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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-05 Transcription#2 Page #1 ITEM NO. 2. MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS. b. Heart Trains Heroes Free CPR Event Day Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Evelyn Wolfe, the American Heart Association. Evelyn Wolfe: I'm just going to share the events back in May or 2000. The U.S. Army of Corp... Corp. of Engineers, one of their co-workers collapsed in sudden cardiac arrest and the employees and co-workers of the person that collapsed provided bystander CPR for him and actually his life was saved and he returned to work a very short time after that incident. And so I would like to present award to the Corp. of Engineers, John Castle is here representing them. And also part of that event was also Solon First Responders and Johnson County Ambulance Service, their paramedics. And Dan Smith is also here to represent the Solon First Responders. So I would like to ask both of those two to come up. This particular event I would say is a perfect example of how the chain of survival is strengthened and a perfect example of how it works and why we do what we do. And...so we would like to recognize both of those agencies for their efforts on that particular day. So... (applause) So we would like to encourage everyone to come on February 17th for some free CPR training and help us strengthen the chain of survival even more in Johnson County. Thank you. Vanderhoef: Where do they sign up for the training? Wolfe: You would call Johnson County Ambulance Service, the number is 356-6013. And you can sign up for the...I believe it starts at 1:00 on the 17th at City High School. Vanderhoefi Thank you. Wolfe: Thanks. Lehman: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. //3 Page #2 ITEM NO. 3. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS. Lehman: Next we have, I think, a very, very special event tonight. At around 8:30 the morning of January 4, 2002, Carloss Robinson was attempting to catch his puppy that was running around in the neighborhood. Carloss was in the area of a yard that held a Rottweiler. The Rottweiler jumped the fence and bit into the jacket and shirt that Carloss was wearing, tearing them from his body. Carloss was attacked as he was walking away from the dog. The dog began to bit Carloss in the area of the ann and shoulder. Mr. John Bennett had been alerted to the situation by his wife and took immediate action. Mr. Bennett ran to Carloss and grabbed the upper and lower jaws of the Rottweiler, forcing the Rottweiler to release its hold on Carloss. The dog was able to escape from Mr. Bennett's hold and bit Mr. Bennett on the arm. John Bennett had the presence of mind to yell for Carloss to run away and for someone to call 911. The owner of the Rottweiler was able to take control of the dog. At that time John Bennett helped remove Carloss from the immediate area in case the Rottweiler returned. He took Carloss to the front porch of Carloss' home. At that time police and fire units were arriving. We have a presentation if Mr. Bennett would come forward please. It's the Mayor's commendation presented to Mr. John Bennett. And I will read it. For his unselfish act of heroism in coming to the aid of Carloss Robinson who was being attacked by a vicious dog. Without thought to his own safety, John Bennett placed himself between the young man and the attacking dog. Despite being injured himself, Mr. Bennett's actions were successful in preventing Carloss from sustaining further injuries. If Mr. Bennett had not taken quick action Carloss most certainly would have received more and possibly life threatening injuries. John Bennett's selfless and heroic actions are applauded and recognized by the citizens of Iowa City. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, April 5, 2002. John Bennett: Thank you very much. In one sense I'm a parent and for all those parents who step in and help kids in...it's not always as dramatic as this I recognize but without parents helping kids all over it would be tough for all of the other parents. But Carloss, come on up here and get a picture. Okay, this young man is dealing with this all and doing it quite well. We're quite proud of you and you are a hero in your own way. And I think we have something special for Carloss too. Karr: We'd like to introduce football...our University of Iowa Football Players Jeremy Allen and Alonzo Cunningham. ?: We present this ball to Carloss on behalf of the Hawkeye Football team and it's a pleasure to have a guy like you receive this ball. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #3 Page #3 Champion: Great. ?: Forever. Bennett: I would.., signed by all of the team for Carloss. Lehman: You know just another great mason to be a Hawkeye isn't it guys? Hey, no, really. Thank you folks so much. I think this is a very, very special event for Carloss and frankly is a very special event for all of us. So, thank you very much and Mr. Bennett you're very, very modest. Thank you very much. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #4 Page #4 ITEM NO. 4. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS Lehman: Well we don't often have this much fun at one meeting and the next thing coming up is a really fun event too. Our outstanding student citizenship awards tonight is Robert Lucas and Shimek if those students would come forward please. Everybody says it's so hard to be a Councilperson. Now can you imagine anything much more fun than what we're doing here tonight? This is really kind of cool. What I'm going to do is ask each of you to introduce yourselves and tell us why you were nominated for a student citizenship award. Kelly Krei: I'm Kelly Krei and I'm from Robert Lucas. Some people I would thank for this award are my parents, my teachers: Mrs. Hart, Ms. Evensmeyer, Ms. Dostal, my principal Mr. (can't hear). I'm very...again I'd like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to receive this citizenship award. Thank you. O'Donnell: Very nice. Cameron Foreman: I'm proud to receive this award from the Iowa City Council. I would like to thank all my teachers for helping me become a better person. To Mr. Moore for showing me that you can have fun while learning. To Mrs. Ziebrecht for teaching me the importannce of always having your work done on time. To Brad Berkler, my gymnastics coach, for teaching me to never give up and always do my best. To my sister for being a great roll model and to my parents for everything they have done for me. Thank you everybody for helping me become a better person. Eleni Achrazoglou: I'm Eleni Achrazoglou and I'm a sixth grader at Shimek Elementary. At Shimek I am active in the environmental green team, the (can't hear) school environmental project. I'm a student ambassador and I serve on the (can't understand). I'm also a member of the computer (can't understand). At school I try to model (can't understand), respect responsibility, perseverance and kindness. I try to...I try my best not to be judgmental of others and show that I am trustworthy. Outside of school I am active in Girl Scouts. I help my...I help with younger troops that have been in camp and provide basing(sp?) during PTO meetings. And I help mn our carnival. I stay active with basketball, baton and clarinet. I have acted in several church plays and I attend Greek School. I like to help my friends with homework and I baby-sit my younger sister and brother regularly. I'd like to thank the Iowa City Council and my excellent school and especially my teachers for this opportunity. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #4 Page #5 Nick Jordan: My name is Nicholas Jordan and I'm a sixth grader at Shimek Elementary School. One day I was writing my story when my teacher pulled me out of class. I thought that I was in big trouble. When my teacher told me that I had to talk on TV I had butterflies in my stomach. I was very excited to hear that I got this award. In school I like being a Techspert (sp?). Techsperts are students who are trained to do special jobs when...with computers, VCRs, digital cameras and other technology so that we can help the teachers. Mrs. McNeil, our media specialist, teaches us how to use a computer and how to install programs. We come to...in school...before school, sometimes I go in every day. Anther job I do after school is safety patrol. As a lieutenant I help students stay safe. Sometimes I have to ask people to please walk to the buses and make sure they follow the rules. Once a month I have a week off. One time I volunteer to help my friend carry his school materials around school when he had a broken leg. In the summer I help my dad mowing peoples lawns around the neighborhood, yardwork. It is important to be responsible so you can do well in school and other people can count on you. Thank you for this citizenship award. Kelly Metz: My name is Kelly Metz and I'm a sixth grader at Shimek School. I, Kelly Metz, have tried my hardest to be an outstanding student from kindergarten to this sixth grade year. I always try to get my assignments done by the due date and am always trying to be courteous to my classmates. I treat them with as much respect as I can, helping out ifI can. Though I do not always participate in some group discussions I try and will be better in the future. I have had some awesome teachers in the past that have helped build me into the person I am today. I also have two great older sisters that help me with homework ifI need it and I have two wonderful parents that have encouraged me to do well in school without bribing me with money. I also have some great teachers for my final elementary year, they are Mr. Zechler, Ms. Nelson and Ms. Morgan. There's also Ms. Monstrude who I had and appreciated last year. I would like to thank those teachers for nominating me for this award. I am very honored to take award to remind myself in the future of how great my fifth and sixth grade teachers are. Thank you very much. Lehman: Well let me say that...I'm sure I speak for your parents and I know I speak for your grandparents. Well don't laugh, there is nobody prouder than parents and grandparents of young folks like this. And I tell you folks we can all learn a little something from these folks. They're proud to be good citizens and I'm not always sure that we are. So thank you kids so much. And I have...I'11 read the proclamation, I'm not going to try and remember which one of you is which. So I'll This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #4 Page #6 just read it and then I'll give your names. For outstanding qualities in leadership within Robert Lucas and Shimek Schools as well as the community and for sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize these outstanding student citizens. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council. This one's for Kelly. I got the first one right. Cameron? Two out of two. Nick. Thank you folks very, very much. O'Donnell: I almost hate to start the meeting after that. Lehman: I tell you want, if the rest of this meeting goes as well as the first part of it has this is going to be the best meeting we've had since I've been on Council. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #7 ITEM NO. 5. CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED. Vanderhoef: Move adoption. O'Dormell: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Kanner: I had a few questions on some different items. Some were directed, I think, towards Steve. H1 start and see what's up. On our consent calendar on Number b, Commission and Board Minutes, I read in the Housing and Community Development minutes that there's some contacts being made for the enterprise zone. Alaina Welsh had gone to the meeting and she and HCDC were making contact. And I was wondering if anyone had any explanation of that. Irvin, were you at that meeting by any chance? Pfab: I was at one of them. I think it came up on several occasions. They're contacting various people in the State of Iowa, different locations. I think they were in Sioux City and that's one that sticks in my mind. Different people are contacting different cities in Iowa City...in the State of Iowa. Karmer: To see how enterprise zones works for them? Pfab: Right. Some of them are used fairly extensively and it seems to be working fairly well. Kanner: Okay that makes sense. It seems like a good idea, what they're doing, try to get some more information on that. And what's the status of our look at enterprise zone? Atkins: I've taken no further staff action. We had the one proposal (can't understand) from Mr. Bums project. We wrote a memorandum to you. You had a brief discussion. Lehman: And that's where we... Atkins: We haven't...I mean, its on file if you'd ever wish to resurrect it the information is still available to you but we've taken no further action. We occasionally get inquiries about if it's available as a development incentive and we make it know that if they wish to pursue it all they need to do is direct it to us and we'll bring it back to you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #8 Pfab: Could I suggest that we get some kind of a presentation at a work session? Champion: We did. Pfab: And I think that there's information... Lehman: Why don't we save that for Council time? Champion: Right. Kanner: Yeah, hopefully we'll talk about that some more. And then item number 2 in commission and boards minutes Board of Appeals, I had a few questions about that. And maybe Steve you could help me with this. They're looking at whether they can build a parking ramp under the 2000 IBC...that's international building code. IBC as opposed to the new one that's going in to effect. And the minutes said that there had to be a formal proposal by the City before the board can consider that. What does that entail? The difference in those two different codes, if we could find out. Atkins: I'll find out for you. I really wouldn't know. I'm sorry, I can't help you on that. The Board of Appeals indicated desire to have a formal, in fact, application before them concerning this matter. Kanner: Well actually the City Attorney's Office recommended that that happen...that that had to happen actually. Atkins: Okay. Kanner: And that the City was wanting to build it under the...was designed under 2000. But we're putting into effect 2001 IBC. Atkins: Okay. And you want to know the difference. Kanner: What's the difference, yeah? What...is there any difference in possible quality, the building structure... Atkins: Those kind of issues? I'll have Housing Inspection Services prepare something for you. That should be pretty straightforward. Dilkes: I suspect those...if there are changes in code, are going to be working there way up to you. Atkins: Yeah. I'm assuming that ultimately the Council...whatever we do they have to amend the code by ordinance. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #9 Dilkes: It will. Yes. Atkins: If there's a couple... Dilkes: We adopt the building codes by ordinance. Atkins: Yeah. Kanner: But this is somewhat outside that. This is just for the Board of Appeals to allow them...to allow the City to build at the old standard under which it was designed. That's my reading. So it's somewhat outside of the jurisdiction of the City Council. Atkins: We can find out for you. I'm just not familiar with it all. Kanner: Also just wanted to point out that their Board of Appeals is looking at requiring alarm installers to be licensed and I think that's a good move. That's something new for Iowa City that's being looked at. And they're working on setting up criteria for that and an interim testing and licensing system that our staff is working on. And I think moving in the right direction. And also, someone was throwing out the idea of charging fees for commemial fire inspections and perhaps that's something we ought to look at. Lehman: Is that in the field minutes too? Kanner: Yeah, that's in the Board of Appeals and it was brought up by one of the Board of Appeal members. And currently, my understanding is we don't charge. Atkins: That is correct. Kanner: But we do charge for residential commercial? Atkins: There is a fee schedule... Kanner: We just approved a new one recently. Atkins: I thought we did I didn't quote it chapter and verse but I was almost positive that...I knew the Board of Appeals and staff was discussing the merits of the commercial fire inspection and...in fact Andy and I spoke about this, the Fire Chief. The difficulty was will it require any extraordinary effort on the part the staff. If so we are not staffed to accomplish that particular goal without the likelihood of having some sort of a fee schedule to in effect compensate for it. That's kind of This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #10 where we are with that. I don't have any more details on that right nOW. Kanner: It just seems to make sense that if we're charging for one type of commemial, which happens to be residential, we should be charging for other types of commercial, other business owners. Pfab: I have a question for Steve. Atkins: Yes sir. Pfab: Do you...are you saying that...just a point of clarification here. Are you saying that one of the reasons we don't is because it takes special training to do? Atkins: No, it was the...as I understand it, Irvin, and I'm speaking with limited information. Pfab: Right. Okay. Atkins: As I understand it, if we were to get into this inspection program it would require additional staff time devoted to this particular type of inspection. That simply means that we would have to devote staff time to do it. We have not committed that into...additional staff in this budget. If we were to go ahead with the program and it does require the staff at the level that Andy's indicating, some sort of a fee might have to be put in place to compensate for the additional staff. Pfab: Is that something that we might want to take a real hard look at at a work session? Atkins: Well you can do it a work session. I think you ought to allow the Board of Appeal to take it through it's process before... Dilkes: I think the staff and the Board of Appeals are taking a look at that right now and, you know, in order to be prepared to report to you. Lehman: All right. Atkins: Yeah. If there is an am...a code, it comes back to you anyway, Irvin. Pfab: But, I mean, is that something that we should have a heads up on? Atkins: You have a heads up... Lehman: We will from staff. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #11 Champion: We will. Atkins: I don't have anything more than what I just told you right now. But we can... Pfab: But, I mean...okay. All right. Kanner: Right now my understanding is these non-residential commemial owners can request an inspection and they get it for no fee. Atkins: That's what I understand too. Kanner: And so it can be two levels. It could be a mandatory for everyone or it can be on request but charged. That could be a possible change. Atkins: Yes. I think you have several options. Kanner: Yeah, so... Atkins: I have indicated to Andy that the general fund was not in a position to hire an additional inspector to cover the cost of this unless we had a fee. And I'm assuming he's taking that back to talk to with those folks about it. Kanner: Okay. Yeah, I look forward to that. I think that's moving in the right direction also. And then wanted to ask Kevin a question. And while he's coming up I'll mention that we got a letter from the auditor of our City finances. That's item number g3 in correspondence. And first I wanted to say congratulations. Quoting from the auditor, overall financial operations of the City continue to be conducted in an efficient and effective manner. So my hats offto you. O'Malley: Thank you. Kanner: And I think we all have out hats offto you. I guess we expect that every year and you come through every year. O'Malley: I get a lot of help. Kanner: Thank you for that. O'Dormell: Well said. Kanner: And I had a couple questions. They talked about some audit adjustments that the City incorporated in fiscal year 01. Audit This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #12 adjustments are things that need to be corrected a bit, that the auditor finds. O'Malley: That is correct. Kanner: And I wonder if you could explain that and what the,..if there was any seriousness to it and what does it entail? Some of those... O'Malley: I can give you kind of a round about discussion about it. We had new auditors this year and each auditor, set group of auditors looks at different types of estimates that we use. And in the past we were estimating certain accrued revenue in a certain manner and they thought we should expand that so we increased our accrued revenue. Then there was a change in GASB, a government accounting standards bureau which told us to reflect contributed capital such as a developer who would give us streets and sewer lines and water lines. We used to put that straight into contributed capital. There's been an accounting standards board change that wants us to recognize that as a deferred revenue. So they're really minor, minor issues. One was a time change...timing difference on a grant receivable. But these are normal adjustments. Some of these are normal. The first few, I think, that I remember are normal adjustments. We do our books on a cash basis according to how the state wants us to present our financial information but in order to compare our City to other cities throughout the nation we convert the cash basis to an accrual basis. And so we post adjusting entries such as you saw. And then as soon as the fiscal period is over we reverse those out and go back to cash basis. But in order to reflect our financial position at that one point in time we make those adjusting entries. Kanner: That's what the...the folks looking at it, the auditors, recommend that you do to compare it to other cities throughout the county? O'Malley: That's right, so we're comparative. Kanner: And one last thing about the report. They recommended that vacation be taken. O'Malley: That's correct. Karmer: I assume that's because there could be the case of the same person doing the job and no one seeing what they're doing so they said that a new person should take over their duties for a week. So a lot of people are not taking vacation and accruing vacation days. Are you going to be implementing that procedure? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #5 Page #13 O'Malley: Yes, and I'm one of the few people that takes a week at a time. But a lot of people like to spend one or two days at a time. We're implementing that they at least take one week a year off of their time and somebody else does their job. It's a good internal control practice and we had gotten away from that. Kanner: And so when you take your week off who takes over your duties? O'Malley: My assistant, Erin Herting. She does. And I also have some other...Steve actually takes over some responsibility too as far as our investments, he signs off on any investments that come through and any budget amendments. Karmer: During that week that you're gone? O'Malley: Right. I usually try to brief him and my staff briefs him as to what were expect out of him. Kanner: Thank you. Atkins: I think he's telling you they help me through the process. Pfab: I guess from this day forward there probably will be a lot more scrutiny that we may have missed in years past. O'Malley: Them should always be scrutiny. Pfab: But I mean, I think the climate is going to tighten up a fair amount so it's good to see that you're ready, willing and able to handle them. O'Malley: I am. I agree. Thank you. Lehman: Thank you, Kevin. Kanner: Thanks, Kevin. Lehman: I'd like to point out that we are setting a public hearing for February 19th to discuss the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2002, July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003. That's two weeks from tonight. That hearing is being set on the consent calendar. So anyone who would like to address the Council relative to that budget should be here two weeks from tonight. Other discussion? Roll call. (7/0) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #6 Page #14 ITEM NO. 6. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Lehman: This is a...before we do that I'd just like to remind the Council that our work sessions on Monday nights are intended for us to get answers to issues and...for example, there's some questions we had put on the concent calendar, we probably could have had answers to them if we'd had the questinos last night. So I would certainly encourage the Cuncil to ask those questions at the work session so that we can have the answers at public meeting. Kanner: Emie, I think there's a balance. I think also part of the questioning is to do it in the public light with the TV. We might want to consider that issue of having televised meetings again if you're so concerned about that. And I'll work with you on that. O'Dounell: I thought they were televised. Kanner: What? O'Donnell: I thought they were televised on Monday night. Kauner: They're on one channel... O'Dormell: Okay, that's good. Kanner: ...run by individuals but I'm talking the City sponsored. O'Donnell: That's good. Lehman: Okay. Item 6 is public discussion. This is a time reserved on the agenda... Kanner: Ernie? Emie, do you want to put that on a work session to talk about that some more? Lehman: I'd like to take care of item number 6. If you want to talk about it during Council time that's fine. Kanner: But you just...you brought it up. I think it... Lehman: I brought it up, Steven, because you love to talk about things on the consent calendar that you can get the answers to very easily if you ask the question the night before. Kanner: I like to show leadership and bring the community into it, Emie. That's the question. Now if you...if you want to do this you should This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #6 Page #15 bring this up at a Council time. You constantly do this, Emie. If you want to show some leadership, work on compromise. I think that's... Lehman: I want to show leadership by going with item 6 which is public discussion. If you wish to address the Council, please... O'Donnell: Very good. Lehman: ...sign in, give your name and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Jim Larew: My name is Jim Larew and I thank you for the opportunity to visit with you briefly. The issue of concern to me is the public power issue, which you were kind enough to allow us to bring to your attention in a session in the recent past. The mason I'm here tonight is to one, inform the community that in an effort to invoke additional public discussion we have drawn up a resolution which will be presented to the caucuses of the Democratic and Republican parties both and also the Green Party. Our view is that if all the issues that this body may consider this should be the least partisan one. The cutting edge municipal utilities in Iowa are Northwest Iowa, some of the most conservative republican territory if one is thinking in partisan terms. Some of the most successful operations in effect fight now one in Ames, as you know and one in Muscatine, two of them quite different political bodies. But I wanted to alert members of the Council that we are trying to involve and to assist you in your decision making process hoping that the Council continues to consider the appointment of a citizens group to assist you in making the best possible choices in terms of municipal power. And in that regard, reacting to one letter that is a part of the submissions to the Council from the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce of which I've been a long standing member; although, not necessarily it's most active member. I'm concerned that the debate not lose track of considering a four year limitation to any franchise agreement that might be signed with MidAmerican Power. And the reason for it and I what I would like to do as part of the presentation if it's admissible, as a part of your normal routine, is provide something fight off the web from the Iowa Utilities Board which summarizes the current state of affairs and why the four year threshold is important to us. That is to say as soon as MidAmerica purchased the large body of franchise territory that it has now, MidAmerica then urged a very substantial rate increase of all rate payers in Iowa and that was countered by a move by the Iowa Utilities Consumer Advocate who indicated they thought that presently MidAmerica was overcharging Iowa consumers to the tune of $80 millions per year. And as a compromise the body said let's not litigate this but for four years freeze Iowa rates. And this takes place then in This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #6 Page #16 and will expire