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Home My WebLink About2001-12-11 Info Packet of 11/29 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET November 29, 2001 I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS I IP1 Meeting Schedule and Tentative Work Session Agendas IP2 Memorandum from City Manager: Pending Development Issues IP3 Memorandum from City Manager: Update on Mormon Trek Boulevard Extension Project IP4 Memorandum from City Clerk: Proximity Cards IP5 Memorandum from Assistant City Attorney Matthews: Revisions to Proposed Smoking Ordinance IP6 Letter from JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner to Residents of 800 and 900 Blocks of Dover Street, Shrader Road, Catskill Court, Amber Lane, Petsel Place, Regal Lane, Westminster Street-Dartmouth Street Neighborhood: Odd-Even On-Street Parking Policy During the Winter Snow Season IP7 Letter from Roxann Bennett to Residents of Foster Road/Dubuque Street/Bjaysville Lane Area: Update on Construction Work Schedule IP8 Letter from Water Superintendent to City Manager: New Water Purification Plant Startup IP9 Memorandum from Senior Planner: Code Rewrite IP10 Memorandum from Transit Manager to City Manager: Update on Ridership after Route Changes IPll Memorandum from Fire Chief to City Manager: Badge Pinning Ceremony IP12 Email from Police Chief to City Manager: Tobacco Checks IP13 Email from Charlotte Walker to JCTalk: Dream Home Approval [City Manager response included] ~ City Council Meeting Schedule and November29,20o~ '°~,~'~ Tentative Work Session Agendas i December 10 Monday 6:30p SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Ha~at Haft i December 11 Tuesday 7:00p SPECIAL FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Ha~at Haft December 24-25 Monday/Tuesday CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY - CI~ OFFICES CLOSED i Janua~ 1 Tuesday NEW YEAR HOLIDAY - CITY OFFICES CLOSED Janua~ 4 Friday 9:30a SPECIAL FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Ha~at Haft Organizational Meeting Janua~ 7 Monday 6:30p SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Ha~at Haft Janua~ 8 Tuesday 7:00p SPECIAL FORMAL COUNCIL MEETING Emma J. Ha~at Hall Janua~ 9 Wednesday TBD SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION TBD Joint Meeting with JC Board of Supervisors, Schools, Cities of Noah Libe~y and Coralville i Janua~ 10 Thursday 1:30p - 5:00p SPECIAL COUNCIL WORK SESSION Emma J. Ha~at Hall Budget Meeting Meeting date~times subject to change FUTURE WORK SESSION ITEMS Dog Park Downtown Historic Preservation Su~ey Regulation of Downtown Dumpsters Writers' Safe Haven Sensitive Areas Ordinance Long-Range Transportation Plan City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: November 28, 2001 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Pending Development Issues 1. An application from High Density Multi-Family (RM-44), to Sensitive Areas Overlay (OSA/RM-44) on .63 acres to allow the development of a 10-unit apartment complex located at 707 Dubuque St. 2. An application submitted by Southgate Development for a preliminary plat and sensitive areas rezoning of Lindemann Subdivision, an approximate 95-acre, 263 lot residential with 8 outlots, located north of Court Street, south of Lower West Branch Road, and east of Scott Park Drive/Hummingbird Lane. 3. An application submitted by Southgate Development for a preliminary and final plat of a Resubdivjsion of Highlander First Addition, Lots 8-14, a 21.87-acre, 7-lot subdivision with 2 outlots, located at the eastern terminus of Northgate Drive. 4. An application submitted by Arlington L.C. for a preliminary plat of Stone Bridge Estates, Part 2, an approximate 13.98-acre, 52-1ot residential subdivision located north of Ashford Place Street, south of Lower West Branch Road. 5. An application submitted by The Wavefly Group, Inc. to annex 4.01 acres located south of Rochester Avenue (Herbert Hoover Highway) and fezone it from County C-1 to Commercial. Mgr\mernos\pendissues.doc City of Iowa City ' MEMORANDUM Date: November 28, 2001 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Update on Mormon Trek Boulevard extension project We are underway with the design of the extension of Mormon Trek Boulevard between Iowa Highway I and Iowa Highway 921 (Riverside Drive). This is an estimated $7.5 million project for which $2.6 million in funding is currently available ($1.9 million STP through JCCOG/$700,000 local). EarthTech Engineering Consultants have been hired to complete design activities for the proposed extension. They are following the direction provided by the Council in your decision making during the planning alignment study conducted by JCCOG