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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-02-19 Correspondence Mayor Ernest W. Lehman State of the City Message February 19, 2002 This Council has set economic development initiatives and growth in the local tax base very high on our list of priorities, and 2001 was a very successful year in that regard. Last year the City issued 783 building permits with a total construction value of over 123 million dollars, which is about 4% of the City's total assessed taxable value. About 20.5 million dollars of that mount was for new single family homes, with another 29.5 million spent on the construction of over 300 multi-family residential units. Also included was 5 million in industrial construction and just over 56 million for commercial construction and remodeling. A significant portion of that 123 million dollars will eventually be reflected in our local property tax base. Owens-Illinois has nearly completed an eleven million dollar, 60,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Scott Six Industrial Park, and Seabury and Smith is constructing a six and one-half million dollar, 46,000 square foot building to expand its operations in Northgate Corporate Park. Both projects are aided by property tax rebate incentives from the City to encourage these welcome additions to our local economy. Together they will bring 55 to 60 new, quality jobs to the community. Additionally, ACT plans to invest up to 40 million dollars to expand its Iowa City operations and for this project we have approved the use of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, which represents no cost or risk to local taxpayers. Construction has begun and ACT's expansion plan will be fully implemented over the next several years. Further, renovation of the Sycamore Mall approaches the seven million dollar mark in additional investment by the developer and tenants thus far, and those improvements continue. Council partnered in this project through property tax abatement incentives for this redevelopment. Our efforts to grow the tax base focus on downtown Iowa City as well. We are in the process of negotiating an agreement with the Moen Partnership, the selected preferred developer for Urban Renewal parcel 64-1 a. The proposed plan consists of a 14 story, 22 million dollar building with mixed uses including commercial space, hotel suites and conference facilities, residential apartments and condominiums, and limited on-site parking for the convenience of tenants and their customers. Other projects underway downtown include the private redevelopment of two parcels on Iowa Avenue that will add 42 apartment units as well as more ground level commercial space in the Central Business District. Revitalization of the downtown area will be enhanced by two major public projects as well. The 18,4 million dollar expansion of the Public Library is underway. Voters in Iowa City overwhelmingly supported this project in the November 2000 referendum. While it has been necessary to make certain adjustments in our capital improvements program and operating budget to accommodate funding, the end result will be an attractive, expanded library which will better serve the needs of Iowa City residents, at least three-fourths of whom are active library users. The City has also undertaken the creation of a multi-modal ground transportation center to be located downtown on South Dubuque Street between Burlington and Court Streets. Design of this facility is nearly finished and we expect to complete construction in 2004. This 12 million dollar facility will provide much needed space for an inter-city bus depot, will have a day care component to serve those who's daily activities are centered in and around the downtown area, and will offer public parking to accommodate current needs as well as future commercial and residential development on the near South side. Approximately 75 % of the funding for this project will come from the Federal Transit Administration. I would be remiss in not mentioning the opening of the Tower Place & Parking facility on Iowa Avenue, including commercial condominium space that will generate additional property tax revenue. Only two units remain to be sold. That facility, along with the completion of the Iowa Avenue reconfiguration and streetscape improvements, was dedicated last October. This area has become much more attractive and pedestrian friendly and, simultaneously, a net gain in the number of parking spaces in that area has been achieved. I want to highlight two public works projects slated for completion this year. In the late summer or early fall we plan to place the new water treatment plant in operation. Water quality will improve significantly and our ability to deliver abundant fresh water to the entire community will be measurably enhanced. The expanded facilities at the South wastewater treatment complex will also come on line this summer, bringing us into compliance with federal clean water standards and creating the additional capacity for accommodating projected community growth. The combined estimated cost of these two projects is 98.5 million dollars. Public allegations have been made that we are experiencing significant cost overruns on these projects. However, I can assure you that both are proceeding on time and within budget. Several other current City initiatives will enhance development within the city or its defined growth area. These include the 17-lot Aviation Commerce Park just North of the Iowa City Airport, the extension of Mormon Trek Boulevard West and South of the airport to connect with South Riverside Drive, and the extension of Scott Boulevard in Northeast Iowa City to connect with Iowa Highway #1 North. Aviation Commerce Park lots are now available for long term leasing and the associated revenue will help make the Airport less dependent on general tax subsidies for its operation and maintenance expenses. Let me point out that not all of the very positive things that accrue to our community are the result of major initiatives such as the ones I've described thus far. I like to emphasize from time to time what we often refer to as the "warm and fuzzy" things we are able to accomplish. For example, last year we allocated city funds to compliment private donations to construct the skywalk between the new Tower Place and Parking facility and the Senior Center across the alley. Similarly, we shared in the cost of the Riverside Festival Stage seating project, the installation 0f permanent seating at that facility in Lower City Park, also funded in part through private donations. We authorized the construction of a skate park in Ten-ill Mill Park as~d we joined with the Iowa City Kickers in resurfacing the parking lot at the soccer fields near the South wastewater treatment plant. Council further approved the construction of about 15,600 linear feet of crushed limestone trails through Hickory Hill Park, an improvement that will enhance the use of the park by all citizens, including those whose disabilities may make it otherwise difficult or even impossible for them to enjoy first hand the many things the park has to offer. These are just a few examples of the community enhancements we are privileged to be a part of as City Councilors. You value them highly and they represent one of the things we enjoy most about bringing the services of City government to our citizens. During our recent budget discussions you have heard concerns expressed regarding the limits placed by the State on our ability to raise revenues sufficient to accommodate both community growth and new or expanded service initiatives. Indeed, we are faced with considerable financial constraints in that regard. However, by effectively planning and managing our finances, we continue to enjoy the benefit of a Aaa General Obligation Bond rating. Our revenue bond issues have also continued to merit the highest ratings. And for the 16th