HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-06-29 Info Packet of 6/22 ---- - CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
'~/;~' June 22, 2000
I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
IP1 Tentative Agenda and Meeting Schedule
IP2 Letter from Mayor to Jennifer Glass: Traffic Concerns on East Court Street
IP3 Letter from City Manager to Kent Angerer: Devonian Fossil Gore Project
IP4 Letter from City Manager to Lane Plugge: Taxation of Mobile Homes
IP5 Letter from City Attorney: New Assistant City Attorney
IP6 Letter from Steven Kanner: DARE Program
IP7 Letter from Chief of Police to City Manager: Steven Kanner's Tobacco Memo
IP8 Memorandum from Community Development Coordinator to City Manager:
Affordable Housing Funding Pool Recommendation
IP9 Memorandum from Sr. Civil Engineer to City Manager: Weatherdance Fountain
IPlo Letter from Johnson County SEATS to Mayor: Lease Agreement
Economic Development Committee meeting of June 29, 2000
Letter from Byron R. Ross, Devonian Fossil Gorge, Inc. to City
Officials
_,_ _ City Council Meeting Schedule and J.ne ~, 2000
'~"~ Tentative Work Session Agendas 6/22/00
IP I
I June 29 Thursday I
8:00a SPECIAL FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
I July 4 Tuesday
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY - City Offices Closed
I July 11 Tuesday
7:00p SPECIAL WORK SESSION Council Chambers
July 17 Monday
6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Council Chambers
I July 18 Tuesday I
7:00p FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
I July 31 Monday
6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Council Chambers
I August I Tuesday
7:00p FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
I...August 14 Monday
6:30p COUNCIL WORK SESSION Council Chambers
I August 15 Tuesday
7:00p FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Council Chambers
Meeting dates/times subject to change
FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS
Kirkwood Avenue Signalization Sidewalk Snow Removal
Campaign Contributions Sidewalk Cafes
6/22/oo
June ')9, 2000
tvis. Jennifer G~ass
1133 E. Cou~ 8tFeet
Re: YouF ~e~eF of ~y 15, 2000 pe~a~n)ng to tFa~c conceFns on EBst Cou~ 8tFeet
Deaf ~s.
A~eF FeceMng ~OUF ~e~eF of ~ay 1 S, the C)t~ Courtall d~scussed youF suggested ~od~f~c~t~ons to
the ne~ghboFhood tFa~G ca~ng pFOgFam at OUF ~OFk session on June ~ 2. A~eF d~sGuss~on, ~e
derided not to modify the pFov)s)on that stFeets ~]th B tFB~C volume oveF 3,000 vehicles peF d~
should not be e)~g~b)e foF the tFa~c ~a)m~ng pFOgFam. ~h~)e ~e undeFstBnd yOUF con~eFns, ~e
8Fe alSO conceFned Bbout the safet~ pFoblems ~h~ch ~ould FeSU)t fFO~ Bttempt~ng to c~)~ tFa~C
on stFeets ~th such h~gh tF~ff)C volume. ~e do not bed)eve tFaf~C cB)m)ng feBtuFes ~Fe sBfe on
h~gheF volume stFeets, Bnd B)so believe they cou)d FeSU)t ~n a ~hole ne~ set of pFob~ems fOF
yOUF ne)ghboFhood: ~FF]t~ted mOtOF~Sts honk~ng hoFns, dF~v~ng thFough yaFds, speeding between
the tFa~C ca)~ng featuFes, and geneFa~)y expFess)ng the~F )FF~tat)On. Unfo~unBte)~ th)s hBs been
the expeF~ence of otheF commun~Ues that have tF~ed tF~C ca~ng on higheF tF~C vo)u~e
stFeets.
OUF expeF~ence ~th ~ttempt~ng to cB~ tFBff)C on H~gh)~nd Avenue ~h~ch h~s B tF~c volume
s)~ghU~ undeF 3,000 vehicles peF da~ ~as not f~voFab)e and Fesu)ted )n the tFB~C CB~ng
fe~tuFes being Femoved ~fteF
that (heFe h~ve been otheF stFeets eva)uBted fOF the tF~C c~)ng pFOgF~ that h~ve been
found ~ne)~g[b~e because of the 3,000 veh~c)e peF d8~ tFa~C count pFOV~S)On.
)f theFe aFe spedf~c dBys of the ~eek Bnd t~mes of dBy ~hen you fee) tFa~c pFoble~s BFe
espeda)~y Bcute on East Cou~ 8tFeet, ~e can hBve the po~ce depa~ment conduct spot
enfoFce~ent duFfrig those t~es. A FegU)~F pFOgFB~ Of SpOt po)~ce enfoFce~ent hBs been sho~n
to be e~ecUve ~n Fedudng aggFess)ve motoF~st behav~oF. Let us kno~ ~f you ~ou)d )~ke to pUFSUe
this opUon.
S)n~eFe
EFnest ~. LehmBn
~ayOF
C)W Cound)
C]W ~anageF
A~t~ng TFa~c Eng)neeFing P)BnneF
Po)~ce Depa~ent
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 - FAX (319) 356-5009
6/22/00
CRy
June 16, 2000 ~~
Kent Angerer
Devonian Fossil Gorge, Inc.
2188 Scales Bend Rd. NE
North Liberty, IA 52317
Dear Kent:
At their regularly scheduled work session of June 12 the City Council discussed the request for
in funding to the Devonian Fossil Gorge Projed. There was interest on the pa~ of the City
Council in contributing $20,000 to this project. I would expect them to consider a resolution at
their July 18 meeting. They do have an interest in securing from you a list of your other
contributors. Please direct correspondence to my attention providing this information and any
other factors you believe would be helpful to the Council.
Thank you,
City Manager
cc: City Council
Mgr%ltr%c~-I 3.d~
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX (319) 356-5009
6/22/00
I ~ I IP4
June 19, 2000 F~Iii~ ~.~
Lane Plugge
School Superintendent
509 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Lane:
You may recall at our last joint meeting the issue of taxation of mobile homes was discussed by
our respective Board. We agreed that it may be appropriate to request the State legislature to
revamp the rather antiquated tax code as it relates to homes in mobile home parks.
The Iowa League of Cities has pursued this matter before the legislature and as we discussed it
seems that associations representing counties and schools might be well served to address this
issue.
Chapter 435 of the Iowa Code governs the tax on homes and mobile home parks. It would seem
mobile home has also become is a rather outdated term. For the purposes of discussion we
would refer to these homes as a mobile home whether they were mobile, manufactured, or
modular when located within these mobile home parks. Because the owner of the home within a
park does not own the land, the home is considered personal property and taxed on a square
foot basis. Homes located outside of parks are assessed as real property and therefore subject
to the current property tax levy rates.
After the square footage of a mobile home within a park has been determined it is multiplied by
10 cents. The process is completed semi-annually and results in a total of 20 cents per square
foot per year. This rate has not been increased since 1970.
