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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-20 Transcription#I Page 1 ITEM NO. 1. CALL TO ORDER. a.) Welcome visitors Lehman: Before we do Item 2, we have some special guests here this evening. The City Manager told me about it. Steve, if you would tell the rest of us about it and the folks at home. Atkins: Some folks from Murmansk, Russia, were in town. Tom Baldridge from the University is shepherding them around our community. I had a chance to spend a couple of hours with them this morning. They wanted to know all about local government in Iowa. I did my best to tell them about it. There they go. Lehman: Tom, why don't you just have them come up front? We would like to say "hi". Karr: I am sorry, we aren't picking him up at all for television. Lehman: We have to speak into the microphone if you would like to say something, Tom. Baldridge: The room, I think, is fairly small your honor. I think you can all appreciate them from where they are. These people are part of a program that is sponsored by the Library of Congress. It is called the Russian Leadership Program. This is the second year that we have participated in it. They are here to understand how Americans govern themselves. We hope they are getting positive reactions. Lehman: If they get that figured out will you let us know? Baldridge: Absolutely. Lehman: Well, we are very, very pleased to have you folks here. Welcome to our meeting. We hope you enjoy yourselves. b.) Census remarks. Lehman: Before we do Item 2, there is- I have received a note from Marjan Karr, the clerk- City Clerk- who is coordinating the census process here in town. Census day was April 1, 2000. Census 2000 staff is dedicated to making Census 2000 the most accurate, timely and cost effective census ever. The census is in its final stages but it is not over yet. Answering the census is important, easy, and safe. People who answer the census help their communities obtain federal funding and valuable information for planning schools, hospitals, roads and more. If you haven't been counted, please This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. # 1 Page 2 call 1-888-325-7723 or 1-319-221 - 1766. Both numbers are being displayed on your screen at home. Your answers are important. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #2 Page 3 ITEM NO. 2. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATION Lehman: This is a proclamation that was read on Saturday by Ross Wilbom- Wilburn at the- I am sorry- at the parade. (Reads proclamation). Karr: Here to accept is Joe Wilson and Dawn Kirschmann. Wilson: Can you pass those around to the rest of the council? Lehman: Sure. Wilson: Dawn and I are here on behalf of the Iowa City LGBT Pride Committee. And we would like to thank Mayor Lehman and the rest of the city council for proclaiming June to be LGBT Pride month. And a special thanks to councilor Ross Wilburn for coming and reading the proclamation at our annual Iowa City LGBT pride festival on this past Saturday, June 17. I would like for people to note very, very briefly about why June is known intemationally as LGBT Pride Month. Back in 1969, 31 years ago, from June 27- 29, an event happened called the Stonewall Riots. Bars in New York City and other cities, gay bars, were regularly raided by the police illegally and for a variety of reasons- some of which are still unknown- on June 27 the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, which was a gay bar, fought back. And there were three days of rioting. And for many people that became the birth of the modern gay and lesbian civil rights movement. So June is known as Pride Month. I would also briefly like to remind everybody that while we had our largest events this past weekend with the parade and festival on Saturday, we do have events every day for the remainder of June. And I have passed around the calendars up there. If people at home would like to access the calendars, they can pick them up at the Women' s Resource and Action Center, the Iowa City Public Library, Alternatives- which is a retail store on Market Street- and a variety of other places. Or they can contact the Pride Committee, which is based out of the Women's Resource and Action Center, at 335-1486. So, thank you very much. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #3 Page 4 ITEM NO. 3. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Vanderhoef: Move adoption. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by 0'Donnell. Discussion? Wilburn: A couple items, Mayor Lehman. I wondered if we could just get an update or just a brief comment on Item e(1)? We are adopting the work of the Wetherby Park redevelopment. Any update on any celebrations, ribbon cutting, that type of thing? Atkins: Yeah, we have talked about that. In fact, raising the issue, that is probably a worthwhile project given all the circumstances surrounding it. Terry mentioned to me in passing the other day that he was thinking about trying to do something in July. If it is okay with you all, we will just plan to set up a ribbon cutting or some sort of an event recognizing the efforts that went into Wetherby park and the upgrade. Okay? Wilburn: Yeah, the work looks real nice down there. My kids roller-blade down there and I think that all of the comments that we have received from people just enjoying what is there today, there is still some things to finish. It has been a real worthwhile project. And I think that we are also accepting the work on the Riverside Festival Stage. And obviously you have seen the press- that has been a huge success. And that is going to be a community jewel. I think it is also going to be an opportunity for, you know, as the that event and other events get going and recognized in Eastern Iowa. It will be an opportunity for some people to come to the community. Perhaps even a mini economic development thing. So, I think this is a nice- this is a nice project looking at some of the focus groups that are going down in the Wetherby area as opportunity for the community to get together and decide what it wants and to kind of leave politics out of it. And I think the Riverside Stage is a nice example. I believe similar things will happen with the Wetherby area. Atkins: We will work on getting it set up. Wilburn: Okay, great. Lehman: Item f, has that been deleted? Karr: Yes. Lehman: It has been. Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #3 Page 5 Dilkes: F(1)? Lehman: Yeah, I am sorry, f(1). Other discussion? Kanner: Ernie, I would like to offer an amendment to the minutes of the executive session on June 12. In the public minutes it states that Steven Kanner was absent. But I wanted to state that I came after a few minutes, so that the public record will state that. Karr: Mr. Mayor, I would just like to clarify there are not minutes of the executive session. They are minutes of the formal meeting adjourning to executive session. Executive session minutes are closed. Lehman: And those minutes would- Karr: -would reflect you were there. Kanner: But perhaps then to amend the proper minutes to note what time I came, because for the public it notes that I was absent when I was just tardy. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #4 Page 6 ITEM NO. 4. PUBLIC DISCUSSION. (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). [UNTIL 8 PM]. Lehman: This is a time reserved on the agenda for the public to address the council on items that are not on the agenda. If you wish to address the cotmcil please come to the podium, sign in with your name and address and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Hansen: My name is Jerry Hansen and I am chairman of Wetherby Friends and Neighbors. I would just like to give you an update on the opening of the park ceremonies. They will be August 26th. That is about the soonest we can get to them. The lumber for the shelter is in. We are waiting on the cupola and then we need to paint it and there is some other secondary work that needs to be finished up by then. But, we are planning a lot of things. We are going to have some fun and games. We are going to have some food. The showcase- we are going to try and get that with some entertainment. And I am also trying to get my hands on the ReMax hot air balloon. And, weather permitting, it will be there. So, that is one issue. Another one I am a little leery talking about tonight is the Broadway Neighborhood Center and the piece of property owned by the Colonial Park Office building. Wetherby thinks that that would be a great site for a new Broadway Neighborhood Center. And I know that some people have said that they may not like that position because there is a lot of traffic around that area. The piece of property is valued at $230,530, and if there is any way- I understand that this falls under Johnson County and the neighborhood centers of Johnson County- but if there is any way you can expedite helping that neighborhood center it is very critical to our neighborhood. Thank you. Kanner: Are you saying replace the current one by building a new one or in addition to the current one? Hansen: I am thinking of replacing the current one. Right now we do not have room in that building to physically handle any more kids. And there are kids on waiting lists for daycare. We need a space that cannot only contain the neighborhood center, but have an outside playground too. And I know of no other pieces of property that are around there for the foreseeable future that will be available. Lehman: Thank you Jerry. Mark Paca: Good evening city council members. We will had out a package of information to each individual member. Lehman: If you could give your name and address first. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #4 Page 7 Mark Paca: Mark Paca, Advanced Drainage Systems, Iowa City. As I stated, my name is Mark Paca. I am the sales representative for Advanced Drainage Systems. I live here in Iowa City. Advanced Drainage Systems has been here since the fall of 1969. As many- there might be a couple of you that know Marty Sixt, one of the original fathers of ADS. ADS is currently the largest manufacturer of HDPE pipe. I am here this evening to talk to you about the acceptance and allowance of our dual storm sewer HDPE pipe in the Iowa City area. Due to time constraints we will start out with the packet that I started. I will not read through the letter, but I would like to start out with the points towards the bottom that we have included in this letter. To date, since 1987, there has been over 400 million feet- 750,000 miles- of HDPE dual wall storm sewer successfully installed, performed, designed throughout the United States. I personally- the salesman in southeast Iowa- have sold over 1.5 million feet of HDPE storm sewer pipe. That equates to 284 miles of pipe just in the southeast Iowa area. Dual wall is accepted by 48 DOTS, including the Iowa DOT since 1989 as an industry standard as an alternative for storm sewer materials. Approximately 90% of the Wal-Marts, Home Depots, Menards, K Marts, Cub Foods, Targets, and other major retail companies specify and install the dual wall HDPE pipe. Included in the packet is some listings of local and national users of HDPE pipe [and] also a bid tabulation. If we go through to the third page to the nation bid tabulation where our pipe was used as an alternative product an Iowa DOT (can't hear)- this was at the city Burlington. You can see using the HDPE storm sewer product against traditional products RCP, concrete pipe, there was a cost savings using our pipe. This is in Burlington, Iowa. Burlington also has a job going on being an older river town. The sanitary and storm sewer were a combined pipe- that is how they used to do it back then. Well, they are separating it now. We are selling all of the storm sewer pipe our pipe- HDPE pipe. The second to the last page talks about the N 12 users in Southeast Iowa- in my community. As you can see, there is many towns around the Iowa City area that do allow our pipe to be used as an alternative product to concrete pipe and A2000 pipe. The last page is municipal N12 users of larger communities using pipe. The city of Columbus, Ohio- the first one there, that is the ninth largest city in the United States- they install over 750,000 feet of pipe a year. Not all of it is dual wall pipe- most of it- not all of it is dual wall pipe but that is over 150 miles a year. Iowa City doesn't even have nearly that much total. I have come to you this evening, city council members, to ask to allow this product to be used as an alternate material on all storm sewer projects in the Iowa City area. We are a proven product. We are a company that has been here since 1969. And it is a project- it is a product that has been proven in many of the surrounding towns in the area. With that, I would like to open it up for discussion if you have any questions for me. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #4 Page 8 Pfab: I would ask you a question. When you are bidding against the concrete pipe, what can the city expect to pay as far as comparable prices? Paca: That is a very good question. A project that was just bid in December of last year in the city of New London- a small town of only 2000 people near Burlington also- there was about 1200 feet of 48 inch pipe. 48 inch pipe is very expensive. The original engineer specified only RCP pipe. The RCP pipe salesman came out with his pricing. I contacted the design engineer and he allowed product to be used after the fact before the bids were actually opened. The day before, the RCP people dropped their price by 40%. I am asking you folks, you know, competition keeps us all honest. Mr. Lehman has been very kind in listening to us and offered his advice to come here and talk to you this evening. I am saying to you Ernie, it is like you having a government person tell you that only people from outside Iowa City can come into Englers and buy your product. Wilbum: Is the HDPE- is that the number 2 plastic that you see in the recycling or the number 1 ? Paca: I am sorry council member- could you repeat that? Wilburn: HDPE pipe, is that the same as the number 2 recycling? Paca: There is recycled product in it. Wilburn: Okay. And you do use- Paca: Plastic as a recyclable product. It is my understanding, too, there- as a salesman I am preaching on the economic benefits of the product but as you can see, there has been much proven history of the product also. I will state that we did have some problems with our product originally when it came out back in 1989 on the Walnut Ridge subdivision on the west side of town. We learned from the experience and there are many products out there- including concrete pipe, the A2000 pipe- that I can show you pictures of failures for them. We have learned from our experiences from that project. O'Donnell: What is the longevity of the thing versus concrete? Paca: HDPE is an inert material. It has an indefinite life span. Many times people say "well, your product isn't that old. You can't use it." Plastic was invented in 1907. Back in WWII when we bombed Germany, Germany was one of the biggest producers of plastic. There was a town that I can't remember what its name was but we totally destroyed- the allied force totally destroyed except two buildings. One of them being a plastic factory and the other one being a cathedral. When we destroyed This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #4 Page 9 Europe they came back and put in all plastic storm sewer pipe. It has been around for a long time. As many of you guys shook you head when I said Marry Sixt, Marty's first machines came from Germany. The life span- I am sorry- the life span of plastic by the Iowa DOT, by the Pennsylvania DOT, Ohio DOT, is the same as RCP pipe- 75 to 100 life year. O'Donnell: Thank you. Paca: Thank you. Lehman: Thank you. Other public discussion? Champion: I would like to add to this little presentation. I would like to hear from- Lehman: Rick? Champion: Yes- why we don't use this pipe. I think we should hear from him of why we don't. Lehman: We will see to it that the Public Works get a copy of this and I am sure they will prepare something for us. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. //5I Page l0 ITEM NO. 5i. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EXTRATERRITORIAL FINAL PLAT OF WOODLAND RIDGE PART 3, A 7-LOT RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION WITH ONE OUTLOT LOCATED AT THE EAST TERMINUS OF MEADOW VIEW LANE SW. (SUB00-0013). Champion: Move adoption. Dilkes: I am sorry- Mr. Mayor, we need to defer this until June 29 which I believe is the date you discussed putting your special meeting. Champion: Move deferment to June 29. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. All in favor? All: Aye. Lehman: Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #7 Page 11 ITEM NO. 7. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORI ZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE FY01 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE CITY OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS FOR THE PROVISION OF TRANSIT SERVICE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS. Champion: Move adoption of the resolution. Lehman: Moved by Champion. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Pfab: I am just- as I read this and I have read it other times- are there other ways to calculate a proper proportion of the costs? Atkins: There are several ways to calculate it. Getting the University Heights city cotmcil to agree to it is the other question. I don't mean that to be smart alecky but that is the problem. Pfab: I expected you to say that. I mean, I expected that. But is there- what other alternatives are there just for public information? Atkins: Oh, they have tried population based, a direct cost of service- any number of factors over the time that I have been involved in this. It is a very convenient way to provide them public transit service simply by where our buses go. Being practical about it folks- what would be the choice? If they don't pay, we don't stop. Champion: I think it is a very fair way to calculate it actually. Pfab: Are we being intimidated out of a fair return? Atkins: I believe this is a reasonably fair return. Champion: I do too. Lehman: Based on the relative populations of the two communities which seems to be a fair method of doing it. O'Donnell: I agree. Pfab: I was just wondering if there was any other common methods that are being done? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #7 Page 12 Atkins: I would like to think Irvin that they have been talked about at one time or another over the life of this contract. Pfab: Oh I am sure they have. So you are saying this iso Atkins: I think this is a good deal. Lehman: A fair deal. Atkins: Reasonably fair deal. Lehman: Very good. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #8 Page 13 ITEM NO. 8. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM FOR TOWER PLACE AND PARKING. Champion: Move adoption of the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Pfab: I have a question. What has changed? Was there changes made in this? Dilkes: No, this has never been recorded yet. What the resolution proposes is that- this is the draft that is attached to the resolution. This is the same draft that has been attached to all of the purchase agreements that you have seen so far as well as our agreement with Ecumenical and our agreement with The Cottage. There will be some additional changes to the draft that is attached principally to further subdivide a couple of the units as they were originally contemplated. That is the unit to the north of the clock tower and the second floor on Linn Street. Pfab: And as it is presently drafted it is the cost of the fees for the association- condominium association- are equally spread according to the square footage of each owner? Dilkes: There are very few general common elements in this particular declaration of condominium. What I mean by that is typically in a condominium all the general areas- the common areas- are owned in common by all the owners and the maintenance fees for those areas are split up among all the owners. In this particular case, we have decided to draft it such that ownership of most of those common areas remains with the city and the maintenance obligation remains with the city. For a number of masons, a couple of which are the city is the biggest owner- I mean, the parking structure is the biggest part of that building. Secondly, to simplify the transactions that are required between the city and the other condominium unit owners. Pfab: Is this a reasonable return for the citizens of Iowa City included in the purchase price of the condominium? Lehman: Excuse me just a second- if I am not mistaken, this item 8 just changes the legal descriptions so that they become condominiums. Is that true? Dilkes: The declaration of condominium is the way you create condominium units on a piece of real estate. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #8 Page 14 Lehman: But it has nothing to do with fees- we will get to that later. But this just changes the title on that property and says that this piece of property becomes a condominium as apart from the total building. Is that not correct? Dilkes: Right, this does not transfer the property from the city to any other party. It just- Lehman: It just creates the condominiums. Dilkes: It creates- if we were to record this document we would be the proud owners of a number of condominium units that would not yet have been transferred to a third party. Lehman: And this creates them legally. Pfab: So in other words it now becomes a legal (can't hear). Is that right? The condominium- Lehman: What we have apparently- I don't know how many condominiums there are on that property- but what this does is legally create condo- we have a large building. It is one building, one title, one piece of real estate. This now becomes several pieces of real estate, the ownership of which the parcel may be transferred to someone else. According to Iowa law all we do is create the possibility of transferring those parcels by making them condominiums. Further discussion? Champion: I have a question. I mean, not about this. I just have a question. Will these condominiums, because they are going to be commercial businesses, be taxed at residential or commercial rates? Do you know Eleanor? Lehman: It would have to be commercial. Dilkes: I would assume commercial. Champion: Except condominiums fall under- is there such a thing as commercial condominium? Lehman: Well, a commercial condominium is a commercial property. What you are saying is if we sold them for residential uses would they be taxed as commercial? I don't know that. Dilkes: I think that relates to a residential use of it. The whole apartment condominium issue. I don't think that is applicable here. Champion: You answered my question. Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #8 Page 15 Wilburn: I was just curious as to how close they are to the timeline of finishing those so that they, for example, so that the Cottage can move in? was there a timeline agreement as to when- Dilkes: Yes, and we are on schedule. Wilbum: Okay, that is all I wanted to know. Dilkes: Or close to it. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #9 Page 16 ITEM NO. 9. A PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE HOMEBUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF IOWA CITY FOR THE CONDOMINIUM UNIT 1-E IN TOWER PLACE AND PARKING AND TO DISPOSE OF UNIT 1-E IN ACCORDANCE THERWITH. b.) Consider a resolution approving. Lehman: Do we have a motion? O'Donnell: So moved. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Pfab: I believe I am going to be voting "no" on this and that is just because I don't feel that in my own mind that I have enough information as to how this was priced out. That doesn't mean it is wrong. Just in my own mind that is what I am going to do. Lehman: Irvin, if it is of any benefit- at least my understanding and correct me Eleanor or Steve if this isn't correct- my understanding is the price of the condominiums- they were priced probably with a combination of two things: first, actual cost of construction. What it cost us to build those condominiums. I don't think it was the intention of the city and I certainly do not think it was the intention of the council to build the condominiums to sell at a profit but to recover what it costs us to build them. And I would assume that we have engaged a professional real estate firm who would have advised us to whether or not the price or the construction costs on those represented a fair market value. Dilkes: As you recall, you approved the listing agreement with Lepic-Kroeger Realtors to market these properties. That listing agreement specifically sets the price at which each unit will be marketed. Lehman: And that based on construction costs. Dilkes: No, that was not based just on construction costs. That was based on a market analysis that was done by the realtor- like if you were going to pay a realtor to sell your home you would ask them to do analysis to advise you as to what you should list that house for. So it was a similar process to that. Pfab: Is there documentation that is available to how that price was arrived at? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #9 Page 17 Dilkes: I don't have it but I assume that you can talk to the realtor. Pfab: Until I saw that I would vote "no". But that is just for lack of information. Dilkes: Yeah, sure. Pfab: I am not saying it is right or wrong. I don't know. Dilkes: I assume that there may be some information available. I don't know what the realtors went through to arrive at those figures. Lehman: Other discussion? Pfab: And I guess the next question I would ask: is this something that we could table without causing any problems? Until we got that information? This is some valuable property that is owned by the citizens of Iowa City and I think that that should be public information of how that price was arrived at. It should be an open- and able to be inspected by the public. Champion: It was set at a public meeting- the agreement with the realtors was done at a public meeting. It wasn't done behind closed doors. Dilkes: As far as I know I have not received a request for that information. I think had I received a request for that information certainly prior to today we could have investigated it and gotten you that information. And I still can. The problem we have right now is that the purchase agreement provides for- is contingent on city council approval honored before June 30, 2000. If we do not satisfy that contingency the purchase agreement, I mean, it may very well be that the buyer would extend that contingency but I don't know that for sure. Pfab: Do we not have a meeting prior to that because of that special meeting? Could this be postponed until then? Lehman: Certainly k could Irvin. I think the question really is are there four council people who are uncomfortable enough with this that they would like to table it until the meeting of the 291h? Pfab: Which is what- how many- a week away? Lehman: Yeah. That is, I guess, your call council. Kanner: Yeah, I think to get a clearer picture and explore a little bit more in depth. I would vote to defer it until next week. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #9 Page 18 O'Donnell: I am not ready to delay this. We have hired a professional real estate firm and I am very comfortable with the deal. So I am ready to proceed with this. Pfab: I just want my vote to publicly record that. Lehman: I appreciate that Irvin but this is the second parcel that we have acted on. And I think if we had a concem about the way the prices had been arrived at we should have addressed that before tonight. Pfab: Well that one got by me. Lehman: It got by you and this one isn't going to get by me. I will not- I am not interested in delaying it. Dilkes: Can I just also note too that the listing agreement- and I would have to go back and read through it in more detail- but if it is like a typical listing agreement once you agree between yourself and the realtor as to what the price will be and you get a full price offer- Lehman: You can't refuse it. Dilkes: You only have so much leeway at that point to turn it down. (Several talking) Pfab: You don't have to accept it, you just owe the realtor a commission. Champion: Do we have (can't hear). Lehman: Hold it. Is there a motion to defer this to the 291h? Pfab: I made that motion. Lehman: Moved by Irvin Pfab. Is there a second? Kanner: I will second. Lehman: Seconded by Steven Kanner. All in favor say "aye". Kanner and Pfab: Aye. Lehman: Opposed? All except Kanner and Pfab: No. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #9 Page 19 Lehman: Motion is defeated 5-2, Kanner and Pfab voting in the affirmative. Is there further discussion on the motion? Roll call. Kanner: Excuse me Emie. Could we get that information thought whenever it is reasonable that you were talking about that if you were notified beforehand you would have- Dilkes: I can see what information is available. I don't know what information is available. I will certainly check and see. Kanner: Thanks. Lehman: Roll call. The motion carries, 6-1, Pfab voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. # 10 Page 2o ITEM NO. 10. CONVEYANCE OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME LOCATED AT 1417 FRANKLIN STREET TO THE TENANT. a.) Public hearing. Lehman: This is part of our Tenant-to-Ownership program. This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. I guess I will explain it. This is part of our Tenant-to-Ownership program. The price of this home was $73,000, being financed $58,400 by a bank who will hold the first mortgage and $14,600 by a housing authority which will hold a second mortgage. The public hearing is closed. b.) Consider a resolution authorizing. O'Donnell: Move adoption. Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Champion: I think we should be really proud of how many of these we are doing. It seems to me that we are doing more this year then we did in the first two years I was on the Iowa City Council. Lehman: Connie I think you are right but I think this is a program that is going to be a little bit like a snow ball. It is a wonderful program and I think it is becoming more popular. I think it is a great program for the city- for the folks of the city. Other discussion? Roll call? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #12 Page 21 ITEM NO. 12. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PROCEDURES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS WITHIN HISTORIC AND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS AND FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS. Champion: Move adoption. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Champion: I would like to say that I think the commission has done a good job in trying to find ways where alternate materials could be used and yet eliminating alternate materials that would be destructive to historic preservation of buildings. So I think they are doing a terrific job. They have addressed some concerns that we and the public have had and I give them a lot of credit. It took a lot of work. Vanderhoef: Yes, the new standards will help both the public in addressing new issues and it will help the commission in judging those issues. Lehman: Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #13 Page 22 ITEM NO. 13. AMENDING TITLE 3 OF THE CITY CODE ENTITLED "FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4 ON CITY UTILITIES TO INCREASE OR CHANGE THE RATES FOR FEES AND CHARGES FOR POTABLE WATER USE AND SERVICE, AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT. b. 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. (PASS AND ADOPT). Vanderhoef: Move adoption. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? Champion: As everybody knows, I am going to vote "no" on this. I hope it is the last time I have to vote on this issue. Lehman: It will be, it is the third reading. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 6-1. Champion voting "no". And for the public's benefit, the increase in the sewer and water rates are part of an ongoing program that actually was started I believe in '957 Atkins: Yes. Lehman: Is that not correct? And the revenues are needed for construction of the water plant and sewer plant. Most of those activities or actions have been required of us by the federal government rating for standards. So we have not a lot of choice. But this will keep our credit rating, Steve. Champion: We do have some choice. We do have choice on like the financing. Atkins: Yes. Champion: We do. Lehman: We do, however, I think it is important to point out that this is part of a master plan that was put in place- Champion: I understand. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #13 Page 23 Lehman: To change it now might create some difficulties. Champion: I was just thinking Mr. Mayor that you made it sound like there was no other way to finance it. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. # 14 Page 24 ITEM NO. 14. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DIRECTING SALE OF $14,310,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS. Champion: We are doing this resolution now (can't hear) the bonds? Vanderhoef: Move adoption of the resolution. Champion: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, do we have a second? Wilburn: Champion seconded. Kanner: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Champion. Didn't we not receive (can't hear)? We received four bids ranging from 5.3328% to 5.3862% and we are recommending that Paine Webber be awarded the bond sale. That was the motion. Discussion? Champion: I was just going to ask Steve, the last time we sold a bond of this much money what was the rate? Atkins: It was close to 5% if I recall. It may have just been a hair under. For council' s information, we did receive our triple A credit rating again for these bonds. I think you can note that credit rating carries with it obviously some popularity. If you look how close those bids are from top to bottom it is five one hundredths of one percent difference. We did a quick calculation (changed tapes) for the cost of interest. So a triple A does make a dramatic difference in our financing costs. Lehman: Well, and that $700,000, I believe the interest over the period of these bonds is $8.2 million. So, that $700,000 is a difference of about 7-8% higher interest just by if we weren't triple A. That is significant. Vanderhoef: It is really important as we watch our bonding down the line as we move things into bond rather than out of general fund. Champion: I think that shows. Vanderhoef: This is one of my big concems and has been right along when we keep adding large projects. Lehman: Other discussion on the sale of the bonds? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. Page 25 Champion: I just wanted to say I think our triple A rating shows a fairly well managed city. Lehman: Thank you. Champion: You are welcome. Lehman: Other discussion? Pfab: I have a question. It is just a little bit of information. I can't remember without going and digging in here- what are the lengths of these bonds? Atkins: This is a $14 million, 18-year bond. Pfab: 18-year bond? Okay. Atkins: It is a little longer than we normally do. One of the reasons that our credit rating is as good as it is is that a substantial portion of our debt is rapid retirement and rapid retirement is usually defined as 10 years or less. So we are a little further out. Given the nature of the projects we financed this time- Mormon Trek, cemetery expansion, an airport terminal, Wetherby Park. As you can see, projects of some magnitude obviously have a long term investment. Iowa River Trail, Public Works complex, Parks and Maintenance facilities. So we believe that when we were fashioning this bond that we could justify a longer pay out. Pfab: Are these bonds callable in any way, shape or form? Atkins: No, we do not have a call provision in this one. Champion: What does that mean? Atkins: A call provision means that in the capital financing at some time we could declare that in our judgement that the market looks so good we can call the bond, pay you off, and then refinance. But to do that that does drive up the interest rate. I think what we are seeing is that I think these four bidders represented 20+ banks. They're looking for these high quality municipals, put them in their portfolio- as things about the economy get a little more nervous. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #17 Page 26 ITEM NO. 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST SIDE TRUNK SEWER PROJECT. Lehman: We have got two, four, seven- eight bids on that project ranging in price from $298,664 to $640,080 which is a remarkable range. Over twice. The engineer's estimate was $530,000. Public Works and Engineering recommend award of the project to Maxwell Construction for the $298,664. Vanderhoef: Great bid. Lehman: Is that a motion? Vanderhoef: You got it. O'Donnell: So moved. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Champion: I have a hard time understanding such discrepancies in bids. I mean, that is just- I don't understand it. Pfab: I understand that there will be effort now to look for alternative bids. (can't hear) process, is that right? We don't have the advantage of that here I presume. Is that correct? Vanderhoef: What is he talking about? Pfab: Are there alternative bids for other types of construction? O'Donnell: So we are going to discuss that. Pfab: No, no- Vanderhoef: This is letting a bid. Pfab: Right, I understand that. But what I am saying is that in the future contracts like this will have alternatives? Champion: Maybe. Pfab: We will be discussing that right? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #17 Page 27 Lehman: We will be receiving a recommendation from Public Works and Engineering. Pfab: We will be in discussion with them, is that right? Lehman: We will get a report from them I am sure. Arkins: I am not sure I understand. This is a trunk sewer not- I mean, there are some paving components to this thing. I am assuming that the contract calls for- Vanderhoef: This is not a storm. Dilkes: This is a sanitary sewer, not a storm sewer right? Atkins: That is what I mean. This is a sanitary sewer. Dilkes: So the issue that was brought up earlier I am assuming is not applicable. Lehman: Wouldn't be relative. Pfab: Okay. Lehman: Have we voted on this? O'Donnell: We have not. Lehman: Could we have a roll call? Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #18 Page 28 ITEM NO. 18. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION TEMPORARILY CLOSING A PORTION OF GRAND AVENUE RIGHT-OF-WAY AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR TEMPORARY USE OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA. Vanderhoef: Move adoption. Lehman: Moved by VanderhoeK Pfab: Second. Lehman: Seconded by- who seconded- Pfab. Discussion? This is to allow the University to do some construction work along a retaining wall along Grand Avenue. Discussion? Kanner: And just to let people know, it is only at the latest July 31. Lehman: Normally they wait and start that when school starts. This one is a hurry up job. Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #19 Page 29 ITEM NO. 19. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ACQUISITION OF LOT 38, FIRST AND ROCHESTER ADDITION, PART 1. Vanderhoef: Move adoption. Wilburn: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? Vanderhoef: I am just delighted to get this piece of property. It will add to this park and make it more neighborhood friendly from the east side of the park as well as it is already from the west side of the park. Lehman: Which park are we talking about? Champion: Hickory Hill. Vanderhoef: Hickory Hill. Lehman: Right, I just think the public needs to know this is an addition- a significant addition- to the park. O'Donnell: Well, and also we are talking about a need for additional parking there. And that has to be looked at down the road. Champion: I think it is really incredible because this is really a good deal from Mrs. Glasgow. And I hope none of the Glasgows that aren't with us anymore aren't going to rise and haunt us. Lehman: Further discussion? Roll call. The motion- Champion: Did I vote? Vanderhoef: Yes. Champion: I don't remember voting. Dilkes: Champion? Champion: Yes. Lehman: Motion carries, Connie voting twice. 6-1, Pfab voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #2o Page 3O ITEM NO. 20. PUBLIC DISCUSSION [IF NECESSARY]. (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Lehman: I doubt- do we have more public discussion? Holly? Berkowitz: I have several things. First of all- Lehman: Holly, give us your name first. Berkowitz: Holly Berkowitz from Iowa City. First of all, I would like to address both the local and the state and national and global interconnections because what I am going to talk about links all of them. There are flows going both from the local to the global and the global to the local and we cannot separate them. O'Donnell: Would you put the mic- I can't hear a thing. Berkowitz: Like that? O'Donnell: I want to hear this. Berkowitz: Okay. And in that scenario, in that paradigm, you cannot count only cash yet I hear in the political debates, in public discussions, in public budgets, only talking about cash flow. Immediate bottom-line. But the long-term public outcome is usually left an enigma and not even discussed. So we don't even know the con- we might know the consequences of the budgets we are making and the decisions we are making but we don't care to look at the outcomes. So what I am saying is that when we talk about public budgets, public cash flow, we need to balance that with- that is the quantitative flows- we need to balance that with the qualitative flows. That is knowledge of academic research, of everyday observations such as the world appears flat when we wake up in the morning yet we know that it is not. So, can we rely on our everyday private short-term immediate observations? That I have more in the bank account than you so therefore I am worth more than you. No. No, that is not adequate for public arenas. Public arenas demand public accountability not only in the cash flow of the cash books but of the consequences of what those cash flows are doing and those policies and those decisions such as Hickory Hill Park. Such as the south east side of Iowa City. Such as what will a development- what will happen if we put a road in here that is meant to speed traffic through here yet we deny that it is going to have any effect on the neighborhoods? What I am saying is I think that Hickory Hill Park is being abused by the folks who want to develop the area but don't really care about more than their own pocket book. And their own gain and- if you are in the public sector you owe the public public accountability. And I realize that there is- this is very, very complex. It is changing, it is challenging. But we This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #20 Page 31 need public forums to talk about these things in more than is it going to benefit me myself financially. I would like to see financial accounting open the investments- the financial investments of all public representatives. Make this a- open up the financial interests and special interests to public scrutiny because- Ralph Nader said that corporations are more powerful than national governments. Is that the case? Is that the case? Are international corporations telling us that we have to follow and jump whenever the corporations say follow and jump? If they say build a house, build a development, build a development and forget about what is going to happen 20, 30, 40 years from now. I have kids in this area and these schools and I care about what happens to this area. Here are some ideas. Lehman: Holly, you are going to need to wrap it up. Berkowitz: Okay. Come up with a Declaration of Independence for peace for all of us to sign to send to the national and international levels. Challenge past (can't hear) values. Salaries- I have some concems about that. Kanner: Which salaries and what concerns? Council members' salaries? Berkowitz: Well, see- Steve, with your salary through the last couple of years we have had the downtown deteriorating, the south east side deteriorating, Hickory Hill park being assaulted just for development dollars. I don't see- there is something under the surface happening here. Lehman: Holly, your time is really getting- O'Donnell: That is time. Berkowitz: Okay, botanical garden. Iowa City is a historic gem and nobody has picked on that. I have mentioned that numerous times. Why don't we get some antique cars or trolleys going around the mall to help bring in attract- market Iowa City as a historic gem? To complement Coral Ridge Mall. I am going to go on one more minute okay? Lehman: Yeah, you are pushing it Holly. Berkowitz: Okay, the urban culture is a consumptive culture. The rural culture is a productive culture. To balance our budgets we have to balance consumption and production and we are not doing that. Ronald Regan said we are a supply side economy. That is wrong. We are a consumer side economy. And I expect more participation here from the audience. I expect more ideas for long term public interest instead of short term private pocket books. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #20 Page 32 O'Donnell: Thank you. Lehman: Thanks Holly. Kanner: Holly, one thing you mentioned about not accounting only cash. There are a number of organizations that are working to quantify environmental aspects and what that is worth. And hopefully we will explore some more of that in what things are worth in our budget and in our city. Berkowitz: Thank you. Two of the authors who are very good who have done a lot work at this and who have found that natural systems produce much more than human systems globally if you calculate the air conditioning effects, the water filtration effects, the air filtration, the oxygen producers- Constanza is on the east coast and Lutz is with the- wrote something for the UN. It is in the UI Business School. And I am also puzzled why the small business development center at the University of Oregon has not jumped in to help the southeast side, the center of Iowa City. What are the financial interests of the folks over there? Lehman: Thank you Holly. Berkowitz: And of the folks here. Thank you. Kanner: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 33 ITEM NO. 23. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman: Irvin? Pfab: I am going to pass. Lehman: Steven? Kanner: Yes, just a second please. Can you come back in just a second? Lehman: Sure. 0'Donnell: Nothing. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoef: Just a good report. Last night they handed out to us at work meeting the new State of Iowa Transportation Map for bicyclists, which is an outstanding map. So, let's travel Iowa this summer and keep the gas in Iowa and ride our bicycles and use this map. That is all I have. Lehman: Ross? Wilbum: Just to point out that Connie and I had a subcommittee meeting with the University of Iowa Student Govemment and there is a note in your packet and to point that out to the press to take a look at that. It was a good meeting. Their president is going to let us know if at some point this fall they would like to have a joint meeting with two governmental bodies. Champion: And I think basically what we talked about was an agenda for that meeting- concerns on both parties. Vanderhoef: Good. Lehman: Connie? Champion: Nothing. Lehman: Steven? Kanner: Yeah, just a few things. One, we had talked before about the transit interchange down by Old Capitol Mall. And we were told at yesterday's work session that that building which will benefit bus workers to have a place to rest and also the public will be able to get information about our public transit, is moving along and hopefully will be signed in a deal in the near future. So we are keeping our fingers crossed is the word. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 34 Champion: Keep both hands crossed. Kanner: Both hands. And also we will be talking- it was brought to my attention by a citizen of Iowa City about the need for sidewalks on Highway 1 west of Riverside. And we are going to be talking about that issue and see if we would like to move on that or not along with some other areas that might need sidewalks. So that is something that will be coming up. If you have any input on that I recommend you contact us, your city council members. I wanted to make an announcement. There is going to be a meeting here in the council chambers tomorrow. It is the Johnson County Fire and Emergency Response Services. It is- a task force report has been issued and all of the players in Johnson County have been interviewed and are going to be coming together tomorrow. The public is invited to give input. I just wanted to note also that the fire chiefs throughout the county were interviewed and they listed a number of positive attributes that are going on currently with our emergency response and fire fighting capabilities. And one of them is that we have developed a county wide mutual aid system that is viewed as superior by most respondents. Those are people in the county. So I think that is a positive sign and hopefully we will keep moving forward. So come tomorrow at 7:00 PM if you are interested in further discussion. And then, the final thing is that we discussed at our work session the issue of increased police presence at the Pedestrian Mall downtown. And the City Manager stated that he heard a consensus- perhaps we have a slight difference of what that means- in my mind a consensus is we all agree. I should have said something yesterday but there might be a majority but I at this time don't see the need for increased police presence. I would like to see information statistics if vandalism has increased compared to previous years in a significant fashion and if accidents with bicycles have increased. And so I would like to see that evidence before I call for putting more presence there and also increased ticketing for some of these things. I would like to see the police increase their presence in handling cars and violent people and things that are much more destructive perhaps than other things that were brought up. And I would like to see the discussion in that kind of context. And just look for creative solutions and just look to groups perhaps like Bicyclists of Iowa City, Women' s Resource Action Center, United Action for Youth. Those are people that have a stake in harmful things that might be going on in the Ped Mall and might be very helpful. So I hope that we would look at some of those solutions along with the idea of increased police presence for some of the things that were brought up. Lehman: Steven, have you been down in the Ped Mall? Kanner: I spend quite a bit of time there. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 35 Lehman: And you don't see the need for police presence there? Kanner: I didn't say that Ernie. We are talking- Lehman: I thought that is what you just said. Kanner: There was a call for increased police presence and increased ticketing. There is a police presence there. We are not going to have zero police presence. I am not calling for an elimination of a police presence. I am saying that a call for increased police presence is something that we should explore further and I realize that there might be a majority for what was proposed and that is the way it will go but my wish is to consider other options along with increased police presence. Lehman: I think there is a significant number of people who do not feel that there is a police presence. I am not speaking about people sitting up here so much as I am the public. I am downtown everyday and there are- most of the time if I walk on the Ped Mall I do not see a police officer. Kanner: I am downtown during the day and the evening and I have heard from a number of people that they feel there is too much of a police presence. Champion: You didn't hear that from me. Kanner: That is true. O'Donnell: You are downtown in the day and evening? Kanner: What? O'Donnell: You are downtown in the day and evening? Kanner: At various times. O'Donnell: And you have not seen bicycles go up and down the sidewalks and roller blades and kids skating on the new benches we just spent a foreroe for? Kanner: I am not saying them might not be any problem. O'Donnell: You have not seen any damage? Kanner: I am not saying there might not be problems Mike but I think that we can look to create a solution and perhaps work with Bicyclists of Iowa City to say "how can we solve this problem?" Education perhaps, other positive reinforcement. And I would like to put it in the context- I am much more This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 36 scared with the cars that are making illegal turns and that are hitting some people and- O'Donnell: It is truly difficult to make an illegal tum downtown with a car. I mean, there is one way streets. You know, we have had a council member that just about got run over by a bicycle downtown. And I am not picking on bicycles. I support them but I always encourage them to ride safely. Kanner: I agree with you. O'Donnell: We have an ordinance in town that you can't ride a bicycle in the Ped Mall. And that is not being followed. So I am one of the people that is going