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ITEM 2. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS — Roosevelt
Elementary
Hayek: Would the students from Roosevelt Elementary come up here please. Good
evening, young ladies, my name is Matt Hayek and I'm the Mayor and this is
your City Council! And we want to welcome you, uh, to our City Council
meeting. Uh, during the school year we invite leaders of the various elementary
schools to, uh, who are nominated by parents and teachers as, uh, special
individuals in their schools to come talk to us and guess what? You're the first
school for the school year. You're the very first people to come up, uh, and we're
very .... we're very proud of that, and I think you know how this works. I see that
all three of you have pieces of paper to read, and so what I'd like to do is I'll ... I'll
hand the microphone to each of you and you can read your piece to ... to, for all of
us, and then I have an award that I'm going to give, uh, each of you. So if we can
start with you, please.
Crespo: Hi, my name is Ana Crespo. I have attended Roosevelt Elementary since
kindergarten, along with my little sister Amy. Here are some of my
accomplishments. I have been on PAT, Peer Assistance Team, which means I
have helped kids with recess challenges. I have been on Student Council for the
last two years and counting. I currently help Roosevelt with Spirit Days and I
attend meetings that make Roosevelt a better place. This year I also like to assist
Safety Patrol. I would like to thank my family, friends, teachers, and most of all
God for this award. Thank you! (applause)
Grey: Hi, my name is Isabelle Grey. I'm proud to be a leader at Roosevelt Elementary.
I'm a leader because I'm always willing to help others. I turn in my homework
on time and I like to be involved in many Roosevelt activities. I'm active in
school activities such as orchestra, textperts, at the end of the day helping a first
grader getting to the right area to get home. I'm part of a few people who made a
Roosevelt 5th and 6th grade garden, to grow fresh and healthy food. I make
respectful, responsible, and safe choices. (applause)
Widmer: Who would have guessed that dirt, vegetables, weed, and poison ivy would get
me here? I'm Sadie Widmer. I was nominated for this award because of my
involvement in school activities, especially the garden. Last year friends and I
started a garden so that we could bring vegetables to 5th /6th grade students. With
teacher and principal permission, we planted ... last spring. We have enjoyed
peppers, tomatoes, basil, eggplant, and nisturgens. I have also been in Student
Council since third grade. PAT since fourth grade. Textperts since fifth grade,
and now Safety Patrol. I am honored to get this award. Thank you. (applause)
Hayek: Well, those are fantastic presentations! And ... you know, the three of you are
student leaders, uh, where ... where you go to school, and these folks up here are
leaders of the community, and one of the important things about bringing students
to a City Council meeting like this is for you to see that leadership is needed in
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our community, no matter what your age is. We're a little bit older, you're a little
bit younger, but it matters where ... where we are. And, uh, we're very proud of
you for that, and you listed some things that many of us have in common — safety
patrol and student council. I guess if...I would guess a few of us did that back in
the day ourselves, and we also want to recognize your parents and teachers and
other people who are here to support you. We know that they have a ... just a little
bit to do with your success, uh, at Roosevelt this far. So, we're very proud of you,
and I have a cit ... a citizenship award for each of you, and it's the same award
with your respective names on it. And I'll read it, and it goes as follows: For her
outstanding qualities of leadership within Roosevelt Elementary, as well as the
community, and for her sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we
recognize you as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of
you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, September 2011. Congratulations!
(applause)
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ITEM 3. PROCLAMATIONS
a) World Habitat Day — October 3, 2011
Hayek: (reads proclamation)
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Mark Patten, representing Habitat for
Humanity. (applause)
Hayek: (unable to hear person away from mic) Okay, we'll do that! Thanks a lot!
Patten: Just a quick word, um, this is not Habitat for Humanity. It's World Habitat Day
and it's declared by the UN, and um, on October 3`d, uh, we'll be celebrating that
worldwide. On October 2 n in this community we will be dedicating a private, uh,
private for Lutheran home and it will be, represent the 1001 st Habitat House in the
state of Iowa. This fall we'll be sending two board members, uh, Jim Houghton
and uh, Brad Langeth to Haiti to do ... uh, work with the Jimmy Carter Project,
and at that project in November in Haiti they will be building the 500,000th
Habitat Humanity Home in the world. Uh, we make a difference one house at a
time and just as a point of information for the City Council, I totaled up today that
the 23 homes that are built, or that will be completed this year in Iowa City,
represent about $80,000 in property taxes for the city every year. So once you
start that process, the homes not only provide a place for the families but it gives
back to the community. I want to thank you for your attention and your caring
about housing, and I look forward to seeing you all in the future.
