HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-08-02 Correspondencer
CITY O F IOWA CITY 3g(1)
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Date: July 14th, 2011
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for August 2 "d, 2011 City Council meeting; Installation of (1) HANDICAP
PARKING space on the north side of Normandy Drive, adjacent to the 701
Normandy Drive property.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (14); Install of (1) HANDICAP PARKING space on the north side of
Normandy Drive, adjacent to the 701 Normandy Drive property.
Comment:
This action is being taken to supply an on- street handicap parking space for a resident living at
this address. The resident has a permanent DOT issued handicap parking permit.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
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MEMORANDUM
Date: July 21, 2011
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Ronald R. Knoche, City Engineer
Re: Competitive Quotation Results
2011 SUMMER SIDEWALK REPAIR PROJECT
Competitive quotations for the 2011 Summer Sidewalk Repair Project were opened on
July 7, 2011 and the following quotes were received:
Feldman Concrete Dyersville, IA $ 21,153.60
S & M Concrete Cedar Rapids, IA $ 21,856.00
LJ Stevens & Co. Solon, IA $ 21,893.44
All American Concrete West Liberty, IA $ 23,127.04
Engineer's Estimate $ 25,048.00
Public Works and Engineering recommended and the City Manager awarded the
contract to Feldman Concrete of Dyersville, Iowa. The project will be funded with Road
Use tax proceeds.
From: Cathy Spaulding < cspaulding @MuskogeePhoenix.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 8:08 PM
To: Council
Subject: Bridges Out of Poverty
I am a reporter for the Muskogee Phoenix, a newspaper covering Muskogee, near Tulsa.
Our town is considering using the Bridges Out of Poverty program to help our residents improve their status.
I read that Iowa City Housing Authority considered adopting the Bridges Out of Poverty program in 2007.
I saw the reference in an old Blog from 2007.
For the story I am writing, I have these questions:
Did you adopt the program?
If not, why not?
If so,
What happened?
How many people got involved?
How did it work?
Success rate?
Is there anyone in Iowa City who went through this program I can talk to?
I will work on the article Friday and through July 6. Any input you can offer will be much appreciated.
Thank you for your help.
Cathy Spaulding
(918) 781 -3941
cspauldinga muskogeephoenix.com
Marian Karr
From:
Steven Rackis
Sent:
Friday, July 01, 2011 9:56 AM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Bridges Out of Poverty
Here is my response!
From: Steven Rackis
Sent: Friday, July 01, 20118:50 AM
To: 'cspaulding @muskogeephoenix.com'
Subject: Bridges Out of Poverty
I am the Housing Administrator for the Iowa City Housing Authority. Not sure what you
mean by saying 'adopted "?
I had 2 staff members who went to training to become certified presenters. They
conducted several sessions with citizens in partnership with other community service
providers. They also conducted training with 3 City Departments: Transit, Parks &
Recreation, and the Library.
We are not doing anything with Bridges now, as both staff members pursued other
employment opportunities.
The sessions with City staff were well received and we actually conducted 2 sessions for
the Library after the management staff attended a session with the other City
Departments.
So, in short, we conducted workshops as a service to the City of Iowa City and other
Community Service providers.
319 - 887 -6065
1
From: jazb <jazbl058 @inabc.net>
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 2011 9:26 PM
To: Council
Subject: RE: this happens all day every day
This was returned as undeliverable from the council address so I am sending it again
Mr. Helling,
It is obvious to me that you are in contact with Shelter House as 3 days after this was sent ALL cars were gone from the
west side of Waterfront..
Most are completely gone some are now parked in the parking lot which as I stated was over 1/2 empty most of the
time.
This tells me that their street parking was a point they were trying to make to us in the neighborhood.
This does not endear them to us.
It was far to coincidental to be anything but.
As far as calling the police I reference a call my husband made about the congregating down there... he was told by the
dispatcher when he called in that it was not illegal and she would not send anyone.
So, really, what would you like us to do. The option you gave us is not real. We have tried that as we have been told that
before.
All of us in the area, Hacap, Friendly Farm, Hilltop management, and Hilltop residents are all talking to each other and
sharing these communications.
Don't pretend that you are trying to make a solution. You are not.
It is anything for the greater good of the shelter and no one cares about the children and families who have lived in this
area many many years.
Sincerely,
Joyce Barker
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Dale Helling [mailto :Dale- Helling @iowa- city.orgj
Sent: Tuesday, July 05, 20114:46 PM
To: 'jazbl058 @inabc.net'
Cc: Council; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Darian Nagle -Gamm; Andy Rocca; Sam Hargadine
Subject: RE: this happens all day every day
Dear Ms. Barker,
Thank you for your recent email messages to Council regarding parking issues
on Waterfront Drive. Perhaps I can provide helpful information in the form
of an update.
As I'm sure you are aware, City traffic engineering staff has reviewed the
situation to determine if further control measures are warranted based on
uniform traffic standards. Beyond the removal last year of parking from the
east side of Waterfront Drive south of Southgate Avenue, they have concluded
that road width, traffic volume, visibility, etc. are adequate for traffic
movement in that area without imposing additional parking prohibitions or
other restrictions. Further, while vehicles are frequently parked on the
west side of Waterfront Drive, these have not often been found to be
improperly parked or in violation of the "street storage" (parked over 48
hours without being moved) regulation. Police officers have observed people
sleeping in these vehicles from time to time but there is no law prohibiting
that. Further, no violations of the zoning code have been identified.
The police have been directed to monitor the current situation involving
vehicles parking along Waterfront Drive in the evenings with occupants
congregating in the area with car doors open, etc. If you or your neighbors
observe instances where the street is being blocked or traffic is
encumbered, the police should like to be notified immediately, if possible,
so they can respond in a timely fashion. We remain in contact with Shelter
House administration as well in the interest of seeking workable resolution
to problems that may arise.
Regards,
Dale Helling
Assistant City Manager
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: jazbl058 @inabc.net [mailto:jazbl058 @inabc.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 20118:09 AM
To: Council; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Darian Nagle -Gamm; Andy Rocca
Subject: this happens all day every day
This is what we have all day every day along the stretch, now extending
beyond our drive up the hill towards Friendly Farm. But is this taken into
account on your width of road? Normally if there was a car comming people
shut the door or get out of the way.... I can tell you on a daily basis that
the stretch from HACAP's drive to Southgate on Waterfront... they DO NOT!
They look at the cars trying to give way to each other and go back to what
they were doing... with the door hanging wide open...
All the while the parking lot at Shelter house is at least 1/2 empty. This
tells us they are NOT trying to be good neighbors. They are trying to say we
are here and YOU have to live with it...
All we are asking for since you CAN NOT legislate good character is to give
us an accessable road. Please consider and impliment no parking on the west
side of Waterfront!
This is even more poinient to me as my husband just spent time in the
hospital for chest pains.
Thank You
Joyce Barker
2018 Waterfront Dr
Iowa City
Marian Karr 13g(5)
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 10:11 PM
To: 'Beining, Robin M'
Cc: Council
Subject: RE: Permits for Distribution of Business Handbills
Dear Ms. Beining,
Thank you for your recent email to the City Council regarding the distribution of handbills. Council members will formally
receive your message as official correspondence as part of the consent agenda for an upcoming regular council meeting.
The damage done to your car is regrettable and I'm sure very frustrating that no one came forth to admit to the damage.