Using a CPI we could assume that 20 cents in 1970 has a value today of about 35.2 cents.
These numbers were developed by the Iowa League of Cities. The average square footage for
a double wide home is approximately 1,550 square feet. From this information we can do an
assessment of the revenue loss from inflation alone.
1550 sq. ft. @ 35.2¢ = $545.60
1550 sq. ft. @ 20¢ = $310.00
Loss $235.60
This problem of revenue loss is compounded even further because the mobile homes within a
park are allowed a lower rate for depreciation. After five years the home is only taxed at 90% of
its square footage value. After 10 years it drops to 80% and continues for the life of the home. In
1970 an aluminum sided trailer could be purchased for approximately $3,000. Today a
manufactured home is likely not to be able to be purchased for less than $35,000 +. Double
wide homes can cost as much as $80,000 depending on amenities. The homes built today are
built substantially with the same materials as a site built home. The manufacturers of these
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 o FAX (319) 356-5009
2
homes promote their homes as a quality product and as good as any other home on the market.
For years the Manufactured Housing Association has been adamant that the residents of these
homes should not be treated differently than any other class of property owners.
The difficulty we will have is to sell the legislators because it is perceived as a tax increase
rather than a tax equity or fairness issue.
The Iowa League of Cities has recommended that residential and commercial customers paying
taxes on the assessed real value of their property are in effect subsidizing the residents of these
parks. All classes of taxpayers receive the same access to services such as our police and fire
protection.
Hopefully we can resolve this tax inequity as a matter of fairness to all of the governments that
provide public services to our citizens who choose this particular style of housing unit.
Sincerely,
City Manager
cc: City Council
mgr\ltrs\mobhomes .doc
City of Iowa City
IP 5
MEMORANDUM ' '
Date: June 22, 2000
To: City Council
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Re: New Assistant City Attorney
I have hired Susan Dulek to fill the Assistant City Attorney position. Sue has been a staff
attorney with Legal Services Corporation in Iowa City for the last 14 years and has been an
active and well-respected member of both the Iowa and Johnson County Bar Associations. I feel
fortunate to have hired someone with such extensive experience. For the most part, Sue will
take over those areas that were being handled by Dennis, with the exception of Board of
Adjustment which will again be assigned to Sarah Holecek. Attached you will find the primary
assignments of each attorney in my office.
Sue will start on July 5, 2000.
Attachment
cc: Steve Atkins
Dale Helling
Marian Karr
Department and Division Heads
Sue Dulek
eleanor/mem/dulek.doc
ATTORNEY ASSIGNMENTS
Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney
City Council
City Manager/Assistant City Manager
City Clerk
Public Works and Engineering
Finance Department
Human Rights Commission/Coordinator
Property acquisition and coordination of the same
Litigation supervision
PCRB
Police Department
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Planning & Zoning Commission/Planning Department (excluding Community
Development and JCCOG Human Services)
PCRB
Police Department
Personnel/Civil Service/Pension
Board of Adjustment
Andrew Matthews, Assistant City Attorney
Community Development and JCCOG Human Services
Cable and Cable Commission
Library
Fire Department
Parking & Transit
Parks & Recreation
Cemetery
Magistrate's Court (¼)
Litigation as assigned
City Assessor/Tax Assessment Appeals
Susan Dulek, Assistant City Attorney
Housing & Inspection Services/code enforcement
Public Housing Authority
Human Rights Commission
Airport
Animal Control
Magistrate's Court (%)
Senior Center
Property acquisition as assigned
Litigation as assigned
Deer Management Committee
eleanor\mernos~assign.doc
T E V E N K A N N E R 6xzzxoo
IP 6
City C uncilmember. Iowa City
Home Address: 515 E. College St., #3, Iowa City, Iowa 52245 (319)338-8865
To: City Council & City Manager
From: StevenKanner
Re: Ineffectiveness of DARE program
Date: June 21, 2000
Below is a copy of a recent article that appeared in the I.C. Gazette. It highlights yet another
study about the ineffectiveness of the DARE program. I hope that as a Council we will continue to
study the merits of the DARE program and consider working with other programs that are more
effective in helping Iowa City's children grow to be strong and healthy children.
If, as some Council members have pointed out, the DARE program, as currently funded by
Iowa City, is an effective way to have I.C. police and school age children interact, we ought to
consider that as a separate issue. Then we ought to evaluate if this is the best way to accomplish our
goals of this type of interaction.
cc: Iowa City School Board & Superintendent
, Mixed results from drug programs
s Washington Post Awareness and Resistance EduCation, which de-
~, WASHINGTON- The Education Department tails uniformed police to .classrooms to .give
~s has plenty to do in getting schools to adopt 'anti-drug talks.
proven drug-prevention programs.
"These programs may be popular with the
.'d Two years ago, the department laid down new public and the schools, but there is little or no
to rules requiring school districts to spend funds Peer-reviewed research to show that they-'have
v- under the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and been proven to be' strong and effective in
s, Communities Act for "research-based" programs cornbating drug use," said Denise Hallfors, a
't and to evaluate the results periodically. School University of North Carolina researcher who
districts share $440 million a year under the 1987 surveyed 81 districts in 11 states, including
~t law passed during President Ronald Reagan's Maryland.
y "War on Drugs." Bill Modzelews, ki, 'director'of the drug-flee
1, But a North Carolina researcher has found schools program, said the survey's findings are .
;e that the most popular programs continue to be "probably 'accurate, but changing. I dO think we
the ones that don't have a track record of are doing a good job of eliminating programs
st turning schoolchildren away from drugs. One that don't work."
popular but ineffective program is D.A.R.E., Drug Enforcement of the new rule is decentralized.
6/22/00
IP 7
MEMORANDUM /
TO: Steve Atkins, City Manager
FROM: R.J. Winkelhake, Chief of Police
RE: STEVEN KANNER'S TOBACCO MEMO
DATE: June 6, 2000
Between January 1, 1999 and December 31, 1999 the ICPD conducted 101
checks of Iowa City businesses that sell tobacco products. In these checks
juveniles were able to purchase cigarettes on 16 occasions. In those 16
instances, 15 charges were issued. The one case in which no charges were
filed was because the juvenile involved didn't follow GrantJICPD procedures (ie:
not stating his age when asked).
Using calendar year as the standard for comparison, this gives a 15.8% non-
compliance rate for 1999. Of the fifteen citations issued in 1999, I believe that all
have been resolved through guilty pleas, giving the program a 100% conviction
rate for charges issued.
In none of the cases has an assessment of a penalty been requested against the
retailer/employer. This was going to be performed by the County Attorney's
Office, but has not occurred.
In 1998, 171 charges were filed for underage use of tobacco products and 108 in
1999. In 2000 63 charges have been made from January to June.
The checks will resume as soon as the department has the list of individuals who
have been trained to make or attempt the purchase of tobacco products.
