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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-16 CorrespondenceMarian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 12:23 PM To: 'Linda A. Woltman@aramarksvm.com'; *City Council Cc: Barb Coffey; Alana Vavra; Steve Atkins; Andy Matthews; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Gary Cohn Subject: RE: web site Ms. Woltman: You are correct there are not many maps on the City's site. The site is still relatively new and, because map and directions capabilities are available on other sites (such as mapquest http://www.mapquest.com), we have made a decision to focus on information that is not available anywhere else. We too believe maps are important; therefore, we recently purchased software to create maps and will work toward the goal of including many on the City's site. Carver Hawkeye Arena is a University facility. I was able to locate a map for Carver Hawkeye on the University's Facility Locator page at the following link http://www, uiowa.edu/~maps/c/chal .htm. I hope you have an enjoyable time at the Pow-Wow. Thank you for relaying your concern. Lisa Lisa Mollenhauer Administrative Assistant to the City Manager (319) 356-5010 ..... Original Message ..... From: Linda A. Woltman@aramarksvm.com [mailto: Linda_A._Woltman@aramarksvm.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 12:09 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: web site I don't understand why can't people in Iowa give proper directions to newcomers to the area. I have been trying to get directions to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the past 2 weeks. I would like to attend the Pow-Wow this weekend. I have been told its behind walgrens, well its not. then I tried to get into your web site for Iowa City and get a map off of there well no luck. I did find a phone number to call and for the last week no one has answered the phone finally a got a young man who can't give directions and if attends the university of Iowa I sure don't want my kids going there. How do you expect to increase tourist spending in Iowa City if no one can find it. None of the maps have the Arena on there. And unfortunately I had to move here with a job transfer, 1 tell you this is one Iousey experience I have had, from the move in to dealing with the utilities out here. I would appreciate some help if someone in your office can give directions to the Arena coming from 1st Ave in Coralville. Linda Woltman Marian Karr From: Scott Kading [scottkading@mchsi.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 4:37 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: 13 S. Linn St. City Councir, Again I would like to thank you for your time and effort you give to this groat city. I am writing in follow-up to the City Council's decision to appeal the District Court's decision to allow a business to be in the basement of our building at 13 S. Linn St. As you know, we originally filed our building permit application in July 2000. Although both the State Board of Review and a District Court judge have ruled in our favor, I am still unable to use the basement. It is my understanding that it could be another two years before the appeal is resolved. As you can imagine, this process has become very expensive for me. After consulting with my attorney, who has had discussions with the City Attorney's office, we are proposing that i be able to proceed with my plans for a restaurant in the basement pending the outcome of the City's appeal. We would agree that this would have no affect on the outcome of the City's appeal. We believe this would benefit everyone by allowing me to proceed with the restaurant while allowing the City to maintain its position. It would also alrow the City to avoid issuing a bond or any potential claims I may have. If the City continues to prohibit me from going forward with my plans for a restaurant, I feel I will have no choice but to instruct my attorney to file a lawsuit against the City. Thank you, Scott Kading 13 S. Linn St. (319)430-0696 4/10/02 Marian Karr From: Matthew Show [mapashow@mchsi.com] Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2002 10:06 PM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: Question Hi, My name is Matt Show. I work for the Iowa City Community School District. I was just wondering, how come I make less money working with the children of Iowa City then a clerk/typist of Iowa City or a water cust. service employee? I guess it just struck me as odd since I am helping to shape the future of Iowa Cities youth. Thanks for your time. Matthew Show 4/11/02 Council Member 410 E. Washington St, .~.~7 !~?~ -5 ~ill l~: ~!~ Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Co~cil Members: I m ~ting m you in tug,ds m ~e p~ ordin~ce ~at would require Iowa Ci~ residents m obtain pemits for p~ies ~d keg p~ch~es, ~d would b~ indoor hmi~e ~om ~ont porches. This proposal is absolmely asinine. I m grossly appMled that my elected ci~ co~cilo~ would w~te their time discussing such a pro,sM that cle~ly ~mples on inffivid~l libe~ies. ~s proposed ordin~ce mint be elimina~d in i~ entim~. ~e contention ~at by eliminming couches ~om ~ont porches will contribute to ~e upk~p of Iowa Ci~ is outrageous. Upkeep of individual homes is solely le~ to ~e prope~ o~er, ~d does not ne~ a m~date by the ci~ s~ting that a homeo~er c~ot have a couch on their outside pomh. I'm s~e ~ Co,oil members you c~ find more impo~t ~d pressing issues that face Iowa Ci~ residents th~ w~ting yo~ time discussing couches on home omers pomhes. The contention ~at a p~ pe~it wo~d i~ibit impromptu ga~efin~ is so ins~ely fidic~o~, it is Mmost ~y. If you ~e ~der the n~ve ~smpfion ~at ~ ordin~ce is going to c~b the numar of impromptu ga~efings you ~e grossly mis~en. Reqofing Iowa Ci~ residents m obtMn a "p~ pemk" for more t~ 30 people is absolute stupidi~. As elected city officios I m disgusted ~d asked ~at my ci~ leaders ~e w~ting time on such trivial issues. I m embossed for ~e Ci~ of lowa Ci~ thru ~e co,oil members offs tom ~e ~ussing such ~volous ordi~ces. This pro~sed ordin~ce needs to be dropped in its entire~. I'm s~e the Co,oil c~ find more peffinem issues, which ~e mom relev~t to the consti~ents of Iowa Ci~. Sincerely, Mike Post 100 B~ge Hall ~4432 Iowa Ci~, IA 52242 319-353-1700 michael-post~uiowa.edu