You are correct that the City does not currently prohibit or otherwise regulate the distribution of handbills, including
placement on parked vehicles. Council has in the past considered that possibility but elected not to pursue it further. As
I'm sure you are aware, there would be potentially complicated First Amendment issues to be addressed in attempting
to enact an ordinance to prohibit or limit this activity. If Council should wish to revisit this issue, they will advise staff to
schedule the matter for future discussion and seek input from the City Attorney.
I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Dale Helling
Dale E. Helling
Assistant City Manager
(319) 356 -5013
dale- helling @iowo -city, org
From: Beining, Robin M [ mailto:robin - beining @uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 08, 20113:32 PM
To: Council
Subject: Permits for Distribution of Business Handbills
From:
Robin Beining
1274 Dolen PI.
Iowa City, IA 52246
(319)930 -2341
robin - beining @uiowa.edu
RE: Permits for Distribution of Business Handbills
Dear Council Members,
On Wednesday, July 6th, 2011, I parked my vehicle on E. Washington St. in Iowa City. While I was away from my car an
Iowa City business, TMOne (1925 Boyrum St.), posted a handbill on my car, advertising their hiring of telephone account
managers. The same day that this handbill was posted on my car, a dent was made on the right side of my hood, near
where the handbill was placed on my windshield. My car is relatively new and in pristine condition. I had hand - washed
my car the previous day and I am certain the dent was not on my car when I washed it. Unfortunately, due to the
location of the dent on a ridge, the repair cost has been estimated to be $720 by Billion Auto of Iowa City. The person
estimating the cost of the work believes that the dent was caused by someone leaning over my car (as to place the
handbill on my windshield) and possibly wearing a large belt buckle or cell - phone. I tried to directly contact someone in
charge at TMOne and my phone call was unreturned. I then attempted to resolve the issue with TMOne, in person.
TMOne refuses to acknowledge any responsibility for the damage to my car and unfortunately, I have little recourse.
However, it disturbs me that not only am I left with a damaged vehicle and $720 repair bill, but that businesses can (and
do regularly) freely post unsolicited handbills on hundreds of cars in the downtown Iowa City area. Not only has this
practice damaged my property, but it also results in littering of property when handbills are improperly placed, rained on,
blown away, discarded, etc. I am extremely frustrated and dismayed. Reviewing of the Iowa City ordinance on handbills
and fliers outlines the need for permits to post on public property, utility poles, etc., but makes no mention of posting on
personal cars. I would like to encourage the Iowa City council to consider an ordinance requiring permits for posting
business handbills on cars, as it is commonly required in other communities. Until then, I will be paying for the damages
to my car and will make an extra effort to avoid patronizing ANY Iowa City business that posts unsolicited handbills on my
parked vehicle.
I sincerely appreciated your consideration.
Robin Beining, M.S.
2011 Doctoral Candidate, Interdisciplinary Studies
The University of Iowa
From: Meredith Stensland <meredith- 23 @hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 2:20 PM
To: Council
Subject: goals /priorities
Iowa City Council members,
My name is Meredith Stensland, and I am a student at Wartburg College. I am doing a report on the power structures of
Iowa City. My questions to you include:
-What are your reasons for seeking control?
-As members of the council, what are your priorities or goals of your work?
-What would you like to accomplish while on the council?
-How do you exercise your authority? In other words, as council members, how do you exercise your power?
Thank you very much, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Meredith Stensland
*PS If you would rather respond to these questions via telephone, you can call me at 515 - 681 -0459
Marian Karr
From: Karen Jennings
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 9:34 AM
To: 'amanda.skinner39 @ gmail.com'
Cc: Adam Bentley; Marian Karr; Dale Helling; *City Council
Subject: FW: Nepotism /Cronyism Policy Reply
Ms. Skinner,
The City's Nepotism policy is included in our Personnel Policies document. I have copied it below.
TF
i. Employment of Relatives
Generally, no person shall be hired, promoted or transferred to a department of the City or to a division thereof
when, as a result, the employee would routinely be directly or indirectly supervising or receiving direct or indirect
supervision from a member of the employee's immediate family. For the purpose of this section members of the
immediate family are defined as: employee's spouse, domestic partner or partner by cohabitation, children, mother,
father, son -in -law, daughter -in -law, mother -in -law, father -in -law, brother, sister, brother -in -law, sister -in -law,
grandparents and grandchildren, step- children and step - parents.
When any of the above relationships is created by marriage, domestic partnership or cohabitation following
employment, reasonable efforts will be made to find an acceptable alternative, or to eliminate the situation by
transfer or reassignment of one of the employees. Affected employees will first be given the option of deciding
which employee will transfer or be reassigned. If no indication is given, seniority will be the governing factor and
the least senior employee will be subject to transfer, reassignment, or termination.
Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information.
Thank you,
Karen Jennings
Karen Jennings
Personnel Administrator
City of Iowa City
(319) 356 -5025
(319) 356 -5027 FAX
mailto karen- ienninas(Nowa- citv.org
Please consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary.
From: Dale Helling
Sent: Monday, July 11, 20119:28 AM
To: Karen Jennings
Cc: Adam Bentley; Marian Karr
Subject: FW: Nepotism /Cronyism Policy Reply
Karen: Please forward a copy of our nepotism policy to Ms. Skinner. Thanks.
From: Amanda Skinner [mailto:amanda.skinner39 @gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 10, 20112:24 PM
To: Council
Subject: Nepotism /Cronyism Policy Reply
I read with interest a question posed to the council in its 7 -5 -11 agenda regarding its nepotism policy, in
particular whether relationships other than familial and /or cohabitating relationships were covered by the city's
policy. I believe Mr. Chaisson asked for a copy of the city's policy in his email. I could not see council's reply
to this inquiry, but did see a note added that the "policy was sent" to Mr. Chaisson.
This issue interests me as well, so I was disappointed that I could not see the council's response and thus do not
know whether the city's policy contains this language presently and /or if there are intentions to update the
policy to include consensual relationships or other types of cronyism. I went online to the city's website and
could not find it with a basic search.
Could I bother you to re- attach the policy to this email so I can also examine it? In my Industrial Psychology
studies this is an area of current discussion, as it is being observed that it is often the "behind the scenes"
relationships which cause more disruption to workplace morale than those relationships which are legally
sanctioned and thus more widely known and managed by the organization.
Thank for your time and service.
Amanda Skinner
Marian Karr
3g(8
From: Jennifer Jordan
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 4:13 PM
To: 'jeffrey.kress @gmail.com'
Cc: Council; Tom Markus; Rick Fosse
Subject: RE: Plastic Bag ban
Attachments: plastic bag recommendations June 09.pdf
Hello Mr. Kress,
Thanks for your email to City Council regarding a plastic bag ban. I researched the issue two years ago, prepared the
attached memo and presented to City Council. I have not followed the trends in other communities since that time but
we have worked on increasing litter clean -ups and done extensive public education through ECO Iowa City that
specifically included waste reduction targeted at plastic bags. City Carton Recycling has also added a bin for recycling
plastic bags at their location on Benton Street and worked with the local grocers to promote their collection programs.
I'd be happy to do re- examine the issue if directed by the City Manager and Council.
Sincerely,
Jen Jordan
Recycling Coordinator
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
3900 Hebl Avenue SW
Iowa City, IA 52246
319 - 887 -6160
Jennifer- lordanPiowa- city.org
www.icgov.org/environment
From: Jeffrey Kress < jeffrey. kress@ gmail. com <mailto:jeffrey.kress @gmail.com>>
Date: July 11, 201112:26:09 PM CDT
To: < council @iowa- city.org <mailto:council @iowa- city.org>>
Subject: Plastic Bag ban
City Council Members,
I would like to see plastic bags banned in Iowa City. There are a multitude of reasons for this.
