HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-02 Transcription
#2
ITEM 2
Wilburn:
Karr:
Stannard:
Wilburn:
Page I
PROCLAMATION.
a) Health Care Coverage for the Uninsured Week - May 1-7, 2006
(reads proclamation)
Here to accept the proclamation is Barbara Stannard. (applause)
Mayor Wilburn, Members of the City Council, as a person who works
daily with uninsured children through the Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa
Program. I thank you for this proclamation, and for helping to call
attention to the critical problem of the lack of health insurance, which
faces so many of our people today. People wanting to get involved or
wanting to know more are encouraged to go to
www.covertheuninsured.org. There's more information there and actions,
suggested actions. On behalf ofthose 76 million adults and the additional
8 million children who are not insured, I thank you for proclaiming May
1st through May 7'h Cover the Uninsured Week.
Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
#2
ITEM 2
Wilburn:
Karr:
Novotny:
Wilburn:
Page 2
PROCLAMATION.
b) National Visiting Nnrse Association Week - May 6-12, 2006
(reads proclamation)
Here to accept the proclamation is Executive Director, Suellen Novotny.
(applause)
I am Suellen Novotny, the Director of the Visiting Nurse Association and
it's such a pleasure to be here tonight to receive this proclamation, which
gives recognition to the work of the Visiting Nurse Association of Johnson
County. May 6th through May lih has been declared as National Visiting
Nurse Association Week, for the purpose of raising public awareness of
the Visiting Nurse Association's missions throughout the country and the
comprehensive home health and community services they provide to their
communities throughout the country. The mission of the Visiting Nurse
Association of Johnson County is to assist patients and their families to
reach the highest level of health and independent living that's appropriate
to the persons involved. We have a daily census of skilled patients,
ranging from 200 to 225 patients. I have a full time staff of nurses,
therapists, home care aides, and homemakers that go into the homes and
provide medical services, homecare aide, personal care services, and
homemaker supportive services. On behalf of this staff, my Board of
Directors, and myself, I thank you for this recognition to the Visiting
Nurse Association. Thank you.
Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Couucil meeting of May 2, 2006.
#2
ITEM 2
Wilburn:
Karr:
Wyatt:
Champion:
Page 3
PROCLAMATION.
c) Bicycle Month - May 2006
(reads proclamation)
Here to accept the proclamation is Mark Wyatt from the Bicyclists of Iowa
City and the Iowa Bicycle Coalition. (applause)
Mayor, Council Members, and citizens ofIowa City, it's wonderful. I
have some wonderful. . . coming here to talk about the wonderful things we
have in our community, and usually I come up here and highlight our trails
or the Iowa City Bike Library or the new bike lockers over at the
Transportation Center, and wonderful connectivity in the east to get
around by bicycle transportation, but instead this year we've done some
fun things with Bike to Work Week and I want to highlight some of the
things that we have going on. During Bike to Work Week, May 15th
through the 20th, you can see everything at cicbikeweek.org. On Monday,
we're having a bike, bus, car race - no traffic laws are going to be broken,
but at 5:00 P.M. during rush hour, we're going to run from the Coral
Ridge Mall to the Old Capitol Mall and see who gets there first, the car,
the bus, or the bike. We've tied two years in a row during morning rush
hour, so I think we've got 'em this year with construction and (unable to
hear; laughter). On Monday and Tuesday, we're going to have a bike,
bicyclists' breakfast, so make sure that you check the web site and see
where those locations are. Wednesday we're going to have a Mayor's
Ride going from the old New Pi-Coop to the new New Pi-Coop. Should
be a great time, right after work, meeting in Chauncey Swan Park. On
Friday, it's the big celebration. It's our After Work Celebration at Old
Chicago. We're going to have kind ofthe parking lot blocked off and
bicyclists will be able to bike in. I wouldn't bring your car - I think I'd
bring your bike to that one. Saturday there's a practice run for Ragbrai
and also Saturday at the Pentacrest Movie Series it will be the "Triplets of
Bellevue," another nice bicycling movie. So pump up your tires, stop
paying $3.00 a gallon for gas, or more, and ride your bike. Thank you for
the proclamation! Thank you.
Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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ITEM 2 PROCLAMATION.
d) Older Americans Month - May 2006
Wilburn: (reads proclamation)
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Maggie Elliott. (applause)
B. Elliott: Nice to have an Elliott recognized! (laughter)
Champion: She's younger than you.
B. Elliott: Oh, shut up! (laughter)
M. Elliott: Thank you, Ross, and the Council and the community. I'm representing
AOP tonight and we want to acknowledge the City for all your support for
the activities for Older Americans Month. There are going to be 60
intergenerational activities during the month of May and we, we invite you
to come to our activities and they range from the Senior Prom to "Going to
the Dogs," which is a dog show, and schedules are going to be available at
the door. AARP is proud of the economic, cultural, and social impact we
provide to the community, and we pledge to continue to do so, to make
Iowa City the best, the most ideal place to retire in the nation. Thank you.
Wilburn: Thank you.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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ITEM 3 OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARD - Longfellow
Elementary
Wilburn: Could Hailey, Cassie, and Morgan please come forward.
Champion: This is probably the best elementary school in Iowa City. (laughter)
Wilburn: Well, as you can tell from the energy behind me already, this is one of the
funnest times for the City Council. We really look forward to hearing
about the work that you've done in your community, whether that's in
your neighborhood or at school, and we're just looking forward to hearing
what you have to say. So, who'd like to go first? You, okay.
Sladek: Hi, my name is Morgan Sladek. I contribute to my community in lots of
different ways, like helping make meals for the Ronald McDonald House,
collecting stuff for military families, angel tree shopping, helping do crafts
for (can't hear) moms, and lots of other things. All thanks to my
wonderful East Lucas Clovers 4-H Club and over 250 hours of community
service with my club. Every winter my dance group raises clothing for the
Salvation Army, and my band group does a car wash for summer to raise
money for the Music Auxiliary. At school, I am part of Student Council.
Just this last week, we sold ice cream bars and Popsicles and raised over
$250.00 to donate to the Red Cross for the tornado victims. Our school
did Heifer International, which is an organization that gets animals to
different people who are less fortunate than we are. What we do is read
different books and get pledges, and after our school did that, we raised
over $4,466, in which we will buy animals for people in different
countries. Both my club and school gave money to Hurricane Katrina
victims. Me and Cassie, another girl that's getting the award today, were
in charge of running a bake sale for military families in which we raised
over $75.00 to donate to our 4-H Club to buy stuff for the military
families. Good citizenship means being able to help your community
(unable to understand) and don't just like yourself, but the people around
you. Like the people in the world and how they need help most, even if
it's giving a dollar or donating help for a day, whatever it is just do it,
because after you're done, you can say, 'I have achieved a goal and have
helped the people the way they need it the most.' And that's what I think
leadership and citizenship is all about, is being able to help one person,
and if we do that, the world will be a much better place. Thank you.
(applause)
Klabo: Hi, my name is Hailey Klabo and I would like to thank the City Council
and my 5th and 6th grade teachers for recognizing me as a Student Citizen.
Many of my classmates are also involved in their communities, from
babysitting to organizing fund drives for charity, so I feel as though I am a
good representative for them, and here are some ways that I contribute to
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Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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Pantel:
Wilburn:
Page 6
the community personally. My classmates have bake sales to benefit
charities. This year we had a bake sale for the Animal Shelter and raised
like $120.00. For my birthday, instead of presents we asked the guests to
contribute clothing for the residents of the Shelter House. Last year, my
mother organized a backpack drive at my school to help the students
displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This drive was so successful
that TV cameras showed up to film us packing big boxes of supplies. I
helped pack up all the backpacks and to write letters to those students.
Now I would like to tell you what citizenship really means to me. I looked
up citizenship in the dictionary. It said, "The rights and privileges and
duties of being a citizen." Duties sounds too much like a burden, and I see
citizenship as a privilege. I am lucky to be part of several caring
communities - my school, my home, my city, and my world. It is a
pleasure to make a positive difference in the lives of people you will never
know. I hope that by being a thoughtful citizen I will do my part to make
our world a better place for others. Thank you. (applause).
