhood in favor of the proposal. The final decision on this
matter is up to the City Council. They will receive this letter in their packet on June 9 prior to the
next formal City Council meeting which is scheduled for June 13, 2000.
Should enforcement of illegally parked vehicles in the 1300 block of Dodge Street Court be
necessary, you should contact the Iowa City Police Department routine business number which
is 356-5275.
It is apparent to me from the phone calls I have received that this issue has unfortunately
divided your neighborhood. Once again, I would like to assure you that the process we have
followed and my subsequent recommendation to the City Council is based on the standard
procedure we use regarding these matters. When we do not feel there is an overriding safety
issue, we leave the issue of on-street parking up to the affected neighborhood. The ultimate
decision is up to the City Council.
You are welcome to contact me at 356-5252 if you have any questions regarding this matter.
Sincerely,
Jeff Davidson
Acting Traffic Engineering Planner
cc: City Council
ppdadmin~ltr\dodgest.doc
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-|826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: May 18, 2000
To: Steve Atkins, City Manager
From: Joe Fowler, Director of Parking & Transit ..~
Re: Big Brothers/Big Sisters Request
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Johnson County requested 30 student summer bus passes for the
Juvenile Crime Prevention Community Grant participants. These passes will allow youth to get
to summer school classes, recreational activities, and employment opportunities.
Iowa City Transit will provide the 30 requested passes at no charge to the Juvenile Crime
Prevention program.
indexbc\memos\5-1jf.doc
May 9, 2000
FAX ~/I ·
To: Brenda Durbahn C~ ~'
Earth Tech
501 Sycamore St. Suite 222
P.O. Box 1497
Waterloo IA 50704-1497
Fax: 319 232-0271
Re: North Dodge Project in Iowa City
These are comments for the public record following the April 26, 2000 meeting at Shimek
School regarding proposed reconstruction of North Dodge Street in Iowa City.
I have lived at the corner of North Dodge and North Summit since January 1990, five and
one half years as a renter and now five years as a homeowner. At the meeting, we were
asked to consider the "big picture". I agree, but with perhaps a different interpretation of the
term.
Following the meeting, my wife and I obtained, from the City Engineer, portions of a
"concept plan" for our section of the street. The drawings are incomplete, specifically
regarding all the trees in this yard and their disposition under this plan. What is clear in the
proposal is that trees providing a significant portion of road screening and, particularly, shade
for the houses on this block are slated for removal. This would drastically affect the quality
of life for the residents remaining here. If you doubt this, I invite you to visit on a summer
late afternoon.
In a decade of observation, it is my opinion that the greatest public safety issue on this
stretch of road is speeding traffic. I can only believe that adding a lane to the stretch from
Prairie Du Chien to Governor would only give further license to aggressive drivers.
Remember, this is approaching an elementary school. The likelihood of head-on collisions
would also surely increase with the addition of a third lane here.
A traffic signal is going in at this corner. Everyone seems to agree to that. Here I would raise
two points: 1 ) A properly timed signal will allow traffic to turn onto Dodge Street from Prairie
Du Chien, and to turn left off Dodge Street, with the existing traffic lanes. A third lane is not
necessary to achieve this; 2) While I agree that a signal will improve safety, another reality
is that vehicles will be sitting stopped at the light with their motors running, spewing toxins
into the air at this particular spot. Any diminishing of buffer space: lawns; flower beds;
shrubbery; and especially the removal of any trees, would have a direct and detrimental
effect on the health of the residents here.
Finally, the socio-economic implications must be addressed. This town already has a dearth
of decent affordable housing for lower income citizens. I found this house a decade ago, only
after a search of several months, as a home for a single parent to raise a child. Through the
years I've frequently checked the market for comparably priced and sized homes. They barely
exist. In other words, if residents of this street are forced from their (our) homes due to this
project, where do you propose they (we) go?
This is what I mean by truly looking at the big picture. Too often infrastructure is created,
at public expense, for the benefit of well-connected speculators and developers, while the
interests of ordinary people who happen to be in the way are callously disregarded. I
sincerely hope this is not the case here. The real "big picture" is not in the numbers, the
blueprints, or the brochure texts, it is in how the lives of the people involved are affected.