1. it loads landfills
2. they are non - renewable resources (made of polyurethane, a composite created from such non - renewable
components as natural gas and crude oil) 3. they are harmful to animals (approximately 100,000 sea animals die each
year from plastic bags) 4. they are harmful to children (choking hazard)
Also, Dubuque recently voted to phase out 90% of plastic bags by 2014. This is one reason they are on the list as
"Smarter Cities" by the Natural Resources Defenses Council.
When I shop, I bring an old plastic bag or cloth bag to shop. Most of the time I have to tell cashiers this while they start
to bag my groceries or goods with plastic bag by HABIT. It's time we, Iowa City, start to make a name for ourself
environmentally and ban plastic bags. A little effort goes a long way. We need to be conscious of our actions. To receive
a new plastic bag (sometimes numerous bags) every time we shop leads to above problems.
I also kayak the local rivers and inevitably find plastic bags stuck on tree branches, etc. it's ugly, I wonder if wildlife will
be affected, and I remove them when I can.
Make a statement and ban plastic bags in Iowa City.
Thank you,
Jeffrey Kress
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~ ,� CITY OF IOWA CITY
9 AN MEMORANDUM
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date: June 24, 2009
To: Rick Fosse, Director of Public Works
From: Jen Jordan, Recycling Coordinator
Re: Plastic grocery bag follow -up
City Council directed staff to report back in June regarding plastic grocery bags to determine if a
ban was necessary. Based on conversations with grocers, recyclers and state -wide non - profit
organizations, as well as the trends surrounding this topic, it is staff's opinion that a ban is not
needed at this time. Instead, continued education, partnerships and litter abatement will
enhance the trends of reduced plastic bag use, increased recycling and more organized litter
pick -up events.
Positive trends
Over the past six months, staff has discussed plastic bag use, recycling and bans with grocers,
recycles and the executive directors of Keep Iowa Beautiful and the Iowa Recycling Association.
The trends that they have seen in the past year are encouraging.
1. Reduced plastic grocery bag use. The sales and use of totes is increasing across the state.
While it is difficult for stores to track exact numbers on plastic grocery bag use, Hy -Vee
estimates that they have seen an estimated five to ten percent decrease in plastic bag use over
the past year. Fareway and Wal -Mart speculate that the number of plastic bags they use has
decreased since they have seen an increase in the number of totes sold and used.
Some local stores have taken the initiative to charge for bags. For instance, Aldi Food Stores
have been charging $0.10 for heavy -duty plastic bags for many years. Customers bring their
own totes, bags or boxes for groceries and the manager of the Iowa City Aldi Food Stores
stated that they see customers reusing the Aldi -brand plastic bags repeatedly until they are
worn past reuse. In addition, the New Pioneer Co -op began charging customers $0.05 per bag
on Earth Day 2009. All proceeds are being donated to the Crisis Center.
2. Increase in plastic bag recycling rates. Informal surveys and observations indicate that all or
almost all local grocery stores offer plastic bag recycling.
According to Mike Smith, Hy -Vee's Director of Real Estate and Sustainability, Hy -Vee saw a
25% increase in plastic bag recycling across the state in FY08. City Carton Recycling offers
plastic bag recycling at their drop -off facility and works with local stores to take the plastic bags
the retailers collect through their plastic bag recycling programs. An increase in plastic bag
recycling locally mirrors a national trend; Waste News recently reported that plastic bag and film
recycling reached an all time high in 2006 and continues to increase.
In April 2009, the four major bag manufacturers in the US announced a goal of using 40%
recycled content by 2015. This will significantly increase the demand for plastic bag recycling
and reduce the consumption of natural gas in bag making.
July 23, 2009
Page 2
Next steps
While the trends discussed above are encouraging, ongoing efforts will be necessary. Public
education will be important, as will working with local grocers to support and inform the public
about their programs.
1. Public education. City and ECICOG staff includes education about reuse, including totes, in
all outreach programs offered to local schools, civic groups and public libraries in the
corridor. On average, the education programs reach about 3,000 students and residents
per year.
Keep Iowa Beautiful (KIB) received a Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste
Alternative Program grant to study the views of the public across the state regarding this
topic. Based on this information, the public does not feel that they are well- informed about
recycling or what programs stores have in place. KIB plans to work with the Iowa Grocers
Association on a campaign to provide a common message to the public about recycling
grocery bags, such as common signage in store parking lots to remind shoppers to take
their totes into the store and education for store employees to encourage shoppers to
purchase totes and remind shoppers to use them.
Locally, staff will work with local retailers and City Carton Recycling to advertise locations of
plastic bag recycling drop -offs. A stronger reuse message will be incorporated into outreach
and advertising, such as newspaper ads and outreach at local events.
2. Litter abatement. While Johnson County is not an affiliate of Keep Iowa Beautiful, we have a
strong volunteer litter collection system.
• The Adopt -a- Highway program covers Highways 218, 1 and 6, as well as Interstate 80
and 380. Most sections in Johnson County have been adopted and are picked up at
least twice annually.
• The Stormwater Utility organizes numerous creek clean -ups annually and has extended
that in 2009 to Iowa River clean -ups.
• The Aerohawks Flying Club has four clean -ups on IWV Road annually in a partnership
with the landfill.
• The landfill plans to initiate an annual fall clean -up of Highway 218 in 2009.
Summary
Staff does not feel that a ban is needed at this time. Expanded education programs and
partnerships with local retailers will encourage more residents to use totes and recycle their
plastic bags. Additional litter clean -up activities will help residents see the problems that bags
pose in the environment and further encourage them to use totes and recycle their plastic bags.
With these initiatives, the use of plastic bags is likely to continue its downward trend. The
purchase and use of totes as well as plastic bag recycling is likely to increase as we have seen
over the past year.
Marian Karr
3g(9
From: Pete Anderson <pdanders @yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, July 11, 2011 12:42 PM
To: Doug Boothroy
Cc: Council; Matt Hayek
Subject: Melrose Concerns on Football Gameday
Hello Mr Boothroy,
I don't know if you remember but we exchanged emails last year during the Magic Bus location and permit issues. I'm am
not a Iowa city Resident but I am graduate of the University of Iowa, Season ticket holder for Football and Basketball
since 92, and a life long Hawkeye fan. I return to Iowa city about 40 times a year. I just had a question on the latest
concerns about Melrose Vendors and various issues caused in the Melrose neighborhood by football game traffic. I'm
confused why the Melrose vendors and the Magic Bus appears to be taking all the blame for the issues in the Melrose
neighborhood. When the actual problem is the lack of parking around Kinnick Stadium and non - supervised tailgates in
the area. In my observations people do buy food on Melrose before Football games and then walk back in the residential
areas of Iowa city to ditch their garbage. Most people I know park, walk to Melrose, get food, and proceed around the
stadium or directly to the games. If vendors were selling alot of food after the games as people headed back to their cars,
I could see the Melrose vendors being a bigger concern but from my observations the vendors are shutdown by the time
the game is over. So the amount of trash in the neighborhood due to Melrose vendors is small in my opinion. I'm not sure
the vendors are the problem.
This leads us to the Magic bus who appears to be favorite scapegoat off all things bad about Football Tailgating. Was
there any actual data that showed that garbage, drunkenness, illegal behavior increased since the Magic Bus moved last
year? I'm just puzzle that people get upset if it is too close to the stadium and now people are upset it is far away(and
there is more foot traffic in the neighborhood). City regulations aside (which have been ignored on gamedays for
decades) can the city just decide if they want tailgating in Iowa City or not? The year to year dance is as annoying to fans
as it must be to you and the council.