and EarthTech over the last couple of years. This will be two-lane road with controlled access; turns lanes at major intersections and a wide sidewalk on one side of the street. Right-of-way acquisition will accommodate a four-lane street in the future. EarthTech's current activities involve concept design, completion of the Environmental Assessment, and preliminary design of the sanitary sewer extension to the area. Property owners have been advised that surveying and archaeology work is commencing. We are planning on submitting the concept design statement to Iowa DOT in spring 2002, which will allow us to conduct a March 2003 letting for the project. We will structure the letting as a base bid with add alternates so that we can construct as much of the extension as possible in this first phase with the funding we have available. The downturn in the economy may produce a positive bidding climate for us during the next couple of years. According to the South Central District Plan of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, the extension of municipal infrastructure to this area will open up property for the development of commercial, industrial, and residential land uses. We feel the location of this area adjacent to U.S. Highway 218, Iowa Highway 1, Iowa Highway 921 (Riverside Drive), and the Iowa City Municipal Airport makes it especially attractive for commercial and industrial development. There is also the possibility of the extension of rail service from the CRANDIC line which runs parallel to Riverside Drive. Let me know if you have any questions. cc: Chuck Schmadeke Karin Franklin Rick Fosse Jeff Davidson Kim Shera Ron O'Neil mgdmenVrnorrnonupdatedoc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: November 29, 2001 TO: City Council FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk'~IL RE: Proximity Cards Starting next week the City will be replacing the touch panel exterior doors to the Civic Center with a keyless entry method. City staff requiring entry to the building will be assigned a proximity card. This photo card will enable the employee to access the building at designated doors. Council Members proximity cards will be available in the City Clerks office starting Monday, December 3. Council Members proximity cards will open the east main door (near Assisted Housing) and the noah lobby (outside my office connecting to the lobby area). Parking is available directly outside the east main door and Council is encouraged to use that area for easy access. Council Members will no longer be able to access the Civic Center via the southeast door (across from New Pioneer). Depending on the order doors are changed you may not be able to access the building without the card starting next Thursday, December 6. All employees will also have access to the north dock and exercise room at any time with their proximity cards. As is current practice, the Civic Center doors will be unlocked during normal business hours, and the front door is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All employees will be asked to sign an acknowledgement indicating they had received the card and setting forth responsibilities of the card holder. City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: November 29, 2001 To: City Cotmcil From: Andy Matthews, Assistant City Attomey////al)t Re: Revisions to Proposed Smoking Ordinance As the proposed smoking ordinance has undergone a few revisions, to ensure that all council members, staff and the public have access to the most recent draft, attached hereto is the most recent revision of the proposed ordinance. Prepared by: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240; 319-356-5030 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6 OF THE CITY CODE BY REPEALING CHAPTER 7, ENTITLED "SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES" AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 7, ENTITLED "SMOKING IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS" WHEREAS, "smoking areas" may be designated, pursuant to Subsection 142B.2(2) Code of Iowa, by persons having custody or control of public places except in places where smoking is prohibited by ordinance; and WHEREAS, there exists a significant body of scientific research demonstrating that smoking and the effects of second hand smoke pose significant health hazards to persons who are in the presence of smokers; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the citizens of Iowa City that designation of smoking areas be prohibited in food establishments within Iowa City: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, IOWA: SECTION I. AMENDMENT. Title 6 of the City Code, entitled "Public