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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-01-30 TranscriptionJanuary 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 1 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session 8:30 AM Council: Lehman, Champion, O'Donnell, Pfab, Kanner, Wilburn, Vanderhoef. Staff: Atkins, Karr, O'Malley, Franklin, Helling, Mansfield, Schmadeke, Herting. Tapes: 01-13 and 01-14, both sides. A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk' s Office. BUDGET Capital Plan Lehman: I guess all of us are aware that the meeting that originally was scheduled today at 1 zOO has been postponed until February 15. We are all aware of that? So Steve, I guess- Atkins: I am on. Lehman: Take it away. Atkins: Okay. First of all, I want to start with our Capital Plan. You have this in front of you. Don't feel overwhelmed because it is a lengthy document being handed out. This represents everything you have in your current budget. You can take it all out for Capital, put this in. I am going to work from this document on the proposed changes that we have with respect to the amended budget. So you can take whatever sections from Capital out and search this and you are ready to go. Kanner: Does it have my notes in here? Atkins: No it does not have your notes. I was going to say- the next thing I was going to say is I assume many of you had made some notes so you are going to want to- I think you will see it is easy to work with. We highlighted the things so it should be easy for you to add it into your notes. Sara and Nathan, do you each have one? Okay. What we did as a staff in responding to the direction you gave us was that you wish to reduce the amount of debt in the Capital Plan. We identified those projects, which we called those "of significant priority". It sounded like there was a clear majority of you. And then we identified other projects- I am going to have to get something to drink. Can you wait- Karr: Do you want water? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 2 Atkins: Would you Marian, please? Yeah, thank you. So we went through and in your packet you saw the guidelines we used and that is that we would reduce the General Obligation debt during the four-year period of the Capital Plan. We chose to substitute road use tax- that is our road use tax fund is generally healthy. And so we were substituting road use tax selectively and I will show you those. We also chose to reduce the size or consider phasing of certain projects. Stage them. And then we had an overall goal to reduce the debt service tax levy in accordance with your 25% policy. What we did, generally, was that we were able to change the Capital Plan and come up with these numbers. The proposed is what you have in your original budget. The amended is what I will go over with you in a minute. Bottom line is that we reduced the Capital Plan by about $7 million worth of borrowing. It calculated out to 25.5% on the tax rate issue. If you want to call it close enough it is awful close. It will tail off in a couple of years if you don't add any significant debt on the thing. But that was the results of the work. And you will see what we did to get there in just a minute. Do you understand generally from what I heard your policy position to be what we tried to do? I am going to work from here and this document- I don't think there is any need- you don't need that. Going to this document I want to go directly to the Capital Projects. There is page 1 of 37. The first project at the top of the list says 4th Avenue Bridge. I am skipping over a lot of the support- the summary projects. I am going to go right to the specific projects. Are we okay? See the bar graphs? Skip those. And I am going to go right to the projects. Keep going. Keep going. The top will say Capital Improvement Projects, Project Summary By Category. The first project at the top of the list says 4th Avenue Bridge. All set? Champion: No. Atkins: No? It says- Pfab: Does it have a page number? Atkins: Yes. At the bottom is says 1 of 37. Vanderhoef: Past the pink sheet Irvin. And it is the first one- Pfab: Got it. Thank you. Atkins: It says 1 of 37 at the bottom, Thursday January 25. There is a date at the bottom of it. Okay? I am now on page 3 of 37. At the top you will see highlighted areas. That is what we will work from. Our Biennial This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 3 Concrete and Street Maintenance- instead of General Obligation Debt we transferred that to road use tax thereby reducing the debt. Down at the bottom- Curb Ramps, our A.D.A. program- we have eliminated the General Obligation funding and transferred that to road use tax. Page 5 at the bottom- this is the Mormon Trek Highway 1 to Highway 921 around the airport. We have moved the proposed Surface Transportation program and federal funding from the program of Sycamore Burns to the City Limits- we have transferred it here. That will require JCCOG review. That will have to be brought back to you. Also, we have designated $1 million from the Economic Development General Obligation Initiative. So, two major sources of funds have reduced the borrowing for this project. STP by elimination of Sycamore and the use of the Economic Development Initiative monies- the Capital monies. Now, the project still requires your decision on its location, phasing- and those issues. But this is how we recommended the financing. Page 6 at the bottom- North Dubuque Street Median Improvements. We have moved that to unfunded status. We do feel there is an outside chance that certain grants might be made available and we will pursue those and let you know more about that. But that is an entranceway project. Keep in mind that the DOT is planning in- Chuck if you will just nod your head- in '04 1 believe to redo those off ramps where they are now as you pull off you can accelerate. You would pull off and have to stop. That should change the traffic and the character there. But again, that is in the out years. That is their plan. Chuck is acknowledging that. Vanderhoef: Excuse me. Did you- when you talked about an entranceway project did we take out- what is it $50,000- that we put in annually for entranceway beautification? Atkins: No, we did not. No, the small projects Dee, some plantings- yeah, that remains in the budget. This was a $460,000 project. Page 8, middle of it, Sycamore Burns. Since we reallocated all of the money, this project moves to unfunded status. Page 9- Hickory Hills Trail Development. The history of this project is it has been around for several years. You know there has been significant- not significant, there has been debate over what is to be paved and what is not to be paved, access to disabled citizens to the park etc. We now have a formal plan. You saw that just briefly the other day that Parks and Rec has to look at. That project at one time was $150,000. In the original budget proposal I increased it to $500,000. After discussing it with Terry it appears- and this is so you understand- we got into nickel and diming. We took $50,000 out of that. The project still is very well funded for its history. But we have proposed that we pull back a tad bit. And this project is proposed to be financed at $450,000 This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 4 with $50,000 of General Obligation debt reduced. Okay? The project still stays. It is one of the phasing issues. Kanner: Steve, do you know what (can't hear) is reduced in the project? Atkins: Terry gave me an estimate on the project plan of $425,000 Steven. Something such as that. And that it is a matter of how much in trails we can do, the surface that is chosen- and remember there was some discussion about the type of surface. And I am saying to you we have $450,000 to do that project unless sometime in the future would choose to add some additional money to it. We believe we can do a good project with those funds. Vanderhoef: And would this be one of those projects that it would be less than cost effective to break it into two phases? Atkins: My impression of it is that given the nature of the work you are going to want to get somebody in there, get it done, and get out because it is just the nature of the work that has to be done on these trails. It still would provide a significant improvement to the trail system within Hickory Hill Park. Moving on to page 17- EPA Stormwater Permitting. I have split that project and split its funding to distribute the GO debt a little more. I do make a note that if you do enact a stormwater fee we may be able to substitute the GO debt for this project. It is certainly something that we have to do because of the federal requirements. We are leaving this at a point that if you do choose to proceed with the stormwater fee, which we will recommend because quite frankly these projects are going to grow and grow and grow with the new federal regulations. So we split it and it is still GO funded. Page 18 at the top- North Branch Basin Excavation. That is in Hickory Hill Park. I think you are familiar where the dam is. There is some backup. We moved it to unfunded. We are just simply going to have to wait for that one. Pfab: Where did you say this was? Atkins: The one I am talking about right now? Page 18 at the top of the page. Pfab: Where was the location? Atkins: It is in noah Hickory Hill Park. That is the dam, Irvin. Moving on to page 20 top- Butler House Trailhead Park. We had proposed General Obligation debt of $40,000 plus to help support that project it was a small enough item that I would propose that we just take it from current cash, assuming that you would continue to proceed with that project. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 5 Lehman: Steve, is the parking area and whatever next to the (can't hear)? Atkins: Karin can answer that for you. BUTLER HOUSE Franklin: It includes some parking spaces in that little park down by the Butler Bridge but not the whole parking lot that is shown (can't hear). Lehman: No, but $47,000 isn't going to build a whole lot. I guess $100,000- Atkins: No, it is a $100,000 project Ernie. Lehman: That has very little to do with the building itself?. Most of that work is- Franklin: It has nothing to do with the house. It has to do with the trails and (can't hear) Butler House and putting in restrooms. Lehman: But I thought the other night we talked about the restroom probably would be located somewhere around the parking lot? It would not be- it would be down along the trail rather than at the building. Franklin: Yes. Lehman: Okay. I guess what I am concerned about is- and I think there was some mention the other night about it was important that there be parking available so if this project is primarily to complete the trail- the Trailhead- or the parks associated with the trail. And little to do with the Butler House at all. Atkins: Yes, that is correct. Franklin: Yes, very little. Lehman: All right, that is fine. Franklin: (Can't hear) a trail up to the house (can't hear). Lehman: But even that- it is kind of silly to build a trail until something happens to the house. Atkins: Karin, isn't there something to do with this Trailhead also that is part of the county' s project? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 6 Lehman: Right. I understand that. Franklin: Yes. Vanderhoef: How much of it is county? Franklin: Well, in this project (can't hear) CIP, none is from county. But what Steve is talking about is associated with the county' s efforts to extend the trail from Butler Bridge north. PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT Atkins: Okay. Page 23 top- Parks Playground Equipment Replacement. We have had an annual program for many years of $100,000 a year allowing the director and the commission to provide new equipment etc. You know we had an audit. I have reduced that to $75,000 per year. WATERWORKS PARK Atkins: Page 24 near the bottom- Waterworks Park. We have eliminated two of the phases of that project. We have a $250,000 budget to do what we can on that project. Lehman: What is the $250,000 for? Is that the trail portion? I think that is, isn't it? Atkins: Ernie, I am expecting the Commission to spend some time on that project and eventually getting back to you all. You have given them the $250,000 budget and what are the things that you can do with this? That was one of our harder ones. That is really going to be a neat park someday. It is a shame not to be able to get more into it. Vanderhoef: What year are we looking at putting in the Pedestrian Bridge across the river? Atkins: By the River Power Dam Vanderhoef: Uh-huh? Atkins: I will have to look that up. Chuck, would you look that up and we will get that for you? Oh, you got it? Lehman: It would be under Water Projects, wouldn't it? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 7 Schmadeke: We should coming to you shortly- Karr: I am sorry, Chuck- Atkins: Microphone. Closer. Schmadeke: We should be coming to you shortly with the design contract for that work. And then hope to start construction probably late this fall. We have to start spending that state grant by I believe July of next year. (Can't hear). Atkins: So construction activity on Iowa River Power Dam could occur as early as this summer? Schmadeke: Late this fall. Atkins: Late this fall. Okay. Vanderhoef: But there wouldn't be a connect up then from the Penninsula even after the bridge is done? We have not funded anything that would connect up the trail system to the Waterworks Park? Atkins: That is correct. That could be a priority in the $250,000. Karin has a question, and then Irvin. Franklin: Part of that connection would come from Foster Road through some private development north of Foster Road and then underneath the Interstate bridge to hook up to Waterworks Park. So that connection is actually going to be through private development. Vanderhoef: So that is not what we are envisioning here in this $250,000? Franklin: No. The $250,000 would be strictly in the Waterworks Park north of the Interstate. So I think what you are talking about is the connection between the Penninsula and Foster Road and the Waterworks Park. Vanderhoef: Which comes first and which makes the most sense for the connect up is my question? Franklin: It is not inconceivable that we could have that private development leg of it happen before we get it done at Waterworks Park. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 8 Vanderhoef: That is sort of the way I am leaning on that whole idea, is before we start getting carried away with putting in a trail up on Waterworks Park we need that connection. Wilburn: It makes good sense. Atkins: Yeah. Okay, moving on. NORTH AIRPORT COMMERCIAL PARK Atkins: Page 25- North Airport Commercial Park. We designated some of this project to be part of the Economic Development Initiative in '01. The actual cost has not changed. I have intended to use some Economic Development Capital Improvement funds to help finance this. Now, there are some repayment questions being discussed. As of yesterday- I will be candid with you, I was surprised at Rick's comments about paying back- I had always understood that this was very, very clearly an issue that we can advance the Capital being repaid. Eleanor has done some research and talked to some folks at the FAA and I believe we have reaffirmed what our original thinking was. But I don't have an answer for you specifically. We will continue pursuing that. The argument that I used to the FAA was that we advance money to build hangers all the time and they used at least to pay us back for- and I thought the same principle applies here. So this project is still a 'go' and still assume that the airport will from revenues generated, repay whatever Capital investment that we put into that park. Pfab: Steve? Atkins: Yes sir? Pfab: You said that there was a question- and I am aware that the FAA is pretty- once it gets its hands on something it is hard to let lose. That is a safer way to say that. Now you mentioned that there was something previously where you advanced some money and got it back? Atkins: What I reminded folks of was that it has been a fairly common practice over the years for the city government- City Council- to provide Capital funding for the airport. And Capital funding to me- it was interpreted to also include the hangers. And so if you want to build a half million dollar hanger, we can advance the monies from our reserve and that the leases generated must repay that reserve. I felt in principle the same principle that applied to this project. And right now the FAA is rethinking what that position that surprised us earlier. But I do not have a definite answer for you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 9 Pfab: So Rick was stating what the current position of FAA is? Atkins: He was stating what he believed to be that position. We believe that is incorrect. And we are pursuing that. Pfab: Now, when we lent the money or advanced the money for the hangers did FAA allow that money to come back to repay-? Atkins: FAA said nothing about it at all to my knowledge. Pfab: So we may be opening up a can of worms? Atkins: Sure. Pfab: Or we may win? Atkins: We may close a can of worms. Okay. I am hoping we are going to close it. Lehman: I think the chances are closing the can rather than opening it. The Airport only serves at the pleasure of the city. Pfab: I know, but- Lehman: The FAA knows that too. Pfab: Right. But I was just wondering if you had precedent, but apparently we don't yet because it hadn't been addressed. Atkins: I don't believe- Kanner: We do, that is what he is saying. Atkins: I believe that we have precedent for investing in the airport with decisions of this City Council, who owns the airport. Pfab: But did- you said we advanced the money for the- Atkins: Hangers. Pfab: Did we get the money back? Atkins: It is being repaid, yes. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 10 Pfab: Okay. And the FAA hasn't said anything? Atkins: They have said nothing about that to my knowledge. Pfab: So it is in the process and- Atkins: Keep your fingers crossed. I think we are going to resolve it. Pfab: I just wanted clarification. That is all. Atkins: There had been some questions about repaying some old debt. That is a policy for you all. I have always been under the impression that you send them a bill and you can do what you want. But that is a debate that you all- Lehman: That is a debate that I think we really need to have but probably associate it with the contract on the North Commercial. Atkins: That is fine. I just wanted you to know that I- the information that I provided you I still believe is correct. Kanner: Steve, when is the report due from the folks looking at the money that we could expect from the leases from the North Commercial? Atkins: The draft agreement, Steven, is in the City Attorney's office. Kanner: But haven't we- isn't there a business that was hired to look for what we could expect? Atkins: Oh, yeah. Yes. We hired Cook Appraisals to do a calculation for us of what it would in effect cost them to repay us. We have that report. It is taking that report and translating it into some sort of agreement between the city council and the airport commission. It is about $2.8 million when you take everything plus interest. And I am making the assumption that you wanted to be completely repaid. Now, the policy question that you will face is that the $2.8 million may make some of the lots not as marketable competitively. Remember, folks can depreciate things and do other things in the private sector that we can't do. But you will be getting all of that information. Kanner: Okay, well I am looking at what- so you are looking at it from the angle of what it would take to repay just for the Capital Improvements? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 11 Atkins: And I am also pointing out that you all had discussed in general about recovering some of your previous expenses. And I still believe that you could do that. But that is a policy question because in effect you are back billing them. Kanner: And so what I am saying is have they looked at it not necessarily from what it would take to repay us but what it would bring in on the open market? Atkins: Yes. That is in the report too. And we will have that information for you when the report time comes. What you will eventually have to do is each lot will have assigned to it a debt- an expense. Lehman: Like a tap-on fee? Atkins: Whatever it is. I mean, I am not so sure what I want to call it Ernie but the bottom line is that lot- Lot 1- has a debt obligation because of the money that you have advanced of $100,000. So, whatever lease is put together on that lot, the first priority is repay the $100,000 that has an obligation. That is what I have assumed you have wanted all along. And my point is that that $100,000 may be too expensive for that lot to make it effectively marketable. But I don't have the answers to those things for you yet. But my position with the Airport Commission and working through this issue with them and you will eventually have to have the committee come together before it comes back to the council, is that you wish to have complete repayment of your out of pocket expense. Yes sir? Pfab: What length of leases are we proposing to the people- are we offering? Atkins: We haven't gotten that far but I can't imagine anything less than 50 years, because the whole idea Irvin is for people to invest. Brick and mortar is what is important to us. Pfab: With a lease rather than purchasing the lot that is an advantage to these business people because you can't depreciate land but you can depreciate everything else. Atkins: Well, but other business folks have said no, we want to own everything. Pfab: Yeah, they want to own it but there is a tax advantage for them not to own it. Atkins: I understand that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 12 Kanner: Ernie, I would argue that this should be thrown into the mix. That we should try to ascertain what we are going to get because we have- just last year alone we had a couple of million dollars in debt from the Airport that we are responsible for. And I think it eats up a chunk of GO bonds and that we should talk about the Airport paying back- as part of this budget- paying back not only the Capital Improvements for North Commercial but certainly for what was lent out last year and even before that. And we have some information about what other debt we are paying as our 10% match. And so I think that could reduce our Capital debt in a good way and put the (can't hear) on the Airport, the people that use the Airport. And if necessary I think they need to talk about raising hanger costs and let the people who use it, which is a small minority, pay for the costs of these things. Lehman: I have no problem discussing that. I think that is a discussion. First of all, I don't think there is even enough information out there that they can begin to- they have possible projected income. And that probably is the best that they can do. So as far as nailing anything down as to what they really are going to get and what they are going to be able to pay irregardless of the philosophy of what the council chooses to ask them to pay, is going to involve so much time that we would never make March 15 on this budget. I agree with you. I think we need to talk those issues over. And it may affect some future budget but I don't see that even being possible to determine this year. There are just too many unknowns that they can't even tell us. Atkins: We won't do the '02 borrowing for many months. I mean, if you approve this and say this is okay this doesn't mean- Lehman: We can amend it? Atkins: Oh, yeah. And if Steven's proposal is acceptable to you that is certainly a topic for discussion. Lehman: But that is a topic that is going to take a fair amount of discussion and research. There are legal questions and philosophy questions. Atkins: And they are also talking a new FBO. Lehman: Right. I mean, there is so much stuff in the air right down there now I don't think it is going to be possible between now and the 15th? Atkins: In the air? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 13 Lehman: On the ground. Actually, the Airport is going to be grounded if it don't get a new FBO. Kanner: Ernie, in actuality they are budgeted for an increase from our general operating fund, which doesn't make sense. From us going through fiscal year '04 there is an increase listed up to $137,000 when it should be going the other way. And certainly that is what we were talking about with the North Commercial Property. That not only would we get Capital costs back, but we would also reduce the operating fund. And here it is going the other direction. And I think we need to send a message in the budget saying that it goes the other way. That it should be reduced certainly by fiscal year '04 close to zero. I would recommend this year we reduce $27,000 and get it down to about $60,000 and then increase the percentage that we reduce. Lehman: I don't think there is any fiscally responsible way of reducing what you are going to show for this year. I certainly think in the out years you can speculate. Atkins: Remember, they are planning years. And Steven is correct in that we do by using a planning document send a message. Lehman: That could be changed very easily in the out years. Atkins: One of the things you've got going for you is you can change it any time you want to change it. But the point is that the '02 is about- I don't have it in front of me- I think it is like $80,000 and it goes to $125,000-$130,000 and about the same for the following year. The reason it does that is that there is some Capital outlay built into that. Vanderhoef: Isn't this the year that we do the fuel farm? Atkins: That I couldn't tell you Dee. Lehman: That is a separate item. Atkins: Yeah. Kanner: No, I think it was on last year with the $4 million. Lehman: It is not done. Vanderhoef: No. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 14 Kanner: No, but it was- Vanderhoef: It hasn't been bid. Kanner: I think it was budgeted last year. Lehman: I think it is in '017 Kanner: Yeah. Lehman: Oh that could be. (Can't hear) Atkins: Because they are an independent Commission, I do believe that you are better served in your relationship with them by having some sort of a memo or letter from the Council to the Commission outlining what you believe to be certain goals, objectives- you know, we expect this to go down. We expect this, we expect that. And just simply outline them. But I do think you have to talk about all of that. And that message would be important for the future. Kanner: But hasn't that been the message all along? That is what I heard. That that' s the message. Atkins: Yep. Kanner: That the operating fund is going to go down. But here it is listed going from $80,000 in this fiscal year to $87,000 in '02, $135,000 in '03 and $137,000 in '04. Atkins: And the reason is I don't know- Vanderhoef: But they don't have any new monies yet. Atkins: I don't know what the income is going to be if any from this project. You are not wrong and you are not wrong. I just don't know what the number is. Lehman: Well Steve, what would happen if we did not budget- I mean, if we showed a reduction in '03 and perhaps an elimination in '04 or '05? Obviously the budget we approve is this years only. Atkins: You can only appropriate one year at a time. That is the law. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 15 Lehman: Right. But it would perhaps indicate what we expect from the Airport Commission- Atkins: Absolutely. Lehman: -if those amounts were reduced. I think Steven is right. Atkins: You can do what Steven wants to do by sending a message within the budget. I am just telling you I don't know how fast North Commercial is going to move. I don't know the final number. I just don't know any of those things to change that number. So what I did was I prepared the budget in a traditional fashion. You as a matter of policy can send whatever message you would like to the commission. Pfab: Also, I believe that the Airport has access to landing fees I believe- Atkins: Yeah. Pfab: -and whatnot that they don't use. When the Airport was small and was not much of a bump in the road so to speak for an airplane, maybe landing fees were not appropriate. But maybe it is time that they do as we improve this facility that landing fees are- that they look at it. Atkins: I have understood Irvin that they did not have the administrative capacity- and that sounds like (can't hear) word- to collect landing fees. You need someone there and you need to do billing and whatever. That doesn't mean that you can't send the message saying if landing fees generate this, then you can afford to hire the person to do that. I am okay with that. Vanderhoef: But if it is a wash and you go into competition with other- Pfab: I am saying it should be looked at. Atkins: There is no problem with that. Vanderhoef: We certainly can ask them to put together some numbers for us. Atkins: Listening to what you have to say- and I will have to go back and listen to the tape later on- I do think you need to prepare some sort of correspondence so you are in an official position. Not unlike 17/35. When the Airport wanted to keep it open you decided nope, that is not what we are going to do. You sent them a letter saying please proceed with the understanding that it will be closed. And that has a lot to do with these other projects. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 16 Lehman: Is it appropriate at this point for us to as a Council agree to send them a letter telling them that during our budget discussions we have reviewed the costs of the Airport and we fully expect based on past discussion with the Airport Commission among ourselves, that income from the North Commercial will be used in part at least to defray the General Fund costs of riding the Airport. And we fully expect that amount to be decreasing to the point where we are not funding it at all. Atkins: Yes. Lehman: That is a long way of saying what Steven said. And I think a letter to that effect would probably be appropriate. Atkins: I think it is a good idea. Lehman: It would be in the file. I can remember another time- and the runway is exactly the one I am thinking of. Atkins: We drug the file out. Lehman: When we had a problem we took the file out and showed them a letter where we specifically had told them that we were going to follow the FAA's recommendation that the runway be closed. I just think that it is a good idea to just have it on file. Atkins: The goal of the Master Plan is that will become a two-runway airport. Lehman: And the goal also of this North Commercial is the Airport be self- sufficient. Atkins: Yes. Wilburn: It is a matter of courtesy and institutional memory like that one. Atkins: The institutional memory was particularly important in that issue. Lehman: Yes it was. Vanderhoef: And this is also a place where we could mention once again that we will be in conversation with them later on recouping our Capital dollars for the infrastructure for the North Commercial. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 17 Atkins: You can begin to lay the groundwork for the future financial relationships between you. Champion: You have to remember- and I am not saying that we shouldn't because we certainly do need to recoup the Capital outlays of that- but as the Airport becomes more independent instead of trying to recoup all of our expenses of the past year just being able to save that money out of the General Budget ever year is also a very valuable thing to happen. So, you know- (can't hear). Atkins: What your bottom line is- Champion: -do is make them independent. Atkins: You have agreed to invest. The income that is created is intended to offset the General Fund contribution to running the Airport. It is kind of- in the simple arithmetic of it that is how the thing would work out. And I think a message from you all is quite appropriate for this. COMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY Atkins: Page 29- Comm Prot Capital Outlay. We changed the title. That is General Fund- excuse me. So just ignore that and that is the only one on that. That was- that came from a state form- so you understand, when you are all done with this Deb has to take all of this and translate it into all the forms that the state will accept. And if you tried to read the state forms we would never get anything decided. Because they will have these- they have huge numbers and small numbers- well, never mind, you understand my point. Kanner: Can I ask you an aside speaking of names? Unfunded projects- what is the You Smash 'Em Demolition? Atkins: That is an affectionate term. Kanner: Page 138. Atkins: You know where Wilson's Sporting Goods building is that we purchased recently? Right next to it you have seen the parking lot? You know where the bus depot is- the Chamber Parking Lot. We own that. That building at one time was a body shop called You Smash 'Em. And what has happened is that the name stuck but the building is beginning to show its sign of age and the You Smash 'Em has to be demolished before long. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 18 And we keep that on our list of things to do just simply to make sure you know- and again, the name has just stuck. Vanderhoef: That is where we store the bicycles. Atkins: There is bicycles and lots of junk in there. If you ever want a tour- Pfab: We could store it under the ramp. Atkins: If you would ever like a tour of it let us know. Kanner: It sounded more fun, the project name, than-. Atkins: It is no big deal. Vanderhoef: There is no big excitement in the project. Atkins: I have had it called Bumper Cars. Someone thought we were getting into that business. Kanner: That is what I thought. Atkins: Oh, you did? Kanner: Something along those lines. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Atkins: Page 30, Economic Development. Middle of the page. Based on the previous projects the resulting funding for Capital Projects for Economic Development- we have 700 in the upcoming fiscal year, nothing in '03, 300 in '04 and 700 in '05. That still allows you a $1.7 million Economic Development initiative fund of sorts during the life of the Capital Plan. One of the projects we have talked about is that we may want to think about a speculative building. Actually building a building in the North Commercial park to jump-start the thing. But while it has been reduced, there is still, in our judgement, a healthy number in there for which you can pursue certain economic development initiatives. Kanner: So you are taking out $1 million essentially? Atkins: Yes. Kanner: $600,000 in '03 and $400,000 in '04? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 19 Atkins: That is correct. And those have been assigned to the other projects we mentioned earlier. Down at the bottom- a fiber optic system we move to an unfunded list. We are simply just not ready to pursue that. COMPUTER SYSTEM Atkins: Page 31- a new computer system. Our finance and human resource software programs- whatever- needs to be updated. It is old. But quite frankly folks, we just can't afford it right now and we will get by with what we have. So we have eliminated the GO funding of $250,000 for that project. Kanner: What is F1NHMN? Atkins: Finance/Human Resource Computer System. Okay? You Smash 'Em. NS MARKETPLACE STREETSCAPE Atkins: Page 33- North Marketplace Streetscape. This project was proposed at $900,000. This was the subject of some intense staff debate. I have proposed a $500,000 commitment to the North Marketplace. It will probably only permit us to do some very basic street work there and some of the nicer things. But it is a beginning. Wilburn: It is a start. Champion: That is a good idea. Atkins: Staff feels strongly and I want to relate their position to you, is that if we are going to do this in keeping with what we want to do downtown, the fact that we now have that entryway open it is a better idea to go at it all at once and get it finished. And there is merit to that discussion. Wilburn: It will extend a message to the business owners in the community that something is going to be happening out there. Pfab: Is that easily broken up? Atkins: No, it is not. And that is part of the difficulty that the staff has is that when you go into to do some of the flat work, curb, gutter, sidewalk replacement, dressing it up- it seems natural to finish the rest of it. The Planning Director would like to comment on this. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 2o Franklin: We asked our consultam to look at it in terms of the reduction from $900,000 to $500,000. And there is a couple of options which still allow us to do a project that will be noticeable and significant. And I think that the business owners there will be pleased with what can be done with this. But then there are later phases that can come. Pfab: Is this part of the reason the median was postponed? Franklin: No. That was weather related. Atkins: That was weather related. Yeah. Now this- excuse- this number is public now for the first time. And the staff will share that assuming that you accept this. Excuse me Steven. Pfab: I guess I am- this is one that I am reluctant to see be not carried through. Atkins: Put it on the- Pfab: I mean, I made my point. Atkins: We can come back to that and I think we can come back to anything you want in here. Steven had a question. Vanderhoef: You didn't put forward the $400,000 into- Atkins: No. Vanderhoef: -the plan though? Atkins: No. Couldn't get at the 25% thing without actually eliminating (can't hear). Steven had a question. Kanner: You said we spent about $3300 in prior years, how much have we paid for the consultant this year? What- Atkins: I don't know but I will find out for you. Would you make a note? Kanner: Just a ballpark figure- is it $5000, $10,000, $50,000? Atkins: It is more like $20,000. We will get you a number. Kanner: About $20,000 or so? Atkins: We will get you a number. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 21 PUBLIC WORKS COMPLEX Atkins: Okay, moving on to page 34, top- Public Works. We had staged the growth that we would have liked to be able to move out of our Public Works site within the next Capital Plan. We are simply not going to be able to achieve that. But we are continuing to invest in the new site and we will begin moving operations. We are just simply going to have to go slower. I don't think we have much choice. Lehman: Steve? We are going to vacate those temporary buildings? Atkins: Yes. Lehman: When? Atkins: As soon as the other building is available. Lehman: What I am saying is that we are not delaying that by-? Atkins: No, no. I mean, I am eventually saying traffic engineering, all of those things need to be moved to the new site because quite frankly we want to clear that site and you are going to have to decide eventually what you want to do with that. That is eligible for brownfields. Yeah. Vanderhoef: There is not much there. Atkins: Yeah, the Governor really whacked that. Vanderhoef: He cut that budget in half and it was just a (can't hear) to start with. Atkins: We have pursued it from the federal end. We have talked to some federal folks about it. But it is an old landfill and it is going to be a very difficult site to develop. Pfab: How big a project as a brownfield is that? Is that a massive project? Atkins: $3 million. Was that about right in our original plan- $3 million. Kanner: Could you lay out what- with the new scenario- what the move situation how that will progress? Atkins: Chuck, can you help please? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 22 Schmadeke: The offices will be moved this next spring when the building is complete. And then depending on the cost of the storage facility- we will be looking at that (can't hear)- but by then that building will be built and the final building will be the equipment maintenance building. That will be several years. Atkins: That is the hardest to relocate is our actual equipment maintenance division. Lehman: Is that the metal building that is down there now? Atkins: That is- well it is a metal- I don't know if it is metal. Lehman: (Can't hear) Schmadeke: Well, it backs into the Highway. Champion: You have to wonder where they do all the painting and stuff. I just have to get the right building in my mind. Kanner: So the maintenance building is not in this new proposed budget that we have here? Schmadeke: This just goes for the next four years. So it will be beyond that. Kanner: Right, so that is sort of being pushed way back by taking out the $1.4 million? Atkins: $1.4- that is correct. Kanner: So we are definitely going to do the offices this year? Atkins: That is done. That is under construction. Kanner: Sewer facility should be funded with the remaining $1.4 million? Atkins: We hope. That is the plan. Kanner: But that won't be until fiscal year '04? Atkins: We can sell this debt in '02 to begin the project and by the time we get around to its being finished it is going to be close to '04 anyway for a second sale. And remember, what I have done is I have staged this thing. Could we take the $700,000 and scoot it up and it wouldn't change our- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 23 there is some flexibility within these three out years. You could take $700,000 out of that and push it up there and that would reduce that and that would change some of those numbers. It makes one higher- excuse me for being trite- (can't hear). Chuck has still got to go back and figure out what it is going to cost to do that maintenance building. Kanner: And the buses are planning to stay there? Atkins: Yes they are. Kanner: And are you planning to refurbish the bus area at all? Atkins: Well, we are generally investing in our transit building on a regular basis. The building is structurally sound. It is on stilts. You know, I assume it is bedrock because what is happening is everything is dropping around it. This building 50 years from now could be sitting up in the air. Lehman: That is still a pretty much state-of-the-art building isn't it? Atkins: Oh, yeah. Lehman: I mean, I don't know of what refurbishing that needs. Atkins: What we have done is we have taken care of- Kanner: I am just asking if that is in the plan. Atkins: We have taken care of methane. You can tack onto that methane system in the future which allows to draw the methane off the rest of the site. I mean, you will have to build for it. But we have that capability. The Transit building as you know it will remain where it is. It is anchored. It is going nowhere. Champion: It is only the floor that seems- Atkins: The floor sinks. Kanner: And so the plan is to do away with the other buildings and then perhaps have light industrial of some sort- Atkins: Whatever, you are right. Kanner: A retail wouldn't work there because (can't hear)? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 24 Atkins: It just might. It just might because retail does not have- you can build this- one of the concepts is a floating slab. And if you don't have the heavy weight that industrial might have you could actually put retail in there. But you know, we have got lots to do with you before we ever go there. Champion: That is going to be a long time away anyway. Atkins: Yeah. Vanderhoef: The cleanup (can't hear). Pfab: If you go into a brownfield, a number of those projects- I believe retail is one of them- doesn't require nearly the expensive cleanup. I think you cap it. Atkins: Well, I am not so sure we can cap (change tape) was to smash it. You actually bring in where the footprint of the building is going to be and you compact it- smash it- and then fill it in and then you can build on top of that. Now, your maintenance and your parking lots and things of that nature is higher because that landfill is always moving. The same things that we- you know, if you haven't seen in Public Works from the North Commercial- that is that same landfill, that whole area. Yeah, the whole thing was all landfill. O'Donnell: Not all, there was an A&W stand there. Atkins: There was an A&W stand there? Oh. Okay. Champion: That is in the landfill now. TRANSIT INTERMODAL FACILITY Atkins: Moving on to page 35. The Inter Transit Modal Facility. I think I have tried to explain that to you when we were doing the transit budget- that we cannot retire the debt from the revenues generated by the facility. This plan shows General Obligation debt to fund the city' s share of this project. In simplest terms what we do is that we would borrow the money to pay for the city's share. Local taxes retire that debt. But the income generated from the facility is transferred to transit, which reduces that tax obligation. That is how it all works. RIVERSIDE THEATER This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 25 Atkins: And finally, one item I did not add- and I will pass this around. It is Riverside Theater seating- $100,000. The Riverside folks wish to install seating at the festival theater at City Park. It is a $200,000 project. They are willing to pay half. They would like to begin yesterday. I told them we were not in a position to make a commitment for that just yet. They have given me a proposal that they are willing to front the full cost if we are willing to repay up to $100,000 over a staged period of time. It is a question of whether you work on your operating budget or you take it out of your Capital budget or you don't do it at all. That is just simply an idea of what they would like to do. And it is 400 seats or something such as that. Yes Irvin? Pfab: If they front the total- what is it $200,0007 Atkins: $200,000. Pfab: And ask us to repay the $100,000 what kind of time period are they-? Atkins: 3 years. So we would have a $30,000 plus a year commitment to our General Fund. Pfab: And the first installment would be due when? Atkins: Next fiscal year. Pfab: Okay. SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION OF TAX RATES Atkins: Folks, that is how we got where we got with those numbers on these Capital Projects. The remaining pages are just simply summaries of things you have already seen. It does have an affect on our tax rates. It you want to flip to page 9 in your budget here is how it translates. And I just went with the totals. Lehman: Which page 97 Atkins: Page 9 in your budget. The full budget- not the Capital, the full budget. Go back to the beginning of your budgets and count 9 and that is where you will get it. Lehman: That is not on my page nine. Vanderhoef: No, it is not. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 26 Atkins: Page 17. Champion: A-ha! Atkins: I am sorry. I got the wrong page. Lehman: Okay. 17works. Atkins: There you go. The new tax rate numbers- Vanderhoef: Wait a minute. I still haven't found it. Lehman: That is not in the one we got today. Atkins: It is in the front part of your budget. Front part- Operating. Vanderhoef: Thank you. Atkins: I am sorry. Here is what we have done. If you accept this Capital Plan as it is, an amended Capital Plan, we have made a number of minor amendments throughout the budget and we have the new values- the final values. Remember when we first proposed the budget we don't have- so those- so instead of 14.812 the tax rate would be 14.841. Instead of in your out years- in '03 of 15.928, it would be 15.853. And instead of 16.293 it would be 16.100. Mansfield: (Can't hear) Champion: Oh, good. Atkins: If you have a clean copy. Okay. Lehman: Now that we have all found it. Atkins: Now that we have all found it Deb comes up with it. So you can insert that- before you choose to put that in your budget books- I mean, it is making the assumption that you have accepted everything that we have done. But I wanted to translate that into the policy position on 25% that if you accept this you still, I believe, have to make a policy statement that we are willing to exceed the 25% for a period of time. It is sort of a posterity issue because we preserved those major projects and also made some other reductions. Now, there may be some other amendments coming along that affect tax rates. As you know, the governor proposed transferring all This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 27 pension costs to cities. That the state would no longer participate. That is a direct hit on our local property tax rates. Yes sir? Pfab: So that is a totally new charge? Atkins: Yes, brand new. Pfab: I thought we had just gotten rid of it? Atkins: We did. It is back. When the state controls the pension they control benefits, they control how much you have got to pay, and it translates into local tax rates. Pfab: But wasn't there- didn't we have a cost or did we get a refund or something? Atkins: Yeah, and we still continue to use ours. Ours is going to be lower than most cities. I am telling you that there is a new proposal that ultimately the state is saying we will run local pensions and you will pay for it. Pfab: But we still have some credit? Atkins: We still have that. Yes we do. Pfab: How long- or what-? Atkins: I think we've got about three years left on that. Pfab: And how much a year does that amount to? Atkins: About a half a million dollars. Pfab: Half a million dollars a year? Atkins: For police and fire pensions. Pfab: For three more years? Atkins: Right. Okay. Now, to take it a little further. So, again, we understand consequences. Now I have this as page 18. Is that right? It should be. Champion: That is correct. Atkins: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 28 Vanderhoef: This new one doesn't have the new numbers on it. Arkins: No. Vanderhoef: It is just a clean copy. Atkins: What we have done is that with new values amending- Pfab: I have a lot different pages- Champion: 26, page 26. Atkins: Okay, thank you. I pulled it from something else. I am trying to translate all of these decisions as they work through the budget. Our cash position with an amended CIP and with new values is now- and that out year is the one that we were most concerned about- is 14.1. That is still contrary to your policy. Lehman: That is a lot better than it was. Atkins: But it is a lot better than it was. Now that assumes you don't add any new expense. And that assumes you don't find any new revenue. We will give you a clean copy of that because these numbers also change our expense and revenue numbers slightly. But I wanted to get- express to you the policy position you had. It is a lot better. Much better. But a good bit of it is simple luck on our part because our values came in when Deb got the final sort of final values. They were better than we thought. But it all translates. Kanner: And what is the five year average? Atkins: 21%. We are okay on five-year average Steve on the policy. But the other part of the policy is no year will go less than 15%. Lehman: And that last year is 14.1%? Atkins: 14.1%, yeah. Vanderhoef: And the five-year was what? Atkins: 21%. We are okay on five-year average. So your policy is satisfied on that. And we will give you clean pages on that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 29 Champion: What would we have to keep that at, Steve, to maintain our credit rating? Isn't that what this affects? Atkins: It does have a- what they are most concerned about is the speed with which you might be spending down your reserves. Using a little pay as you go for Capital Projects is- that is good money management. But it is something- as I pointed out to you when we went through the CIP- Moody' s has evaluated all of Iowa as well as us. And they are concerned about some of the actions pending because the state- as I have said, if the state gives us a property tax limit take all this paper and throw it away because we will have to start all over. Because the whole balancing process then changes. Particularly in the out years. Champion: Well, one of my main concerns is maintaining that credit. Atkins: Yes. Champion: Because it saves the taxpayers so much money. Atkins: What we do Connie- I think, and Kevin is far more knowledgeable than I about this- one of the things we have done is that we have pulled these down to a far more manageable number. We were selling 9 to 10 to 12 a year. And this plan proposes, you know, 8, 5 and 4- smaller, dispersing those issues- they look at that I am certain more favorably. This one there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Those are current commitments plus $18 million for a library. Now, if we were to find that that library- that there was an advantage, and we have not found that yet, we can disperse that $18. Could we cut it up into a couple of pieces? The answer is yes. But right now everything points to sell it once and have it over with. But I can assure you that we are sort of constantly looking at that. And it is the spikes that make people nervous. Wilburn: My assumption with the credit rating is that there is in any particular category no magic number. It is that they look at the general picture and (can't hear) you do and at your managing. Atkins: When you go- they often come here. Every couple of years they will come here and they will do a complete look at everything. I mean, they take our audit- our audit is finished. They will look at our history. They look at things that are beyond our control- overlapping debt. Is there a big school issue? Is there a jail issue? Are those things all pending? Those all have a bearing upon our ability to-. And then also the creation of the particular asset. They are looking at the fact that well water and sewer rates are going up. Even though it doesn't have a direct bearing upon this This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 3o credit rating. And that is where you get into a debate over ability to pay. We have a strong local economy. We have been recognized in our financial reporting and get high marks in that. There isn't any one particular item. And I wish I knew all of them. Yes sir? Pfab: What is the window of opportunity or availability maybe better when- from when to when might we go and sell the bond for the library? Atkins: We will sell the bond to the best of our ability at the most advantageous time. If I could answer that question, as I think I told you the other day, I wouldn't be standing here. I tell you when to borrow money- Pfab: No, no. Are we ready to go? Atkins: Are we ready? No. Pfab: So I mean, when do we- Atkins: We are not ready to borrow for the library for a couple of reasons. One is the library project is not finished as far as design. It is not prepared to go out for bid. And it is at least a two year construction process. We must turn this money over in two years to satisfy IRS regulations. So right now borrowing it would cause us some arbitrage problems. Pfab: So in other words- so my question was from when to when- when is the earliest that we would be able? Atkins: I can't tell you that Irvin until the library tells us they are ready to go to bid. Pfab: And is there anybody willing to make a guess? Atkins: No. I won't. Because you are likely to be wrong. Pfab: (can't hear). Atkins: Okay. That is generally what I wanted to present to you. I would like to identify what I believe to be some of the bigger issues. You all certainly have to decide what you want to get out. I am talking about our 25% debt policy. We have reduced it to a point where I think you are very close. You have reviewed the Capital Plan as amended. The declining General Fund cash position- we have improved with a little luck because of increased values. I have heard you say, although you have not taken an official vote, that all reasonable efforts are to continue to preserve that Aaa This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 3 1 credit rating. Simply because of financial positives. I believe you need to discuss this tax base growth. Since we are not going to have a sales tax, which is one set of tax base growth, that you are relying substantially on the property tax. You need to discuss that so that at least we as a staff understand what is acceptable and not acceptable. Eight agencies, community events- these are all things that have come to light along the way that you have yet to decide. And you will need to do that. And then finally I just added budget highlights that there are a variety of odds and ends in the budget that you might want to take a crack at. Vanderhoef: Do we have that sheet? Lehman: No. Atkins: No you don't. I am going to get it to you. Vanderhoef: Okay. Atkins: I brought copies- I am sorry Dee, I do have copies for you. I will give that to you. Okay? The reason I did that list was just a list to give you some focus on what you all have to debate. Vanderhoef: A lot of it is the same as the budget discussions that were proposed originally. Atkins: Yep. For example there is a new one- Family Resource Centers indicated loss of a grant. Lehman: Are we- okay- regarding the rest of this meeting are we-? Atkins: You are free. You can go home if you want. Lehman: We will take a little break and come back. But when we come back are we going to discuss which of the agencies that requested funding we are going to fund and to what degree? Vanderhoef: That is a good idea. Atkins: You may do whatever you would like to do Ernie. I have finished my presentation. Lehman: (Can't hear). Obviously I think (Can't hear). Pfab: Are we talking today? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 32 Lehman: Yeah. Pfab: Okay, I was just wondering. Lehman: Let's take a break and we will come back and talk about those. After our individual concerns the Council people have about specific items in the budget we will talk about those. Atkins: I have department directors available by phone if you need for me to ring them in. Champion: Oh you didn't make them all come and sit here? Atkins: No. Take Break NON-OPERATIONAL AID TO AGENCIES- DISCUSSION Riverside Theater Lehman: I don't care where we start. Why don't we start with those folks who visited with us at the last budget session, being Arts Fest, Arts Iowa City and those sort of folks and go through those. The first one that- Vanderhoef: Shall we add at the bottom then the request for the seating? O'Donnell: Riverside Theater. Lehman: Well, that one and I think there is- Atkins: Ernie, are you working from page 54 in your budget Non Operational Aid to Agencies? Lehman: I didn't know what page it was. 54. Vanderhoef: And that Riverside request is for- Champion: $100,000 from Riverside. Vanderhoef: Were there not a couple of- actually three points on that letter that we got for the Riverside Theater that they wanted the exclusivity? Atkins: Yeah, those were bargaining points that- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 33 Vanderhoef: I wanted to know what the figure was because they also said that they wanted to keep the $1 per ticket and what does that translate? Atkins: I don't know the answers to those things for you. Vanderhoef: Because in my mind that $1 is helping to pay for the original Capital that we put into this. Atkins: Absolutely. Vanderhoef: And that as a bargaining piece I understand and I can't support that at this point in time. And then what was the third one? I am trying to think. Kanner: Exclusivity, the length of the loan for a professional theater, their charge, the use of seats for each performance by any group other than Riverside Theater. A surcharge will be divided equally between the city and Riverside. And then forget the $1 per ticket rent Riverside is currently paying for use of the facility during the period of the loan. Atkins: I think their argument will be that the seating is beneficial to virtually anyone using the facility. Lehman: There is no question about that. Vanderhoef: But they are wanting also then to charge outside groups who use it, which helps pay for it. Atkins: I am a little reluctant to support something such as that. I don't like that group charging through us to someone. If we choose to do that then that is up to us to decide that. Vanderhoef: Those were the two things- the exclusivity through the life of the loan, I can live with that one. That is not necessarily dollars as long as we can continue to rent the facility. But to pass through dollars to them and take away the dollars that we are presently getting to retire the bond for the building of it. Champion: I do object to three years exclusive use by professional groups because if we are ever going to start- if that is going to start paying for itself that is where the money is going to come from. It isn't going to be from a high school use of it. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 34 Atkins: Remember their original thinking was that they wanted to establish their own following and that it was important to them that they do not have to compete with other professional theatrical groups. Champion: I guess they wanted to make sure it was first class. Atkins: Oh yeah. Champion: I totally agree with that. But that is adding 2 more years to that isn't it? Atkins: Yes. That is what I understood it to be. Vanderhoef: Adding two years? Pfab: Is that exclusivity just for the life of the (can't hear)? Atkins: Irvin, I don't know. I don't recall that. I would have to look that up for you. Lehman: Would there be interest in agreeing to allow them to put in the seats, repay back the $100,000 over a three year period and all of the original terms remain exactly the same? O'Donnell: I think that is the way to go on that. Champion: Yes. Pfab: I would do that or add an alternative. (Can't hear) decide what we want (can't hear) and be done. Atkins: That is some of the debt, yeah. That is another option. Pfab: We may be way better off that way. Champion: I am not willing to sell the debt unless we (can't hear). Pfab: I don't the numbers. If that can be worked out I (can't hear). Atkins: Oh yeah. Vanderhoef: We have just taken out debt in many places and this one to me is a luxury. Yes, it would be very, very nice but it will function without seats for a few more years. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 35 Pfab: But the opportunity for income producing is a lot better with seats. Atkins: Yeah. Lehman: I think that the bet you are making is that they will accept the offer to do the seats and keep all of the terms the same. And of course the benefit to the city is that instead of bonding for $100,000 you pay them $33,333 a year for three years with no change in the regulations. Pfab: That is probably the front porch that they put on so (can't hear). Champion: I am willing to do that if we can find the money. Atkins: If you add $30,000 that is additional expense to the General Fund. Which means that you either find an off-setting revenue which I don't know where one is or you reduce your contingency or cash reserve. Pfab: What about the income from the seats? What if you put seats in- what can we expect (can't hear)? Atkins: We are already getting the dollar. Lehman: But according to their terms you would lose the dollar. Atkins: Yeah, I know. Lehman: So I mean, an addition (can't hear). Atkins: Their point Ernie is that they are obviously a small non-profit group and they are going to borrow the full $200,000. They need to have their loan collateralized in some fashion. And if the city is willing to put a- Lehman: Let's let this one sit for a minute and let's start out with the other ones because what we do here may depend somewhat on what we do with some of the other ones. The Arts Fest- Arts Fest Atkins: That is not decided yet. Lehman: Requested $10,000. They received $6500 in 2000 and we are budgeted at $6695 in '01. What is your pleasure? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 36 Vanderhoef: This was one of the places that I thought we might choose to decrease some of the funding and keep it say at what was actual in '00, excluding the $30,000 for the Arts Iowa City. Lehman: We are just talking about the Arts Festival now. Vanderhoef: I understand but totally what I am looking at is if we can come up with some of that $33,000 out of this budget. Because I think it belongs in with this budget. Lehman: It does. Vanderhoef: And so what can we do to create some additional dollars to use towards the seating may have to come from some of the dollars that we are spending for these. So I would- with Arts Festival I would take it back to $6500. Champion: I agree with you that I think this is not the year to give increases to city events although their prices are going to increase. But I am really concerned about our General Budget. I think we are very generous with the community. And I am willing to leave those fees at whatever we gave them last year. Lehman: That event, ifI remember correctly, we got the number of about 40,000 people that come into town for that event. That is extremely heavily supported by the public. The more heavily an event is supported I think the less they depend on us for funding. And I personally would have no problem with funding them at the level of $5000. Champion: Oh, even decreasing what we have given them? Lehman: I have no problem with that. I am sorry- and certainly that is only one voice. Vanderhoef: Well, and I was going back to the '00 funding which was $6500. Last year was $66, well basically $6700. So I am willing to decrease their- Wilburn: What was recommended for '01. Vanderhoef: Pardon me? Wilburn: Decrease what was recommended for '02 or '017 Vanderhoef: I am looking at the actual for '00. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 37 Wilburn: Right, okay. Lehman: What do you want to do folks? O'Donnell: It is such a tremendous event for the community I really don't want to send it backwards. I wouldn't want to increase it but I would support leaving it where it was. Champion: That is what I would support too. Pfab: I would go along with that. Lehman: At what number? Wilburn: $6500. Champion: Whatever we have given them this year. Vanderhoef: That is the budget figure for this year. O'Donnell: We are talking bringing 40,000 people into the community. Lehman: I agree except I think that- Vanderhoef: I think Ernie has got a real point. And I think we could decrease a little bit because we are having to do that throughout our budget or throw out projects completely. O'Donnell: But I am looking at the benefit of having 40,000 people come into the community. Pfab: But you are comfortable with supporting it at the same (can't hear)? O'Donnell: Yes. Pfab: I am too. Lehman: All right, we are- Vanderhoef: I haven't heard from that side of the table. Kanner: I am comfortable with leaving it at the budget recommendation for '02, the $6695. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 38 Vanderhoef: No, that is '01. Champion: No, that is '01. Vanderhoef: That is budgeted '01. Atkins: It is budgeted '02. Kanner: '02, the City Manager's budget- the same thing. I am comfortable at that also. Lehman: Do we have four people that is okay with? All right, that is that one. Arts Iowa City. Arts Iowa City Kanner: Can I just throw in something too about possible cuts, which would give us money elsewhere? I think the Downtown Streetscape Celebration- Champion: But that is not what we are doing now. Let's go through these one at a time. Kanner: Well I am throwing out- we might want to talk about cuts first so that we can see if we have money for other areas. I could hold off but it just seems to make sense that we mention those. It seems that we can cut that and also- Lehman: I hear you Steven. Why don't we go through these and as we get down to the bottom ones where there may be or some other ones where we may decide to make cuts, we can go back and change these other numbers. But for the time being we have got Arts Fest at $6695. Arts Iowa City requested $7500. Is there interest in funding them? Champion: Arts Iowa City requested funding? I am interested in funding them but I don't think that we can afford to fund them at that level. That one I would like to hold off and see if we save enough money at the end. Lehman: I guess- are there four people interested in funding them? Vanderhoef: No. Lehman: Because they made a request basically for funding for their general operations. There was no event in particular. There was no plan, there This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 39 was no facility. It was just a gift of $7500 for their general fund. Are there four people interested in doing that? Pfab: At $7500 or something? Lehman: Is there anybody interested in first of all giving them anything for general funding? (Several answered) Lehman: We have Steven is interested- there are three. That one is going to be a zero for the time being. Downtown Association- Friday Night Concert Series Lehman: Downtown Association- Friday Night Concert Series. The recommendation is that we fund them at the same level that we did last year. Is that- O'Donnell: I don't have a problem with that. Lehman: Anybody have a problem with that? Several: No. Lehman: All right, that is a go. Disability Awareness Day Lehman: Disability Awareness Day. That is- I think we just go with that. Vanderhoef: Let's go- absolutely. Lehman: I mean, that could be more or less or whatever. Vanderhoef: That is a fun thing. Lehman: And that is so minor that- Heritage Trees Lehman: Heritage Trees made no request. Johnson County Historical Society This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 40 Lehman: Johnson County Historical Society. The recommended funding is at $4635, the same as '01. Kanner: I think the programs looked pretty exciting that they are talking about. Pfab: I would be inclined to go along with the increase. I think they are doing great. That is one voice. Champion: Increase to what amount of money? Pfab: What they are asking. Kanner: Their request. Pfab: Yeah, what is it? Kanner: $5099. Vanderhoef: So it is about $375. Pfab: If that makes them happy I would say- Champion: I am not willing to increase anybody's funding this year. Vanderhoef: I am not either. Pfab: I can live either way but I think that would be one that I would have an interest if it is possible. Vanderhoef: That is your pet project. Pfab: No, it is not a pet project. Lehman: How many are interested in increasing the funding? How many are interested in leaving it as it has been proposed at $4635? All right, that one is done. Jazz Fest Lehman: Jazz Fest- the request was $8250, the recommendation is $7500. That basically is the same level that has been funded for the three years. What is your pleasure? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 41 O'Donnell: That is where we should leave it. Champion: I think that is what it has to be. Lehman: We agree $7500? All right, this is going better than I thought. Jaycees Lehman: Jaycees- historically- Steve, help me on this one, but it seems to me that four or five years ago the Jaycees came to us and we gave them $1000 for fireworks. Atkins: I think it was two. Lehman: Or $2000, okay. And that is the only other time that the Jaycees have ever been funded. Last year they did a celebration- and my understanding was it was basically coordinated with Jazz Fest- so that it was a big event for the community. And we funded them basically a first time funding of $7500, which I thought was a- Pfab: Rather generous? Lehman: Rather generous. Historically- I was a Jaycee believe it or not at one time I was young enough to be one- Jaycees have funded that for years and years and years through donations from the people who attend the event and also from businesses whose owners used to be Jaycees and send them checks. Their request is $12500. I guess we've got two questions. Is it an appropriate funding for the city first and second at what level do we want to fund them? Vanderhoef: I had thought about it when I listened to the dates that were lining up. This is actually adding a third celebration date within the greater community, because it is not going to be on the same weekend as the Jazz Fest. And it is not going to be on the 4th Of July weekend. And I am not real pleased with that to change that pattern. And I don't understand- he said something about not conflicting with the Jazz Fest. Atkins: Jazz Fest I thought Steve said that it was the 29th and the 30th of June. Lehman: That is right. Atkins: Right- Vanderhoef: The weekend before the 4th. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 42 Atkins: And Coralville's is on the 4th, which is a Wednesday. And they were going to do theirs- Karr: On the 7th. Atkins: On the 7th. That is right. Lehman: That is what I have. Champion: Does anybody else have a problem with having fireworks not on the 4th? I guess I don't have any problems with that. Pfab: I do. Vanderhoef: When it works out with the Jazz Fest and on that long weekend, that is a community wide not just Iowa City but the whole area, I supported it. and I thought it was a good compromise. But to just put fireworks and another community celebration right then I question whether we will get the attendance that weekend. Champion: I think people will be mad. Pfab: Ernie, I don't know if you can go home again if everyone is thinking what I am thinking they are thinking. Kanner: Steve, one thing about last year is the Jaycees made a deliberate decision to work with the Jazz Fest to have it on a different day because they found that in previous years it was drawing people away from the end of the Jazz Fest. So then I guess the thinking this year is July 4th- don't want to compete with Coralville. So I guess I would think about keeping it the same or perhaps reducing it a little bit. I think- I didn't go to the event last year. You were saying it was a pretty well attended event. I think it is a fun thing to have and why not spread out the celebration over a whole week? Pfab: I think that the last one was a centennial type of thing or a millennium type of thing. That was the big draw. That is what the extra funds were for. I am having difficulty with this especially at a week after the 4th. I have great difficulty with that. I just- I don't know. Now, is there any reason this couldn't be combined with Coralville? Lehman: I think that is their call. They have chosen not to compete with Coralville having it the same night. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 43 Pfab: But I mean, is there a way that they can work together? I would suggest that that is what they try. I would be willing to just pass on this and see if they can come up with some other alternatives. I would just say $0 at this point. Not that I am totally against it. I just don't think it is the right place at the right time. Kanner: You do know that this is the real millennium now that we are (can't hear)? Vanderhoef: You want to start a debate this morning? I don't think so. Pfab: I should have never went down that road. Champion: And the next question we have to ask ourselves is: are we not going to have fireworks at all? Vanderhoef: That is the direction I am heading. The Jaycees have added some park activities, which is a community celebration. But here again my concern is that because of the previous weekend Jazz Fest and the 4th of July falling in the middle of the week that this will be poorly attended and we won't get much bang for our buck. And I would like to see them just totally rethink how they might like to do a community activity and not go with fireworks. Champion: I can't stand it! Vanderhoef: I am serious. Champion: I have got to stand up on that one. Pfab: We know your butt is sore. But I believe here that the possibility- I lost my train of thought. Anyway, forget it for now. Vanderhoef: At a different time in the schedule it might make more sense. Wilburn: It may not be a community- fireworks may not be a tradition that you enjoy or participate in but I think there is a significant number of people who do- children- who do enjoy that type of activity. So I can't- Vanderhoef: You can't cut fireworks? That is fine. O'Donnell: This is a tradition and I think the Jaycees are making an attempt not to work in conflict with the Jazz Fest and Coralville. And it makes not sense whatsoever to me to put them on the same day- Coralville and Iowa This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 44 City' s. It is an event that I believe a great number- and I disagree with your attendance theory because I have gone to fireworks in the park for a lot of years and- Lehman: You just have to walk across the street. O'Donnell: Absolutely. Pfab: Do you want to vote on this or are you going to excuse yourself?. Lehman: I think the point is that the fireworks- Jaycees have done this for 40 years. They are going to be doing it anyway. If we do not participate in it the size of the celebration is going to be significantly diminished. Now, our question is do we want to participate and help fund this? O'Donnell: I want to participate but at the same level we did last year. Lehman: First let's start- Pfab: Can I add one point first? That is- they may be the only game in town all over the country at that date so we may draw a heck of a bunch of people. I mean, that is a possibility. Who else is going to have- Vanderhoef: A week later I think we would do it more. Kanner: I think it is Canada's Independence Day then so we will lose the Canadians. Lehman: You have to be careful now. We need to decide two things. First, do we wish to fund them? And second, to what level? How many wish to fund them at some level? Pfab: I would. Champion: (Can't hear). Lehman: We have got- okay, what is the level that we choose to fund them? O'Donnell: $7500, same as last year. I am not for an increase. Wilburn: Actually, I would be looking at perhaps a slight decrease since it will not be on the 4th. But I would like to have the fireworks there. I am looking at trying to make room for another community event that we will get to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 45 later- that being River Fest. But just to get the ball rolling I will throw out $5000. Pfab: I would go $6000. Lehman: Going once, going twice. Vanderhoef: I will go with $5000. If we can get (can't hear). Champion: I will go with $7500. Kanner: I will go with $5000. Lehman: I see a five, a five, a five, a five. Pfab: Six is the compromise. Lehman: Five thousand is the number. Now, there were a couple of other folks that spoke to us that are not on this list- I think. If I am missing it. Animal Shelter Lehman: The Animal Control Advisory Board spoke to us. And Steven, ifI am not mistaken the Animal Control people are part of the- from the City' s Administrative unit they are part of a Police Department. Is that correct? They come under the umbrella of the Police Department? Arkins: Right. Lehman: And I- obviously they indicated some- what they perceived as some real needs as far as labor use down there. What is the council' s pleasure? I think this is part of a larger organization that may be the consideration should be made of a reallocation of resources within that department if the department sees that as being a need. Pfab: I have- that is one item that I am quite concerned with. And there is one other one and that is a naturalist for the Parks Department. Lehman: We are talking about Animal Control. Pfab: Okay, but so I mean- those two competing there- I am- I see a need at Animal Control. And I think- now, they may be able to work themselves out of it with this foundation but I think some increase should be done. I This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 46 do believe. I think we have probably taken advantage of those people about as much as we can- as our conscious will permit. Lehman: Except that, Irvin, this is part of the Police Department and my sense- and Steve correct me ifI am wrong- my sense is that the Police Department would evaluate their total operations including their patrols or whatever and the animal control which is part of it. Pfab: I thought you meant that this was just for them. Lehman: No, this is part of the Police Department. Pfab: But we are not looking at the Police Department things right now. Lehman: This is part of the Police Department. My point is that if there is a shortage of animal control, that perhaps that should be addressed by the Police Department to reevaluate their resources. But let them make the judgement as to whether or not there is a shortage that occurs there. Steve, what is your take on this? Atkins: My take is it has all been done. Lehman: I believe that to be the case. Atkins: Yeah, we have done that. And we have made our recommendations. I mean, I don't know what else to tell you Ernie. O'Donnell: Misha is operating very short handed down there Ernie. And they may be part of the same department but they are pretty far apart within. We are talking about the ability to adopt more pets out and Misha has not been able to make the calls. And I am wondering is it correct to send the policemen out on a barking dog over an Animal Control Officer? The policemen clearly have something else they could be doing. Lehman: I sympathize with what was said but I am not so sure that that presentation should not have been made to RJ and Steve instead of the council. Atkins: Well, remember, you have an advisory board made up of representatives of Coralville and Iowa City. Because you have that advisory board they are entitled to- Lehman: I understand that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 47 Atkins: I went through all of these budgets with RJ and Misha and those folks. And they are certainly entitled. I mean, Parks and Recreation made a rather eloquent pitch for lots more Capital money. Vanderhoef: So the only thing that I see that we could do is if we think that that is a priority, we could send it back to the Police Department and say policy wise we would like to see you do something with this. You know? Pfab: I think we probably would have already- Vanderhoef: If that is the policy that we come forward with. I don't know what the sentiments around here. Yes, they made a good case for another FTE but I am not seeing any place in the budget where we can add an FTE. But what I can say is if there is interest in prioritizing that there is more help at the Animal Control Center that we communicate that to the Police Department. Pfab: This was the first knowledge that I had that this was out of the Police Department. So this puts a whole new light on it. I am saying (can't hear). Atkins: It is departmentally assigned there Irvin, but I think the most important thing for you all to remember is it is part of the General Fund. I mean, ultimately that is- every time you add something- you picked up 25- and I will tally these as we move along. Your General Fund position has been improved by $2500 in effect based upon what Ross just said. Now, of course, we know you want to pitch something else later on. Lehman: Well, I guess- Atkins: It has to come from reserves or get rid of something else. Vanderhoef: Change the priority. Champion: I think they need more help down there and I wouldn't mind a letter sent but I am not going to start micromanaging the Police Department. Pfab: Right. As soon as it is the Police Department I would have to ask a lot more questions of people who are not here. Kanner: Connie, I don't think it is micromanaging. I think as was mentioned before, it is in the same sense that Parks and Recreation came with their recommendation and the Historical Review Commission made a recommendation. They are making recommendations that I think are big This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 48 issues and we can make a recommendation or we can make a budget that encompasses their recommendation. I don't think that is micromanaging. Champion: It is micromanaging. Pfab: Steven? I have a question. The only problem is- the only difference is to Parks and Recreation came to us and the Police Department didn't at this point. Kanner: Well, we don't have a Police Department advisory committee except for the Police Citizen Review Board. We do have one for (change tapes) as a separate issue. And speaking of being part of the Police budget, I would say that we do have at least one officer that is available that we could perhaps redirect that position. We are no longer being asked to fund the DARE project in the schools- D.A.R.E. project. And that is $60,000 there. And then we are due probably to lose one or two people by attrition to the Police Department and we can say not replace that person and use that money to fund some of these things- some of these programs like the family resource center and possibly this part time addition for the Animal Shelter. I think we can find the money. We can put our priorities somewhere else Connie. That is what we are here for, to show our priorities with the budget. That is what the majority of the Council does, shows their priority at what positions they fund. Pfab: I am not saying that the Animal Shelter shouldn't have more help but I don't- at this point I don't know how to put this thing together. You know, what trail you go down to get there. Wilburn: I think the trail to go down is what Dee was saying. If you want to do that, that is what you do. And I would like to send a note to RJ to say this is the- the. 5 FTE for Animal Control is a priority because of increasing adoptions and safety for workers. And so readjust. We are not allocating any more for that department, but readjust. Lehman: Would it be appropriate to send a note indicating to RJ that the Animal Control Shelter is a priority for the Council and that we are concerned about- Pfab: Understaffing. Lehman: What we are concerned about is its smooth operation and whatever. I really hesitate to tell them to add a half time or a full time or a quarter time. But to let him know that the Council considers this a priority. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 49 Pfab: I mean, since it is just our feeling that we are not telling them to add somebody. Lehman: Right. Pfab: I think saying that we are concerned that maybe the staffing needs to be (can't hear). Lehman: Do we concur on that? Vanderhoef: To send the letter? Yes. Lehman: Okay, then that item is done. Historic Preservation Vanderhoef: Could I bring up another one that falls in this same category, to my thinking, which is the Historic Preservation? And they are asking for a quarter time more for staffing of their commission. I spoke to Karin and just said if this becomes a priority give me some ideas of what might have to change within your department. And is Karin still here? Arkins: No. Vanderhoef: Okay. Lehman: Now you can say what you want. Vanderhoef: Well, she outlined for me that particular position within her Planning Department. And it is a quarter time for Historic Preservation. And it is quarter time for long range planning for district planning. And it is half time at P&Z doing projects there. So, she said if you have a priority probably the thing that she would see that might take a little bit longer if you increased for Historic Preservation would be a decrease in the time for the long-range planning for the district planning. Because obviously the P&Z kinds of things will happen and they have to be dealt with. So, that would be another trade off if that were a change in policy in for this commission. I don't have a strong feeling one way or the other on whether we send that policy forward to the Planning Commission. However, I do just in general have some questions shall we say about Historic Preservation and where it is going. We heard about all of the studies that were going on but obviously the more studies there are then the more projects they bring to us. And that is creating the demand for more staffing as they see it. I am wondering how we can look at a bigger This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 5o picture, because Historic Preservation is not just within the city. It is a whole community. Whether it be out in the county or where it is. And I think about some projects that might be more community wide rather than citywide. And the first one that jumps to me right away is the Butler restoration and Trailhead. Which is obviously the Trailhead for the Iowa City project's trails, but it is also the Trailhead for the county kind of thing. So this would be one place where we could broaden the scope and see what kind of collaboration we might be able to do with the county. I am sure there are other projects out there that we could look at. But, when we look at that we fund Johnson County Historical Society- which I think we should- we don't put in a lot of dollars there but that is another piece of our history. And I have more questions and I would like you guys to talk about this or think about it and come back because I don't have a recommendation. But I certainly have unanswered questions. Champion: I think you have got some good questions there. But I guess I would have to kind of disagree with you although I think there are community wide problems for Historic Preservation to attack. Because I am a Historic Preservationist I speak with some very strong opinions about this. I do view, and have always viewed, Historic Preservation in Iowa City as neighborhood preservation and economic development. And I think you have seen it happen in neighborhoods that have fallen under the protection of the Historic Preservation Commission. I can honestly tell you that if my house wasn't in a historic district I would not have put $180,000 into it. Not only that, I would not even have bought it. But now you have a house that was totally deteriorating that my property taxes when I bought that house were like $300 year and now are like $6000 a year. And I know they would have inflated anyway, I am not saying they wouldn't have. But I view it as economic- a total economic asset to the city. And that when we are looking for extra tax revenues that is probably not a bad place to look. And I think it does give people protection in their neighborhoods and then they are willing to invest in their neighborhoods. And it keeps the neighborhoods from becoming deteriorating (can't hear). So I am totally willing to support this because I think they are reaching broad scopes now, which they never even talked about 15 years ago. And that is this conservation in the neighborhoods and that thing we just did with Lucas- what was that called? That designation (can't hear). Vanderhoef: Conservation. Champion: Conservation. And I think we are (can't hear) keep that program going. Lehman: I think we are. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 51 Vanderhoef: I was going to ask you- just please clarify- are you supporting the addition of the quarter time? Champion: Yes. Vanderhoef: In knowing that something else will give out of the planning department? Champion: Yes. Vanderhoef: Okay. Kanner: So you are not saying an additional $13,000 or $15,000? Champion: No. Lehman: I feel the same way about this I feel about the Animal Shelter. I think this is an important part of this community and I think we should communicate how we feel about that to the Planning Department and they should allocate their resources as they are able to. I don't know that we are unable at this point- I think we are handling and doing a good job with the Historic Preservation projects and issues now. I don't question for a minute that we are not and that the staff isn't overworked and the commission is working really hard. But I really would rather leave that with the Planning Department. If that is a priority for us and if they are unable to do it, you know, come back at some other time. But I don't- Champion: I would support that. Pfab: That is okay. (Several talking) Lehman: And I think that they are committed to the Historic Preservation. Vanderhoef: I do too. Champion: I know they are. Vanderhoef: And what I was hearing from the staff in the situation was that they just couldn't keep up with the projects that are on their tables. So, I can go along with supporting that in the fact of a letter and let the present staff put a little more emphasis on it. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 52 Atkins: Understand this type of department is staff intense. And there is not a lot of latitude with other operating expenses. That is one. Secondly, you will have to expect that your Planning and Zoning Commission is probably going to wait in because something will have to give. There is something that we won't do in order to promote this. And that is what I have heard you say. And that is acceptable to you. Pfab: I am not sure - Lehman: I am not sure that is what we are saying Steve. Atkins: No? Champion: We are giving them that option. Atkins: I understand you are giving them the option but the bottom line is if you are going to give them the option they need to be able to say to you "then we won't do district plans anymore". I mean, you have to expect that. Lehman: Maybe a district plan- it is kind of like the Capital Improvement Projects. One gets moved from one to another. Maybe the district planning process won't take place quite as quickly as (can't hear). Atkins: That is what I am saying. Lehman: But one thing that can't happen- obviously Planning and Zoning is a priority- that has got to happen. Vanderhoef: Certainly. Lehman: But I leave that with that I think the Planning Department and the (can't hear) Department are very bright people. No, really. I also think that if we send them a letter and they are unable to do it they are going to write back and say, hey, we can't do it. Pfab: I think that that should come from them rather than us. Atkins: Personally folks, I like the way you are approaching the budgeting. Where you are turning it back to us- Champion: Right. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 53 Atkins: No, seriously. I don't mind doing that. But you also have to accept the consequences of those decisions. And one of the consequences might be something has got to go or no we can't. I am assuming no is- Pfab: That is fine. We wanted to look under every rock. Atkins: Historic Preservation is a priority. Champion: I would hope you would come back if you said look this is really going to be too costly and they are going to give up something. Atkins: We will be candid with you. Pfab: I concur with what Connie is saying. A lot of it has got away on us already and this isn't something that you can do tomorrow if you don't take care of it now. Is isn't going to get done. It is over. History. Kanner: I want to comment on the subject that you brought up, Dee and Connie. I like the idea of looking at Historic Preservation in a broader scope with the county perhaps talking about previous settlements or European Americans or Indian Americans that were in the county and how we could work together on preserving that and thinking of that in historic terms. The idea that you mentioned that was also brought up was that this is an economic development issue also because of property tax increases. I think there is pluses and minuses to that. The pluses you weighed in with but also we have to worry about gentrification and affordability. So the flip side is working to make sure our Human Service Agencies are funded at an adequate level and that we have mechanisms to make affordable housing for moderate-income people. And then the final point is I think again that we can make stronger positions by saying what we want or don't want in a budget. And I think that is what we are here for. Sometimes I would agree with the letter and I don't know if I necessarily agree with the letter so much at this point for these issues. Champion: The only thing I respond to that and I think it is really important that I respond to it is the real beauty of Historic Preservation is that it takes place in older neighborhoods, which are almost always mixed neighborhoods as far as economic levels and housing sizes and yard sizes and all of that. And so you get in a neighborhood- with even the house size and price of mine you get houses that are very affordable. And that is part of the beauty of it. It also gives the economic level of people who need affordable housing protection. And I think with our housing rehab plan and all of those things, that all of those things tie in to be very positive for everybody. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 54 Pfab: Are we opening up a possibility that some of this money could come from economic development funds? Lehman: No. Champion: I think we have done that (can't hear). Atkins: There is a pretty good dent in that already. Lehman: We kind of took pretty good care of that. Atkins: Folks, when you say letter what I interpret that as is this is basically a direction to me that you want me to go back to the Police and the Animal Shelter folks, sit down with them and say "this is now got to become a priority because the Council has directed it so. How can we fashion a budget to meet those priorities?" Letter is kind of irrelevant but it is clear the direction you are giving me. The same thing goes with PCD- Planning and Community Development. You wish Historic Preservation to become a priority even with possibilities of a broader scope. How does it affect a quarter time position? How can we accomplish that policy? I mean- so that is the way I interpret what you are telling me to do. Pfab: But there might be one thing that we (can't hear) said earlier- maybe it is for institutional memory that we write a letter. Atkins: It will be- no, most council know that as a habit I will confirm it with a memo in the file somewhere. Pfab: I wasn't (can't hear). (Several talking) Lehman: All right. Before we address the Natural Areas new person let's take the Jazz Fest group- or pardon me, River Fest request that was made by some students from the University of Iowa for $2500. River Fest Lehman: What is the feeling of the Council for funding that? Atkins: Just before you answer that question Ernie, under Irving B. Weber is a reminder to you all the $6800 and $6200 should read $5100 and $5000. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 55 And I want to record for you that you are basically plus $1700 because of that change. Vanderhoef: Oh, that is in the '02 line? Atkins: I made a mistake in this. Vanderhoef: Okay, $5100 and $5000. Atkins: So this is basically cash. Without amending the budget this is now available. Kanner: -a lot of ice cream there. Atkins: Well, we are going to get some extra ice cream. Vanderhoef: We will have to buy our own this year. Pfab: What was the change? Atkins: The change- it reads $6800 and $6200. It should read $5100 and $5000. We are pulling back on the program a tad bit. Champion: I view this new request- Atkins: River Fest, now you are back to that? Champion: -as something that has been happening a long time without us. That it is a University activity even though it is a community activity. And if we were flush in money I would be happy to give them money but I think we have other places we could send it. Pfab: What about this Week of Welcome? Lehman: Well, let's do- oh, I see what you are talking abut. Pfab: Are those connected with River Fest? Lehman: Not really. The Week of Welcome is an event that the city has participated in. It is a welcome new students, as well as frankly high school students, to events that occur the first week of school that are non alcohol related. It is a kind of welcome to Iowa City and this is what we are all about. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 56 Pfab: By that time we will be dry anyway. Lehman: I strongly doubt that. Vanderhoef: Dreamer. Champion: I won't be. Wilburn: In terms of River Fest- I have gone the last four or five years- when it hasn't rained anyway- and I think the last couple of years they have done some things to try to increase or make some things open to the community. Last year or the last couple of years they have had the rides and jumper balloon things. I have seen a lot of elementary aged kids with families down there doing some activities. And even back further, there has been a community component- they have the taste of Iowa City and things like that associated with it. They have been pointing out that there are no alcohol-sponsored events down there. We are looking at- with the things we are looking at with the alcohol ordinances I think it would be a good sign to the students that here is something that the community is trying to reach out to. Champion: But all community events are non-alcohol. That is not a plus to that. What alcohol is served at any of these other group things? None! Wilburn: That is true. Point taken. But I think in terms- well the other statements that I made- their events have been open to community and the (can't hear) Iowa City. I have a presence of non-university- I mean, non-direct students at those activities. Champion: But I also see students at the Jazz Festival or at the Friday Night Concert Series, which is not university sponsored at all. Pfab: Do they chip in for that? Champion: No. Lehman: Steven? Kanner: Connie, I think one of the things is you do see some students, college age people, but not that many I don't think. It is more other town folks. And I think one of the things that the River Fest is the rock- they usually have a big rock concert of some sort. And I think that is attractive not only to the college age folks but also to high school and junior high. And that is where it comes into play that it is alcohol free. It is an event- you know, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 57 we are trying to talk about why do they go to the bars? In theory they say to see the music and stuff and to dance. Well, this is saying here is something with music that should be attractive to you. And there is no alcohol being served in the area. And also, to foster University/City relationships is a good thing on another level. I think we need to do more of that. For some amount I would be supportive of. I don't know if the full amount but I would be open to some amount. Champion: I am trying to save money off too for that Neighborhood thing. So I am not willing to give them any. Vanderhoef: Well the additional dollars are definitely a concern for me. And when I look at the other community events that we are funding these certainly are, as stated before, non-alcohol kinds of activities that support our entire community, which includes all the students. So I think we are doing quite a bit for the student population. If they choose to come out- basically, these are all very close to University just because of our situation. Wilburn: And I understand that and I have been talking to students about, you know, come on out these are something we are doing. I am looking at this as something that they are doing and this is an incentive to support what you are doing and for the community to come out to their event. Vanderhoef: How would you weigh it against the Weeks of Welcome? Wilburn: I look at it as, well, it is two different times of year. One is the welcome back to town. The other is a coming into springtime event. I wouldn't weigh one against the other. Vanderhoef: If you were funding though? Wilburn: Well, I am funding. Vanderhoef: You are choosing to and I am saying if you had a choice which one would you fund? Wilburn: And I am saying I am not going to make that distinction. Kanner: Dee, let me throw out again two other areas that I think we can cut- or I think we can cut. The Downtown Streetscape Completion Celebration and then I think we can cut back on the Saturday Night Jazz Series. I think the attendance has been very low for the Jazz Series that I have gone to. It is a nice event but maybe it can be something once a month and then there is festivals that fill in on other Saturdays that are going to be taking place. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 58 So, perhaps cut the $8600 down to $4000 for the Just Jazz Series and cut the Completion Celebration totally, although I see that we have been budgeting money for that in the past. Are we just accumulating that money or what have we done with that? Atkins: We had a Downtown Streetscape, remember, a couple of years ago. And that is what we paid for that. We have just been planning to have another one. Kanner: So I think what we will probably- you could still have some simple ceremony but- Atkins: Absolutely. Kanner: But you could save that $2500 and put it in other places. Perhaps $1000 to the River Fest and also use $4000 from the Jazz Series. Atkins: Let me give you a quick explanation on the Streetscape Celebration Steven. You are right, it is just a matter of the extent to which- the party you want to have. The Saturday Night Jazz came about as a result of- I guess a little bit of direction from my office as well as some of the other departments and with all of the investment we have made in downtown, the point that I made to the directors that were involved- particularly Parks and Recreation- was let' s program the heck out of downtown. How many- let's have events, let's have activities, and let's keep it busy all the time. And that was the result of the Saturday Night Jazz series that came up. Because we have the Friday night which we all know is very popular. And this one was not as popular but it was a Saturday night event that the city could say here is part of what we are interested in doing. So, if you choose to make reductions in either one of those it is just a matter of scale phasing. Pfab: Just for point of information- we are talking about keeping downtown busy on weekends- does this 4th of July or not the 4th of July but the fireworks- does that fit into any of them or is that separate? Atkins: Indirectly. 4th of July is an expensive time. I mean, we have a lot of police protection. We have to bring in some folks- I mean, it is-. Downtown is busy because a lot of folks have learned that the best place to see fireworks is really not City Park. It is top of the parking ramps. And a lot of folks go to the parking ramps too. Yeah, so there is more activity in downtown. Pfab: Is there another- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 59 Atkins: A lawn chair at the parking ramp is the best place to go. Pfab: You are talking about an activity every weekend? Atkins: Yeah. Pfab: Does the fireworks compete or work together with any (can't hear)? Atkins: I don't know. I don't have an answer for you. Pfab: Any of these in here? Lehman: No. Not in the summer. Pfab: I don't mean compete or (can't hear). Does it fit in here? Atkins: I think- Kanner: I think it compliments it. Atkins: The important thing is that, you know, Weber is a special day. Just Jazz is a Saturday night event. You can schedule it as Steven indicated, once a month. That is your call. Weeks of Welcome is a very specific program we have when students are coming back. The Downtown Streetscape- this should probably be the last request for that. The All Horizons Band is from the Senior Center. And we do like a budget for Community Banners because we can change those things periodically. That has become an attractive asset in town. Pfab: Is that more than we need? Arkins: No. Lehman: They are expensive. Atkins: Yeah, banner are- Vanderhoef: And they don't last much more than one season. Atkins: They get beat up. You saw the one we have up at wintertime that we just bought. We like to inventory those. They will last a couple of years. But they get ragged after being outside like that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 6o Lehman: You need a new look. They actually last pretty good. But you just need a fresh look. Pfab: Have we made a- looked at competitive bids recently? Atkins: Competitive bids? Pfab: In other words, where the community banners- are we- we are looking like we are budgeting the same amount. Is there any possibility of reducing the cost? Atkins: Yeah, it is your choice. Lehman: Well, probably not significantly. (Several talking) Atkins: I mean, do we bid things? We routinely bid items. Pfab: But I am saying are we just walking into it? Champion: (Can't hear) Pfab: Connie, hold on, Connie. I mean is this something that we have looked at recently about getting the most bang for our buck on? I am not against the banners. I am just saying- Atkins: I like to say we get the best bang for our buck all the time. Champion: -on everything they buy. Lehman: Let's get back to River Fest. O'Donnell: You know, River Fest is a positive thing for the community and I am impressed that the four young people that came that are involved in this want an alcohol free event. And that has certainly been a hot topic of discussion for the city recently. I don't know if I would be willing to do the $2500 but I would like some kind of (can't hear). Lehman: Well, I am not going to support funding that. I look at the events that we are presently funding and to the level that we are and almost every one of those events are well attended by the University population both faculty and students. I think that is a University function, which is a wonderful function. I am not selling that short for a heartbeat because I think it is a This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 61 wonderful function. But I just don't know how much it is appropriate for us to become involved in more events. I know that once we fund it it will become an annual thing and I am afraid that I can't support it. Kanner: I will throw out another source of money possibly. In the Broadband Radio Infrastructure that we have, I think we have about $8000 budgeted but it doesn't look like the feds are going to be giving out more than a couple of those licenses. I think that is what in regard to. And perhaps we can cut that in half and still save some in case something comes up. And we would save $4000 and put that into other areas. Atkins: That is a rather dramatic policy because Broadband or Telecommunications has always generated income to pay for their programs. And we have traditionally not stepped outside of that. It is not that you can't do it, it is just that that has been our tradition to date. The proposal is fine financially but as far as policy we have not traditionally done that. Lehman: Let's answer the philosophic question of whether or not we feel it is appropriate for us to fund River Fest? I do not think it is. Are there four people who think that it is appropriate to fund it? We have three. That is not funded. O'Donnell: I just work here, that is fine. Natural Areas Specialist Lehman: The next item that do we wish to discuss is a Natural Areas Specialist? Pfab: Yes. I think at least a half time. Lehman: I am asking if we- Champion: I would like to look at funding it. If we can't fund it this year I would like to say to the City Manager