Once and for all can the city just decide one way or the other whether they want alumni, fans, and students to return and
celebrate Iowa Football in Iowa City or not? Let's not kid ourselves. The problem isn't Melrose Vendors or the Magic
Bus. The problem is Iowa Football. You can shutown the Magic Bus or make vendors have permits but the problem will
remain. There is not enough parking around Kinnick so people are forced to the residential areas. If the Melrose
association wants the tailgators out of their neighborhood not only do you have to ban the Magic bus but you must also
enforce parking ordinances in these neighborhoods.
Is it legal for a residence to sell their lawn for public parking 7 times a year? How many of the people complaining about
the Vendor's and Magic Bus are also selling parking places on their lawns and allowing unsupervised tailgating on private
property? One could argue it's the residence that rent out their lawns to tailgaters are the real problem. If you must
shutdown the Bus, crack down on Vendors, please also go after the Melrose residents who are allowing what I believe is
illegal parking. Then we will see a true comparisons of the people who are OK with having a football stadium in their
neighborhood or not. I'm guessing the pendulum will swing the other way if the city starts requiring permits for each
resident who wishes to sell their lawns as parking places.
I say the city should embrace Hawkeye Football and welcome fans or shutdown ALL illegal actives including
residential /lawn parking. Whether this is the year there is no magic Bus in Iowa City or not, when the time comes,
wonder who will take the blame for 70,000 coming into town for a day trashing the area around Kinnick when there is no
Magic Bus. At one time it disgusted me the thought of Kinnick Stadium being moved but now I would almost welcome
it. Until the stadium is moved there is nothing the city can do with many of the problems.
If the city gathered data over the last year showing the Magic Bus increased problems in the area, by all means shut it
down but don't forgot all the unsupervised tailgates in the residential areas around Kinnick. In over a decade of going to
the magic bus, I have always seen people carded, told to leave there beverage of choice when leaving for the
game. What I haven't seen is drunken idiots walking across the area trashing area, vomiting, or urinating on residential
property. There are plenty of facilities at the Magic Bus so there is no reason to do this. Again I ask, is it the Magic Bus
patrons causing the problems or all the house parties /tailgates. I will admit we leave the bus earlier then most to get to
the game but the crowd doesn't seem out of control as portrayed.
I read a comment on the Press Citizen that said maybe it's time to give the Magic Bus up. Sadly, I am close to agreeing
but all you'll be doing is sending people someplace else to tailgate. That may be in Iowa City or it may be Coralville. As
Iowa City cracks down on the tailgating there is a perception that Coralville is now the place to be. Two years ago we
began spending all pre - basketball games dinners in CV now. Is football tailgating next?
Thanks for you time.
Pete Anderson
Marion, la
University of Iowa Class of 1997 College of Engineering
Go Hawks!
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Air Race Classic
ARC Executive Board:
President: Marolyn Wilson
Whitesboro, NY
Vice President: Keri Wright
Lakeland, TN
Treasurer: Trish Minard
Cheney, KS
Secretary: Terry Carbonell
Alva, FL
Directors:
Jo Alcorn
Winter Haven, FL
Dottie Anderson
Bluffton, OH
Lara Gaerte
Fort Wayne, IN
Gretchen Jahn
Denver, CO
Maureen Kenney
Caliente, CA
Carolyn Van Newkirk
York, PA
Denise Waters
New York, NY
Assistant Directors:
Caroline Baldwin
Marie Janus
Heidi LaPine
Ruth Maestre
Karen Redman
Robin Turner
Bev Weintraub
Theresa White
Dustin Wilcox
Mary Wunder
Laurie Zaleski
AIR RACE CLASSIC, INC.
www.airraceclassic.org
July 12, 2011
Matt Hayek
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Matt,
On behalf of the Air Race Classic Board of Directors, we express
our sincere gratitude for your contributions in making the 2011
Air Race Classic a memorable experience.
Organizing a transcontinental air race is an enormous
undertaking which could not be possible without contributions
of time, money, support materials and expertise from
individuals like you. We appreciate your efforts and your
generosity.
Together, we generated publicity to a wide audience; sending a
positive message for general aviation, and women, in
particular. This 82nd Anniversary race was quite remarkable as
we had eleven university teams; three teams flying the race as
a fund raising event for various charitable organizations; and
one team commemorating the contributions of a famous African
American aviatrix.
As we bring the 2011 race year to a close, we look forward to
the 2012 Air Race Classic from Lake Havasu, AZ to Batavia, OH
and welcome your continued support of this fine racing
tradition.
With kind regards,
JoAnne Alcorn, Director
Air Race Classic, Inc.
21530 Pearl Street — Alva, FL 33920
Phone: 239 - 633 -0077 — Fax: 863 - 674 -0130
�.i `sii w CIE - ,sic, I;-1C. is a 50,i (c)(3) organization. Your tax da?ciUCLMl Com;ibutions e. a `!c''ICoime.
N
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On behalf of the Air Race Classic Board of Directors, we express
our sincere gratitude for your contributions in making the 2011
Air Race Classic a memorable experience.
Organizing a transcontinental air race is an enormous
undertaking which could not be possible without contributions
of time, money, support materials and expertise from
individuals like you. We appreciate your efforts and your
generosity.
Together, we generated publicity to a wide audience; sending a
positive message for general aviation, and women, in
particular. This 82nd Anniversary race was quite remarkable as
we had eleven university teams; three teams flying the race as
a fund raising event for various charitable organizations; and
one team commemorating the contributions of a famous African
American aviatrix.
As we bring the 2011 race year to a close, we look forward to
the 2012 Air Race Classic from Lake Havasu, AZ to Batavia, OH
and welcome your continued support of this fine racing
tradition.
With kind regards,
JoAnne Alcorn, Director
Air Race Classic, Inc.
21530 Pearl Street — Alva, FL 33920
Phone: 239 - 633 -0077 — Fax: 863 - 674 -0130
�.i `sii w CIE - ,sic, I;-1C. is a 50,i (c)(3) organization. Your tax da?ciUCLMl Com;ibutions e. a `!c''ICoime.
(�Iossic 1'/ (ako, "fOunaer fDomen') would lf�e to
%u_r Jer .evress our pthae f'orgaurgenerous aenotfon otf' om,e time, personal sup ort, anc� nancial resources to
Air Race Classic tAe n(911 Obtr Noce �lasstc. Your contdutions
die ea masse our exRerience untforgetta6le.
c tncerel ,
Marsg fOunaer, e[lot
Nose Crown, co Rilot
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Marian Karr 3g(11
From:
Dale Helling
Sent:
Thursday, July 14, 2011 5:23 PM
To:
'Andrew Duffy'
Cc:
Tom Markus; Adam Bentley; Council
Subject:
RE: Mephedrone openly sold
Dear Andrew,
Thank you for your email to the City Council expressing your concern about the sale of Mephedrone in Iowa City. Council
will formally receive your message as official correspondence as an item on the consent agenda for its next regular
meeting. I asked the police chief to look into this matter and we were pleased to learn that while mephedrone is
currently a legal substance to posess and sell in Iowa, it is named in House File 510, passed by the legislature and
awaiting the Governor's signature, as a Schedule I Controlled Substance which will make it an illegal substance to
manufacture, possess, use, etc. in the State of Iowa. Perhaps by the time you are reading this the bill will be signed. If
not, hopefully soon.