City of Iowa City 6/22/00
IP 8
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 16, 2000
TO: City Manager or(~,~~
FROM: Steve Nasby, Community Development Coordinat
RE: Affordable Housing Funding Pool Recommendation
An article in today's Press-C/t/zen (please see attached) briefly described the Housing and
Community Development Commission's action on the request by Metro Plains LLC for
funding from the City's Affordable Housing Funding Pool (AHFP). As you may recall, the
AHFP was one of the strategies approved by the City Council (1997) as a part of the
Community Housing Forum. The AHFP is comprised of General Funds and HOME funds.
When the AHFP was approved the General Fund commitment was for $150,000. ]En addition,
the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) and Council approved an
allocation of $50,000 in HOME funds to the AHFP in FY00. These AHFP monies are in the
l:orm of a loan, which will be repaid to the City with interest.
At their meeting on June 15th the HCDC discussed the application from Metro Plains, LLC for
a $225,000 loan. The proposed project, Village Green Commons, will contain 30 units of
affordable family rental housing in 15 duplex or zero-lot line structures. These units will
have ::[200-1400 square feet, 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The proposed plan shows a
traditional neighborhood design with porches in the front, garages in the rear and shared
driveways.
As proposed, the project will cost approximately $4,020,000. Our commitment of $225,000
will enable Metro Plains LLC to meet the threshold requirements for an application to the
Iowa Finance Authority and ]~owa Department of Economic Development.
After discussion on the proposal HCDC voted 5-0 to recommend $225,000 in AHFP monies
be loaned to Metro Plains LLC for the Village Green Commons project. The recommendation
is contingent upon Metro Plains LLC being awarded tax credits and the AHFP loan be
structured to allow for graduated payments depending upon cash flow.
Due to the requirements of the Iowa Finance Authority, this recommendation by the HCDC
will be forwarded to the City Council for their July 18th meeting. if you have any questions
on the AHFP or the Village Green Commons proposal please call me at 356-5248 or e-mail.
Cc: Karin Franklin, Director of Planning and Community Development
Panel wants city to subsidize housing
By Fred Lucas rental tulils al the Village Green month, MetroPlains Development There willbe two 1,400 square-
Zo.,<~ ('/ell P,.es,,. c '/r/z,.,, m'ea, tw~u' Wintergreen Drive. The Coordja~ator Jeanne Kelsey said. feet units for disabled people.
fm~<ls would come oul of tile "One of the highest needs in Construction cotlid begin as early
To help address a lack of low- city's Affordable Housing Iowa City is family housing," she as spring.
income fm~Tily housing, h-~wa City ELmdrag Pool. said. To qualify, a fro-ally of four is
might provide five percent of the Housing (Fhairwoman Jane Kelsey said sin-tilar-size hous- limited to an income of $33,060, or
cost for a Midwest development Mon~ski said there is a lack of ing is usually rented for between 60 percent oft he median income.
fu'm to buikI 30 ~fflbrdable helLsing lbr families in $1,200 and $1,500 a month. Kelsey said MetroPlains would
Iowa City t h r e e- b e d r o o m Iowa City. Iowa City Community pay $225,000 back to the city over
duplexes on the "Most housh~g near employ- Development Planner Steve a 20-year period.
city's east side. ment ~u'eas or ne~u' the tu~iversity Nasby said the area Ls about six The total cost of the project iS
The Housing and (?onununity ks with students h~ mh~d," Morastd acres. $4 million. Kelsey said other ".f~M-
Development Committee voted 5- stud. "If you're a Ira'get ffuffdy you According to a MetroPlains ing sources would include~t!t
0 to reconm~end that lhe Iowa woukl have few'eroptiotLs." project description, each home $900,000 from the.state
City Councfi grm~t $225,000 for The rent for the two-story, will have a combined living room ftmclh~g and tax credits, withi'the
MetroPlai.ns Development LLC of 1200 squm'e-foot duplexes would and cth~h~g room, a full ldtchen, rest from a priv4ie loan frblil u.s, ..
st. Paul to construct the m'ea 1br range fi'om $620 to $760 per and one and one-half baths. Ban.k.
4 ,.,,:
City of Iowa City
_ IP9
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 16, 2000 ~
To: Steve Atkins /'
From: Rob Winstead ~ ~~
Re: Weatherdance Fountain
Council Member Ross Wilburn has requested a memo addressing the following
question, "Is the water in the Weatherdance Fountain treated?"
The answer is yes.
The water passing through the fountain system is a combination of fresh potable water
from the city water system and water that is being recirculated through the fountain.
Only the water draining through the grates in the "kidney bean" shaped landing area is
sent back for recirculation. Prior to recirculation, bromine (in tablet form) is added to the
system. Bromine tablets serve as a safe, effective, slow dissolving bactericide,
algaecide, and disinfectant and is commonly used in pools and spas. To date, the
fountain installer has regularly tested the water to insure proper pH, alkalinity and
chlorination. The city will be taking over these tasks very soon.
Cc: Rick Fosse, City Engineer
Terry Trueblood, Parks and Recreation Director
'EAT '
..... 6/22/00
IP 10
J )HNSON C UNTY
1701 S. Riverside Dr.
Iowa City, IA 52246 ~ ~ ~ ~ i) ~ ~
(319) 339-6125 ,ILL JUN 11 2000
June 13, 2000 /
Cl'ff MJ G R'S OFFICE
Mr. Ernie Lehman, Mayor
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City IA 52240
Dear Mr. Lehman:
On behalf of Johnson County SEATS I would like to request the assistance of
both you and the Iowa City Council in encouraging the Iowa City Airport
Commission to allow us to be released from our lease agreement early.
Currently Johnson County SEATS is leasing the facility at 1701 Riverside Drive
from the Airport Commission. Our lease is due to expire on December 1, 2001.
The Airport Commission has informed us that we will not be able to renew or
extend this lease since this facility is scheduled for destruction based on the
Airport Master Plan. Therefore, we have to find another facility in which to
relocate.
The current facility is inadequate for housing our vehicles which has caused our
department to have to work out of two different sites. This causes maintenance,
administrative and personnel issues to arise. In order to remedy these difficulties
we have attempted to find a location where we can store our vehicles and
provide administrative offices at the same location. With the relationship that
SEATS has with Iowa City and Coralville, the Johnson County Council of
Governments was asked to assist in our search. The few facilities, which have
been identified, are not feasible solutions due to either a lack of sufficient space
or that the renovation of the facility would not be cost effective.
Because we are going to lease space again (until such time that it is feasible to
have a facility built), we have looked for space that would not be too costly to
renovate or remodel but would still provide the housing requirements necessary.
It is our hope that the move to another location would be able to be done in a
cost-effective manner so as not to create a financial hardship on the operation
costs of the current service. At this time, we have located a facility, which would
provide an area for inside storage of the majority of our vehicles and enough
office space for the administration of the service.
