HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-01-04 Transcription#1 Page # 1
ITEM NO. 1. ROLL CALL
Lehman: I have a conflict on items 2 and 3 and I will turn this over to Mayor
Pro tem, Mike O'Donnell.
O'Donnell: Happy New Year to everybody.
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ITEM NO. 2. CONSIDER MOTION TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE
SESSION TO DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH COUNCIL IN
MATTERS THAT ARE PRESENTLY IN LITIGATION OR
WHERE LITIGATION IS IMMINENT WHERE ITS
DISCLOSURE WOULD BE LIKELY TO PREJUDICE OR
DISADVANTAGE THE POSITION OF THE GOVERMENTAL
BODY IN THAT LITIGATION.
Wilbum: Move to adjourn to executive session.
Vanderhoef: Second.
O'Donnell: Moved by Ross, seconded by Vanderhoe£. Roll call. (6/0, Lehman
absent). We're adjourned.
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ITEM NO. 3. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE ZONING
DESIGNATION OF 4.01 ACRES LOCATED EAST OF
HARLOCKE STREET FROM HIGH-DENSITY MULTI-
FAMILY RESIDENTIAL (RM-44) TO SENSITIVE AREAS
OVERLAY (OSA-44). (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Vanderhoef: Move first consideration.
Wilburn: Second.
O'Donnell: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? Roll call.
(Kanner and Pfab abstain, Lehman absent) Okay due to a pass
resolution, an abstention counts as an affirmative vote with the
majority; therefore, this passes first consideration 6/0. Next item.
Kanner: Welcome back, Emie.
Lehman: Thank you.
O'Donnell: Welcome back, Mr. Mayor.
Lehman: Thank you.
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ITEM NO. 4. CONSIDER AN ORDIANCE REPEALING 01-3980 AND
AMENDING SECTION 1-9-3B OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF IOWA CITY ESTABLISHING THE
BOUNDARIES OF THE VOTING PRECINCTS IN IOWA
CITY. (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Champion: Move second consideration.
O'Donnell: Second.
Lehman: Moved by Champion, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Roll call.
(7/0). Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 5. CONSIDER A MOTION TO APPOINT CITY CLERK AS
TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON.
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Karmer: So moved. Second.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Kanner. All in favor? Opposed?
(all ayes) Motion carries.
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ITEM NO. 6. CONSIDER A MOTION TO FIX METHOD OF VOTING.
Kart: I'll entertain a motion.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Wilburn: I move...I move that we...
O'Donnell: Oh, I'm sorry.
Wilburn: I move that we fix the method of voting by taking nominations from
the floor, that they be done by show of hands and the decision...the
basis of the discussion be majority of vote of total membership. And
the procedure for canvas of ballots consist of visual count by the City
Clerk, confirmed by the City Attorney.
Vanderhoef: I'll second.
Karr: Moved by Wilbum, seconded by Vanderhoef that the nominations be
from the floor, there by voting by show of hands, that the total
membership indicate the majority vote and it be a visual count as
declared by the City Clerk and affirmed by the City Attorney.
Kanner: So...
Karr: Discussion?
Kanner: So you need four votes...if there's three people and you only get three
or two votes that does not reach the threshold. Is that correct?
Karr: That's correct. Any other further discussion?
Pfab: Does that preclude the person voting that we elect by drawing
from.., by lottery.
Karr: That's correct. The motion on the floor is on show of hands.
Pfab: But I mean does it say we can...is there anything to stop us from
voting.., deciding to vote and have the mayor selected by drawing.., by
casting lots?
Karr: This motion would. Yes.
Kanner: You could...perhaps you could amend it, Irvin, if you wanted to and
say that we would draw from a hat and then we would be bound to
vote for the winner of the hat.
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Pfab: I would...that sounds like a good motion.
Karr: Urn...
Dilkes: You've got a motion on the floor.
Kart: I believe you already have a motion on the floor and that it is (can't
hear)
Pfab: An amendment.
Dilkes: You can't amend someone else's motion...
Karr: You can't...
Dilkes: ...unless it's a friendly amendment.
Wilburn: No. I will not accept that as an amendment.
Karr: So if we could vote on this...
Kanner: Wait can't...don't we vote on an amendment? I thought...I though we
propose unfriendly amendments before if it gets a second.
Dilkes: Well...
Karr: If you would like to move that.
