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Home My WebLink About2001-01-09 Correspondence Johnson County Attorney Johnson County Courthouse · 417 South Clinton Street · P.O. Box 2450 · Iowa City, IA 52244 Criminal Phone (319) 339-6100 * Fax (319) 339-6149 Anne M. lahey David V. l~ffany Unda M. Paulson J. Patrick White Rivka Sorerisen County Atlomey Karen D. Ege~ton Michael D. Bpefinan Emily A. Colby M. Victoria Dorninguez December 29, 2000 Child Support Carol A. Turner 1-(888) 229-9223 TO: Iowa City City Council RE: Stalkfleet application FP, CN: J. Fat:lck ~hite Johnson County Attorne~T,~ I have reviewed and recommended approval of the liquor license application by Don Stalkfleet, via a corporation, for a new license for Joe's Place---which he is purchasing from Dan Berry. I had concerns about the number of persons cited for possession of alcohol while under age at Mr. Stalkfleet's existing licensed site---the Sports Column. The 2000 year-to-date bar check report indicates that the Sports Column has 1.92 vlolations per check. That violation rate the second worst in Iowa City and underscores my concern. Even allowing for size and number of patrons, that record concerns me. To address those concerns, I met w~th Mr. Stalkfleet and his attorney, John Beasley, on Wednesday for over an hour. Mr. Stalkfleet indicates that his business goal with Joe's will be quite similar to the existing operation--which has not been a concern with regard to law enforcement issues. Mr. Stalkfleet assured me that he shares my concern over the violation rate at the Sports Column and committed himself to review with his employees my concern and, more importantly, he expressed his intention to improve that record. I have no doubt of his ability to do While, in the end, I have recommended that you approve the application for Joe's Place, I also recommend that we look for improvement at the Sports Column at the time it is next scheduled for Le~ewal of its license. I much appreciate Mr. Stalkfleet's openness to my discussion with him and his efforts to help reduce underage drinking in his establishment. As always, let me know if you have questions about this matter or my recommendation. cy: Chief R. J. Wznkelhake Don Stalkfleet : '- John Beasley Department of Public Health L GRAHAM DAMERON, MPH Board of Health DIRFCTfIR Maureen A. Connolly, M D Kelley J. Donham, DVM, MS Diane Joslyn, CPG Mary Ann Murray, BSN, MS, RN December 18, 2000 Pamela H. Willard, BSN, MS, RN Iowa City City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Re: Support of Clean Indoor Air Ordinances to Reduce Exposure to Secondhand Smoke Dear Members of the Council: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. In fact, there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded secondhand smoke "is a cause of disease, including lung cancer, in healthy non-smokers." Studies have shown childhood exposure to secondhand smoke increases risk of developing cancer as an adult. A smoke-free ordinance for restaurants will protect restaurant workers, children, and all customers from exposure to secondhand smoke. At its regular meeting on November 8, 2000, The Johnson County Board of Health discussed the Clean Air for Everyone (C.A.F.E.) group's request to support a smoke-free ordinance for restaurants. Upon proper motion, the Board of Health endorsed C.A.F.E.'s request and strongly urges the City Council of Iowa City to pass a city ordinance that would prohibit smoking in restaurants. Thank you. Kelly J. Donham, Chairperson Copy: Members, Board of Health Members, Clear Air for Everyone 1:\440\letter\i owacity 112100 1105 GILBERT COURT · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 · PHONE (319) 356-6040 · FAX 1319} 356-6044 recycled paper / ~i~dison Wilder 8 Hunters Glen owa City, Iowa 52246 December 17, 2000 Iowa City City Council Civic Center Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Members of the Council: I am writing to you in regards to the current debate over the proposed smoking ban in restaurants. I believe that smoking in restaurants should be banned. I am concerned about the health of restaurant employees and customers. Second hand smoke is dangerous and we need to reduce the risk of health problems associated with it. When I go out to eat with my family and I have to smell smoke, it makes my meal less enjoyable. I go home with clothes and ha'~r that smell like smoke. Fortunately, I am not exposed to a lot of second hand smoke, but I am concerned about those who are. The American Heart Association says that years of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can increase your chance of dying of heart disease by 30%. There is scientific evidence that years of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke can increase a non-smokers risk of lung cancer by 50% or more. Eating out in a restaurant that allows smoking can contribute to these risks. Other effects of second hand smoke include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizz'mess, nausea, asthma aggravation, and increased risk of respiratory infections. There are many benefits to banning restaurant smoking. Health of customers and employees at restaurants will improve. Many people will find eating out more enjoyable and less worrisome. This ban might even encourage some smokers to quit. Smokers may not want to eat out anymore, but the people who have been discouraged by the smoke will. I don't think banning smoking will hurt business. Some restaurants, in fact, have had increased business at~er banning smoking. I hope you will support my side on this issue. Thank you for listening. Cordially, Alison Wilder Madan Karr 3e(3 , From: DJCD36@webtv. net Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 9:41 AM ~ To: council@iowa-city.org ~ Subject: Senior Center Commission Just wanted to let you all know that I thought you did the correct thing when you rightly rejected Charlotte Walker for a position on this I know Charlotte and in my opinion she would not have fit in. Charlotte is much too committed to the the elderly, especially the elderly poor. She would have definitely expressed these concerns and City Council and other Cosnission Members would have become upset with her. She would have brought up the problems of public transportation for the elderly rather skyways and where the driving seniors park. She thinks those elders who are driving already have many advocates of their interests . I know she might have even been outspoken enough to point out that minorities (blacks or Hispanic} do not seem to use the Senior Center nor are represented in any obvious way. You did good in rejecting her and her views. I don't know any of those you did choose, but I hope they are more moderate and easily managed than Charlotte. You did good. You feel good and that