Marian Karr From: flintstone27bam bam@yahoo.com Sent: Friday, April 05, 2002 8:30 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Response to Eye Sore correspondence Hell-o Councilors, Have been waiting patiently for a response to my Mar.18th letter about the litter problem in Iowa City. Would appreciate some feedback about my ideas. Thankyou, Fred VanAllen Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Tax Center - online filing with TurboTax http://taxes.yahoo.com/ ATLAS WORLD GRILL April 10, 2002 Dear City Council Members We are seeking a variance to allow our caf~ to remain open until 12:30 PM. The current regulations require that we cease all activity at 10 PM, I was lucky enough to live in Boulder Co., New Orleans La. And I just got back from atdp to Italy. All of these places had a thdving nighttime caf~ scene. Great conversation, coffee, and wine enjoyed responsibly by adults. I believe the Atlas World Grill should be allowed this variance for the following reasons. -Our Average Table "Turn' time is over one hour. Because of this we have to stop seating the patio at 9 PM. -AIIOVang the patio to remain open after 10 PM. would provide excellent post-Hancher and post Riverside theatre dessert and after theatre cocktail location. -We only allow persons over 21 into the establishment after 10 PM. So this will not contribute to under-age drinking. We have one of the best records on this issue downtown. By giving this variance you would be sending a message to the over and under bars in town that the city will work with establishments that honor the intent of the alcohol ordinance as much as the letter. -We were and are great supporters of the Iowa Av. Project. It was one of the reasons we chose our Ioca~on and decided to move here from Boulder Co, We have invested over $15, 000 on a beautiful hand made rot iron fence from solon artisan Matt Bernhouse, designer chairs pumhased through Design Ranch a local business, and unique stainless steel tables which Kumi Moms and the design review board approved "enthusiastically'. I believe our patio adds to the beauty of our downtown, and allowing us to remain open the extra two hours would help us offset the cost of the improvement. 127 IOWA AVE · IOWA CITY, IA · 52240 PHONE: (319) 341-7700 · FAX: (319) 341-6608 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: March 28, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~ Re: Item for April 16, 2002 City Council Meeting: Change nineteen parking meters in the Recreation Center lot from 1 O-hour to 2-hour meter term As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(17), the nineteen existing parking meters comprising the west row of parking meters in the Recreation Center lot will be changed fi.om a meter term of 10 hours to a meter term o1'2 hours. Comment: This action is being taken at the request of the Parking Division. The intent is to move the long-term parkers and permit holders away fi.om the Recreation Center and open up short-term parking for Recreation Center users. indexbc~memos\4-1 BP.doc City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: April 5, 2002 To: City Clerk From: Beth Pfohl, JCCOG Traffic Engineering Planner ~?/~'~ Re: Item for April 16, 2002 City Council Meeting: Installation of NO PARKING 2 AM - 6 AM signs As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action. Action: Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A(10), NO PARKING 2 AM - 6 AM signs will be installed at the following locations: 600 block of South Dubuque Street, 500 block of South Clinton Street, 10 block Harrison Street on the east and west sides, 10 block of North Clinton Street on the east side, 200 block of North Clinton Street on the east and west sides, 300 block of North Clinton Street on the east side, 400 block of North Clinton Street on the east and west sides, 500 block of North Clinton Street on the east and west sides, 500 block of Iowa Avenue on the nodh and south sides, 500 block of College Street on the south side, and 400 block of College Street on the south side. Comment: The 2 am - 6 am parking prohibition is maintained in all metered on-street parking areas in the Central Business District and surrounding area. The purpose is to allow routine maintenance to be performed by the Streets Division. Inconsistent signage of the prohibition has created enforcement problems for the Police Department. This action will establish consistent signage throughout the on-street metered area around the CBD. jccogt p/mem/act-comm4-5~2.doc Date: April 8, 2002 To: Iowa City Council From: Hillary Sale, Chair, Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force Re: Update from Task Force The Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force was established and appointed in October of 2001, by the City Council. In that Resolution, Council directed the Task Force to fulfill the goal of improving peaceful habitation in Iowa City neighborhoods by reviewing the existing housing nuisance laws and policies designed to improve residential neighborhoods in Iowa City. The task force has been meeting almost weekly since that time in an effort to reach consensus regarding the recommendations it will be making to the City Council. The Task Force plans to hold a public forum in late April to hear community feedback on its proposals and, shortly thereafter, to present its recommendations and some proposed ordinances changes to the City Council this summer. The members of the Task Force are: Mike Carberry, tenant representative Ted Chambers, Chambers Agency Sally Cline, small landlord representative Ann Freerks, neighborhood representative Jerry Hansen, neighborhood representative Nick Klenske, University of Iowa Student Body President Mike Newman, tenant representative Larry Svaboda, rental property owner/manager Anne Vespa, Heritage Property Management Tim Walker, neighborhood representative City Staff who have been meeting with the task force are: Sue Dulek, City Attorney's Office Capt. Matt Johnson, Police Department Norm Cate and Doug Boothroy, Housing and Inspection Services Marcia Klingaman, Neighborhood Services The Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force will be hold a "public forum" on Tuesday, April 30 in Emma Harvat Hall of the Civic Center from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The purpose of the forum is to hear public comment on the draft recommendations. When a draft of the recommendations is available, we will forward it to you as well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 335.9225. Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr ~ From: David Schoon Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 8:34 AM To: 'sjmurf(~attbi.com' Cc: *City Council Subject: RE: Jamba Juice Qustion? Dear Stephen, There presently is not a Jamba Juice in Iowa City or in Johnson County, and I cannot recall that there has ever been one in the sixteen years I have lived here. Aisc, I do not know how far away the closest one is. David Schoon Economic Development Coordinator Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 8:21 AM To: 'Stephen Murphy' Cc: *City Council; David Schoon Subject: RE: Jamba Juice Qustion? Mr. Murphy: Thank you for sending your comments to the City Council. A copy of your email will be distributed to all seven Council Members at the next work session, formal meeting, or no later than the next Thursday information packet. All correspondence addressed to Council becomes a permanent public record. I forwarded your email to David Schoon, the City's Economic Development Coordinator, for response. He should be contacting you shortly. Lisa Lisa Mollenhauer Administrative Assistant to the City Manager (319) 356-5010 ..... Ori§i~al Message ..... From: Stephen Murphy [mailto:sjmur£~attbi,com] Sent: Saturday, April 13, 2002 6:16 PM To: council~iowa-city.org Subject: Jamba Juice Qustion? I am a student that lives in Moraga CA. I was wondering if there has ever been a Jambe Juice in your city. Or about how far away is the closest one. Can you get to one easily? Thanx. Please reply fast -stephen Page 1 of Marian Karr 5/~ ~-/~) From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Monday, April 15, 2002 8:27 AM To: 'ncsteele' Cc: *City Council; Kevin O'Malley Subject: RE: Hickory Hill Improvement Costs Mr. Steele: Thank you for sending your comments to the City Council. A copy of your email will be distributed to all seven Council Members at the next work session, formal meeting, or no later than the next Thursday information packet. All correspondence addressed to Council becomes a permanent public record. if you wish to communicate with Council Members immediately, please click here for additional contact options http;//www,icgov, org/cityco unci!.htm. I have forwarded your email to our Finance Director, Kevin O'Malley. He will respond to your specific questions below. Have a nice day. Lisa Lisa Mollenhauer Administrative Assistant to the City Manager (319) 356-5010 l From: ncsteele [ncsteele@netzero. net] Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2002 10:08 AM To: council@iowa-city.org Subject: Hickory Hill Improvement Costs Dear City Council, I am writing in regards to the improvements being made in and around Hickory Hill Park. What I would like to know is the costs associated with these projects. · Hickory Hill Park o Since the trail improvement project at the park is being done to bring the park into compliance with the American Disabilities Act, is this being paid for with local or federal funds? If both, what is the breakdown of costs to local and/or federal taxpayers? o Will the Parks Department's budget be increased to pay for yearly maintenance of newly constructed trails? If so, how much is proposed? · Hick;o~, Hei[Ihts D_e_ye.!op__m_ept o What is the proposed costs to taxpayers for road and services construction for the Hickory Heights development? For example: sewer installation, road and sidewalk construction, storm water drainage. Thank you, Nate Steele PO Box 2755 Iowa City, IA 52244 Page 1 of 2 Marian Karr From: Lisa Mollenhauer Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 4:38 PM To: *City Council Subject: FVV: Park Improvement Costs .... Original Message From: Kevin O'Malley Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 4:34 PM To: 'ncsteele' Cc: Lisa Mollenhauar Subject: RE: Park Improvement Costs Dear Mr_ Steele, I have inserted my answers after your questions. .... Original Message ..... From: ecsteele [mailto:ncsteele~netzero.net] Sent: Sunday, April 14, 2002 10:00 AM To: kevin-omalley~iowa-clty.org Subject: Park lmprovment Costs Mr. O'Malley, I am writing in regards to the improvements being made in and around Hickory Hill Park, What I would like to know is the costs associated with these projects. · Hickory Hill Park o Since the trail improvement project at the park is being done to bdng the park into compliance with the American Disabilities Act, is this being paid for with local or federal funds? If both, what is the breakdown of costs to local and/or federal taxpayers? The improvements ara paid out of local funds. o Will the Parks Department's budget be increased to pay for yearly maintenance of newly constructed trails? If so, how much is proposed? The following comment is from Terry Trueblood, Director of Parks & Recreation. o Kevin, The answer is .... no, our budget is not being increased for the specific purpose of maintaining these trails. VVhile the length ofthe trail system is being increased substantially, the surface being used will not require as much maintenance as the old trails. As you know, we have been requesting additional help for quite some time due to a number of factors, i.e. increased parkland, more trails, high maintenance sports fields, etc., but because of the budget situation we haven't received funding for extra help in the last few years. Terry · Hickory Heig_hts Development o What is the proposed costs to taxpayers for road and services construction for the Hickory Heights development? For example: sewer installation, road and sidewalk construction, storm water drainage. Those costs are to be borne by the developer. (If incorrectly addressed, please forward this to the proper personnel) Thank you, Nate Steele Page 2 of 2 PO Box 2755 Iowa City, IA 52244 Regards, Kevin O'Malley Marian Karr From: Ross Wilburn Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 11:08 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Public power initiative ..... Original Message ..... From: Jaques, Sandford [mailto:sandford-jaques@uiowa.edu] Sent: Saturday, April 06, 2002 10:38 AM To: 'connie_charnpion@iowa-city.org'; 