I hope you find this information helpful. You may wish to convey your encouragement to the Governor's office that he
sign HF 510 with the mephedrone prohibition included.
Regards,
Dale Helling
Dale E. Helling
Assistant City Manager
(319) 356 -5013
dale- hellingPiowa -city. org
From: Andrew Duffy [mailto:armyandy86 @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 1:54 AM
To: Council
Subject: Mephedrone openly sold
I am writing because I am alarmed at the public sale of the world known club drug "mephedrone ". This deadly
drug is sold out of the cash registered in stores such as the "End Zone" in Iowa City for $50 a powder gram. I
hardly believe anyone buys that this is sold as "plant food" or bath salt, especially when it is often packaged in a
small plastic bag covered in images of machine guns and marijuana leaves. This is a deadly drug that had
already seen bans in several countries and several U.S. states. Even when asked the owner describes the
"magic" brand plant food as legal cocaine and ecstasy mixed.
Concerned,
A.R. Duffy
Marian Karr
From: Bender, Kelly S <kelly- bender @uiowa.edu>
Sent: Friday, July 15, 2011 8:34 AM
To: Council
Cc: Rocklin, Thomas R
Subject: Partnership for Alcohol Safety Recommendations
Attachments: PAS Recommendations for 21 Ordinance Exception Certificate. docx
Dear Council Members,
3902)
Attached please find a memo from the Partnership for Alcohol Safety (PAS) outlining four recommendations for
strengthening the requirements for obtaining and renewing a 21 Ordinance food related exception certificate. The
diverse membership of the PAS, in addition to downtown bar and restaurant owners who are not members of the PAS,
have agreed that the attached recommendations are necessary to decrease underage access to alcohol in
establishments with an exception certificate. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. We
appreciate your consideration.
Kelly Bender
Coordinator of Campus Community Harm Reduction Initiatives
The University of Iowa
249 IMU
319- 353 -0102
Kelly- benderguiowa. edu
Partnership
The Partnership for Alcohol Safety exists to identify and advocate for
strategies that reduce high -risk drinking and promote a vibrant
downtown
TO: Iowa City City Council
FROM: The Partnership for Alcohol Safety
RE: Recommendations for changes to 21
DATE: July 15, 2011
Ordinance Exception Certificate requirements
Below are four recommendations submitted by the Partnership for Alcohol Safety (PAS) to the Iowa City
City Council for consideration regarding their adoption into the so called 21 Ordinance. The intention of
the following recommendations is to strengthen the 21 Ordinance in order to decrease underage access to
alcohol in establishments with a food related exception certificate. The following recommendations were
approved unanimously by PAS members on July 13, 2011 with two members abstaining. PAS members
in attendance for the vote include the following:
Susan Assouline (UI)
Doug Beardsley (JCPH)
Kelly Bender (UI)
Katya Boltanova (MECCA)
Denise Brotherton (ICPD)- abstained
Shelly Campo (Ul)
Brittany Caplain (UISG)
Leah Cohen (Bo James)
Stacey Cyphert (UI)
George Eire (Takanami, Formosa)
Patti Fields (ICCSD School Board)
Brian Flynn (Joe's, Donnelly's, Blackstone)
Chuck Green ( UIDPS)
Matt Hayek (City of IC)- abstained
Dale Helling (City of Iowa City)
Elliot Higgins (UISG)
Janet Lyness (County Attorney)
Marc Moen (Moen Group)
Jim Mondanaro (Giovanni's, Saloon, Joseph's)
Steve Parrott (UI)
Greg Pelc (UI Med Student)
Tim McDougall (Source Media)
Shannon Pogones (ABD)
Mark Pries (Pastor)
Tom Rocklin (UI)
Jim Swaim (UAY)
Michael Takacs (UIHC -ER).
Additional input and support for the recommendations was provided by: Jim Bell (Deadwood), Todd
Barnes (Sports Column), Jeff Maynes (Union Bar).
Recommendation #1: .50 PAULA ratio requirement
Businesses with a food related exception certificate must maintain a PAULA ratio of .50 or
below, using ICPD and UIDPS combined enforcement data, in order to be eligible to receive (or
renewed) an exception certificate. The PAULA ratio should be reviewed frequently (recommend
reviews every 3 -6 months) so businesses having issues with minors gaining access to alcohol can
be addressed quickly.
Recommendation #2: Revocation of Exception Certificate
Exception certificates may be revoked for good cause. Good cause for revocation includes:
Where a business maintains a PAULA ratio above .50 after more than one review period.
Recommendation 43: Exception Certificate with sale of business
A)If a business (bar /restaurant) for sale currently has an exception certificate, the new business
taking over can receive an automatic 6 month probationary exception certificate if they can
demonstrate that their primary business purpose is not the sale of alcohol. At the end of the 6
Partners IP The Partnership for Alcohol Safety exists to identify and advocate for
strategies that reduce high -risk drinking and promote a vibrant
downtown
month period, the business must continue to meet 50% food sales and PAULA ratio (.50)
requirements in order to maintain their exception certificate.
B) If the business for sale does not currently have an exception certificate, the new business
would not start out with an automatic exception certificate. Instead, they can apply for an
exception certificate after 6 months of business. At that time they must meet 50% food sales
and .50 PAULA ratio requirements.
Recommendation #4: Review of business records to verify 50% sales from food.
The City of Iowa City will, as a standard practice for all exception certificate applications and
renewals, thoroughly review business records used to verify that 50% or more of gross sales are
from the sale of goods and services other than alcoholic beverages. A standard review of
business records will include state and federal tax records, receipts from vendors for goods
purchased, and audits.
Please feel free to contact us for further information regarding these recommendations. Thank you for
your time and consideration.
Contact Information:
Kelly Bender
UI Coordinator of Campus Community Harm Reduction Initiatives
Kelly- benderguiowa. edu
319- 353 -0102
F
lakwig-0,
July 15, 2011
The Honorable Matthew Hayek
Mayor of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Sir:
3 13)
It is with the deepest regret that we must close our Roberts dairy plant operations located at
1109 N. Dodge Street, in Iowa City 52245. The actual date of closure is July 15, 2011. The
company has notified the Iowa Workforce Development and the State Dislocated Worker Unit.
This closure will affect 47 employees at the plant and in the office. The company will maintain a
distribution operation in the area and will continue to employ 30 employees as drivers and
support personnel. The company will be providing severance benefits for those affected and
will be working with the Dislocated Worker Unit to assist employees during the transition.
The closure is a result of lower volumes and the need to consolidate operations to reduce costs.
The production from the Iowa City plant will be moved to operations in Dubuque, Iowa and
Omaha, Nebraska. The company will continue to have over 250 employees in the State of Iowa.
We find this action most regrettable for our employees and we will do what we can to reduce
their hardship and offer other opportunities where possible.
Although our operations will be downsized we will continue to maintain a presence and
appreciate the continued support of the community and our employees.
Sincerely,
,
Gary A gg u
Chief Operating Officer
Hiland and Roberts Dairy Company
PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY, INC.
General Offices: 1100 Broadway, Carlinville, IL 62626 phone 217- 854 -2547 fax 217 - 854 -8468 prairiefarms.com
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PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY, INC.