Health and Safety" is amended by repealing Chapter 7 of Title 6, entitled "Smoking in Public Places", and adding a new Chapter 7, entitled "Smoking in Food Establishments", as follows: Section 6-7-1: PURPOSE: The purpose of this Chapter is to protect the public health, comfort and environment by prohibiting smoking in food establishments as defined herein and preventing the designation in such food establishments of any smoking area in accordance with Section 142B.2(2) of the Code of iowa. Section 6-7-2: FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS WHERE SMOKING IS PROHIBITED: Smoking, as defined by Subsection 142B.1(4) Code of Iowa, is prohibited in any establishment that is a "public place", as defined by Subsection 142B.1(3) Code of iowa, where food is prepared or served for consumption on the premises of the establishment. Section 6-7-3: DESIGNATION OF CERTAIN SMOKING AREAS PROHIBITED: The person having custody and control of any establishment that is a "public place", as defined by Subsection 142B.1(3) Code of Iowa, where food is prepared or served for consumption on the premises of the establishment shall not designate any part or portion of that establishment as a smoking area pursuant to Section 14282(2) of the Code of Iowa. Section 6-7-4: RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROPRIETORS: The person having custody or control of a food establishment where smoking is prohibited hereunder shall make reasonable efforts to prevent smoking in the establishment by posting appropriate signs indicating that smoking is not allowed in the establishment. Section 6-7-5: EXCEPTION: A. The provisions of Section 6-7-2, 6-7-3 and 6-7-4 shall not apply to those establishments with sales of alcoholic beverages on premises which exceed 50% of gross receipts for food, beverages and alcoholic beverages sold for consumption on premises, as shown by records made in the regular course of that establishment's business. To be excepted, an establishment must file with the City Clerk an affidavit of the person in custody and control of the establishment that the establishment has monthly sales of alcoholic beverages, as defined by Section 123.3(4) of the Code of Iowa, for consumption on the premises of that establishment that, on average over a calendar year, amount to more than 50% of the average monthly gross revenue of the establishment for food, beverages and alcoholic beverages sold for consumption on premises, as shown by records made in the regular course of that establishment's business. The affidavit shall state the actual percentage of such sales. Such records shall be made available to the City Clerk for inspection and review upon request. If such records are not made available for inspection and review, or if such inspection and review do not support the exception, smoking in and designation of part or portions of that food establishment as a smoking area shall not be permitted. The form of affidavit for filing such an exception shall be available at the office of the City Clerk. B. A temporary one-year exception from the provisions of Section 6-7-2, 6-7-3, and 6-7-4 will be granted to a new establishment which reasonably expects to have sales of alcoholic beverages as required by subsection A hereof or to an establishment making a change in operation which is reasonably expected to result in a change in the percentage of alcoholic beverage sales such that the establishment will have sales of alcoholic beverages as required by subsection A. With respect to such establishments, the affidavit required by subsection A shall detail the nature of the new establishment or the change in operation and the anticipated percentage of sales of alcoholic beverages. C. On March 1, 2004, the percentage of sales of alcoholic beverages required for an exception pursuant to subsection A hereof shall increase to 65%. All other provisions of this Section 6-7-5 shall remain the same. Section 6-7-6: PENALTY: A. Smoking in violation of section 6-7-2 shall be a municipal infraction punishable by a penalty of $25.00. B. Violations of Section 6-7-3 and 6-7-4 shall be considered a municipal infraction punishable as provided for in Title 1, Chapter 4 of this Code. SECTION II. REPEALER All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed. SECTION Ill. SEVERABILITY. If any section, provision or part of the Ordinance shall be adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any section, provision or part thereof not adiudicated invalid or unconstitutional. SECTtON W. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect after its final passage, approval and publication, as provided by law. Passed and approved this ~ day of ,2001. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY GLERK City Attorney's Office Andy/ord/Smoking Orcl, 11-5-01 doc, 800 and 900 Blocks of Dover Street Shrader Road Catskill Cou~ Amber Lane Petsel Place Regal Lane Westminster Street-Da~mouth Street neighborhood Re: Odd-even on-street parking policy during the winter snow season Dear Resident: You may recall last winter there were difficulties with snowplows and emergency vehicles ge~ing down your street during the snow season bemuse of vehicles pa~ed on-street. This · year we are again asking you to adhere to an informal odd-even parking policy during snow events. The odd-even on-street pa~ing policy states that when snow is present you will park only on the side of the street with odd house numbers on odd-numbered days and on the even- numbered side of the street on even-numbered days. This will help snowplows and emergency vehicles get down your street during snow events while leaving both sides of your street available for on-street parking during the remainder of the year. This policy is based on volunta~ compliance from your neighborhood. Those who choose to ignore these suggestions will not be ticketed for illegal parking. However, if we receive complaints from snowplow operators and emergency vehicle drivers, we will be forced to formally eliminate on-street parking on one side of your street for at least the winter months. We appreciate your volunta~ adherence to the above policy during snow events, which is implemented in the name of safe~ in your neighborhood. Feel free to contact me at 356-5254 if you have any questions, Sincerely, ~ ~ City Manager / ~ Dept. of Public Works ~~~ 410 EAST WASHINOTON STREET * IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 * FAX (319) 356-5009 11-29-01 e I , IP7 November 26, 2001 RE: Update on Construeion Work Schedule Dear Resident; As you have noticed, Naxwell Construeion has commenced work on the Foster Road Grading and Water Nain Project. A~ached you will find an updated construeion schedule from Na~ell Construeion. This schedule addresses the main construeion a~ivities and the time period that they are anticipated to occur. As always, your patience during the construction of this project is greatly appreciated. Please use caution when driving around the construeion area. Please feel free to conta~ me at 356-5438 or roxann-benne~iowa-ciW.org if you have any fu~her questions. Sincerely, Engineering Division Steve At~ns, Ci~ Manager Construction Update 2 FRI[314 :MAX~LL CONSTRUCTION FAX NO. :::3540759 Nov. 2~ L:;t~ll 12:47PM P:::' ~:>wa city, ,A Y2.q44 319-:~54-58:f8 ;' .. ._, ...... ........ ,,,,;,,.., - ........ .. November 20. 300'{ City of Iowa City Attn: Rexanne Benerr 4`{0 E Washington Street {uwa City, iowa 52240 Re: Foster Road Water Main Schedule Rexanne, F:nclosed is Our work schedule for the above-referenced project: Nov. 49 - Dec. '{ Extension of 30" ~nd 42* lines west to Station 3 + 00. Dec. '1 - Dec. 7 Extend '{z~. {ine aomss Foster Road at Station 0 + 90 to north ed6{e of B.J.'S Ville Lane. Dec. `{ - Dec. '{5 Sanilany work 24' trunk Io manhole #3. Dec. t 5 - Dec. 24 Extend `{ 2" water and 24" water to approximately Station 5 + 00. Dec. '{ 5 - Dec. 30 Box cu{veri work. Dec. 2'{ - Dec. 30 Power poles {nsta{{ed. Jan. '{ - Jan. 8 Test '{2" water to Station 5 + 00. Test '12" water crossing Foster Road to corner of B.J.'s Vi{{e LanelDubuque Jan. 2 - Jan. 9 Relocate traffic 4o Fester Road. Jan. '{ 5 - Feb. '{ 5 Remainin0 24" water te Prairie DuChien. Jan. 'IB - Feb. B Remainder of sanitary test and hookup services. Feb. 8 - Feb. 23 Remaining start'n. Feb. 45 - Feb. 30 Water veu{ts insial}ed, Tesl 24". NOTES: Schedule could expedite if two cr~vs present 2. Sanitary work from manhole ~u$ and rnanhole N6 will impact parkin~j area currently used. Respe,:ifully, MAXWFLL CONSTRUI3TION. INC. Christopher A, Carlet GA(Zm~ IOWA CITY WATER DIVISION "C~ Date: November 19, 2001 MEMORANDUM { From: Ed Moreno To: Steve Atkins Re: New Water Purification Plant Startup The construction of the new water purification plant has progressed well and the building is very prominent and impressive as viewed from N. Dubuque and I - 80. The estimated date when the new facility will be delivering drinking water to the citizens of Iowa City is October 1, 2002. This date is somewhat conservative due to the necessity of a phased startup. The phased startup will include the following activities: · Startup of the new raw water sources · 4 alluvial collector wells · 4 Silurian wells · 1 Jordan well · the sand pit/river pumping station · Startup of the water purification plant · Softener units · Recarbonation units · Granular Activated Carbon filters · Chlorination, fluoridation