consecutive year Iowa City has received the Government Finance Officers Association's "Certificate of Excellence" for our financial accounting and reporting. These are clear indicators that our financial position remains sound, that we are not disproportionately committed to any debt burden, and that we are maintaining adequate revenues and reserves to pay for the programs and services to which we have committed. We regard the maintenance of a strong financial position as a priority of the highest magnitude. Because of our concern with financial stability, I believe we must address the issues of dwindling cash balances projected over the next 4 years. As we have seen from State and County budgets, across the board cuts are ugly and very difficult to implement fairly. If we act prudently now, we can lessen the possibility of such actions at the City level. I will be asking the Council to direct the City Manager to take actions to ensure our cash reserves do not fall below the 15% level. A second area of concern that I believe we must address is the level of general obligation bond indebtedness incurred by the City. With the sale of the Library bonds this year, there is a significant increase in our G.O. debt. If we implement the other capital improvement projects as currently programmed, we will exceed our self-imposed repayment limit of 25% of our property tax bills. We need to rearrange these projects in a fashion that will not jeopardize the viability of our community. I am confident we can do this. We all love our city or we wouldn't be sitting up here tonight. Though we may disagree with one another on some of the issues that come before us, I hope we never fail to place the good of this city and its people above all our disagreements and political differences. Iowa City has been a great place to be for at least as long as I can remember, and I look forward to the things we can accomplish in the next year and beyond to ensure that it remains so. G R 0 U P February 13, 2002 · Honorable Mayor Ernie Lehman City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear Mayor Lehman: Recently, council member Steven Kanner asked me to provide the Iowa City Council an update of Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) activities, recent projects and furore goals. I indicated I would welcome the opportunity to offer the council with a short presentation of ICAD activities, and that I would contact you to request time on a future council work session. Due to my travel schedule, I would like an opportunity to sit down with you and/or city staffto discuss the most appropriate time to present to the full council. Please feel free to give me a call at your earliest convenience so we can arrange a time for this presentation. Sincerely, "~J~o~:Rr~sident Iowa Ci~3rgffea Development Group, Inc. IOWA CITY AREA DEVELOPMENT GROUP, INC. 325 E. Washington * Suite 100 · PO Box 2567 Iowa City, Iowa 52244-2567 (319) 354-3939 · Fax (319) 338-9958 Marian Karr From: ProtectingChild r@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2002 12:46 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: CORRECTION--Kids can't decide to let police enter Michael Jones Predator Identification Child Protection Program Better A Millstone, Inc North Liberty, Iowa Monterey, California 800-430-5891 Being a internationally known child advocate and protection specialist, I see the need to raise on this issue. It has been a concern of several year as to the amount of protection Iowa City affords its children. The rights of children are often treated with indifference, and Iowa City's Council and Police Department are no execption. Books, containing the pictures of nude children are displayed in local bookstores downtown. One store on Clinton Street does so in full view of children. The attorney general's of 35 states have filed against such displays. Children need to feel protected in Iowa City, and we must turn to the council to do that. The latest is the issue of police officers gaining entry to search by, in most opinion, terrifying a (what they think might be) 12 year old child. Is such a practice honest and above board? Of course not. I would urge the city council to thouroughlly read the editoral by the Iowa City Press Citizen from Monday, February 12, 2002. We think it says it all. It can further be addressed that at the age of 12, a child is not ready to cognitivly address such a legal question of search and seasure. This opinion is also held by the American Academy of Adolesant and Child Physciatry. Will the child of 12 be able to see the difference from a search prompted by probable cause, a police fishing trip or another red herring by the Iowa City Police Department. If this practice was done by the FBI they would probally leave a gun or laptop behind. As a parent, (thank God my son is grown) I would have to warn them never allow a police officer in the house unless a parent is home. This is true of any stranger. Anything a police officer can have or wear, a potential child molester can have or buy. If a search needs to be made, lets let the police convince a judge for a search warrent and not an innocent 12 year old. Children need to trust the Iowa City Police and not be given another reason to distrust them. If my son were 12, and the knock came to my door, "not with my child you won't". Michael Jones North Liberty Tuesday, February 12, 2002 Kids can't decide to let police enter Our Iowa City Police Department and the city's legal staff have agreed that children who appear to be 12 years old or older can give consent for officers to enter a home. THE ISSUE: Police policy now allows officers to enter a home with the consent of a child who appears to be 12 years old or older. WE SUGGEST: Children should not be making that decision. The council should hold hearings on the policy before allowing it to continue. We have a problem with that. They argue that many 12-year-olds are mature enough to make the decision to allow police to enter. They say they talk to the children first and inform them that consent is voluntary. They say that if the child appears to be younger than 12, they don't even ask. Finally, they say that some case law - in other words, other court cases across the country - has determined that 12 is an appropriate age for such consent. Children who are 12 years old are not permitted to vote, smoke, drink or drive. Children who are 12 are not permitted to own a home. Why would a 12-year-old have the right to determine whether to give up an adult's right to privacy guaranteed under the Constitution? This policy is a dangerous one. First, there is no protection for the children. Anyone can dress up as a police officer and knock on the door, gaining entry to do harm. Second, the image of a full-grown, uniformed and armed police officer shadowing the front door "informing" a 12-year-old about "voluntary" consent seems like a stacked deck. Whether the officer intends it, there's an awful lot of unspoken communication in that exchange that undermines the meaning of "voluntary." Third, this policy requires an officer to determine, in an extremely short time, whether a child has the maturity level to make such a decision. This requires people skills (and objectivity) that even many psychologists haven't been able to master in a lifetime. It's a lot to ask of a police officer. Finally, our officials claim that in some cities, case law has determined that 8-year-olds are qualified to let a stranger in a uniform through the door. Yes, and in some cities, children as young as 8 are also smoking and drinking. Some are supporting their families through shoplifting and drug dealing. Some have already been in the system for a few years. The harder a life a kid has, the faster that kid grows up. But hard lives, whiie they exist, are few and far between in a city like Iowa City that is reasonably affluent and has enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate in the state for