Hi, and thank you. My name is Cassie Pantel. I feel really honored to be
recognized as a student who takes citizenship seriously. I have worked
hard and as I have gone through the school year to treat everyone with
fairness and respect. I have a helpful group of friends and classmates who
also are good citizens. Personally, I serve as a 4-H member in the East
Lucas Clovers and attend regular meetings. I have done over 50 hours of
community service. Some of those projects have been to raise money for
the children of military families. This is the fiist project of its kind in
Johnson County. I have also served at the free lunch at Wesley House
with my 4-H group. While I could go on talking about what I've done, I'd
rather tell you what citizenship means to me. Citizenship means to
contrib. . . a contribution to your community. That means school, home,
social groups, clubs, your city, and your nation. It means to think as much
about others as you do yourself. You don't only have to do good things.
You also have to try to stop wrong things from being done. You must be
nice to people who are not nice to you or who have done wrong in the
past. You must think of people as created equal and treat them as such.
That is what citizenship means to me. I think it is a life-long job. Thank
you. (applause)
Well thank you all very much. There's, you know, you gave the definition
of citizenship and leadership and one thing that was not said about
leadership is leadership by example, and you've done a real nice job of
that, so thank you very much. Got three awards for you. I'll read one,
they all say the same thing except it has your own name on it. Citizenship
Award - for her outstanding qualities ofleadership within Longfellow
Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility
and helpfulness to others, we recognize Morgan Sladek for, as an
Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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by the Iowa City City Council. Congratulations! (applause) Thank you
and good job. (applause)
Elliott:
We so-called adults should strive to be more like that. (laughter)
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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ITEM 4
SPECIAL PRESENTATION.
Wilburn:
This is the year where, for the first time, the University of Iowa Student
Government has had its Student Liaison alternate with the City Council,
and they're both ending their term. So, from the City Council, we have
this Certificate of Appreciation to Austin and Jeremy for their dedicated
service as the University ofIowa Student Government Student Liaison to
the City Council of the City ofIowa City. To better identify issues of
common concerns to students and the City, and for their commitment to
improve communication between the University ofIowa Student
Government and the City ofIowa City. Will the two of you come forward
please? (applause and several talking at once) Thank you both for your
work.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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ITEM 5 CONSIDER ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS
PRESENTED OR AMENDED.
Bailey: Move adoption.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey.
Vanderhoef: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Karr: Mr. Mayor, do you want to note the public hearing date changes?
Wilburn: Urn, on the operating budget?
Karr: Yes.
Wilburn: Okay. You want to tell me the date change so I can...
Karr: From the 16th to the 23'd.
Wilburn: Thank you very much. May 16th to the 23'd. That's why we have a City
Clerk. (laughter) Any other discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
#6 Page 10
ITEM 6 COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA)
Wilburn: This is for items that are not on tonight's agenda. Please approach the
podium, state your name, please limit your comments to five minutes or
less.
Honohan: Mr. Mayor, Members of the Council, I'm Jay Honohan. I'm a member of
the Senior Center Commission, and I've got some more handouts for you
tonight. (unable to hear) The first handout is the itinerary for Older
Americans' Month at the Senior Center. We started the month off with
Dr. Jean Cohen from George Washington University, who formerly was
one of the directors of the National Institute of Health and he had an
outstanding presentation, attended by over 200 seniors at the Senior
Center yesterday afternoon. Then in the evening, we had another
program, which started offwith a video presentation by Jean Lloyd Jones
of "Ten Years of the New Horizons' Band." It was very entertaining, and
I'll tell you a little bit later how you can watch it. One of the things that I
would invite you to attend is on May 12th, which is an inner-generational,
if you will, band concert. We're having the West Branch Jazz Band, high
school jazz band, and then we're having a band called Spontaneous
Combustion, then after that we slow down to the Silver Swing, but I think
you might enjoy that. I know I'm looking forward to it. Nancy
Wombacher put that together. One of the things that I would like to point
out today is that the Senior Center television studio is now world-wide. I
don't know if you read the article in the Press-Citizen, which appeared. If
you would like to, I've got plenty of copies for everybody, but what we
have done for the Senior Center... television people have done, is join with
the Intermedia Studies of the University ofIowa Art and Music School
and combine with a grant from the Gannett Foundation, we are now
online. So, although I'm not sure he'd be interested in...ifmy nephew in
South Korea wanted to watch a Senior Center program on his computer,
he could. We think this will be a wonderful program. We think it will
enable people who don't have cable TV, but do have computers, to view
Senior Center television programs. And, any good business has to have a
business card, so we have business cards for you folks.
Champion: (laughter) That's great!
Honohan: Another thing that I would like to announce to the Council is in
connection, or cooperation or partnership, with the Alumni Association in
the College of Medicine, we are applying for the Bernard Osher Life-Long
Learning Grant and that is the second handout that I gave you. This,
Bernard Osher is a California philanthropist who has contributed a
substantial amount to a foundation, and if we receive the grant, we will
have about $ i 00,000, not just for the Senior Center, but for the three
programs that you see on that chart, and I won't spell them out. The
This represents only a reasonably accnrate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
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Senior Center's part, of course, is that we would provide an ongoing, life-
long learning, education classes and fitness classes with instructors, both
current and retired seniors and University faculty. And we're very
enthused about this program, and if it is successful for one or two years, it
is possible that the foundation in California would grant $1 million to
continue the program. So, we're kind of excited about that and so is the
University and we hope that that will be successful, that we'll get the
grant. I won't take up any more of your time. I don't know about my five
minutes, but if you have any questions, Mr. Mayor or Members of the
Council, you know my phone number and if you get bored during your
Council meeting, all you have to do is get on this and you can watch one
of our programs. (laughter).
Wilburn: Well, it looks like an exciting month of activities, and I will say, I have sat
in with the group Spontaneous Combustion and they are that.
Honohan: Good! Thank you very much.
McKeone: Hi. Good evening to Mayor Wilburn, City Council, and City Managers.
My name is Karin McKeone and I live at 1181 Hotz Avenue, a
neighborhood suffering considerable damage from last month's tornado.
I've spoken to many of the homeowners living on the street and would
like to share with Council Members what I've heard. On the night of the
storm, we were reassured and felt safer by the presence of firefighters who
seemed to arrive, (unable to hear) emotional...
Champion: You have every right!
McKeone: ... who seemed to arrive before we fully comprehended what had even hit
us. They reassured us. They helped us with distraught neighbors, one
who was stuck in a house because a tree had fallen on the house, and they
shut off gas lines to damaged homes. The Iowa City Police Department
also checked on us, which we really appreciated, and they confirmed our
safety. And that was just wonderful seeing these City workers at that
time. On our street, many people noted their appreciation for the quick
response of the City employees who continued to remove downed trees
and debris following the storm, and they worked over the holiday
weekend, I might add. So many thanks to those hardworking people.
They really worked out that day, that weekend and that week. Things are
also in order to many volunteers who came to help and whose names are
unknown to us. We do know that college students, even from Cedar
Rapids, came to help, and they and countless others brought chainsaws
and strong backs to the neighborhood, making way for our street to
reopen. The Red Cross and Salvation Army made several passes through
with food, water, work gloves, and support. Saying thank you just doesn't
even seem enough, but we wanted to make note of the help we received
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and how much we appreciated it. Nothing prepared me for the next day. I
woke up and my first sense of what had happened was the noise from the
interstate being extremely loud, and I.. .my first thought was the tree had
fallen in front of our house. It took me days to extend myself beyond our
immediate neighborhood, and I realized the devastation on Rochester and
on the other streets, on 7th Avenue, and at Hickory Hill Park, which many
of you know I love! And so, I realized that it was actually a buffer of trees
that we had lost and the character of our neighborhoods that we had lost,
but I'm happy that Iowa City is already on the mend from this storm and
it's to the credit of all of you that that happened. A multitude of decisions
are being made every day by you the City and homeowners, insurance
companies, and as we make decisions, I hope we'll keep in mind that the
tornado affected Iowa City, that affected Iowa City was a random act of
nature. Not all damage was done by trees. We ended up with a hole in
our roof from a beam, a porch beam that blew over from who knows
where, possibly Iowa Avenue, I don't know. WeoO.Ijust really would like
to emphasize that at this time when we rebuild that we need to preserve
the character of Iowa City and our neighborhoods. I know that there's
worry in the community, and it's not just from me, but we're worried
about what is going to happen - is Iowa Avenue getting rebuilt? Weare
hearing that possibly the canopy trees, which has been such a hallmark of
Iowa City's, you know, all over the state - may be replaced with smaller,
ornamental trees. We depend on those trees, not only for the beauty and
the character of our neighborhoods, but also for the energy savings that we
get from those. We're already noting in our neighborhoods where the
trees are gone that it'soO.the sun is hot on our houses and we're noticing a
difference and we're anticipating really high energy costs trying to cool
our houses this summer. So, as I wrap up here, we hope for a beautifully
restored Iowa City that really celebrates the history, the charm, the beauty,
the canopy of trees, the front porches - all of those things that make Iowa
City so special. Thank you.