Thank you for you consideration of all viewpoints.
Sincerely, ~..¢)
Stephen M. Dunham
1032 North Dodge Street
Iowa City IA 52245
(319) 337-6099 home
(319) 358-8114 work
cc: City of Iowa City Civil Engineer
Iowa City Department of Planning and Development
Iowa City City Council
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Iowa Department of Transportation
Environmental Advocacy Groups
Brenda Durbahn ~.~~'~ ~
501 Sy~more Street. Suite 222 ~ ~[~;~~8 ~
P.O. Box 1497
Watedoo IA 50704-1497
Dear Ms. Du~ahn:
I am writing regarding the proposed improvements to Nodh Dodge Street in I~a City. At~ed
is the map provided at the neighbo~ood meeting held April 26 at Shimek Elemental, and I
have mated on it the area of my pdma~ ~n~rn.
It is impo~ant you understand that we are aware our viewpoint may seem e~rem~y unobjective,
as my husband and I are t~ing to sell our pmpe~y at the jun~um of Noah Dodge, Pmide Du
Chien and Noah Summit streets. But I am wdting not just as a pmpe~y o~er, but as a member
of the ~mmuni~ and of the neighbo~ that ~!1 be affected. We have obtaine~ the Ci~
Engineer's o~ a set of ~ncept deign drawings and have some idea of potential impa~ from
likely ~nstm~ion.
I would like to state my ~n~rn about the environmental impa~ of developing one or morn new
lanes in the stretch of Noah Dodge be~een the Governor street split and the comer of Prairie
Du Chien. Even without s~ing the Engineer's drawings, it was faidy obvious that any
~nstrudion would require the demolition of several trees down either side of Noah Dodge. The
~n~pt plans for a turning lane along that stret~ ~n~ that at least four trees would need to
~me down on each side of the street in order for the City to use its existing right of way and
pur~ase some minimal new right of way br lane widening, new ~s and new sid~alks.
The impact of losing these trees goes beyond the actual natural environmental effe~ of
decreasing habi~t for bi~s and other animals. This loss would seriously affe~ the quali~ of ~
for those people still t~ing to live in the neighbo~ood. Already most of these houses sit ve~
dose to the sidewalk and ~e strut, pa~i~lady on ~e sou~ side of No~ D~ge. The additi~
of a turning lane would put homes that much closer to the street, tm~c and noise. Beyond the
proximity to more ~n~te, these buildings will now have less shade and less ~tum! s~ning
from the street. Removal of the ~o bassw~ds that am be~een the curb and sidewalk towed
the end of the bl~ ~bm the Summit S~t ~mer will I~ve no shade br the ~o last hours,
oum and our neighborn', and ~11 result both in increased energy ~nsumption for ~ling in the
summer, and in mali~ of having ~e strut in~de ve~ dose to living spa~ with no buffer.
My other ~n~m is about safety in this stretch of mad. I think the plans br a tm~c signal light
at this inte~on are ve~ sensible and ~ improve safer, as was pm~nted at ~e m~ting.
However, I believe the creation of another lane ~uld be~me a ha~rd instead of a help.
Already many vehicles do not he~ ~e d~eas~ spe~ zone that b~ins near the Hy Vee. I
believe that the creation of a third lane will fu~her en~umge speeding, as ddvers will not b~
any im~iment that will ~use th~ to slow do~. As it is, many ~m seem to still be driving at
35 miles ~r hour or faster as they rea~ the cu~e at the Governor inteme~ion. I am ~n~m~
that people will ~ traveling at an even faster rote as they are neadng Hom~ Mann elementa~
s~ool a few bl~s father d~n the mad.
I realize that traffic has increased in this areaof town and that something needs to be done to
help manage it safely, particularly for !eft turning traffic at the juncture of Prairie Du Chien. It is
my opinion that this corner could be handled effectively through appropriate traffic signal
planning. If a signal were set up to stop oncoming traffic entirely. then traffic going east on North
Dodge could turn le~ onto Praide Du Chien unimpeded; and the same from the other direction,
traffic on Prairie Du Chien could turn left onto North Dodge with no difficulty. It seems completely
unnecessary to create a third lane from Governor to Praide Du Chien, as the only need for left
turning in that portion constitutes a few residential driveways. It seems that control through
proper signal timing could be a solution to traffic and safety concems that also balances the
needs and quality of life for neighborhoed residents.