years. There are still times when police don't need consent. Emergency calls, and suspicious or nuisance behavior called in by neighbors are two examples. Another is when social services has been alerted to the possibility that the adults in the home are not caring properly for the children. That's case law we can support. Our city staff and officers should not be the ones making the final decision. This policy is one that helps define both the needs and the character of our community. Our community elected to create a Police Citizens Review Board, values our social services, supported a proactive approach to studying racial profiling, uses public monies to support arts and music. We show these 2 priorities through the actions of our City Council. This too should be a council decision. Parents, meanwhile, need always to remember to instruct their children about answering doors to strangers. It's a lesson that is becoming more and more crucial in today's world. The council should hear the public on this issue. We believe Iowa Citians will tell them that only adults should decide which other adults should enter their homes and search their property. Marian Karr From: Irvin Pfab [ipfab~avalon.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 11:16 AM To: kadin§@brni.com; council@iowa-city.org; steve-atkins@iowa-city.org Cc: ross-wilburn@iowa-city.org; connie-champion@iowa-city.org; dee-vanderhoef@iowa-c[ty.org; eleanor-dilkes@iowa-city.org; david-schoon@iowa-city.org; joe-fowler@iowa-city.org; Marian Karr Subject: Re: Underground Parking for James Clark Scott, First of all I wish to thank you for emailing me personally of your concern. I did come down against this even though I didn't understand what you just wrote: "There is also a business that the alley is the primary entrance for their customers." I'm not certain what you meant by that. I would appreciate further clarfication, ok? Just before I started this reply I did make a call to the City Clerk asking her to check on several details. I know that the city coucil was on record as opposing this permission. I believe that I'm correct, that once The Board of Adjustments makes a ruling they have "trumpted the city council." Please stay in touch and I will keep you informed as to what I learn. Irvin Pfab City of Iowa City Councilmember/District C 505 E. Jefferson St % 1 P. O. Box 2446 Iowa City IA 52244-2446 319 351-4094 iplab@avalon.net ..... Original Message ..... From: "Scott Kading" <kading@brni.com> To: <council@iowa-city.org>; <steve-atkins@iowa-city.org> Cc: <ross-wilburn@iowa-city.org>; <connie-champion@iowa-city.org>; <dee-vanderhoef@iowa-city.org>; <Ipfab@avalon.net>; <eleanor-dilkes@iowa-city.org>; <david-schoon@iowa-city.org>; <joe-fowler@iowa-city.org> Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 10:43 P~M Subject: Underground Parking for James Clark > > City Council of Iowa City, > > The Board of Adjustments recently voted to allow James Clark 22 underground > parking spaces for his new building on Iowa Avenue. The problem here is > that the parking will be accessed via the alley between Iowa and Washington > streets. This alley is already much too busy and cannot handle the added > traffic load. There is also a business that the alley is the primary > entrance for their customers. The City Council's record for safety is > excellent but this this will be a very dangerous situation. This was never Thank you. > brought to a City Council vote and needs to be seriously reconsidered. Scott Kading ! 13 S. Linn St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319)430-0696 Marian Karr From: Karin Franklin Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 5:16 PM To: 'kading@brni.com' Cc: *City Council; Steve Atkins; Eleanor M. Dilkes; David Schoon; Joe Fowler; Karen Howard Subject: Underground parking for James Clark Scott: Your emai[ regarding the Clark project and the alley was forwarded to me since my department provides staff support for the Board of Adjustment and also participated in discussions with the Council about on-site parking generally in the downtown. The specific instance of the Clark project request for underground parking went to the Board of Adjustment as prescribed by City Code which permits parking on downtown properties with the approval of a special exception. No Council action in such cases is required or provided for under the law. Because the Board of Adjustment is quasi-judicial in its actions, any aggrieved person may appeal the decision of the Board to District Court; an appeal does not go to the Council. There is no vote for the Council to take on the Clark project except if they wish to appeal the decision of the Board. Since there are few standards set in the code for the Board to use in their judgement on the parking issue, the Council would be hard pressed to argue an inappropriate action on the part of the Board. I see that your name appears on the list of people who spoke at the Board meeting and therefore assume the Board had the benefit of your views in making their decision. Recently, the staff asked the Council during a work session whether they wished to set clearer standards for the allowance of parking on private property downtown to give the Board and the staff more guidance in these decisions. The Council's decision was to leave things as they are. The Council was not considering the specific case of the Clark project but the general concept of parking on private property. I know this does not get at your primary concern. I wanted you to be aware of the legal processes which governed the actions taken in the Clark case and which govern the Council's consideration of your concerns. Karin Frank[in Director of Planning ~? UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY REGION VII 901 NORTH 5TH STREET KANSAS CIT~, KANSAS 66101 February 4, 2002 Dear Interested Citizen: Enclosed is a Fact Sheet covering the draft Site Characterization Report submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by the MidAmerican Energy Company regarding the Iowa City Former Manufactured Gas Plant at 505 Burlington. If you have questions about this document or the site itself, please contact the EPA's Office of External Programs at (913) 551-7003 or call our toll-free environmental action line at 1-800-223- 0425. You are invited to attend an availability session sponsored by EPA to be held: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Iowa City Public Library, Room A 123 South Linn Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Sincerely, Fritz Hirter Community Involvement Coordinator Office of External Programs Enclosure RECYCLE~ FACT SHEET EPA Iowa City Former Manufactured Gas Plant Iowa City, Iowa February 2002 INTRODUCTION The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues to oversee field activities at the Iowa City Former Manufactured Gas Plant site, 505 Burlington Street, Iowa City, Iowa. MidAmerican Energy Company has submitted a draft Site Characterization Report for the site to the EPA. During I999 through 2001, MidAmerican Energy conducted investigations to determine the nature and extent of coal tar contamination at the site. The soil, ground water, air, and sediment in storm sewers at the site were sampled. The results of these investigations have been summarized in the drat~ Site Characterization Report. This draft report also includes a baseline risk assessment. The baseline risk assessment evaluates the potential human health and ecological risks associated with the contaminants in soil, ground water, air sediment, and surface xvater. The draft Site Characterization Report is available to the public at the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Once a final version of the Site Characterization Report has been approved by the EPA, the information contained in it will provide a basis for decisions regarding further actions at this site. SITE BACKGROUND From 1910 to 1939, gas was manufactured at a plant located on