Wilburn: Thank you.
Smith: Good evening. My name is Terry Smith, 2220 Balsam Court. I'm here
tonight on behalf of MidAmerican Energy and wanted to give you an
update on the storm, and I have some handouts for you.
Champion: MidAmerican did a great job, too!
Smith: It's a pretty tough act to follow, I'm sorry, but (laughter) our heart goes
out to you and all those affected. Just wanted to inform Council of some
of the activities that we have taken, some of the impact that were felt by
the storm, as well as some of the activities that remain and what we have
planned yet to do. Just quickly go through, the tornado that hit on April
13, 2006 resulted in disruption to about 6,500 homes for electric service.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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The majority of those were restored within 12 hours. With the final
numbers within about 48 hours after the most devastating areas were
rebuilt along Iowa and Governor and that vicinity. Total cost was about
$850,000 in repairs, labor, and material. That included the replacement of
about 60 poles, about 30 transformers, and responding to about 47
different gas leaks, a variety from rooftops in downtown to mains that
were uprooted along Iowa Avenue where the trees came over. In total, we
had about 215 people responding to the efforts here in Iowa City. As most
of you probably know, we only have about 80 people locally at our service
center. We did bring in forces from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines,
Knoxville, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, the Quad Cities, as well as Waterloo to
help in the efforts, to enable a faster and more prompt response. The
amount of work that was accomplished in a short amount of time was
rather significant, number of trees trimmed and branches removed is
simply too numerous to count. The disruption or restoration completed on
Easter Sunday morning. Most of our crews were released at that time and
sent home to enjoy the rest of the holiday with their families, and I'm glad
to say that all of that has been done without any impact on the rates for the
citizens ofIowa City or elsewhere in our service territory. Those rates
will remain frozen through 2012. The tornado has affected the community
in a major way. MidAmerican is trying to be a good citizen to our
community and we're very pleased to announce that tomorrow morning
we will be donating $25,000 to the United Way of Johnson County to help
aid in the reconstruction and the efforts in restoration that our community
has before us. In addition, as you've already heard tonight, the destruction
of the trees is a significant effort for the community. Earlier this year,
MidAmerican donated $20,000 to Project GREEN for efforts that are
under, in process, along Dubuque Street for landscape projects there. We
have also now earmarked an additional $10,000 for the community of
Iowa City to help replace the trees that were lost during the storm. We're
specifically at this time asking for Council and staffs direction in support
on how to administer and earmark those funds. We would like to, we have
set those dollars aside and would look to contribute those to the
appropriate location to administer that distribution of those funds. Finally,
just a quick update on some other announcements that have been made.
MidAmerican Energy last year in 2005 completed environmental projects
for wind energies to the magnitude of360 megawatts. That's enough for
about 200,000 homes to power the energy for them. Recently, just last
month, we received regulatory approval for an additional 545 megawatts
of additional wind energy. The first 99 megawatts of that will be
constructed yet this year. And again, that was done with an extension of
our rate freeze through now 2012. It was previously frozen through 2011,
so electric rates will remain unchanged now for Iowa City and other
territories in Iowa through 2012. To put that into perspective, just briefly,
545 megawatts of wind energy is equivalent to removing 279,000 vehicles
from the road, and MidAmerican Energy is, when the completion of our
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription ofthe Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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new projects are done in 2007, we'll have more than 1,000 megawatts of
renewable energy and we will be the leader in the nation among regulated
utilities. Thank you. (unable to hear)
Wilburn: Thank you, Terry, and as Connie had said, nice job, kudos to
MidAmerican. We mentioned that earlier at a meeting. I'm not sure if
you were there then, but really appreciated the work, the professionalism,
all the crews. I talked to several of them who were from out oftown and
glad to have them. In terms of the tree contribution, really appreciate
MidAmerican for that. I believe if you just designate for the purpose of
tree replacement, then we will honor that. All right? Thank you. Anyone
else care to address the Council on an item not on tonight's agenda? I'll
entertain a motion to accept correspondence.
Vanderhoef: So moved.
Bailey: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef; seconded by Bailey. All those in favor say "aye."
Opposed same sign. Carries 7-0.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City
Council meeting of May 2, 2006.
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#7d
ITEM 7d
Wilburn:
Chappell:
Wilburn:
Chappell:
Wilburn:
Page 15
PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
VACATING THE ALLEY LOCATED NORTH OF BENTON
STREET BETWEEN CLINTON STREET AND DUBUQUE
STREET. (V AC06-00001)
1. PUBLIC HEARING
This is a public hearing (pounds gavel). Public hearing is open.
Good evening Members of the Council. My name is Andy Chappell. I
represent Johnson County. I work at the County Attorney's office, and
I'm really here to answer questions. I can explain what's going on here.
We, the County, has submitted a request that the City vacate the alley that
is, that runs north and south between South Benton Street and Lafayette
Street, and the purpose of the vacation, and ultimately the conveyance,
would be to give the County control of the entire block. For siting
purposes, the plan is to ultimately build a new building on the site, part of
sort of a County Campus, if you will. It would include space for Health
and Human Services, which we are sorely lacking in, and also for our
Public Health Department, and hopefully some other things, depending on
how the final plans shake out. At this point, we've acquired the entire
block, except for two properties. The Board has authorized condemnation
on those properties, and the petitions will probably be filed next week, if
not sooner. And, other than that, I have a picture if you want to see where
I'm talking about, but otherwise I'm here just to answer questions, if you
have any.
Just for your knowledge, as you may not be aware of this, at our work
session last night, some Council Members were, wanted me to approach
the Chair of the Supervisors to see ifthere was an interest on the part of
the supervisors in addition to what was negotiated, in terms of possible
land swap or something that might be of interest, if they are interested,
with Shelter House and just for the Council's sake, I did speak with the
Chair of the Supervisors, and reflecting those concerns. He did mention
that that wasn't part of this agreement. He did remind me that they, the
hope for this is to benefit Human Services, which does benefit our city
residents, that he would discuss this with the other Supervisors. So, you
may not be aware of that, but...I just...
I am not aware ofthat. He discusses it with the other Supervisors - I'm
sure I will be.
He also said, or suggested, that the County has not done this too often. I
don't know the history. I don't recall too many of them, but...
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#7d Page 16
Chappell: There's two things we don't do too often. One is build buildings and two
is go to condemnation on anything other than road projects, and that
certainly is true. We don't take it lightly and in fact, most of the
properties in that block, we have reached agreements voluntarily for
compensation. Make no mistake, ultimately we would have gone to
condemnation, but we try to avoid it if we can.
Wilburn: So, I'm just putting out for information...I did reminded this is first
consideration tonight and that. . .
Chappell: Actually, I don't believe this is first consideration. I think...I was led to
believe it was. . . public hearing.
Wilburn: So, they will be getting back to us if there's anything else they wish to
discuss related to this thing. Otherwise, any questions? Okay. Thank
you.
Chappell: Thank you.
Champion: You know, I'd like to move to defer first consideration until there's some
conversation with the Supervisors.
,
Bailey: I would second that, Connie.
Vanderhoef: So will 1.