'ernie_lehman@iowa-city.org'; 'mike_odon nell@iowa-city.org'; 'dee_vanderhoef@iowa-city.org'; 'ross_wilbu rn @iowa-city.org' Subject: Public power initiative Hi, I wanted to voice my support for the analysis of a public power utility for Iowa City. From the information I received (from Public Power initiative), some 130 municipalities in IOwa have public power, including Ames, so it is clearly a viable alternative for a number of communities. It also sounds possible that a public power provider may be able to save the City some money, which we all like. Yes there will be significant up front costs if a facility needs to be constructed, but it may prove worthwhile in the Iongrun. Third, I would like to see the City investigate some alternative energy sources, such as solar, or wind rather than the traditional higher polluting coal and petroleum based sources. I hope that you give this issue the consideration that it deserves. Sincerely, Sandford Jaques Page 1 of 1 Marian Karr From: Mary K. Mitchell [nlcity@inav.net] Sent: Friday, April 12, 2002 4:33 PM To: Iowa City Council Subject: Reception for Brian James The North Liberty Commerce Committee and the Iowa City Area Chamber am hosting a welcome reception for our new North Liberty City Administrator, Brian James, on Tuesday, April 16, 2002, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Rookies in North Liberty. We hope you can stop by and say hello. cc: Steve Atkins Dale Helling 4/12/02 The C. Everett 0 p Institute To the Mayor, City Council and City of Iowa City Congratulations on the passage of a smokefree restaurant ordinance. You have shown great leadership and vision. I understand that over the past several years you, and members of your community, hav_,9, educated themselves on the adverse effects of secondhand smoke. As you kno/v, smokefree ordinances not only eliminate the exposure of patrons and workers to carcinogens and toxins, but they also chance social norms. Prohibiting smoking in public places reduces initiation of tobacco use among children and assists smokers who wish to quit. This is an important public health issue and Iowa City, with a forward-looking government and a health-conscious citizenry, has once again proven itself a leader. I hope other communities in Iowa and elsewhere will follow your example. Thank you for including me in your celebration today. I am honored to have played a role in the genesis of this ordinance. Hanover, New Hampshn'e 03755 . 862 Tel. 603.650-1450 Fax 603.650-1452 Helene R. Hembreike'~r~ 3002 l~arkview Avenue Iowa City, Iowa 52240 April 11, 2002 Dear Ernie Lehman and Members of the Iowa City Council~ I am enclosing a letter that appeared in the Press-Citizen yes- terday, April 10th. This letter clearly illustrates our need for a feasibility study for establishin~ a municipal electric utility here in iowa City. Please do not si~n a franchise agreement with Mid-American at this time. Please fund a feasibility study. Please establish a citizen~ committee to conduct this feasibility study. Thankyou. Respectfully, Page ! lA · Editorial Board: · To contact us: Michael Beck, president and publisher Opinion editor D n wednesday, Belinda Stewart, managing editor Suzan Erem April 10, 2002 Daniel W. Brown, market development director Phone: 337-3181 Tricla Birr, assignment editor E-mail: opinion@ Suzan Erem, opinion editor press-citizen.com Cheryl L. Taylor, employment specialist Fax: 834-1053 Lucllle Hernandez Gregory, community member Iowa City needs power study The Iowa City Council host of others, The Public this matter. will anon vote on whether to Power Initiative for Iowa Carol Spazia~][ we support a feasibility O~]i~e sign a fi'anchise (contract) City is opposed to a contract study that would gather the with Mid.~merican Energy extending beyond 2005. We Saul Mekies f~ and enable the city to · There's more online Company. The company's propose that the city, joining make an inte[tigent decision at press-citizen.corn, proposal is for a IS-yearcon- with other coramunifies in ( uest 0piti0. o. beha/f of all its residents including: Lract. The city's staffsuggest- Iowa, conduct a feasibility and businesses. ed compromise is for an study to assess wisely our We support a franchise · Aa archive of past eight to 10-year contract, energy future, including the other utilities: water, cable, ex[ending only to the end of Press-Citizen editorials, at In response to a hefty possibility of creating a telephone, and high-speed year 2005 because that is wwv.press-citizen.com/ electric r-a[e increase request- municipally-owned electric Interne[ access, while main- when the rate freeze will ed by iVfid~erican a short utility. Municipally-owned taininglowratesandraaking expire, opinion/ while ago -- just after utilities in Muscat[ne and a net contribution to the city A fmncbzse goh~g beyond · A guide on how to Berkshffe Hathaway led by Ames have not increased coffers. 2005 may t-mancially bind submit letters at Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and electric rates [o their cus* In light of the California Iowa City to MJdAmerican www. press-citizen.com/ other large investors put- tomerssince 1978 and 1979, energy crisis, the Enron well beyond that date. opini0n/letters.htm chased the company -- the respectively, scandal and the need to use h~deed, even if the city opted Iowa Utilities Board froze More than 2,000 public our energy resources wisely, in the rneanthnc for its own · A listing of 10wa elec~c rates, but oldy until power systems inthe United it behooves lowa City to seri- ulility, MidAmerican might elected officials at the end of 2005. The recent States, incind[ng 137 cities in ously study the possibility of well argue later that the two www. press-citizen.c0m/ MidAmetican request, for an Iowa, operate theirown elec- a raanlcipally4wned elec/ric projected power plants that 0pi~io~/0fficials.htm increase in nateml gas rates, ttic utilities. It does not nec- utility, before signing a long- are now being co~structed annommed only a few days essmiiy mean bu[ldix~g new terra contract. MidAmerican were planned with Io~va city's after its cash purchase of plants. It does mema the city is amonopoly (albeit regulat- "native load" customers in establishing a nmnicipally- W'fllian~-s Pipeline Company would be in a position to ed for now). This is another mind Tlie