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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-28 Transcription #2b ITEM 2 Wilburn: Karr: Kubby: Wilburn: Kubby: Paul: Page 1 PROCLAMATION. b. International Women's Month - March 2006 (reads proclamation) Here to accept the proclamation is Dorothy Paul, University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, and Karen Kubby from the Emma Goldman Clinic. (applause) Thank you for this proclamation. We actually have some gifts for you. We actually have copies of CEDA W, the actual piece of international legislation that the United States has still not passed, and since Iowa City has passed it, we thought it would be apropos to bring these. May I approach? Yes. One of the major events ofInternational Women's Month is on March 6th, which is a Monday, where we're going to be at the Iowa City Public Library in Room A showing three different films, and we're focusing on women in agriculture, which makes so much sense. There's going to be two short films, one focusing on women in Niger and another on women in Senegal and their struggles to keep on the land, to use the land that they have to create more economic wealth for themselves and their families and their communities. Then the third film, which is.. . and they're all very short. They'll be less than 25 minutes for all of the films. Is one produced about women here in Iowa, from the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network. Denise O'Brien who is the Executive Director ofthat non-profit will be the speaker and facilitator of watching the films and having discussions, and this film is an oral history of women talking about their struggles for themselves and their families, to stay on the land, and using alternative farming techniques as one strategy for creating economic wealth in the agricultural center, sector here in Iowa. So, we hope that you all can attend. Monday, March 6t\ at 7:00 P.M. in Room A of the Iowa City Public Library. I was one of the people that approached the City Council, and they're all different faces that I'm looking at today, in 1995 to get you to endorse CEDA W, and that was part of a grass-roots movement to get movement from the bottom up, because Jimmy Carter sent CEDA W to the Senate after he signed it in 1980. It is still there today. So, we determined we're not giving up. We...the U.S. is the only industrialized nation that has not signed it, and there are a few others, who are in good company with the Cook Islands, the Marshall Islands, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Toea. So there you are! So thank you for your vision. We appreciate the support. Thank you. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. ~ P~2 ITEM 3 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD -- Hoover Elementary Wilburn: We're going to move on to the Item 3, Outstanding Student Citizenship Award. So if Monica, Hannah, and Brianna could come forward. You guys are going to have to back up (unable to hear, laughter). Well, thank you very much for coming down tonight. This is a really special time for the Council because we get to hear about you, and all the good work that you've done to receive this award, and I think it's a good lesson for many of the adults in the community of how you can participate and get enjoyment out of the activity, but also make a difference in your community. So, guess we'll start on that end and go ahead and hear why you were nominated. Kersbergen: Well, my name's Hannah Kersbergen. I'm in the 6th grade at Hoover Elementary, and a good citizen to me means contributing more to the community than taking. It also means to go the extra mile, as the Bible shows at Matthew 5:41. A good citizen will take interest in others and provide needed comfort and encouragement. They will also take a stand for what they know is right, even though others might disagree. A good citizen also shows responsibility in day-to-day activities. But most of all as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, being a good citizen honors the God I worship, Jehovah. Thank you. (applause) Mullinnix: Hello. I'm Brianna Mullinnix from Hoover Elementary. To me citizenship means not only to do what you are supposed to do, but also to be cooperative and helpful. A good citizen has the responsibility to do the right thing despite what others think and respect everyone, despite age, race, or religion. I thank my family for always modeling a good citizen for me. Thank you. (applause) Hemingway: I'm Monica Hemingway and I'm a 6th grader at Hoover School, and I believe that citizenship is important to building character. Being a good citizen means that you can be trusted to do the right thing, or you can be relied on. To receive this honor to be here tonight, I worked hard to gain trust, to maintain being caring, respect others, and to be responsible for my actions. In doing so, I learn not only how to trust others, but how to trust myself, by following the teachings of my present and former teachers, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Whittington, Mr. Hosier; my Principal, Mrs. Worth, and my parents. To them I give a special thank you. Thank you. C applause) Wilburn: I again want to thank the three of you for your hard work, and nice jobs tonight! It's not easy to stand up here and talk to the crowd. We've got your awards here. I'll read off one, but they all have your own names on them. Citizenship Award - For her outstanding qualities ofleadership This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #3 Page 3 within Hoover Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize Hannah Kersbergen as an Outstanding Student Citizen. The community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council. (applause) Thank you, good job. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #4 ITEM 4 Wilburn: Karr: Butler: Wilburn: Page 4 PRESENTATION. Animal Oxygen Mask Project Are our special Olympians here? Okay. We're going to go to Item 4. We have a presentation, Animal Oxygen Mask Project. I'd like to introduce Robin Butler who will make the presentation. All right, thank you very much. There are a few other people that are going to be with me tonight. Roger Jensen from the Fire Department and Officer Kevin Burg from the Police Department, along with our canine officer Naton will be here, as well, tonight. So, again, my name is Robin Butler and I'm here tonight because of some animal oxygen masks which are these lovely things here. This fall my partner and I, Janelle Reddick, we read an article about animal specific oxygen masks that emergency personnel can use, and we're really touched by the article and we're kind of like neurotic dog owners and so we really wanted to do something so we decided to solicit some help from the community and see if we could raise the approximately $500.00 that we needed to get for the nine sets that were needed to cover all the fire engines, or fire vehicles, that have oxygen and then one for animal control, as well. So, we're very pleased to be here tonight to present the nine masks, nine sets of masks, to both the Fire Department and Animal Control, and they come in varying sizes so that...I mean, this one's a big one! This is for dogs, so cat lovers don't worry. There's three sizes (laughter) so, urn, there's about 200 fire departments in about 18 states right now that are currently using the masks. Coincidentally, I just saw on the news last week that Cedar Rapids now has them, as well, but we'll be one of the first fire departments in Iowa City, excuse me, in Iowa to have them. So, there are a number of contributors to this project that without their help this wouldn't have been possible. I think it's great that we have businesses and people that are willing to contribute to a community like that. So, I'd like to recognize them. Bright Eyes and Bushy Tails, Pet Land, Kolder Pet Hospital, Julia's Farm Kennels, Pet Central, Lori Hage, and Susan Beckett, and then Janelle and myself, as well. So, the good people at the Iowa City Fire Department and Animal Control do a great job and we're just happy that they'll have even better equipment to help them and to help all of our family members. So, right now we want to demonstrate with Naton. Yeah, come on up here. While we're getting ready for the demonstration, I just want to thank both contributors and you and.. . Robin and Janelle for doing this. I know that animals have a special place in their owner's heart. In fact, one of my co- workers, her dog's having surgery today, so this will come in handy and hopefully save a few lives. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. ----_._~..~------- _.-..__.~-"---_.._.,.,- - --_._----,._._----------_.~--------^- M P~5 Butler: (unable to hear) Wilburn: Sure. Is there a motion to accept correspondence? Vanderhoef: So moved. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Jensen: Elliott: Wilburn: Karr: Wilburn: Second. All those in favor say aye. Opposed, same sign. (unable to hear; applause) I'm sorry, can you come to the microphone.... On behalf of the Fire Department, Robin, I'd like to thank you for your hard work, for the contributors that donated this generous money to be able to make this purchase. As I mentioned to you in the lobby, many of us on the Fire Department are pet owners as well, and so we pledge to put these to good use. Thanks very much. (applause) Mr. Mayor, I will say it again, I've been saying for some time now, I think it is wonderful when private citizens, individuals, organizations step forward and do some of the things that in the past people have looked to the local government to do. Money is getting short and will be shorter, and this is so valuable for citizens to do things like this. Very good. Item 5 is... Mr. Mayor, could we do the special proclamation for the... We can do the special proclamation right now. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #2a ITEM 2 Wilburn: Karr: Rossie: Wilburn: Page 6 PROCLAMATION. a. Special Olympics Month - March 2006 (reads proclamation) Here to accept the proclamation is Joyce Rossie, Board of Directors, Special Olympics ofIowa. (applause) We thought we were going to have two very special guests this evening, members of the National Games. For those of you who haven't heard, I will be hosting the first ever Special Olympics National Games from July 2nd to the 7th this year in Ames, Iowa. They will transform Ames into an Olympic village to host 3,500 athletes, 2,000 coaches and delegates, 12,000 family members, and 8,000 volunteers, and 30,000 spectators. Sergeant Eunice Shrievers were actually founded Special Olympics in 1970,1968. The very first year they had less than 100 participants. Special Olympics Iowa has been serving special Olympic intellectual disabilities for over 38 years, and in 2005, Iowa provided training and competition for over 22 sports for over 12,500 athletes from across the state ofIowa. Our big event that we thank you so much for making March Special Olympics Month is this month, March 17th and 18th we will be hosting the Midwinter Tournament here in Iowa City at the Fieldhouse. We'd like to invite all of you to come. Our athletes compete in districts throughout the state. They compete in basketball, basketball skills, cheerleading, gymnastics, and power lifting. Once the athletes arrive in Iowa City, they and their coaches bear no more expenses. It's through our fundraising events that we have here that we're able to take care of all their expenses for them. We have two campaigns. One is called "sponsor an athlete," which our area businesses are so important to us in this community that with a donation to the campaign we would not be able to enjoy the successes that we've had. The second fundraiser that we have is the "swing with the celebrities," Steve Alford Golf Tournament, (can't understand) so generous to donate his entire day and evening, and spend that with us. It, our event this year is June 5th, at the Amana Golf Course. Our major event sponsors are L.L. Pelling, General Mills, and Hills Bank. Of course, we cannot forget the Council for once again giving our Special Olympic athletes the recognition they deserve by making March Special Olympics Month. The Special Olympics' oath is let me win, but ifI cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Thank you very much. (applause) Thank you. Now can I do the State of the City? Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #5 Page 7 ITEM 5 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS. Wilburn: (reads State ofthe City Address) (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #7 ITEM 7 Wilburn: Kepler: Page 8 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA) These are for items that are not on tonight's agenda. Anyone wishes to address the Council, please approach the podium, write your name and address down, and please state your name. Good evening. My name's Dale Kepler. I am the volunteer homeless coordinator for the overflow shelter at First Christian Church. We've been doing it for three years now, since its inception, and I'm here tonight to talk about some of the issues that we're still facing. Again, I want to thank the Council for this opportunity to speak to you directly. Again, we're brought together of our background or beliefs to discuss our priorities. Operating incomes barely keep pace with expenses, while unforeseen emergencies continue to occur. However, Iowa City always seems to maintain the proper focus. My comments tonight, hopefully, will provide additional information to support the key goals in maintaining our focus. First of all, and I submitted last week a request based on a meeting attended by 25 members of the volunteer committee on the overflow shelter. We're looking for an immediate reclassification of our emergency overflow shelters from a boarding or rooming house to what they truly are: emergency shelters. As stated in my request, we don't provide anyon-site laundry, kitchen, shower, or phone facilities, nor do we provide any permanent living or personal space. These are classrooms, fellowship halls, or sanctuary space that are cleared from 10:00 P.M. to 6:00 A.M. for someone to be able to get a warm, dry, safe place to sleep. Because of our current classification, we must allow 200 square feet per person, which has resulted this year in 60 people being turned away. Over 20 folks were turned away on the dates of February 17, 18, and 19th, when weather advisories were issues and animal advisories to get livestock and pets indoors. Ifwe were classified as an emergency shelter, no one would have been turned out that night. Depending on your religious beliefs, it's somewhat similar to the story 2,000 years ago when there was no room in the inn. The second point of emphasis, is that we are in jeopardy oflosing some Star federal funding. In 1998, the Shelter House staff and facility were fundamentally not accessible during daytime hours. With the inclusion of some HUD funds from the Star program, they've been able to offer comprehensive case management services, and able to staff the Shelter House during daytime hours to provide first point of contact, fundamental access and support services to individuals in need, both residents and walk-in. Through the resources of the program, the staff helped clients find affordable housing, join the work force, and ultimately take place and contribute in the community. The program's designed for individuals who are chronically unemployed or homeless, with the goal of helping them achieve the highest possible level of self-sufficiency. The program's not a quick fix. It provides the kind oflong-term support that people need to change their lives. It makes possible for case managers to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #7 Page 9 work with clients for up to two years, mentoring and encouraging and teaching problem-solving skills. Star funds pay for diverse needs and can be used to create paid internships for clients as they learn to navigate in the world. How successful has it been? In the most recent outcome from September 2004 to August 31, 2005, HUD established a 60% standard of homeless people in transitional housing. For example, HCAP got moved into permanent housing. Our Star program has resulted in 84% of our clients have exited traditional or permanent housing placements, and 75% of all the Star clients are into permanent housing placements. Clearly, we've exceeded the HUD standard. We've also, HUD's also established the standard for employment rate among those with homeless assisted projects. With the goal being 10% greater than the employment rate of those entering. How we, how is this program benefitted? There's been a 57% increase in the employment rate at exit versus entry, with 77% of the clients exiting the program participating in paid work force. 100% of the Star clients who leave, leave with some form of income. In order to keep the resource in our community, this $448,000 of Federal funds, we need to raise matching funds of$106,750, of which $40,000 remains unsecured. If we're not successful in meeting that cash match obligation, we will loose the money. Furthermore, all the services and case management program will be lost, and it's a fundamental component of the Johnson County continuum of care system. The Star program is a successful and proven investment in the health, safety, and welfare ofthe community. Third, whatever we can do to influence, leverage, get the court system to move faster on the case that's pending. It's hard for me to believe that something like that can be held up, where things like imminent domain or a business, we can make sure that those things get expedited through the court system. Lastly, I've only lived in Iowa City 15 years. I grew up in northwest Iowa. Traveled, lived in Texas a couple times, and came home, and this is truly, truly a great place to live and raise a family. We have an opportunity here to enhance and enrich the lives ofthese folks. My views changed three years ago. One of our guests as the exited the church said to me, please tell your congregation thank you for a warm place to sleep, a cup of coffee, and a donut or two, but most of all, thank you for the hope that you gave me. God bless you. Tonight I hope you will join me in this important moral issue and providing hope for those again. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you, and we're very appreciative of the faith community for the temporary patch job that you've done with overflow of shelter. Hopefully, the court case can be resolved and I believe staff is also working to try and look into one of the issues that you mentioned before. So, thank you for your input. Would anyone else like to address the Council tonight on an item not mentioned in the agenda? Braverman: I would, thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #7 Page 10 Wilburn: Okay. Braverman: I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak to you. I'm a resident of Manville Heights. I have an issue with the streets. Wilburn: State your name... Braverman: Oh, my name is Jeff Braverman. I live on 521 W. Park Road. This doesn't have to do with citizenship or feeding hungry people. I almost feel selfish taking the time. So, I will try and relate my thoughts to the safety of citizens and pedestrians so that we can look at it from that perspective. Now, I will read so I don't get too verbose. I live in Manville Heights. My street was directly impacted by the decision to erect a gate on Lexington Avenue without any input. People unfamiliar with the neighborhood and searching for a north-south alternative to Lexington A venue routinely turn onto Hutchinson, heading south, only to find it's a dead end, and then they end up using my driveway to turn around in. I have kids. I'm really concerned about that. It happens all throughout the day. At least twice the City has surveyed only the residents on the sparsely populated Lexington Avenue. The residents ofFurson, McGowen, Hutchinson, and Lee Streets had no input on the gate that was installed on Lexington A venue. Traffic diversions onto these streets all of which do not have sidewalks on both sides, from River Street to Park Road. That doesn't solve the problem. In fact, since parking is allowed on many of these streets throughout the day, with kids playing around, darting in and out of cars with the increased traffic, I think we've actually increased