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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-02 Info Packet of 3/28 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET ~"~1 Cx'~' March 28, 2002 www.icgov,org I APRIL 1 WORK SESSION ITEMS IP1 Memorandum from City Manager: Capital Improvement Plan/25% Debt Policy IP2 Memorandum from Community Development Coordinator to Council Member Kanner: Child Care for Members of Boards and Commissions IP3 Memorandum from JCCOG Human Services Intern to Council Member Kanner: Child Care for Members of Boards and Commissions I MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS IP4 Letter from Mayor to Nick Klenski and Dan Rossi (U of I Student Senate): College Student Representation on Boards and Commissions IP5 Memorandum from City Manager: Patrol Officers - Hickory Hill Park IP6 Memorandum from City Manager: Construction Contract Management IP7 Memorandum from City Manager: Proposed Refuse Collection Rate Increase IP8 Letter from City Manager to Rod Sullivan: First Avenue/Court Street Intersection IP9 Letter Teresa Morrow (Southgate Development) to City Manager: Proposed Clear Creek Project IP10 Letter from Assistant City Manager to Randy Brown (Mediacom): City Request for Information IPll Letter from City Attorney to Tom Walsh (lC Gazette): Request for Correspondence between City Council Members and Dinerstein Companies, et. Al. IP12 Memorandum from City Clerk: March 18 Council Work Session IP13 Memorandum from JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner Pfohh State Transportation Enhancement Funds for the North Dubuque Street Entranceway Beautification Project IPI4 Memorandum from Community Development Coordinator: FY03 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Funding Recommendations from the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) IP15 Iowa City Housing and Inspection Service Customer Service Survey - March 2002 IP16 Minutes: February 28 East Central Iowa Council of Governments [VVilburn] IP17 Article: City Panel to Explore Land Trust to Build Parks IPlab] IP18 ICGOV.ORG Feature: Landfill & Recycling Center Open House Scheduled City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: March 26, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Capital Improvement Plan/25% Debt Policy We have completed an analysis of the 25% debt levy/capital improvements policy. As you will note from the following information, the debt service levy as a percentage of the total levy for the adopted FY03 Budget is 24.75%. This is within the Council's established 25% policy. If the Council were to decide to make further reductions, and in order to keep within the 25% policy, elimination of projects will be necessary, it can be summarized as follows: 1. A reduction in capital projects financed by General Obligation (G.O.) debt service for FY04 of $4.8 million would be necessary. 2. A further reduction in capital projects financed by G.O. debt for FY06 of $7.2 would be necessary. Planned borrowing for G.O. debt in the current capital plan (02-06) is as follows: FY02 $29,100,000 03 6,605,000 04 5,039,000 05 10,952,000 06 5,918,000 Attachment 3/26/02 CITY OF IOWA CITY 25% DEBT LEVY POLICY Debt Service Total Percentage of Levy Levy Total Levy FY96 1.709 ! 2.992 ! 3.00% FY97 1.200 12.653 9.50% FY98 1.615 12.796 ! 3.00% FY99 1.868 13.133 14.00% FY2000 2.300 13.851 17.00% FY2001 2.990 ! 4.757 20.00% FY2002 2.945 ! 4.850 19.83% FY2003 4. ! 61 16.813 24.75% * FY2004 4.539 17.207 26.38% * FY2005 4.511 17.327 26.03% * FY2006 5.062 17.971 28.17% * estimate CIP PROJECTS INCLUDING REDUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 25% DEBT LEVY POLICY Activit Dept FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 5202 TRANSEER IN - 02 GO 38595 ART 100,000 36920 BUS ACQUISITION 285,600 38915 BUTLER HOUSE TRAILHEAD PARK 47,800 38835 COMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY 500,000 34110 EPA STORMWATER PERMITTING 250,000 38870 FIRE APPARATUS 350,000 38810 FIRE STATION #3 EXPANSION 125,000 38880 FIRE STATION-NEW 46,800 34920 FIRST AVENUE EXTENDED 648,000 38975 HICKORY HILLS TRAIL DEV 450,000 34130 HWY 6 DRAINAGE 1,050,000 38620 HWY 6 TRAIL 31515 IA RIVER POWER DAM IMPR. 1,255,000 38550 LIBRARY EXPANSION 16,400,000 38655 PARK RESTROOM IMPRQVEMENTS 20,000 38691 PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT 25,000 38980 PARKS ANNUAL IMPROVEMT/MAINT 32,500 38920 PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIP. REPL. 37,500 38540 REC CENTER BOILER & AC 239,900 34295 RIVERSIDE ARTS CAMPUS STORM 590,000 34981 SCOTT BLVD.-ACT/ROCHESTER 3,000,000 38150 SKATEBOARD PARK 100,000 38929 SOUTH SOCCER COMPLEX 404,700 36960 TRANSIT INTERMODAL FACILITY 700,000 .... Est. Bond Issuance 442,200 29,100,000 3/26/02 S:\Fin\2003bud\cip\25%debt CIP PROJECTS INCLUDING REDUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 25% DEBT LEVY POLICY Activit Dept FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 5203 TRANSFER IN - 03 GO 38595 ART 50,000 38835 COMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY 500,000 38880 FIRE STATION-NEW 100,000 34720 FIRST AVE SIDEWALK/SO OF ROCHE 25,000 34990 MORMON TREK-HWY 1/HWY 921 700,000 38330 NS MARKETPLACE STREETSCAPE 500,000 38320 OWNER OCCUPIED BLDG RENOV. 50,000 38655 PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS 26,800 38691 PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT 33,500 38980 PARKS ANNUAL IMPROVEMT/MAINT 43,550 38920 PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIP. REPL. 50,250 38790 PLANNING DEPT REMODEL 25,000 34290 S SYCAMORE REG, STRMWTR DET. 1,071,907 34981 SCOTT BLVD.-ACT/ROCHESTER 2,400,000 36960 TRANSIT INTERMODAL FACILITY 700,000 38940 WATERWORKS PARK 200,000 .... PROJECT REDUCTIONS NECESSARY (4,758,834) .... Bond Issuance 2% 129,520 6,605,527 3/26/02 S:\Fin\2OO3bud\cip\2 5%debt CIP PROJECTS INCLUDING REDUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 25O/o DEBT LEVY POLICY Activit Dept FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 5204 TRANSFER IN - 04 GO 35320 4TH AVENUE BRIDGE 140,941 38595 ART 50,000 35310 BURL ST BRIDGE/RALSTON CREEK 220,000 38140 CITY PARK POOL FILTER SYSTEM 200,000 38835 CDMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY 500,000 38335 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 300,000 34990 MORMON TREK-HWY 1/HWY 921 2,000,000 38655 PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS 40,000 38691 PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT 50,000 38980 PARKS ANNUAL IMPROVEMT/MAINT 65,000 38920 PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIP. REPL. 75,000 38845 RADIO SYSTEM UPGRADE 600,000 36960 TRANSIT INTERMODAL FACILITY 700,000 .... Bond Issuance 2% 98,819 5, 039, 760 3/26/02 S:\Fin\2OO3bud\cip\25%debt CIP PROJECTS INCLUDING REDUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 25% DEBT LEVY POLICY Activit Dept FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 5205 TRANSFER IN ~ 05 GO 38595 ART 50,000 38935 BENTON-MILLER/ORCHARD PARK 200,000 34915 CAMP CARDINAL RD/CLR CRK 1,900,000 38835 COMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY 500,000 34440 DODGE ST RECONSTR-180/GOVERNOR 100,000 38335 ECONOMtC DEVELOPMENT 700,000 38880 FIRE STATION-NEW 1,000,000 34950 FOSTER RD-DBQ/PRAIRIE DU CHIEN 900,000 34866 FOSTER RD/DUBUQUE INTERSECTION 1,000,000 34990 MORMON TREK-HWY 1/HWY 921 2,933,000 38320 OWNER OCCUPIED BLDG RENOV, 50,000 38655 PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS 40,000 38691 PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT 50,000 38980 PARKS ANNUAL IMPROVEMT/MAINT 65,000 38920 PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIP. REPL. 75,000 37490 RUNWAY 7 (FKA 6) EXTENSION 74,500 34940 S GILBERT ST/NAPOL-EW ARTERIAL 800,000 36960 TRANSIT INTERMODAL FACILITY 300,000 .... PROJECT REDUCTIONS NECESSARY (7,196,800) .... Bond issuance 2% 214,750 10,982,250 3/26/02 S:\Fin\2003bud\cip\25%debt CIP PROJECTS INCLUDING REDUCTIONS NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN 25% DEBT LEVY POLICY Activit Dept FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 5206 