city's utility may be ovmed utklity wtil be eco- is aJready mt indication of negotiate better terms with cause for concern: Our ener- charged for the "stranded nontically in the best interest where electric rates wili go raany wholesale power sup- gy future may be at the whbn costs" resulting from tile of lowa City. Therefore, let's ~ffter 2005 when the state's pliers m~d set its own rehail of a hand£ul of investors. "lost" ct~stomer base not put the proverbial cart protection expires Then, rates. This may even include There is notl~g wrong with Tlie couned shoukl con before the horse First, let's MidAmerican will look aggtin negotiating with Buffett and Gates looking sider sppointmg a represen- allocate a sufficient mnount Io local consumers to pay for MidAmericmt for wholesale out for theh- own interest, tative comnuttec to ~ssLst m of funds ~o conduct a lo.si- the cost of its expanding prices but on equal looting, Similarly, there is noticing bmtgingtolighl ali Ihe issues bility study by qualified monopnly as opposed to be[ag straight- wrong with Iowa City resi invnlved, ex~per~ Then, bo-~ed on that Any proposal for a con- jacketed by a 10- to 15-year dents and businesses looking Involvement with other study, determine whether -~ tract beyond 2005 would agreement as being contem- out for their own, and potential beneficiaries of and for how long, il at all-- bind the city, its residents, plated now. Such negotiating preparmg inte~genfly fort he lower rotes such as other to extend blid2dnerican's ~md its businesses lo a con- strategies are employed very future, cities, school dLsthcts, rite uni- franchise with Iowa City. lmct wSth rates that are, at successfully by cities like .~s a result, we made sev- versity, should be sought to Carol Spctzia~i and Sau! best, unknourn. That makes Pdnes tu~d Mttscatme. In fact, eral recommendations to the aclfieve economies of scale Mr,~ i~'.~ .vt to.oho i*~ne*~ oJ no sense. Muscatine extended such City Couned, and urge crew- Until we have more facts. Th~' ['id*lit f'tnv('* h~itiatitu' Marian Karr From: Alan Nagel [alan~nagel@uiowa.edu] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 9:05 AM To: cou ncil@iowa-city.org Subject: P & Z request P&Zmemo4-02.doc Copy follows, imported below and attached, of our letter concerning the Camp Cardinal Road area master planning discussion, and specifically the question of the exact location of the division between Iowa City and Coralville in the memorandum of agreement. We respectfully request that Council understand the fact that our property is located exactly in the position where it is as rational for it to remain in Iowa City as to be ceded to Coralville, and thus favor our preferences. Alan Nagel 335-0326, 354-3403 To: Karin Franklin City of Iowa City From: Alan and Kristin Nagel 1215 Camp Cardinal Road Iowa City 52246 Date: April 12, 2002 Re.: Master Planning, Camp Cardinal Road area No few years ago, then mayor Susan Horwitz visited with us about the long-term planning for development on the west side of Iowa City. She observed that some land in Iowa City would probably be yielded to Coralville, for purposes of the convenience of development, with specific reference to gravity drainage flow and the placement of waste water lines. Because our property is located at the height of land on the Camp Cardinal Road, we expressed a strong preference at that time to remain residents of Iowa City, where we have been resident property owners since 1972. In the past decade we have reasserted our preference to remain in Iowa City repeatedly, to City Council members and city staff. That preference remains strong, and we believe coherent with planning, beginning with the 1967-8 long-term plan and extending to current specific expectations for Iowa City. We request that planning and administrative staff recognize this request and the long-term planning on our part that has accompanied discussion over recent years. cc: S. Atkins, City Manager E. Lehman, Mayor MEMORANDUM To: City Council of Iowa City From: Julie Spears, Graduate Student, School of Social Work, University of Iowa Date: April 15, 2002 RE: Iowa City Commissions and the Student-aged Population Purpose The purpose of this memo is to present the results of an assessment of the representation of Iowa City residents on local commissions based on age. This assessment focuses on the inter-organizational network of these community decision-making groups and the student-aged population in Iowa City. The primary assumption is that students in Iowa City represent an age group that is systematically excluded from civic participation, intentionally or otherwise, in terms of the Boards, Committees and Commissions set up to serve them as residents of their community. For the purposes of this assessment, the student-aged population is defined as residents of Iowa City between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. The Boards, Commissions and Committees that make recommendations to the City Council comprise the community decision-making groups (For a list of respondents, see Appendix A). This assessment attempts to: 1. Estimate the extent to which the student-aged population is present as a voice on Iowa City Commissions; 2. Assess the willingness of these commissions to increase student input and civic participation; and 3. Make recommendations for both the students and city in order to improve the relationship between and representation of 18 to 24 year old on Commissions. The goal of this assessment is to provide the student body, via the University of Iowa Student Government (UISG), will a tool to support its current initiative to increase the voice of the student-aged population in the Iowa City community through its work with the City Council. This memo will present demographic information about the student-aged population and city commissions, report the findings of the assessment, and make recommendations based on the results. Background: Iowa City's Student-aged Population and Local Commissions Table 1 shows that 69 percent (or 19,714) of University of Iowa students are between the ages of 18 to 24 years old (UI Office of the Registrar, 2001). Almost three-quarters of students enrolled at the University of Iowa live in Iowa City (UI Office of the Registrar, 2001). In fact, of those who live in Iowa