Hayek: Thanks, Mark. Thanks for your service to the community.
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ITEM 3. PROCLAMATIONS.
b) Active Aging Week — last week in September
Hayek: (reads proclamation)
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Linda Kopping, Senior Center Coordinator.
(applause)
Kopping: Well, as you all probably know, the Senior Center is all about active aging and
um, but this week will be particularly special. We're going to open the Senior
Center up and encourage all members, adult members of the community, to come
in and see what we have to offer. So we're opening up all our classes and
activities and groups, uh, to, urn ... the members of the community, and this would
include our areas that are usually reserved for members only, so that people will
have an opportunity to come in and see what... see what we have to offer. And,
uh, we hope we'll see you there! So thank you!
Hayek: Thank you, Linda!
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ITEM 5. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Hayek: This is the opportunity at each City Council meeting for members of the public to
address the Council on items that are not on the agenda. If there's something
that's not on the agenda that you would like to bring to our attention, we invite
you to step forward to the podium and uh, give us your name and also sign in, and
please limit your comments to five minutes.
Graham: Uh, Mr. Mayor, Members of City Council, good evening, uh, I wanted to take the
opportunity tonight to introduce myself, uh, not only to the Council, but to the
community as well. Uh, I promise I'll only take a couple minutes because I know
these meetings can, uh, be long enough as it is. Uh, that being said, my name is
Cody Graham and I am ... I have been appointed to serve as the liaison to the City
Council for the University of Iowa Student Government. Uh, in the past this
position has been an excellent instru ... instrument for students of the University of
Iowa to have a voice on issues that concern all of us as citizens of Iowa City, and
I intend to maintain this tradition. Uh, I approach this position with great pride
and I take to heart that I have been entrusted to represent the interests of my
fellow students, and I want to thank the Council for allowing UISG and the
University this opportunity. Uh, now a little bit about myself. Uh, I am a junior
Political Science student pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, uh, I
have worked as an intern for Congressman Dave Loebsack's office for about two
years now, and I have a part-time job at the Museum of Natural History here on
campus. Uh, upon graduating I hope to serve two years for either Teach for
America or the AmeriCorps programs. Uh, and then perhaps attend law or
graduate school, uh, although I can't tell you specifically what I plan to do for a
career, uh, I feel my passion for service will continue to guide me in the right
direction. So, uh, now my primary focus as City Council Liaison, of course, will
be to carry on the great tradition of vocalizing the views and the interests of my
fellow students, uh, when necessary, but also I plan to construct, and hopefully
implement, a means for enhancing student safety off campus. Uh, I wanted to
once again thank the Council for allowing UISG the opportunity to be a part of
this process and for your continuing support of this program. Uh, I'm humbled by
the opportunity and am looking forward to working with each of you. Thanks!
Hayek: Thank you, Cody, and we want to welcome you. That's a... great way to
introduce yourself, uh, to us and to the public at large, and we're glad to have you
on board!
Graham: Thanks!
Hayek: Anyone else on community comment?
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ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
G) CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE REZONING APPROXIMATELY 10
ACRES OF LAND LOCATED AT 350 DUBLIN DRIVE FROM PLANNED
DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY 8 (OPD -8) TO PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
OVERLAY LOW DENSITY MULTI - FAMILY 12 (OPD- RM12). (REZ11-
00005) (SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Hayek: This is second consideration, and for the public's information, this regards the
Melrose Meadow, uh, Retirement Community.
Bailey: Move second consideration.
Wright: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Wright, uh, discussion? Any ex parte? (several
responding) Any further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
.n CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF
ROCHESTER RIDGE, PART TWO, IOWA CITY, IOWA. (SUB11- 00009).
Bailey: Move adoption.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Mims. Discussion?
Davidson: Good evening, Mr. Mayor, and Members of the City Council. I'm Jeff Davidson,
the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City. As the
Mayor's indicated, Item 6.J. on your agenda this evening is a final plat of
Rochester Ridge. Uh ... it is to further develop Rochester Ridge sub... subdivision
with Part Two of what is anticipated to be four parts. Uh, the plat is located ... the
property is located at 2949 Rochester Avenue and you can see there where it's
located, just to orient you... Rochester Avenue is right here ... um ... and here is
Part Two. Just a couple of things to note here. You'll recall that this subdivision
had some significant, uh, environmental features that we were working around,
and the legal papers for Part Two will include provisions for this buffer, uh, which
includes some trees to be protected along the lots up against Rochester Avenue.