I appreciate the opportunity to give input. I hope that this is a sincere effort to hear peoples'
concerns and that some thought will be given to address alternative solutions.
Sincerely,
L ra JoM~'~~~mm
1032 North Dodge
Iowa City IA 52245
(319) 337-6099/(319) 337-6388 evenings
(319) 337-4889 days
cc: City of Iowa City's Engineering Office
State Department of Transportation
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
Iowa City Coundl
II I
I
i
I
I
I
I
I
I
!
I
The Iowa City Rre Department wishes to extend a
personal thank you to Kyle Hansen, a junior attending I
Solon High School, for designing the front and back
cover pages of this report. Kyle volunteered his I
design talents as part of a graphics arts project at
school A job well done, Kyle! I
I
I
Once the sub-groups had a final product, representatives Phase 2, the organizational self-assessment, gave us the
from each group were selected to form a task force. The opportunity to take a "snapshot" of the organization. The
task force met and developed the current mission, vision, self-assessment was designed to evaluate the organization
and values for thedepartment, as follows: and identify strengths, weaknesses, and everything in
between, as related to our fire service programs. Mr. Jeff
Davidson, the Assistant Director of Planning and
Mission Community Development for the City of Iowa City,
We are dedicated to providing the community facilitated this phase. We used the four functional areas of
progressive, high-quality emergency and the department for the self-assessment: Training and
Equipment, Emergency Operations, Fire Prevention, and
preventive services. Administration and Support. Each group was led by a
battalion chief and comprised of company officers and
Vision firefighters with interest in a given area. The groups
As we move into the future, we will improve the evaluated the organizational performance in the following
ten categories: Governance and Administration,
total quality of our organization's methods, Assessment and Planning, Goals and Objectives, Financial
programs, and services. live will utilize teamwork, Resources, Programs, Physical Resources, Human
cooperation, and leadership to develop our Resources, Training and Competency, Essential Resources,
resources and broaden our service base. We will and Extemal Systems Relationships. Included in each
use effective planning and implement strategies to category are performance indicators and criterion that are
strengthen partnerships with the community and city used to measure the organizational effectiveness. There
are 235 performance indicators within the ten categories.
government. The second phase of this process was officially
completed in December 1999. Over 50 percent of the
Values department stepped-up to meet the challenge of Phase 2.
As an organization, we value a positive Without exception, these groups produced a high-
environment, a safe workplace, professionalism, quality "snapshot" of the Fire Department. The final
discipline, responsiveness, innovation and results of the self-assessment will be invaluable as we
proceed with strategic planning. As a result, each group
adaptability, andplanning and improvement. has developed "To-Do" lists. These lists were compiled
! I
I from deficiencies that were identified in the self- '
assessment process and will become part of our strategicThe Self Assessment Process
plan, if applicable.