Champion: How many square feet was this? Quit a bit, wasn't it? 6,400?
Wilburn: Are you suggesting that we leave the public hearing open, or. . .
Bailey: Yes.
Champion: Might be a good idea.
Elliott: I think we need to continue the public hearing and defer. I'd agree.
Vanderhoef: Move to continue to public hearing.
Bailey: Second.
Wilburn: It's been moved by Vanderhoef; seconded by Bailey to continue the public
hearing.
Karr: To May 23Td?
Wilburn: To May 23Td. Urn, all those in favor say "aye." Opposed...
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#7d Page 17
Correia: I abstain...
Wilburn: Okay.
Correia: Due to my conflict as an employee of the County who would be working
in this building.
Wilburn: Okay. Opposed same sign, "aye." And, it carries to defer - I've got to do
the math now - 5 to 1; Wilburn in the negative with Correia abstaining.
Math okay? Okay, great.
Elliott: Finally, somebody else who.. . (unable to hear)
Wilburn: I'll need a motion...
Karr: You have a motion by Champion, seconded by Bailey to defer first
consideration to May 23rd.
Wilburn: I already called that...
Karr: That was a continuation of the public hearing.
Wilburn: Okay, all right. So now defer the ordinance? All right. Need a motion to
(several talking). Okay, roll call then. All in favor say "aye." Opposed
same Sign.
Correia: And one abstention.
Wilburn: Carries 6-0, Correia abstaining. All right.
Champion: Will you pursue that? Ross, will you be the one to pursue that possibility?
Wilburn: Well, I've already spoken with the Chair, and he's going to discuss it with
the Supervisors and get back to us. (several talking) (TAPE ENDS)
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#8
ITEM 8
Wilburn:
Bailey:
Correia:
Bailey:
Pickup:
Bailey:
Karr:
Vanderhoef:
O'Donnell:
Bailey:
Page 18
ADOPTING IOWA CITY'S FY07 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN,
WHICH IS SUB-PART OF IOWA CITY'S 2006-2010
CONSOLIDATED PLAN (CITY STEPS), AND AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT SAID PLAN AND ALL
NECESSARY CERTIFICATIONS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND
DESIGNATING THE CITY MANAGER AS THE AUTHORIZED
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
I have a conflict of interest, and... because I work for an organization that
receives Community Development Block Grant or HOME Funds. So, I
will be abstaining due to that conflict.
(reads Item 8) Public hearing is open. (pounds gavel) Public hearing is...
No, she's coming.
Oh, sorry. Sandy.
I'm Sandy Pickup and I work at the Iowa City Free Medical Clinic and I
live at 818 3'd Avenue in Iowa City and Ijust want to thank the Council
and the HCDC and City staff for making the opportunity available for us
to apply for funds once again. You know, it's a small program and I know
that they've worked under a lot of constraints lately with the lack of
funding and the Committee struggles. I see them doing that, trying to
make everybody, you know, feel a part of it, and I, I just really appreciate
that, and just on another note. You know, we moved, the Free Medical
Clinic moved and this is just an open invitation to come out and visit at
2440 Towncrest Drive. Thank you.
Other people here to speak to the public hearing?
Motion to accept correspondence.
So moved.
Second. (laughter)
All in favor, signify by saying "aye." Motion carries. Public hearing is
closed (pounds gavel).
a) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Champion: . Move the resolution.
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#8 Page 19
Vanderhoef: Second.
Bailey: Moved by Champion; seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Champion: What was our final plan? Were we going to get any information on
leftover money tonight, or just. . . okay.
Elliott: Later, later.
Champion: Okay.
Bailey: Okay. Roll call. Motion carries 6 in favor, 1... Wilburn abstaining.
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#12 Page 20
ITEM 12 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE
ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE OF $6,265,000 ESSENTIAL
CORPORATE PURPOSE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS,
SERIES 2006A AND $1,000,000 ESSENTIAL CORPORATE
PURPOSE BONDS, TAXABLE SERIES 2006B, AND APPROVING
ELECTRONIC BIDDING PROCEDURES.
Vanderhoef: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Vanderhoef.
O'Donnell: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion?
Elliott: Quick question for the City Manager - this does not leave anybody who
does not have the capacity out of the loop? That...
Atkins: 1 can't imagine how...I can't imagine how it would. If anything, it would
open it.
Elliott: Okay.
O'Malley: No, Bob, we still accept faxed bids.
Elliott: Okay.
O'Malley: And that's what it used to be in the past.
Elliott: Fine. Thanks.
Wilburn: Any other discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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#13
ITEM 13
Wilburn:
Walker:
Page 21
APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF
CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE GRAND AVENUE ROUNDABOUT
PROJECT ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO
ACCOMPANY EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO
PUBLISH ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS, AND FIXING TIME
AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
(pounds gavel) Public hearing is open.
Hi, my name is Jean Walker and I'm the representative ofthe Melrose
Neighborhood. Thank you for the continuation of the public hearing on
this matter. In a recent letter to the Council, I outlined some of the
concerns of the Melrose Neighborhood about this project. Our concerns
are still unanswered and we do not think this proj ect should go forward at
this time. Why disrupt the area and spend $360,000 on this project, ifit is
not going to work and then have to spend more money to undo it later.
Originally, this project was to be done next year and this rush to do it this
year seems inappropriate, especially without enough time being given for
the neighborhood to absorb it and tell road users, like the school, faculty,
and staff about it. Members of the neighborhood who are aware ofthe
proposed roundabout are not convinced that it is necessary and are
concerned that instead of helping the traffic in the area, it will be
detrimental to traffic flow for the vast majority of people using Grand
Avenue and the modified one-way system. The roundabout was proposed
for various reasons - to control an intersection that's currently confusing
to the general public, to add pedestrian use and crosswalks, to slow down
traffic. We think that the roundabout is unlikely to slow traffic on Grand
because the cars tend to race up Grand and they would just be slowed right
at the roundabout and it would defeat the purpose of helping pedestrians
crossing Grand between the two dormitories. However, by slowing down
the traffic at the roundabout, the traffic will be slowed on South Grand
too, and instead of having gaps in which pedestrians can cross the street
there, there'll just be a continuous slow flow of traffic through the area. It
was also proposed to provide an escape route for vehicles who
inadvertently, or maybe purposefully, try and take a shortcut down Grand
Avenue, going east, right. And, would also to aesthetically improve the
City right-of-way and the campus in this highly visible location. And, I
think the aesthetics could be done in other ways. It doesn't mean that a
roundabout has to be put there, obviously. The neighborhood's response
to the summary was there is not enough room at the intersection for any
size of roundabout, and especially would not allow the two lanes of traffic
going west on Grand to go around the roundabout at the same time. So
there would be a funnel effect and we've had an example of that when
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#13
Wilburn:
Walker:
Wilburn:
Baxter:
Page 22
there were construction, there was construction at the east end of Grand,
and that slowed the traffic down, and this modified one-way system was
designed to help the traffic flow, and I think there are other ways of
slowing down the traffic, rather than creating a bottleneck, or what we
perceive would be a bottleneck at the top of Grand Avenue. Pedestrian
refuge and crosswalks can still be added at Grand (unable to understand)
road, it's the north end of South Grand, without adding the roundabout.
So, I have covered many of these topics in the letter that I gave to Council
so I don't want to repeat them, but I do want to show, to suggest that this
issue should be discussed further before it's considered for
implementation. In addition, if any improvement is to be made, it would
appear to be advantageous not to implement it at this time when there are
so many other construction projects in the area, such as the ramp 4
expansion, the chilled water project, and now we've got an imminent
quest project, all of which effect pedestrian and vehicular traffic on South
Grand A venue and on Melrose Avenue. So, 1... another concern that I
have is that there's a lot of traffic that comes out oframp 4 and also in the
parking lot on the east side of South Grand, and that is an area that the
University has considered to build another ramp, and if another ramp is
built on that lot, then that would further complicate the traffic flow if it
continues to be two-way on South Grand for any general traffic. We think
that it would be a good solution to change the modified one-way system so
that there could either still be two-way traffic on South Grand, but only for
the emergency vehicles and/or service vehicles, but really only the
emergency vehicles going to the emergency room, and...