TRANSFER IN - 06 GO 38595 ART 50,000 38835 COMM PROT CAPITAL OUTLAY 500,000 38870 FIRE APPARATUS 1,197,900 9172 LOWER WEST BRANCH RD RECON 3,825,000 38655 PARK RESTROOM IMPROVEMENTS 40,000 38691 PARKLAND DEVELOPMENT 50,000 38980 PARKS ANNUAL IMPROVEMT/MAINT 65,000 38920 PARKS PLAYGROUND EQUIP. REPL. 75,000 .... Bond Issuance 2% 116,058 5,918,958 3/26/02 S:\Fin\2OO3bud\cip\2 5%debt City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: March 25, 2002 TO: Steven Kanner, City Council Member FROM: Steven Nasby, Community Development CoordinatorC"~~ RE: Child Care for Nembers of Boards and Commissions As per your request, we have researched the possibilities of Using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to pay for childcare expenses for members of advisory boards\commissions. At one time, the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) had briefly discussed this topic, but no action was taken. HCDC has not offered childcare or reimbursement for childcare expenses for commission members. On several occasions we have coordinated with Neighborhood Centers of .lohnson County to provide childcare when we have used their facilities for public meetings regarding our C]TY STEPS plan. Following our conversation last week, ! contacted the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) field office in Omaha to inquire about the feasibility of using CDBG funding for childcare expenses for members of advisory boards\commissions. The consensus from HUD was that childcare expenses may be eligible costs within the administrative allowances for the CDBG program according to OMB Circular A-87 provided that all of the following regulations and criteria are met: · Only those advisory boards\commissions with direct responsibilities related to HUD programs (e.g. CDBG and HONE) could be eligible; · The member(s) of an advisory board\commission being assisted with childcare expenses must qualify as Iow-moderate income; · No political or religious activities; · The costs are limited, reasonable and documented; and · HUD has formally approved advisory board\commission expenses. As such, CDBG funds may be used for childcare expenses for HCDC members. However, it does not appear that CDBG could pay for childcare expenses for other city advisory boards\commissions. HUD has determined that childcare expenses for non-HCDC members would be considered an "income payment" that is an ineligible expense for CDBG funding according to 24 CFR 570.207(b)(4). if you have any additional questions or need additional information regarding HUD or the CDBG regulations please call me at 356-5248 or e-mail at Steven-Nasby@iowa-city.org. Cc: City Council City Nanager Kadn Franklin, Director of Planning and Community Development Linda Severson, .1CCOG Human Services Coordinator Johnson County Council of Governments 410 E Woshington St Iow~ City, Iovvo 52240 Date: March 25, 2002 To: Steven Kanner, Iowa City City Council Member From: Keri Neblett, JCCOG Human Services Intern Re: Child Care for Members of Boards and Commissions As per your request, we have researched other city governments' policies on childcare cost reimbursement for members of city boards and commissions. I sent out 9 emails to various cities and received responses back from Des Moines, IA, Bettendorf, IA, Ames, IA, Waterloo, IA, Madison, WI, Naperville, IL, and Berkeley, CA. All of these cities, with exception of Berkeley, reported that they do not offer childcare reimbursement for board and commission members. The City of Berkeley offers childcare reimbursement for low-income board and commission members. In order to remove barriers to citizen participation on commissions, the Berkeley City Council authorizes stipends to citizens whose annual family income as filed jointly for federal income tax purposes is below $20,000 per year. Once eligibility is established, a commission member is entitled to receive: 1. A $40 stipend for each official meeting attended, not to exceed two meetings each month 2. Reimbursement for actual child care costs incurred while he/she attends meetings 3. Reimbursement for actual expenses paid to an attendant to provide care for a dependent elderly person while he/she attends meetings 4. Reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for disabled support services needed to fully participate in board, commission or committee meetings. Locally, the Empowerment Board offers reimbursement for childcare costs of "consumers" on the board. They receive an hourly rate of $5 for one child, $7 for two children and $9 for three or more children. The length of time is limited to 2 hours for monthly board meetings, and 2 hours for a monthly committee meeting. The parents are responsible for arranging their own childcare (this seems to work better than a community site-unfamiliar setting and staff). People receiving the reimbursements need to complete a form, and the cash reimbursement is made at the end of the board meeting. If you have any questions, or need additional information please contact me at 356-5230 or e- mail at Kcri-Neblett _¢~iowa-cit¥.org. CC: Steve Atkins, City Manager Iowa City City Council JeffDavidson, JCCOG Executive Director Karin Franklin, Director, Iowa City Planning and Community Development Linda Severson, JCCOG Human Services Coordinator Steve Nasby, Iowa City Community Development Coordinator March 25, 2002 : ~ Ci[;~ Of.d Nick Klenski / Dan Rossi University of Iowa Student Senate 48 Iowa Memorial Union Iowa City, IA 52242-1317 Re: College Student Representation on Boards and Commissions Dear Mr. Klenski and Mr. Rossi, At their March 18, 2002 Work Session, the City Council discussed College Student Representation on Boards and Commissions. After discussion, a majority of Council did not wish to pursue the proposal suggested by the Council/Student Senate Committee dated March 4, 2002. CounciI encouraged participation by applying for current vacancies as well as attending meetings. Currently we do send notices of all vacancies to the Association address listed above. If there is interest from the Student Senate to be placed on a mailing list for other documents, the following hard copy materials could be made available: Tentative Council Meeting Schedules Council and/or Board and Commission Agenda Materials The Student Senate can also subscribe on the City's webpage ICGov2U to receive agendas, minutes, and vacancies for Council and/or Boards and Commissions at www.ic gov.org/subscribe.asp. In the March 4 memo ten City Boards and Commissions were identified as potential ones of interest to your association. Those Board and Commission staff contacts are as follows: Animal Care and Adoption Center Advisory Board - Misha Goodman ~ 356-5295 Historic Preservation Commission - Shelley McCafferty @ 356-5243 Housing and Community Development Commission - Steven Long ~ 356-5250 Human Rights Commission - Heather Shank ~ 356-5022 Library, Board of Trustees - Susan Craig ~ 356-5200 Parks and Recreation Commission - Terry Trueblood ~ 356-5110 Police Citizens Review Board - Kellie Tuttle/Marian Kart ~ 356-5041 Public Art Advisory Committee - Karin Franklin ~ 356-5232 Senior Center Commission - Linda Kopping ~ 356-5225 Telecommunicattons Commission - Drew Shaffer ~ 356-5046 If you ~vould like to contact the Chairperson for a Board and Commission, names and phone numbers can be obtained from the staffcontact. Student Senate March 27, 2002 Page 2 Thank you for your interest in participating on City Boards and Commissions. Once again we encourage involvement by you and the student community in City Boards and Commissions. Please let us know if we can provide additional information. s2:v Ernest W. Lehman, Mayor Cc: City Council Board and Commission staff noted above City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: March 21, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Patrol Officers - Hickory Hill Park The other evening I was asked by Council Member Kanner whether our Animal Control officers would be on patrol in Hickory Hill Park, notably to deal with complaints of dogs running loose. He also