Dilkes: If you would like to make that motion and get it...
Pfab: Okay well then I would move that one of the ways...I'm not sure how
to state that. Move that...
Karr: You would like to amend by removing the nominations from the floor
and vote from a hat?
Pfab: Yes.
Karr: Is there a second to that motion?
Kanner: I'll second it for...it's an interesting proposal to discuss it a little bit.
Kart: So as I understand we have a motion by Pfab and is seconded by
Kanner to amend the resolution to remove the nominations from the
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floor and the show of hands and it would be decided by pulling the
name out of a hat. Discussion?
O'Donnell: How big is the hat?
Karr: Any other discussion?
Pfab: I believe that it would make the process more open. I believe that it
would not require the making of deals to get the votes. And I think it
would be in the best interest of the City, the citizens as a service
organization.
Champion: Irvin, you're assuming that people make deals.
Pfab: Well, no comment.
Kan': Any other discussion on the motion...the amendment to the motion?
O'Donnell: Yes, I would like to say this is not a bingo game this is determining the
direction of the City and I will not support this.
Pfab: Okay.
Karr: Steven, did you wish to say something?
Kanner: I'll wait until my esteemed colleague, Irvin Pfab, goes first.
Pfab: Okay. The idea is that each on of us on this Council are equals, that
the way the office of mayor is put together right now it's mainly just an
honorary position and.., so what difference does it make?
Karmer: Irvin, I think that the idea of giving everyone equal chance does have
some merit. I think there are different processes that organizations use
that try and be more inclusive. And I think though that our Council is
not quite ready for that. I think it's maybe, for lack ora better word, a
higher form of organizing and doing process in Roberts Rules of
Order. But I think like Ghandi said in terms of non-violence, it's better
if you're not ready to go 100% non-violence, it's better to not jump into
it in that way. In the same terms I think that we're not ready for that
higher process of how we do process here at the Council. And I think
we ought to work on Roberts Rule of Order which we don't follow all
the time actually. I think we do need to adhere to Roberts Rules of
Order even in our informal Monday night meetings and need to be
more assertive in recording our votes and how we interact on...
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Dilkes: For what it's worth I think the charter requires an election of the mayor
and I think it's a stretch to interpret election to include drawing a name
out of a hat.
Kanner: I think it could work in the terms of asking people to vote for the one
that's drawn from the hat. But Irvin I think at this time I'm going to
vote against it.
Karr: Okay we have a motion on the floor to amend the original motion. So
we'll be voting first on the amendment and that is amending to remove
nominations from the floor and show of hands and pulling the name
out of a hat. All those in favor of the amendment say aye. Opposed
same sign. Motion fails, 1/6, Pfab voting in the affirmative. Back to
the original motion on the floor. Again restated, nominations from the
floor, show of hands, the majority vote being of the total membership
and a visual count by the City Clerk and affirmed by the City
Attorney. All those in favor of the original motion say aye. Opposed
same sign. Motion carries unanimously, 7/0.
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ITEM NO. 7. NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR OF THE CITY OF
IOWA CITY.
Champion: I would like to nominate Emie Lehman as a Mayor for the third
consecutive time. I think he's done an outstanding job. I think he's
been very respectful to this Council and helped move us along. And I
think he's done a great job. I'd like to see him continue for two more
years.
O'Dormell: I would be very proud to second that and I echo Connie's sentiments.
Karr: Okay, we have one nomination received and moved by Champion,
seconded by O'Donnell nominating Council Member Lehman for
Mayor for a third term. Are there other nominations?
Kanner: I'd like to nominate Connie Champion for Mayor.
Pfab: And I would second that nomination.
Karr: We have a motion by Karmer as seconded by Pfab for a nomination of
Connie Champion for Mayor. Are there other nominations?
Kanner: I'd like to nominate Dee Vanderhoef.
Karr: Is there a second?
Pfab: I'll second it, gladly.
Karr: Moved by Kanner, seconded by Pfab to nominate Council Member
Vanderhoef for mayor. Are there other nominations?
Champion: I appreciate Mr. Kanner's nomination for me for mayor. Thank you
very much. That was really nice of you but I'd like to remove my
name.
Karr: Okay. Let the record show that Council Member Champion has
removed her name from nomination for mayor. So we've got two
nominations on the floor. Are there other nominations?
Pfab: Yes. At this point I'd like to nominate our very valuable Mayor Pro
tern as possible mayoral candidate.