You'll also recall that, uh, under the Sensitive Areas ordinance the, uh,
developer's required to plant a substantial number of trees. It ended up being
approximately four or five per lot, and that'll also be stipulated, uh, further on
how that's to be done in the legal papers for the subdivision. Urn ... the other thing
to note is that this portion will connect the new subdivision here with existing
Lower West Branch Road, uh, which currently terminates right there, and then
connects to Amhurst Drive, uh, over here. Uh... and the recommendation from
staff and Planning and Zoning Commission, uh, is, uh, approval and fees will be
paid in lieu of dedication of neighborhood open space for this, uh, for Part Two
here. Any questions? Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff! Anyone from the public on this item? Discussion among Council?
Roll call, please. Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
K) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FINAL PLAT OF
STONE BRIDGE ESTATES PART 7, IOWA CITY, IOWA. (SUB011-
00011)
Davidson: Uh, good evening again, as the Mayor's indicated this item was...
Karr: Can we put it on the floor first, Jeff?
Davidson: Sorry!
Wright: Move adoption.
Champion: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Thanks, Jeff.
Davidson: Uh, as the Mayor's indicated, uh, this item was added to your agenda late. Here is
the location of Part Seven and just to orient you again... Scott Boulevard is over
here at the east side of the corporate limits, and just off the map, actually on both
ends. On the south end here where the pointer is right now, just slightly to the
south is Court Street and then up above at the top here would be Lower West
Branch Road, uh, a collector street in approximately this location. Uh, just a
couple of things to note here. Um, Parts Five through Nine of Stone Bridge
Estates were platted, uh, in 2006 and have, the plat has been extended twice, uh,
since then. Uh, this is the final plat, uh, for Part Seven. There have been just a
couple of changes, um, minor in nature with the preliminary plat, but we will note
those here for you. Originally this out lot extended up into this area, outlot F, and
the significant part of outlot F as you see here is a trail, which will be located in
outlot F, right here, and will eventually extend up and connect with, uh, trail, uh,
in Parts Eight and Nine, and then eventually up to Lower West Branch Road
where there's a wide sidewalk along Lower West Branch Road. A decision was
made by the developer, and we concur, uh, Thames Drive here basically would
connect to nothing, uh, and the developer has indicated a desire to not go to that
expense, to cross the creek here, until Part Ten is platted over in this area,
and ... and the expense for doing this actually connects to the creation of lots in
this area. So, uh, the way this'll work now is with Part Seven outlot F will be
established, uh, and the trail will be constructed. When Part Eight is platted up
here, then this outlot will be filled in and there will be a temporary crossing of this
area, uh, since we're not going to construct it until Part Ten, temporary crossing,
and then on the other side of the creek, this is of course a creek corridor through
here, on the other side of the creek the trail will be extended up and then extended
up into, uh, Part Eight, and eventually Part Nine, and so that is a change from, uh,
the preliminary plat. Uh, otherwise, uh, we are in substantial conformance with
the preliminary plat. Uh, there was also, um, a slight confusion, but it has been
worked out, with the preliminary plat there was a fee established. We ... we do
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this regularly with collector streets and arterial streets when there's a necessity for
the City to go to the expense in order to allow the platting of this property, uh, we
collect a fee from the developer for that. It's proportional depending on if it's an
arterial or a collector, and there was some confusion, uh, between the staff report
and the way the Conditional Zoning Agreement was written. There will be a fee
paid for Part Seven, and then the remainder of the fee, which totals $133,000 and
again, this will defray expense that the City went to for the construction of Lower
West Branch Road, a fee will be paid based on 6.23 acres of development here
and then the remainder of the fee will be paid with Parts Eight and Nine, and that
will be the completion of the fee. Uh, it's the same fee. It's just how it's going to
be paid out is slightly different. Any questions for me? Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff. Further discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7 -0. Or, I'm
sorry, Item 6.K. passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 9. PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND ESTIMATE
OF COST FOR THE 2011 PARKING RAMP REPAIR PROJECT,
ESTABLISHING AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY
EACH BID, DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH NOTICE TO
BIDDERS, AND FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) Public
hearing is closed. (bangs gavel)
b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING
Mims: Move adoption of the resolution.
Champion: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Champion. Discussion?
