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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-08-01 Transcription#2a Page 1 ITEM NO. 2a. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS Voter Registration Day- August 2. Lelunan: We have one proclamation tonight. (Reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept is Keri Althoff. Althoff: Just to let you know a little bit about this campaign- AT&T Cable Services in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City along with MTV the Choose or Lose campaign, the national campaign, have been working at different events, nine different projects, for the past two months. I am the area coordinator. We have registered 201 new voters for the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids area in our target age of 18-24, which is the smallest percentage of voters in the United States currently. So it is very important that the city council recognizes these efforts of AT&T and MTV, and we appreciate it. Lehman: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #4 Page 2 ITEM NO. 4. PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). [UNTIL 8 PM]. Lehman: This is the time reserved on the agenda for the public to address council. This is limited to items that do not otherwise appear on the agenda. If you wish to address the council please come to the podium, sign your name, give your address and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Ramsey: Hello, my name is Dan Ramsey. I was here at the work session last night and heard you talk a little bit about the alcohol and tobacco issues. A couple of questions that I have real quick. Number one, talking about enforcement- enforcement for enforcing it on the sellers of the alcohol- could you not- let me ask you this- could you not- right now we are fining clerks at convenience stores for cigarettes. Under what statute or what article are we selling- or fining clerks for- I mean, how are we given due process for that? Dilkes: Are you talking about tobacco? Ramsey: Right, for tobacco. Dilkes: Those are criminal charges. To date we haven't done the civil penalties. Ramsey: Okay, so if the clerk sells it, it is a civil penalty but as far as retailers are concerned it is civil penalties? Dilkes: No, it is whether they are charged with a criminal action or whether there is a civil penalty imposed. Ramsey: Okay. Dilkes: It is the civil penalty that requires- I mean, criminal penalties have due process at the court house. You go in front of a judge and you have a right to your say there. Civil penalties are something that would be imposed by the city council after a hearing in front of the city council. Ramsey: I see. Okay, well thank you very much. Also the other thing I wanted to bring up was- I guess it is along the same lines as a compliance check. I work with MECCA and I am responsible for the compliance checks. I round up the kids. And talk to Officer Gass who is with the Iowa City Police Department- and he goes out with the kids I select and train and he goes out and does compliance checks. Of which we have done probably 30 of them in the last- I don't know- two months probably. I think we have gotten- I think the first group of the ones we did were around 27% non compliance and this last one I think we were around 12% non This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #4 Page 3 compliance. I think the state goal is under 10% non compliance, of which we are not meeting that right now. Lehman: This is on tobacco? Ramsey: This is on tobacco, that is right. And also I talked to Chief Winkelhake as well and he asked me to try to round up kids for doing stings on alcohol as well. And I know you were discussing it last night and I found it very interesting what a lot of you had to say as far as doing stings on alcohol as well. And I really think that they will be effective. Part of the problem that you guys were discussing last night is how are you going to fund this? You know, where is the money going to come from? Well, the one thing I had in mind as far as tobacco and alcohol is concerned is you get $1500 when you fine a permit holder- an alcohol permit holder. You get $1500 from that permit holder. Wouldn't that not fund a lot of police over time as well? And it wouldn't take very many of those- a lot like some of the council members brought up last night- it wouldn't take very many of those in order to bring the sales to under age drinkers down. This is just an idea- a little food for thought. And as far as the tobacco compliance is concerned, I received an email from Patrick White about getting together with him and I guess next we are going to have a joint meeting of which Patrick White and I am most of you I am sure and Eileen Fisher who is the chairman of the Johnson County Tobacco Free Coalition who I also represent here get together and discuss what we can do as far as fining the retailers. Because really what we found and what research has shown is that that really makes a difference. You know, you can fine 15 year old clerks all you want and they are going to lose their jobs and they are going to be very upset and they are going to have a hard time getting another job and everything else but that is not very effective. In fact, one of the last compliance checks that we did was with some