the southeast comer of Burlington and Van Buren Streets. Iowa City Light and Power Company operated the plant. In the 1940's, Iowa City Light and Power Company became the Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company (now known as MidAmerican Energy Company), which maintained service facilities on the property until about 1971. In 1983, the Iowa-Illinois Manor apartment complex was built on the site. When the gas was produced, by-products such as coal tar were also produced. Coal tar contaminants related to former manufactured gas plant operations, such as volatile org~_anic compounds (VOCs), including benzene and toluene; metals, including lead, cyanide ~ arsem¢; and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been identified in samples take~i~C'~PA -~ both on and off site. Some compounds found in coal tar are hazardous substances that ~ cause health and environmental problems if handled improperly. . :: -_ In March 1999, EPA, the MidAmerican Energy Company, and the Iowa-Illinois Manor Partnership, the owner of the apartment building at the site, reached an agreement, known as an Administrative Order on Consent or AOC. The AOC requires MidAmerican Energy to determine the nature and extent of coal tar contamination at the site and assess the threat to human health and the environment. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION If you have questions about this fact sheet or need additional information, please contact: Fritz Hirter, Community Involvement Coordinator Office of External Programs U.S. EPA, Region 7 901 N. 5th Street Kansas City, Kansas 66101 (913) 551-7003 or Toll-free 1-800-223-0425 E-mail: hirter.fritz@epa.gov 2 t~o Marian Karr From: Steve Atkins Sent: Monday, February 11, 2002 4:49 PM To: 'Ariana-Betenbender@uiowa.edu' Cc: *City Council Ariana: Many different options were explored over several years to determine the best plan for the Library. The issue of whether or not Iowa City should build a new Public Library was decided by Iowa City residents when they voted yes on the referendum put forth en the project. New water meters have been installed at no additional charge to residents. Please feel free to have your friend contact our Customer Service Hanager, Dianna Furman, at 356-5065, and they will analyze the statement and water usage. The City Council will accept your correspondence on their February 19 Formal Agenda Consent Calendar. Steve Atkins City Hanager ..... Original Message ..... From: Ariana Betenbender [mailto:Ariana-Betenbender@uiowa.edu] Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2002 3:41 PM To: ernie_lehman@iowa-city.org; connie champion@iowa-city.org; stephen atkins@iowa-city.org; ross wil~urn@iowa-city.org; dee vanderhoef@iowa-city.org; mike_odonnell@iowa-city.org Subject: Questions Hello, Question: why did Iowa City need to BUILD a new building for the library expansion? Why couldn't a door be cut into the Lenock building and the building be remodeled instead of torn down?? why didn't the library expand upwards in its current building since when it was first built, that was the intention?? 18 million for a new library is just ridiculous..and now we have to cut other services to continue with this? aren't any of you a bit concerned about this? And, a friend of ours who lives in IC was recently called and told that a new water meter was to be installed..our friend asked why and then said I hope my water bill doesn't up becuase of this new meter.. and guess what??? our friend's water bill just went up 55 with the new meter and this person isn't using any more water than before the new meter 1 Marian Karr From: Larewlaw@aol,com Sent: Saturday, February 09, 2002 8:24 PM To: co u ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Public Power - An Emerging Iowa Issue -- Feasibility Cost Saving Opportunities Dear Councilors: Thank you for your continued willingness to consider carefully the feasibility of establishing a municipally-owned utility for the City of Iowa City. There are some evolving matters in the State of Iowa that could result in considerable cost savings for the City, and I wanted to share them with you. First, in addition to the expression of interest shown by some citizens in Iowa City, the following cities have contacted the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities in recent months concerning the same issue: Emmetsburg, Everly, West Des Moines, Waukee, Perry and Shell Rock. Second, there is precedent for even noncontiguous cities in other states joining in conducting feasibility studies and undergoing administrative processes before state public utility boards and commissions. Therefore, in addition to whatever interest you might be able to stimulate amongst nearby jurisdictions--Coralville, North Liberty, the University of Iowa--you may be able to join forces with one or more other communities who are considering the feasibility of public power. Although there are community-specific questions that must be addressed, much of the economic data is viable on a statewide basis and can be gathered from data filed by MidAmerican Energy Company with the Department of Energy, the Iowa Utilities Board or the F.E.R.C.-these would involve system-wide averages. Another major component of such studies is alternative power supply. That analysis would be common to all the communities and would also be facilitated by a wealth of information that the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities has gathered as a part of its year-long Iowa Energy Project. Third, there may well be economies for those communities that decided to more forward, including shared legal costs and expert witness fees, joint financing of distribution facilities, equipment and materials and joint acquisition of generation contracts and other resources. Fourth, just as Iowa City is considering this issue there is much activity going on in the State of Iowa-much of it coordinated by the IAMU--which may well result in the creation of new baseload generating capacity for costs that will be a fraction of what our local ratepayers are now forced to pay-to say nothing of the anticipated rate increases that will occur at the end of 2005. I have attached an article that I have written that places our local efforts in a slightly larger context. Perhaps you will find it helpful as you continue to consider this issue. Best wishes, Jim Larew 2/11/02 In the onslaught of commercials paid for by its customers, MidAmerican Energy Company describes itself as both "relentless" and "obsessive." Those are fitting descriptions of its efforts to obtain a renewal of its fifteen year franchise with the City of Iowa City and to retain control of its monopoly power in other Iowa cities whose citizens are now seeking an alternative. In Iowa City, some citizens have recommended that before there is any ink on this deal a panel should be appointed to evaluate the situation, guided by the results of a feasibility study. In an era of utility holding company abuses and meltdowns there is wisdom in this recommended action--and here's why. Although not necessarily a complex question, the issue involves a potentially significant economic effect. MidAmerican can produce electricity at some of its generating facilities for under 2¢ per kilo~vatt hour. It gladly sells it to local residential consumers for nearly 9¢ per kilowatt hour--a rate that exceeds that charged to virtually all of our upper Midwest neighbors. Iowa City ratepayers currently pay MidAmerican more than $66 million per year in utility charges--nearly $1 billion in the course of fifteen years, assuming constant rates, an unlikely assumption after 2005. Large utility companies such as MidAmerican (despite the experience of Enron) argue that citizens should glom onto the strength that the corporate entities purport to provide. As a matter of fact, large utility holding companies often provide less stability than smaller, locally owned municipal utilities. It was notable