You're going to have to wrap your comments up.
All right, and then all of the traffic could be, go around the loop, just like
the residents who live along Melrose Avenue east of South Grand. Go
around the loop, go west on Melrose Avenue, and so I've just been a little
concerned that the neighborhood has been left out of the loop literally on
this, and we were part of the traffic study that came up with this system,
and when this amendment to this modified one-way system was proposed,
the neighborhood was not told about it. So we've been scrambling to try
and keep up with it, and we feel that it's, we don't see what the rush is to
do it this year, particularly with all the other complicating factors going on
in the neighborhood. Thank you.
Thank you.
My name is Donald Baxter. I live at 316 Ridgeview Avenue in University
Heights, and I'm a University ofIowa employee who is a pedestrian and a
bicyclist, and I also drive, but I usually am a pedestrian or a bicyclist on
my way to work. This is on my way to work. I'm always concerned when
the City ofIowa City starts to do things that they think will improve
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pedestrian safety because in my experience, usually the reverse ends up
being true. So I'm opposed to the traffic circle proposed for the
intersection of Grand and South Grand on the University ofIowa campus.
I think the project will not address the issues faced by pedestrians and
bicyclists that use this area. This is an intensely pedestrian area. The
current configuration, which the traffic circle cannot improve, forces
pedestrians to either cross at (unable to understand) or face long walks
across unprotected paved areas. The configuration lacks adjacent
sidewalks, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street or walk in planted
areas. Pedestrians should not be forced to take wide detours to
accommodate car traffic at this location. They simply will not comply.
Good pedestrian planning takes into consideration paths that should be
short and in line of sight. A traffic circle will not address this problem.
What looks like a beautiful solution to a transportation engineer, looks like
an obstacle to a pedestrian. The recent projects in this area made the
environment more hostile to pedestrian and bike traffic. Let's not plan for
more of that. The one-way configuration of the streets and the traffic
flow, not requiring a stop at Melrose and South Grand, is inherently
hostile to pedestrians and bicyclists. One side of South Grand was
improved with no sidewalk at all, forcing pedestrians to use a parking lot
as a sidewalk. You can see clearly the path where pedestrians have
created a make-shift sidewalk. The new configuration has increased the
speed oftraffic on Melrose. Just try using the painted crosswalks crossing
Melrose at South Grand, and it's only worse to try and cross at the College
of Law crosswalk. Because Iowa mandates drivers yield at such locations,
I find this incredibly ironic that people can't cross into the School of Law.
I'm left to believe that we can only trust the City ofIowa City Traffic
Engineering Department to plan for the well-being of car drivers.
Pedestrians are to be plarmed around, and not really for, and this on a
college campus - a place where pedestrians and bicycle riders interests
should take precedence. This proj ect should be studied by an outside
consultant that specializes in solutions that consider the paramount interest
of pedestrians and cyclists. It is important to remember that traffic
engineers plan for vehicular efficiency. This never serves the interest of
pedestrians and cyclists. Thank you.
Wilburn:
Anyone else like to speak to the public hearing? (bangs gavel) Public
hearing is closed.
b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Vanderhoef: Do we have the engineers here to give us a little history of who brought up
the idea of the traffic circle, and then I'd also like to see the map of how
that flows.
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#13 Page 24
Wilburn: Before you do, can we get motion on the floor so we can have the
discussion.
Elliott: So moved.
O'Donnell: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Elliott; seconded by O'Donnell. Discussion? Go ahead.
Boelk: Brian Boelk, Engineering. Yeah, the history of the roundabout stems back
at least a year ago, if not more, kind of in correlation with the other South
Grand and Grand Avenue improvements. As Jean probably referenced to
those improvements were part of a Grand A venue Corridor Study in which
participants in that were the University, University Hospitals, the City, and
Neighborhood Association and Jean Walker. And in the process of the
improvements on Grand A venue, South Grand, we began to realize that it
did not address the problem ofthe uncontrolled, what we call uncontrolled
and unsafe intersection there at Grand and South Grand specifically. It
took care of (unable to understand) Grand A venue east and on Melrose.
There's a number of problems with regards to safety at that intersection. It
serves as an arterial street heading westbound more or less, and that traffic
is uncontrolled and just is high speeds going up there makes a free
movement to the left, which poses problems from those, of vehicles
coming from the north and south, when they can go, when they can get
into the gap. It also has safety issues with regards to pedestrians and the
high number of pedestrians due to the University. So we looked at several
different options on how to tackle that intersection and what came about
then was the discussion and the decision to go with a roundabout. That
was because ofa number of reasons, some of which Jean's kind of pointed
out already, but one is that it has been proven to help pedestrian safety, as
well as vehicular safety, and there's actual reports on that in the DOT
through the... the State of Iowa has some reports in a web site on that. I
feel that it will help slow down speeds, and... but keep a continuous
movement, a continuous flow. That's the purpose of a roundabout, and so
you don't have a signalized or controlled intersection with signs where
you stop, go, stop, go. You're having continuous movement with yields,
that does slow down traffic, which will help pedestrians crossing. By
putting that roundabout in, we're widening the pavement which is
allowing us to put in some islands on both the north and south legs, which
then gives you refuge for pedestrians so they only have to cross one
direction of traffic at each time. Again, allowing for some more safety
there. Other benefits to the roundabout were, one regarding the authorized
vehicles going eastbound. It does provide a legal u-turn, if you will, going
around the roundabout. Those vehicles get to that point, realize that they
shouldn't be going eastbound. Right now they kind of stop and do an
illegal turn or go up to the dorms and turn around that way. We too will
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#13
Page 25
be addressing some additional signage to try and improve that
authorization through there. But that's kind of where a lot of this stemmed
from, where the decisions were. We did actually have a consultant from
Portland, Oregon take a look at this and assist, as did Scott Larson with the
City of Coralville who did roundabout design at First Avenue, Holiday
Road. So there have been other parties involved, as well. You know, this
process, again, started a year ago and I involved University, University
Hospitals at that time, and also Jean Walker last fall and have shared
several sets of plans with her over the past nine to ten months. So they
should have been aware of this project and I have been in discussions with
them. We do, we are continuing sidewalks all through there and
making... with students, they're going to cross wherever they can,
obviously. We're trying to isolate those crossings by use of sidewalks, by
post and chain, again trying to get them into those islands and get them
into some refuge. I will say that the $360,000 isn't all for the roundabout.
It also goes to pavement restoration and utility restoration in there, which
is about $110,000 ofi!. We'll be asphalt over-laying Grand Avenue up
the hill, both eastbound and westbound, which is desperately in need.
We'll also be doing some patching on Byington Road, going down the
hill, where there's some very bad panels of concrete right now, and then
University is also doing some electrical renovations and fixing up some
utilities through there, as well, so the cost isn't strictly for the roundabout
itself, but is a big part of it, obviously.
Bailey: Will there be islands on South Grand as well for...
Boelk: Yes, yeah. Currently, on South Grand on the south leg, if you will, we put
in some medians with the South Grand improvements last year. Where
that stops right now, there's a little.. .there's a crosswalk there with a
refuge island. We're going to extend that median onward to the north
towards the roundabout, and then on the north leg we'll be adding a new
island, a new median, in there, again, which will have a 10-foot refuge for
a crosswalk through there, as well.
Correia: I'm having a hard time visualizing what all this, and I drove that today
going to a doctor appointment so it's. ..it doesn't seem like there's a lot of
pavement, or even space to work in a roundabout and islands...
Vanderhoef: And sidewalks.
Correia: And sidewalks, and...
Boelk: It'll be wide.. . that area on the west side of that intersection, there's a stairs
and a landing, some benches.
Correia: Going up to the Field House?
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#13 Page 26
Boelk: Correct, which has been problematic in the past. The University's
complained about it for a long time because a lot of people use that as a
drop-off, get in the way ofthe buses and other traffic. We'd be taking that
out - that curb would be extending through there, almost to kind of where
the steps are now. A new retaining wall would be built in there with a
limestone face veneer, similar to Dubuque Street. Trying to make it look
nice through there. So that widening will be out, you know, into that
where those stairs are now. We'll also be widening out the north-east
corner, going around there. The southeast corner gets widened out a little
bit, but we've got some constraints with stearn vaults there, but, so there is
considerable widening on all sides to help get that, because you're right.