the potential for a bigger problem. The residents of Lexington were well organized and they did a great job of putting the work in to get what they wanted, but I'm not sure that they got what they initially asked for. They asked for traffic calming, year round. They got a gate, 67% of the time for a year. I will infer that they wanted traffic calming year round. I guess I don't really know that for sure. Most would argue that this was a good trade-off. Who wouldn't want a quiet, private street that they don't have to maintain. The traffic counts on Lexington Avenue were less than half of the 500 vehicles a day that the City publishes in its criteria for looking at traffic calming issues and the barrier was still installed. City crews have to set up and tear down the temporary traffic- calming gate. This is at cost to the taxpayers. As a resident of Manville Heights, I'm very aware of the traffic that uses our public streets to commute to work. I live right on one of those streets - it's Park Road. Using traffic calming as a method to block traffic through a street and cause traffic diversion is not a good solution for traffic calming. I would ask that the City look at a year-round, safe traffic calming solution for Lexington Avenue and take down the gate, and while you're in our neighborhood, take a look at the speeds posted on Park Road, the north, the east-west arterial road. It's not a safe situation. In fact, I dodge the This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #7 Page 11 City bus when I walk my dog at 6:00 A.M. because they don't even observe the speed limit. Thank you for listening. Wilburn: Thank you. Anyone else would like to address the Council on item not on tonight's agenda? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #9 Page 12 ITEM 9 AMENDING TITLE 3, "CITY FINANCES, TAXATION AND FEES," CHAPTER 4, "SCHEDULE OF FEES, RATES, CHARGES, BONDS, FINES AND PENAL TIES" OF THE CITY CODE, TO INCREASE PARKING FEES AND INCREASE MONTHLY PARKING PERMIT FEES. a) PUBLIC HEARING Wilburn: This is a public hearing (pounds gavel). Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed (pounds gavel). b) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Champion: Move first consideration. Wilburn: Been moved by Champion. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Bailey: I was talking to somebody today who would be interested in the consideration of the second hour in parking ramps being sort of a graduated instead of paying for two hours when you're there for an hour and ten minutes, you pay for an hour and fifteen minutes, and I talked with the Transit Director and he said that that would be-possible. Is anybody else interested in seeing those nurnbers? Elliott: Yes. Bailey: Because it would have an impact. Correia: I am. Vanderhoef: No, I'm not. Champion: Well, I think it's a lot of work to ask them to redo the budget on that. I'm not, I guess I'm not really for it. Bailey: Well, I was just responding to something Mike said last night is every time we raise parking fees it creates an unfriendly atmosphere for business downtown and I think that there is that attitude that parking downtown is challenging, and I think anything we can do to create a greater sense of fairness about paid parking is a step in the right direction. So, something I wanted to put out there. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #9 Page 13 Champion: What do you have in mind, Regenia? Bailey: Well, what she was suggesting was simply, you pay for the first hour, and then like I said, if you're there for an hour and ten minutes, instead of paying for two hours, you would pay for an hour and fifteen, or you know, you could break it by the half hour, you could break it by the quarter (TAPE ENDS) Vanderhoef: ... parking meter, and what really concerns me about this, Regenia, is that our budget is set on the ramp maintenance program and to stay as a separate entity and take care of all the expenses of parking, then the budget we have been presented includes the increase in rates, and so ramps don't give us less dollars to do our ramp maintenance. O'Donnell: ...option, of putting it, you can put a dime in the parking meter rather than a quarter. So you do have the option. Vanderhoef: You have the option, but you don't get it back if you fill it for an hour and you finish in 45. Elliott: I don't think this necessarily has to do with the budget we will or won't pass this year. Even after we pass it, I would be interested at some point in the next couple of months of seeing some figures, the costs that would be involved, if we went to this sort of thing. (several talking at once) Bailey: .. . what would be the impact, and then be able to make an informed decision. Definitely interested in that. Wilburn: Okay. Bailey: And it doesn't have to be that extensive (unable to hear). Atkins: Would you mind if I ask Joe and Chris to come to the microphone just for a minute? Elliott: Is this the dangerous duo? Atkins: This is the dangerous duo (laughter). Can you, excuse me. Wilburn: I was just going to ask, can you reflect on how much it would take to put together what they're asking for, the impact, and then whatever Steve was going to ask. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #9 Page 14 Fowler: We could take a week's worth of tickets. It would take quite a while, but we could go through and see what the, how much longer a person stayed over an hour, into the hour, the second hour, third hour, fourth hour. Atkins: It's.. .it's hand work. Yeah, but I mean, quite frankly, that's what we're here for. IfI sense that you want to look at something differently. Bailey: It's not automated in any way that you could pull... Fowler: Our tickets are automated. We can go through, can we go through by the minute? O'Brien: You can break it down by quarters and halfs, but we can't go minute to minute. Fowler: (unable to hear) We've done something similar in the past and it has a substantial impact on our revenue. Bailey: How long ago did you do that? Fowler: Six, seven years ago. O'Donnell: Joe, in your mind is this feasible? Fowler: Is it feasible to do this? O'Donnell: Is it something that you would recommend, or you would recommend against? (laughter and several talking at once) Wilburn: If I can modify that just a little bit. Essentially it's talking about, if you're reducing the fee coming in, what's the impact? Does this get us where we need to be in terms of maintenance projects? Fowler: I don't believe it would. I mean, we would have to put it together, but based on when we did it before, it would have a substantial impact and the result might be if you wanted to have the same income stream, you might charge by 15 or 30 minute periods, but then charge more per hour. So, it could end up being substantially the same charge. Atkins: Let me make sure I understand. The first hour would be the full fare, and then let's say, half hour increments thereafter? (several talking at once) That could be quite ajob. Fowler: We can do it any way you want to do it. Atkins: Yeah. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #9 Page 15 Elliott: I do think fair is fair. People who work by the hour are used to punching time clocks and it's a little bit ofajolt when you go into a parking ramp and it says 60 cents an hour. You're there for 65 minutes and a buck twenty. To me, there's a fairness aspect to that that is just missing. Because when we work by the hour, we get paid incrementally, usually by the 15 minute or 30 minute increment of the next hour. That's the way people have come to understand payment by the hour. Fowler: I think you'll find all the parking facilities in Iowa City are charging the same way we are. Elliott: Oh, yeah. Champion: I think it depends on how you look at it. I mean, I don't think they charge you, there is (unable to hear) grace period, isn't there? Fowler: Yeah, there's a five-minute grace period (several talking). Elliott: Proved me wrong again, didn't ya?! (laughter) Champion: ... before you're charged for the second hour. You know, I think the philosophy of our parking system is a very healthy one. And that is that the users will pay for it. There are no tax dollars going into these parking ramps. We're not taking money away from Police Department or the Fire Department to finance these parking ramps. They're self-sufficient. All of our parking is self-sufficient. And I think in order to do that you have to charge a certain amount of money, and it'd be a small amount of savings that could be accumulated to an individual would be pretty small, and the amount of work that you're asking people to do to find out how much it's going to influence the budget when they're telling you they honestly think it will affect the budget, then I think it's unfair and I think it's going down a bad road, because at the end of a year or two, we're not going to have enough money to maintain those ramps and then we're going to have to borrow money to do it. I just think it's not a good idea. They're self-sustaining, leave them that way. Bailey: But it is an unfair system. I mean, I agree with Bob. However, it's an unfair system, and I think we could make it more fair and more palatable to those who are paying for parking. I mean, quite honestly, citizens are paying for parking. They're not paying for parking ramp maintenance. I mean, at least in their mind, when they drive their car into the ramp, they're paying, they're paying parking because they can't find, probably, an on the street parking place. But, I just think it's, it's worth looking at to make it a more fair and more enticing system, and just because everybody This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #9 Wilburn: Bailey: Atkins: O'Brien: Atkins: Elliott: Atkins: Bailey: Fowler: Wilburn: Page 16 else is doing it one way; you know what your mom used to say?! (laughter) Well, I find myself in agreement with Connie on the points she made, but there were four who were interested in at least getting the information, and this is first consideration. So, want to. . . Can't we just say spend a couple hours and get (several talking at once). I'm not interested in huge details and graphs and whatever to the penny and... So the Council's position is that you do want us to do some work to give you some idea whether this works or not? And understanding it will probably be a limited sample, a week, a month - something such as that, particularly ifit does involve hand counting. How many you talking about counting? Thousand. We have roughly, just in Capitol Street ramp alone you're talking 2,000 transactions a day. So... The sample's going to be pretty small. I don't have a time frame on this. Ijust think when you can come to us, when you have time come to us and give us an idea, kind of a broad brush of what it appears to you to be. (several talking at once) Weare asking for first consideration in order that we can go to the next item. Yeah, and I'm willing to vote on this consideration, but I just wanted the additional information because I thought it was worth considering. (several talking at once) The budget that's proposed is based on these increases, so... Okay, thank you. Any other discussion? Roll call. Approved 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #10 Page 17 ITEM 10 APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND FORM OF CONTRACT FOR THE 2006 PARKING GARAGE MAINTENANCE PROJECT, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS. a. PUBLIC HEARING Wilburn: This is a public hearing (pounds gavel). Public hearing is open. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed. b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Champion: Move the resolution. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Champion; seconded by Bailey. Champion: I have problems (unable to hear), if we were to change the amount of income coming in from the parking ramps. Atkins: I wanted to ask you, I'd like to ask that question. Maybe it's a question for both. If they vote this favorably, until it's signed, it's really not a commitment to the contract. Dilkes: No, you're just putting it out to bid. You could chose not to award it. Atkins: Okay, so it's just putting it out to bid and we can reject the bid. Okay. Correia: It might give us more information and we'd know whether there's a (several talking). Atkins: We usually have some, we can on our own initiative, reject any and all bids if we chose to do so. Dilkes: Well, just remember recently we put Mormon Trek out to bid, and had to hold onto it as we had issues. Elliott: This is estimated at 697,000? Atkins: So we would encourage it even more so. Please vote this up so we can go out to bid and see what the numbers we're going to get, and that'll certainly have some influence on whether the graduated item works at all. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #10 Page 18 Wilburn: So is there a motion on the table? Moved by Champion? Seconded by.. . Vanderhoef? All right. I stand corrected; Champion and Bailey. Roll call. Carries 7-0. We're going to take a 1 a-minute break; back at 8:05. (TAPE OFF) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 ITEM 11 Wilburn: Atkins: Page 19 TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2006 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2007, THE PROPOSED THREE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN, AND ALSO THE MUL TI- YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2010. a. PUBLIC HEARING This is a public hearing (pounds gavel). Public hearing is open. Mr. Mayor, may I make a couple of comments please before someone speaks at the mike? The budget year involved is Fiscal Year 07, which begins July of 06 and concludes on June 30, 07. As you know, we propose and we adopt a three-year plan, in accordance with State law; however, you are only permitted to appropriate one year at a time. The budget as proposed, and with the, and in my judgment with the amendments that have been made is really substantially unchanged with respect to the basic public services provided to the public. There are a number of changes that I think are worthy of note. This operating budget proposes two additional police officers, increasing from 71 to 73 our compliment of police officers. Our high has been 75. It proposes additional hours at the Library. It proposes support for an expanded Summer of the Arts program, and it proposes funding, expanded funding for economic development agency, the Iowa City Area Development Group. There are a number of capital projects in Fiscal 07. Camp Cardinal and Dodge Street, as you'll recall from the Mayor's message, should be completed during the upcoming construction season. The financing is currently in place. We will be initiating the Aviation Commerce Park - that is with the closure of the north-south runway on our Airport. It creates approximately a 60-acre parcel of land for potential commercial and industrial development. Budget proposal also provides for Brooklyn Park renovation in our Melrose Neighborhood. Provides for the Court Hill Trail from Scott Park, Creekside Park; restrooms and a lighted sidewalk near our Festival Stage at City Park; a renovation of Fire Station #2, as well as the purchase of a replacement pumper; Gilbert Street and Bowery intersection reconstruction; construction of Lower West Branch Road from Scott to Taft; continuing the Mormon Trek project through and by the University's Print Shop, crossing the river to Sand Road-Gilbert; a renovation of the Recreation Center. As you know, it's approaching 50 years old and it's time for windows and a number of other, just routine, features. Six replacement busses, and that a number of planning initiatives are also represented in this budget. A joint communication center, Gilbert-Highway 6 dual left turn lanes, and then the First Avenue overpass. The budget has been balanced in accordance with all State regulations. That's it. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 20 Champion: I think you forgot one thing. Atkins: I forgot one thing? Champion: Bathrooms at skate park. Atkins: That was not intentional. (laughter) Wilburn: We'll proceed with the public hearing. Atkins: I did not mention CVB either. It was supposed to be a summary, but... Wilburn: Let's proceed with the public hearing. Please approach the podium, state your name, and limit your comments to five minutes or less. Seabold: Yeah, I'm Mark Seabold. I'm the current Chair of the Iowa City's Public Arts Advisory Committee. And I would like to take the opportunity to thank Council for your support of the Public Art program and just like to talk a little bit about the things we've been up to and some of the things we're doing in the future. You know, with our continued funding, we've been able to, you know, incorporate our work into the downtown areas, into the City's parks, and we've been working with individual neighborhoods throughout Iowa City as part of our neighborhood art project. The art project is one that we're really, I mean, pretty proud of. We've been working with a number of different neighborhoods, helping fund their individual projects and it's been a way that helps, you know, neighborhoods incorporate art work into their neighborhood, establishing its identity, talking a little bit about its history in some cases, and it really brings a sense of neighborhood ownership together too because we work so closely with the neighborhood people and they have a real hands-on participation in this program. It's just a great way, it's really furthering... to further establishing Iowa City as a, you know, real creative community within the state. Along with the neighborhood art program, we also, you know, strive to enhance Iowa City's public art, just general collection. We've got two new pieces that are on the agenda later on this evening. We continue to work with the temporary installations in the downtown area, with the rotating sculpture pads, and we've been working with a lot of different projects too, including Court Street Transportation project, where we were actually working with, you know, the elementary school kids at Longfellow, which is just a great outreach and really involving the public, you know, in the art work and really getting that strong connection between the public and the public art. It's really, you know, it's that infusement of art within the communities, and Iowa City is really open, you know, acceptance of art and culture that I think make it a really standout city within Iowa. It's something that we really strive to strengthen, that image. The current committee is very focused on This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 21 providing the most bang for our budgeted public art dollar, you know. We've had our budget cut before a number of years ago, which has kind of changed the focus of our committee from the bigger more ambitious projects, like the Literary Walk, the Weather Dance fountain, things of that nature, and now we're more focusing on neighborhoods and incorporating art work in those ways. But some of the future projects we're doing, we're creating a walking tour of all the different public art installations throughout the City. You know, working with that as either possibly a newspaper insert, also something that will be downloadable from the City government's web site, and things of that nature. Also, the kiosk will have a little rotation, maybe throughout some of the more public buildings, maybe at the malls and things, just to heighten the awareness of the public art program. Again, keep it short. The Committee thanks you, I know the neighborhoods thank you for helping support their cause, and I, the City in general would thank you as well. So, thanks. Champion: I wanted to just ask you a question. I totally support public art, by the way. But, urn, when you're doing this little brochure about public art, I hope you'll take the time to include the University's public art, which is also pretty spectacular. Seabold: Oh, there's, yeah, great collection over there. Champion: So, I hope, I'd love to see a brochure that included Iowa City public art and University public art, because we have a wonderful collection of public art in this city. I don't know if you've thought about that or not. Seabold: That's part of our charge. But certainly, I mean, it's a wonderful (several talking at once). No, seriously. Thank you very much. It's a great program. I've been