The owner of the facility would like to have us move in as soon as the space is
made ready. It is expected that the space would be ready for occupancy by
August 1, 2000. This is where the problem arises. Since our lease does not
expire until December 2001 we would have to pay the remaining months' lease
(thus paying two rental costs) on top of the cost of preparing the space for our
use. This would cost the County an additional $17,510.00 if we were to move out
by August I st
Therefore, it is again my hope that you and the City Council will assist this
department not to be burdened with an operational cost which would hinder our
move to another location that meets the majority of our needs. I thank you in
advance for your expedient assistance in this matter. If you have any questions
or would like to meet regarding this issue, please call me at 339-6128.
Sincerely,
Lisa Dewey ~ """"
Director
AGENDA
Iowa City City Council
Economic Development Committee
Thursday, June 29, 2000
3:30 pm
Lobby Conference Room
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of minutes of April 12, 2000
3. Discussion of Business Survey
4. New ICAD Contract
5. Council Goals
6. Committee projects, plans, policy proposals
7. Other Business
8. Adjournment
~ ...... 04-20-00
IP13 J
oo.,.,,.. PRELIMINARY
Wednesday, April 12, 2000 - 3:30 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room Subject t0 Approval ~
Members Present: Ernie Lehman, Dee Vanderhoef, Ross Wilburn
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Steve Atkins, Dale Helling, Karin Franklin, David Schoon
Others Present: Adam Lowenstein; Fred Lucas; Karen Michaeli
Introductory Comments
Atkins reviewed the purpose for why the committee was formed.
Organization of Committee
Meeting Frequency. Committee members agreed that it should hold regularly scheduled
monthly meetings as well as meet as needed.
Staff Assignment. Atkins indicated that he, Franklin, and Schoon would initially be
involved with the Committee's activities, but over time Schoon would become the lead
staff person for the Committee.
Open Meetings. Lehman reminded committee members that two committee members form
a quorum of the committee, so any discussion of economic development items amongst
members must take place at a committee meeting. This means that meetings with
prospects that would like to keep their project confidential can only meet with one
councilor at a time.
Report to Council. Initial reports to the City Council will be in the form of committee
minutes.
Expectations. Lehman requested information on how other communities carryout their
economic development activities. Wilburn indicated that the role of committee members is
to sell Iowa City. Wilburn also indicated that he would like the committee to address
business development issues on the southeast side of Iowa City,
Review of Economic Development Strategy
Vanderhoef spoke about developing a list of Iowa City companies which Committee
members would visit. Wilburn mentioned a support your local economy promotion.
Vanderhoef asked for an update on Health Center USA. Arkins reminded the Council about
the Business Outreach Survey and that the results will be compiled soon.
Atkins presented the Committee with the idea of changing the relationship with ICAD from
contributory to contractual. Atkins encouraged the Council to reconfirm its commitment to
ICAD by establishing a new relationship that contractually spells out the services ICAD
would provide the City. Committee members supported this change in relationship and
each committee member will forward to Schoon items they would like to see included in
such a contract with ICAD. Staff was directed to begin working on such a contract.
Committee members also wanted the message forwarded to ICAD that they plan to play a
bigger role in economic development and want to be more involved in the whole process.
Franklin reviewed the Development Code Review process that the City is undergoing. The
City will be meeting with the consultant on May 1 and 2. The consultant has
approximately four months to evaluate the code and make recommendations.
Vanderhoef stated she would like the City to look further at the research park component
of the area economy and to specifically look at the west side of town along the Avenue of
the Saints to place these activities.
In response to Atkins question, the Committee indicated a desire to further look at
economic development playing a bigger role in the use of CDBG money. The Committee
also reviewed that they have $500,000 in operating dollars and $2 million in capital dollars
for economic development activities.
Franklin reviewed with the committee that they will need to begin to make choices
between projects they will provide assistance and determining what type of criteria they
wish to use when making choices. Lehman suggested they may use different criteria for
projects that require an investment of public dollars versus those requesting tax abatement
or tif financing.
Lehman stated he thinks we need to look at marketing Iowa City as a retirement
community and also using the strengths of the University of Iowa, Wilburn added we also
need to use the strengths of Kirkwood Community College. Wilburn stated we need to do
a better job of letting businesses know we are interested in their expansion plans. Lehman
suggested that the Committee write letters of appreciation to industries that make
significant expansions in Iowa City. Wilburn also indicated an interest in reaching out to
minority-owned businesses and to businesses which provide products and services to
minorities.
Atkins indicated that he can see four areas of the community that the Committee may
want to focus its attention over the next several months. They include the North Airport
Commercial Area, Towncrest, Sycamore, and Pepperwood.
Meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
u:\~les\economic development committee minutes april 12.doc
CONTRACT BETWEEN THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
AND
IOWA CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT, GROUP, INC.
The Iowa City Area Development Group, Inc. (hereafter referred to as ICAD), incorporated
under the Iowa Nonprofit Corporation Act, Chapter 504A, Code of Iowa, was formed to achieve
the mission of facilitating private and public actions that enhance the economic well-being of
Iowa City area residents.
To carry out this mission, ICAD has established the following objectives:
1. Recruit selected businesses to the Iowa City area, which diversify the economy, match
the area's assets, and fulfill community needs and desires;
2. Facilitate the growth of existing businesses;
3. Encourage the development and expansion of a quality workforce;
4. Promote regional economic growth;
5. Communicate with investors and the public at large.
As incorporated as a nonprofit corporation, ICAD agrees to serve as a partner with the City of
Iowa City for economic development promotion and recruitment activities within the corporate
limits of Iowa City in accordance with the above purposes. More specifically, ICAD will provide
the following services to the City of Iowa City in each of the objective areas:
1 ) Business Recruitment
a) Prepare and implement an annual marketing plan that identifies how Iowa City will be
marketed to businesses on Iowa City's industries/opportunities list.
b) Work with clients/prospects that have identified an interest in Iowa City by.
i) Preparing responses to client/prospects request for information through a
cooperative relationship with City economic development staff.
ii) Organizing client/prospect visits to Iowa City sites which include either a member of
the City Council Economic Development Committee and/or City staff member.
iii) Working cooperatively with City staff when leveraging state and regional economic
development efforts and programs, by being knowledgeable of the details of all
relevant state programs (grants, loans, etc.) and assisting companies to develop
application materials.
iv) Providing a monthly list of prospects/clients to the Iowa City Economic Development
Division listing a prospects/clients degree of interest in Iowa City.
c) Establish and maintain a presence on the World Wide Web of economic development
opportunities and activities in Iowa City.