that I do consider it a priority for next year. Lehman: We said that last year. Champion: Oh, did we? Vanderhoef: Yes, we did. Pfab: Let me make a point here ifI can. I believe that by working with those Natural Areas and by investing time and effort up front we are eventually This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 62 going to be able to reduce the cost of keeping these many valuable pieces of property that we have and keep them in good shape and develop them into areas of greater interest for everyone. I think they are a gift that we have and I think we have an obligation to maintain them. O'Donnell: That is true. But we are talking about spending the money now. Pfab: Well, if you don't now you are going to spend a lot more later I believe. O'Donnell: I don't agree with that. Kanner: And here is another source of funding perhaps- Parks and Rec have budgeted some money for a consultant and Terry said that it would be likely that that money wouldn't be spent for the consultant if we have the Natural Areas. So if you take a conservative amount that is maybe $5000 that would be saved. Champion: But the problem with a Naturalist Steven is not the $5000. It is that it is a salaried position and so it goes off the General Budget. Atkins: It is a recurring expense. Champion: It is an ongoing expense. Pfab: But the consulting fees do also too. Champion: But maybe not. You might not need it and with the $5000 you are not paying Social Security, you are not paying health insurance and you are not paying any of that. I am not saying you shouldn't pay that but what I am saying is when you hire somebody that is salaried that is an ongoing expense that grows every year. Pfab: Don't we talk about the amount of land that we have and how we maintain it at the minimum amount? Champion: (Can't hear) need the Naturalist. I agree with you, we need it. Pfab: Well, if we say we need it then we talk the talk but we don't walk the walk. Champion: We need a lot of things. Pfab: But I mean- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 63 Vanderhoef: This is straight out of the General Fund and then there is also the carryover when you talk about benefits and so forth. That impacts the tax- Pfab: It is a certain number of dollars. There is no question. Vanderhoef: Well, and it is even more than just a General Fund hit. The benefits come from a different pot of money that goes directly onto the tax bills for our citizens. And I think we need to be mindful of the tax bills. Pfab: I agree. There is no question. I am not so sure that funding a number of these things make a lot less sense than protecting our natural resources, which are the parkland. And doing a great job of it. Lehman: Go ahead Steven. Kanner: I think the more we invest in this kind of thing particular, along with our trails, the more we become a destination city with all these events that are going on in addition to this. Champion: True. Vanderhoef: Yes, the CVB will concur with that whole-heartedly that we bring people in for our trails and our events. Pfab: At the same time when we are on the trails it would be- they need an event or if they need some attraction as they go down the trails, and this is a great way to add to that. Lehman: You know, we have put into the out years the development of Waterworks Park. And I think we have also if I remember correctly, the lower area of the Peninsula is also going to have to at some point be developed. And neither of them are being developed now. Those have got to be two of the biggest areas where a Natural Resources Person would be needed. Atkins: I see four areas Ernie. Lehman: The point is we are not- those are funded in the out years. That isn't something that we are doing now. I do think we are going to have to have this person at some point. But I think that we perhaps should wait until we start developing those parks. Pfab: Well, are those things- can that natural work be done prior to the developing of them? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 64 Lehman: Of course it can. Pfab: A lot of it will be just natural work and the money that you put off is just going to be that much more expensive to do it. And those things once you start them they gradually become less dependent on funds. Vanderhoef: Well, the place that I see that traditionally we have approved planning for lots of things even when we are not sure when we can fund the project. So if we choose not to do planning for those for two years then we would have that opportunity to hire someone who got in on the planning which then addresses part of Steven' s point on the consultant fees. Pfab: I guess I have a very blunt question to ask you. After you watch lands erode and be run down because they weren't properly taken care of what is the cost to put them back together? I think the half time fee of a Naturalist is pretty cheap. Lehman: Irvin, that is not relevant. We do not allow that right now. With our Sensitive Areas ordinances we prohibit that sort of activity right now. And we do take measures to prevent erosion and whatever is taking place. Pfab: Okay, if we do that- Lehman: Now management is a whole other story. Making beautiful natural areas, which I think is what we are talking about. But it is also something we haven't undertaken and the 2 largest areas that are going to be affected are not in our Capital Improvements program for the next few years. Pfab: Can we get Terry on the line please? For the final question. Vanderhoef: We need a Natural Areas person-. Pfab: I don't know what Terry would say. I don't know the answer. Vanderhoef: At this point in time I fully agree with Ernie that as long as those two big parks are not going to be funded for development for awhile that we probably can hold off on the Natural Areas person, although they would like to have him on board. I still have general concerns about the maintenance of our parkland as is. Last year we funded a half time Recreation person because we also had some severe concerns there and there hadn't been new additions to the staff for Recreation. And it was a real toss up last year for me whether to go with Recreation or whether to go with another Parks worker. And unfortunately we don't- those two This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 65 departments don't have crossover training. It is not possible. So you get hired for one or the other. Pfab: But what if you can hire a half time person? Vanderhoef: Well, I would- if I can find the money here I would support another half time Parks worker but not designated as a Natural Areas person. Pfab: Well, you could hire me but I wouldn't- I would know a little about it but I certainly wouldn't be a Natural person. But I think you really- that is an occupation that I think you have to really zero in on because of the amount of conservation and land protection that we have. (Several talking) Vanderhoef: There is two different levels here for me. When we talk about hiring someone who is a Natural Areas person I am looking at someone that is more educated with more specifics and a specialist who will plan for a higher salary. I am looking at the day to day stuff. Lehman: All right, we need to decide. O'Donnell: We all agree we need a person like that Dee, but this is not the proper time. Lehman: Are there four people- O'Donnell: -two large projects coming that would (can't hear). Lehman: Are there four people who feel we can at this point pursue the Natural Areas Specialist? There are not four people. So that one is- I do think Steve and I guess you will note- you probably noted last year- I think that is a priority. (Can't hear). (Several talking) Atkins: It has been a priority. Terry and I- and the reason it is a priority is Ryerson's Woods, the Peninsula, Waterworks Park, Hickory Hill Park, and what will affectionately be called Hickory Hill West as we are looking for a natural area on the west side of town. And that the Naturalist would be a nice addition. Vanderhoef: And they might well do well on the soccer fields- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 66 Atkins: Absolutely. Atkins: So, I mean, it is not like it is not discussed in detail. Pfab: Can we have a letter written (can't hear)? Vanderhoef: Can I cry when we don't get this? Lehman: I think in this case the letter would be to him and he just heard it. Pfab: I think we want institutional memory and something in the file. Vanderhoef: If we find a place I will come back to this in a minute. Lehman: All right. Atkins: Institutional memory. Family Resource Center Lehman: I don't have any other issues from the other night. We have other ones here. But from that- I mean, the Airport Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Senior Center Commission- we have covered those. The ones that you passed out today Steven- Family Resource Center is one that we were presented with at some point. I think that is now a $25,000 request instead of a $15,000 request. Atkins: No. Champion: No. Kanner: No. Atkins: It is two. Champion: $50,000. Atkins: If you want to open a Family Resource Center at one of the schools they wanted $15,000. That was the first presentation. In the meantime, they have lost a $25,000- I forget what the name of that was- grant. So it is basically $15,000 and $25,000- two separate issues. Lehman: $40,000. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 67 Pfab: I think we have the problem solved. I think when the President just announced (can't hear) organization I think we can just turn it over to that. The problem is solved. Kanner: (Can't hear) you are saying let's all pray? Is that what you are saying Irvin? Pfab: No. Lehman: If there is a next break everyone will be required to pray. In the meantime- Pfab: (can't hear) called faith-based organizations director. And I think we will send the first request to them. That is a little facetious. Champion: Yeah, anyway. Lehman: The question is do we feel that we have- we are really looking at $40,000, is that correct? Kanner: Or you could break it down into two parts. Atkins: You could make it two issues. Kanner: Yeah, they would certainly I am sure be happy with just $15,000 better than nothing. Pfab: Can somebody fill me in? What happened? Was there a grant request? Atkins: I can only tell you what they reported to me. Champion: A grant fell through at Mark Twain. A grant they have had for a long time. (Can't hear). Vanderhoef: -juvenile crime prevention. Pfab: So that has been defunded from now on? Champion: If they want to continue (can't hear). Pfab: There is no question that is an extremely high priority. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 68 Atkins: This is a new program that we have traditionally not participated in. It is a recurring expense. So just keep those things in mind because you have asked me to remind you of those things. Vanderhoef: Okay. I will go first on this. This is- when we had our presentation I specifically asked Dr. Plugge about what kind of collaboration that they had had with the neighborhood center because my concern is that knowing where our Broadway Center is and that that center is services both Mark Twain and Grant Wood- so we are talking about some of the same families and some of the same people- maybe different events. And I certainly understand those. But before I would be willing to fund anything new I would like to see the school and the Broadway Center work together for a little bit and see if there is someway that they can collaborate and come to us with one budget, one funding source with one administrator that may use two locations. It may use a part of the school for one of the locations- obviously the Broadway Center would like to have more space at this time. That is not possible to do right now. So I would like to get those two groups talking and bring us a proposal and then I would look at it. Pfab: I think that is a perfect idea. I would support that 100%. Vanderhoef: And I would not fund anything for the Family Resource Center at this time. Pfab: But you would be open to another presentation? Vanderhoef: I would be open to a presentation if they work together and come and say we are going to work together and this is the budget that we have got put together. Pfab: I think that would be great. I would support it. Kanner: Dee, I see in the literature that they passed out to us that Mark Twain Elementary- it says currently this is a proposal from the school system from Joan Vanden Berg. She says that Mark Twain Elementary for that part of the proposal- currently the neighborhood center supports one full time staff person through the juvenile crime prevention grant that is the (can't hear). Vanderhoef: The one that went away? Kanner: So my point is they are doing collaboration and when I asked if this was duplication at the presentation the superintendent and Joan both said no This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 69 this wasn't duplication. That they thought this was on top of what was being done already at the neighborhood centers and the school. And so I think they are working together and it behooves us to support that collaboration that is already taking place and make better use of the schools as a community center along with the neighborhood centers. Vanderhoef: When you say duplication I think we are talking about apples and oranges. You are talking about collaboration on programming. I am talking about duplication of families and students. And how can we best serve all of them with the best budget and the lowest dollar amount? It doesn't mean that I would cut out the programs that they are already using. But I want to get it under one umbrella so we don't duplicate and pull our families and our students and all of our resources apart. Kanner: After reviewing the presentation by the neighborhood centers and knowing how the school operates I know that these are two organizations that always do a good job making the most use- the biggest bang for their buck. And that they have done that in the past. And that this is a way to reach people that aren't being reached with these types of services at the Neighborhood Center. I am thoroughly convinced that the Family Resource Center is providing services that aren't being provided in other ways and are strengthening the community beyond what the Neighborhood Center is doing individually and beyond what the school system is doing individually. And beyond what the City of Iowa City is doing individually. This is a way to bring all three plus more entities together in a setting like the school, which is vastly under used as a Capital Project. Vanderhoef: I understand and I still think we can do this without creating a new separate entity with a separate budget. And so I cannot support a new funding program this year. We just don't have the dollars to do that. Pfab: If one- if Mark Twain is going to lose theirs- Vanderhoef: But that is a federal grant. They accepted the grant money in good faith but now the grant money has gone away. And we have this happen unfortunately very often with grants. Pfab: I agree, but just because the grant goes away doesn't mean the need goes away. And I don't want to shut off the funding on everything. I was thinking you were saying well, is there a way that we can combine basically- as I understand it- Mark Twain and Grantwood together? Operate them under an umbrella organization. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 7o Vanderhoef: No, I am saying get the schools to collaborate and put together an organization with the neighborhood centers that we already are funding and see how they might design a whole new picture there of neighborhood center/community center and use the schools and the Broadway and serve the same families and the same students. Pfab: Are you willing to set aside some money if they come up with something like that? Vanderhoef: I think it will come back to us in a funding cycle in another year and we certainly will look at it and look at what our budget is. Pfab: But are you going to say just let it go away for a year and try to put it back together? Vanderhoef: I am not willing to support a new project into this budget. I will continue to support the Neighborhood Centers with our aid agency dollars. So there are still dollars that are serving those same families. Now, what they can design in this next time period, I don't know. Pfab: Are you expecting them to run this out of the neighborhood center over in Broadway, which they have no room? Vanderhoef: No, I didn't say that either. I said look at the total picture. How can they design using the two schools and the neighborhood center? But put it under one umbrella, one organization, one budget, one administrator- instead of starting up a whole new school thing that has a budget and an administrator that doesn't necessarily talk to the Broadway neighborhood center. Kanner: They do Dee. They collaborate with them Vanderhoef: They did on one project. Kanner: They collaborated on United Action for Youth with the neighborhood center- (changed tapes) for the school system and these other organizations it is not a new project. It has been done for a number of years. And so these aren't startups of new projects. They are losing support in certain areas and I think it behooves us to get in here. Pfab: Step in. Kanner: And help this if we are going to see some long-term results. And especially with the DARE program- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 71 Vanderhoef: DARE program? Kanner: D.A.R.E. -being cut at the schools. I think this is a way to use some of that money that was budgeted for the police officer right back into the school system in a positive way. Champion: Well, I totally support the idea of this- whatever they call it, neighborhood school thing or whatever- Kanner: Resource Center. Champion: In some ways I have to totally with Dee that we would then have three programs- the Mark Twain, the Grantwood Family Resource Centers, and right in between the Neighborhood Center. And the way the program is set up right now that is three administrators. And administrators are the most expensive part. Pfab: But what about a shared administrator? Champion: That is what Dee is suggesting. Pfab: But I am concerned that you drop the service not- Champion: We don't fund the service. We aren't dropping anything. Pfab: But the service is being defunded. Champion: Not by us. Vanderhoef: Not by us. Pfab: I agree. But the need is still there and like Steve says the D.A.R.E.