that during the State of California's recent corporate-induced power crisis, the cities that remained unscathed and solvent were those such as Los Angeles~nes with municipally-owned utility companies. Moreover, there is no reason to believe that a large utility holding company such as MidAmerican--just because it has a corporate name that sounds regional or local, buttressed by home-spun commercials paid for with millions ofratepayers' dollars every year--~vill retain investment priorities (and risks) that involve principally the interests of local consumers. When local citizens challenge the advisability of signing a fifteen year franchise with MidAmerican--at least until a feasibility study can be completed and input from ratepayers can be obtained--the utility company ominously threatens (contrary to its legal obligation to serve residents in its monopoly territory) that it will make fewer future capital investments in the Iowa City territory. That must sound like a somewhat hollow threat to residents in Coralville who--in the midst of their own franchise period--have been forced to sue MidAmerican in the Iowa District Court for Johnson County in order to fome the company to pay its fair share of recent, very attractive civic improvements. It is not hard to understand how such a large multi-national corporation like MidAmerican would appear to have developed, in recent years, a tin-ear to local sentiments. Consider the fact that the MidAmerican Energy Company of today is not the regionally- based, publicly-traded Iowa Illinois Gas & Electric Company with which the City of Iowa City signed its most recent franchise agreement, more than fifteen years ago. Acquired since then by a small band of some of America's wealthiest persons (those, such as Mr. Warren Buffet and Mr. Bill Gates who control Berkshire Hathaway Company--which, in turn, owns MidAmerican), the now privately-owned MidAmerican Energy Company is no longer a corporate entity whose economic future is staked in the heartland. Its behavior and goals do not necessarily reflect the priorities and interests of our region. For example, just this past week, while much of the nation's capitol was focused on the causes and aftermath of the Enron scandal, MidAmerican's CEO, Mr. David L. Sokol who, at last report, being paid an annual salary of $675,000, plus a bonus of $3,276,049--was testifying before a United States Senate committee, asking our lawmakers to dismantle the Public Utilities Holding Company Act of 1935--the federal law passed in the Great Depression to curb the very kinds of utility holding company abuses of the 1920s and 1930s that are now demonstrated in Enron's recent demise. Consider, in addition, these recent developments: 1. Berkshire Hathaway, owner of MidAmerican, has just registered a Fourth Quarter financial loss exceeding $1.2 billion, largely from its ownership of Gen Re, an insurance entity, which reportedly has suffered substantial losses in global markets. 2. MidAmerican Energy just sold $400 million in indebtedness. The coupons are reported to yield between 6.75% and 6.841% annualized rate of return to investors. Interestingly, this corresponds to the recent Consent Order issued by the Iowa Utilities Board, under which the Board agreed that if MidAmerican did not raise, on average, its utility bills for four years, it would be assured of a return on its claimed capital investment of not less than 12% per annum. Reasonable people disagree strongly about the value of the investment itself--many persons believe that a large share of MidAmerican's infrastructure is almost fully depreciated and that the company, when seeking rate increases, substantially over-estimates the market value of its assets. In short, the real-world capital market will pay MidAmerican a rate of return less than 7% for the utility company's investments; Iowa ratepayers must surrealistically pay the same company, as a matter of law, nearly double that rate of return if we wish to consume the monopolist's electrons. 3. Fitch Ratings, on January 31, 2002, lowered its unsecured debt ratings of MidAmerican Energy Company from A+ to A, and preferred stock from A to A-. The trend downwards appears to reflect MidAmehcan's international investments, in Great Britain and the Philippines, whose debts are rated in the BBB+ and BB+ range. An issue to consider when evaluating whether our community would be best served by a municipally-owned utility is whether ownership by a distant company, with ties to volatile markets in other regions, provides the most security and least cost for local residents. While the news items mentioned above do not appear to describe any imminent danger of MidAmerican suffering an economic collapse, it is clear that Iowa consumers are paying for, and supplying the capital for, the risks taken by MidAmerican's owners--including those risks located in other regions of the world. We can expect that some local persons who are considering the establishment of a municipally-o~vned utility may be concerned that such an operation will cost too much, that employees will be paid too much money. If the experience of the 137 municipally-owned utilities in Iowa can be relied upon, such concerns, although worthy of serious consideration, may well be alleviated by the findings of a well-conducted feasibility study. As communities as culturally and politically different as Ames and Muscatine---each of them with municipal utilities-- aptly demonstrate already, in the long term, a soundly-run, publicly-mn entity, after charging customers less than what MidAmerican would charge for the same services, still have money left over to contribute to the general revenue budget (see Ames) or to finance special projects and enhance other civic services (see Muscatine). Moreover, employees of such entities in Iowa are paid reasonable, competitive wages, with decent benefits, sometimes in cooperation with a unionized workforce, at other times not. If employed in our community by a newly-established municipal utility, such persons will no doubt become local taxpayers and they will spend most of their salaries locally. By comparison, I don't think that Mr. Buffett, Mr. Gates or Mr. Sokol have shopped in our community recently, have paid our local residential property taxes or have even paid for the utilities they sell at the high rates we are forced to pay. There is a new wind blowing through many of Iowa's communities--but not necessarily the type of force that a windmill can capture. The renewed progressive energy is Iowa- smart and forward-looking. Public ownership of utilities is as Iowan as a Meredith Willson show tune. Throughout the state there are citizens and policy makers--pragmatically representing the breadth of political persuasions--in communities as diverse as Iowa City, Emmetsburg, Everly, West Des Moines, Waukee, Perry and Shell Rock who have been the subject of the utility holding companies' rules for years but are now exploring the options that public power may offer them. Relentless does not mean right. Obsessive does not mean objective. Big does not mean better. Just because MidAmerican wants something--and has cultivated handfuls of influential friends in seemingly all the right places in local, state and federal government4oesn't mean it should get it. We would do well to study this issue carefully and to see if a municipally-owned utility has the potential of serving the needs of consumers better than the current arrangements offered by this utility holding company. Jim Larew 504 E. Bloomington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52245 319.337.7079 Dear Members of the Council: Marian Karr From: cohorts2 [cohorts2@earthlink.net] Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 8:21 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Dear Members of the Council: I was glad to read in the Iowa City Gazette that the Chamber of Commerce has urged you to consider setting aside money for a