questioned whether the cutback in temporary employees in the Animal Control budget could result in a possible reduction in patrol time. At the time I advised that I thought our uniform police officers did the greatest amount of patrol, and in warmer weather we assigned bicycle patrol duty in the park. I discussed this with Captain Widmer and he advised me that our Animal Control officers are also in the park. He did not feel the minor reduction in the temporary employees at the Animal Shelter would have a serious effect upon our efforts to patrol Hickory Hill Park, and he has made it a priority issue due to the number of complaints we receive. mgr/mem/hickhill~ogpatrol doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: March 22, 2002 To: City Council From: City Manager Re: Construction Contract Management As you recall, several years ago we undertook a new management strategy for our major construction projects, that being we would hire, as City employees, on-site field representatives to provide construction management services. These employees represent the City's interest on the site of a Capital Improvement Project. It is a common practice to hire engineering consulting firms to provide this type of inspection service. Over the last few years, this construction management process by City employees has not only proven to be less costly, but also more productive. Construction management is particularly critical to large projects, such as our wastewater treatment plant, water plant, and our most recent--the library expansion project. Our Special Projects inspection team works closely with operating departments. The major goals are to represent the City's interests, complete the construction work within the established budget and provide a quality work product. With any construction project, unknown field conditions, additions, deletions and changes to the specified requirements can have an impact on the contract sum. For example, during the course of the South Wastewater Plant Improvements Project, our Special Projects team reviewed changes and related costs proposed by our contractor. This is done routinely to assure the project stays within the established budget. Recently, it was reported to us that our Special Project team had identified a decrease in the original contract sum in the amount of $90,000. As this project approaches completion, these types of savings are notable. The cost to administer the construction contract and inspect the progress of the work has, as I have indicated, proven to be considerably less than if hired to an outside engineering firm. For the South Wastewater Treatment Plant project we estimate that we will spend approximately $400,000 for our construction management process, while a traditional engineering or architectural firm can often charge up to 10% of the project cost, or in the neighborhood of $2.6 million for our wastewater plant. Similar construction management procedures apply to our water plant. The cost savings we have indicated is to date, and the project is still in progress with an expected completion by early summer 2002. mgr/mem/constrmgm nt doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE: March 22, 2002 TO: City Council FROM: City Manager RE: Proposed Refuse Collection Rate Increase Monthly Refuse Collection Recycling Total July 1992 $8.75 $2.25 $11.00 July 1996 $8.75 $2.80 $11.55 August 1999 $8.20 $2.80 $11.00 July 2002 $9.00 $3.10 $12.10 (Proposed) Mgr\mem\refuse rate increase.doc ~ · March 26, 2002 Mr. Rod Sullivan 2326 East Court Street Iowa City, IA 52245 Dear Rod: This note is in response to your recent correspondence to the City Council regarding the intersection of First Avenue and East Court Street. I will respond to your points as you raised them in the letter. 1) Curb Cuts. There will be at least seven curb cuts. We are in the process of working to provide eight. 2) Adequate Walk Time. There will be an adequate walk time at First and Court. The crosswalk time will take into consideration the fact that many school children cross at this location. 3) Altering the Programming. Crossing guards will not be allowed to pause the lights or alter the programming of the ~ights. We are providing the capability in the traffic signal cabinet for an all-red crossing phase. Thank you for relaying your concerns about the intersection. If you think of any more questions or have additional suggestions, please feel free to contact Beth Pfohl, Traffic Engineering Planner (356-5254) directly. Sincerely yours, City Manager cc: City Council Beth Pfohl 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 ', FAX (319) 356-5009 South6ate CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE March 20, 2002 Stephen Atkins, City Manager City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Re: Proposed Clear Creek Project Sou~mo~e Development Company, Inc. 755 Mormon Trek Boulevard Dear Steve, Po Box 1907 Iowa City, Iowa 52244 1907 After reading the article in the Press Citizen on Wednesday, March 20 Phone: 319 33Z4195 concerning the deferral of the five-year capital improvement plan, we were left a Facsimile: 31933Z9823 bit confused. Email: southgate@sgdevnet We were encouraged by the response of members of both Planning and Zoning and City Counsel after our presentation of the project, but that presentation was not intended as a request that the project be moved up to fiscal year 2003. We are quite comfortable with the fiscal year 2005 guideline as originally discussed. We look forward to working with both Iowa City and Coralville in getting approval of the proposed memorandum of understanding in order to bring this exciting project to reality. It will be a great opportunity for all to work together in developing this unique and beautiful area. Sincerely, Teresa L. Morrow Vice President Mr. Randy Brown, Director of Operations Mediacom 6300 Council St., N.E. Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Re: City request for information Dear Mr. Brown: Many problems associated with Mediacom's channel realignment have occurred during the months of January, February, and March of 2002. These include, among other issues, loss of service and the inability of subscribers to contact Mediacom in a timely fashion to register their complaints and seek repairs or corrective action. On behalf of those subscribers the City would like to make inquiries and collect information pertaining to Mediacom's policies, procedures and actions in addressing these matters. Towards this end, I offer the information below and request that you provide the City with the applicable responses by April 30, 2002. 1. The number of broadcast basic channels went from 24 channels to 22 channels. This will be noted in conjunction with a rate review when Mediacom submits their form 1240s in calculating the Maximum Permitted Rate. 2. Given the number of complaints from customers who were not able to reach Mediacom by phone during the period since January 15th, 2002, the City requests Mediacom's phone management data, as available, for the entire quarter of January I through March 31, 2002. The City also requests the cable company obtain a busy signal study from the phone company during the period January 1 to March 31, 2002, and that this be provided to the City. The City also requests the phone management data for the last quarter of 2001, ending on December 31, 2001 as well. 3. There is concern that there was not adequate notification given to the City regarding the changing of premium channels from their placement on the analog tier to the digital tier. Please document notification that was given prior to such action and when the action of moving the premium channels was initiated. 4. There is concern that adequate notification was not given to subscribers regarding the changing of premium channels from their placement on the analog tier to the digital tier. Please document notification that was given prior to such action and when the action of moving the premium channels was initiated. 