2) Business Expansion and Retention
a) Maintain ongoing communication with local and corporate decision-makers.
i) Once a year visit each major company plant manager in Iowa City with a member of
the City Council's Economic Development Committee and/or a City staff member.
ii) Every other year arrange visits to corporate headquarters of major companies with
facilities in Iowa City. Each visit should include a member of the City Council's
Economic Development Committee and/or City staff member.
b) Immediately contact the Iowa City Economic Development Division regarding an existing
business' interest in locating outside of the Iowa City corporate limits.
c) Educate local companies about state and local programs available to assist in expansion
plans.
3) Workforce Development and Expansion
a) Act as the lead organization on behalf of the City of Iowa City on workforce development
issues.
4) Regional Growth Promotion
a) Apprise and include the Mayor, City Manager, or Economic Development Coordinator in
any regional economic development efforts.
5) Communication.
a) In February of each year, present an annual budget to the Iowa City City Council and
describe the programs and activities in the upcoming fiscal year that ICAD will undertake
which will achieve the above purposes within the Iowa City corporate limits;
b) In August of each year, present an annual progress report to the Iowa City City Council
regarding programs and activities that took place in the past year.
c) Provide a quarterly newsletter to City Council members and appropriate City staff.
d) In cooperation with the City's Cable Division and Economic Development Division,
annually prepare a video for broadcasting on Government Channel 4 which highlights
the previous years economic development activities within Iowa City.
For this service, ICAD will receive the sum of $50,000 per year to begin on July 1, 2000. The
annual payment will be made in four equal installments on July 15, October 15, January 15, and
April 15.
CITY OF IOWA CITY IOWA CITY AREA
DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC
Ernest Lehman Martin J. Kelly
Approved by:
City Attorney's Office
u:\files\economic development strategy\contract between the city and icad.doc
ICAD's Mission is to facilitate private and public
actions that enhance the economic well-being
of area residents.
Obiectives and Strateqies for FY 2000 and BeVond:
1. ICAD will recruit selected businesses to our area, which diversify the economy,
match our assets and fulfill community needs and desires.
Maintain regular contact with all major contributors. Initiate and sustain regular verbal
communications, in order to identify specific community assets, needs and desires.
Work with the IDED and member communities to identify appropriate targeted industries
(e,g. food processing, software development, light manufacturing, biotechnology,
pharmaceutical and medical sciences); develop targeted opportunities for economic
development.
· Develop proactive marketing information and approaches to companies within these
segments.
· Market the Iowa City Area through correspondence, phone calls, in-person presentations,
printed materials and the Internet.
· Work with prospects/clients that have identified an interest in the area.
· Leverage state and regional economic development efforts and programs, by being
knowledgeable of the details of all relevant state programs (grants, loans, etc.) and
assisting companies to develop application materials.
Janua~ 31,2000 lo
Objectives and Strateqies for FY 2000 and Beyond: (con't)
2. ICAD will facilitate the growth of existing businesses.
· Maintain ongoing communication with local and corporate business decision- makers.
Visit each company plant manager once or twice a year. Convene a major business
roundtable quarterly or as needed, to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.
· Educate local companies about the state programs available to assist in expansion
plans. Assist companies in developing applications.
3. ICAD will encourage the development and expansion of a quality workforce.
· Coordinate the identification of
· immediate and future needs of the area's employers.
· size and capabilities of the area's workforce.
· shortfalls.
· Participate in and coordinate efforts to
· retain existing workforce
· recruit employees from outside the area, and
· train/retrain the workforce.
· Stay abreast of workforce development issues and position ICAD as a strategic partner to
organizations and businesses in their workforce development efforts.
January 31,2000 I t
Objectives and Strategies for FY 2000 and Beyond: (con't)
4. ICAD will promote regional economic growth.
· Maintain strong, flexible, complementary and cooperative working relationships with
· City managers and key city planning and economic development employees
· UI and Kirkwood staff involved in economic development
· Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce staff, board and Economic Growth committee
members. Participate in the Chamber Board and the Economic Growth committee.
· utility providers
· the Iowa Department of Economic Development
· Provide active leadership in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor initiatives.
· Assist, through information and referrals, in the creation of opportunities for start-up
business, entrepreneurial business and small business.
5. ICAD will Communicate with investors and the public at large.
· Develop and circulate a quarterly newsletter to all investors.
~ Coordinate update meetings and make regular presentations about ICAD, its mission and
its accomplishments to area city councils, rural representatives, the Chamber Board,
economic development committees, service groups, etc.
· Provide or arrange positive interviews for the press about ICAD accomplishments, to the
degree acceptable to businesses recruited or assisted.
· Develop recognition of ICAD as the driving force for economic development in Johnson
County, through the above efforts.
January 31, 2000
ICAD Status REPORT
Issued 1/31/00
YEAR TO DATE OUTCOMES
Outcomes Jan. Total YTD- Comments
2000 (Calendar
Year)
Prospect Inquiries Handled - 2 2 Bio-Tech (CA), Realty Consultant
via phone
Prospect Inquiries Handled - 9 9 Realty Consultants, Fast Food Chain,
via letter Marketing/Graphics Firm,
Water Purification
Prospect Inquiries Handled - I I Construction
via email
Workforce Data Requests 0 0
Handled
- Member organization
Workforce Data Requests 0 0
Handled
- non-member local
organization
Workforce IDED Data 0 0
Requests Handled
Building/Land Data Requests 2 2
Handled- Member
Building/Land Data Requests 1 1 Software Company
Handled- non-member, local Biotech Company
Building/Land IDED Data 0 0
Requests Handled
# Prospect Visits arranged 0 0
# IDED requests reviewed 3 3 Rudi's Bakery, (Economic Development)
Press Inquiries Handled 7 7 Kalona News, KXIC, North Liberty (Leader), Iowa City
Gazette and Press Citizen
Proposals/information sent 0 0
unsolicited to targeted
prospects
ICAD Presentations to 1 1 Iowa City Rotary
Groups
Estimated attendance at 300 300
group presentations
January 31,2000
i
YEAR TO DATE OUTCOMES CON'T
Outcomes Jan. Total YTD- Comments
2000 (Calendar
Year)
Trade Shows Attended 0 0
Estimated # of prospects 0 0
contacted at trade shows
New investors approached 6 6 Jelinek Construction; Iowa Realty; Brenton Bank
Clairon Hotel; IDT; Kirk Hiland
New investors I 1 Freedom Security Bank - Increased investment as they
open an office in Coralville
New Investment $ $500 $500
Current member update 0 0
phone calls
Current member group 0 0
update/issue meetings
Every-member newsletter 0 0 Newsletter in progress. Will be distributed in February.
printed & sent
Existing member sites visited 1 1
January 31,2000 14
MEM~M 0F UNDFJtSTII)IN(t
8EI~NI~EN ~
~ OF ~A ~
~A ~ ,*d:tEA DL=VELOPMEI~rr GROUP, INC.