small feasibility study. I trust that when and ifa study is made that it will be chosen, not because it is "small," but that it is judged by you to be a competent one. I was also concerned that the Chamber has recommended a 15-year franchise with an out-clause after 8 years. My understanding of what MidAmerican proposes is that if, after eight years, the city wants out of the franchise, it will expire 2 years after that, meaning that it is effectively a 10-year franchise. In 3 years, MidAmerican's rate agreement with the state will expire. We can be sure our rates will go up because Mid-American has previously asked the Iowa Utility Board for an increase. Costs of 2 new generating plants will surely be passed on to consumers. Residents, industrial users and the city (street lights, libraries, city departments, etc.), will see increased costs. Our chances to enlist other local cities in public power may be lost to us. We will not be in charge of choices for alternative power use; wind, etc. It seems to me that timing could be critical for us. Thinking about California and Enron, I would like our city to be in control of its own choices. I feel we are at a juncture which, ifa good feasibility study so indicates, could mean only good things for the city, beside lower rates for its citizens, and that it is within our grasp. In ten years, this opportunity will have slipped away. My hope is that you will consider a 4-year franchise. Respectfully, LaVonn Horton 2/12/02 Marian Karr From: Geoff Johnson [geoff@arthur.avalon.net] Sent: Thursday, February 07, 2002 6:56 PM To: cou ncil~iowa-city.org Subject: Prairies I am writing because of three related issues, all involving prairie habitat. I am also writing in regards to a cable tv matter, which I have also recently sent to the Telecommunications Commission, but wish to inform you of as well. First, Waterworks Park. I am very pleased by the plans to build this park. I feel that its location is wonderful, and that it would make use of the land being shared by the new water facilities. I understand that there is currently a matter of financing being discussed, and I strongly support planting the prairie restorations and such now, and postponing the shelters, grills, etc. until the money is available and the Benton St. neighbourhood park has been completed. Second, I am strongly opposed to the potential building of a giant apartment complex near Napolean Park. THis area is very rare prairie and contains a great deal of native plant and animal life, much of which is protected by state and federal law. Damaging this habitat would be a horrible thing to do, not to mention the fact that building a large apartment complex does not seem a very smart thing to do, given all of the problems with these sorts of complexes. Thirdly, I would like to address the issue of the land which is/was owned by the Press Citizen which is adjacent to the Hickory Hill Park area. I feel that this land should be purchased by the city or by somebody willing to donate it as an annexation to the park area. This might help reduce the impact of the First Avenue extension on wildlife within the park, and on the beauty of the park in general. If this land gets developed, it will greatly damage the landscape and wildlife. If it becomes residential, it could also add to the number of people who complain about sharp shooters in the park because of the increase in numbers of people living around the park. Finally, my family has been having some serious problems with Mediacom. We were promised a particular deal for switching to digital cable, and then found out that we weren't getting that deal, called and worked out a compromise. Then we received a bill recently which did not reflect this, and when I called they told me that we could not possibly have reached that compromise, because they don't offer that particular deal either. Not only could I never get any of the 7 people at mediacom who I talked to give me the same info on what deal I currently have, but only 1 of the 7 people whom I spoke with was even remotely polite. Most were downright rude, and when I spoke with a supervisor she accused me of lying. And to top it all off I spent over an hour trying to get ahold of Mediacom on a couple of occassions. I frequently get a busy signal, and when I actually get through I am on hold for half an hour or more. As I stated previously, I have sent these concerns to the Telecommunications Commission, but I still thought that I would let you know while I was writing. Geoff Johnson 2687 Concord Circle THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA February 11, 2002 Mayor Ernie Lehman and Members of the Council City of Iowa City Civic Center 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 _ Dear Mayor Lehman and Members of the Council: I would like to share a few thoughts with you regarding Iowa City's parks. I have recently been reading some historical material about the creation of the park system in Louisville, Kentucky, the city of my youth. The core parts of that system (three large and quite wonderful parks, connected to one another by parkways) were originally designed in the early 1890s by Frederick Law Olmsted and his firm. Olmsted, as you might already know, was the co-designer of Central Park in New York City and is one of the best known and most influential figures in the history of landscape architecture. As I read that material and recall my hundreds of experiences in those wonderful parks, I realize just how much we need to develop a coherent and integrated vision for the Iowa City area's park system. Our parks, meritorious though they are in many respects, could be reconfigured so as to provide an enormous asset for the city, an asset that would resonate in the minds and hearts of Iowa Citians for decades. Let me offer a few particulars. First, it is its parks, parkways, and scenic vistas that leave a lasting impression on Louisville's residents and visitors. They help to give that city a strong sense of place. Second, Louisville's extraordinary park and parkway system would not exist had it not been for the combination of Olmsted's vision, advocacy by a few local businessmen and other citizens, and the commitment of the mayor and board of aldermen. Third, the park and parkway system was built around the outer fringe of Louisville's urbanized area as it existed in 1890. It foresaw the general course of development and ensured that high quality public space would be available for the city's future residents. And fourth, Louisville's three large parks were designed primarily to provide the city's residents with a convenient opportunity to enjoy beautiful natural scenery and to obtain occasional relief from the strains of city life. With that purpose in mind, each park was designed in a manner consistent with its natural topographic attributes. Olmsted and his associates believed that a large park should be one "where the boundaries will not be obtrusive, where city conditions will not be unduly apparent, where one may stroll over hill and dale, across meadows and through woods, always amid natural surroundings, for hours without twice following the same routes; ... where those who especially seek seclusion may find parts so remote from the boundaries that even if city houses are not completely hidden they are reduced in the distant perspective to Graduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning 347 Jessup Hall Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1316 319/335-0032 inconspicuous proportions as compared with the foliage of trees and other natural objects in the foreground." I would like to encourage you to show similar foresight for our city. Hire an outstanding landscape architecture firm to devise a plan for the parks and parkways of Iowa City and its fringe area. Ask that firm to draw upon the Olmsted tradition for inspiration but to incorporate the best of contemporary ecological thought into plans for specific parks. Then