is good. Charlotte would have made the warm and comfortable feel other's pain and that is unsettling, to say the least. You put her in her place, I hope. The only thing I see wrong with your rejection is that I am afraid it won't stop her. When she can express her views unofficially she can get down right dirty and worse, effective. I haven't talked to her yet but I would imagine she is scheming right this minute. She will try to upset your comfort by bringing up the problems of others who she believes you really don't care to examine. I differ with her in that I don't believe whatever she does will make a difference. I don't think the City Council and others in local government really care and have the means to completely ignore her. However, she doesn't listen to me on this subject. She really believes that a caring person can make a difference. How quaint! Well, I thought I would share these views with you. Happy Holidays Dave DIDwell IOWA CITY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT 'i801 South Riverside Drive Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Office Phone (319) 356-5045 December 15 7000 Mr. Emie Lehman, Mayor 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Emie, The Airport Commission will be scheduling interviews with two companies that have expressed interest in marketing the property in the Airport North Commercial area. If one of the companies meets our expectations, the Commission would like to make a decision on the marketing firm no later than our January 11,2001, meeting. I think it is important for the Commission/Council subcommittee to meet before the Commission interviews the marketing companies. This will give the Commission an opportunity to incorporate concerns the Council may have into our interview process. Both companies that have expressed interest in the NCA have emphasized the importance of marketing the property as soon as possible to take advantage of potential tenants that would want to locate in the NCA this coming year. Please contact me at 354-1000 to discuss scheduling a subcommittee meeting. I know this is a busy time of year for you and we can schedule a meeting when it is most convenient for you. Sincerely, Rick Mastart, Chairperson Iowa City Airport Commission Cc: City Council ' Airport Commission Steve Arkins, City Manager Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney Ron O'Neil, Airport Manager POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD A Board of the City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240-1826 (319}356-5413 January 3, 2000 Ernest W~ Lehman, Mayor City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240 RE: Police Citizens Review Board Dear Mayor Lehman and Council Members: The Iowa City PCRB will "sunset" August 1 of 2001, just before the next city elections, This means the current members of the Council will decide whether the PCRB will continue to function beyond the sunset date. One of the Board's goals for this year is to encourage continuation of the PCRB. To that end, the Board requests a joint meeting with Council to discuss this issue. We also request that this meeting be used for constructive feedback on the Board's performance, as was discussed the last time we met jointly. The PCRB requests that this meeting be scheduled before March 1, 2001. In the meantime, the Board would welcome any questions from council members and we invite you to attend one of the PCRB meetings. Please let us know at your earliest convenience when this joint meeting can be scheduled. Thank you for your continuing assistance and cooperation. Sincerely, '.~ I dohn Watson, Chair Police Citizens Review Board Lowell Brandt 824 N. Gilbert St Iowa City, IA 52245 January 4, 2001 Mayor Ernest W. Lehman 902 Wylde Green Road Iowa City, IA 52246 Dear Mayor Lehman: As a member of the Board of Adjustment for the last five years, I would like to express concern about the gender balance on the Board of Adjustment. During all but the last year of my tenure on the Board, women occupied two of the five positions. This past year, only one Board member was a woman. Both last year and this year we noted the need to recruit women to represent our community on the Board. I am aware of two applications for the most recent vacancy created by the ending of my term. One of the applicants was a female but she was not selected. This is perplexing in that the female applicant provided substantial information regarding her interest and qualifications for the Board in contrast to the other applicant. I hope the Council will consider explaining the appointment when I raise the question during the public comment period at the Council' s next regular meeting. Thank you for your consideration of this matter Sincerely, Lowell Brandt, Past Chair Iowa City Board of Adjustment, 1995-2000 Cc: File council~iowa-city.org Marian Karr From: Kathleen Janz [kathleen-ianz@uiowa.edu] Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2000 9:42 AM To: council@iowa-city.org ~ / Subject: Monday meetings Dear Council Members, ~ I am in support of videotaping the Monday night sessions. The Council serves the citizens of Iowa City and a truly democratic council does this in an open way. Videotaping the sessions allows people to more fully participate in the process of local government (while saving gasoline and time) . Mr. Pfab and Mr. Kanner, you have my full support and my thanks. Respectfully, Kathy Janz Kathy Janz 328 Reno St Iowa City, IA 52245 319 337-6735 Marian Karr 3~~e8 From: Smith, Terry L [TLSmith@midamerican.com] Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2000 3:07 PM To: 'Council@iowa-city.org' Cc: 'connie_champion@iowa-city.org'; 'ipfab@avalon.net'; 'dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org'; 'ernie_lehman@iowa-city.org'; 'ross_wilburn@iowa-city.org'; 'dale-helling@iowa-city.org'; 'steve-atkins@iowa-city.org' Subject: Natural Gas Prices Hidt~nerican Energy is holding informational meetings for the citizens of our community on natural gas prices because we are all facing substantially higher heating bills this winter. We believe our customers should fully understand the natural gas price situation, get direct answers to their questions, and find ways to lessen their economic impact. We are inviting our local legislators, community leaders, and the public to this important meeting. The meeEing will be: Wednesday - January 10, 2001 7:00 PH iowa City Public Library 123 South Linn Street We will have a short presentation, followed by a Q&A session. Please join me for this important community informational session, and help me spread the word. I apologize to Steven Kanner and Hike O'Donnell since I did not have a direct e-mail address for you. Sincerely, Terry L. Smith Manager, Iowa City Operations Midtkmerican Energy Company