Kart: Mr. O'Donnell?
Pfab: Mr. O'Donnell.
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Kart: Is there a second?
O'Donnell: I appreciate that very much but I'll also decline that Irvin. I will put
my hat in the ring for Mayor at a future date but it will not be this time.
Kart: Okay. Let the record show that Council Member O'Dormell has
declined it. Also dies for lack ora second. Are there other
nominations?
Vanderhoef: I would like to say that I have said publicly before that if this Council
wanted me to be Mayor that I would accept and that I truly support
Ernie also for being Mayor.
Karr: Third and final call for nominations for the office of Mayor.
Kanner: I'd like to nominate Irvin Pfab.
Karr: Is there a second?
Pfab: I guess that maybe I should second it just for the sake.
Karr: Okay so we have moved by Kanner, seconded by Pfab that Council
Member Pfab be nominated for the office of Mayor. Are there any
other nominations? Third and final call for nominations for Mayor. If
not I'll entertain a motion...
Wilbum: (can't hear) to close nominations.
O'Donnell: I second that.
Karr: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by O'Donnell for nominations to close.
All those in favor say aye. (all ayes) Motion carried. Again, agreeing
to the method of voting as a show of hands and a majority vote being
total membership, we'll go...
Kanner: Wait, wait, who are the nominees? And I wanted to have some
discussion on this.
Karr: Okay. We have nominees Lehman, Vanderhoef, Pfab. We will be
voting in that order.
Kanner: I had questions for the candidates. A couple questions for the
candidates.
Karr: Go right ahead.
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Karmer: Hopefully most of you got to see your packets yesterday. 1 had
inserted a sheet in there that appeared in the packet. My major
concern is process and I'd like to see a mayor that works for to
promote inclusiveness from staff, from fellow City Council Members,
and from citizens and businesses of Iowa City. And so to that end I
had some proposals. And the big ones I had are at the top, the first two
proposals. And I was wondering if the candidates for mayor could
speak to those? The first one would be to alter the process by which
we put items on our formal agenda on Tuesday. And so I would ask
that any City Council Member be allowed to put a proposed resolution
ordinance on the formal Tuesday night agenda. Also allow individual
City Council Members to put an item on the informal Monday night
session agenda for discussion.
Pfab: Could I ask you...comment on that. Could I comment on that?
Kanner: I just wanted to say one thing, one other thing. It doesn't make sense
to me from an organizational point of view that you need four votes to
put something on the agenda. I think you build up to that. You have a
lower threshold, I think most organizations allow individual members
to put something on the agenda, then the majority if they wish to vote
it out that's fine. But I think we need a lower threshold than a majority
to get something on the agenda for the majority to potentially pass.
Pfab: Would you accept a...would you be comfortable with two, two people
agreeing to get it on the agenda?
Kanner: It's something I would consider as yeah for something to have a
second, a second (can't hear)
Pfab: I would...I'd strongly support it that way.
Champion: You know, we could ask that as a Council, Steven, that two...if two
people want something on a work session agenda to see if it should go
on a formal agenda, 1 think most of us would agree to that. I don't
understand why you'd want to put it on a formal agenda when we don't
know if there's going to be any action.
Lehman: Well...just...can I respond?
Champion: I'm sorry.
Lehman: I think these are questions that the Council needs to ask, needs to for
direction obviously. But the agenda and the work session,
those...what appears on those things are largely governed by what
Council would like to see there. Now if we want to change the
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procedure certainly Council can do that but I don't think those are
decisions that are going to be made by me, if I'm mayor, or anybody
else as mayor. They're Council decisions.
Kauner: Ernie, just to respond to that. I think that the Mayor is the main
facilitator and chairperson of our body of City Council and they point
us in the direction of how we do process. So I think it is important to
hear from the Mayor which way they want the Council to go in.
Especially in terms of this point that I'm making here. I would
appreciate an opinion for you.
Lehman: Well first of all I do not agree that any person on the Council can place
an item on the agenda whether it be a work session or a formal council
meeting. I think that...I think that is way too low a standard. Do we
have to have four? I don't think we have to have four but I think we
need some direction from Council as to what they would like to see.
But if there is general interest in looking at something.., if there's an
interest of two or three folks that want to do it, I don't mind doing that.