~ Iowa C, ity Area Oevelc~x~ent Group, Inc. ~ereatter referr~d to as ICAD Group), incorl:K:xated
urntier ~e Iowa NonFofit Coflxxation ~ C, hapter 50,IA, C,<~e of Iow~ is operate~;I exdusiveh/
to:
1. Pr~HT~Ote. stimulate, develop ~ advance fie economic prospedW and welfare of
~wa C. Aty metfopc4itan and a~acent g~rapl~ic
2. Encourage ~ assist fe location of new businesses, ~ofessions and industries in suc~
area;
3. I:~ehat~T~tate ar~:l assist existi~ businesses, Fofesslons ar~cl irH:lustrles in sud~ area;
4. Stimulate and assist in fie ex,o~u'~=,ion of any kjnd of business. professlont ~ industri~
a~ whic~'~ woukl tend to FofrH~te economic development ~ malnt~n economic
~abr~ in str..h
5. Prov(de maximum opl:,~rtunities for employmerd~ encourage ~rift and impova
standard of livir~ ~ ~e resk:ients of such area; euxl
6. ~perate ~ a~ in conjur,:~j<m ~ ofer organizations, public
Fomotk~ ~ advancement of business, Fofesslonal, ir,:!ustrkd, commerd~, agriculturl
~ recfeation~d development in such area.
~ <>oflxxated, ~ IC/ad:) Group agrees to seWe as ~ en~ resi:K~nsrole for econorrdc
devek>pment, Fomolion ~ recruitment activities for t!~ CAty of Iowa C, ity in ac~ordance
~ ~dxwe ixnlxt, es. For ~ sentice ~ Group ~ receive ~e sum ~ $,40,(X:)0 ffi year, to
~In on ~ 1, 1~. ~ e~nued ~ent will be made in four equl instedlments on. Ju~ 15,
october January and .',ora..
This memorYurn is ~ intended to cover ~ asi:mcts ~ ~ parties' relationship, 13qjt only as
a record of tl~ek general unclerst~'td'~ of ~e obligations of one to trm other.
. wA
CrI'Y OF K:)%fVA ~ p~LOPMEi~FI' GROUP, INC.
C~akl, Mayof
.a%oproved ~
City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date: June 1, 2000
To: City Council
From: City Manager
Re: Council Goals - 2000
Attached is a summary of the Council goals following your meeting of May 25. At your work
session of June 12 I would like you to confirm these goals so I can begin the depadment
assignments.
cc: Department Directors
jwlmlm/la-goils. doc
Council Goals
May 25, 2000
Priority # of
Rank Votes Goal
I 7 Create a community events advisory committee to the City
Council. The purpose of the committee is to recommend to the City on
vadous community cultural, entertainment and related activities. The
events would include JazzFest, ArtsFest, Ads Iowa City, etc.
2 7 Provide City Council with greater Information and education
concerning housing issues, notably their role as the Public
Housing Authority.
3 7 Create more ways for the youth of our community to become
involved in community development and the processes of
govemment. Some suggested ideas were the involvement of the
schools, neighborhood associations, use of the Senior Center.
4 6 City Plaza. Address the problem of irresponsible behavior by certain
users of City Plaza. As needed, increase police presence. Problems
include public drunkenness, litter/trash, inappropriate
language/behavior directed at others, destruction of
property/vandalism.
5 5 Regional fire protection district. Consider how to create a regional
(county-wide) fire protection system, including emergency medical
response. If appropriate, what possibilities exist for regional law
enforcement.
6 5 Fourth fire station. Add the capability of ambulance response from
the new station.
7 5 Upgrade North Dubuque Street as an entryway into the city.
Improve lighting, aesthetics and work with University of Iowa.
8 5 More comprehensive approach to regional transportation
planning. Includes expanded SEATS services (hours of operation),
land development in the com'dor, the transportation plans of other
jurisdictions outside Johnson County, and exploration of options to
support mass transit.
9 5 Two phases for economic development initiatives:
Long term: Promote the City as a place for employers to relocate,
provide for availability of industrial land, encourage minodty business
enterprise (MBE), use CDBG funds for start-up businesses and
creation of an economic development revolving fund. Work to preserve
the economic vitality of downtown and the inner city.
Short term: Look to specific project areas such as Sycamore,
Towncrest, Broadway. Encourage public/private partnerships and
pursue Airport North Commercial Area for development.
10 3 Emergency Housing Program (EHP). Educate the community
concerning EHP programs, policies and needs. Consider greater City
involvement in support of EHP. Ask Coralville to become actively
involved, possibly providing an additional site in their community.
1 t 3 City labor force. Prepare a report projecting City labor force needs
and budget implications for the future. Future not defined.
12 3 Review zoning code concerning the regulations for transitional
housing and public housing in city neighborhoods.
Priority # of
Rank Votes Goal
t 3 3 Promote increased child care services, including specialized
care.
14 2 Create greater public awareness for keeping the city clean -
including litter and trash removal, smokers discarding cigarette butts,
etc.
t 5 2 Affordable Dream Homeownership Program and Tenant to
Ownership Program, Pursue a policy of expanding these programs to
the fuIlest extent practical. Propose options to accomplish this goal.
16 2 Livable wage. Have a policy whereby all City employees and those
who have contracts with the City must pay a livable wage.
'! 7 2 Seek greater citizen Involvement. Encourage diversity in
participation and pursue positive reinforcement for youth involvement.
18 2 Promote Iowa City as a place for retirees to live, Have the Senior
Center Commission review and recommend on this goal.
19 I City-owned fiber optics network. Pursue the possibility of the City
extending the fiber optice system City-wide and thereby available to all
businesses and residences.
20 I Affordable housing - rent control.
2t 0 Leash law enforcement. Enforce existing laws and, where
appropriate, create positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior.
22 0 Deer Creek Road.
rng~coundlgoals2000.doc
Economic Development Committee
"Committee Projects, Plans, Policy Proposals"
· Business development issues - S .E . Iowa City
· List of Iowa City companies for Committee to visit
· Support your local economy promotion
· Update Health Center USA
· Review of research park component of our economy, specifically west
side near Avenue of Saints
· Review criteria for projects that require a public investment, those
requesting tax abatement
· Marketing Iowa City as a retirement community
· Better information to businesses about our interest in their expansion
plans
· Outreach to minority-ovvned businesses
!own Cily Business Oulreac v O
.:
Cily Government-
Ctly Government - ~ervices & Stall
General ~ummar~ ol ~ommenls
How will snrve Resnlls ]~e l/setl?
DEVONIAN FOSSIL GORGE, INC.