Champion: Well, I just want to say we really do maintain those parking ramps incredibly
well, and I love the new elevator! (laughter) (mumbled)
Hayek: They get a lot of use, and ... this kind of maintenance is critical. Further
discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 10. THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A LEASE
AGREEMENT WITH WELLS FARGO COMPANY FOR LIMITED
OCCUPATION AND POSSESSION OF THE KIOSK LOCATED IN THE
COLLEGE STREET PEDESTRIAN MALL ALONG THE CLINTON
STREET FRONTAGE FOR INSTALLATION OF AN ATM MACHINE
AND NECESSARY EQUIPMENT FOR THE SUM OF $500 PER MONTH
FOR AN INITIAL FIVE YEAR TERMS WITH PROVISIONS FOR FOUR
SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL PERIODS OF FIVE YEARS EACH.
a) PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: We have a little bit of extra language in there. At this time I'll open the public
hearing. (bangs gavel) Public hearing is closed. (bangs gavel)
b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING
Bailey: Move adoption of the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Roll call, please.
Dilkes: I just wanted to note there's going to be a couple minor tweaks to this that aren't
particularly substantive but we provided for that in the resolution so...
Hayek: Okay. Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 11. CONSIDER A MOTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SIGN A LETTER OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT FOR IOWA CITY
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LINN COUNTY / JOHNSON COUNTY
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES PLANNING GRANT AND PLANNING
PROCESS.
Bailey: Move adoption of the resolution, or the motion. So moved. (laughter and several
talking)
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Mr. Yapp!
Yapp: Good evening, Linn County Supervisor Linda Langston and ECICOG Director
Doug Elliott, uh, are here to address Council on this item and answer questions.
Langston: Thank you. My apologies for coming late. I just off a plane and (laughter) trying
to run through a lot of things. Um ... I became interested in the HUD Sustainable
Communities grant over a year ago. Um, but, um, as I think many of us are
aware, uh, our larger community was not particularly well positioned with the
flood and lots of people still going in different directions, but this year we
seemed, um, in a better place. Uh, and so, urn ... Cedar Rapids and Linn County
along with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation have entered into an
agreement and we have hired a joint grant writer. So we have someone who will
write the grant, and we approached, um, East Central Iowa Council of
Governments to be the lead applicant. This is a... a bit unusual for the federal
government. Uh, this is a ... um, they're doing, inviting cooperative applications,
although it is coming out of HUD, it is a cooperative out of three agencies —
HUD, EPA, and DOT, for any of you who've done a lot of work with the federal
government, that is a highly unusual thing to actually have three agencies working
together. Uh ... so ... uh, we were able to discover that Polk County applied
successfully last year for this grant. It is a ... primarily focused on planning and,
um, it is if you don't mind this highly technical term, um, a little bit squishy from
my perspective when I think about, uh, the kinds of grants we normally write to
the federal government, and so we had to do a pre - application. The pre -
application, um, we passed, which I think is largely due to the fact that ECICOG
has applied for grants before and been successful in executing grants. Uh ... they
aren't looking for a high degree of detail in the scope of the project. We've had
multiple conversations with Polk County. Um, after they received the grant,
actually HUD came in and with a fair amount of staff support from the federal
government helped them essentially scope their project. What they are vitally
interested in is that within your community can you work cooperatively with
multiple groups and agencies. So our effort right now, uh, includes a good deal of
the ECICOG area, um, we have very significant interest and support from the
Iowa Flood Center. We have a ... a coalition, um, they're not yet a classic 501c3
but rather a coalition of conservation groups and they call themselves,
uh... Corridor Conservation Alliance. Um, and Trees Forever, Shannon Ramsey,
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is the primary lead on that group. Um, we have also had support from Mary Beth
Stevenson, uh, at the Cedar River Water Shed Coalition. They would like
affordable housing to be a key and significant issue in, um, your planning efforts.
They're also interested in, uh, what you're doing in economic development, in
transportation, and in air and water quality. So I think you see it's like really
hitting a broad number of federal agencies, so what we have tried to demonstrate
is that we have a really broad coalition of folks who have been working on this. It
has come together fairly quickly, um, which has been a little disconcerting for all
of us. Um, and so what we are seeking tonight is a letter of support. We are
going to apply for $2.9 million, which would come over the course of three years.