show some true foresight and commit a substantial amount of funds (probably generated through a bond issue) to the construction and maintenance of the revised park/parkway system. Louisville has recently devised a new plan for its parks, has chosen to invest a substantial amount of money into it, and has been producing dramatic improvements. Even the city of Los Angeles has recently initiated a major effort to revamp its park system. Isn't it time for Iowa City to create a system that its citizens will, a hundred years from now, walk through and say, "If it had not been for the foresight of the mayor and the council back in 2002, these wonderful parks would not exist"? Best regards, morton Associate Professor Graduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning The University of Iowa 347 Jessup Iowa City, IA 52245 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: January 30, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, Traffic Engineering Planner ~) Re: Item for February 19, 2002 City Council meeting: School crosswalk pavement markings and signs on Park Road between Holt Avenue and Beldon Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(3), school crossing signs on Park Road between Holt Avenue and Beldon Avenue wiJl be removed and the crosswalk will not be repainted. Comment: This action is being taken due to the inappropriate location of the crosswalk. The crosswalk does not connect to another sidewalk, and because there are no curb ramps, it is not ADA accessible. The principal at Lincoln Elementary School was contacted to confirm that Lincoln Elementary students do not use this crossing. ppd adm/mem/bp-itemxing.doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: February 4, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Re: Item for February 19, 2002 City Council meeting: Installation of one handicap parking space in the 64-1A parking lot on Linn Street adjacent to the Iowa City Public Library As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A/14), two metered public parking spaces in the 64-1A parking lot on Linn Street adjacent to the Iowa City Public Library will be replaced with one metered handicap van accessible parking space. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of the Iowa City Public Library and the Parking Division. Two parking spaces are needed to create one van accessible handicap space. There are currently no handicap parking spaces in the 64-1A parking lot. Meter LL41 will be removed, and meter LL42 will be retained for the handicap space. jccogtp/mem/bp-hcspace doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: February 11, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, Traffic Engineering Planner ~,~'"'~ Re: Item for February 19, 2002 City Council meeting: handicapped parking signs on the west side of the 800 Block of 2nd Avenue As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(14) of the City Code, ~wo handicapped parking signs located on the west side of 2nd Avenue in front of the residence at 809 2nd Avenue will be removed. Comment This action is being taken at the request of the property owner because the resident with a disability has moved. jw/r~,m/b p-2 nda ve.d oc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: February 11, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Re: Item for February 19, 2002 City Council meeting: removal of four No Parking 2 am- 6 am and four Tow Away Zone signs from the 400 block of South Maiden Lane As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10) of the City Code, four No Parking 2 am-6 am signs and four Tow Away Zone signs will be removed from the 400 block of South Maiden Lane. Comment This action is being taken at the request of the City of Iowa City Parking Division because the No Parking 2 am-6 am/Tow Away Zone signs are interfering with the use of monthly parking permits in this area. The Streets Division concurs with this action. This is the reconstructed Maiden Lane parking lot between the businesses along South Gilbert Street and Blackhawk Apartments. Marian Karr From: Doug Elliott [ecicog@ia.net] Sent: Friday, February 15, 2002 2:54 PM To: Tom Treharne; Les Beck; Daniel Holderness; R. J Moore; Sue Janecek; Jeff Schott; Diane Bys; City of Williamsburg; City of West Branch; City of Wellman; City of Vinton; City of Van Home; City of Urbana; City of Traer; City of Toledo; City of Tipton; City of Springville; City of Solon; City of Robins; City of Riverside; City of Parnell; City of Olin; City of North Liberty; City of Newhall; City of Mt. Vernon; City of Monticello; City of Millersburg; City of Marengo; City of Luzerne; City of Lisbon; City of Ladora; City of Keystone; City of Kalona; City of Iowa City; City of Hiawatha; City of Garrison; City of Fairfax; City of Ely; City of Dysart; City of Durant; City of Central City; City of Center Point; City of Cedar Rapids; City of Brighton; City of Blairstown; City of Belle Plaine; City of Anamosa; City of Alburnett; City of Martelle; Tom Tjelmeland; Rod Straub; Robert Stout; Mike Lehman; Marc Greenlee; Lu Barton; Jim Houser; Henry Herwig; Gary Edwards; Ed Raber; Ed Brown; Don Magdefrau; Dennis Hanson; Dee Vanderhoef; Dale Todd; Ann Hearn; Larry Wilson Cc: Lisamaire Garlich; Bill. Cappuccio@dnr.state.ia.us Subject: Floodplain Management Workshop Importance: High Workshop Flor 3pdf Ki~wood Campus Uap.pdf In cooperation with ECICOG, the IDNR is sponsoring a day-long workshop on floodplain management on Thursday, February 28, on the Kirkwood Community College campus in Cedar Rapids. An agenda and registration materials are provided in the attached flyer. Please forward this information to the appropriate individual(s) at your city or county, and be sure to register right away! Doug Elliett Executive Director East Central Iowa Council of Governments 108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 319/365-9941, ext. 22 319/365-9981 (fax) *** eSafe scanned this email for malicious content *** *** IMPORTANT: Do not open attachments from unrecognized senders *** Floodplain Management Program A Workshop for Local Officials on 8:30am Registration Managing Development in Floodplains 9:00am Welcome and introductions One of the keys to reducing flood losses is to properly manage new development in the 9:05am Introduction to floodplain floodplain. All cities and counties must management abide by the floodplain management 9:20am Floodplain maps and studies requirements of the Department of Natural Resources and (if they are in the National 10:30am Break Flood Insurance Program) the rules and regulations of the Federal Emergency 10:45am Floodplain maps and studies Management Agency. 1 l:00am Regulatory requirements: maps The workshop will cover mapping, and pennits regulatory standards and the administrative procedures that comprise an effective 11:30am Regulatory requirements: floodplain management program. These floodways topics will be reviewed through 12:00pm Lunch (On your own) presentations, discussions and practical exercises. 1:00pm Regulatory requirements: new buildings All participants will receive copies of the DNR's new Floodplain Management Desk 2:00pm Administration and inspections Reference and its accompanying Ready Reference. 