But to have any, and I'm speaking as a Councilperson not as the Mayor
because I think this is a decision that Council would have to make. I
would not support any proposal that would allow any Council Member
to put anything on the agenda whenever they wanted to. I think
that's...I would not (can't hear)
Pfab: Okay to follow up what you stated, Ernie, what do you think is the
right number? If four is too many and one isn't enough, where would
you come down?
Lehman: Out of seven people I think if there isn't three that there's not enough
interest.
Vanderhoef: Well I think we all have the opportunity in our Council time to put out
for the whole Council to understand what specific things are of interest
to us. And sometimes they don't reach that threshold of enough people
interested and sometimes it's for lack of information and we have
moved forward on things like that when we all recognize that we don't
have enough information. Sometime it's not something that we are
interested in or it hasn't reached the threshold to go on to the list for a
Monday night informal above the other things that are on our pending
list. So having two or three people say that yes they would like to
have it go on the pending list doesn't mean that it will go immediately
to the next council meeting. And I think that's something that we all
have to talk about. But that's the way I would view it.
Pfab: But there's only...there's one thing that I would...that cause me some
difficulty and that is the fact that at the council time there's no more
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decisions, nothing can be done. You're at the end of...it's all over.
And if something that's relatively time sensitive it's.., there's nothing
you can do about it.
Vanderhoef: But I think we have legal counsel that frequently tells us because we
brought it up at council time we can not get into a long lengthy
discussion because it wasn't on the agenda. And the reason we have
an agenda is to be sure that the public has an opportunity for input to
us and to be present for the discussion.
Pfab: But...just enough discussion to decide if you want to get it on the
agenda though ! think that's a problem that I don't...I wish was
different.
Vanderhoefi Well I think that's something that we have to look to legal of how we
can do that.
Pfab: I mean that's why I would say two or three at the minimum. I'd like to
see it maybe two but...
Vanderhoef: Well I think we can talk about that and two or three is probably
appropriate.
Pfab: So you're saying you'd support three I think in answer to what Steve
was asking.
Vanderhoef: Um-huh.
Kanner: And then point number two. My final point today and then ! hope
people will peruse the sheet for the rest of the points and then see if we
can talk about some of these further. Currently we need a threshold of
four again to direct the staff to do any substantial research into an
issue. So ifa Council Member or a minority proposes something and
they want to convince the other Council Members...one, you should
do your own research but two, there's often times you need staff to
look into it. So it seems we need four people to get research from staff
to then try to convince four people to vote for a proposal. And I think
the threshold should be lower again. That it should be two or three
people can request from staffto look into an issue. That's my point
number two. Allow any City Council Member with a second ora
fellow member to request staff research into proposed issue,
resolmions or ordinances. And so I was wondering what the
candidates felt about that.
Pfab: What you said...how many people?
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Kanner: Allow any City Council Member with the second ora fellow member
to request staff research into a proposed issue, resolution or ordinance.
Pfab: I wouldn't have any problem but I guess maybe at the same time I
wouldn't have any problem if it was a third person.
Vanderhoef: Well for my perspective, research takes staff time and when we have a
large pending list and a large work level of work to do and to approach
that two person level creates a staffing situation. And if you've
perused the budget right now, adding additional staff at this point. So
I think we have to be very mindful of the city budget when we look at
asking staff to do additional research until.., if it's something that you
want research on and if you get that level of three people who would
like to talk about it at an informal and at that time put the issue on the
pending list...there wouldn't be any guarantees to when that could rise
to the top of the pending list to go on. So until I saw the opportunity in
the timing of doing additional research for something like that, I would
not put my staff in the position of gathering research on something that
I didn't think would come to the top of the pending list for say six or
eight months.
Kanner: And just to follow up on what you said, Dee, I hear what you're saying
and I would say that just like we would...I think we would respect
fellow City Council Members to be judicious in what they ask for in
staff time. I believe we're responsible folks. The mayor would be
responsible in seeing that it came up in some timely manner. I
wouldn't expect it to come right to the top of the list but yeah
go...pending list because that's part of our agenda in the future. And
that the mayor would take that into account.
Vanderhoef: So what you're saying thought, Steven, is that to get something on the
pending list we're talking about three. But now you're asking for the
two...
Kanner: Currently we need four. We need four. I would say it should be a
lower level. I proposed two. I would be willing to compromise at
three. It sounds like you might be willing to do that or consider that.
Vanderhoef: But the compromise then needs to be also on the research.