General Offices: 1100 Broadway, Carlinville, IL 62626 phone 217- 854 -2547 fax 217 - 854 -8468 prairiefarms.com
Marian Karr ; 3g(14
From: Rick Fosse
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 4:21 PM
To: 'kcolangelo @mchsi.com'
Cc: Tom Markus; Council; Marian Karr; Ron Knoche; John Yapp; Dale Helling
Subject: FW: possible extension of Foster /Bjaysville Road to the east
Dear Kay:
Thank you for your e -mail about the possible extension of Foster Road from Dubuque Street to Prairie Du Chien Road. I
agree that this project has many good things going for it. The reason it is not in the City's five year capital program is
primarily due to the lack of funds. It is competing with a number of other good projects that, in the end, received a
higher priority in the budget process.
If the land abutting the Foster Road right -of -way develops, portions of the street could be constructed by the developer
as part of their project. However, unless a very large scale development occurs it probably will not complete the
connection between Dubuque Street and Prairie Du Chien Road.
The City Council will be reviewing the five year capital program and adopting a new budget after the first of the year.
The City Council appreciates public input on this process, so thank you for your e -mail. If you have anything to add, you
might consider sending it in December so it will be fresh on everyone's mind for the budget process.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Rick Fosse
Public Works Director
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Kay Colangelo [mailto:kcolangelo @mchsi.comj
Sent: Monday, July 25, 20118:13 AM
To: Council
Subject: possible extension of Foster /Bjaysville Road to the east
This correspondence will become a public record.
We have long hoped for Bjaysville Rd. to be completed through to the north end of Prairie du Chien Rd.
At present, there is no entrance to the north end of Prairie du Chien Rd. except via Linder Rd. on the north side of
interstate 80.
In fact, there is only one planned, smooth entrance to Prairie du Chien Rd. from downtown Iowa City and that is on its
far south side
(via Governor St. to Dodge St. at Roberts Dairy). The route many of
us take is the narrow, residential Kimble Rd. because there is no other route from the north side of downtown to Prairie
du Chien Rd.
Iowa City, due to the river and railroad tracks, can be a difficult town to maneuver around. So when there is seeming
easy access to connect one road to another, we think the City Council should consider this potential.
To connect Prairie du Chien Rd. to north Dubuque St. via Bjaysville Rd.:
* would be "greener" because less gas would be used for those of us needing this connection (the term "going around
your finger to get to your thumb" comes to mind)
* would open up a significant number of homes to public transportation (the last bus stop on Prairie du Chien Rd. is on
Caroline Ct. which leaves residents in a large area of Iowa City too far to walk to a bus stop)
* would keep a significant amount of traffic off the narrow, residential Kimble Rd. which is also on one of Iowa City's
steepest grades and can be dangerously icy in winter
Thank you so much for your attention to this matter, Kay and Nicholas Colangelo
From: cliff pirnat <cpirnat @mchsi.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 10:20 AM
To: Council
Subject: crandic bridge gate
officials are contemplating a gate for flood waters at the Crandic Bridge which will only help Coralville. And
then a levee on Taft speed way..
First of all lets start thinking of people down river from Iowa City, less water here means more for someone
else. Remove the dam at Burlington street and lower the river 7 feet.
The city concern ought to be the Rocky Shore Drive, which in a few years will be washed away by the
river. Has any one looked at how close the river is to the road lately?
Some person suggested an alternative to a levee and that is flood insurance. If the U.S. government can
mandate health insurance why not a city mandating flood insurance.
cliff pirnat
705 manor dr
iowa city,ia
Marian Karr
From: Marcia Bollinger
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 5:05 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jim Hayes
Subject: FW: On behalf of James P. Hayes
Attachments: Ltr to City Council July 27.pdf
From: Dawn Malloy [mailto:dmalloy @hlplc.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 20113:52 PM
To: Marcia Bollinger
Subject: On behalf of James P. Hayes
I am attaching a letter from James Hayes
Dawn Malloy
Legal Assistant
Hayes Lorenzen Lawyers
125 S. Dubuque St., STE 580
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 887 -3688
Fax: (319) 887 -3687
1
3g(16)
Hayes Lorenzen Lawyers
PL
James P. Hayes
Karen A. Lorenzen*
Reed R McManigal
Julie L. Pullcrabelc, of counsel
July 27, 2011
City Council of Iowa City
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Members of the Council:
On July 22, 2011, Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood Service Coordinator,
was good enough to send the Courts Street neighbors a letter informing us
about your Monday, August 1, 2011, work session, where traffic calming
will be discussed. We appreciate the effort of the Council, and on behalf
of our Court Street neighbors, I would like to reiterate our concerns about
traffic problems occurring on Court Street between Summit Street and
Muscatine Avenue.
We have asked at various times that the council consider alternatives for
slowing the traffic and for quieting our section of street so as to maintain
the family atmosphere of our historical neighborhood, including the
reasonable restriction of.commercial truck traffic; lowering and enforcing
the speed limit; removing the turn lanes at Muscatine Ave; returning
Court Street to its original brick surface; and initiating quieting devices
such as speed bumps, chicanes, turn - abouts and two -sided parking.
We. are in support of the suggestion that the maximum threshold of 3, 000
vehicles per day for traffic calming be reconsidered so that the streets in
the city with higher counts, including our stretch of Court Street, could
pursue traffic calming installations and measures.
Suite 580
Plaza Centre One
125 S. Dubuque Street
Iowa City IA 52240 -5678
Phone: 319 887 3688
Pax: 319 887 3687
jhayes @hlplc.com
klorenzen @blplc.com
rmcmanigai @hlplc.com
jpuUuabek @hlplc.com
*rllro adwitted in Rov7da
We respectfully request that the City Council take the action that is
necessary to provide traffic calming on our street.
With kindest regards,
Very truly yo s,
ames P. Hayes
July 28, 2011
All Members, City Council
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: Brown Street Traffic Calming ' 7 X
Dear Mayor Hayek and Honorable Council Members, " _ e)
Last summer, residents on Brown Street between Dodge Street and Dubuque Street, out of concern for our
safety and neighborhood quality of life, petitioned JCCOG (now MPOJC) to study the need for traffic calming. In
November 2010, a traffic study analyzed daily traffic volumes and speeds. The study collected eastbound and
westbound traffic data at two locations. It found that an average of 633 to 683 vehicles per day travelled at 85th
percentile speeds between 23.6 and 28.6 mph. Based on that data, and MPOJC's interpretation of Brown Street
as a collector street rather than a local residential street, MPOJC determined that we did not qualify for traffic
calming. City Council received a copy of MPOJC's letter to Brown Street residents to that effect in the Council's
December 23, 2010 information packet.
Traffic Calming and Neighborhood Cut- though Traffic
MPOJC's traffic calming brochure states: "Traffic calming is the practice of managing speeds and /or volumes on
residential streets using one or more approaches: increased police enforcement, driver education, or physical
changes to the roadway. Each of these approaches has its appropriate application and can help reduce speeds
and /or unwanted cut - through traffic on neighborhood streets" (emphasis added). Brown Street residents have
long observed that Brown Street experiences cut - through traffic (i.e., traffic that neither has its origin nor
destination in the Northside neighborhood). Cut - through traffic on Brown Street results primarily from traffic
between Dodge /Governor (State Highway 1) and Dubuque Street /Park Road. By using Brown Street rather
than Church Street, an arterial two blocks south of Brown Street, drivers shorten the travel distance. Other
factors that may contribute to the cut - through pattern, especially during morning commute hours, include
traffic backups at Dodge /Church and Church /Dubuque, which delay right turns at both locations. Ronalds
Street does not experience a similar cut - through pattern due to poor sight lines at Ronalds /Dubuque. Ronalds
Street also has two stop signs (at Johnson and Gilbert), while Brown Street has one (at Van Buren).