Looking at it now. . . existing, I could see why you would question that.
Correia: So then that would mean that that area in front, where now there is a curb
and you can get dropped off or walk to then walk up, that will no longer
be a way to get up, there'll be no stairs. There'll be no landing?
Boelk: That is correct, and that was part ofthe long-term plan of the University
too. They have a landscaping plan right now in the works for the whole
front of the Field House that they're going to be doing, either during or
after the fact of the construction of the roundabout, if it goes through. And
they've been working on that, but yes, those stairs would be gone, correct.
Vanderhoef: Is anyone else interested in deferring this, and bringing maps back (several
talking) and look at this at a work meeting? I'm truly lost on.. .as fast as
you're going and I know the area thoroughly well, but I think we need to
have a little time to look at it.
Boelk: I could say, you know, we went through the FHW A Guidelines and this
roundabout does meet that with regards to spacing. We're at a large,
urban, compact roundabout or a small urban roundabout, just to let you
know.
Vanderhoef: I don't doubt that, but what I'm...I think we have some questions about
safety from the community and for ease of using and signage, and I think
maybe we just better talk about it and have it where we can look at it.
Boelk: The one problem I will tell you just schedule wise, let you know about
that. This has been planned for this year all along, it was planned for this
year last year, but to let you know, if we continue to defer this, or we
probably are going to run out of time to do it this year during the summer
months, or you're going to have to extend construction into the school
season, which we've been trying to avoid, but just to let you know that it
will...
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#13 Page 27
Champion: You might just have to do that.
Boelk: And the one reason we're trying to also get this year, is we're trying to do
it in correlation with the other construction in the area. This is the second
year in a row that this corridor has been tom up and as Jean said, the
University has two other projects going on on Burlington and Melrose. To
be honest with you, we wanted to do it at the same time, so we don't have
to go in there again next year and have it all tom up again, and knowing
that there's other construction on the boundaries, that often limits traffic
after a while commuters realize that, so we'd have less traffic going
through that area this year.
Elliott: I understand the concerns, but I would move to defer. I apologize ifit
provides an inconvenience, an added expense, but I think there are far too
may questions. I would move to defer. I did drive it this afternoon. Mr.
Baxter, I would disagree with some ofthe assumptions that he stated. I
think that's not correct at all, but friend Jean, I think once, Jean, I believe
maybe we agree this time on something, but I would move to defer.
Vanderhoef: I'll second.
Wilburn: Moved by Elliott and seconded by Vanderhoef. Discussion?
Karr: Is this to May 23'd as well?
Bailey: As long as we can see maps at the work session right before that, I need to
see where pedestrian crosswalks and visualize. this. Is that possible?
Elliott: .. . and someone there with whom we can discuss at a sit-down...
Boelk: I actually have a computer simulation on the model, as well.
Bailey: That would be terrific, just to visualize. (several talking at once)
Correia: And if we could get, if there's accident data for this area, or something.
Wilburn: I would just ask, maybe too, if you can comment on a public education
plan, because I know, I've been through the Coralville roundabout. I've
been through communities where they use roundabouts. I believe
that. . . there will be a need for public education.
Boelk: You're right. Definitely.
Wilburn:
All those in favor of deferring until the 23'd say "aye." Those opposed
same sign. Carries 7-0.
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Atkins: May I ask a question about that? Did you schedule a housing meeting for
the 15th? And the only thing we're going.. . okay. (several talking) All
right.
Champion: Maybe we could add that roundabout.. . (several talking).
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#15 Page 29
ITEM 15 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TERMS ON
WHICH THE CITY WILL PURCHASE A 3.7 ACRE PARCEL OF
LAND LOCATED AT 2401 SCOTT BOULEVARD, AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK
TO ATTEST DOCUMENTATION OF THE SAME.
Correia: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Correia.
Champion: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Champion: Exciting!
Correia: So this will be the location of an eastside recycling center. . .
Atkins: Recycling Center East is the name we hung on it.
Correia: And the furniture project will be there?
Atkins: As far as we know.
Correia: The Salvage Barn?
Atkins: Yes.
Correia: And then the Habitat Restore?
Atkins: Yes.
Bailey: And on occasion, we'll do some hazardous waste.. .Mobile?
Atkins: Mobile, absolutely.
Bailey: That would be terrific.
Champion: I think it's really great.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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ITEM 16 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CONTRACT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE ARTIST FOR
DISPLAY OF A SCULPTURE ON THE IOWA SCULPTOR'S
SHOWCASE.
Bailey: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey.
Champion: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Bailey: I'm glad to see that it'll be in place before the Art's Fest. That'll be nice.
Wilburn: Very good. Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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#19 Page 31
ITEM 19 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING ANNUAL PASS
FEES FOR THE THORNBERRY OFF-LEASH DOG PARK.
Bailey: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey.
Correia: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Correia. Discussion?
Correia: I think there was a question last night about where people would buy the
passes?
Wilburn: Mr. Trueblood.
Correia: And then, is there still ongoing discussion about where the funds, that
revenues for these will be split out between the dog park and the City, is
that right?
Trueblood: That discussion is still going on.
Correia: Okay.
Trueblood: It will have to come back to you for final approval. Where they can buy
them, they're going to have some special sales at some upcoming events.
I'm not sure exactly where they're at, but for the most part they'll be
purchased at either the Recreation Center or the Animal Control Shelter.
We've got a some sort of a system set up, that I have little to do with
(laughter), whereby they can register, or they can do a computerized
registration at either Animal Control or the Recreation Center. It gets
coded to the same number. It all gets put in the right place.
Correia: And right now the money's going through the City then?
Trueblood: Yes, all the money will go through the City, and ifthere is a split of
revenue, then the City would work out a system to write a check to Dog
PAC on a monthly basis or quarterly basis, whatever it may be.
Vanderhoef: Is there some sort of a pass-key or card to get in and out, so no one has to
be there to check who's going in and who's out and whether they're
registered?
Trueblood: No. This will be, when they buy the pass, they will have a dog tag. I
think it's purple. And the Dog PAC organization will be kind ofa self-
policing endeavor, so if they see somebody out there that doesn't have the
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tag, then they remind them that they do have to pay a fee to get their pass
or that the daily fee would be right there so they could pay their daily fee,
and then they would be in there legally. We don't anticipate putting
anybody down there on a paid basis to police it, but we might have to do
spot checks ourselves from time to time, but it's mostly the Dog PAC
organization that's going to take care of that, on a volunteer basis.
Champion: Is it $25.00 per dog or $25.00 per owner? (laughter)
Bailey: Well, because the spay and neuter and the microchip in the dog (laughter).
Trueblood: I was sort of heading in that direction! (laughter)
Bailey: I can only assume!
Trueblood: Per dog. (laughter)
Vanderhoef: And comparables, is that what Cedar Rapids charges is $25.00?
Trueblood: It's either the very same thing or very close to it. They used a lot of the
Cedar Rapids Dog Park as their basis for setting fees and that kind of
thing.
O'Donnell: I assume there's going to be an appointed cleanup crew, that hits that
every once in a while?
Trueblood: Again, the Dog PAC is going to be out police force out there, letting
people know when they are supposed to pick up, if they don't, and then
occasionally helping out with that sort ofthing theirselves.
Bailey: How many volunteers does Dog PAC have, do you know?
Trueblood: How many?
Bailey: Yeah.
Trueblood: I couldn't tell you for sure, but quite a number.
Bailey: Sounds like an incredible army of volunteers.
O'Donnell: There's certainly going to have to be a separation of time so we're not
running huge dogs with little dogs and so forth. Is that.. .do we know
that? Or is that one of the details? (several talking)
Trueblood: ...butI don't think they'll be jumping this one! No, there's...actually the
main area can be for large dogs and small dogs, but if people want to take
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them in, have a small dog and want to take them into the small dog area to
be away from the large dogs, they can do that. And then there's a third
area that's agility and training area.