Kanner: What I'm saying is yeah that three people can...
Vanderhoef: Okay but what you have...
Kanner: ...can suggest that...
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Vanderhoef: ...what you have written is two.
Kanner: I said two but I saying I'm willing to compromise. I prefer two. I'd be
willing to compromise and hope that we could...that the mayor would
see that we need something under the majority sometimes. Pick
something into a little bit of action.
Lehman: Well Steven let me just respond. If Council were to decide that three
members can put something on a work session, which I don't have a
problem with, and if this is an item that is of significant interest that it
makes a work session and if the work session after discussing this item
wishes to see staffdo research work on it then I would have no
problem what so ever. But as far as two people requesting staff...there
are some things that require enormous amounts of time and I think it's
unfair to the rest of the Council and to the staff to have an enormous
amount of time put in on something where there's interest on only one
or two Council People. So I would never support staff doing
inordinate amount of work at the request of one or two Council People
when they do not have the support of the Council. But if we can...if
we adopt a policy that we can put something on the work session with
three votes and after discussion at the work session we decide we want
staff input, I would have no problem what so ever with that. And I
think that really is probably the way it should go. Because that at least
at that time it's had an opportunity to be discussed by the entire
Council and if there's interest in doing staff research certainly then it
has the support of the staff.
Karr: I'll now proceed with the balloting as agreed to the method of voting
would be a show of hands and we'll go in the order of the nominations.
Again just to reaffirm, we have three candidates: Lehman, Vanderhoef,
Pfab. And each per...Council Member will get one vote. You will not
vote multiple times.
P fab: Say it...say it again.
Karr: Each Council Member will get one vote. A Council Member can not
vote multiple times.
Pfab: Okay, what I tmderstood you to say that we were going to see it there
was four votes for the first one, then we're going to see if there's four
votes for the second one. Is that what you're saying?
Karr: That's correct. But if there are four votes...whenever four votes are
achieved it's over.
Pfab: Okay.
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Karr: Because you can not get more then four votes once.
Pfab: No, no but they would be separate ballots.
Kart: If need be yes. If there's a possibility...
Pfab: And that we're voting for mayor and mayor only.
Kart: That's correct.
Champion: It could be a primary.
Kart: Okay show of hands for Council Member Lehman as Mayor. For the
record...
Vanderhoefi I see four, I will go ahead and vote for the fifth for Emie.
Karr: So we have Vanderhoef, Wilbum, Lehman, O'Donnell, and Champion.
Five votes. I declare Council Member Lehman as Mayor for a two-
year term.
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ITEM NO. 8. NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICE OF MAYOR PRO TEM OF THE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
O'Dom~ell: I would like to say something first. I've served Iowa City's Pro rem for
the last two years and at this time I am withdrawing my name for any
consideration for Mayor Pro tem. I believe this is something we
should pass around and I proudly nominate my good friend Connie
Champion.
Lehman: I would...first let me say that I certainly would be more than pleased
and I'm sure the rest of the Council to work with anyone sitting up
here as Mayor Pro tem but Connie Champion has just been re-elected
by a rather significant margin. Her experience on the Council, I think,
has been positive. She served it for several years on the school board
and I would like to second her nomination. I think she would be a
good Mayor Pro tem.
Karr: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Lehman for Council Member
Champion to be Mayor Pro tem. Are there other nominations?
Wilburn: I'd like to nominate Dee Vanderhoef.
Pfab: And I would happily second that.
Wilburn: I think also on her last re-election she had a strong showing. She's
shown that she does her homework before each and every meeting.
And even in the times we've disagreed we still walk away willing to
work with each other. So, proud to nominate her.
Karr: Moved by Wilbum, seconded by Pfab to nominate Council Member
Vanderhoef for Mayor Pro tem. Are there other nominations? Second
call. Are there other nominations? Third and final call for
nominations for Mayor Pro tem. Hearing that I'll entertain a motion to
close nominations.
Lehman: So moved.
O'Donnell: So moved.
Wilburn: Second.
Karr: Moved by Lehman, seconded by Wilburn to close nominations. We'll
proceed with voting.
Kanner: I have one question for the two candidates. Can you define Pro tem?
What does that mean?
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Wilbum: You mean the duties of Pro tem.
Kanner: But your...
Wilburn: Oh, sorry.