to support what Connie brought up last night and I feel we do need police presence. Kanner: Certainly we will have a police presence, Mike. I think that the majority of bikers are following the rules. O'Donnell: I don't doubt that at all but it is the one that runs over somebody coming out of the Senior Center that is not following. And the same goes for a car. But we have received complaints about bicycles- Kanner: Has someone run over someone in front of the Senior Center? O'Donnell: No, I said it is the one that could happen Steven. And that one- what we have got to do is try to avoid that happening. And it is very possible that it could. Safety first. Lehman: I think the discussion, Steven, is right. I think the word consensus would indicate unanimity and that is not true. Consensus I think indicates the majority. The majority of council has expressed an interest in some of the activities on the Ped Mall and I think we probably can expect some sort of increased police presence. Champion: It isn't just bikers on the Ped Mall. I think bikers on Dubuque Street and Washington Street that are using the sidewalks are part of the menace also. It is- Lehman: Downtown period. Champion: Right. It is not just the Pedestrian Mall. Lehman: I have got a couple of things. I don't know- Connie, you were downtown Saturday afternoon because I saw you. Champion: It was wonderful. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 37 Lehman: The Great Antique Race sponsored by the History Channel went through Iowa City on Saturday. Absolutely a beautiful day but I have to say in addition to it being an absolutely delightful event, it was very, very exciting cars. There was a fellow by the name of Rex Brandstatter who should have an academy award. The guy did the most phenomenal job of MC'ing that I have ever seen in my life. If you listen to him you would have thought he had a script pages and pages long and the guy was getting his information from 5x7 cards that had about 3 lines of printing on each one. Champion: It was a terrific event. It was well attended. It was just really wonderful and I found the car of my dreams and I think I will just my retirement fund to buy it. Lehman: I saw you down there with Craig. Does he concur in that? Champion: He said he thought it would be a good idea. Lehman: I have got one other thing that I guess is not nearly a positive note as the Antique Car Races. I was personally very, very disappointed to see the editorial in today' s Press Citizen relative to the salary increases that this council decided unanimously to give to our three city employees. The intimation was that we were paying these three folks more than we were paying our regular city employees (can't hear). The fact of the matter is that the average increase in salary for the employees for the City of Iowa City last year was approximately 6.5%, not the 3.2 or 3.3 that was indicated in that article. I also am very much troubled by the invitation that the paper has placed to the people of the community to express their opinion as to whether or not these fine people have received increases in salary that are inappropriate. This group of folks was elected by the people of this community to hire the three folks that we have evaluated. In our judgements and nothing says that we can't be wrong, but in our judgement and in our unanimous judgement these three folks have performed extremely well and we have unanimously agreed that the raises that we gave them were appropriate. I am disappointed. I cannot apologize to you three folks for the Press Citizen but I am very frustrated by it and I am disappointed that a paper would show such insensitivity and such irresponsibility to the people of the community. O'Donnell: Very well said. Pfab: Can I have a chance to say something? Lehman: Everybody has a chance to say something. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. #23 Page 38 Pfab: I am confused about the- about some of us being so uncomfortable about installing security cameras in the public areas of the Ped Mall when we have security cameras in this building and in the Post Office and in almost every other public building in the area? But I know it makes some of us uncomfortable- that is just my concern. Lehman: Irvin, I suspect that after the discussion that we have had at the last couple of work sessions and visiting with Steve about the enforcement in the downtown area, that obviously that could be something that might- I think that is a consideration that may be a valid one down the line. At this point there weren't four people who were interested in doing it. O'Donnell: It would be far, far down the line Emie. Pfab: That is why I was stating my confusion about the uncomfortableness. Lehman: Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. 24c Page 39 ITEM NO. 24. REPORTS ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. c. City Manager. Atkins: You know, I thought a lot about a lot today about that editorial. Anything I saw is going appear I am whining. And I don't like that. I have also learned in my 30 years in this business don't pick a fight with a guy who buys ink by the barrel. But, I can't sit here and just take it without commenting. I thought- and I guess apparently mistakenly- that the editorial process was to encourage public comment. Reasonable discussion, reasonable debate, reasonable conversation. But the word "evil" was used- and this was from people who make their living with words. I believe that is a reprehensible word. And to use it to describe a person is reckless editorializing. It is baiting the public. It is a scare tactic. Let' s call people names so we can encourage public debate in that fashion. I don't deserve it and Marian and Eleanor, my friends and colleagues, they don't deserve to be part of that either. It seems that to encourage comment you paint a bulls eye on a public official. And then using words like "evil", all you are encouraging is hateful responses. And then the promise to print everything. I know better than that. We encourage people to get involved in this government. Everybody up here supports that. And you know, it is frustrating but it seems like all we are creating is a who's next list. Would you want to be treated that way? I would say that to my friends- to my enemies. It is really very, very sad for you, for me, for Eleanor, for Marian- and I am not speaking for them. They can take care of themselves. But those who want a life in public service, this is the kind of thing that discourages that. And finally, if you are going to write an editorial that involves me or any public employee, get it right. The numbers they used were wrong. So if you are going to comment and you are going to criticize, let' s make sure you do it right with the correct information. I normally don't- I respect the media as part of a free and open society. But I will be candid with you. Use of the word "evil" in an editorial describing someone with respect to compensation- that is a reprehensible word. That is all I have. Pfab: I would make a comment. And I think that probably we don't want to overlook the fact that it appears a lot of those editorials are written with one thing in mind and that is basically to try to sell more newspapers. I think it is not a very proper way to do it. Lehman: It is irresponsible journalism. Do we have a motion to adjourn? O'Donnell: I move we adjoum. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Second by Vanderhoef. All in favor? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000. 24c Page 4o All: Aye. Lehman: Motion carries. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City Council meeting of June 20, 2000.