5. There have been complaints from subscribers that they have not been given credit for premium channel services that were billed and paid for but were moved from the analog tier to the digital tier during January and February. These primarily involved Encore, HBO, and Cinemax. Are these credits being given to all who are eligible? if so, how? Tf not, why not? 6. There have been concerns expressed by subscribers that they would not have been given credit by Mediacom if they had not complained for the outages of service they experienced. The City would like to ensure that all subscribers who experienced a loss of service for a period of 18 hours or more receive the required credit. Please state how many outages of 18 or more hours occurred during the aforementioned period of time and whether all subscribers affected have been credited for such outages. 7. There have been complaints from subscribers that they were not able to receive cable repairs for days at a time and that they were not given any call prior to a repair person showing up. The l~owa City ordinance states in Section 12-4-7H, Service Response and Rebate, that the Grantee shall provide "same day service" response, seven (7) days a week for all complaints and requests for repairs or adjustments received prior to 2:00 p.m. each day. In no event shall the response time for calls received subsequent to 2:00 p.m. exceed twenty-four (24) hours. ]~n Section XI1:I. M of the franchise agreement, Repair Calls, it states: "Franchisee shall offer subscribers repair service appointments in two hours windows. The Franchisee shall telephone the subscriber prior to arriving for a repair call." Please state whether Mediacom has remained in compliance with the stipulations stated above. If not, how many infractions occurred during the first quarter of 2002? 8. There have been complaints that subscribers' bills are not clear enough to understand. Does Mediacom intend to take any measures to make the statements clearer? Please describe. 9. There have been complaints that subscribers have been given misleading information by telemarketers/sales people and/or customer service representatives regarding what they must purchase in order to receive certain premium channels, i.e. must purchase digital package to receive Cinemax, HBO, or Encore, when only a digital converter is necessary. :In addition, some subscribers complained that they were promised "special deals", such as one half price off for six months in one case, for three months in another case, for a lower price in another case, etc., some then being billed for the full amount. What action has Mediacom taken to correct this confusion? Please supply the City with a copy of all materials used by your telemarketers, sales persons and customer service representatives to solicit subscribers from January ! to March 31, 2002. 10. There have been complaints from subscribers that the information sent out by Mediacom, including brochures, fliers and newspaper advertisements, has been confusing and misleading. These involve questions of what the names of new (packages) tiers represent compared to the existing (packages) tiers, what channels are in the new tiers compared to the existing tiers, the comparative pricing of these tiers, the misnaming of channels on some tiers, and the timing of when the channel realignment was to occur. Please supply one copy of all information distributed to subscribers and the public pertaining to all changes that have occurred to the rvlediacom cable system in ~[owa City since December 1, 2001. What efforts has IVlediacom made, or will Mediacom make, to correct this confusion? 11. The City's cable TV ordinance Section 12-4-32H. states the following: "Notice of complaint procedures: Grantee shall periodically and at various times of the day, present its business office address and publicly listed local telephone number by means of alpha-numeric display on a local origination channel." Please propose to the City how Mediacom will comply with this requirement. 12. The Cable Division has received complaints from subscribers that there is no local telephone number published in .the local telephone directory for Mediacom. Upon checking the local telephone directories, the McLeod telephone directory does have Mediacom's local telephone number listed while the Qwest telephone directory has an "888" long distance number listed. This does not meet the requirements of the franchise agreement. How does Mediacom propose to comply? 13. Several of the local channel listings on the digital TV Guide and on the Channel 19 TV Guide are still incorrect as of March 18, 2002. This includes, for the digital TV Guide: Channel 98, the local Educational Channel for the schools, which is now listed as "City"; Channel 4 which is listed as "To Be Announced" but should be "City Channel 4"; Channel 5 which is listed as "To Be Announced" but should be "InfoVision"; Channel 10 which is listed as "Local Access" but should be the "Library Access" Channel; and Channel 18 which is listed as "To Be Announced" and should be "Public Access". On Channel 19's TV Guide for the Broadcast and Family Cable tiers, Channel 5 is simply listed as Access TV and should be InfoVision and there is no listing for Channel 98. When will these corrections be made? 14. Mediacom's Letter of Credit, required by ordinance, was never filed with the City of Iowa City. AT&T's Letter of Credit expired some time ago. Please file Mediacom's Letter of Credit as required by the City of Iowa City ordinance. 15. The cable related problems outlined herein have caused constant and continuous hardships for City Cable TV staff during the period since January 15, 2002. First and foremost has been the time consumed in taking the huge volume of subscriber complaints. The amount of City staff time consumed dealing with the variety of cable related problems has been unprecedented. While normal dealings with cable related complaints are expected, the number of complaints lodged in this approximately eight week period is more than what the Cable TV Office normally receives in any three year period. This literally tied up the phone lines of the Cable TV offices and created an intolerable workload for the entire permanent cable staff for that period of time. A volume of complaints well above the norm continues to come in. We would like to see Mediacom take further measures to communicate complete and accurate information to local subscribers, and to move as quickly as possible to address all complaints from subscribers in an effort to restore some of the customer trust and confidence that has been lost in recent weeks. On a positive note, I would like to emphasize that the cooperation the City has received from management staff in the local Mediacom office, and from Jon Koebrick, in attempting to resolve problems on behalf of many local subscribers has been highly satisfactory. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, iff you have any questions or wish further information, please feel free to contact me at 356-5013 or Drew Shaffer at 356-5046. Sincerely, Asst. City Manager CC: iowa City City Council iowa City Telecommunications Commission Drew Shaffer, Cable TV Administrator Stephen .1. Atkins, City Manager Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney Andy Matthews, Assistant City Attorney Ion Koebrick i z IP11 Tom Walsh ~ Iowa City Gazette 301iowa E.city,Market IA 52245 Street HAND DELIVERED ~1~'~1 ~',~ C~,~ 0;~1,¢~ll' Re: Request for Correspondence Between City Council Members and Dinerstein Companies, et. al. Dear Tom: By e-mail to me of March 19, 2002, you requested the following: Any correspondence (written or e-mail) between members of the City Council and the Dinerstein companies and its affiliates D.J. Hammond & Associates and Sterling House, L.L.C. (proponents of the Sterling University Housing Complex) sent or received since February 1, 2002. On file in the Clerk's Office is a letter from Michael Pugh, attorney for D.J. Hammond & Associates, to the City Clerk requesting that items be set for public hearing, transcription of a Council meeting, P&Z minutes and a memo from the City Manager to the City Council regarding pending development items. While all of these documents reference this project, they do not fall within the scope of your request and I have not enclosed copies. Per my memo to the City Council of March 20, 2002, I have received the following responses from individual Council members: 1. Dee Vanderhoef informs me that she has one e-mail from Gary Fairchild dated March 11, 2002, a copy of which is enclosed, and no other documents responsive to your request. 