this agreement in about four years time. So I know as politicians you're always trying to reach for a compromise and I sense that the spirit behind the Chamber of Commerce's letter was saying let's have a fifteen year agreement with an eight year opt out. And that sounds like a good compromise but I don't think it makes political sense locally and I'm sure it doesn't make economic sense. I would like whatever action this body does is to consider carefully how things will look in four years time when the Iowa Utilities Board order by consent ends and we'll have an open field. The field of energy is absolutely fluid. Rate payers' pay $66 million a year in our community alone and over a fifteen-year period you're talking nearly a billion dollars of money to be spent. Well I thank you for the time. If it would be possible...I know citizens ask me and I don't know the answer to it, when is the Council expecting to give this matter consideration? Is it March or is it June? Lehman: Probably March we'll start talking about it. We've discussed it briefly during our budget discussions and when we get through with budget...right now that's the pressing thing for us and as soon as we get through... Larew: I understand. Lehman: ...with that we'll start preliminary sort of discussions and decide just how we're going to address this. Larew: Well I hope that those citizens who attend their coun...their caucuses, if they're so inclined, would view this proposal in the most non- partisan, most open type of inquiry. And that as a result of those discussions you'll have additional people coming, helping to try to inform you as you consider which way that the City should go in the future. And I thank you for this additional time. May I submit this as a part of the record of your meeting? Champion: Sure. Larew: Thank you. Champion: Thanks, Jim. Letunan: Thank you, Jim. Wilburn: Motion to accept correspondence. Vanderhoef: Second. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #6 Page #17 Lehman: We have a motion and a second to accept correspondence. All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. (all ayes) Kanner: May I ask the City Attorney, any franchise agreement the citizens can do a referendum to overturn that. Is that correct? If there's a petition...there can be a petition referendum to overturn that. Dilkes: I'd have to look at it. Kanner: I was wondering if you can let us know at the next meeting. Lehman: Any other public discussion? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7e Page #18 ITEM NO. 7e. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE 95 ACRES LOCATED BETWEEN COURT STREET AND LOWER WEST BRANCH ROAD FROM LOW DENSITY SINGLE FAMILY, RS-5, AND MEDIUM DENSITY SINGLE-FAMILY, RS-8, TO SENSATIVE AREAS OVERLAY. (REZ01-00023/SUB01-00025) (FIRST CONSIDERATION) O'Donnell: Move first consideration. Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell. Vanderhoef: Second. Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Pfab: I have a question. This is a high...a development ora lot of private residential lots? Champion: 261. Pfab: Right. Franklin: I'm sorry, what was the... Pfab: This is the development with a lot of residential lots, is that right? Franklin: Yes. Pfab: For...how did we ever come out or what...how was it ever resolved that there was a lot of young...potential of a lot of young children and not much parks in the center of that housing area? How did that come out? Franklin: Well first of all I'll point out that Scott Park is just south of Court Street right across from this development. The debate was about whether the open space should be located in a centralized neighborhood park or whether it would be along the drainage corridor, which runs through the center of the development. And then also there's some open space that is along Court Street. The decision of the Parks and Recreation Commission was to accept the proposal as submitted by the developer which did not have a centralized neighborhood park area. And the Planning and Zoning Commission concurred with that. I think the vote in the Planning and Zoning Commission was 6 to 1. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7e Page #19 Pfab: Okay. IfI remember there were some houses where...thirteen/fourteen houses away from a park in a row, a park area. And that looked like a high enough...and I was trying to compare that say with different areas around in...here in Iowa City. And that looked like the.., there was an absence of park area for.., in the middle of that housing area. Franklin: I think it's a matter of judgement. Parks and Rec. and Planning and Zoning judged that what was being proposed by the developer was adequate. There is an open space that runs through the entire subdivision north south, which incorporates a drainage way as well as a large corridor on either side of that drainage way. Pfab: But if you... Franklin: And so it's a matter of judgement of those two bodies. There advise to you has been to go ahead and approve this subdivision as show so I think it's a matter of your choice also as to whether you find that adequate or not. Pfab: I guess the question I'd ask you is what is the longest distance...how many lots are in between...that the...the farthest lot from that recreation area is away from that area? How many houses...as a person living in that farthest house have to go to get to play? It's thirteen or fourteen different houses and that seems a lot for a neighborhood... Franklin: The plat is not in this particular packet and I don't have it before me so it would only be a guess but I would say that probably the largest distance is about... Pfab: Thirteen/fourteen lots. Franklin: No, more than that. It's probably about 700 feet, about two blocks. Pfab: (can't hear) ! thought it was...you look at lots and I looked at it from the plot and I said a child walking to that park area would have to go by about twelve or fourteen houses and I thought that was excessive. Franklin: Well evidently you've already looked at it so you know the number better than I. Pfab: Yeah right so I mean, I don't remember the exact number and that was what puzzled me. And I was involved...I attended some of the meetings and I missed some of them and I was wondering how it ever This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7e Page #20 turned out. And I just don't think that that is an adequate amount of park space for that type ora neighborhood. Franklin: That's your judgement. Lehman: Irvin, that will come up when the plat comes up...this is just a rezoning. This has nothing to do with the park space. Kanner: Karin, I had a question for you too. Although Emie, I think that we say that, then we say it should have been done before. I think it's appropriate for these kind of question. This is what helps make informed decisions. Karin, why did Ehrhardt vote against this? Franklin: She believed that the neighborhood open space should be more centralized. Kanner: Something that Irvin was getting at? Franklin: That's correct. Kanner: and that's appropriate for the sensitive areas ordinance overlay to talk about this issues? Franklin: This was being looked at for the sensitive areas overlay. It was also being look at as the plat was being laid out so the two are together. It's an appropriate question to be asking at the time that this was being reviewed. Yes. Kanner: And what's the runoff in regards to the wetlands and the streams? How's is that going to effect their 261 units? It seems like a lot of runoff going into these streams and these wetlands. Franklin: The wetlands are in the northern part of this farm, closer to Lower West Branch Road. The runoff is from north to south. The drainage will come down a...this drainage way that I was expressing to you that goes north to south and goes into Ralston Creek through Scott Park. It will go under Court Street and into Ralston Creek. Kanner: So will there be problems then instead of the drain...runoff going into that, the wetlands and streams going into the housing and so forth? Franklin: No, it won't be any different...well, it won't be any different, of course it'll be different in that there'll be houses there and it's not farm fields but the wetlands...I mean, I don't want...the wetlands will still drain from north to south through the drainage way. They will not drain over the housing lots if that's the question that you just asked. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7e Page #21 Kanner: But probably less will be absorbed into the land obviously with more buildup them and... Franklin: Well, as with any subdivision, we look at the runoff the storm sewer system and how it works with the drainage ways. When you can handle the storm water through the drainage system and it goes into a storm water detention basis, which Scott Park is the south branch Ralston Creek storm water detention basin, you do not have to provide detention on site. All that has been looked at and it meets the codes of the City. Engineering has evaluated that fully. Kanner: Thanks. Franklin: Sure. Lehman: Any other discussion? Roll call. Motion carries, 5/2, Kanner and Pfab in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7f Page #22 ITEM NO. 7f. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE TO VACATE TItE NORTHERN 182 FET OF TIlE 20-FOOT WIDE ALLEY RIGHT-OF-WAY LOCATED SOIJTIt OF BURLINGTON STREET AND WEST OF DUBUQUE STREET. (VAC01-00004) (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Champion: Move first consideration. Lehman: Moved by Champion. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Pfab: I have a question on what is...we're making a trade there right, for the people to the west? Dilkes: Correct. Well that we are acquiring the (can't understand) property and as a condition of that acquisition they want vacation of this portion of the alley. And in exchange, as part of that transaction they will provide another piece of alley to get access to. Pfab: So the alley will run... (End of side one, 02-21) Dilkes: I mean it'll come in from Clinton Street. Pfab: Go east. Franklin: There will be a 90-degree alley essentially. You would come in or out from Clinton Street. It will go from Clinton to the north/south alley. Then you go south on the existing north/south alley to Court Street. So it's a "L", "L" shaped. Pfab: Okay so it's "L" shaped going from...okay south...well that's... Franklin: Yeah. Pfab: I ain't going to try and describe that. O'Donnell: It's an "L". Pfab: But... Franklin: From Court to Clinton and "L" shaped alley. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7f Page #23 Pfab: Well what property did we buy from a (can't understand)? Franklin: The property that has the Electronics Cave on it and all the way up to Burlington Street save the Mod Pod. Pfab: Okay. So there'll be no...the alley will disappear. As you go up Burlington there will be no alley. Franklin: Eventually, yes. That's correct. Pfab: Okay. Lehman: Other discussion? Kanner: Are you thinking, Irvin, that this is maybe more of a benefit to (can't understand)? We're doing this to benefit (can't understand) development. Pfab: No, I think it's good. I just wasn't sure where the (can't understand) property was because I didn't realize that the cave was...that was (can't understand) property. And I tried to figure it out, I tried to think my way through it and...No, this is good I think because you get no alley you get full frontage of Burlington Street, which I think is a good idea. Vanderhoefi And no traffic. Pfab: Right. Lehman: And no (can't hear) Pfab: Well it also gives up the frontage on a busy street for people that want that. Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. (7/0) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #7h Page #24 ITEM NO. 7h. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ANNEXING 4.01 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF HERBERT ItOOVER HIGHWAY EAST OF SCOTT BOULEVARD. (ANN01-00005) Wilbum: Move adoption of the resolution. Lehman: Moved by Wilbum. O'Donnell: Second. Lehman: Seconded by O'Donnell. This is the Iowa City Care Center property. Discussion? Pfab: I'm glad I lived to the day that this happened because I think it's a great idea. O'Donnell: We all are. Pfab: It took us a long way to get there but I (can't hear) Champion: That Irvin's still alive to see this? (can't hear) Lehman: Roll call. Motion carries. (7/0) Kanner: You're not thinking of moving in there are you Irvin? Pfab: I'm not sure. I haven't got around to that selection process yet. That's an awful waste. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #8 Page #25 ITEM NO. 8. ASSESSING $300.00 CIVIL PENALTY FOR DEADWOOD TAVERN, 6 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET. a. Hearing Andy Chapell: Good evening... Lehman: Public...this isn't...the hearing is open, not a public hearing. Go ahead. Chapell: My name is Andy Chapell from the County Attorney's Office. As you all I'm sure remember, Iowa Code allows for civil penalties to be assessed against business when their employees are convicted or plead guilty to selling tobacco.., selling or providing tobacco to a minor. Here we're...and this is the time for hearing on that matter dealing with the Deadwood Tavern. Specifically, a compliance check was done by your police department on May 16, 2001. A minor approached the bartender and asked for change for the cigarette machine. The bartender did apparently ask for a received the ID. The ID would have indicated that she just turned 17. The bartender gave... according to the officer, gave the change anyway and the minor then went and purchased cigarettes at the cigarette machine, that's considered providing tobacco to a minor. The bartender was charged and about five, six days later plead guilty to that charge and paid the fine. Based on that evidence and I have a...actually if you'd like a certified copy of this (can't hear). I mean, based on all that information I believe a civil penalty in the amount of $300 should be assessed against the Deadwood Tavern. And I don't know if anyone from the Deadwood is here to speak but this would be the time for it. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: Has anyone heard any correspondence from Deadwood? Chapell: I've received none. Lehman: Hearing is closed. Do we have a motion to... b. Consider a Resolution O'Donnell: So moved. Lehman: ...(can't hear) resolution (can't hear). Kanner: Second. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #8 Page #26 Lehman: Moved by O'Donnell, seconded by Kanner. Discussion? Roll call. (7/0) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #10 Page #27 ITEM NO. 10. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 14, ENTITLED "UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE," CHAPTER 3, ENTITLED "CITY UTILITES," ARTICLE E, ENTITLED "WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS INDIRECT DISCHARGE," SECTION 4, ENTITLED "PRETREATMENT STANDARDS,"OF THE CITY CODE TO AMEND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLAN INFLUENT STANDARDS. (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Vanderhoef: Move first consideration. Wilbum: Second. Lehman: Moved by Vanderhoef, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? Kanner: Dave, can I ask you a question? Pfab: Yeah, could somebody translate this? Lehman: Yes, that would be a good idea. Kanner: What's been removed...you said there were some (can't understand) removed from the list that were prohibit or regulated that haven't been there for twenty years and where did they come from and why aren't they there now, some of those chemicals? Elias: Those were constituents that were calculated in a large study that was done when we first initiated pretreatment standards in the City Code back in the early 80's. And the consultants who did that initial study picked up every conceivable pollutant on their list and just calculated a number for that and then we adopted the whole thing into the City ordinance. And then as the years have progressed and we have had experience with analyzing the wastewater, examining the industries in town, and with DNR regulation we found number one, those constituents have never been at levels of any concern to any of our compliance issues or the DNR. Nor have any industries proposed to be contributors of that. And so we're taking this opportunity to just delete those from the list so that we don't stand other expenses when DNR writes permits and likes to add in another testing perimeter for everything that we have listed. So this should reduce some of our testing costs in the long run. And we certainly have enforcement capabilities in other parts of the ordinance that when we find a constituent that is causing a problem, we can add it in. And that's also what we're doing with this change by adding the item for molybdenum. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #10 Page #28 Kanner: And where does that come from? What process? What industry here in town produced that? Elias: That tums out to be coming primarily from chilling towers, which are large commercial air conditioning units. We found present in small amounts in some of the bigger buildings in town but primarily it's a University of Iowa product that has made it's way into the sewer. And they have agreed to switch to another product but we want to make sure that we have specific enforcement capability if it doesn't go away like we've been promised. Karmer: Thank you. Pfab: I've got a question. You're saying that you'd like to remove the ones that there are not any...there's been no evidence or incidents of this happening. Well does that mean that you will not longer test for those? Elias: Most of those we have not been testing for for a long time. Occasionally DNR will come up with a new program and say check for this because there's new scientific information that this would be a problem and you know, then we do that. We mn scans on it every couple of years. And these have never...none of these have ever been issues of...that would jeopardize any environmental regulations that... Pfab: Okay, if you take these off would that mean that you wouldn't mn a scan even every couple of years? Elias: No, no. We still do that every couple of years, four years. Pfab: So, I mean, they don't...that doesn't disappear into... Elias: No. Pfab: ...smoke? Elias: No. Pfab: Okay. That was my only question. Elias: Yeah. Kanner: And have we found that we're in compliance with the Consent Degree that we signed for some of those heavy metals, that the DNR found us in violation of standards a couple years ago? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #10 Page #29 Elias: Right. We have submitted a report in November, I believe, to DNR indicating that in our estimation we have come into compliance in ail of those areas in the consent decree except for the area of ammonia which will be solved by the completion of the South Plant, the treatment plant upgrade which is due to come on line here this spring and summer. So we've submitted that report. We've made the assertion that we are...we have made the corrections, that we are in compliance, and we have not yet heard back as to whether they agree with us or not. Champion: Thank you. Lehman: Thank you, Dave. Other discussion? Roll call. (7/0) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #12 Page #30 ITEM NO. 12. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE SCOTT BOULEVARD EXTENTION PHASE IV PROJECT. Lehman: We received a number of bids. Low bid was $2,509,665.32. Engineers estimate was $3.661 million. Public Works and Engineering recommends awarding the contract to Peterson Contractors of Reinbeck, Iowa. Do we have a motion to that effect? O'Dmmell: So moved. Pfab: Second. Lehman: By O'Donnell, seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? This is a great bid. Champion: Good bids. Lehman: The bottom three bids where within $54,000 so I mean they're very, very competitive. I think that's a very important project. Certainly one we'd all like to see done. Vanderhoef: Well it's one of those that we were told last night by our engineers that because of the DOT making the announcement that they wouldn't be bidding any more projects after July 1... O'Donnell: Good point. Vanderhoef: ...it created bidding competition that we don't usually have and certainly this is not a reflection on our engineers estimate of what it might have cost. Pfab: I would like to make a comment, which is that's great. But I think it's just amazing how the timing of this...the new budget presented by the president several days ago, or yesterday I guess it was, is they're going to take a heck of a lot more cut in road building and you ain't seen nothing yet. Kanner: This is going to go by...opening up the Hickory Heights area? Is that con'ect? Atkins: It's an extension, right on. All the way down to Rochester. Lehman: Rochester to what... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #12 Page #31 Vanderhoef: First Avenue. Lehman: ...what used to be Captain Irish. Atkins: The question was at Hickory Heights though. That parcel was under discussion right now. That roadway that it fronts on would now connect to Scott Boulevard at Rochester. Karmer: I think we need to consider in this tight time cutting back in one of those two roads. And I'd...we have First Avenue done. I think we might want to cut back on this at this time to save some money. Vanderhoef: Would you be willing to open First Avenue then? Kanner: Sure, I would. Yeah. O'Dormell: I wouldn't. We made an agreement to open these two at the same time so I'm ready to go ahead with Scott Boulevard. This'Il...it's a wonderful bid. Who knows whether it'd be a year from now or two years for that matter. I'm very comfortable with this. Kanner: Wasn't there an earlier agreement though about not building First Avenue until after a certain time. So we...to say we had an agreement is somewhat disingenuous I think. O'Dormell: You know, that majority of Iowa City said we are going to build First Avenue and we did. Karmer: At one time they said opposite but that's not the point, Mike. O'Donnell: Can't live in the past, Steven. Karmer: What? O'Donnell: Can't live in the past. Kanner: No, ! try to live in the future, Mike. O'Donnell: Good for you. Lehman: Okay, other discussion? Kanner: Connie, (can't understand) with you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #12 Page #32 Lehman: Any other dis...Roll call. Motion carries, 6/2, Kanner voting in the negative. Dilkes: 6/1. Lehman: Well we did the public discussion. Announcement of vacancies, Airport Commission has one vacancy... Champion: 6/2. Atkins: 6 to 2? Lehman: ...to fill a six-year term... Vanderhoefi 6 to 1. O'Donnell: Pardon? Vanderhoef: 6 to 1. O'Donnell: Six and two is eight, Emie. Six and two is eight. Vanderhoef: (can't understand) Lehman: What did I say? Vanderhoef: 6 to 2. O'Dounell: 6 to 2. Lehman: Oh 6 to 1, I'm sorry. For gosh sacks. Kanner: That was one of my proposals to have my vote counted twice. Champion: That's a good one. Lehman: Well actually... Pfab: Ernie voted with you. Lehman: ...it could have counted twice and it still would have been a minority. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #14 Page #33 ITEM NO. 14. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES. Lehman: Certainly ample opportunity for folks to become involved and contribute to City government. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #34 ITEM NO. 15. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION Pfab: I would like to bring up or have a work session on the method of'the City Council Members receiving e-mail ~rom the constituents. I'm seeing that less and less opportunities are available for the public to become aware of the individual council's e-mail. And the idea that a lot of people believe when they send an e-mail to the City Council that every City Council immediately gets a copy of that. And there's...I understand there's pros and cons but I think there should be...the public should be made aware of just how that process work so if they choose to contact an individual Councilperson immediately, that opportunity (can't hear). Kanner: That opp...what? Pfab: That they can do it that immediately. That's one of the advantages of e-mail, you can get in touch with somebody right away. Champion: I don't use e-mail and I certainly don't tell everybody every phone call I get so, I mean, I would think e-mail would be just like a phone call so you don't...I don't call all of you or tape my phone calls. Pfab: No, no. That's not the point. But anybody can call you on the phone... Champion: Right. Pfab: ...because your phone number is public. But... Champion: Your e-mail address is public too. Pfab: Well if you go to the City...Iowa City web page, it's not there. You go to the library and ask...go to their web page, it's not there. If you go to the literature that the library's publishing it is not there. Champion: (can't hear) Karmer: So you're asking if it could be published... P£ab: I mean, it should be made public. That's one of the reasons that we keep an e-mail account. Some people do, some people don't and that's...I think that's fine. But for...in fact, I do and I want...if a citizen has a...wants to get a hold of me I want that e-mail address out there where they can see it. Kanner: There are some places where it's listed. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #35 Champion: Sure. Pfab: It's getting less and less. Lehman: But what is it you're asking? Champion: What are you asking us? Pfab: Well, okay...I was going... Champion: But you wanted us all to share our e-mail. Pfab: No, no, no, no...I'm not asking to share. I don't...I have no interest in that what so ever. It's just the fact that when a citizen sends an e-mail to the City Council that the e-mail is either forwarded immediately to the City...individually City Council or it's stated there that this mail is...arrives at a certain desk. It's...that's the end of the e-mail process and then it becomes hard copy and it's more difficult for a City Councilman to respond to that e-mail because you're...the e-mail process is dead. Dilkes: I think there's a couple of issues here. It sounds to me, Irvin, like you're talking about just wanting your e-mail address out there more. Pfab: No, no... Dilkes: We're...can I finish? Pfab: Sure. Dilkes: Like when you phone numbers listed, your e-mail address is next to it. Pfab: Right. Dilkes: That's one issue. I think there is another issue related to the public record nature of an e-mail. It's not just like a phone call as the press is...has been reporting lately. One of the advantages, I think, of having e-mails come to a central location, although I think you can ali communicate by e-mail, is that it does get...we then have it. I mean, it...then it goes out to the press, it goes out to the public but as...like correspondence does. But that's a different issue than just getting your e-mail published where your phone number is. And it's...Marian's telling me that they are posted on the web and they are...you know, so I think what you need to do is identify those places you wish it should be and say what those are. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #36 Pfab: Well, okay. So you're saying you want a public record. Well if on the web page of the...the Iowa City web page, all right, it states that you can...there's the e-mail address to contact your City Council Members. Well that goes through but that could be forwarded to individual members and you'd still have your copy. And that way the individual member or I'm going to say for myself, I could respond in an e-mail with an e-mail. Dilkes: I think if this is something that all of you are imerested in we're going to need to have a discussion about it because... Pfab: Well that was my point. Dilkes: ...I think there are a number... Pfab: I was asking for... Dilkes: ...of issues here. But if it's simply a matter of getting the e-mail address out...but it sounds like it's not. So... Pfab: Right. Kanner: Well then also the issue of forwarding Council e-mails to individual members that want them. But I'd be interested...this is an up and coming topic, the idea of public records. I think it's worth having a work session on it. Pfab: Right. That was my...I understood them was...there was more to it then that. I was just stating my point. I understand there was more that's why I was suggesting that we have a work session. Dilkes: I think, if you'll recall sometime ago I gave you a memo cautioning you about the use of e-mails because.., actually for the open meetings issue because e-mail communication can be so rapid...You know, even if you communicate with one member of the City Council... and now I'm taking about communications between you and each other. You conununicate with one member of the City Council and that City Council Member immediately forwards it to three others of you, you have problems there. So, I mean, if you all are confused about those issues we probably should have a work session. Lehman: Why don't we just put that on a work session for clarification from you Eleanor and probably... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. # 15 Page #3 7 Pfab: Right, I think we need to get out to the public so the public understands. But back to...in response to what you said about being in a forwarding, which you can also do that with a conference call. You Can... Lehman: And that's illegal too if you're talking... Pfab: Well I know but it can be done as far as...that can be just as fast. Lehman: Well we're going to talk about it at a work session. Pfab: Sure. And I'm not saying we should...I'm saying we should talk about it so the public understands what... Lehman: That's what we're going to do at a work session. Pfab: Great. Lehman: Anything else for Council time? Mike? O'Donnell: Not a thing. Lehman: Dee? Vanderhoefi Just to let you know that I have been re-appointed to the National Steering Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure so I'll be attending a couple of extra meetings over the summer. Wilbum: Just, there's some wonderful activities for Black History Month at the University, at the Senior Center and even towards the end of the month the Cultural Diversity Days is at the University. So just encourage Council Members and the public to get out and see those. Lehman: Very good. Kanner: A few things. One, got this from the coordinator of the LatinaJLatino Communities in Iowa Conference. Save the date, April 27th. It's coming out and the City is a sponsor of that and we're going to be talking more about Latina/Latino issues in our community. We're going to be having a work session on that in the near future. Pfab: What's the date of that again? Kanner: April 27th. I'm going to pass these out. I've got a few of these fliers. Pfab: And what day of the week is it? Do you know? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #38 Kanner: It's a Saturday. Pfab: Saturday, April 27th. Kanner: And we'll be getting brochures on that pretty soon too. They're going to be finalizing that. Pfab: Okay. Kanner: So that's pretty exciting. That's coming up. Ernie, I don't think it's productive us bickering like we did before and I would like to see if we could have a work session to talk about some of the suggestions that I made for the mayoral vote that we had. I had a number of suggestions. We talked about a couple of them and how resolutions can be put on the agenda and for individual member empowerment. Starting times of work sessions perhaps following Roberts Rules of Order for the work sessions to clarify votes. I know there's often sometimes disagreement about what was the intention of the Council majority and so...and also how we can get the public more involved, brainstorming on ideas for that and different way. I had suggestions. This was a memo dated January 1st. Like to be able to talk about some of those at a work session. Lehman: I don't have a problem with discussing those items. But I think at the same time if, you know, with your concurrence, I think we need to discuss the things that we can discuss on Monday nights and have answers to on Tuesday nights rather than bringing them up on Tuesday nights for the first time. Kanner: Well I... Lehman: That will be part of the same discussion. Okay? Karmer: Yeah, and I think there's some connection between it. Lehman: Okay? Kanner: Yeah, I think it would be good to do that. Lehman: Okay. Kanner: And perhaps then people again could look at the memo...well either I or perhaps Marian we can put it in the Council packet again. Lehman: Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #39 Karmer: I can resubmit it for that. And that can be on a future session. In regards to some clarification needed, the budget talks, we were talking about Miller Orchard Park money. And my understanding was different from the understanding of the...what was quoted in the paper by, I think the City Manager and by the Parks and Rec. Director. Atkins: Okay. Kanner: And I think the minutes will show that we, the majority, had decided to let Parks and Rec. take that $200,000 and decide if they were going to put it into Miller Orchard or to Waterworks Park, like it was recommended by Terry Trueblood. And that we were basically going to accept their decision. Champion: I think they're decision had already been made. They had stated that they were going to put off the park because they were hoping number one, to get more land and there hadn't been consensus on what would be done there. They were going to clean up the park and make the land useable but we put it...we allocated that money for several years (can't hear). Lehman: Well I think the question though that Steven is asking is the interpretation at the meeting was that we did tell, if I'm... if my recollection is correct, that we would send it to Parks and Recreation, they would decide where they were going to spend that money. Champion: Right. That's right. Kanner: Right. Lehman: And I think...I don't...I don't know what the minutes say but that's my understanding. Ultimately it would come back for contract approval and whatever which mean Council would obviously have the final say. But we did tell them it would go back to them for their priority. Kanner: We...yeah, we have the right to change it but we said we were going to basically go with their decision for the most part. Lehman: Is that the way the rest of you recall that? Pfab: I recall it a little different than that. I recall that that money was going to go to the Waterworks Park except the small, I think it was $10,000 to do some cleaning up and the reason behind that was there wasn't a consensus in the neighborhood as to what they wanted to do. And one of the problems was the fear of children darting across Benton Street. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #40 Until that was solved...until the prevention of children darting across Benton Street and the fact that the Neighborhood Association hadn't agreed...so that was...until that happened I thought the money was going to go to the Waterworks Park. So, that was my understanding. Champion: I just want to ask something. Lehman: Well my understanding's the same as yours. I think Council pretty much understood that Parks and Recreation was probably going to go forward with Waterworks Park but that was their decision. Do we need to clarify that any further? Champion: No. Lehman: Is that under... O'Donnell: Go ahead. Champion: Either way doesn't make any difference. We're letting them do what they want with the money. Kanner: Well it's just that it was publicized that it's a done deal and it could well be a done deal (can't understand). But this gives people an opportunity to argue their case before Parks and Rec. one more time. And so I hope the public...if you are concerned about this, well go to the next Parks and Rec. Commission meeting which is February 9th. Atkins: I think it's the 13th. Kanner: February 13th. Atkins: I think it is. Please have folks call. Kanner: Call our City Clerk here at the Civic Center. And if you're interested in this issue go to the Parks and Rec. Commission meeting in the next week or two. Pfab: And is there also not a chance for people to come to the public heating? Lehman: Well and also... Pfab: Budget public heating. Atkins: Oh, of course. Yeah. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #41 Lehman: And that's all...all contingent on passing the budget the way... Atkins: Folks, is there some communication you want me to make sure that we're clear with? Champion: No. Atkins: With the Commission? Champion: It's not important. Lehman: I thought it was pretty clear. Vanderhoef: I think we are clear. O'Donnell: I thought they had it clear. Atkins: Okay. Lehman: But ultimately it has.., unless it stays in the budget and gets approved it doesn't make any difference. Atkins: How about if I just repeat it and you tell me if I'm right? How's that? Lehman: Go. Atkins: Okay. There are $376,000 appropriated. $100,000 is for the Butler Trail parking lot. Miller Omhard involved $200,000. Those monies were directed to a Waterworks Project, which is 200,000 plus an additional 76,000 in water revenues plus the 100 for the Butler project for a total of 376. That dollar figure, under those general cimumstances will be directed to the Parks and Recreation Commission. They will then decide whether they choose to proceed with Miller Omhard Park or with Waterworks Park. Lehman: but that 200,000 is their decision whether... Atkins: How they carve it up is up to them. Lehman: Right. I think that's correct. Atkins: That's what I thought I heard you say. Kanner: Well no it was just the 200,000. We said 76,000 would be from water going to Waterworks Park from water revenue that they would not deal with. And that the 100,000 would stay with Butler. Just the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #42 200,000 that was originally slated through Miller Orchard, they can make a final decision to say it will stay there as it was originally slated or as Terry recommended it would go to Waterworks Park. Atkins: Okay. Karmer: But they will make a final recommendation at their next meeting. Atkins: Is that what you heard? Pfab: I understood it just a slight bit different. Lehman: I think that's what you had said. Champion: Oh that's fine. Pfab: No, no. But the 10,000... Vanderhoefi That's what you said... Pfab: ...of that $200 was going to go to clean up... Champion: No, but that was coming out of the Parks and Rec. budget not... Lehman: Yeah. Champion: That wasn't a special allocation. Lehman: But I think the way you stated it, Steven, is right. Atkins: Okay. Pfab: That's...I have no difficulty with it. Atkins: I just want to go back and prepare a short note so that Terry understands what he's going to put up in front of the Commission. Champion: I do want to bring up one more thing cause I didn't bring up anything yet. But when I was coming down Dubuque Street on the weekend I'm wondering, and we've talked about his before, when the skateboard park opens...I can't wait. That's going to be so much fun. I'm going to have to buy a skateboard. Atkins: We'll pay to see that. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. # 15 Page #43 Champion: I will pay to see it too. But you know that parking lot there is constantly full of, I'm sure... Lehman: Mayflower. Champion: ...student parking, or Mayflower residents. What are we going to do to provide parking in that park? Atkins: First of all I don't expect we're going to expand the park but I do expect us to have much stricter enforcement. Lehman: Of parking regulations. Atkins: I mean it's very difficult because what happens is students at Mayflower get their cars on the weekend and that's where they store them. Now we could be...put $5 ticket after $5 ticket on them but we will have to be...we will have to do parking enforcement. Vanderhoefi It clears out for a few days after... Atkins: Oh yeah. Vanderhoefi ...they've... Atkins: and it all comes back again. Vandehoefi ...put the tickets on them and you can drive by and it's empty and then all at once it's full again. Champion: Yeah, I know, it's jamaned packed. Vanderhoefi Oh, yeah. Atkins: Terry's aware. Well the whole use is going to change because, you know, you're going to have lots more comings and goings of people... Champion: I know, I want to make sure people can park to get to the skateboard park. O'Donnell: You can r/de the skateboard there. Vanderhoef: There's a lot of young children that... O'Donnell: That's a mode o f transportation. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #44 Champion: That's the reason (can't hear) the skateboard park to try and keep them off the streets. Lehman: Steven, you got anything else. Kanner: But just to follow up on what Connie was saying, I was talking to Jeff about the speed coming down on Dubuque there. And I was coming off the freeway and I was wondering if Jeff could look to see if a stop sign would be appropriate. Because even if you...you come offthat freeway, there's no stop there. Champion: Oh, right. Kanner: And you...it's going down hill and you don't slow down at all. It's very hard to slow down. You have to consciously put your foot on the brake. And I don't know if they would...the State DOT would allow a stop sign but that might alleviate some of the problems. Champion: Just the way the intersection... Atkins: I could almost assure you they would not because we have talked about it. However, that intersection...that is to be redesigned and be more like the Dodge Street where you actually do have to stop. But that has been talked about... Lehman: That's going to be in 04/05. Atkins: ...on a number of occasions and DOT wouldn't hold still for it. But the new redesign will do what you're suggesting but it has to be redesigned. Pfab: Couldn't we go back and replete that case because the fact of the development down there at Foster Road? Atkins: Irvin, the problem is is that they're going to come off that and if they see a stop sign...you're coming offthere at 55 miles...45 miles and hour, you're going to stand it up on end and somebody's going to get nailed. Champion: It's a very short... Pfab: But you could put a stop sign ahead. There's ways to do that too. Champion: No. Atkins: Not off... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #45 Champion: It's a very short distance. Pfab: I am really concerned that we're going to have a reaIly bad accident on (can't hear) Foster Road one of these days. I mean, it's...maybe put a little fog a little ice in it. I think we're...I just...It just scares me when I think about that. Champion: You better stay off the road. Pfab: I'm going to. One last car (can't hear). Lehman: Steven, anything else? Kanner: Well we had the transportation vision by Jeff, that was (can't understand). There were three things. I think at least one of them we had talked about that I thought we're missing was trying to work on regional transit system. We said that even if Coralville doesn't want to put in there's we said we're...that's goal of ours... Atkins: I think the City's position in all the years I've been here has clearly been, if we can put together a regional transit system we would do it. The fact that we have three free standing transit systems, particularly the wage differences that we experience with respect to what we pay our drivers and what Cambus pays theirs. You know until there's political will on the part of all three parties this is the way it's going to be. I don't see it happening. Kanner: Yeah it might not be happening but we...I think we discussed we wanted to put it in our vision statement as a goal. Atkins: I don't think there's any doubts that that's clear to the goal of the City. It's been that ever since I can recall. Vanderhoef: I think we can all just give some suggestions to Jeff and do a little rewording on that. I have a couple things that... Atkins: I'm fine with that. Kanner: And that...you said that's due February 22n~? Lehman: I don't remember. Vanderhoef: I don't remember but it is one of the things that I plan to do is put in a couple of suggestions to make it a little more readable. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. # 15 Page #46 Karmer: So I guess we need to have that back to us at our next Council meeting. Atkins: Okay. I'll check with Jeff. I don't know the dates on that. Kanner: I've forgotten what date he said, Thank you. Lehman: Okay. Now we have had I don't know how many budget discussions. We're going to have the public hearing two weeks from tonight. And I really...if there are going to be suggestions from Council in the way of changes or amendments or whatever to the budget, I think it would be helpful for all of us to have communications from each other prior to that public heating so that we're all on the same sheet of music. I mean I've got some things I'd like to see us do and I'd be glad to see to it that each of you get copies of what I would like to see. But I think if we had that...that much consideration for each other it'll make the discussions go better. So if you've got recommendations relative to the budget I certainly would... Atkins: Ernie, I want to point out. Lehman: ...encourage folks... Atkins: I want to point out that that meeting is a public hearing. I'm assuming you're not going propose to (can't hear) public hearing. Lehman: Oh no. You're right, you're right. We won't...you're right. I'm sorry. Atkins: That you're there to listen. Lehman: It'll be at the first consideration. Atkins: Now, I don't think there's any reason why you couldn't put something in to the record as a Council Member, I mean, at the public hearing. But it's the meeting the 27th... Lehman: You're right, it's the week later. Atkins: ...where you need to make motions and seconds and so forth for any changes you wanted. Lehman: Those are the kind of things... Atkins: (can't hear) Lehman: ...that I think... This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #47 Pfab: So you're suggesting that if we have some preferences or ideas we'd like to put forth is to put them in as a what? What was the term you used? Atkins: Emie (can't hear) Pfab: Statements for the public record. Lehman: Well no, no. I'm saying... Atkins: If you wish to put something into the public record, you as a Council Member, you can simply write it, give a copy to Marian and just record it as part of the hearing process. It's very simple. Pfab: As part of the public hearing? Atkins: Sure. Pfab: Okay. Karmer: I assume that things that majority agreed on you're going to be changing the budget... Atkins: All those will be changed, yes. Kanner: That's what's being presented to the public. Atkins: Yes, that's correct. Kanner: You're talking in addition to that, Emie? Lehman: Right, or if...I happen not to agree with some of the stuff the majority agreed with and I'll make another plea for it. But I will be sure that everybody gets a copy... Pfab: I think that brings up a good point as far as educating the public in that everyone.., any public person or any person in the public could also submit something for the public record. Atkins: Oh certainly. Lehman: Always. Atkins: Oh yeah. I mean, it's not...for example you have a letter from a couple citizens encouraging you to finance the power study. I mean, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #15 Page #48 I'm always...made the assumption that you want those things read into the part of the public record. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002. #16 Page #49 ITEM NO. 16. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF Lehman: Okie doke. Steve, do you have anything? Atkins: Nothing, sir. Lehman: Eleanor. Dilkes: No. O'Donnell: Are we adjourned? Lehman: All right, do we...we have a motion to adjourn from Mike. Vanderhoefi Second. Lehman: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Pfab: Can't we stay longer? Lehman: All in favor? Opposed? Motion carries. Meetings adjourned. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City council meeting of February 5, 2002.