°/~BYRON R. ROSS
2188 SCALES BEND RD NE
NORTH LIBERTY, IA 52317
June 15, 2000
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: Pledge of $20,000 to be paid in July 2000
To all City Officials concerned:
In 1993, a major flood eroded a deep channel into the area below the Coralville Dam spillway exposing
acres of a 375 million-year-old I)evonian-age sea floor and now visitors can now observe first-hand the
foss~ shells of sea dwelling ammals normally hidden from view or seen only on quarry faces, road cuts or
extreme cut banks. A group was formed to promote and presen, e this rare and intellectual 375 million-year
old resource that is drawing approximately 100,000 visitors annually. A brief history from 1996 to date
follows:
INCORPORATION AND FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
On October 28, 1996, we received a Certificate of Incorporation from the Iowa Secretary of State.
We applied for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service and
were assigned number 42-1462867 on October 25, 1996.
We have filed and received all of the necessary rulings from the Internal Revenue Service so that
all donations to this organization qualify as charitable donations under Section 501 ( c ) (3) and as
exempt from Federal income taxes under Section ( 501 ) ( a ) of the Internal Revenue Cede.
All required Federal Form 990' s, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, have been
filed timely.
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Castle, Director
Bfian Glenister, Director and Vice President
Marvin Houg. Director
Marion Neely, Director
Byron Ross, Director and Treasurer
Tom Woodruff, Director, President and Secretarial
CASH CONTRIBUTIONS AND PLEDGES TO JUNE 9. 2000:
Individuals, families and Family Foundations- 69 contributing a total of $109,590.
Businesses and Financial Institutions - 26 including 12 domicfled outside Johnson County
contributing a total of $75,755.
Iowa State Historical Society - $10,000.
Iowa Economic Development Grant - $50,000.
City of Coralville, Iowa - $20,000.
IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO JUNE 9. 2000:
All services performed to date for the organization by a local lawyer and a local Certified Public
Accounting finn have been donated
All engineering services performed to date by two local and one out of town engineering finns
have been donated.
All liability insurance costs to date have be~n donated by a local insurance agency.
All limestone quarry products have been donated by a local quarry.
A principal in a local construction firm has donated all of his time spem in planning, negotiating
contracts, etc..
Printing has been donated or performed at a substantial discount.
Weber Stone Company, Inc. has agreed to a substantial discount on the materials to be used.
All construction to date has been performed by the providers at substantial discounts.
A number of other individuals and entities have provided services at a substantial discount or at no
cost.
We anticipate that the project will be completed sometime late this fall. All funds received will be spent on
the project and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center educational area. Enclosed are
documents that should be helpful in enlightening you about this great project that will benefit so many
individuals in the years to come.
THANK YOU
Sincerely,
Devonian Fossil Gorgo, Inc.
By
Byron R. Ross,Treasurer
DEVONIAN FOSSIL GORGE, INC.
%BYRON P~ ROSS
2188 SCALES BEND RD NE
NORTH LIBERTY, IA 523 17
June 15, 2000
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Re: Pledge of $20,000 m be paid in July 2000
To all City Officials concerned:
In 1993, a major flood ereded a deep channel into the area below the Coralville Dam spillway exposing
acres of a 375 million-year-old Devoman-age sea floor and now visitors can now observe first-hand the
fossil shells of sea dwelling animals normally hidden from view or seen only on quarry faces, road cuts or
extreme cut banks. A group was formed to promote and preserve this rare and intellectual 375 million-year
old resource that is drawing approximately 100,000 visitors annually. A brief history from 19% to date
follows:
INCORPORATION AND FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
On October 28, 1996, we received a Certificate of Incorporation from the Iowa Secretary of State.
We applied for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service and
were assigned number 42-1462867 on October 25, 19%.
We have filed and received all of the necessary rulings from the Internal Revenue Service so that
all donations to this organization qualify as charitable donations under Section 501 ( c ) (3) and as
exempt from Federal income taxes under Section ( 501 ) ( a ) of the Internal Revenue Cede.
All reqmred Federal Form 990' s, Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax, have been
fried timely.
OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Cas~e, Director
Brian Glemster, Director and Vice President
Marvin Houg. Director
Marion Neely, Director
Byron Ross, Director and Treasurer
Tom Woodruff, Director, President and Secretary
CASH CONTRIBUTIONS AND PLEDGES TO JUNE 9, 2000:
Individuals, families and Family Foundations - 69 contributing a total of $109,590.
Businesses and Financial Institutions - 26 including 12 domiciled outside Johnson County
contributing a total of $75,755.
Iowa State Historical Society- $10,000.
Iowa Economic Development Grant - $50,000.
City of Coralville, Iowa - $20,000.
IN KIND CONTRIBUTIONS TO JUNE 9, 2000:
All services performed to date for the organization by a local lawyer and a local Certified Public
Accounting firm have been donated
All engineering services performed to date by two local and one out of town engineering firms
have been donated.
All liability insurance costs to date have been donated by a local insurance agency.
All limestone quarry products have been donated by a local quarry.
A principal in a local construction firm has donated all of his time spent in planning, negotiating
contracts, etc..
Printing has been donated or performed at a substantial discount.
Weber Stone Company, Inc. has agreed to a substantial discount on the materials to be used.
All construction to date has been performed by the providers at substantial discounts.
A number of other individuals and entities have provided sen4ces at a substantial discount or at no
cost.
We anticipate that the project will be completed sometime late this fall. All funds received will be spent on
the project and/or the US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center educational area. Enclosed are
documents that should be helpful in enlightening you about this great project that will benefit so many
individuals in the years to come.
THANK YOU
Sincerely,
Devonian Fossil Gorge, Inc.
DEVONIAN FOSSIL GORGE PROJECT
.... e, ~ ~ and tourist resource, I hereby pledge $ payable as follows:
Hexagonaria ~darense
DEV0NIAN FOSSIL GORGE, INC. Enclosed is my payment of $
~ Byron R. Ross
2188 Scales Blvd. Rd. N.E.I will pay my pledge on (month/year)
Nodh Libel, IA 52317
Signature
Name
Please make checks payable Io
Devonjan Fossil Gorge, Inc, Address
TAX DEDUCTIBLE
City State Zip
Scale of Giving
Necessary to Raise $400,000
#Gifts Gift Range Total Gifts
1 $50,000 $50,000
4 $25,000 $100,0(X)
7 $15,000 $105,000
8 $7,500 $60,000
12 $3,000 $36,000
14 $1,500 $21,000
15 $750 $11,250
many below $750 $16,750
$400,000
' · ealag raaP tta aP PI a GataMlla Lake
. . matgancV. Spill
bedrock depo&~P~. IP ~ ~oW pss~ble Po ~olk ~cro&& ~r~
~ge. se~ ~oor~ ~S j~P ~ ~sP-~S look ~P
T~e e~osed roc~s prow~e ~ r~re o~o~N~P
(;onfpos/)~/bn.. The shelves of bed~'ock a~d scattered rock slabs are .cOmposed of lime-
stone. This sedimentary ·rock originated as lime-rich deposits accumulating on sea .floors during
the Devonian period of geologic time,.some 375 million years ago. Some of the limestone is fine
grained, composed of limy mud that .Settled out of calm, quiet water. In other places, the grains
are more coarse, often composed of broken shells concentrated by sea-floor currents. Crystals
of calcite (calcium carbonate), the most common mineral 'in limestone, are occasionally seen
reflecting in the sunlight as they fill openings in the rock.
lcrOCk~#r&8: No.rice occasional breaks along the limestone surface that ·follow nearly straight
lines and are generally parallel to each other. These fracture traces extend across many miles
horizontally and hundreds of feet vertically. They were caused by warping of the earth's crust
and by stress on the brittle sedimentary strata in the geologic p. ast. These fractures serve as
pathways for water to move underground. 'The groundwater contained in these fracture systems
at depth is an important aquifer.tapped by wells throughout the region.