of these kids and they went out and a 15 year old kid sold cigarettes to some of our kids. And when the officer came and issued him a citation he was very, very upset. On the verge of tears. You know, a 15 year old kid on the verge of tears because this is his first job that he has ever had. Obviously he hasn't been trained and I believe it is the retailers fault for not training this kid properly in order so that he doesn't sell cigarettes to other kids. So in that situation- and I am sure there is lots of other situations that go out there every day- it is not really the clerk's fault, it is the retailers fault for not providing the training. And right now for the retailers or permit holders for alcohol [they] don't have any penalties- any consequences you know- what motivates them to make sure that they are not selling to underage people? And I think that is something that I would appreciate if the council could discuss at some point and find out what they want to do about enforcement for those things. And I know you discussed it before and I know you were discussing it last night as well. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #4 Page 4 Dilkes: My understanding from last night's discussion is that the council directed me to look at that issue and set up a procedure. That was my understanding. So unless you tell me otherwise, that was the direction. So I don't think- I think the discussion in terms of that is done and we are going to move forward on that. And then get something in place and assess it after a period of time. Lehman: We are on the same sheet of music there. Ramsey: Okay, I appreciate your time. Lehman: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #5a Page 5 ITEM NO. 5a. PUBLIC HEARING ON AN ORDINANCE REZONING 20.78 ACRES FROM INTERIM DEVELOPMENT MULTI-FAMILY (ID- RM) TO PUBLIC (P) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED WEST OF GILBERT STREET SOUTH OF NAPOLEON LANE. (REZ00-0017) Lehman: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. This is the property on which the new Public Works Building will be constructed. The public hearing is closed. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #5e Page 6 ITEM NO. 5e. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE 54 ACRES FROM PUBLIC/INTENSIVE COMMERCIAL (PC/I) TO SENSITIVE AREAS OVERLAY- PUBLIC (OSA-P) AND FOR APPROVAL OF A PRELIMINARY SENSITIVE AREAS DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE NORTH PART OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY, WEST OF RIVERSIDE DRIVE. (REZ99- 0001) (PASS AND ADOPT). Lehman: We have been asked to defer this to August 15. Do we have a motion to that effect? Champion: Move deferment. Lehman: Moved by Champion. Pfab: Second. Lehman: Second by Pfab. All in favor? All: Aye. Lehman: Motion carries. Dilkes: One comment on that item- I did get a fax purchase agreement from Super Value today and expect the original tomorrow. So you can do that one next- Lehman: We can do it next time. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #6a Page 7 ITEM NO. 6a. PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE ADDITIONAL ACTION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $12,000,000 SEWER REVENUE BONDS. Lehman: I am assuming, Dale, these are just issuance of bonds as part of this sewer project that has been going on for awhile? Helling: Right, in the next two items one has to do with this sewer plant construction and the other one with the water plant construction. Lehman: The public hearing is open. The public hearing is closed. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #8 Page 8 ITEM NO. 8. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BY-LAWS OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION TO PROVIDE FOR A SECOND REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING, AS NEEDED. Vanderhoef: Move adoption. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. I might add this recommendation was made as a result of a meeting of the rules committee which met last week- we were recommending approval of this correct? Champion: Correct. The only difference- the difference is that this allows for a regular scheduled meeting that will not be held if it is not needed and it keeps them from having to call around and set up a time. Lehman: Discussion? Pardon? Vanderhoef: It is wonderful when volunteers are volunteering to add an additional meeting to make it move smoothly. Lehman: This is so they can act in a more timely fashion on (can't hear). Vanderhoef: It is and we appreciate it. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #9 Page 9 ITEM NO. 9. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING, AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND HOWARD R GREEN COMPANY, TO PROVIDE ENGINEERING CONSULTANT SERVICES FOR THE DESIGN OF THE MORMON TREK BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS. Vanderhoef: Move adoption, O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O' Donnell. If I am not mistaken this is the design work for Mormon Trek between the railroad overpass and Melrose Avenue and I think a little bit- the turn lane or something south of Melrose as well. Helling: South of Melrose. Lehman: Discussion? Pfab: I have just one comment. And that is that the design work allows many options for construction that are effective and more cost effective as possible. Whatever they might be. Champion: I hope we do that all of the time. O'Donnell: Yeah. Pfab: Well, sometimes the surface of the road or what the road is constructed of is not bid with alternate bids. Lehman: My suspicion is that this is going to be a joint project between the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City. Helling: True but I mean, the specs are prepared such that it is designed in a certain way and then it is bid out. There are certain options that a contractor may have as to how they proceed. But if we specify a certain material or something that is what they have to use. Pfab: But I mean- the roads can be designed with different materials and be as effective and you have more competition and a better chance of coming up with a better price. That is all I am asking. Helling: Rick? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #9 Page 10 Fosse: Okay, if you are interested in including an asphalt alternate in this we need to look at some of the other issues there and one of those being the effect on bike traffic in that you usually have an 18 inch curb and gutter section on it in concrete and then there is that joint that often opens up with time. And that is right in where the bikes are. We have tried to avoid that in our community because of the amount of bike traffic that we do have. So, you know, it is up to you all if you want to proceed that route. We just need to acknowledge the tradeoffs there. Lehman: Rick, this project I am assuming- I shouldn't do that- but I am assuming that this project is basically kind of a joint project between the University of Iowa and the City of Iowa City. Fosse: Yes, it is. Lehman: It goes through their property and I am sure the design work and whatever is going to be- I would assume- will be very sensitive to their concerns in the design of the project. And they are sensitive to ours. I would assume that specifying the material in that is going to be something that will be a joint agreement between the City of Iowa City and University of Iowa. My- what would our engineer for that project? Fosse: We can go either direction. Lehman: I know that but what would you recommend at this point? (can't hear) Fosse: Yeah, given the bicycle issues I like going with the full width concrete. But if you want to do an asphalt alternate we can do that. Pfab: Is there alternatives that will work with bikes also? Fosse: If you narrow that curb and gutter section it becomes less stable the smaller you make it. the wider you make it the less reason there is to go with an asphalt alternate because that cost of the curb and gutter section very quickly prices asphalt out of the game. Pfab: Well, will the asphalt- will the bike trail be the same surface as the road surface? Fosse: There will be an 8 foot sidewalk on the west side of this. Pfab: Will that allow bike traffic? Fosse: Well, it will be 8 feet wide. If we want to designate it as a bicycle trail then we need to go 10 feet wide. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #9 Page 11 Pfab: Wouldn't it be safer to have the bikes off the road? Fosse: It depends on who you ask. And that is really up to the rider. Champion: The pedestrian or the bike rider. Pfab: I am trying to remember the last time a hiker or walker got run over by a biker. Champion: Not very long ago. O'Donnell: It was Connie. Fosse: There are many riders that prefer the roadway. P fab: (can't hear) Champion: And they were very seriously injured. Pfab: But I think that, you know, I am not an engineer and don't pretend to be. But I think the city has to look wherever we can get as good- make our money go as far as we can. O'Donnell: Well, and it is clear that we want a safe area for the bicycles and that is one of our high priorities. And if you feel we can do it better with concrete then that is how we should proceed. Fosse: I will continue to look at that issue and see if there is anything we can work out there. The next time you are driving a street like that look at that interface between the concrete curb and gutter and the asphalt. Pfab: But the reason that I pressed you a little bit farther than I normally would have here is the fact that isn't there a way to separate the bicycle from the auto traffic? Fosse: Sure, you could require that the bicycles ride on the trail but I think you would get some major objections from some of the bicycling community that feel very strongly that the bikes should be allowed on the roadway. Lehman: Rick, can you prohibit bicycles on a road in Iowa? I believe that the bicycles have the right to use the road. Fosse: Can we Eleanor? Dilkes: I think- I mean, I haven't looked at it recently but my general understanding has been that they have the right to be on the road. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #9 Page 12 Lehman: That is correct. So we can build whatever we want in facilities for bicycles but if they choose to drive on that road that is their right to do so in the state of Iowa. Dilkes: Whether we could legislate locally contrary to that- I don't know. Lehman: Don't even suggest it. Pfab: But isn't this the reason we are spending as much time and effort on bike trails to reduce the desire of bike riders to be on the road and make it safer for everyone? Fosse: Well I think that there is a lot of people that would like to ride if there is an opportunity where they don't need to ride on the road. And that is where- we are getting those folks out riding where we do have the trails. And there is a bicycle trail component of this project that goes from the- it is on the east side from the intersection by the entrance to the married student housing north, and it will tie into the University's bike trail that goes along the railroad there. But the only walk that goes all the way through is on the east side and that is going to be 8 feet wide. Excuse me, the west side. Kanner: I think Irvin makes a good point. If it- it is not a question of outlawing people on the street, it is a question of where we put our resources. If we are going to have significant savings and we can widen the sidewalk by two feet it might be worth it to do that. So the question in my mind is what is the savings if we would go one option versus another? I think that is part of what I heard Irvin getting at. And it makes sense to me what he brought up- to look at that. Fosse: And we can do that if you would like. Pfab: I would really appreciate it if we could see a work up on something like that. Fosse: Okay. Lehman: I think it is important before we go getting options on this project- if there are strong feelings from as far as engineering the road is concerned, that one material is superior to another and a better value in the long run, I think we need to defer to the opinion of the engineering folks. All things being equal, obviously, an option would be wonderful. I don't think all things are equal. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #9 Page 13 Fosse: Yeah, well knowing what you are interested in we will take a look at that and see if there is a way to incorporate it in there. Pfab: A lot of other cities are going to straight asphalt so- I mean, those councils might be almost as smart as we are. Champion: I doubt it. Fosse: Eleanor, were you going to say something? Anything else? Lehman: No. Other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 5-2, Kanner and Pfab voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #10 Page 14 ITEM NO. 10. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN FORMAL PURCHASE AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND ECUMENICAL HOUSING CORPORATION FOR THE SALE OF ECUMENICAL'S SURFACE PARKING LOT TO THE CITY FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TOWER PLACE AND PARKING AND THE SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT 1F IN TOWER PLACE AND PARKING TO ECUMENICAL FROM THE CITY, SAID AGREEMENTS TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PARTIES' LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING DATED JUNE 29, 1999. Champion: Move adoption. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. This is formalizing something that has been agreed to for some time. Is that not correct? Dilkes: This is the letter of understanding that you did with Ecumenical Towers in connection with acquisition of their property and their provision of replacement parking to them in Tower Place and Parking. Substantively the purchase agreements will be what the letter of understanding is. Lehman: Discussion? Roll call. Motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. # 11 Page 15 ITEM NO. 11. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DEDICATING AUDITORS PARCEL # 2000031 CONTAINING 32.79 ACRES AND LOT 38, FIRST AND ROCHESTER SUBDIVISION, PART 1 FOR PARK PURPOSES. O'Donnell: So moved. Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Wilburn: A question related to the 32.79 acres, is that- was that a survey or did they get out and mark that? Is that the complete (can't hear) of that? Dilkes: Yes, there is a plat that we have recorded with the recorders office that is attached to the resolution which has surveyed off that piece. Basically divided it into two parcels that which has been used for cemetery- the recent cemetery expansion and that remaining. Vanderhoef: I will be voting "no" on this. I have followed this project all the way through Parks and Recreation for many years and discussions with the family and I can go along with designating it to be used until such time that it needs to be used for a cemetery, but I do not go along with dedicating it in the long haul for parkland. Pfab: I would speak respectful opposition to councilperson Dee Vanderhoef. And that is, when- I was really concerned when the addition to the cemetery was finished and to look there it appears that that was in one sense kind of a sad thing. There was an awful lot beautiful trees whacked out of there and for a limited number of grave sites because of the rough terrain. So I am saying enough is enough and that is just my own personal feeling. Letunan: Eleanor, just for clarification- this will be dedicated assuming we pass this and dedicate this as parkland? That can be reversed by any future council at any time? Is that not correct? Dilkes: Subject to the rights- Lehman: As long as there hasn't been (can't hear) on this? Dilkes: Yes. Lehman: Right. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. # 11 Page 16 Kanner: Subject to the what Eleanor? Dilkes: Subject to the rights of property owners who have or persons who have relied on the dedication. And the most- the easiest example of that would be the dedication of a road that somebody uses for access for instance. You can't undedicate that. You know, what that will mean at the point when a council might chose to change that decision I can't say for sure. But that is the basic standard. Vanderhoef: Since this council had paid for an entire plan for this area and had divided it into three phases, that is why I can support designating it for use until phase two and phase three are needed. But this plan was put forth for the long term plan and I feel we should just continue with the long term plan. Lehman: Other discussion? O'Donnell: Yeah, I don't disagree with you at all Dee. I guess that the fact that any council- it is their prerogative to change this back and I don't see any reason why (can't hear) so I will support it. But I understand what you said. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries 5-2, Vanderhoefand Lehman voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #12 Page 17 ITEM NO. 12. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE BUDGETED POSITIONS IN THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE BY INCREASING THE POSITION OF ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY FROM 2 FTE TO 2.5 FTE. Vanderhoef: Move adoption of the resolution. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Kanner: I am going to be voting against it not because the arguments aren't valid ones but I feel that we should bring this up at the budget process and throw it into the mix with the other personnel discussions. And especially so soon after the last budget was adopted. Lehman: I don't disagree with you but my traderstanding is that this probably was not anticipated at the time that we made the budget. Isn't that correct Eleanor? Dilkes: Oh, I think I have wanted more people for a long time. Lehman: I don't remember seeing it (can't hear). Dilkes: I think I understand Steven's position but I think also the timing of my evaluation is significant here. And I think unlike other people who are requesting personnel I am evaluated directly by the council and answer to the council and that affects the timing of this a little bit. Wilburn: I think I- excuse me Steven- I was just going to add I am going to support it knowing that those needs were there prior to this even at budget time. We continue to add to the load of this department as opposed to some other departments where while they have some personnel issues as well, we stop projects from going through or let them know that they are going to have to make due but we continue I think with some of the issues- tobacco, alcohol, some things that we keep adding for exploration. So, I am willing to support this. Pfab: I will support this but my frustration will be born out here when I see how we can spend so much legal time on the issues that are relatively clear. Especially the bar issues and the excess drinking by underage people. I think that is unfair to the city and to the other citizens to develop all that much expense when the law says this is what you are supposed to do. And it is not done. But I will support it. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #12 Page 18 Lehman: I think just for point of clarification, I don't question that there will be a lot of time spent but that time will be spent at the direction of the council. Council is directing the attorneys. Dilkes: I wish things were that easy. Lehman: Yes, roll call. Kanner: Wait- Lehman: 1 am sorry, go ahead. Kanner: I wanted to add to that. I would be willing to put some of the issues that are important to all of council on the table to see if we can lessen the time burdens of the City Attorney. So, for instance, I like the formation of solid waste but I would put that on the table as saying that is going to be an additional burden for the City Attorney or perhaps we have to talk about certain real estate deals that we would put on the back burner to save some Attorney time. And so that is how I would hope to approach the issue of a need for additional City Attorney time at this point. Lehman: Further discussion? O'Donnell: I will support it. Let's vote on it. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries 6-1, Kanner voting "no". This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #15c Page ~9 ITEM NO. 15c. CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS Public Art Advisory Committee Lehman: The Public Art Advisory Committee- last night we appointed- we have a motion by Ms. Vanderhoef to appoint- Vanderhoef: Karen Michaeli. Lehman: Karen Michaeli. Is there a second to that? O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. All in favor? All: Aye. Lehman: Opposed? Motion carries. I would certainly encourage the public if they have any interest in these boards or commissions to contact the City Clerk for an application. Iowa City has been blessed with so many folks who volunteer and obviously there are some positions that the city could use some help with. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #16 Page20 ITEM NO. 16. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Lehman: Who would like to start? Champion: I just want to bring up on thing. We have talked about it briefly about the fountain downtown in that Steve had dropped me a note that that is just turned on automatically by a timer and if the council was interested in extending that time it would be a very simple thing to do. So I was wondering how other people on the council felt about that? Pfab: When you say it is turned on by a timer do you mean off and on? Champion: Yeah. Pfab: It also can- I am told that if enough children or enough people- children don't have to be excluded here- if they step on top of the water long enough and no water can come out it bypasses and runs out of the system and after a while it shuts off because it is too low of water and the city has the supply of water- has to be replenished before it will start again. Lehman: That is correct. It does replenish itself automatically. But it takes awhile to do it. Pfab: Right, so sometimes those times when it is off are- Champion: I am talking about when it is off at 10:00 at night. Pfab: That is why I ask you- Champion: I am talking about extending that time because it is lit and it is really attractive. And at 10:00 there are a lot of people walking around downtown. Pfab: So do you have- Lehman: Connie is right, I don't think it should be shut off at 10:00 at night. there is too much activity downtown after 10:00. We talked about this- I think maybe Steve was checking into that, Dale. You might just make a note to find out. Champion: I think we should- I mean, if we would like it extended they will extend it. Lehman: I think we do. Anything else Connie? Champion: No, that is all. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. #16 Page 21 Lehman: Irvin? Pfab: No. Lehman: Mike? O'Dom~ell: Yeah, I've got three items here. Last Saturday we had a very successful ADA parade. It was well attended. It seems to grow every year. I walked in the parade with this incredible person who actually had a leg amputated at the knee January 29 and walked the entire route with me. And only had to help me a couple of times. But I was very, very impressed with this and that is what that parade is about. I am very happy to see us move forward with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. We have needed it for a long time. I supported it and I think it is appropriate that we move forward with this. I also went to a meeting on Lexington Avenue with some concerned residents. The Lexington dips are being used as Iowa City Six Flags. And it is really a concern now. There are people in this area that are very concerned about safety for their children and themselves. There are no sidewalks, you can't walk, and at 2:00 during the bar release there are cars that go over the Lexington dips sometimes at 15-16 mph. There is also one young lady I believe that is either 12 or 13 that is actually afraid to play in her own yard due to the number of cars that have gone through their front hedge and ended up in their yard. So this is something that will be coming to us and I want to encourage every councilor to sit down and think about this. Lehman: But don't go drive the road. O'Donnell: But don't drive Lexington. These are budget concerned people over there and it is a very valid concern. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoef: Nothing. Lehman: Ross? Wilburn: Nothing. Lehman: Steven? Kanner: That is it. Lehman: I have two things. Heather Shank who is familiar to all of the council folks and hopefully to a lot of folks in Iowa City has asked me to remind the community that the 17th Of October I believe although- pardon?- the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000. # 16 Page 22 Annual Human Rights Awards Breakfast- this is a tremendous event and one that is extremely well attended by folks within the community- they are looking for nominees for the civil rights awards. And those should be directed to Heather Shank at 356-5022. And this is really something that- it is an important event and something that really is a great thing for Iowa City. I have one other thing, I can tell folks how to get this- Iowa Blood Donor and I think it says on the back University of Iowa Health Care, DeGowin Blood Center. Now, you can get one of these like I did for one pint of blood. And during this week there is a blood drive at the University Hospital. It is something that is so easy to do and it is something that can really help so many folks. In addition, if you do it this week, in addition to the T-shirts you can get V8 for free, a cookie and they will pay for your parking. But it is very easy to do and I would certainly encourage folks to call over there and make an appointment. It is something almost all of us can do. Vanderhoef: Just two announcements. Tomorrow at noon on City Plaza by the fountain the Capitol campaign for the Salvation Army will be kicked off. So if you have a moment over your lunch hour come out and join them. And then Thursday at 10:00 in the morning in the North Liberty Family Resource Center at Penn Elementary School there will be the press conference for the United Way Board of Directors Campaign and chair. Wilburn: They will be talking about the results from the Johnson County Assessment. That talks about needs in the community. And then also coming up soon the United Way will be having their annual funding drive. (can't hear). This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of August 1, 2000.