Self Assessment Toward Accreditation Assessment Team
Phase 3, Strategic Planning. It is our desire to include all =
I levels of the department and provide for community r ~e,,ie,,iTheACcreeata.onMode1 i~
· ategories and Criteria
participation to complete this phase. The goal is two-fold: . t~e~e2rc..ho~dt~ec~,2ectio,'
I 1) to develop a strategic plan that is adopted by the City of - _
Iowa City Council, and 2) to attain National Fire Service
ISelf Assessment Team Designs A Work
accreditation through the Commission on Fire S~..tegy
I Accreditation International. These may seem to be lofty j j
I don't know where we're going! ~ti~,~f?~yfs;:7:jZ°BeginCollection of DataForti~;b~2t; A~s~:y;meent
Recent plans are underway to build an additional fire C Segin Wri~g The First D~att Ot
The Self Assessment Manual
I station in the northeast area of Iowa City. Recent land RequestOn-Site ~
annexations and in~ll development have increased service Peer r~e,,i~,,. ""i~
I Complete Editing and Final Draft Of
demands for this area. With the station would come an Self Assessment Document
I additional fire engine and nine personnel. This would be
Send Document To Accrediting
the first increase in staffing since 1972. co~.s~io~ For Distribution
I C On-Site Review By Peer Evaluators
I ( Peer Review Report Drafted
C Peer Review Report Reviewed And
I Final Edit Complete
I
! I
In spite of the increased dollar loss in 1999, we wereFire apparatus carry Automatic External De~brillators
fortunate to have no loss of life due to fire. However, any(AEDs) and were used 14 times in 1999. Dr. Charles
fire larger than a room and contents fire stretches our on-Huss, of Mercy Hospital, oversees the Department's
duty personnel resources and we must then rely on the medical service personnel. The Department also provides
recall of off-duty fire fighters and mutual aid from countynon-emergency citizen assists, i.e. a non-emergency citizen
fire departments. In 1999, we requested mutual aid 38 assist would involve fire personnel responding to elderly
times. The increased demand on fire fighting personnel haspersons who have fallen in their home.
the potential to adversely affect firefighter safety. The FireRescue Services:
Department implemented two fireground changes in 1999 The Department's rescue service capabilities continue
to improve fire fighter safety: to improve to meet the needs of the community. As in
· The advent of the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). The 1998, a considerable amount of rescue training was
RIT is trained for the sole purpose of standing by duringconducted in 1999, with much of it directed to high-angle
interior fire fighting and rescuing fire fighters who becomerescue and water/ice rescue. On July 1st, Rescue 1 was
trapped or otherwise incapacitated. officially placed in service. Rescue 1 is a custom-made, all
· Thermal Imaging Cameras. A recent technological aluminum vehicle designed to carry personnel and
innovation, the Thermal Imaging Camera, is used by equipment for rope rescue, confined space rescue, auto
firefighters to "see" through smoke to quickly locate fireextrication, and water rescue. The auto extrication tools
victims, downed fire fighters, or even to locate the seat of a("Jaws of Life," etc.) have already been used several times
fire. A Thermal Imaging Camera was placed in each of theto flee patients from badly damaged automobiles. Rescue
three fire stations. One camera was donated by a local 1 also has an articulating/telescoping boom to provide
business; the other two cameras were purchased by the scene lighting at rescue incidents and is used to refill Self-
Department at a cost of approximately $44,000. Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) at fire scenes.
Emer~,encv Medical Services Iowa City has a tragic history of many deaths on the
The Fire Department responds to medical emergencies Iowa River over the years. Major emphasis this past year
more frequently than any other kind of call. In 1999, 58%was placed on improving our water rescue equipment and
(2,050) of all responses were for medical emergencies. Alltraining. River rescue training included self-rescue, boat
fire fighters are trained as Emergency Medical Techniciansoperations, and shore-based rescue techniques. A
- Basic (EMT-B). It is their responsibility to provide basicmotorized, lightweight, inflatable boat was purchased to
life support until advanced life support personnel arriveallow "over the bank" rapid deployment for emergency
with the Johnson County Ambulance Service. water rescues. All Department apparatus now carries
I
presentations, industrial and commercial visits, speakersCause and Ori.in Investi~,ations:
bureau, safety fairs, etc. In 1999, there were 254 such An important element of the Fire Department response to
activities conducted by the Fire Department. Personnel fires, which happens to be a function of prevention, is the
assigned to Station 3 for calendar year 1999 included: follow-up investigations into the cause of the fire. State law
Shift A - Lt. Larry Kahler and Firefighters Ron Flake andplaces the responsibility on municipal fire departments to
Frank Dolezal; Shift B- Lt. Ken Brown and Fire fighters investigate the cause of all fires. Certain fires require
Kelly Koch and John Wyss; Shift C - Lt. Steve Stimmel notification to the State Fire Marshal' s Office, but the burden
and Fire fighters Steve Cook and Janet Vest. to investigate still rests with the local department. The
Large Loss Fires: information obtained in a fire investigation tells us why and
The year will undoubtedly be remembered for its how a fire started. In civil matters, insurance companies use
dramatic lure loss. There was an unusually large number our fire cause reports to settle subrogation claims. In cases
of significant loss fires. Fortunately, no civilian or where fire is used criminally, the information obtained in the
firefighter lives were lost to fires in Iowa City in 1999,investigation makes the case in criminal court. To convict a
but property loss was remarkable. The total for all firesperson of arson, it is necessary to prove the fire was incendiary
as well as show motive and opportunity. For the year 1999, the
was $7,664,478 million! The largest dollar loss fire was
Mondo's Sports Caf6, with subsequent exposure damage top four categories of ignition factors were: 1) incendiary and
to the MidAmerica Securities Building, Givanni's suspicious, 23%, 2) unknown, 20%, 3) mechanical
Restaurant, and the Bread Garden Bakery. Loss from that failure/malfunction, 20%, and 4) misuse of heat of ignition,
fire alone totaled $4,507,000 million. The building 18%. For these reasons and more, the findings of a fire
included two stories of apartments above the first floorinvestigation are carefully stated. They are the products of
business and fire fighters successfully rescued all of thescientific analS~sis that must be able to withstand vigorous
occupants prior to building collapse. A fire that causedreview.