Champion: Do Dog PAC do at dog parks like they do at the vet? Like they never try
and attack each other at the vet.
Trueblood: Well, I couldn't say never, but we are more worried about the people than
the dogs. Actually, the puppy paddle, the dog swim whatever you want to
call it that they've had for the last two or three years out at City Park Pool
- it's been pretty incredible to go out there and watch it. They have many,
many dogs in a relatively small area and they just had one minor dog fight
that I'm aware of. It was very quick and it was over with in a hurry. No
fatalities.
Wilburn: Any more questions related to the annual pass? (laughter)
Elliott: Thank you, Mr. Mayor.
Champion: Thanks.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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ITEM 20 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2006-2007 DEER
MANAGEMENT ANNUAL PLAN AND AFFIRMING THE LONG-
TERM DEER MANAGEMENT PLAN.
Champion: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Moved by Champion.
Elliott: Second.
Wilburn: Seconded by Elliott. Discussion?
Elliott: Yes, I have just a concern. This says that the City will actively work with
the Department of Natural Resources, the DNR, to fully understand and
support their efforts. It's my understanding, this has not taken place,
except on a rare occasions, and if it's the DNR who has been reticent
about coming, they should be encouraged to and ifit is the Task Force that
perhaps has discouraged them from coming, I would encourage them not
to do that, but I think that the DNR does need to be more actively involved
with this Task Force, and secondly, for the Council, I think that last fall
the Task Force recommended something that we turned down and that is
certainly the Council's prerogative, but I think when we have a Task Force
or a Commission that provides us with a recommendation, I think it's
more than a courtesy. I think it's important for the Council to meet with
that body and find out from them why they made these recommendations.
Then again, I think we have every responsibility to turn it down if we
think that is so. But I would like for us, when we turn down a
recommendation from a Commission or Task Force, to meet with them, or
at least (unable to understand).
O'Donnell: I agree with that.
Champion: Are you talking about the bow hunting?
Elliott: Uh-huh.
Bailey: I got a pretty good understanding from the minutes why they were
recommending that and the split in the Task Force, so I didn't feel
compelled to meet with them because the minutes were pretty self-
explanatory . Yeah, I don't know if any further discussion would have
furthered my understanding beyond the minutes. So...
Correia: Are we in conversation with other, Coralville and North Liberty, I mean,
the thing about deer management is deer don't have a sense of the
boundary of the city and so we have....
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Elliott:
Correia:
Atkins:
Correia:
Atkins:
Correia:
Champion:
Correia:
Wilburn:
Page 35
They don't pay attention to signs, you mean.
Right, you know So in terms of movement, in terms of deer management,
I mean, is this, is there. . .
As I understand it, Amy, I believe that when they do the counts, that
is...we do share the information, particularly with Coralville. But they
have their own. . .
But do they have a deer management plan? Does North Liberty have a
deer management plan?
They have...I don't believe they have anything close to what we've done
with respect to the plan, but I do understand that we have communicated
with them, because they permit bow hunting and we do not.
Maybe that's something I would want to know, is what the deer
management plans are as well in the other communities, to see how
we're...
They send all their deer to us and then we can take care of them.
(laughter)
There's probably those allegations out there, that's for sure. (laughter)
Any other discussion? Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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#21 Page 36
ITEM 21 CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY AND THE IOWA CITY
ASSOCIATION OF PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS (IAFF,
AFL-CIO, LOCAL #610) TO BE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2006
THROUGH JUNE 30, 2009.
Bailey: Move the resolution.
Champion: Second.
Wilburn: Moved by Bailey; seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Vanderhoef: Well, I'm pleased to see that we have a three-year contract again. I think
this allows us to do better planning, both at the family level and at the City
level.
Wilburn: Roll call. Item carries 7-0.
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ITEM 25
Wilburn:
Elliott:
Wilburn:
Bailey:
Page 37
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Bob?
Two or three things - the past weekend a couple of events. The first one
I'll talk about I think Amy will have something to say. She's more
knowledgeable about it than am I, but Sunday night there were somewhere
between 600 and 650 people at First United Methodist Church meeting
about the homeless situation in Iowa City. It was interesting and rather
heartwarming to see that many people interested in that topic. And I think
you'll be hearing more from them and about that problem. Secondly, on
both Saturday and Sunday, Iowa City was invaded by somewhere between
six and eight hundred fans and players from more than 30 colleges and
universities around the Midwest in an ultimate Frisbee tournament, and it
was really enjoyable, especially Sunday afternoon when the sun came out
and it was rather good weather, to see all those kids - matter of fact, I
talked to two people from Miami of Ohio who weren't even playing but
they came here to videotape the final game. It was really a lot of fun, and
these are the kinds of things that we have talked about before. We like to
encourage happenings in our city. That many people corning in and
seeing Iowa City for what it is. There were some problems because they
were college students organizing and they kind of missed a few steps, but
Terry Trueblood helped them out and things went very well. One more
item. Ron Grasse, when I eat at the place where he works about once a
week, always enthralls me with stories ofthe bocce court, and we have
bocce courts at City Park, and the courts are being used quite a bit, and he
tells me there are leagues starting, and if they're interested, check with
him when you buy your chicken next time and he'll be happy to do it.
One final note, I talked to a friend (TAPE ENDS) ... were going to build in
Iowa City they found they could not do it because the entrance is on the
side and Iowa City wouldn't allow that. That very afternoon, Steve Long
and I were distributing information material to some ofthe storm-damaged
houses, which happened to be in historic preservation/conservation
district, and one of the houses in that district, and a house where we are
working very hard to preserve intact, had its main entrance, guess where?
On the side of the house. Rather ironic that we're trying desperately to
serve something that we won't allow in another place. I just thought the
irony wasn't lost on me. Next.
Regenia?
Some upcoming events for this weekend. On Saturday, Project GREEN
will have their annual plant sale at 9:00 at Carver Hawkeye Arena, which I
think is a great event, and get there early to line up. Otherwise you will go
plant-less, and Old Capitol reopening will be Saturday morning. I think
that that ceremony starts at 9:30 as well. So that's a really exciting thing.
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There's also a pancake breakfast of some sort on Sunday morning at St.
Wesclaus, right? What time does it start?
Wilburn: It starts at 8 :00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. and Council Members are all invited
to serve. Call the Crisis Center and ask for Patty Fields to sign up
for.. . (several talking at once).
Bailey: I also wanted to point out that we rescheduled a work session for housing
discussion to May 15th at 6:30. There is a Plarming and Zoning meeting
that night starting at 7:30 and I noticed a couple of PI arming and Zoning
Commission members at the work session last night. I just wanted to
make people aware of that. Are you still interested in going at 6:30?
Their meeting, I think, starts at 7:30, right, Marian? So, Ijust wanted to
point that out.
Champion: We'll probably have to meet somewhere else, because they probably use
this room, don't they?
Elliott: I think Regenia was saying that there may be some people at the latter
meeting that we'd like to have at our meeting, so perhaps we could meet
earlier at 5:30? (several talking)
Wilburn: Just to clarifY, I did declare this Biking Month and I'm one of the racers
against the bus (several talking). I'll try not to! If you (several talking)
They're supposed to get back to me whether it's 5:00 or 5:30. So...I don't
know the route yet. This is the first I've learned that I've gotta obey the
Rules of the Road. So...(several talking). No, that's the nearest bike
route. (several talking)
Bailey: I'm fine with 6:30, but I just wanted to point that out. There were two
members of PI arming and Zoning Commission here last night, waiting for
that discussion. So...(several talking at once).
Wilburn: Thank you. Dee?
Vanderhoef: Okay, we got an emaillast evening from a concerned citizen about
reporting a garage that had been tom down on Iowa Avenue during the
cleanup.
Atkins: Last night? Sorry, I wasn't (unable to hear).
Vanderhoef: I know you didn't know about it, but I would just want to make sure we
follow up on that because that is a conservation zone and I'm not sure
there was a permit or anything else for that to happen.
Champion: Blame it on the tornado.