Kanner: No, what...well actually the duties too but actually what does it
literally mean, Pro tem? And what are the duties of Pro tern.
Vanderhoefi Pro tem is one of those times where you fill in when the Mayor is
unable to serve. Duties are as any other Councilperson. What ever the
assignment might be from the mayor or from the Council. That's the
duties.
Champion: I think it refer...exactly what Dee says. That you are there to serve
when the mayor is unavailable. I think also one of your duties is to do
maybe do things that the mayor is unable to do because of time
limitations, or vacations, or jobs, or something that you're asked to do.
I also think that ordinarily... I think in some cases it means that you
would move on to be the next mayor. It's a preparation time. It's
getting prepared to do other things. But I guess it can be other things
too but that's all I'm going to say.
Kanner: I had a question for the City Attorney. One of the duties of the Mayor
is the ability to call curfew in a state of emergency, in the City. I
believe that's been our City Charter. If the Mayor is out of town do
we...does the City Manager then go directly to the Pro tern in
regards...let's say there was a state of emergency of some sort in Iowa
City...
Dilkes: Well before I would give you an ans...a definitive answer to that
question I'd want to look at that ordinance but my assumption would
be yes, that we would look to the Mayor Pro tem.
Kanner: That's correct right?
Atkins: Yes.
Kmmer: They call the person.
Atkins: Practically speaking that's exactly what I would do.
Karmer: And that's in...that in the...did I state that right, that
ordinance.., charter?
Atkins: I think it's in the Charter ordinance.
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Kanner: Yeah.
Atkins: Yeah.
Dilkes: I don't think the emergency procedures are in the charter.
Atkins: Procedures are not.
Dilkes: They're in the...
Atkins: The Mayor has the ability...
Dilkes: The fact that the Mayor Pro tem fills in for the mayor is in the charter.
Atkins: Yes.
Dilkes: The emergency procedures are, ! believe, are in a separate ordinance
but again I have no looked at that.
Pfab: Mr. Mayor I would like to know what is on the table here. I have a
question...
Karr: There is nothing. I'm about ready to call for the vote on Mayor Pro
tem...
Pfab: No, no. Okay then I would like to ask this. What does...how...you
say we vote for one at a time? Where does it say it that way in Roberts
Rules of Order? I'm never...
Karr: The method of voting that you determined under item number 6 was a
show of hands and the total membership...the majority vote being a
total membership. So a majority vote would be four, each person...
Pfab: But why can't we vote like in a general election. Vote for whoever's a
candidate?
Kanner: I think the point Irvin's bringing up is that if you do not vote for the
first candidate your vote's not recorded at all. And if there's more than
v,vo candidates you're not getting a sense of who the Council Member
is voting for. And I think we probably should have...maybe I should
have voiced an objection. We should have gone through each of the
candidates. Usually in any organization that uses Roberts Rules of
Order you tend to read all three candidates. And perhaps we made a
mistake in not doing that.
O'Donnell: But I think it's reasonable to assume that if one candidate gets four
votes then obviously...
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Lehman: The other one can't.
O'Donnell: ...the three that didn't vote are the ones that didn't support the first
candidate that got four votes.
Kanner: But, Mike, we're also held accountable by our votes. And I think it's a
good thing for the community to see who we vote for even if you don't
vote for the majority person.
O'Donnell: And I think that'll be reported.
Karmer: Well, no because we had five people that voted for the first candidate
and there were two other candidates so it's not known who Irvin and I
would have voted for. So...
Karr: If the majority of you would like to go back and...we had one vote.
The first candidate was Council Member Lehman. On a five...with
five affirmative votes. We certain can, if you'd like to for the record,
just go through the other two votes.
Dilkes: That's fine.
O'Dormell: I don't think that's necessary.
Pfab: I would support that but that really wasn't my question. My
question...
Karr: Well can we resolve that question before we get to another one.
Pfab: Surely.
Dilkes: I think the issue we're talking about is, as I understand what Steven's
saying, is that we have five people who have indicated who they want
for Mayor. We have two people who have not and there are two other
candidates. If those two individuals would like to indicate who they
would vote for between the remaining two candidates, Vanderhoef and
Pfab, I don't see any problem with that.
Champion: I don't either.
O'Donnell: Let's do it. Get it over with.
Kanner: And also I would ask for Pro tern that even though there are only two
that we officially ask for each candidate also.