serious damage to a University of Iowa power plant steam There is an even more important reason to investigate fires.
turbine resulted in a $.75 million loss and a rooming It is the main reason fires are investigated, namely to prevent
house that was completely destroyed accounted for a lossreoccurrence. A common example could be an appliance or
of $.4 million. These were the largest dollar loss fires.piece of equipment that fails and too frequently results in a fire.
Information that gets catalogued in a national database can lead
to product recalls, thus preventing future fires.
! I
Obvious benefits of investigating a fire can be seen inThe goal,' however, was worthy as we strive to continually
the recent case of a local industrial accident that severelyimprove and mold our department according to a thoughtful
burned one of its employees. The investigation took and planned approach.
several weeks for our Department and company Additional efforts in planning resulted in first-ever department
investigators to complete. The investigation report was goals and objectives for all to see. Each program
lengthy and yielded several recommendations for administrator, company officer, and firefighter now has before
minimizing risk. In this case, every recommendation was him/her a prescription for success. The Department' s goals
acted upon. Workplace safety was improved. and objectives are specific and measurable. They are time
Due to the increased number, size, and complexity of weighted and taken together will give direction and spawn
fires in 1999, the cause and origin investigations oftenmany improvements.
took several days, sometimes weeks, to complete. Trainin~andCerti~cation:
Investigators Mittvalsky, Greer, and Platz provided great Training is a very important component in today's fire
assistance to the Fire Marshal in completing this task. service. As service demands and technology change, so must
They were methodical in their approach to all fires and our regimen and diligence to continuing education. A
they captured details in their reports. All of us gained asampling of topics covered in various conferences and
great deal of experience in this important component of seminars for fire prevention personnel this year included:
fire prevention in 1999. 1) clandestine drug labs, 2) gas and electrical appliance fires,
Planning,: 3) arson for profit, 4) characterization through puppetry,
In terms of what's been going on inside the Fire 5) marketing your fire department, 6) storage of hazardous
Department this year, it would be fair and accurate to saymaterials, 7) fire alarm systems, 8) juvenile firesetters,
a great deal of planning. Starting in late 1997, a self-9) targeting 'your safety message, and 10) interviews and
assessment analysis began that is now complete. The interrogations. These are just a sampling of the many topics
process involved four committees and a majority of our germain to fire prevention that the Fire Department actively
personnel setting out to create in written form a mirrorseeks out in order to stay abreast of current practices.
image of the Fire Department. All aspects of emergency As the incoming Shift B inspector/investigator, Denny
operations, training, administration, support services, andHansen was certified in fire/arson investigation at the State
prevention were examined and recorded. The information Fire Marshal's fire/arson investigations training in November.
obtained will be used to help create a long-range strategicFirefighter Brian Greer completed his three-year assignment
plan for the Fire Department to follow. The process was to the Fire Prevention Bureau and will be replaced by
both time-consuming and revealing. Some of the things Firefighter Hansen on January 1, 2000.
we learned about ourselves were less than flattering.