involved since January of2004 and it's a great committee, and we've really, I think, done some just fantastic things, so thank you very much. Champion: Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you. Gustaveson: Good evening. My name is Craig Gustaveson. I'm the Chairman of the Friday Night Concert Series and also a Board Member of the Summer of the Arts, and I would like to (unable to hear). In 1987, the Iowa Arts Fest started. In 1991, Iowa City Jazz Festival came into existence. In 1993, the Friday Night Concert Series, and in 2005, we started Saturday Night Free Movie Series. These four events, bring approximately 70,000 plus people downtown in Iowa City in about 100-day period. Over these past 18 or 19 years, the City ofIowa City has been a very important part of this and a partner in these festivities. Almost every department at the City has This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 22 been involved in these in one way or another, and for all your support over these years, we'd like to thank you. This past year, these four major festivals joined together to form the Summer of the Arts Committee. We set aside all of our differences. We pooled our resources. We hired a wonderful young lady by the name of Katie Roche to be our first Executive Director, and we started on a venture oftr)ring to create a more diverse group and a well-rounded free festivals downtown, and if any of you know, it costs a lot of money to put on a free festival. We have asked the City to join us in upping your commitment to this substantially, and we feel that, we hope that you feel the same way we do. This is a very important venture for Iowa City. The partnership between us has been very important over the years. Probably one of the, I'll back up and explain why I think this is such an important venture for Iowa City in general. Last summer when I was downtown at one of the Friday Night Concert Series, I had a gentleman.. .in fact, I had two people come up to me, and say, 'Thank you so much for having these free festivals. I'm not in a financial situation where I can take my family out to different activities and movies and things, and it's so nice to come down on Friday nights and know that we have entertainment that we wouldn't be able to expose our children to.' At one of the Saturday Night Free Movies, it's a, it's pretty interesting. A diverse group of people come down with their families, bring their lawn chairs, a blanket, their own popcorn and some pop, and sit down and not only watch the Wizard of Oz, but participate in the movie. Singing along with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," cheering when the Wicked Witch is liquidated. (laughter) Urn, screaming at the monkeys, and not only those movies, but the Sand Lot and Toy Story, it was a great venture in family activity. Many of you went to Richard Florida's and Governor Vilsack's "great places to live" this past fall. And one of the things Richard Florida talks about is, in his book he writes as a creative class, is why people choose a community to live in. He was talking about Iowa City. We have made a strong commitment to the culture, the things, the quality oflife. Things like the Summer of the Arts, or the Public Library, our public art, a lot ofthings we provide in Iowa City bring people to Iowa City and if you look at the brochure, Iowa City was ranked by Forbes Magazine as great place to start a career. It was one of the best places in live according to Men's Journal, is a top place to retire by Money Magazine. The reason that people continue to come into Iowa City, and the reason that we're always ranked in the top places to live, are things like Summer of the Arts. These are why we need to continue support items like Summer of the Arts. We've asked you to up your commitment to us. We've asked you to become a partner with us, and we hope that when you look at the budget this year, rather than seeing the money allotted for Summer of the Arts as an expense, I hope you look at it as an investment in our community, because it is. It not only brings people here, but it bring industry to us. Richard Chamberlain made it very clear that when companies look at relocating, the quality of life is one of This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 23 the things they look at also, so we appreciate your support in the past. We hope you'll support us in the future, and we really are looking forward to being in a partnership with the City ofIowa City in the future. Thank you very much. Wilburn: Just a quick question. Just for the benefit of visitors to the events, will the City be recognized (unable to hear) as a main stage sponsor, so that... Gustaveson: That's actually one of the things we're looking at. It just came up today, Ross, urn many of us on the Board look at the commitment, the financial commitment that the City has offered us. One of the things that we didn't take into account is the in-kind contribution, and we were talking about this earlier. Almost every department in the City of Iowa City is involved in these festivals, either providing when they renovated the downtown stage for the Friday Night Concert Series, the lights and the electricity, the cleanup, shutting offthe fountain for us. When we look at, when we put all that in together, many of us at the Board feel like you will be a presenting sponsor to. . . Wilburn: I'm just asking because, I mean, in the posted budget it's $50,000, and I was hoping to (unable to hear) again, just so that visitors know. Gustaveson: Yeah, and that's one thing, and I can't give you a definitive answer on that, Ross, but Katie and I and several members of the Board were just talking about it today and we feel, between the financial support and the in-kind, puts you way over that $75,000. And that's something that Katie and I and several other Board members will be fighting for, to have the City be a presenting sponsor for the Summer of the Arts. Wilburn: Okay, thank you. Gustaveson: Thank you very much. Numberg: Hello, my name is Eric Nurnberg of 1629 Spruce Street. 1 am the President of the International Association of Fire Fighters' Local 610, the Iowa City Professional Firefighters. And I will mostly read to keep from stuttering and stammering and hopefully keep the comments below five minutes. My purpose for coming before you this evening is to address your decision to disapprove Chief Rocca's budget proposal this year to add three firefighting positions, as part of a three-year plan that would culminate in the building and staffing of Fire Station #4 on the northeast side. These firefighters and this fire station, as I know you've heard so many times before, are desperately needed. The statistics that I've shared with you before, but would like to bring to your remembrance again quickly. Go back to 1973. This is the year when Fire House 3 was built and staffed on the east side ofIowa City, and at that time, the Iowa City This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 24 Fire Department served a population of 40,000 people from three fire stations, with 51 sworn personnel. And these firefighters fought only fires. That's the service that they provided the City. In 1975, which is the earliest data that I could find, regarding emergency responses, the Iowa City Fire Department responded to 498 emergencies, 263 of those were actual fires. Now we can fast forward more than three decades to the present day, and the Iowa City Fire Department still protects Iowa City from three firehouses. There have been virtually no staffing increases in line firefighting positions in those three decades, and emergency calls have grown 600% to more than 3,500 per year. We still fight the same amount of fires that they did in 1973. We still have the same amount of people virtually, and we still have the same number of fire stations. Now the daytime population from the 2001 U.S. Census in Iowa City is between 79,000 and 80,000 people, and the developed geography ofIowa City has doubled in those years. So, quickly to break it down, compared with the early 1970's, our population has doubled. The developed area has doubled. Our operational tempo in the Fire Department has increased by 600%. The fires we fight and the buildings that we fight them in are often more dangerous than they were then. And again as I said before, the firefighters of the 1970's fought only fires, but today, you demand that your firefighters are experts in structural firefighting, in the emergency medical services, in natural gas emergencies, hazardous materials, high- angle rescue, trench-collapse rescue, swift-water rescue, ice rescue, automobile extrication, and heavy rescue disciplines that are related to structural collapse and industrial machinery. That's quite an additional workload, from the 1970' s, I can assure you. But when we examine our provision of services in the Fire Department, we have to consider that well trained, appropriately staffed fire companies are only half of the equation and response time are the other, and I think the two are definitely, inextricably married together. In our job, as you well know, seconds are often the difference between life and death, and Chief Rocca to that end has established a standard that the first arriving company, when emergency help is summoned by 9-1-1, the first company will arrive within six minutes of receiving the page to our fire house, 90% of the time. He has done this, obviously, because when a citizen dials 9-1-1 in an emergency, time is of the essence. I would share with you very briefly, cardiac arrest statistics that indicate Iowa City firefighters are also, as I said, emergency medical technicians and respond on all medical calls. We defibrillate patients in the instance of cardiac arrest, and in cases of cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops and does some other strange things, every minute that defibrillation is withheld, the chances of survival ofthat patient decrease by 12%. So none of us have to be mathematicians to think that if it takes one minute for dispatch to process the call, and one minute for us to get out the door of the fire house, and six minutes to respond to the door of that address where the cardiac emergency is happened, there's now a 4% chance of survival for that patient. For a This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. ------------_._--------_._~------~---'_.".