2. Connie Champion informs me that she has no documents responsive to your request. 3. Ernie Lehman informs me that he has no documents responsive to your request. 4.In/in Pfab has a packet of information entitled "Sterling University Housing", a copy of which is enclosed, and informs me that he has no other documents responsive to your request. 5. Mike O'Donnell informs me that he has ne documents responsive to your request. 6. Ross Wilburn informs me that he has no documents responsive to your request. 7. Steven Kanner has not informed me whether he has any documents responsive to your request. Please contact me if you have any questions. City Attorney cc: Sara Langenberg, Iowa City Press-Citizen per request of 3/22/02 City Council Marian Kart, City Clerk Steve Atkins, City Manager Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Sarah Holecek, First Asst. City Attorney Eleanor\ltrs\walsh3-26-02.doc 410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET · IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-1826 · (319) 356-5000 · FAX 1319) 356-5009 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: March 18, 2002 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk Re: Council Work Session, March 18, 2002, 6:30 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall Council: Champion, Kanner, Lehman, O'Donnell, Pfab, Vanderhoef, Wilburn Staff: Atkins, Helling, Dilkes, Kart, Davidson, O'Malley, Miklo Tapes: 02-27, Side 2* (A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office) PLANNING & ZONING ITEMS Asst. PCD Director Davidson presented information on the following items: A. Motion setting a public hearing for April 2 on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, South District Map to show the general alignment of a future east-west arterial street and to amend the text of the plan to refer to the alignment. B. Motion setting a public hearing for April 2 on amendments to the Comprehensive Plan to provide for the location of large apartment complexes and to amend the South District Plan land use map to depict multi-family development on the east side of South Gilbert Street east and south of Napoleon Park. C. Motion setting a public hearing for April 2 on an ordinance rezoning 17.64 acres from Interim Development Single Family (ID-RS) and Interim Development Multi-Family (ID-RM) to Planned Development Housing Overlay-12 (OPDH-12) to allow 168 dwellings in 18 buildings located on the east side of Gilbert Street south of Napoleon Lane. D. Motion setting a public hearing for Aprit 2 on an ordinance rezoning 5.45 acres from Rural Residential (RR-1) and Interim Development Single Family Residential (ID-RS) to Low Density Single Family Residential (RS-5) located at the northwest corner of Rohret Road and Phoenix Drive. (REZ02-00001) E. Motion setting a public hearing for April 2 on an ordinance amending the Neighborhood Commercial, CN-1, zone to broaden the uses allowed and to rev[se the dimensional requirements and design provisions. F. Motion setting a public hearing for April 2 on an ordinance amending the Zoning Code, Article O, Sign Regulations, to permit portable signs in the Central Business Service, CB-2, Central Business Support, CB-5, and Central Business, CB-10, zones. Council Work Session March 18, 2002 Page 2 G. Public hearing on an ordinance rezoning 18.2 acres from Low Density Single-Family, (RS-5) to Sensitive Areas Overlay Low Density Single-Family (OSA-5) and a preliminary sensitive areas development plan for Hickory Heights, a 20-lot residential subdivision located west of Scott Boulevard near its intersection with Dodge Street. (REZ01-00028/SUB01-00031) H. Ordinance to rezone approximately 2,800 square feet from Low Density Multi-Family Residential, RM-12, to High Density Multi-Family, RM-44, for properly located at the north end of West Benton Court. (Oaknoll/REZ01-00027) (Second Consideration) Mayor Lehman left the room due to a conflict of interest. Mayor Pro tern Vanderhoef now presiding for item H only. I. Ordinance to amend Section 14-6E of the Zoning Ordinance in order to allow grocery stores in the Intensive Commercial Zone, C1-1, as a special exception. (Second Consideration) Mayor Lehman returned to the meeting. J. Ordinance to rezone approximately 0.63 acres located at 707 N. Dubuque Street from High Density Multi-Family, RM-44, to High Density Multi-Family Sensitive Areas Overlay, OSA/RM-44. (Svobala/REZ01-00010) (Pass and Adopt) K. Ordinance to vacate the northern 182 feet of the 20-foot wide alley right-of-way located south of Burlington Street and west of Dubuque Street. (VAC01-00004) (Pass and Adopt) Asst. PCD Director requested deferral to April 2 to allow concurrent action on this and the conveyance (items #10a and 10b); and continuance of the public hearing and deferral of the resolution concerning the conveyance until April 2 also. L. Resolution approving the preliminary plat of Napoleon Heights, a 146.68 acre, 4-lot subdivision located on the east side of Gilbert Street north of the southern City limits. (SUB01-00024) Asst. PCD Director Davidson requested deferral to April 16 to allow discussion and consideration of the comprehensive plan amendment to realign the street. M. Resolution approving the final plat of Stone Bridge Estates, Parts 2-4, a 13.98 50-lot residential subdivision located east of Camden Road north of Court Street. (SUB02-00001) Asst. PCD Director requested deferral to April 2 to allow legal papers to be submitted. N. Resolution approving the final plat of First and Rochester, Part 4, a 24.25-acre, 40-lot residential subdivision, located at the east end of Hickory Trail. (SUB02-00003) Asst. PCD Director requested deferral to April 2 to allow legal papers to be submitted. In response to Vanderhoef, Davidson stated the comment should read "36 lot residential development" and not "40". Council Work Session March 18, 2002 Page 3 JOINT MEETING WITH PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION - CLEAR CREEK SOUTHGATE PROPOSAL Planning and Zoning Members Bovbjerg, Shannon, Chiat, Anciaux, Koppes and Freerks present. Al Bohling, Shive-Hattery, presented information on the project and introduced Bill Cary, Senior Transportation Engineer and Civil Engineer Tred Schnoor. Asst. PCD Director Davidson present for discussion. A majority of Council directed staff to proceed with negotiations between the City of Iowa City, City of Coralville, and Southgate Development. STAFF ACTION: Continue negotiations and work out details of Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to Camp Cardinal Road. (Davidson) (*A transcription is not available for the remainder of the meeting due to audio problems) AGENDA ITEMS None COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS Historic Preservation Commission - Tim Weitzel Planning and Zoning Commission - reappoint Elizabeth Koppes BUDGET AMENDMENTS (IP1 of 3/14 Information Packet) After discussion Council agreed to the amendments as presented. STAFF ACTION: Prepare necessary documents for Council consideration to enable implementation. (Atkins) COLLEGE STUDENT REPRESENTATION ON BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS (IP6 of 3/7 Information Packet) After discussion a majority of Council directed staff to write a letter to the Student Senate encouraging participation (applying for vacancies as well as attending meetings), providing a tentative meeting schedule, offering hard copy of Council and/or Board and Commission agenda materials, informing them of the availability of materials on the web, and providing names and phone numbers for staff and chairpersons for the