I
TYPE OF TRAINING
Comp~mv Leve$ 1,2i6
Shlf~ Le,~el 697
Dcparmxent Level 3,637
Administrative/Other 651
For:t[ Hours 6,201
METHOD OF TRAINING
Classroom 3~q46
Hands-on 2,004
Unspeci~ed 65 [
I'otal Hours 6,20 l
TRAIN1NG CATEGORY
EMS L03~
Fir{ 1.402
tlaz-~{at 788
R~BCL~g Z, 162
li
I: ANALYSIS 0F FIRE RESPONSE BY TYPE
I:
1000 '
EMS RESPONSES
2~00 ......................................................................................
1052 2050
2000 ...................... ~os~---'
1507
1530
'i,~00 ...............
1100 1t52
1019
1000
500
0
1990 199t 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
{i
ACTUAL FIRES
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
ESTIMATED FIRE LOSSES
Millions ($)
|i
FIRE LOSS ($) PER CAPITA
|~
ANALYSIS OF FIRES BY TYPE 'il999
II
li
li Residential
I! 21% Structure
'~ ~-~,~_~ (NonoRes)
Other
V les
I!
Dumpster
I! 24%
li
IOWA
LEAGUE
ef CITIES
~a~ 24, 2~
Dear City Official: "
The Iowa League of Cities and Iowa State University' s Extension to Communities is offering a new
training program called "Governing Cities: A Leadership Toolbox". Details of the program appeared
in the May issue of Cityscape and in a brochure that was distributed to city officials. The deadline is
rapidly approaching and the number of registrations we have received so far is minimal. We have
enclosed another copy of this brochure and ask that you forward this information to your elected
officials and strongly urge them to sign up for the program.
This is a new leadership program that was developed based on the recommendations of the League' s
Executive Board and Education Committee. This program is designed for elected officials and is
broken into six sessions over the course of just over a year. To complete the program, participants
must attend at least four of the six courses. Each session is devoted to a different aspect of
communicating and bringing public trust into today' s complicated environment. The six sessions are:
1) Governing Cities in a Changing World
2) Council Decision-Making Effectiveness
3) Building Confidence in Government
4) Media Relations
5) Intergovernmental Relations
6) Building an Effective Governing Team
The brochure contains more details on each course and the program in general. We recognize that this
requires a significant investment by program participants, but feel that the time and money spent will
be very rewarding. There is even a money-back guarantee assuring that if a participant is not satisfied
after attending two sessions, two-thirds of the full tuition amount will be refunded.
There has been concern expressed that the dates for all of the sessions have not been determined. This
is purposely to enable the participants to provide input for scheduling future workshops, such as
whether weeknights or weekends are preferred and which dates will work best. This conversation will
take place at the first session on June 24.
The registration deadline has been extended and all registration forms must now be postmarked by
June 7. Please take another look at the brochure and encourage your elected officials to register to
participate in this new program. If a city sends more than one elected official, the city Serv,na tow~,'5 ci,,es
administrator/manager or city clerk may attend three sessions at a special rate. If you have additional ss,ce 7a~
questions, please contact Julie Ruehie at the League office at (515) 244-7282. Prep,de,,
David L A~dridge
Sincerely, Mayor, Nev,,'ton
President-elect
e Chns Hensby
~ Cou icil Member,
Director of Membership Services a,-~,g~ ~ ,M,oybe
Mayor, Boone
Enclosure E~ecutive Dnector
T~aurnas G Bredevveg
317 SIXTH AVENUE o SUITE 14OO o DES MOINES, IOWA 50309-4111
(515) 244-7282 o FAX (515) 244-O740 o WEB SITE: www.iowaleague.org
A new training program from
the Iowa League of Cities and
Iowa State University's Extension to Communities
Governing Cities:
Created for elected city officials who desire
· Strategies and techniques for
resolving difficult situations
· Advanced leadership training
to meet long-term
political ambitions
IOWA
LEAGUE
_oF CITIES
A Substantial Curriculum
Learning Opportunity s ..io. i. wo ,.
Saturday, June 24, 1-5 p.m.