Brown Street residents believe the traffic data collected by MPOJC supports our observations. The attached
graphic analysis of the data collected at the east end of Brown Street by Charles Stanier, a Brown Street
resident, highlights the 1) peak traffic patterns, which reflect westbound morning commute traffic and
eastbound evening commute traffic; and 2) the preponderance of cut - through westbound traffic occurring
throughout the day, except during evening commute hours.
While the traffic counts alone qualify Brown Street for traffic calming, the traffic speeds should also be noted.
The data collected for westbound traffic at Johnson Street indicates 26.5% of all vehicles exceeded the 25mph
speed limit. At Gilbert Street, 16.1% of all westbound vehicles exceeded the 25mph speed limit. At both
locations, vehicles traveled at speeds far exceeding 35mph. Brown Street residents experience two sets of
driving behaviors: the respectful, slower speeds of Northside residents, and the generally higher speeds of cut -
through drivers.
It is important to stress that Brown Street residents are not requesting that the cut - through traffic be diverted.
Our goal is to calm cut - through traffic with traffic calming devices. In the interest of cost efficiency, we have also
proposed to the City that the traffic calming measures could be incorporated when Brown Street's brick paving
is reconstructed.
Collectors vs Local Residential Streets
Another aspect of MPOJC's traffic calming program that merits attention is the question of street classification.
To qualify for traffic calming, local streets have a lower traffic volume threshold (500 cars /day) than collectors
N
D
C"
RE: Brown Street Traffic Calming ' 7 X
Dear Mayor Hayek and Honorable Council Members, " _ e)
Last summer, residents on Brown Street between Dodge Street and Dubuque Street, out of concern for our
safety and neighborhood quality of life, petitioned JCCOG (now MPOJC) to study the need for traffic calming. In
November 2010, a traffic study analyzed daily traffic volumes and speeds. The study collected eastbound and
westbound traffic data at two locations. It found that an average of 633 to 683 vehicles per day travelled at 85th
percentile speeds between 23.6 and 28.6 mph. Based on that data, and MPOJC's interpretation of Brown Street
as a collector street rather than a local residential street, MPOJC determined that we did not qualify for traffic
calming. City Council received a copy of MPOJC's letter to Brown Street residents to that effect in the Council's
December 23, 2010 information packet.
Traffic Calming and Neighborhood Cut- though Traffic
MPOJC's traffic calming brochure states: "Traffic calming is the practice of managing speeds and /or volumes on
residential streets using one or more approaches: increased police enforcement, driver education, or physical
changes to the roadway. Each of these approaches has its appropriate application and can help reduce speeds
and /or unwanted cut - through traffic on neighborhood streets" (emphasis added). Brown Street residents have
long observed that Brown Street experiences cut - through traffic (i.e., traffic that neither has its origin nor
destination in the Northside neighborhood). Cut - through traffic on Brown Street results primarily from traffic
between Dodge /Governor (State Highway 1) and Dubuque Street /Park Road. By using Brown Street rather
than Church Street, an arterial two blocks south of Brown Street, drivers shorten the travel distance. Other
factors that may contribute to the cut - through pattern, especially during morning commute hours, include
traffic backups at Dodge /Church and Church /Dubuque, which delay right turns at both locations. Ronalds
Street does not experience a similar cut - through pattern due to poor sight lines at Ronalds /Dubuque. Ronalds
Street also has two stop signs (at Johnson and Gilbert), while Brown Street has one (at Van Buren).
Brown Street residents believe the traffic data collected by MPOJC supports our observations. The attached
graphic analysis of the data collected at the east end of Brown Street by Charles Stanier, a Brown Street
resident, highlights the 1) peak traffic patterns, which reflect westbound morning commute traffic and
eastbound evening commute traffic; and 2) the preponderance of cut - through westbound traffic occurring
throughout the day, except during evening commute hours.
While the traffic counts alone qualify Brown Street for traffic calming, the traffic speeds should also be noted.
The data collected for westbound traffic at Johnson Street indicates 26.5% of all vehicles exceeded the 25mph
speed limit. At Gilbert Street, 16.1% of all westbound vehicles exceeded the 25mph speed limit. At both
locations, vehicles traveled at speeds far exceeding 35mph. Brown Street residents experience two sets of
driving behaviors: the respectful, slower speeds of Northside residents, and the generally higher speeds of cut -
through drivers.
It is important to stress that Brown Street residents are not requesting that the cut - through traffic be diverted.
Our goal is to calm cut - through traffic with traffic calming devices. In the interest of cost efficiency, we have also
proposed to the City that the traffic calming measures could be incorporated when Brown Street's brick paving
is reconstructed.
Collectors vs Local Residential Streets
Another aspect of MPOJC's traffic calming program that merits attention is the question of street classification.
To qualify for traffic calming, local streets have a lower traffic volume threshold (500 cars /day) than collectors
(1000 cars /day). Thus, street classification can be the determining factor in whether a street qualifies for traffic
calming.
As mentioned at the beginning of the letter, it was MPOJC's interpretation of Brown Street as a collector that
provided the basis for denying our petition for traffic calming. This interpretation, it should be noted, was
inconsistent with their earlier correspondence with Brown Street residents. On two separate occasions in
August 2010, they stated that as a local neighborhood street, Brown Street must have a minimum of 500 cars
per day to qualify for traffic calming. It was only on receipt of the MPOJC letter in December 2010 that we
learned Brown Street had been reinterpreted as a collector street. MPOJC made no mention in the letter of the
reclassification.
When asked about the change in classification, MPOJC said at the time that their previous correspondences
were "inaccurate ". They stated "Brown Street should be considered a collector street because it is the first east -
west connection for all southbound traffic entering Iowa City from the major arterial streets of Dubuque and
Dodge. It also acts as the first east -west connector that provides access to Gilbert Street, also an arterial ".
According to the 2008 Central District Plan Gilbert Street ceases to be an arterial north of Jefferson Street, and
thus is not an arterial where it meets Brown Street.
In their July 22, 2011 Memorandum to the City Manager, MPOJC staff modified the factors for classifying Brown
Street as a collector:
Brown Street connects three arterial streets, including Dodge, Governor and Dubuque Streets
Brown Street collects traffic from several street extensions to the north, including N. Linn St. and Bella
Vista Place, N. Van Buren Street, N. Gilbert Street and N. Johnson St., and also collects traffic from the
Dewey St. and N. Summit St. neighborhood
There are several multi - family properties on the north side of Brown Street, from which traffic is
collected onto Brown Street.
As already noted, the traffic data indicates 1) a westbound morning commute pattern /eastbound evening
commute pattern; and 2) a preponderance of westbound traffic throughout the day, except during the evening
commute. Of the above factors, the only one relevant in explaining the existing traffic patterns is that Brown St.
connects Dodge /Governor with Dubuque.
Despite MPOJC's persistence in designating Brown Street's as a collector, the neighborhood maintains that the
term "collector" has been inappropriately applied. As its name suggests, a collector street is "intended to carry
neighborhood traffic from local residential streets to arterial streets serving the neighborhood" (Iowa City
Comprehensive Plan). In that sense, collectors serve as the intermediary between local streets and arterials.
The hierarchical street pattern of arterial, collector, and local street is common to most subdivisiqu,
E!
developments, including those in Iowa City. =
C) c_.