ten Boards and Commissions identified in the memo. STAFF ACTION: Write letter for Mayor's signature. (Karr) ENGLISH AS OFFICIAL LANGUAGE (Agenda Item #21) After discussion a majority of Council agreed to defer indefinitely consideration of the resolution since the Governor had already signed the bill. STAFF ACTION: None Council Work Session March 18, 2002 Page 4 COUNCIL E-MAIL (IP5 of 3/14 Information Packet) After discussion, a majority of Council agreed to the procedures as outlined in the memo with the following clarifications/additions: · No City Council City e-mail address will be distributed but the general Council one (Council Members may distribute City e-mail address personally) · Additional language will be added to the response sent to individuals addressing e-mail to Council indicating via a weblink Council mailing address and phone number for immediate contact information STAFF ACTION: Provide memo to appropriate stafffor implementation. (Atkins/Dilkes) SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE Council agreed to the following schedule April through August: April 1, 2 April 10 (Joint meeting with County, Coralville, North Liberty, School District) April 15,16 May 6, 7 May 9 (Special - evaluations of City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager) May 20, 21 June 10, 11 (Special) July 1, 2 July 15, 16 August 19, 20 Majority of Council requested that the Airport Commission be scheduled for 5:00 PM either April 1 or April 15, prior to the regularly scheduled work session. Council agreed to discuss the September through December schedule in July. STAFF ACTION: Scheduled Airport Commission for April 15. (Karr) COUNCIL TIME 1. In response to Council Member Kanner, the City Atty. stated there was no procedure in place to challenge affidavit filed for exceptions to the no smoking ordinance. City Atty. Dilkes noted that temporary exceptions (for one year) are unlikely subject to challenge. Staff will ask for Council direction once a challenge is filed. 2. (Consent Calendar #5e(1) - Resolution accepting waiver...of hearing and suspending... cigarette permit) Council Member Pfab stated he felt A & J Minimart would be appearing to plead not guilty. City Clerk Karr stated the establishment had already surrendered their permit and had began serving the suspension. Council Work Session March 18, 2002 Page 5 3. (Consent Calendar #5f(13) - Letter from Dave Moore regarding liquor license citations) In response to Council Member Kanner, the City Atty. stated the City sends notification of State violations to the State as they are filed per their request. The decision on how and when the State chooses to act upon the information rests with the State. 4. (IP9 of 3/14 Information Packet - Memo from City Manager re Capital Projects) Council Member Kanner noted concerns regarding the number that had exceeded actual construction estimates. Majority of Council agreed to schedule the item for the April 1 work session. 5. Council Member Vanderhoef noted a new cellular tower constructed in the County but within the fringe area and questioned whether the agreement should be amended to incorporate present City regulations or language. Staff will follow up. 6. Council Member O'Donnell said he was concerned regarding press reports of a meth lab found in Hickory Hill Park. The City Mgr. stated it was remnants of one and Police were investigating. Meeting adjourned 9:10 PM. Date: March 20, 2002 To: City Council From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~'~ Re: State Transportation Enhancement Funds for the North Dubuque Street Entranceway Beautification Project Last fall, JCCOG, on behalf of the City of Iowa City, applied for a grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation's State Transportation Enhancement program to help fund the North Dubuque Street beautification project. We have recently heard from the Iowa DOT that our project was not approved for funding. This is a $490,000 project in the unfunded section of the Capital Improvements Program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. cc: Steve Atkins Karin Franklin Jeff Davidson Chuck Schmadeke Rick Fosse Indexbc\memos\3-2BP.doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM DATE:March 26, 2002 TO: City Council and Ci~ Hanager FROM: Steven Nasby, Community Development Coordinatord~~-''~ RE: FY03 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOt4E Tnvestment Partnership Program (HOME) Funding Recommendations from the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) On Harch 21 HCDC formalized their recommendations for FY03 CDBG and HONE funding. These allocations will form the basis of the FY03 Annual Action Plan, that is a part of iowa City's 2001-2006 Consolidated Plan (a.k.a. C1TY STEPS). HCDC's recommendations for funding are attached as exhibit A. This year we received 23 project proposals totaling $2,190,695 in addition to the $706,500 in set-asides for economic development, aid to agencies, housing rehabilitation and program administration. Overall, the requested amount of CDBG and HONE funds totaled $2,897,195. in FY03 we anticipate having $1,773,000 in CDBG and HONE funding. After taking away the set-asides shown above, HCDC had $1,066,500 ($581,600 HOME and $484,900 CDBG) to allocate to the 23 proposed projects. A summary of the HCDC recommendations by category is as follows: Public Services $ 40,500 Public Facilities $411,000 Housing $591,600 Planning (EHP feasibility Study) $ 23,400 TOTAL $1,066,500 Due to the CDBG program regulations the amounts shown for public services and planning cannot increase; however, they can be reduced. In addition, we must commit $581,600 of the housing funds to HONE eligible projects. As such, the allocations for Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, Garden Prairie LP and Greater iowa City Housing Fellowship cannot be adjusted and funding moved into another category. Next week you will be receiving the FY03 Project Resource Book that contains staff memos, staff reports, minutes from HCDC meetings, justifications for HCDC's allocations, project rankings and copies of all of the applications requesting FY03 funding. If you have questions or need additional information please call me at 356-5248. Cc: Karin Franklin, Director of Planning and Community Development FY03 CDBG\HOME FUNDING -- HCDC Meeting 3/21/02 Community Corrections Improvement Association -- Youth Leademhip $15,000 $0 Public Service Crisis Center - Food Bank Storage Area $131,550 $112,510 Public Facility DVIP -- Facility Rahab $37,000 $0 Public Facility DV[P -- Furniture Project $13,500 $4,500 Public Service Eagles' Flight Inc. -- Minority Women's Health Initiative $15,000 $0 Public Service Elder Services, Inc. -- Small Repair Program $50,000 $5,000 Housing Emergency Housing Project -- Deposit Assistance $5,000 $5,000 Housing Emergency Housing Project -- Feasibility Study $27,500 $23,400 Pranning Emergency Housing Project - Land Acquisition $350,000 0 Public Facility Emergency Housing Project -- Shelter Coordinator $30,000 $18,000 Public Service Englert Theatre -- Accessibility Improvements $206,460 $0 Public Facility Ever[ Conner Center -- Rahab and Home Mofifications $23,645 $0 Housing Family Services -- Consumer Credit Counseling $5,000 $0 Public Service Garden Prairie LP -- Construction of Rental Housing $500,000 $301,200 Housing Greater Iowa City Housing Fellowship -- Homeownership Program $102,000 $102,000 Housing HACAP -- Douglass Court Purchase $34,400 $34,400 Housing HACAP -- Transitional Housing Replacement $144,000 $144,000 Housing Iowa City Free Medical Clinic -- Case Management $38,413 $18,000 Public Service Mid-Eastern Community Mental Health -- Facility Rahab $25,737 $0 Public Facility Neighborhood Centers of Johnson Co. -- Facility Rahab $34,490 $34,490 Public Facility Pathways Adult Day Care -- Outdoor Courtyard $25,000 $0 Public Facility United Action for Youth -- Facility Acquisition $320,000 $225,000 Public Facility Wesley Foundation -- Facility Rehab and Accessibility $39,000 $39,000 Public Facility $2,172,695 $1,066,500 Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services IP15 Customer Service Survey ~ March 2002 I 0W AR'I D011 GP "You are all doing GREAT. I appreciate the help I have been receiving from the building inspection department as well as the housing inspectors. It was nice to meet Patricia MacKay on a recent inspection. Thank you for your services." "Super! Mr. Cate was very understanding and kind following some confusion about the scheduled inspection time. The tenant commented on how polite he was. Thanks." "I continue to be impressed with the working knowledge and cooperation of the housing inspection staff. I appreciate the updated suggestions and have a mutual respect for the entire staff. Good to see John back on his feet and welcome back Patricia." "Excellent. Pat MacKay is a wonderful inspector and person to work with. I appreciate her professionalism and personal touch very much." "Bob Shaver inspected one of our rental properties. He was prompt, polite, helpful, and thorough. Good serviceP' "We are very grateful for all the help and guidance your staff gives us." "Did a graatjob!" "Mr. Bovey was very professional on my most recent inspection." "Bob Shaver has been friendly and professional. We appreciate that." "Great! Norm was very understanding when I had complications that caused me to delay the reinspection twice." "Fair, sincere, and helpful with answers to correct any problems. A joy to work with, yet he does not overlook any details." "Just a note to let you know I was very impressed with Bob Shaver. He was very thorough with his inspection and answered all my questions, no matter how trivial." "Just fine." "I have had the opportunity to work with several inspectors and the city offices. All employees have been kind and polite. A very good experience." "Your inspector John Bovey is very competent and easy to work with,. Wish all of them were that good. Your fees are way too high." "Send a checklist with the renewal form so the expectations ara clear for property inspections." hiSadm/comments02.doc "Bob Shaver is direct, clear, and fair and has good follow-up. I didn't know about car parking areas and garage use." "Inspection OK." "Housing Inspection Services has worked well with us. Inspectors have been on time and very cooperative and helpful. Art Anderson in particular was very helpful and gave one of our tenants numerous opportunities and advice on how to pass the inspections. ALL inspectors have been polite. Thanks!" "Did a good job. Was polite to everyone - including tenants." "Good!)" "Great job. Easy to work with. Very professional and knowledgeable." "I know people who have rented out property or rooms in their houses for 25 years and have never had them inspected. To be fair you should inspect all or none. Why should only a few of us pay???" "Good job. I do wish, however, that whoever is responsible to see that landlords pick up trash around their buildings would address the issue on south Johnson." "I was disappointed that Mr. Bovey didn't say anything about the copper pipe going to the gas clothes dryer. We detected a gas leak the next day, and had to have it repaired. It was brought to my attention that copper is no longer acceptable for gas 'tubing.'" "Well, Bob Shaver has a good sense of reality - as do all of them." "Mr. Shaver was very prompt and accommodating when checking the house and gave other ideas also. Thank you for fast service." "The inspection was done in an efficient and reasonable manner. The inspector arrived promptly, performed an efficient and reasonable inspection. It was as painless as possible." "I would recommend that you be proactive in reconfirming the inspection that has been scheduled (via mail) by calling the owners before showing up (24 hours in advance). This would avoid wasting your time!" "I appreciate the time consideration on the metal soffit repairs. Thanks!" "'Thumbs up' for Norm Cate - he was helpful, pleasant, and easy to work with (thorough too)." "1. Too often; 2. Too expensive; 3. Too nit picking; 4. Adds too much cost to remodel project or new construction. We are looking at building only in Coralville." "I think for the most part, your department does well. I've noticed though an attitude present that makes it seem that the owners of property are working for the City. And believe it or not it is the other way around. But that's just life, I guess." "Norm Cate was real professional and polite. He was willing to answer any questions I had." "Suggestion: Gas sniffers for inspectors. I have key boxes for several apartment buildings but I have been called in the middle of the night to unlock doors. Why pay $500 to still have to be available to unlock doors?" "John did a very thorough inspection and told me of things to watch for as a landlord to keep the property up. Excellent job." "All went smoothly. Used a minimum amount of our time. Thank you John." "The inspector was prompt and respectful of my time. She was courteous and very knowledgeable of the code and city requirements. She answered my questions and was thorough throughout the inspection - aware of safety issues and possible hazards." "Lately in recent inspections it seems as thought the entire process has gone quite smoothly. really appreciate the constructive, cooperative attitudes of the current inspection staff." "Norm Cate - very fair, courteous, prompt, follow-up timely, very positive experience." Distributed by Council Member MINUTES East Central Iowa Council of Governments Board Meeting 1:00 p.m. - February 28, 2002 East Central Iowa Council of Governments 108 Third Street SE, Suite 300 - Cedar Rapids, lA MEMBERS PRESENT David Vermedahl-Benton County Supervisor Bob Stout-Washington County Supervisor Don Magdefrau-Benton County Citroen Rod Straub-lowa County Supervisor Gary Edwards-Iowa ,County Citizen Dennis Hansen-Jones County Citizen £eo Cook-Jones County Supervisor Henry Herwig-Coralville City Council Pat ttarney-Johnson County Supervisor Ed Raber- Washington County Citizen Larry Wilson-Johnson County Citizen Wade Wagner-Cedar Rapids Commissioner Ross Wilburn-Iowa City City Council MEMBERS ABSENT Ed Brown-Mayor of Washington Tom Tjelmeland-Mayor of Ely Ann Hearn-Linn County Cia~en Lu Barron-Linn County Supervisor James Houser-Linn County Supervisor Charlie Montross-Iowa County Supervisor Benton County elected oJficiabvacancy Jones County elected ojficial-vacancy ALTERNATES PRESENT Lumir Dostal-Linn County OTHER'S PRESENT - None STAFF PRESENT Doug Elliott-Executive Director Gina Peters-Administrative Assistant Chad Sands - Planner Tracey Mulcahey- Grants Administrator Mary Rump-IT/TransportationPlanner Robyn Jacobson- Transit Administrator Marie DeVries-Solid Waste Planning Coordinator Lisa Carlson - Planner Jim Nehring-Joint-Purchasing Coordinator Jennifer Ryan-Planner Catherine Hankey-Circuit Rider 1.0 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Secretary/Treasurer, David Vermedshl at 1:04 p.m. .1 Recognition of Alternates Lumir Dostal-Linn County Vermedahl welcomed new board member, Wade Wagner, Cedar Rapids Commissioner. .2 Public Discussion - None (Harney joined the meeting at this time.) 1 .3 Approval of Agenda M/S/C (Hansen/Stout) to approve the agenda. All ayes. 2.0 ROUTINE MATTERS .1 Approval of Minutes (January 31, 2002) Hansen noted a change under members absent on page 1. The board member vacancies in Benton and Jones Counties are for elected officials not citizens. M/S/C (Raber/'Vqilson) to approve the minutes with the correction noted. All ayes. .2 Preceding Month's Budget Reports/Balance Sheets Elliott gave an overview of the January financial statements. Elliott noted the settlement from the Fratzke rehab loan should be received this week and if it is, that line item will be removed on the February fmancials. (Wilburn joined the rneett'ng at this time.) M/S/C (Cook]Herwig) to receive and file the January financial statements for audit. All ayes. 3.0 AGENCY REPORTS .1 Chairperson's Report - None .2 Board Members' Reports - None .3 Director's Report Elliott told the board the 2002 IDOT Annual Public Input meetings have been scheduled. The