and other feed systems · Startup of the high service pumping system · Startup of the distribution system feeder mains and interconnections · Startup of the Bloomington St. ground storage reservoir and pumping station · Decommission of the old water treatment plant It is our responsibility and intention to bring on-line each system and process as seamlessly as possible. Extensive flushing of the hydrants in the distribution system will aid to deliver the new plant water to the system and flush out old water and tuberculation in the distribution system when flow is reversed in some areas. The timing of the new water purification plant startup will be very beneficial to meet the new stringent Safe Drinking Water Act regulations that take affect January 1, 2002. Although the current facility will be operated to meet the new regulations, it will be challenging and not inexpensive. And, the drinking water quality that we will be able to produce at the new water purification plant will be much better and will cost less, with respect to the cost of treatment chemicals. Both new and old water plants will be used for a period of time through the phased startup process. The Water Division budget request for FY 2003 has been adjusted to account for the expense of this temporary mode of operation. The new water purification plant has redundant processes, state of the art automation control, backup electric generation capability, and an abundance of good quality raw water sources to produce consistent, high quality, good tasting water for many years into the future. The building is designed and sized for future plant expansion and efficient staff operation. CC: Chuck Schmadeke/Shaun Bradbury City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: November 19, 2001 To: City Council From: Robert Miklo, Senior Planner Re: Code Rewrite I would like to update you on the progress of the Development Code Rewrite project. In March 2001 the Council received the Development Regulations Analysis Report, which identified ways in which the City's development codes could be improved to make them more user friendly, consistent with the goals of Comprehensive Plan and to stream line the development review process. In June 2001 we entered into a contract with Duncan and Associates to continue to phase 2, which is the detailed code rewrite. We received the first element of the rewrite last week. This first element deals with the organization of the code - things like table of contents and what order the chapters should come in and the inclusion of tables to provide for an easier method of reading the Code. With the exception of the Neighborhood Commercial (CN-1) zone, it does not include substantive changes. The Council asked that priority be given to a review of the CN-1 zone and that has been completed by the consultant. We will be distributing the proposed CN-1 amendments to businesses and citizens prior to the Planning and Zoning Commissions review in December or January. As specified in the contract approved by the Council in June, Duncan and Associates will rewrite the code in three modules. After all three modules have been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission; the complete draft will be presented to the Council. We anticipate that this will occur in the fall of next year. The following is the schedule for the remainder of the project: Module 1-- February 2002 Zoning Districts (residential, commercial, industrial and other) Use Regulations (principal, accessory and temporary) Density, Intensity and Dimensional Standards Module 2--April 2002 Parking/Loading Landscaping Environmental Signs Fences and Hedges Performance Standards Definitions Module 3--June 2002 Administration and Procedures General Procedures Enforcement Nonconformities Subdivision All other relevant UDC provisions Complete Draft for Public Review--September 2002 Public Hearings--December 2002 As the Planning and Zoning Commission works through the code we will provide you with regular updates. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to cal~ me at 356- 5240 or send email to bob-miklo@iowa-city.org. Cc: Planning and Zoning Commission Kirk Bishop, Duncan and Associates City of Iowa City M MORANDU Date: November 26, 2001 To: Steve Atkins, City Manager From: Ron Logsden, Transit Manager Re: Update On Ridership After Route Changes Since modifying the Mall Route to service Scott Boulevard and Heinz Road on August 27,200l, we have experienced a 13% increase in ridership. A 13% increase in ridership equates to an additional 33 riders per day. After increasing the midday headway for the Towncrest and Oakcrest routes to V2 hour service on August 27, 2001, we have experienced a 19% increase in ridership on the Towncrest and a 37% increase in ridership on the Oakcrest. This translates to an additional 74 riders per day on the Towncrest Route and an additional 195 riders per day on the Oakcrest Route. Iowa City Fire Department "Serving with Pride and Profes~iionalism Since 1872" DATE: November 26, 2001 TO: Stephen 3. Atkins, City Manager FROM: Andrew 3. Rocca, Fire Chief ~ RE: Badge Pinning Ceremony Please join us as we welcome firefighter recruit 3ohn Rockensies to the Iowa City Fire Department. A swearing-in and badge pinning ceremony will be held on Monday, December 3, 2001, at 2:00 PM, in the Emma 3. Harvat Hall. cc: City Council Marian Karr, City Clerk Sylvia Mejia, Personnel Administrator 3ohn Rockensies, Firefighter Fire Stations 1, 2, & 3 FIRE DEPARTMENT · 410 E Washington Street ' Iowa Ciir. L4 52240 Phone (3192 356 5260 FAX (319) 356-5263 w~lv tcJ~l org Office of the Fire Chief Office of the Fire Marshal Battalion Chie]~ Fire Training HazMat Public Education I;tre ,~dtninislralion F~re Prevention Bureau Slation i Stallon I Slatton 2 Station 3 (~19)~565256 (319)~56-5257 (319) 3562,2o2 (3191~56-~2~8 (~19)356~266 (319)~s6-s265 t11-29-01 ~ Steve Atki ns J P 12 From: RJ Winkelhake Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 2:17 PM To: Steve Arkins Subject: FW: Tobacco Checks ..... Original Message ..... From: Robert Gass Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2001 1:56 PM To: RJ Winkelhake Cc: Matt Johnson; Mike Brotherton; Andy Matthews; JCAO-Pat White (E-mail); JCAO-Andy Chappel (E-mail) Subject: Tobacco Checks ~ On 11-26-01 Officers conducted 14 business checks and issued four citations. Citations: Kmart, 901 Hollywood Blvd (1 st offense HyVee, 1720 Waterfront (1st offense) ~ L&M Mighty Shop, 504 E. Burlington (1st offense) Russ's Amoco, 305 N. Gilbed (1st offense) ~ / In compliance: HyVee, 812 S. 1st Ave John's Grocery, 401 E Market Kum & Go, 513 S. Riverside Dr Kum & Go, 323 E. Burlington St Kum & Go, 25 W Burlington St Memories, 928 Maiden Ln Mini Mart, 731 S. Riverside Dr. On The Go Convenience Store, 2315 Muscatine Ave Plamor Lanes, 1555 1st Ave Pressbox, 1920 Keokuk In related news, a citizen reported Serendipity Laundry Cafe, 702 S. Gilbert St, was selling cigarettes without a tax stamp. An Iowa Dept of Revenue officer visited the business on 11/20 and confiscated 45 packs of cigarettes. The cigarettes were in specially marked packs for sale outside the United States. Serendipity also does not have a license to sell tobacco products. The State will be assessing a fine against Serendipity for the tax violation. 11-29-01 Steve Atki ns I P 13 From: Steve Atkins Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 11:11 AM To: 'charlottewalker@webtv.net' Subject: RE: Dream Home approved Charlotte, I won't try to talk you out of you obvious disagreement with this project. It has been designed to meet the needs of someone who has handicaps and we would hope with its success it would be considered by other builders. I am one of those bureaucrats who you thinks stinks but I can assure you I only approach the selection responsibility with the best of intentions and a desire to help those who may not have the ability to s~cuR~ housing in a conventional manner. Steve ..... Original Message From: charlottewalker@webtv.net [mailto:charlottewalker@webtv.net] Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2001 10:59 AM To: jctalk@yahoogroups.com Cc: Ipfab@avalon.net; council@iowa-city.org; rwilburn@soli.inav.net; Steve-Atkins@iowa-city .org Subject: Dream Home approved Last night I saw that the council all, like little passive sheep, approved without questions building another DREAM HOME, an affordable home for low income people. The cost: $157,000. It will be built by Moore Construction. Any family that can afford that home can get ordinary financing. I have seen the qualifications required for DREAM HOME dreamers. Also the selection process that will bring tax help to build that house, supposedly cheaper than the market, IS NOT FAIR. The DREAM HOME family is chosen by a very small group of city bureaucrats. The program STINKS!!!!! The info at council did not tell how much assistance will go into that project. Just the nice sounding name, that has a magic mesmerizing effect, is enough to gain total council approval. The details do not count. The Dream Home project STINKS!H!! I don't see how other builders in the city can be silent about this city project. Maybe all area builders had the opportunity to build that house. I don't know. ...charlotte walker Seniors On Guard http:llmembers.tripod.coml~seniorsonguardlindex.html Watching senior issues and telling what we learn