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Karr: Okay. That's fine. Then lets resolve this, the Mayor issue, so we can
put that to closure. Okay, we have a show of hands for Council
Member Vanderhoef for Mayor please. And that would be Kanner and
Pfab. And we have a show of hands for Council Member Pfab.
Pfab: I guess I'd have to vote...
Dilkes: No.
Kan': No, you can't.
? fab: Why?
Kan': You have one vote.
Dilkes: That's the one vote issue.
Kanner: (Unless you're from Chicago, Irvin)?
Pfab: So I'm (can't hear) used. Okay. But that...
Kan.: Now...
Pfab: ...my question is, under one coming up. Why don't we vote for who is
going to vote for who and just.., or show of hands.
Kan': We will have a show of hands for each of the nominees.
Lehman: There's only two which obviously...
Karr: But you can only vote once.
Pfab: Okay. All right.
O'Dormell: (can't hear) can explain it.
Pfab: But so is there a decision on who you vote for (first)?
Kan': That should be made by you. Each individual Council Member
would...
Pfab: No but okay...so...
Karr: We will vote in the order nominated. Champion was first.
Vanderhoef was second.
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Pfab: But does it have to be that way?
Lehman: Why wouldn't it be that way?
Karmer: (can't hear) that was what was suggested by the Clerk.
Pfab: Okay.
Kanner: Do you have an objection to that?
Pfab: Well, why can't we vote for both of them at the same time?
Lehman: That's pretty hard to do.
Pfab: Okay.
O'DonneIl: Both hands or what?
Karr: Yeah...I...how...I would entertain...
Wilbum: Since there's two people...
Vanderhoefi The only way you could do that is on a ballot. You could do that.
Dilkes: If we were doing it by ballot. If we were doing it by ballot and you
each were turning in a slip of paper or whatever then it would be
different but...
Karr: But you did not agree to vote by ballot.
Kanner: It exists under Newtonian physics and I'm fond of physics, too.
Separate votes we have to have.
Karr: I'm not good at physics. Okay? Can we proceed with the show of
hands for Council Member Champion for Mayor Pro tem? And I
show three: Lehman, O'Donnell, and Champion. For Council Member
Vanderhoef for Mayor Pro tem? I show four. I show Wilbum,
Kanner, Vanderhoef and Pfab. Therefore, I declare Council Member
Vanderhoef...
Lehman: Ma...Madam Chairman, may I as...change my vote and concur with
Ms. Vanderhoef so we have a five two vote?
Champion: I think we should...
Karr: I don't...I...
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Lehman: Can't do that. Can we do that?
Kan': I...
Kanner: Yeah, I don't think...
Pfab: You've already voted. You only vote once.
Dilkes: We voted.
O'Donnell: Why are you and Irvin having so much trouble?
Lehman: I want to show my support...
Kart: Your temporary chair would love to swear in the mayor and mayor pro
tern...
Champion: (can't hear) do that.
Lehman: All right.
Kan:: ... so she could relieve herself of this fine honor.
Lehman: Fine. I just wantedto showmy...
Karr: Could we proceed?
Lehman: ...for the newly elected Mayor Pro tem.
Champion: We will all totally support both of you. I think that's important that
that be said.
Vanderhoef: Thank you. I appreciate that.
Karr: Okay?
O'Donnell: Let us move.
Karr: Stand close to the mics so we can it up.
Lehman: Stand (can't hear)
Champion: Get out of our way.
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ITEM NO. 9. MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM SWORN IN
(Clerk administers oath to Mayor and Mayor Pro tem)
Lehman: Before we do that I would really, really like to say to the Council,
we've gone through the process of electing a mayor and mayor pro
tem. There's obviously some difference of opinion on this Council.
There have been for some time but I would really encourage all of us
to put our differences behind us. I mean, after all we are the team that
is in charge of running this community. And ! think sometimes petty
differences and disagreements between us should not be cause for less
than stellar government in the community. So I look forward to this
group working together as much as we possible can for what's in the
best interest of Iowa City.
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ITEM NO. 10. MOTION FOR CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
Lehman: The first committee is the Rules Committee. Last year myself and
Connie Champion served on that committee.
Vanderhoef: You did a good job.
Champion: It was a lot of work.
Vanderhoef: You (can't hear) do that one again.
Lehman: All right, do we want to do the same too again. Is that...
O'Donnell: Sounds like a wonderful idea.
Vanderhoef: That's fine.