,"';,"-"" surfaces exposed by the 1993 floodwaters display good ex-
' :.'!'.::'i'::!.~ ~, i'.!Kles of small-Scale "karst" features that characterize the-insides
· of eastern Iowa limestone formations. Notice. especially the smooth-
sided channels formed by the scour of flowing water. Occasionally these ~:hannels are enlarged
into rounded pathales, ground smooth by the swirling action of cobbles. Look under rock 'ledges
for the openings to small cave systems.
/c/~ FF/j/1~: The power of floodwater is still seen in the position of large slabs of
limestone that were plucked from their bedrock foundation and moved downstream. Some
slabs came to rest in an overlapping fashion, as they were shoved together and slanted in the
direction of the ~ood's flow.
c~tr/~ct#re: Looking north toward the spillway from some distance down the gorge, you
can see inclines in the limestone strata that form a dome-like structure across the area. This
feature may be the result of irregular settling of the sedimentary layers when they were still soft,
or the result of much later, broad-scale warping of rock units across the Midwest. Small geo-
logic faults are also exposed here, with vertically displaced strata and tiny gouges along the rock
faces indicating movement in the geologic past.
!cO$$/~: Excellent fossil remains of marine life that inhabited the clear, warm, shallow
Devonian seas can be observed. Look for solitary ham corals and for larger colonial coral forms,
especially Hexagonaria and Favosites. Some of the coral masses are upside-down, overturned
by an ancient storm surge. Crinoids (sea lilies) are also abundant and well preserved, especially
segments of the slender, flexible stems that rooted these animals to the sea floor. Other com-
mon fossils include shells of brachiopods, ·especially "spirifer" types with wide hinge lines. More
rare are fossil trails of worm burrows through the sea mud and occasional trilobite fragments..
~/~/C/~l/-z4f ~pO$/~: In the middle of the exposed rock channel is a
stream-lined mound of dark brown deposits that are much softer than the
bedrock beneath. These deposits are all that remain of earth materials that
formed the land surface across the gorge prior to flooding. The materials . ~ ~'~:~:.;:: ,.
are layered and weathered, which indicate deposition by water, probably
during a glacial-age Chapter'of the Iowa River~s history.
Iowa Deya~tms, t o~ Alat, ral t~ourc8~. ~eol~/~al ,=~rv~, ~,raa,
t/li~s t; r~t- /btls,- .
~r~cR/b?~t~ fro~ '~Io~V o~ io~y~' bV ~l ~r~o~ (~)
Pr/~Ped on r~Vcl~ ?oyer · '
How it all started Our Goal
Share in Preserving...
Historic 1993 floods surged over Working with the Corps of
D n
Coralville Lake on the Iowa Department, design, build
Fossil
channel into the underlying tional and recreational facil-
It is now possible to walk over this rare and intellectual 375 Project
acres of a 375 million-year-old million-year-old resource. "'-~x~
Devonian-age sea floor and oh- ~~~
serve first-hand the fossil shells Construction and completion
and skeletons of sea dwelling is planned for the summer of
animals normally hidden from ~' ....
1998. Appropriate recogni-
view or seen only on quarry tion will be given to all con-
faces, road cuts or extreme cut
tributors.
banks.
Fossil corals are the namesake This is an unusual opportu-
for the City of Coralville, and it nity for all Iowans and spe-
is certainly fitting these ci~cally those who live in
spectacular fossil corals are now Eastern Iowa.
so well displayed.
We would appreciate your fill-
These exposed rocks provide a
ing out and mailing the at-
rare opportunity for the study tached information with your
and observation of Iowa's
tax-deductible contribution. 2.4 miles north of l-80 c, vlt 244
geologic past. o. Dubuquc Street,
Johnson Cotant!h lotva
, _~ ?~ ~~ What your Devontan ~ossil C~g~ ~nc. Committee
* ~ ~ ....- -- ~X Deductible Directors
John Castle
' ° Colltribut~oll will do Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Iowa City
Brian Glenister
.- l- --_. Geologist, University of Iowa, North
~.. - , - - Enhance one of the most Lmerty
L~' ~' ~~ k~)~ Marvin Houg
. ~:~ ~: ,- ;- -. ' ,, I~ unusual tourist sites in the Engineer, Past-President, Cedar Valley
'~ Rocks &Minerals Society, Cedar Rapids
Midwest. Marion Neely
~.~ ~ Attorney, Iowa City
' , Byron Ross, CPA
Adjunct Professor, Col e e o Business,
University of Iowa, o :~ Liberty
Provide an attractive To w N L~ f
m oodruff
., Engineer, Davenport
l~ ~ fossil display.
m R. Kent Angerer
!~ii!;";% River Products Company, Iowa City
, Jim Caldwell
:" , ~., , Build several viewing u.s. Geological Survey, Iowa City
:5'E. '~ Steve yogi
~. p la z a s for e d u c a tio n a 1 h~gleX nc~pt~%oA[e~hs~ toqa~i ~h~? n% e~5
"~' '~' group presentations. coralville
Wendy Ford
"~ , , g~ Iowa City/Coralv~le Convention 6'
'~ Visitors Bureau, Coralville
~ Don Koch
,. ~ Develop an innovative, State Geologist, Iowa City
challenging and exciting o~sign
~ " Kevin Holden
- Landscape Architect, U.S. Army Corps of
"'~: fossil discovery area. Engineers, Rock Island
Kirk Sunderman, PE
Exploring the Devonjan Fossil Gorge ~ Engineer, Corps of Engineers, Rock Island
Will Thomson
Overheard at the site... Provide facilities that are GraphicDesign/Exhibit Builder, Iowa City
Design/Engineering
accessible to all students Karl Crowder
Architect, Design/Build Associates, Inc.
"This is Iowa... ?" and .visitors. Davenport
$ Dave Lacina
"My best class visit!" President, McComas Lacina Const., Iowa
city
"Awesome!": Contribute' 'to the area Keyin Koellner
"Rare & intellectual" President, Design/Build Associates, Inc.:
"Older than my parents, even educational opportunities. Davenport
For more information, contact -
grandparents..." g~ ~om woodruff
319-391-8227 or 319-626-6434
"How can we help?"