Um, there is no required cash match. All of your match can be in kind. Anything
over a 20% in kind match begins to get you points toward obviously winning and
being successful in the grant application. Um, so ... to that end, because I know
that John was concerned because nobody has any money right now and I think a
lot of us understand that even our staffs are ... are stretched in their ability to get
work done. Um, we can include all of you and people like me, people on the
ECICOG board. We presume that were we to be successful in this grant
application, that there will be some, um, significant times of the community
coming together to discuss what we want to do and how we're going to work
together, and we are presuming that many policymakers will want to come. So if
you think about it in those terms, there are seven of you. If over the course of
three years you come to ... two or three meetings a year, that perhaps might last
two to three hours, and you get to include your travel time, as well. I think you
begin to see that the-the actual in kind hours can begin to expand fairly quickly.
So when we say that we are going to commit, uh, perhaps a thousand hours over
the course of the grant, um, from a community like Iowa City, that doesn't just
include John or Jeff's time. It also actually includes all of your time, um, and we
would presume perhaps Tom's time, as well. So, I wanted to allay any concerns
that you might have about how much time was having to be put into this.
Um ... so ... do you have enough copies to share (mumbled). Um ... so ... we
do ... there was a meeting this morning where we defined the scope of the project
and the list that goes in.
Elliott: The draft scope is included in your information packets. Um, it was refined a
little bit further in a discussion this morning, but it's largely the same.
Langston: I'd be delighted to answer any questions and we would be hopeful, um, of a letter
of support from Iowa City.
Hayek: Are there specific questions from, uh, the Council? John, can we get your, uh,
input (mumbled) cause you ... you'll bear the brunt of this (laughter)
Yapp: Yes, and... and I did have more concerns... a month ago than I do now. Uh, my
concerns were largely related to the commitment that would need to be made in
terms of staff time and/or cash, uh, for this effort. Uh, and I had another concern
of this effort, uh... supplanting existing efforts that are going on within our
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community, uh, related to flood recovery, related to comprehensive planning,
district planning like the Riverfront Crossings and the Towncrest efforts, etc. Uh,
through multiple conversations with Linda and Doug, and ... and others involved
in this process, uh, my concerns have been addressed. Uh, I ... I do not believe
this will supplant any current efforts. Rather the intent is to provide a regional
framework and capitalize on the relationships that we have, uh, with Linn County
and the surrounding counties. Um, I think I made the comment in one of our
meetings that the, uh, joint governments' meetings that we have in Johnson
County are a great example of meetings that, there's often not anything really
substantive, uh, on those agendas, but they are a way for us to talk about the
issues in our communities and this grant effort would be a way to capitalize on
those relationships, and start to bring in some more substantive planning and
some funds into ... into this community. Uh, staff time, I've been reassured that
most of our existing efforts in transportation planning, housing, economic
development, etc., will count as in kind time. There will not be a lot of new time
necessary, uh, course there will be evening workshops and ... and meetings and so
forth, but not a lot of new time will be necessary.
Hayek: So bottom line, support this?
Yapp: I would recommend support, yes.
Champion: I just have a question. $2.5 million? Is a lot of money for...
Bailey: Not very much money at all.
Langston: It's actually, um, the one thing that I can speak to is that, um, this past two years
I've been chair of the, uh, of our corridor MPO, Metropolitan Planning
Organization, and we have just completed our 2040 plan, and we did so with the
assistance of, um, consultants because there were a lot of public meetings and
public outreach, um ... and that effort cost us about $700,000 and that was in a
fairly limited eight to nine month period of time. I think one of the challenges
that we see in this and why we felt pretty comfortable with this number, Des
Moines applied for $2.2 million, um, and this is a fairly large geographic area. So
we anticipate bringing in consultants to do this work, so while there would be
meetings, we're not anticipating that our staff will be the ones doing the outreach,
but rather we will bring in a consultant, um, it may be even more than one
consultant and there's a lot of geographic land to cover...
Champion: I really didn't finish my question... before I was interrupted.
Langston: Sorry!
Champion: (laughter) Uh ... my question is, what is kind of the ultimate dream end to this?
Can you just give me some idea?
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Langston: Two things, one is to have an overarching plan that reaches out to multiple
counties so we really define ourselves as a region who has a plan in common. So
that we take all the many plans that we have and coordinate them, and we've got
some level of agreement and consensus among these multiple counties, these
multiple groups, in saying this is the kind of community we want to have and this
is what we're going to strive towards. Um ... secondarily ... I think that there is, uh,
there is significantly other opportunities for federal funding.
Champion: Uh -huh.
Langston: That come after this grant, but you can't get to those unless you have this, and
that's the piece that allows us to look at implementation of some of the plans.
Champion: I see! Okay.