Lehman: Let's do that for now. Emergency Management?
Champion: Mike, can't you do that?
Wilburn: Irvin did that.
Pfab: I served on that.
Champion: Irvin did.
Pfab: Yeah.
Lehman: Would you like to do that again?
Pfab: I'I1 be happy to.
Lehman: All right.
Pfab: Somebody needs...wants it worse than I do they can have it, too.
Lehman: All right. JCCOG? I would like to encourage Council to do the same
as last year which would mean that each of the Council People, with
the exception of the mayor, would serve on that Council. And I would
love to do but there's only so much time. Is that all right with the
Council?
Pfab: Fine with me.
Karr: With the Mayor serving as alternate then?
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Lehman: Yes, I would serve as an alternate. The Convention and Tourism
Bureau. I served on that one last year. I would be willing to do that
again unless someone has a burning desire to do that.
Vanderhoef: I think that's appropriate since you have...are sitting as Mayor... or as
chair elect.
Lehman: Something to be said for that.
Vanderhoef: Yeah.
Lehman: Student Senate Subcommittee?
Vanderhoef: That's been Steven.
Wilburn: That was Connie and me.
Champion: No.
Karr: Wilburn and Champion.
Wilburn: But...
Lehman: Pardon?
Kart: Wilburn and Champion.
Champion: I think it would be good change that.
Wilburn: That's probably a good idea. Just to give them a different look.
Lehman: Steven?
Kanner: (can't hear)
Champion: Steven and Mike maybe.
Lehman: All right.
O'Donnell: No, ~vith my work on SEATS and JCCOG I'm really pretty tied up on
that.
Pfab: I would volunteer if...but at the same time not getting in anybody
else's way if they want it.
Champion: What about Dee?
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Karmer: Yeah, what...Dee would be...
Vanderhoefi One of the things that I've talked to some of you about at least is the
East Central Iowa Council of Government and the Chief Elected
Officials which traditionally we've...we have to vote on it by law at
JCCOG. However, the tradition is that there is one appointment from
this Council. I am just completing my four years on the exec
committee and the last two years as chair on that. I thoroughly enjoy
doing that job and I would continue to do it however I also feel that
that particular committee is a place where you expand and get new
ideas that you bring back to the Council and you have a more regional
look at things. So I want to be sure that people offhere looking at that
possibility and I don't know what works in their work schedules about
meeting at 1:00 on the forth Thursday...or the last Thursday of every
month.
Lehman: That is time consuming. It is...
Vanderhoefi It is very time consuming.
Lehman: It's rewarding as well. I did that for three years. Well as far as the
Student Senate Committee, would you be willing to do that Dee?
Vanderhoef: I can do that but I...if I do that it's like then maybe the COG is more
than what I should do. I want to give people opportunities to...
Lehman: Well, I think we should try to get...
Vanderhoef: Do you want to do it again Ross?
Lehman: We can always...
Wilburn: Um, I'd be willing to take a look at the COG.
Lehman: Well why don't we, for the time being, put you down Dee for...
Vanderhoef: Okay.
Lehman: ...the Student Senate.
Vanderhoef: Okay.
Lehman: And we'll...you will discuss with Ross the... That is an interesting
group.
Vanderhoefi It really is.
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Wilburn: That's what I've been told.
Lehman: Eight counties, is that right?
Vanderhoefi No. Six counties.
Lehman: Six counties. But it is...
Vanderhoef: We have a little piece of Tama County only for solid waste.
Lehman: Right. Do we have a motion to appoint these folks to these standing
committees?
O'Donnell: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell.
Karr: Is there a second?
Champion: Second.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Lehman: Seconded by Champion. All in favor? Opposed? (all ayes) Motion
carries.
Karr: Just a clarification. So it's Kanner, Vanderhoef for Student Senate?
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ITEM NO. 11. ADJOURNMENT
Lehman: Yes. And before we have a motion to adjourn. On Monday evenings
work sessions please bring your calendars. We're going to go over the
agenda for probably the next...
Kanner: Six months?
Lehman: Well I don't know if we'll get six months in but we can sure get two or
three. Just to verify where we are. And...but do bring your calendars
with you. Is there a motion for adjournment?
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef.
O'Donnell:
Lehman: Seconded by 0'Donnell. All in favor? (all ayes) Motion carries. We
are adjourned.
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meeting of January 4, 2002.