- ---.-.-- #11 Page 25 taxpayer, the City and structure fires is, I have shared with many of you before. Small fires may grow double, or rather may double in size, very quickly. With each second and minute that passes in fire situations, the chances of our successful mitigation of that incident go down, while the danger to citizens and our firefighters increase. Sometimes drastically. Unfortunately, as land continues to be annexed in this city and development booms year after year after year, the Iowa City Fire Department is becoming increasingly unable to meet our commitment of arriving within six minutes, 90% of the time, and I think it's been shared with you that in the past two years, we have seen a steady decline into the low 80% bracket. And also, you've been advised that some neighborhoods and commercial areas ofIowa City can in fact experience a 1 a-minute response time, and these protracted response times make it increasingly difficult for Iowa City's firefighters to provide any meaningful protection to the citizens in those areas. While Iowa City firefighters will respond in any emergency in this area and they will do so as quickly as possible, and with unquestioned resolve, it does remain a simple fact that our effectiveness will be hampered by time. These areas are populated by taxpayers who are presumably paying for the delivery of progressive and high quality emergency services. At the same time, they are told, unfortunately, that the provision of adequate protection may not be fiscally feasible. Now, I understand and I do appreciate the challenges you face in making Iowa City a great place to live, particularly when it comes to assembling a budget. I understand that the State property tax rollbacks and other factors continue to hurt our General Fund. I learn more about that every day and I do appreciate the challenges. However, our need for fire protection in this city does grow more pressing with each passing day. The city continues to grow and it's grown like crazy, while the Iowa City Fire Department, unfortunately, does not, and soon we will be faced with an urgent need for not one fire house on the northeast side, but a second and a third and a fourth fire station all around the edges of our city as it grows. Now I would tell you, as I prepare to close, that I'm very proud of the members ofIFF Local 610 because they're well trained and professional and committed to the citizens of this city. I've spent my life around the fire service because my father and uncles and brothers are firefighters, and I've attended and taught fire department classes across the state, and I can say unequivocally that Iowa City has the finest fire department in the state. There's no doubt in my mind about that, but I think that now is definitely the time to further enable the men and women of Local 610 with numbers and facilities to allow us to keep watch over every neighborhood and over every citizen of the city, because we believe, even as we swore an oath to protect the citizens of this city, that every taxpayer deserves the equal receipt of public safety services. So I respectfully urge you right now to make the protection of the citizens of Iowa City your very highest priority. Please implement an aggressive plan This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #11 Page 26 that will guarantee first-class fire protection to every single taxpaying citizen ofIowa City. I thank you very much for your time. Wilburn: Thanks for your comments. Elliott: Thanks, Eric. Nurnberg: Thanks. Wilburn: Anyone else like to speak to the budget? (pounds gavel) Public hearing is closed. Resolutions to adopt the Annual Operating Budget, Three-Year Financial Plan, and Multi-Year Capital Improvement Program are scheduled for March 7'h This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #12 Page 27 ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON MORNINGS IDE DRIVE BETWEEN 7TH AVENUE AND COLLEGE STREET. Bailey: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey. O'Donnell: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Elliott: I'll not support this. We used our budget for this year on the development out by West High and that put us over the top and this is, this is not something I could support. Wilburn: Go ahead, sir. Could you state your name, please. DeBlois: Yes, my name's Robert DeBlois and I live on 1802 Morningside Drive, which is right about, actually where there's going to be a hump or a bump or whatever it is, right next to our, yes, a hump, right next to our driveway. Urn, there's several things I want to say about this. I'm against it also. I want to address first the statement that 80% of the majority in this survey approved this, and this is true, but it must be noted that that's 11 people versus three people. When the 11 people turns into 40% of the people within the area that have a right to make a statement to be part of this survey. I'm reminded of what the previous gentleman said about the Manville Heights situation, where the people one house away don't a say in this survey, and the people on Lowell Street or the people on Morningside between College and Court were not asked to participate in this survey. So, and even within the scope of the survey, it's only 40% approval rate, thought I realize this is the way you do these things. I think you must take note of that. Urn, I, my view is that this section of the street is not unsafe. That there's a stop sign at Morningside and College. There's a stop sign at Morningside and 7'\ and there's a 90-degree angle that people have to slow down to go around in between those two stop signs. There's also another stop sign at Court and Morningside. I'm sure almost everyone is aware of this street. It goes right up to the front door of City High. We've lived there for 11 years. I appreciate the concern and I believe the concern is safety, that everyone, was what the concern is here. We've raised two children on this street. Elisah is now at the University ofIowa. She lived there for nine years, safely survived. Willie's 12, he's lived there for 11 years, and he's doing fine. We've seen, you know, several dozen children up and down the street through that time, and they've all, thank God, they're all doing very well, and have managed to get by with common sense, of course. I think there is This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. ._'~'''_'W_'_~'_____.____._.____.___.''_.._.._..____._..~...------.-----~--~-...--.-.-"----~-.,--.-----.. #12 Wilburn: DeBlois: Wilburn: DeBlois: Wilburn: DeBlois: Elliott: Wilburn: Page 28 speeding on this street. I certainly will not deny that, but I don't believe it's any more speeding than any other street in Iowa City. I've noticed, you know, I've noticed no particular difference. I've lived in Iowa City for 33 years now. I'm concerned, sometimes I think because we're near City High, people think 'those darn teenagers' are causing a lot of problems, and I don't think that's fair to the students of City High to treat them differently, in terms of, in terms of this kind of thing than any other neighborhood in Iowa City, because all the neighborhoods in Iowa City have this problem. I'm concerned, this may seem like a small issue, but these speed humps frankly affect small cars more than they do affect pickup trucks and SUV's. We have small cars. This will affect us more. It will also affect us, because like I say, the hump's right outside our driveway. Our garage goes down underneath the house. We come up a hump, go over the sidewalk, we'll back up onto another hump. (unable to hear) Beg your pardon? You're coming up on your five minutes. Okay, they have the most, the other thing I want to talk about is the Morningside Addition is from the 1930's. The Morningside, the water lines under Morningside Drive have been under major repair at the basis of Mornings ide Drive, at the end of Morningside Drive where it meets Court, right in front of our house there was water line digging out this winter. There's still a hole in the street, and within the last year, there was a major water line excavation at 7th and, at 7th and Morningside, and this is all within the year, at least one or two years, major digging has been going on on this street, and I question the wisdom of investing money in humps when we're constantly having to dig up the water lines because they're old, and I think the money could be far better spent in a lot of different areas, and anyway, thank you very much for allowing me to address you, and I would like to, one other thing if you'll allow me. This will have to be the last. .. .on this wonderful Mardi Gras holiday to remember the citizens of New Orleans. Thank you very much. Thank you. Discussion? (several talking) Popular guy tonight, Jeff. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. .~_._~-~--,--~_._,,-_._._.~---------_._._-~--~--_..__..----..,..-.---------- #12 Page 29 Champion: I know it. I'm in favor of this but I'm concerned about the placement of the hump, ifhe's going to have to come out of his driveway from a hump to a hump. I mean.. . can those humps be... Davidson: We can certainly take another look at that. The location of driveways is one of the major considerations that we look into when we're placing these, and in fact, I think you might recall, we've had some streets where because of the location of driveways we've determined that speed humps weren't something we could do. So, we do take that into careful consideration, but I will double-check tomorrow just to make sure there is a workable situation there. Champion: Thanks. Correia: So I have a question. From the previous person who was talking about Lexington, when we did, when you did the traffic surveyor study in terms of numbers of cars that are traveling on this road, what was the, did it meet the threshold, what are... Davidson: Morningside Drive, yes. There's both a speed threshold and a volume threshold. You have to meet one or the other. Council did consider having it more stringent, that you had to meet both, and ultimately the Council, it was a previous Council, determined that if you met one or the other, and for a local street, it's...I'm drawing a blank right now on the volume consideration. It's five miles per hour over the, you have to be at least five miles over, five miles per hour over the posted speed limit, which on Morningside Drive is 25, in order to meet the speed threshold. So, one or the other thresholds were met here in order to then go to the subsequent steps of the process. Correia: So, which was of those was. not? Davidson: I'm sorry, I don't recall. Do you, Marcia, happen to recall? The speed threshold. Correia: Speeds, but not the volume? Davidson: Right. Correia: Okay. Is there, I know on Glendale Boulevard, which I live on, there's one ofthose "25 check your speed" signs. Are there any intermediate steps to get people to remember what the speed limit is, before (can't hear). Davidson: We have tried, Amy, to come up with some strategies in terms of the education aspect of it, and the "check your speed" signs are one facet of This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. -,._.