2:30pm Break Instructors: The workshop will be 2:45pm Regulatory requirements:existing conduced by French & Associates, Ltd., a buildings nationally recognized floodplain management consulting finn. The primary 3:45pm Wrap up instructors will be: 4:00pm Adjourn French Wetmore, Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM). French has 28 years of Questions? If you have any questions on experience in floodplain management, your community's status in the National Flood Floodplainincluding 12programsYears foraS Illinois.Chief of Local Insurance Program, call Bill Cappuccio of Iowa DNR at 515/281-8942. Bill Cappuccio, Iowa DNR e-mail: Bill. Cappuccio~dnr.state.ia.us Workshop for Local Officials on Managing Development in Floodplains Location: The workshop will be held inFloodplain Management Rooms C & D, Iowa Hall, Kirkwood College, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA. Take Exit 13 offI380. Go east on 76t"Ave. to College.Kirkw°°d Blvd, then north to Kirkwood~//,,~ A Workshop for Local Officials on Registration: There is no fee for this Managing Developmentin Floodplains workshop. However, everyone must be registered in advance. The deadline for registrations ~d cancellations is Febm~ 25. Thursday, February 28, 2002 Use the registration fo~ on the other side. East Central Iowa Council of Governments ~rkwood College (ECICOG) is handling acco~odmions and Cedar Rapids, Iowa regis~ation. ~ ~ ~ Sponsored by Please hx your registration form to Lisa- Marie Garlich at ECICOG at (319) 365- ~ ~ ~ East CentralIowa Council of Governments 9981. ECIA will confi~ your registration via ~ ~ ~ & fax within 2 working days. ~ ~ ~ ~ Iowa Depa~ment of Na~ral Resources SPACE IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 50 ~ Z © ~ ~ Water Resources Section ~GIST~NTS SO ~GISTER TODAYI~I Questions about Registration? Contact ECICOG at (319) 365-9941 Submitted by Caroline Dieterle Iowa City Press-Citizen, Fimt, there is no protec- City that Is reasonal)ly alllu- ------'"'r view fion for the children. Anyone ent alld has enjoyed the low- can dress up as a police offi- est unemployment rote in cer and knock on the door, the state for years. Second, the image of a police don't need consent. full-grown, uniformed and Emergency calis, and suspi- armed police officer shad- ¢ious or nuisance behavior owing the front door called in by neighbom are about "voluntary" consent when social serdces has see~ like a stacked deck. been alerted to the possibili- Wh~i~er the officer intends ty that the adults in the home it, there's an awhfl lot of are not caring properly for police enter . , w unspoken communication in the children. That s case la that exchange that under- we cansupport. mi~es the meaning of %ol- Our city staff and officers untary.' should not be the ones mak- Third, this policy ~q:luires ing the final decision. This Our Iowa City Police un officer to determine, inan policy is one that helps Department and the city's The i.~,e: extxemely short time, define both the needs and whether a child has the the character ofourcommu- legal, staff have agreed that · POliCe p0lic~t fl0w maturity level to make such nity. Our community elected children who appear to be 12 · years old or older can give allows 0ffice~'$ to ellter a a decision. This requires to create a Police Citizens consent for officers to enter florae ~with th~e.¢011se~lt of people skills (and objectivi- Review Board, values our a home. a child who appears to be ty) that even manypsycholo- social services, supported a We have a problem with 12 years 0Id 0r older, gists haven't been able to proactive approach to study- that. master in a lifetime. It's a lot Lng racial profiling, uses pul> They argue that many12- to ask of a pelice officer, lic monies to support Finally, our officials cisim and music. We show these year-ulds are mature enough We suggest; that in some cities, case law priorities through the to make the decision to · Childrerl should Ilot has~ determined that 8-year- actions of our City Council. allow police to-enter. They say they talk to the children De making that decision, olds~ 'ilre crm]ified to let a This too should be a council first'and inform them that lhe c0Uil¢il should h01d stranger in a uniform decision~ consent is voluntary. They heatings 011 tile Doli~ through the door. Yes, and in Parents, meanwhile, some cities, children ns need always to remember to say that ff the child appears before ltl]owillg it to eo[I- yodl~41 as 8 are also smoking instruct their children about to be younger than 12, they don't even ask. Finally, they tillue, and~ drinkin~ Some are sup- answering doom to say that some case law - in porting their families strangers. It's a lesson that is other words, other court thro~qgh shoplifting and dru~ becoming more and more cases across the country - What do you thillk? dealir~ Some have already crucial in today's world. has determined that 12 is an · Sh011ld 12-year-olds been in the system for a few The council should hear appropriate age for such left ill charge of a home years,~, the public on this issue. We The harder a life a ldd believe Iowa Citians will tell consent decide whether 0r n0t t0 has, the faster that kid grows them that only adults should Children who are 12 let a Do[lee officer enter~ up. But hard lives, whilethey decide which other adults years old are not permitted to vote, smoke, drink or What age is most apDr0- ex~t,, are few and far should enter their homes drive. Children who are 12 pl~itte? between in a city like Iowa and search their property. are not permitted to own a · Se~ld yoar oomraellt~ home. Why would a 12-year- to 0Di~i011 Page, P.0. [10x old have the right to mine wh~ther to give ~d~ 2480, 10wa Ci~, [0wa adult's right to privacy guar- 52244; fax to (319) 834- anteed under the 1083; e-mail to opiNiOn@ Constitution? This policy is a danger- oas one. City Council Budget Hearing - Tuesday, 19-February-2002 My name is Peter Hansen. I am here this evening on behalf of the Public Power Initiative. I strongly encourage the City Council to fund a study of the feasibility of establishing a municipal utility. My wife and I moved to Iowa City nearly three years ago from Orange City, Iowa, where we had lived for 30 years. Like many other cities in Iowa, Orange City has a municipal utility. In fact, nearly every city I have ever lived in has had a municipal utility. I lived the first 18 years of my life in Willmar, Minnesota, and somewhat later I attended graduate school in Ames - both of these cities also have municipal utilities. A municipal utility is much like a small business - locally owned, locally controlled, sensitive to local needs, and returning much of its income to the local community. Undeniably, MidAmerica Energy's first responsibility is to its owners, and not to the residents of Iowa City. Investor-owned utilities in Iowa charge on average 30-35% higher rates than do municipally owned companies. The Ames municipal utility has not raised its electric rates in over 20 years. During the recent power crisis in California, the municipal utilities did very well. Clearly, however, a feasibility study will have to be conducted to insure that the conversion to a municipal utility is as advantageous as I believe it to be. The cost of this study could be diminished by cost sharing with neighboring communities such as Coralville and with more distant cities such as West Des Moines - which I read is also considering a municipal utility. Please do not renew MidAmerica's franchise for any period greater than four years. The time for a feasibility study is now. A franchise longer than four years would simply require either postponing the study or later repeating the study. In conclusion, owing to the many advantages of a public utility, I strongly urge you to fund the study of the feasibility of establishing a municipal utility, and to do so now. Thank you. POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD A Board of the City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City IA 52240-1826 (319)356-5041 February 6, 2002 Mayor Ernest W. Lehman 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mayor and Council Members: At a special meeting on February 5, 2002 the PCRB voted in open session to request an additional extension for the Public Repod according to the City Code for PCRB Complaint #01-06 for the following reasons: · Due to difficulties contacting witnesses and further collection of information. · PCRB Complaint #01-06 - Public Report presently due March 6, 2002 · 30-day Extension request- Public Report due on April 5, 2002. The Board appreciates your prompt consideration of this matter. Sincerely, John Stratton, Chair Police Citizens Review Board