Session facilitator: Norm Riggs, community development spe-
Although Iowa is a strong Home Rule state, distrust at
federal, state and local levels constantly threatens city cialist. His areas of expertise are economic and leadership
officials' ability to solve local problems. Decisions have development, needs assessment, training, community plan-
often been viewed with skepticism, resulting in a lack of ning and public policy issues.
community support. Citizen engagement is a prerequisite An increasingly distrustful public has impacted how cities
for policy making. Once renown for its homogenous citi- gather input and construct decisions. This session will:
zenry, Iowa's population has grown more and more · Identify the difference between conflict and
diverse. Inclusive decision making is a must if our policies controversy.
are truly to work for the good of all. · Give you strategies to resolve controversy in your
community.
The curriculum developed for "Governing Cities: A · Examine the importance of personal values, scientific
Leadership Toolbox" goes beyond the mechanics of run- facts, and politics in addressing controversy.
ning city services. Six sessions, each devoted to a differ- (Mandatory)
ent aspect of communicating and building public trust in
today's complicated environment, brings participants the Session 2: Council Decision-Making Effectiveness
opportunity to learn new strategies and techniques, dis- Tenatively scheduled for Saturday, August 19
cuss case studies and practice new leadership skills. Session facilitator: Tom Quinn, Ph.D., community development
Each session will be: field specialist. Quinn's expertise is in leadership develop-
. Highly interactive. merit, group processes, community strategic planning, and
needs assessment and analysis.
· Conducted in a small class situation
(maximum of 30 participants in each The public decision-making process incorporates technical,
session). objective data, ordinary citizen knowledge and personal val-
ues. City officials are challenged to balance the opinions of
· Filled with strategies and techniques you the vocal few with the needs of the silent majority. This ses-
will practice and can apply in your city. sion will:
· Offered in evenings or on Saturdays. · Tell you how and when to use group decision-
making tools and give you time to practice these
Cities that send one participant will find their investment tools.
well rewarded. Cities which send two or more participants · Help you weigh and analyze information from
will reap the benefit of officials who have learned and various sources and use it to make public decisions.
practiced new concepts together. (Elective)
Program Schedule Session 3: Building Confidence in Government
Session 1, Governing Today's Cities, begins Saturday, Date to be announced
June 24, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Altoona Public Session facilitator: Lois Wright Morton, Ph.D., rural sociologist.
Library. The program consists of six sessions, although Morton is an expert on the structure of civil society, the role of
participants are required to attend only four sessions to partnerships and collaborations in developing public policies
complete the program. The program will conclude 15 and strategies for strengthening communities.
months later at the League Annual Conference & Exhibit Citizen groups, organizations and public forums have a role in
in Waterloo, September 12-14, 2001. Workshops will be supporting and challenging elected officials. The types and
conducted every two to three sources of public mistrust, as well as your citizenry's expecta-
months. The group will tion of you as an elected city official can be identified.
provide input for schedul- Leadership behaviors that reinforce trust can be learned. This
ing future workshops. session will:
· Examine your personal styles, biases and behaviors
Each session will be and how they impact trust perceptions.
limited to 30 participants. · Teach you strategies and techniques for strengthen-
If more than 30 officials ing public confidence in your leadership.
register for the session, (Mandatory)
a second offering may
be scheduled.
4: Program
Date to be announced
Session facilitator: Barbara Mack, Ph.D., attorney and associ- Requirements
ate professor of journalism and mass communication. Mack '
instructs classes in media law and media management. Mack To complete the program and receive a certificate, partici-
has also served as legal advisor to The Des Moines Register. pants must attend at least four of the six courses. Three
of the workshop topics are mandatory and three are elec-
The media offers an important mechanism for information tive. Participants may attend all six at no additional cost.
exchange and dialogue among citizens, voluntary organiza- Participants who successfully complete the program will
tions, businesses, elected officials and public administrative be recognized at the League's 2001 Annual Conference.
staff. This session will: Cities with at least two elected officials who complete the
· Provide ideas for engaging the media to see your program will be awarded with a plaque at conference.
perspective.