closest locations are April 9a' in Bettendorf and November 7t~ in Manchester. Elliott gave an overview of the intermodal facility project that he and Rump have been working on with Five Seasons Transportation. Concept drawings have been received and they have asked for cost estimates. An RFQ for architecture and design will follow. Elliott noted that ECICOG suggested using sustainable construction for the project and sustainable building products will be used in the facility. Discussion followed on the facility and its components. Elliott introduced Catherine Hankey, the new Circuit Rider at ECICOG. .4 Joint-Purchasing Report Information included in the board packet. .5 Community Development Report Edwards asked status of Sampson Enterprises. In the board report it was reported that they have financially disbanded. Mulcahey noted that the state is asking the county to verify that the company has no assets. Mulcahey told the board that CDBG block grant awards should be announced tomorrow or Monday. .6 }lousing Report - None .7 Solid Waste Report The solid waste report was handed out before the board meeting (attached). Ryan told the board that she is assisting Iowa City to promote their household hazardous materials facility. On April 2 the landfill is hosting a family fun day and an open house is scheduled for April 19. On March 8-10 Ryan and DeVries will assist at the home show in Iowa City. Ryan said that on February 4-8, she and DeVries helped sort garbage for four hours a day as part of the recycling evaluation project. They will sort more garbage in April. DeVries explained they sort recyclables out of the garbage and look at the materials in the bins to see what materials are being recycled and what aren't. This helps evaluate how people understand the current system. They are sorting garbage from household in portions of Cedar Rapids, Marion and Iowa City. At 1:30 p.m., Vermedahl opened the public hearing on the sale of the GRO House. Vermedahl asked for comments. Elliott gave an overview of the GRO project. He noted that HUD and EPA funding was used for the project and that funding had to be used for sustainable building rehabilitation. The selling price has to be at or below fair market value and sold to someone with income under 110% of the county median income. The home was put on the market, an offer was received and the home will be sold for $60,000. The proceeds from the sale of the home will go towards rehab of another home. The ' · sale of the home ~s contingent upon documentation that the buyer's income is not more 2 than 110% of the median income for Benton County, the buyer's ability to secure appropriate financing, and an established closing date of no later than March 29, 2002. M/S (Dostal/Stout) to close the public hearing at 1:34 p.m. M/S/C (Cook/Stout) to approve the resolution as written on page 19 of the board packet. All ayes. .8 Transportation Report Jacobson told the board that more letters concerning Washington County Mini Bus have been received and responses sent out. She noted that the Consolidated Transit Application for FY2003 is due on April I and a public hearing date needs to be set. M/S/C (Hansen/Raber) to set the public hearing date for March 28, the next board meeting. All ayes. Jacobson told the board that Peter Hallock fi.om the IDOT Office of Public Transit will be conducting a compliance review at ECICOG on March 12-13. Jacobson also told the board that she attended another vehicle signage meeting. The mmsit system name needs to be the larger name displayed on the vehicles and the provider name needs to be in smaller type. She noted that the IDOT would like to have a vehicle signage policy in place by April 1. Dostal asked what the cost per bus would be. Jacobson stated that another system was charged approximately $550. She noted an RFP for cost estimates would be sent out. Elliott told the board that Jacobson would bring a draft RFP to the March board meeting. Jacobson stated that members of the TOG were also asked for comments. 4.0 COMMITTEE REPORTS .1 Executive Committee - None .2 Personnel Committee - None .3 Budget Committee - None .4 Transit Operator's Group - None .5 Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee - None .6 Ad ltoc Committee Reports - None 5.0 IOWA INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVIEW SYSTEM MJS/C (Magdeflau/Montross) to approve the Iowa Intergovernmental Reviews with a favorable review. All ayes. 6.0 OLD BUSINESS .I Approval of Expenditures M/S/C (Wilson/Hansen) to approve payment of expenditures. All ayes. 7.0 NEW BUSINESS Elliott told the board that the March meeting will be in Belle Plaine to coincide with the open house in Belle Plaine. 8.0 NEXT MEETING: April 25, 2002 The meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m. All ayes. David Vermedatfl, Secretary/Treasurer March 28~ 2002 Date Los Angeles Times: City Panel to Explore Land Trust to Build Parks **Distributed b~v Council Hember Pfab LOS ANGELES City Panel to Explore Land Trust to Build Parks By T]:NA DAUNT T~ME5 STAFF WRITER March 27 2002 A Los Angeles City Council committee Tuesday agreed to explore the possibility of setting up an urban land trust to develop more parks in the city's most populated areas. The trust, which will be modeled after similar programs in Chicago, 5an Francisco and Philadelphia, would serve as a liaison between the community and City Hall in an effort to transform vacant lots and neglected buildings into o network of green oases. "The time has come to look at land-use planning differently," community activist Misty 5anford told the council's Arts, Health and Humanities Committee. "We cannot let this opportunity pass us by." Under the plan approved Tuesday by the committee, a coalition of city and community leaders will meet in the coming weeks to figure out how to set up the land trust, which would be funded partly with grants from private companies. The council would then take up the matter, possibly this summer. "Our goal should be one day that everyone has some sort of park within walking distance from where they live, where every kid can go and play," said Councilman Eric Garcetti, who will oversee efforts to set up the trust. "The land trust is a way of making sure that eve~, last acre we can get gets greened." Sanford, a policy anolyst with Environmental Defense, said a study conducted by he~ group found that the five poorest City Council districts have 17% of the city's park resources, whereas the five wealthiest have 50%. "That leaves the Iow-income communities and communities of color in the densely populated urban core of Los Angeles with an average of 0.445 acres of pork space per 1,000 residents, less than 5% of the national standards," Sanford said. ~arcetti, who represents parts of Hollywood and sits on the Arts, Health and Humanities Committee, said his goal is to increase the number of porks in Los Angeles by 50% over the next 10 years. "The urban land trust is long overdue in this city," ~rcetti said. "Zf we can do this, this will be one of the biggest things we accomplish in our time here." At ~rcetti's direction, the working group will report back with its findings in 60 days. http://www.latimes.com/templates/misc/printstory.jsp?slug=la%2bOOOO22072r 3/27/02 IP18 ICgo org o, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa Clty~ IA 52240 Ph: (319} 3Si search r city services ~ city facts ] council ] documents ~ city code ~ non-city links ~ photos Headlines LANDFILL & RECYCLING CENTER OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED Monday, March 25, 2002 - 3.'51:00 PM ~ Saturday, April 20, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Many events and ~ activities are schedu ed to acquaint the entire family with the important services now provided by the Iowa City Landfill. Learn to protect your environment by disposing of hazardous wastes safely; fun activities for the kids; tours; refreshments; and equipment demonstrations. Prizes and live local radio station remotes. Take Melrose Avenue west 2 miles to Hebl Avenue. Call for information - 356-5185.