City, almost three out of four hve off-campus in housing throughout the Iowa City community (see Table 1). The demographics of Iowa City corroborate this figure in that 20,408 residents of Iowa City, about one-tI~ird o£ popu]ation, were between the ages of 18 to 24 in 2000 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000). This significantly over-represents this age category as compared to just over 10 percent of the population of the state of Iowa as a whole being between 18 to 24 years old. Table 1. , Students and Iowa e Age Students Aged 18 to 24 19,714 69% Of Students Living in Iowa City: On-campus 5,675 27% Off-campus 15,406 73% Living in Iowa City 21,801 73% _towa City Residents Aged 18 to 24 20, 408 33% Source: UI Office of the Registrar, 2001 and U.S. Census Bureau, 2000. Appendix A lists the 18 Boards, Commissions, and Committees under the direction of the City Council as well as thc number of members and the length of the term for which a member is appointed. A check mark indicates the Commissions with which I interviewed as part of this assessment. I included the Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force Ad Hoc Committee. This Task Force was designed to address various issues, e.g. enacting a noise ordinance, that would directly effect the student-aged population. To tailor to the objective of this study, I excluded four commissions: Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment, Airport Zoning Commission, Board of Appeals, and Board of Re¼ew based on the larger number of specified requirements of members, e.g. licensed electrician or appointment on another board. This resulted in a total study population of 15 Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Methods To assess representation by age on these commissions, I conducted a telephone interview of a convenience sample of city commissioners on March 23-24, 2002. The survey included both quantitative and qualitative research questions regarding composition of the board based on age and student status, as well as the affect that the board's policies and recommendations have on students, and general attitudes towards the students' role in their board (see Appendix D). Out of the 15 potential commissions that I identified for inclusion in the assessment, a total of 10 interviews (n=10) were conducted indicating a 66% response rate. The full report (available upon request) contains results from the more in-depth interview that I conducted with UISG president Nick Klenske, as both a member of the Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force and as a key informant regarding the initiative to increase the student presence on city commissions. The results are presented below. Results This section reports the aggregated survey results. Table 3 shows that only one member of any board or commission is 18 to 24 years old. It is important to note that this person is Nick Klenske in his role as student representative on the Neighborhood Housing Relations Task Force, which is an Ad Hoc Committee. I~ other wo~ds, the are no members of ~ny permanent Iowt~ C/tX Bo~'ds, Commissions, a~d Oommittee~ t]~at represez~t the 18 to 24 yea~ old age group. At the same time, four of the commissions reported having at least one member who is a student at the University of Iowa or Kirkwood. Anecdotally speaking, these members tend to be graduate students between 25 and 35 years old. Most respondents (70%) reported a representative population of older adults (65 or older) on their board. However, only three respondents (those with members who are students) stated that their committee was reflective of the greater Iowa City community in terms of younger adults. The same three respondents also expressed that they feel that students should have a role on their board and that they ~vould be willing to actively recruit 18 to 24 year olds for their board (see Table 2). To assess civic participation, respondents were asked to agree or disagree with the following stateinent: Student invoIvenmnt in lC Boards and Commissions would foster community leadership and civic participation (such as, voting, attending council meetings, etc.) anmngst the student population. Half (50%) of the respondents stated that they agreed with the statement, although many respondents found this question difficult to answer. Notably, 90 percent of the respondents stated that s/he would prefer a regular voting member who happened to be a student as a member of their board to a non-voting studeot representative. % Member(s) of your committee aged 18-24 years old 10% 1 % Member(s) of your committee students 40% 4 % Committee reflects the greater IC community in terms of age, including older and younger adults Older adults 7 0 % 7 Youn~,.er adults ...... 30% 3 % Agree with this statement: Student involvement in low~ City I3o,~rds and Corn mission, s we u]d los tcr corn m t u~it)' lea dership an d 50 % 5 civic participa tion (such as, voting, ntte~ding cotmci] meetings, etc.) amonffst _t]~e studemt i)opu]ation. % Feel that studen~ shouldhave a role on committee 30% 3 % Prefer a re.ar voting member to a non-verst 90% 9 student representative % ~ that committee wo~d be w~ng to actively 30% 3 recr~t to include a student-aged member Table 3 presents the results of a question regarding the degree to which the board has a perceived effect on student population in terms of the policies and recommendations to the City Conncil. Tbe majority of the respondents (60%) felt that their board's recommendations have a miniinal effect on the student population (see Table 3). Not surprisingly, two of the three respondents stating that their board's recommendations have at least a moderate effect on students are from the same three commissions whose members reflect the greater Iowa City community. Tbougb none felt their board's recommendations have ~l large degree of effect on the student population, oaly one respondent felt it bad no effect (see Table 3). Table 3. ~egree oi enecr oI ~OnCleS ana recommenc~arlons on students Large degree 0% 0 Moderate degree 30% 3 Minimal degree 60% 6 No affect 10% 1 Open-ended comments are presented as qualitative research included in this assessnmnt (see Appendices B and C). These statements, in my opinion, speak for themselves in regards of the wide range of feelings from the board members