C`y
Brown Street, the northernmost east /west street in Iowa City's original 1839 platting, w er signed
intended to serve as a collector for local residential traffic in the Northside neighborhoodc�e lAWa Cite
Central District Plan notes,
� 5
The majority of the Central District is designed with a grid -like, interconnected st Crnetwbrk. Tea
benefit of this type of street network is that there are multiple routes to anyone 10 aftn, VZhich " ""�'
disperses traffic and provides for more direct routes to destinations. The ease of it 6vemec = and
lower traffic volumes in a grid street network make it efficient and comfortable for walkirigg6nd
bicycling.
Unfortunately, the dispersing effect of the grid has been altered by concentrated traffic flow neither originating
in nor destined for the Northside neighborhood. As the pattern of traffic data collected by MPOJC shows, Brown
Street has over 600 cars /day primarily due to a preponderance of westbound cut - through traffic between
Dodge /Governor Streets (State Highway 1) and Dubuque Street throughout most of the day. The recent MPOJC
memo attempts to minimize the percentage of cut - through traffic to the overall count by only counting one -
hour of commute traffic in the morning and evening.
Conclusion
After its initial classification in August 2010 of Brown Street as a local street, MPOJC now maintains that Brown
Street is a collector street. As such, Brown Street's traffic counts do not qualify it for traffic calming measures.
Brown Street residents maintain that, despite the dispersing effect of the Northside's street grid, Brown Street
has more than twice the average daily traffic of Ronalds Street for one simple reason: cut - through traffic,
predominantly in a westbound direction, between Dodge /Governor Streets and Dubuque Street. The average
daily traffic on Brown Street exceeds the 500 vehicles required on a local street to qualify for traffic calming.
Regardless of Brown Street's classification, Brown Street residents have from the beginning of this process
proposed to the City that the implementation of traffic calming measures should be coordinated with the
reconstruction of the brick paving so that they can be done at a minimal cost. As a capital improvement project,
Council can approve any redesign that would calm traffic.
Since the brick reconstruction may not occur for many years, the residents would like the City to explore and
field test interim traffic measures. One such measure would be adding another stop sign. In previous
discussions with City staff, we have been told that stop signs do not calm traffic, and that installing stop signs at
too frequent an interval can result in unintended consequences. We naturally assumed the pattern of stop signs
in the Northside, especially in the east /west direction, would show a consistent interval. In fact, the interval is
not consistent. Brown Street is the only Northside east /west street with one stop sign. We propose that Brown
St. have two stop signs, which is the number of stop signs on Ronalds Street. The first would be a two -way stop
sign at N. Johnson. This location would reduce vehicle speeds on the block nearest Dodge Street, where they are
highest, establishing a slower speed for the rest of the street. Currently, vehicles encounter their first and only
stop sign at N. Van Buren, which is two blocks (750 -feet) west of Dodge Street. The second stop sign would
either remain at N. Van Buren or be relocated at N. Gilbert, two blocks west of N. Johnson.
Finally, as a separate but related issue, we support the concept of developing a traffic calming /streetscape
concept for the Northside neighborhood. This approach could prove to be more neighborhood enhancing, as
well as engaging the entire community in the discussion of design opportunities. As suggested for Brown Street,
the proposed improvements could be implemented when a street is scheduled for repaving, thus minimizing
costs and the disruption caused by construction.
Yours truly,
Residents of Brown Street
606..
cc: Tom Markus, City Manager
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charles.stanier @gmail.com
Point A observed by Stanier since this is his morning bus stop
Point B observed by Stanier when he rides bike to work and gets stopped at this
light. The majority of cars turn from westbound Church onto northbound Dubuque.
The west to east cut through is less appealing from Park Rd. or from Church St.
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Point A observed by Stanier since this is his morning bus stop
Point B observed by Stanier when he rides bike to work and gets stopped at this
light. The majority of cars turn from westbound Church onto northbound Dubuque.
The west to east cut through is less appealing from Park Rd. or from Church St.
Tues
Wed
Thur
Fri A
Iust to west peaks
7 -8 AM
West to east
Peaks at 5 -6 PM
-80 -60 40 -20 0 20 40 60 80
Vehicles per hour on Brown St.
Average of the 3 day sample
mt to east (away from Uniy
st to west (toward Uniy
-50 40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20
Imbalance of vehicles per hour
(e.g. 10 means 10 more eastbound than westbound;
-10 means 10 more westbound than eastbound)
ning drivers cutting
ugh on Brown
ead of Church
ast (away from Uniy
est (toward Uniy
Some afternoon cut -
through but perhaps
offset by general
neighborhood traffic
and less appealing cut
from Univ eastbound
on Brown due to
required crossing of
Dodge and left turn
onto Governor ??
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ning drivers cutting
ugh on Brown
ead of Church
ast (away from Uniy
est (toward Uniy
Some afternoon cut -
through but perhaps
offset by general
neighborhood traffic
and less appealing cut
from Univ eastbound
on Brown due to
required crossing of
Dodge and left turn
onto Governor ??
• Waiting for the bus at the corner of Dodge and Brown in
the morning clearly shows the cut - through behavior.
• 95% or more of the traffic continue down Dodge to
Church or beyond, but a small fraction turn and cut -
through on Brown.
• Watching them from the corner of Brown and Johnson it
is clear they are very familiar with the road, as they know
where the potholes are and swerve around them at 25+
mph.
• Observing the corner of Dubuque and Church (on
Stanier's bike route to Univ.) in the morning shows a
related pattern. 90% of the cars approaching this
intersection take a right to go North on Dubuque.
N
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Marian Karr
From:
Corinne <corinnestanley @me.com>
Sent:
Friday, July 29, 2011 9:35 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
traffic cameras in Iowa City
What is really behind the insistence of our community employees and representatives to install traffic cameras?
According to today's article (Friday, July 29th) the "alarming" data of 1.6 to 1.7 % red light runners is impressive enough
to create Big Brother cameras. How about this perspective: Over 98 % of Iowa City drivers obey our traffic lights. I
would say that is extremely impressive . I wonder how many cities can claim this amazing feat? And Hargadine's
statement of, Its one thing to look at the crash date, but another thing to look at how prevalent disobeying the traffic
laws is." remains obscure. What does this mean, Chief Hargadine? Is less than two percent considered prevalent?
What is the PRESENT crash data anyway? The article quotes years 2007 -2009.
How about this: it is about money. Catching people pushing the pedal on cameras is a way to generate lots of money,
especially if the fine is comparable to the $75 dollars Cedar Rapids inflicts on drivers. Indeed, it sounds very altruistic to
recommend that the funds be used for "public safety budgets and meth lab clean- ups. " - -a nice touch to the heart -felt
concern of our police chief - -but what is a recommendation, anyway?
I sincerely hope that people read this article as closely as I did, and contact the city council immediately. Do we want to
become known ( as Cedar Rapids now is) as a city bent on fining drivers through secret means? We are only just now
defining ourselves as "The City of Literature."
If this idea gets passed in the council, we may as well add, "The City of Surveillance" to our claim.
Corinne Stanley
521 Church Street #6
Iowa City, IA 52245
(319)- 887 -6875
I have submitted this letter because I believe that citizens of the city are being mislead by statistics and statements. I
oppose the idea of surveillance through cameras, and I resent today's article in the Press - Citizen being written so as to
confuse and mislead the public. I am asking you as council members to respect my wishes to not go forward on this very
controversial matter. Surely we can monitor traffic without cameras in Iowa City. Does Coralville resort to these
measures? I think not.
Corinne Stanley
� i !
Marian Karr
From: Marie Green <mgreen190 @yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 11:01 AM
To: Council
Subject: Sorry, didn't have name on last email
Vote no on the cameras downtown... listen to the people.
Marie Green
mgreenl 90gyahoo.com