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Vanderhoef: Yeah, and I told Council last night, but for those folks who sat in on the
JCCOG discussion about the coordinated communication center and some
of the possible ways offunding. There was one that we mentioned, that
unless state law was changed, it probably would preclude us from doing it,
and I'm happy to report that by unanimous vote of both the House and the
Senate the House File 2774 changed the laws so that funding source is
available for us to use, trust and agency monies for employees that are not
directly employed by the City of Iowa City. We had a wonderful
opportunity this morning to hear a speaker from Minneapolis on Early
Childhood Education and it was tied to, it was done by an economist and it
was tied to how early childhood education leads that child into more
productivity, more learning, less involvement with incidents with the law.
It's quite amazing what is going on. It's a project that United Way is
starting up and looking towards putting together a foundation. The whole
bent of it is to create scholarships for preschool children, to get them into
preschools. This is for disadvantaged children because they have found
that the sooner they can get them into education, the more apt they are to
have better developed brains and better learning capabilities in the future.
So, good luck to United Way, and thank you to Mercy Hospital for that
nice project. Tomorrow I will be speaking at the State Department of
Transportation Coordination Council conference that's held in the South
Slope facility in North Liberty, starting at 9:30. So, and I'll be attending a
couple more of them, probably Dubuque and Burlington, as a member of
that committee. Hopefully, it will lead to better coordination of our local
para-transit activities for a larger region. This will, everyone from Region
10 is invited into this, and it's the health care workers and the county
elected officials, it's city elected officials, anyone who tries to provide
transportation for special populations, have been invited to this, so it's
open and anyone who'd like to come out. There's no registration, no fee
for this, so if you can come out for part of it, please come. I think that's it
for tonight. Thanks.
Wilburn: Okay. Mike?
O'Donnell: Just a question, Ross, Ernie's retired from the Council. Has he retired
from pancake flipping? (laughter) After working with Ernie for eight
years, and he almost has it. I think we should invite him. I'll give him a
call.
Wilburn: I appreciate that.
O'Donnell: Ernie and I have this spirited competition at the pancake table. (several
talking at once) I want to thank MidAmerican. This is an impressive
article that Terry Smith gave us tonight. They truly are a valuable member
of the community and I think this is great. Also, brought up last night the
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house that's being constructed on Rocky Shore Drive, and the mud that's
running down into the street. I drove by it this morning and it looks like
they put up some type of barricades, but there's mud on Rockyshore Drive
for about a block and a half. Also, I think we need to tighten up a little bit
on the policy covering trash going out to the landfill. Steve...
Atkins: Yeah, I heard the numbers.
O'Donnell: Yeah, 3,200 pounds was picked up. I thought that was incredible, and
thank you to the group who did that. That's all I have.
Champion: Well, I have two things. I'm getting these emails and we're getting
questions from the public on what kind of, what kind of rules can we make
or ordinances to protect these neighborhoods that were destroyed by
tornados, and I guess it be kind of fun to hear from Karin eventually on
that. Hotz, however you pronounce it. That was a really nice street with a
lot of single-family, moderately priced housing, and how do we make sure
that's what's rebuilt there? I know in the conservation zones that that's
pretty easy to do because we have guidelines and rules that define that,
but. . . that's one of our small single-family houses are not going to be
rebuilt. That developers might buy and build something else there. That's
a concern - I don't know how we should deal with it. The other thing is,
and I dished about it for a couple days, is the elevators at Tower Place
have been out of commission for a month, one of them at least, and it's the
one that a lot of handicap people use and Senior Center uses and I'm
wondering, are they ever going to be fixed?
Atkins: I didn't know they were out of commission.
Champion: Yes, well, I kept thinking they'd be working the next day, but I know
they've been out at least three weeks, long before (several talking and
laughing). I didn't push the button because it says out of order. Maybe
it's a practical joke. Since April Fool's Day. But, I think it's really not a
good elevator to be out of commission.
Atkins: No, it's not.
Champion: It's been, I'm going to say a month. I could be wrong. I exaggerate
sometimes, but it's been at least three weeks. Maybe it's been two
months. No, but I'm just wondering. I did mention it at the parking office
and I called Marian yesterday because you were ill, sorry you were ill,
but...I really think we need to provide some information on when the
elevator's going to be fixed.
Atkins: I'll get an answer for you.
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Champion: I mean, people are using the stairs. I just. . .
Wilburn: Anything else, Connie?
Champion: No, no, that's it.
Wilburn: Okay, thank you.
Correia: I want to thank the River Fest. I was asked in the place ofthe Mayor to be
a food judge on Saturday for the food in Hubbard Park. Unfortunately, the
rain was really a sque1cher for the event so it was very sad for all the
organizers, at least during that time I was there over the noon hour with
other food judges. But, there were six of us with our umbrellas going
from booth to booth, tasting the food, and I think Marco's Grilled Cheese
was the winner.
Elliott: Amy, it should have been held in MacArthur Park, remember, I left the
cake out in the rain? (laughter) Is that too early for you?
Correia: Yes. (laughter and several talking) So, anyway, I want to thank all of the
River Fest organizers for all that hard work. Also, I went to the Health
Center USA kickoff breakfast last Friday morning, so it's the group of
folks, all our medical centers, UIHC, Mercy Hospital, Veterans
Association, along with the CVB and the Chamber of Commerce, that
have been meeting for about ten years, and this was sort of their kickoff
for the community, talking about what they're up to in terms oftrying to
continue to make Iowa City hospitable to the visitors, the healthcare
visitors that come here; easy to get around; they do, for example, UIHC
recently created a concierge position. They put maps together so that
when visitors come they can get around easier and they talked about
different transportation issues, so I think that is something that they're
wanting to get more out there and work with the community on those
efforts to be the Mayo Clinic of Iowa and the Midwest. And then I also,
along with Connie and Bob, attended the Homelessness Organizing
meeting after the main thrust that came out of the consultation of religious
communities. It was amazing to walk in about five to seven on a Sunday
night, expecting you know a few dozen people, to a church filled with
people. And so, I think they're wanting to work with the governments to
support homeless services, look at transportation issues. As a workforce
issue, I know from visiting at Shelter House, that they have folks working
6:00 A.M. shifts that get up and start walking at 5:00 A.M. out to the
industrial park area because the buses aren't running, so I think the Iowa
Mobility Action Workshop tomorrow is also something looking at those
types of job access reverse commute transportation issues, so, and then
also looking at inciusionary zoning and other potential affordable housing.
So, I think we will be hearing from them again.
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#25
Elliott:
Correia:
Elliott:
Wilburn:
Page 42
Ross, before you eloquently, I gave each of you some information from a
woman called me from Sigourney today and whether you were for,
against, or undecided on keg registration, they'll be holding a meeting
here on Tuesday, May 9'\ at 4:00 in City Hall, and it's a way to get a great
deal of information about the possibility of keg registration. They work
with the University ofIowa and other groups. It should be a good
meeting, whether you're for, against, or undecided.
Bob, it says Johnson County City Hall. Does that mean City HalL..
I checked with her, and she means City Hall. Yeah.
I just reminded her to cancel and other groups if four Council members
show up, then.. . (several talking) because of open announcing, open
meeting, and four would be a majority. Been asked to put in a couple
plugs - one by the Crisis Center, because it is the best breakfast in town,
Sunday May 7th at St. Wesclaus Church. Want to thank Hills Bank, Iowa
State Bank, KCJJ Radio for being the lead corporate sponsors. Two kinds
of pancakes, real grade B maple syrup, which I believe is the tastier kind-
that's what I'm told, sausage from Ruzicka's, orange juice, fruit, and just a
great time. Come out and support Crisis Center and the volunteers at St.
Wesclaus Church. (several talking at once) Otherwise, let's see, tickets
can be purchased at the door or you can call, contact Mercy On-Call and
get tickets. Also, just a plug for Uptown Bill's Small Mall - went to a
ribbon cutting and dedication for the new soda fountain, the old soda
fountain from Pearson's is now at Uptown Bill's Small Mall and they have
some pretty tasty treats there. I encourage you to get out and support local
business, and persons with different abilities and highlight the business
abilities that they do have. Some impressive small micro-business going
on there.
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