· Explain how conflict and controversy in the media is Program Tuition
helpful information to the public decision-making
process. The cost to program participants is:
(Elective) · $350 for the first elected official from a city
· $200 for each additional elected official from the
Session 5: Intergovernmental Relations same city.
Date to be announced If a city sends at least two elected officials, the city
Session facilitator: Paul Coates, Ph.D., director of the Office of administrator/manager or city clerk may attend Sessions
State and Local Government Programs. His expertise is in 1 and 6 and one other session at a special rate of $75 for
developing educational programs and providing technical the three sessions.
assistance to local government officials. Scholarship Available
Cooperative relationships across local units of government
and between cities and state government can be developed. A A $75 scholarship is available to each elected official
panel of legislators and city officials who actively lobby with from a member city that complies with the registration
legislators will discuss their relationship building activities. policy and completes the program. This will reduce tuition
information on the legal relationship between cities and the to $275 for the first elected official and $125 for additional
state will be provided, as well as resources available to facili- elected officials. Scholarships are only available to elect-
rate cooperation between local governments. This session will: ed officials. Scholarships must be returned to the League
· Assist with ways to interact with state legislators. if the elected official does not complete the program.
· Identify opportunities for cooperation with other units Money-back Guarantee
of government.
(Elective) If a participant attends two sessions and is not satisfied,
two-thirds of the full tuition amount will be refunded. If a
Session 6: Building an Effective Governing Team scholarship was awarded, this amount will be deducted
Date to be announced from the refund.
Session facilitators: Beverlyn Lundy Allen, Ph.D., and Steve
The League maintains the right to discontinue the pro-
Adams. Allen assists the Cooperative Extension Service with gram if there is not sufficient interest.
famity and community development programs. Adams works
as a community resource specialist and has a strong back- Registration Deadline
ground in business and economic development and public
speaking. Complete the form on the back of this brochure and mail it
or fax it to the League. Registration forms must be
Both elected officials and staff must perform their responsibili- postmarked by May 30.
ties in a manner that provides citizens a clear understanding
of city goals and how city services are delivered. The organi- Questlolls?
zation must be built in a way that clearly defines the roles and Call Julie Ruehie, League director of membership servic-
responsibilities of both elected officials and staff. This session es, at (515) 244-7282 or eraall her at julieruehle@
will: iowaleague.org. . ...........
· Help elected officials and staff understand their roles in
building an effective governing team. . .... L~cl~rshiF
,:;-~.:-.
· Show how to assess and plan for changes in the gover- ~ Toolbox
ing environment. ~.~ :;:::.R¢~istrc~tio~n0s
· Develop action plans to equip city governments in design- ¢1u¢ MGY '
ing effective delivery of services in a new governing .~ ....
environment.
(Mandatory)
GOVERNING CITIES: A LI ,A!)i RSHIP TOOI,!iO,
Registration Form
Check each circle that applies to your city.
m O Yes, sign me up for Governing Cities: A Leadership Toolbox. My tuition for the program is $350. $350
Name Title
· City Zip Phone number
Email address
O Additional elected officials from my ci~ will padicipate in the program at a cost of $200 each $
= Their names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses are a~ached to this fo~.
O My ci~ is sending more than one elected official. Our ci~ manager/administrator/clerk will a~end
Sessions 1, 6 and one other session. A~ached is the person's name, title, address, phone number
~ and email address. The cost is $75. $75
O I wish to apply for the $75 scholarship available to each elected official. I am in compliance with
the registration deadline. I understand full tuition is due upfront. My city will be refunded $75 per
~ elected official upon League verification.
O I want to padicipate in the program, but am unable to make the June 24 session. Please call
and let me know if other arrangements can be made.
~ O I do not wish to sign up for the entire program, but I want to a~end Session Number , if
there is pa~icipant space available. My ci~ will be billed for $75 per session if I am able to a~end.
~ Total enclosed $
= Mail or fax this form to the League. Send payment to: Iowa League of Cities, PO Box 84, Des Moines, IA 50309-0084
~F~x:~) 244-0740. The registration form and payment must be postmarked by Tuesday, May 30.
IOWA
LEAGUE 317 Sigh Avenue, Suite 1400
9F CITIES Des Moines, IA 50309-1411