__._------~---_._~-_..__._-_._-----_._-_..__.__.~..'._----------- _.._.~._-~._---,-_.._._----_.._---_..._.__.~--------_..-. #12 Wilburn: Correia: Davidson: Correia: Davidson: Correia: Davidson: Correia: Davidson: Wilburn: Davidson: Bailey: Page 30 that. I'll be perfectly honest with you, the before and after studies that we have done, have shown that those signs are not effective, and that in fact, you know, there's basically two strategies that are effective. One is enforcement, where you have a police officer out there. That is effective, but of course takes away the Police Department's resources from other things. Otherwise, putting a physical device out there, whether it be a traffic circle or a speed hump or whatever, is really the only other effective way to get people to slow down. I'm sorry, sir. You had your. ..(unable to hear). He already had his time. Have there been other areas where we've done speed humps and we've gone back. I know it says in the letter that we'll go back in the next year and see, evaluate the effectiveness. How effective have speed humps been in Iowa City in other.. .have we had any in place for a year and gone back and done evaluations and, what have we found? They have all been approved by the neighborhood a year later. No, no, I don't mean that they've been approved. I thought there... Oh, in terms of what the impact on the traffic was? Yeah. Yeah, they've always slowed the traffic down. Okay. Yeah, they are effective, whether you like them or not, they are effective at slowing people down. I had a first-hand experience not too long ago how people don't always, or don't, the signs don't necessarily result in enforcement. At work we put up "don't park between these signs" and less than 10 minutes after the sign was up, there were two cars parked there. So... (laughter) And I will quickly address the gentleman's question. There is not a speed limit sign, typically we don't have those in residential neighborhoods, unless there is a change in the speed limit, then we do post the change, but otherwise anyone who holds a driver's license is supposed to know that in a residential zone, it's 25 miles per hour, and having a speed limit sign present, will also not decrease the speed. Is there a greater impact on small cars than SUV's? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. .... -"--_..__._-_._--_.._-_._--,-_.~._-~-------_._---_.._.--------.----.------...-..--".' #12 Page 31 Davidson: I'm not sure it has so much to do with the size of the car as much as, you know, the suspension of the vehicle, if you have a stick or not, but I certainly would not be surprised if smaller vehicles, you would feel them more. Remember, speed humps are designed to be gone over at the posted speed limit. If you go over, and I verified this myself, if you go over at the speed limit, there's certainly a sensation, but it is not ajarring sensation. If you go over them over the speed limit, then you definitely feel them more. Correia: So in terms of Bob's question with the budgetary, we've gone over what we've budgeted, and I know we use Road Use Tax if we can't use other than on road uses, so it's not like we can take the money and use it for non-road use related projects. What, what's our standing with... Atkins: We budget approximately $30,000 a year, and we had, remember a couple months ago, October, November, we talked about this, that we were likely to eat up that account this year. Davidson: Yeah, Kennedy Parkway did put us slightly over, $3,000 or $4,000 as I recall, and we did check with the Finance Director and he determined that there were adequate resources in the Road Use Tax fund to cover, and we knew this project was coming up and (TAPE ENDS). Wilburn: There've been other years when we have not spent it all, but... Davidson: There have been years where we didn't spend any of it. This has been by far the record year for traffic calming projects. Atkins: And, Amy, the traffic-calming budget is $30,000. It does come from Road Use Tax. If you were to exceed that amount, I mean, that's well within your authority to do that. We would just take the monies from our Road Use Tax reserve, which we always keep in place. It's not like there's no money available to do it. We just... Correia: I was just asking how that reserve was. Atkins: That's how, yeah, it's healthy, yes. Champion: And I know in the eight years that I've been on the Council, we haven't spent $240,000. Atkins: No. And we've gone years where we didn't spend any, yeah. Elliott: I would suggest you will see this as a harbinger of things to come, that you'll be receiving more and more requests, because I doubt that there are any streets in town where people don't go at least five miles over the limit. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #12 Page 32 Most people figure, whatever the limit is, you can go at least five miles over. Atkins: (several talking) Excuse me, what's our longest standing...would that be Teg Drive? Davidson: Teg Drive was the first one. Atkins: That's probably ten years old. Davidson: Yeah, I wouldn't doubt it. (several talking at once) Vanderhoef: I was on Council when we approved the first, and I've been very hesitant ever since. I'm not convinced that this is the way we ought to be going. Certainly, there's been other support on the Council, but the enforcement is the name ofthe game. Bailey: Actually, accountability is the name of the game. If you don't want people speeding through your neighborhood, you shouldn't be speeding through somebody else's neighborhood, and I think Bob makes a point, that people tend to go five miles over the speed limit, and they don't think it's a problem until somebody's going five miles over the speed limit in their neighborhood, and then they call for speed humps and then we're called upon to address the issue. That's the system we have right now. Vanderhoef: And when it's the neighborhood people that are speeding, for instance, the one that ate up our budget for this year, that's a closed neighborhood. That's not a through street. That is a closed neighborhood. So the speeding on that street is either people bringing services to those people, or the people who live there. Bailey: But we have a process and they met the qualifications for the process. Champion: I think that was a little different situation. The reason I supported it, I think you make a valid point, Dee, that those were people who live in the neighborhood who were speeding. I think the reason I approved that traffic calming, was because all the construction traffic they're going to have for several years. Wilburn: We should keep our comments to this... Correia: . . . seems to me that most of the traffic issue on that street is related to the school day, and I don't know if you know this or not, but I know around Grant Wood School on Sycamore Street during the beginning ofthe year there was (unable to hear), police presence on that street because people do speed down there, and in fact, quite a few mornings, the police officers This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #12 Page 33 were just standing in the road with their gun point, their traffic speed gun, and just waving people over. They had to turn, I mean, it was really, in the beginning of the year. Remember this is a school zone, you know, I know there's not school posting signs because it's City High and not an elementary school, but I just wonder ifthere's some other things just because it really is 8:00 A.M., 3:00 P.M., and school related events, where there's most of the traffic on that street. It seems like maybe... Davidson: Yeah, the difference there, Amy, is that the police enforcement is sporadic. It's deliberately spot-speed enforcement and the speed humps are out there 24 hours a day. Correia: Right. Davidson: Seven days a week, I mean, that's why the neighborhoods perceive them positively. Correia: Well, I don't think I'm going to support this. I think that there should be, it should be volume and speed to make it with this policy for the most, most needed; I think both those things should be part of. Elliott: Amy, I'm glad you clarified that. Because an officer pointing his gun at, that would have an impact. (laughter and several talking) O'Donnell: Well, I am going to support it. We have a procedure in place and the neighborhood's followed it. The speed hump only affects you if you're speeding. So I think once, if we are not going to follow the prescribed policy that we put forward, I think we have a problem. We need to go back and maybe change it if we're not going to follow it. Wilburn: Any other discussion? Bailey: I agree with Mike. They followed the process, but if we want to change the policy, if we think we should be doing other intermediary things, urn, when there are speeding complaints, I think that we need to change our policy, but we can't have neighborhoods coming forward, assuming that, you know, ifit meets the qualifications and then we deny it, that doesn't make any sense. Vanderhoef: Urn, I'll go along with this one, but I am ready to revise the policy. The whole problem, yes we have Road Use Tax dollars to buy this; however, those are the only ones we have for all the multiple projects that are on our Capital Improvement Plan, and certainly they're not going to stop coming. So, to invest a lot of money annually into speed humps is not the way I want to spend my dollars. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #12 Page 34 Wilburn: Roll call. Item passes 4-3; Correia, Vanderhoef, and Elliott in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. ____.._...~__~_______._~_____._____~... ~...~._._._~.__.,_.._______,___._._.___._~__,,__.____m~___~______ #13 Page 35 ITEM I3 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT. BETWEEN THE CITY OF lOW A CITY AND THE ARTIST FOR THE WETHERBY PARK SHELTER NEIGHBORHOOD ART PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE SAME. Bailey: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Elliott: I will support this because I think it has been promised to that area for a period of years, and also the railing does need to be substantial. I'm concerned as to whether the weather vane will withstand vandalism, but we'll have to wait and see on that. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription of the Iowa City City Conncil meeting of February 28, 2006. #14 Page 36 ITEM 14 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE GENERAL CONCEPT FOR THE MELROSE NEIGHBORHOOD ART PROJECT. Correia: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Correia. Champion: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Champion. Discussion? Elliott: I'll not be supporting this, and I don't do that with any great joy because the person who is putting this forward is someone I like and have great deal of respect for, but having signs that cost $935 each, almost $1,000 in front ofthese houses, unless the house is the birth place of Jesus or Mohammed, and I refer to the prophet, not the doctor, I think the cost is totally out ofline. Sorry. Wilburn: Okay. Yes? Walker: Hi, my name is Jean Walker and I'm the representative of the Melrose Neighborhood Association, and I want to thank you for considering this project. The Melrose Neighborhood is excited about this project. As you know, we recently had our historic district nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. This project is in a way an extension of that nomination and emphasizes and illuminates the important history of the neighborhood. When completed, we would have markers similar to those in the Longfellow Neighborhood, scattered throughout our neighborhood. They would tell in an attractive way the interesting history of the neighborhood, both before and after the University Hospital was moved from the east side of Iowa City, to its current location north of the neighborhood. They would describe the four waves of growth in the area. They'd point out the different architectural styles of the houses and their cute, matching garages, which I encourage you to go and see. They would mention the ecology of the neighborhood, the careers of the residents, and the connection of many of them to the Hospital and athletic departments of the University. They'd mention the historically significant people who lived in the neighborhood, such as figures from the University Hospitals and the sports areas. They'd mentioned Irving Weber and other important former residents, and important figures who developed, planned, and built the neighborhood. We think these markers will be an interesting and valuable asset for the entire city, and also for visitors to the Iowa City, including those to the Hospital and Clinics. We hope that you will feel that you can approve the general concept for this project. We really appreciate the Public Art Advisory Committee program that has so This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. .._____.___.___ . __..n.__..___.____.__~,._.__.____"________.. #14 Page 37 enhanced our city with art and made it unique. Due to their Art in the Neighborhood program, there are now great historic markers in the Longfellow Neighborhood and the great geese in the Goosetown Neighborhood, and there are more projects in the pipeline. A sponsor of a music program on the radio says a great nation deserves great art. I believe a great city like Iowa City also deserves great art, and I'm grateful that the City recognizes that in having the Public Art Advisory Committee and its various programs. Thank you. Wilburn: Thank you, Jean. Other discussion? Correia: Well, I will be supporting this. I really appreciate the Longfellow markers and attended the first, inaugural historic walk last spring or summer, whenever that was, I've really learned a lot. Lived in the Longfellow neighborhood, didn't know half the stuff on the, on that walk. I thought it really brings a lot to the neighborhood, both for folks who are living there; but for folks that are visiting and learning about the neighborhood, I think it's a really wonderful aspect of our community. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 6-1; Elliott in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #15 Page 38 ITEM 15 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A PROGRAM FOR RECOGNITION OF ART IN NON-PUBLIC SPACES AS PART OF THE lOW A CITY PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. Bailey: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by Bailey. Vanderhoef: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion? Bailey: I think this is a great idea. I think this has been an exciting program. Elliott: You bet. Correia: Will it work like the historic preservation award? So people would nominate, and the owners of the non-public art would... Klingaman: Very similar, I mean, the idea was that they'll be nominated by other than obviously the property owner who's hosting the art work, but just an acknowledgment. Correia: Okay. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #16 Page39 ITEM 16 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND IOWA CITY GIRLS SOFTBALL FOR LIGHTING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE YOUTH SOFfBALL COMPLEX IN NAPOLEON PARK. Champion: Move the resolution. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Moved by Champion; seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Vanderhoef: I think this is just another good example of how our parents and athletes in the area work together with our Parks and Recreation to make it the best (unable to hear). Wilburn: And with this, there will be a total of six our of eight fields lit at Napoleon Park. So... Correia: ...an asset with the CVB Sports Authority, as well, that we'll have more availability of sports venues. Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #17 Page 40 ITEM 17 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A SECOND, TWO- MONTH EXTENSION OF THE AGREEMENT WITH PUBLIC ACCESS TELEVISION, INC. Vanderhoef: Move the resolution. Wilburn: Moved by... Vanderhoef. Sorry about that. Bailey: Second. Wilburn: Seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Elliott: Just a quick question. Steve, we will get, or Dale I guess I should say, we will get an outline of the local entities that are involved with local cable casting, telecasting? Good. Helling: Yes you will. Wilburn: Roll call. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #21 ITEM 21 Wilburn: Elliott: Wilburn: Correia: Elliott: Correia: Page 41 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Roberto? No, when I was on the other end they always started with me down there! (laughter) Now you flip. Amy? (laughter) I want to congratulate Regenia Bailey for being named one of the Corridor Business Journal 2006 "Women ofInfluence." I was gonna do that! If you'd gone first! I want to congratulate Regenia, as well as the rest of the awardees, Lu Barron, Lisa Bluder, Lee Clancey, Linda Everett, Kay Halloran, Meredith Hay, Mary Lundby, Nancy Quellhorst, Monica Vernon, and Peggy Whitworth. There will be a dinner next Thursday, March 9th, in Cedar Rapids at the Crown Plaza Five Seasons Hotel. So congratulations, Regenia. And then Ijust wanted to, Grant Wood gymnasium had a ribbon cutting on the school day on February 15th so the students are using the gym and it's very exciting for all of them, after working through all the construction and such and waiting to use the gym. So, it's a great partnership between the City and the School District, and I'm looking forward to using the facility. Wilburn: Okay. Connie? Champion: Nothing. Wilburn: Mike? O'Donnell: Nothing. Wilburn: Dee? Vanderhoef: Not a thing. Wilburn: Bailey: Regenia? I wanted to announce that the Women's Resource and Action Center is holding a conference, April 6th through 8th, called "Race, Privilege, and Cultural Confidence, Creating Inclusive Communities in a Post-Katrina World" -- that's a very long title, and the keynote speaker will be Wilma Mankiller. She's a really inspiring keynote speaker, unusual name (laughter). This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006. #21 Elliott: Bailey: Elliott: Wilburn: Page 42 1 take offense! Well, you can go and tell her. I'm sure she's heard it before. (laughter) She's a very good speaker, and the conference should be very good. On April 6th, Diane Finnerty will be doing a cultural competence workshop, and Diane is very good and I've heard her present, and if you can only attend part of, that might be the evening to attend. Call the Women's Resource and Action Center for more information. Amy, just piggybacking, for Regenia, that is, I think, a particularly impressive group of people. The "Women of Influence", and I think to be included in that group, is really an honor, a significant honor, and Ross, Mr. Mayor, you're going to be the featured speaker at the African- American Historical Museum, the Alliant Energy banquet, and you're going to be the featured speaker, the keynote speaker, we will (several talking) wait with baited breath! (laughter) Okay. Ijust want to thank the students at Lemme today for allowing me to read to them. A fun activity, and I think most of them listened. (laughter) I forgot what 1.. .no, Ray and the Best Family Reunion Ever. All right. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council meeting of February 28, 2006.