- I will pronounce it different than Steve- Kanner: I can't quite pronounce that. Pfab: That is all right. So, anyway, that funding is not being spent any longer. Is there any reason why that money couldn't be put there once they come up with a program? Champion: Okay, well, the other question that I have is- although I totally support this program I do agree with Dee. The other thing is we do fund agencies through the aid to agencies. Are we now stepping into where there should This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 72 be a county program? I mean, we do have all this cross funding and community services are normally the county. We certainly use them. But the county also helps fund the one in Noah Liberty. Are they going to help fund this one? We don't have any of those answers either. Lehman: All right, let me interject this. I think we have basically three options. And maybe there is more. One is that we have no interest in funding it. Second that we are interested in funding as it is proposed at whichever level. And third that we have an interest in this but at this particular point in time are more interested in working out details and may at some point in the future consider it. Vanderhoef: There we go. Lehman: Now, I guess- pardon? Pfab: I think I would say maybe put an emphasis on that a little different. We are interested in funding it but not in the way it is proposed as splintered. If they will unite it and put it together then we would definitely be interested in helping fund it. Lehman: Are we- first of all, Pfab: I think at this point we ought to make a commitment. Champion: We can't. Lehman: I don't think that we need- Vanderhoef: We can't because we don't know what they are going to propose. Pfab: If they come up with a program. Lehman: All right. Are there four people interested in funding it as it is proposed here? Wilburn: Which part (can't hear)? Kanner: Say either part. Lehman: Either part or both. Okay we've got three that are willing to do it the way it is. All right, are there four who- obviously, are there four who don't want to fund it at all? That is the other four of us. I think that is not true This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 73 either. Then are there four who are interested in pursuing this depending on what can be put together we would at that point consider funding? Champion: Yes. O'Donnell: Sure. Lehman: That is where we are. We are not going to fund that as of now. We will look into it and get some more details and based on the merits decide whether or not it is something that we are interested in funding. Vanderhoef: And for me for a future thought at least I would add whatever might come out of that if we choose that it be part of our aid to agency funding area and not a separate (can't hear). Lehman: (Can't hear) made a request right there. Vanderhoef: This is where they should have made a request is right, not a separate request. Atkins: What am I communicating to Lane and Joan? Lehman: I think at this point that- and I really- I don't think we- I don't know enough about the way it is being set up or how it would coordinate with other activities in the Neighborhood Center even between the two schools. We need to get an organizational plan that would come back to us and show how it would work, how it would coordinate with what we presently have. Based on that- but I do think that that is a very good point. Atkins: That this Neighborhood Center is an important component of this? Lehman: I think it has to be. Atkins: Where you have tied them together? Lehman: We are funding those centers and we are- Atkins: I know we are. Lehman: -serving many of the same folks. I mean, I think it has to be packaged. Kanner: Well, UAY is also part of their proposal. I would say then that perhaps in a couple of months we have a work session discussion to further discuss this some more with concerns. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 74 Lehman: Put it in their laps and let Lane and Joan come back to us. And perhaps they should also be working with our Neighborhood Center coordinator Marsha. I mean, so there is a little coordination and come back with something. And I sense that we are going to take a short break. Pfab: This is an area where there is a great need and I think yes, we have limited dollars and I think to keep the overhead- the management share- Wilburn: Steve, as part of your communication to them can you let them know- can you have further conversation with the Dee as to what she needs to see about collaboration? I think that is- in other words, the money that is given to for example the Neighborhood Centers- what is it that they are doing in relation to the school? Because there is a problem about- I mean- Karr: We just lost a quorum so I am going to end it. Lehman: We need to start again. It is obviously almost 11:30. We are going to have to meet again and I think that will probably require them to schedule another meeting at our work session on Monday night. I would suggest that we- one issue that is left- Karr: Mr. Mayor? Lehman: I am sorry? O'Malley: We have to have this done for the hearing on Monday night. Atkins: No, calling the hearing. Karr: We are setting it. Lehman: We will set the hearing but we need to set another- there are concerns I am sure on the part of council people on other items on the budget that we are not going to have time to discuss today. There is one more item that I think we can address this morning. One which Steven you said that you won't be able to participate in- the Tobacco Free Coalition has requested $25,000. I would like to address that, adjourn this meeting, and set another meeting on Monday night- bring our calendars with us to address council concerns with other items on the budget. If that is agreeable. Kanner: We wait until next Monday for the next- This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 75 Lehman: We will schedule a meeting on Monday at our work session. Kanner: We need to do it sooner for- Lehman: No, we don't. We have to have it done before the public hearing. We set the public hearing. Atkins: You have to set a public hearing, which means that you can reduce the budget or move it around but you can't increase it. Karr: We are going to publish the l0th. Lehman: Publish the 10th? Karr: Yes, we have to by state law. Lehman: Monday night is what? Karr: The 5th. Champion: Do we have another day this week we could meet? Kanner: Yeah, that is what I would prefer. Mansfield: Okay, excuse me guys? On February 6 or February 5 is the day we are scheduled to set the public hearing. Karr: 6th. Mansfield: On that day I will be mailing numbers to the newspaper to appear- that is like on a Tuesday. Atkins: That is okay. Mansfield: So on that morning I get numbers to the newspaper to appear in Friday's paper. Atkins: That is okay. So what is the problem here? Kanner: Well, it would be nice- certainly we can reduce it but it would be nice if we had figures coming out of the council that were pretty much set. If we can. If we can meet this week that is better I think. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 76 Atkins: Well, I also- if we have to call a special meeting to call another meeting. I don't want you stampeded. I want you to feel comfortable that you are moving through this at your pace. But unfortunately we have state obligations. O'Donnell: We will set another meeting for this week. Atkins: Okay. Lehman: Would Thursday afternoon work for the Council? Champion: I have a dental appointment that I have already rescheduled three times. Kanner: The evening is better for me. Thursday evening. Champion: Actually my dental appointment might be tomorrow. Atkins: Tomorrow is Wednesday. Champion: I think it is tomorrow. Lehman: I don't have my calendar with me but I can sure find out quick. Let's decide when we think we would like to meet. Wilburn: -I committed to a discussion (can't hear). Vanderhoef: Tomorrow or Thursday, either one, would work for me. O'Donnell: In the evening? Vanderhoef: No, not tomorrow night. Lehman: Tomorrow evening will not work. O'Donnell: Do you want morning Connie? Vanderhoef: I am going to go to the basketball game tomorrow night. Lehman: You didn't have to say that Dee. You could just say you had a prior commitment. Vanderhoef: I have a few priorities in my life. Kanner: What about Thursday morning? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 77 Lehman: I can't meet Thursday morning. Champion: Friday morning? Lehman: I can't meet Friday morning. Wilburn: Friday afternoon? Vanderhoef: I can't. Starting at 3:30 we- Lehman: The best time for me is Thursday afternoon. But if that doesn't work for everybody we can't do that. Vanderhoef: Is there any time tomorrow or this afternoon? Champion: I don't have any way of (can't hear) work for me Thursday afternoon by now. You know? Lehman: I agree with Steven. I would like to get this done. On the other hand it isn't something that we can't schedule on Monday night for next week when we have our calendars with us. Kanner: What about Saturday? Lehman: Saturday won't work. Vanderhoef: No. O'Donnell: Basketball game? Vanderhoef: No. Lehman: Let me just throw this out. How would you feel about meeting early on Monday for the work session, say at 4:00? Champion: I don't have any problems with that because I have already given (can't hear) Monday. Pfab: What day is that? Lehman: Monday. Karr: The 5th. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 78 Lehman: Spend two hours on budget. Karr: Mr. Mayor, maybe we can come up two or three days- people could check their calendars and get back to me and I can confirm it? I mean, since some of you don't have your calendars we could get some dates that are- if you can't reach a consensus now. Champion: Monday- the early work session would work fine with me. Kanner: Monday morning is even better for me. Lehman: Monday mornings I cannot- any Monday morning. Kanner: I could probably do Monday earlier. Lehman: It is going to be a long night. Vanderhoef: That is what I am concerned about. Kanner: Friday is out- anytime Friday? Vanderhoef: What time are you done on Friday morning? Lehman: I could be back Friday afternoon- I think I could be back Friday afternoon. If that works for everybody else I could be here in the afternoon. Vanderhoef: Steven, you and I could probably reschedule with Linda. Champion: But I have to find somebody to work for me. I can't come ifI can't find somebody to work for me. I do have a job. Vanderhoef: Up until 3:00 on Friday would work for me. Lehman: Well, let's wait until Irvin gets back. If it works for everybody it is 4:00 on Monday. That may be the best for everybody. We could work from 4- 6, take a- ooh, we would have to have sandwiches brought in. We have a conference board meeting at 6:30, I believe, that night. Vanderhoef: Yes we do. Lehman: But I would hope that within two hours time we could get through most of what we need to get through. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 79 Champion: We can- Lehman: And if we don't we just schedule in a meeting later next week. Champion: Right. Lehman: Monday at 4:00. Champion: Perfect. Lehman: Monday at 4:00, the time is set. Okay, that is when we will go through- Atkins: It will be a budget and we will limit that two hours to just budget. Lehman: Right, and if we don't get through we will schedule a meeting for later next week. Atkins: Okay. Lehman: Okay. Tobacco Free Coalition Atkins: Now, you are back to tobacco? Lehman: Would you like to explain to us- Kanner: I am going to excuse myself because of (can't hear). Lehman: -explain to us what the request is, why and- Atkins: The Tobacco Free Coalition has applied for a grant and need $25,000 in matching money. They apparently have $6500. That is it. Vanderhoef: That is all? Pfab: What are the asking for? Atkins: $25,000. Champion: That is a lot of money. Atkins: Yeah it is. Not budgeted either. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 8o Vanderhoef: I don't see where we- Lehman: I hate to address this as quickly as I am about to but I do not favor trying to come up with $25,000. O'Donnell: I don't see where we can come up with that. Vanderhoef: I don't either. Wilburn: Refresh my memory- what were they going to do with this? What are they doing with the grant? Karr: Educational. Atkins: It is all educational and promotion. Pfab: What is the tobacco company paying the state? Is there no money available? Lehman: That is where they are getting the grant I think. They need a match. Champion: Let me ask a question. We are going to discuss anti-smoking ordinances or no smoking ordinances as a City Council. Lehman: In restaurants, right. Champion: In restaurants. And then by giving them money are we putting ourselves all up to be in a conflict of interest and can't vote on it? O'Donnell: That is a good point. Lehman: That is a point but it isn't a relevant point unless there are four of us who wish to pursue this. Are there four- Pfab: Just tell me, they have how much money now? Vanderhoef: $6500 out of the $25,000. Pfab: And they want us to fund how much? Atkins: Members of our community have agreed to donate- we need your help to satisfy the $25,000 cash match requirement. Without this the community loses an opportunity to gain a total of $50,000 devoted to tobacco control. We have already raised $6500 toward our goal from generous donations. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 81 We are asking the city council to consider contributing to this important community health activity. Contributing means your number. Pfab: Okay- I was going to say if they are asking for $25,000- no. But I would not be opposed to putting something in. If- I would consider $2500. I would make that as a starting place. And it is not a huge amount. But it does show our support. And I would encourage it. Wilburn: I would go with that. Lehman: Are there four of us who would go with $2500? We are going to have to have- three isn't going to do it. So it is going to take four. Are there three, are there two, are there one? Is there support for finding money to help fund this match grant? Obviously Irvin you feel there is some support. Is there any support? Champion: I wouldn't mind giving them something. I mean, just because I do support their program. But I am not going to give them- I don't know. Pfab: Is $2500 out of range? Champion: I would give them $500. I know it is peanuts but it is a sign of support. Pfab: Would you raise it to $10007 Champion: No. Lehman: Are there four people who are interested in contributing any money to this effort? There are not four people. Atkins: Okay. Lehman: We will meet at 4:00 on Monday. Atkins: Before you go I have one item. It is on your non-operational- Lehman: Should Steven be back for this? Atkins: Yes he should. Lehman: Would you tell him Mike? Atkins: Your non-operational administration budget shows a proposed budget in '02 of $443,439. I thought I told you this but apparently I didn't that This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 82 number is $466,900. That is what we balanced. Page 54 Aid to Agency. I thought I told you that. O'Donnell: You did. Atkins: I did? I thought I did. Okay. So that budget is $466,900- same as it was in '01. And that was the general theme throughout these. Just to make sure. Because I know that you all are going to wrap something up before too long. Lehman: So Monday night be prepared to- or Monday afternoon 4:00- to discuss. Atkins: Do I understand Ernie that this is still a kind of open agenda where you raise issues? Kind of like what we just did? Lehman: I think it is a time that Council people need to bring up things that they are concerned about about the budget and whatever suggestions they may have. Kanner: Did someone mention about Aid to Agencies that there were three agencies not listed here that requested money from the city that are new? Lehman: We are going to take care of that Monday night. Kanner: Just to let people know that. Atkins: Three new ones? Karr: February 22 joint meeting with the library. I need to confirm that. They have requested February 22. It is a Thursday. Lehman: We will confirm that on Monday night when everybody has their calendars. Vanderhoef: What time? Karr: They had requested 5:00. That is why I put the memo in the packet. Lehman: February 22? Karr: That is correct. It is a Thursday. Monday is a holiday. You have got your joint work session and formal on Tuesday starting at 4:00. And this would be Thursday. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WSO13001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 83 O'Donnell: I would rather do that a little later. Lehman: Later in the day? O'Donnell: Yeah. Pfab: What time are they asking now? Karr: They are available anytime after 5:00. O'Donnell: 6:30? Champion: You know, 6:30 is such a- I don't care what time we do it because I can do it any time that day. But 6:30 is just such an irritating time for me when we already have a work session because then it totally interferes with my dinner hour. So I have two nights of the week that I don't get dinner and my family doesn't get dinner. It disrupts my whole week. O'Donnell: 5:30? Lehman: 5:30 would give everybody a chance to get here after work. Karr: 5:30? Lehman: And probably is not going to be a long meeting. Karr: 2 hours. Lehman: 2 hours you think? Champion: Two hours! Atkins: That is what they said. Karr: That is what they requested. Atkins: We can bring some food in folks. We just need to know ahead of time. Champion: (Can't hear) if it is two hours. Lehman: I think there is a problem with getting here from work. Kanner: Yeah, 5:00 is tough for me too. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001 January 30, 2001 Council Work Session Page 84 Lehman: 5:30 is fine. Bring in sandwiches for them and us both. That is fine. Kanner: or if you want to do it at 7:30. Champion: That would be better. Wilburn: then I have childcare problems. Champion: Does the other time work? Wilburn: 5:30 will work. Lehman: Marian can we confirm that on Monday? Karr: Yes. Lehman: Let's tentatively 5:30 on the 22nd. And we will confirm that Monday night. Because you are going to remind us. Thank you. (Several talking) Karr: It was in your packet last time. Wilburn: Do you want to put my kids to bed for me? Atkins: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of January 30, 2001. WS013001