towards the student-aged population. Conclusions Iowa City Boards, Commissions and Committees as well as the City Council lack diversity in representation of the Iowa City community in terms of age. No members of any permanent Iowa City Boards, Commissions, and Committees represent the 18 to 24 year old age group. Although some degree of representation of older adults exists on these commissions, the population of 18 to 24 year olds is, in no uncertain terms, grossly under- represented. This is particularly astonishing when considering that 33 percent of the residents of Iowa City (20,408 people) are between the ages of 18 to 24 years old. Overall, the three commissions that responded as having 1) members who are students, and 2) a board that reflects the Iowa City community in terms of age, were the same respondents ~vho felt that a) students should have an active role on their board, that b) this type of role fosters community leadership and citizen participation, and that c) they would be willing to recruit 18 to 24 year olds to their board. Concurrently, there appears to be a sharp contrast to the unwillingness to be inclusive amongst the remaining respondents and their commissions. The attitude of inclusivity toward youth participation displayed by the previously discussed commissions, represents, a model for the rest of the community in terms of cultural competency. One of the most fascinating findings was the 90 percent support for a regular voting board member who happened to be a student to a non-voting student representative. In fact, several respondents stated that a non-voting member would be excluded from a nmjority of the commissions' business that occurs in closed session for confidentiality. Although a recent Council-Student initiative to create non-voting student representatives went unsupported by City Council, I believe that the ultimate dismissal of this initiative is a blessing in disguise for the long-term goal of increased student involvement. Non-voting membership would only give students a less legitimate or tokenized voice in local decision- making. Instead, I believe (as well as 9 other board members) that all board members should be voting board members, and, I would add that I did not see this response pattern as a way for commissions to effectively dodge potential student membership. This action may have also created a damaging practice of treating students as a special interest group. Certainly, it should be noted that as 33 percent of the population, students labeled as a special interest group are no more that than any one neighborhood association. Lastly, on a refreshing note, respondents generally expressed a desire to increase their inclusiveness of the student-aged population, so long as students have an interest and can meet the time commitment. Term length could be a problem, however, not one that could not be overcome (see recommendations). Of course, the owness to participate in democracy falls finally on each individual be they black, white, old, young, rich, poor, and so on. However, I believe that, as a community, we must continuously examine ways in which certain groups are intentionally or unintentionally excluded from the process. The City of Iowa City would be wise to conduct a similar assessment on the extending the subject of this research to ensure that all residents of Iowa City have a voice. Recommendations to Improve Age Representation on Commissions This last section offers summary recommendations and strategies for improving the relationship of Iowa City, its local commissions, and the student-aged population. 1) Follow Model Comm~asions. Three commissions appropriately described themselves as representative of the Iowa City community on the basis of age. City Council can use these commissions as a model from which to appoint future board members to upcoming vacancies. Also, members of these commissions could submit an open letter to the other commissions and City Council outlining the benefits of having a diverse representation on their board. For the purposes of confidentiahty, I will disclose the identity of these commissions upon City Council's request and proper permission from the respondents. 2) Students should be actively recruited as reg~l~ voting members. Commissions should sufficiently represent the age distribution of the general population. Therefore, steps should be taken to ensure that that occurs. 3) The length of the term of appointment shoald be altered. If City Council changes one seat on each board to a one or two year term (e.g. the Public Art Advisory Committee) that will reasonably allow students to serve on local commissions. This modification will address the concern of turnover in the student population while building a healthier relationship between the two divided communities. Councilors Kanner and Vanderhoef should continue to work with UISG to increase student representation on local commissions while encouraging support from the remaining members of the Council for this kind of policy change. 4) Send a Mass E-mail. The City of Iowa City should send a welcoming e-mail through the mass e-mail system to students once a semester about the www.icgov.org web page and other city services. At this time, reference could be made to the current and upcoming vacancies on boards and commissions. Because, there are only a couple of vacancies at any time, a mass e-mail would be looking to recruit 5-10 candidates out of approximately 20,000 Iowa City student residents. Another appropriate student organization, e.g., UISG, Students for Local Politics, etc., could also do this ff the City is disinclined. 5) Create a City'Student partnership. Both the outgoing and incoming student government are notably committed to increasing student involvement in local decision making. Engage stakeholders representing all the members of the Iowa City community. Build a partner-based coalition of police officers, city staff, university administration, and general Iowa City community members, in addition to students (more than just one), board members and city council. 6) Enfranchiee the Iowa City population of 18 to 24 year olds. Voting is a most basic form of civic participation. The recently elected UISG Vice President, Matt Blizek, was also the founder of the Students for Local Politics student organization. Members of this group have actively supported and promoted student involvement and civic participation through voter registration, advocacy and awareness campaigns, involvement in student government, and even running a student for City Council in November 2001 elections. This an other appropriate student organizations should be critical partners in the development of healthy City-Student relationship. Student organizations and City of Iowa City should forge a partnership driven "get out the vote" campaign to enfranchise the Iowa City population of 18 to 24 year olds. Voter registration drives would let students know that they are residents and that they should register to vote where they live. 7) Continue to attempt to build support to elect a student to City Council (ideany an 18 to 24 year old). I am personally committed to assisting the City of Iowa City in efforts to represent and enfranchise its population of 18 to 24 year olds. In my communications with the UI Student Government, I see a commendable and unprecedented willingness to work with the city to build a better community for us all. Now is the time to capitalize on these precious resources and improve the relationship between the city and its student-aged population. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about this memo or the full report. I may be reached at (319) 354'6589 or Julie-spears~uiowa.edu. 6 Appendix A. List of Interviewed Iowa City Boards, Commissions, and Committees / Adjustment, Board of 5 5 Airport Commission 5 6 Aninml Care and Adoption Center Advisory Board 5 3 · / Civil Service Commission 3 4 / Itistoric Preservation Commission 11 3 ,/ Housing and Community Development Commission 9 3 ,z Human Rights Commission 9 3 · / Library Trustees, Board of 9 6 · / Parks and Recreation Commission 9 4 ~ Planning and Zoning Commission 7 5 ~ Police Citizens Review Board 5 2 Public Art Advisory Committee 7 (5) Senior Center Commission 9 3 Telecommunications Commission 5 3 Ad ttoc: ¢' Neighborhood ltousing Relations Task Force 9 n/a Excluded on the basis of special appointments: Airport Zoniug Beard of Adjustnmnt Airport Zoning Commission 5 (1) 5 Appeals, Board of 5 (1) 6 Review, Board of 7 (2) 5 5 (3) 6 Source: Iowa City Government Webpage. l_nttp://;vww.icgov.org/heards.btm#18 )endix B. ~uestions · Ihave noidea. · I don't know. · Icould care less, · I think they'd be agreeable to it. · Ithink they'dbe veryinterested. · I think they'd ha ye a positive response. · I think the majority [of students] don't think about it. · Depends on who you talk to. )en-ended Comments · In response to should a student to have a role on this committee: >> I just don't see the benefit to the students or the community. >> It's not necessary. · In response to committee reflecting greater Iowa City community in terms of age, including younger and older adults: >> No. I don't think it's relevant. · In response to degree of effect on students: >>Our board affects the city as a whole, which is inter-connected with the Universit , Students are · lowa City is such a diverse town. The boards shouId reflect that based on all caterer]es of diversity. · I don't think students care about the community. · We have a hard time fillin~ these boards, in part because of the length of the terms. · I don't think that students are ]nterested" they)'e not property owners. [At the same time,] I wouId ha ye nothing against it ifa student bad the background and an interest to serve. Anyone ~s eH~bIe to app]y for a commission. But, peopIe that wouJd get involved tend to be cite-minded. We just don't have high visibility. Student involvement is great, We ~e aIways acfveIy recruiting. We'veneverrecruitedata]~ butifastudentwereinterested, theyshou]d be considered. Accessi~TJty of aH Iowa City residents is one of our main pHozfties. We'd be happy to have a student. Students are a major portion of our community. We have a good mix of cider and younffez' members and make use of student input in many ways. . I think we a]so need more students going to meetings and active Daily lowan reporting of meetings. That might be more efibcfive. ~studerts want to become active, ~e interested, have the time, ~d ~e voting residents of Iow~ Cit~ [then they shodd apply] 8 Cultural Competency Assessment: Iowa City Boards, Commissions and Committees & the student-aged population Telephone Interview Hello. May I speak to . Hi, my name is Julie Spears. I am a graduate student in Social Work and Urban Planning at the university. I'm calling today to talk to you as the chair/a member of the board/committee/commission. I was wondering if you had a few minutes for a brief telephone interview about your committee and the role of the student population of Iowa City. Yes. Great. I am doing an assessment of the relationship of the boards and commissions in Iowa City with the students or the student-aged population, that is Iowa City residents between the ages of 18-24. So, the questions will pertain to that. And, any information you share with me is strictly voluntary and confidential, You're information will not be indentifiable in the report. 1) Are any members of your committee 18-24 years old? 2) Are any members of your committee students at the University or Kirkwood? 3) Would you say that your committee reflects the greater lC community in terms of age, including older and younger adults? 4) To what degree do you think the policies and recommendations made by your committee affect the student population? Large degree---moderate degree--minimal degree -no affect 4 ............... 3- 2. --1 Comments: 5) What do you think the younger residents of Iowa City would say about the manner in which your committee serves and/or affects them? 6) Do you agree or disagree with this statement: Student involvement in lC Boards and Commissions would foster community leadership and civic participation (such as, voting, attending council meetings, etc.) amongst the student population. Agree Disagree 7) Do you feel that students should have a role on your committee? If so, what role? How? If not, why not? 8) Do you think that your committee would be willing to make a commitment to include a student representative? If so, how & why? If not, why? Ok. That's the end of the survey. Any questions? Thank you very much for your time, Have a great day!