Langston: What are the things that we need to do, perhaps if I were to bring up air and water
quality, um, for Linn County we know that there are likely to be upcoming issues
related to air quality. What can we do to enhance that? Water quality, and ... and
storm water protection, whether that's the Iowa River water shed or the Cedar
River water shed, um, and so what kinds of things can we do in our community
that align ourselves, that allow that implementation of making, and when I say
this a better community, it really is looking at it from a region.
Champion: I appreciate that.
Langston: Really beginning to define ourselves as a region.
Champion: Thank you very much for coming.
Bailey: I want to follow up on ... because that was similar to my question, is ... does this
position us for additional funding and what leads us to believe that that is true. I
mean, there are ... there are private foundations who do these sorts of planning,
um, award planning grants, and um ... I've been involved with some who can get
subsequent funding, and I've been in some communities who were unable to get
that. So a plan sits on a shelf. And we now have (mumbled) um, so ... talk a little
bit more about what kinds of funds and... and in what areas we could implement
some of these plans.
Langston: The funds right now would be other federal funds.
Bailey: Okay.
Langston: And ... and this is really sort of the gatekeeper to those funds. Um ... and so it's
really ... if you have received a sustainable communities' grant, then you can move
on and apply for, um, some grants both within USDA, within HUD, so affordable
housing is one of the significant parts of this grant. Um, I've served since the
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beginning on the Housing Trust Fund for Linn County. We know we have a
significant housing issue. So there will be dollars that are available from HUD to
implement housing improvements in the community, but you have to get this
grant first.
Bailey: And besides, um, Des Moines, Polk County, I mean, can you site another region
across the country that's, um ... gotten a planning grant and subsequently drawn
down additional federal funds?
Langston: No, because this is relatively (both talking) frankly it is a relatively new, this is a
function of this present administration. Last year was the first year that they were
offering the sustainable communities' grant, so ... um ... Polk County is really
moving into its implementation stage, so all those communities that got
sustainable communities grants are moving on that path, but they're... they're
looking already forward to implementation, and some of them are applying. So...
Bailey: Thanks.
Hayek: In my experience, regional approaches to issues, uh, only work to the extent that
there is buy -in from the constituent members of a given region, and um, I mean, I
see from the verbiage that the ECICOG, uh, entities would administer this.
Who ... who besides Iowa City, Johnson County, and Linn County and Cedar
Rapids is part of this, or are you asking the larger entities to take the initial lead
with the hope of expanding it? How does that...
Langston: Um, the other ... both MPOs, um, are ... would be participants in this. Um, the,
um... Corridor Business Alliance is a part of this. So we're, um, Dee Baird has
been at the table for a number of our planning sessions. Um, Carmen Langley at
the Flood Center. Mary Beth Stevenson, uh, at the Cedar River Water Shed. Um,
so there's... Shannon Ramsey, as I mentioned, from Trees Forever, um, so there
have been, uh, not just government entities but non - governmental entities as well,
that represent business, Dee in particular as the Corridor Business Alliance, um...
so it...it really is a very broad coalition, um, we've had some conversations with
Kirkwood, as well.
Hayek: On the government side, and... and on this end of the corridor, are the local
governments within Johnson County covered so to speak by the MPO JC? Or...
Yapp: That's the intent. Yes. Uh, should the grant be received, we would ask for more
assistance in conversations with the other local governments. For the
requirements of the application, the entities that, uh, are being asked to provide
letters of support now are cities over 50,000, so Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, the
counties, and the MPOs.
Langston: But Jerry from, uh, North Liberty has ... has been at several of our planning
meetings.
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Yapp: Yes. We'll have an MPO meeting next week to discuss this.
Hayek: Well, this could be a useful exercise for the entire corridor...
Langston: Yes it could!
Hayek: ...and we have struggled to get traction on many of these issues on a regional
basis.
Langston: Yes!
Hayek: Um...
Langston: So, perhaps even if we aren't successful there is some benefit in just having gone
through the exercise, I'm ... I remain somewhat hopeful that we may be able to be
successful, because urn ... I think largely there had been a lot of work that we have
done, um ... in our community trying to develop these relationships, up and down
the corridor, uh... and I think that this gives us that very real opportunity to
advance those.
Hayek: Okay. Well, thank you. Any other questions... you've got one, Mike?
Wright: No, I was just going to say that I appreciated your comments (mumbled) that took
care of my questions.
Hayek: Okay. Any further... questions from Council? Or discussion by Council? Okay,
this is a motion so, uh .... all those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion
carries 7 -0.
Langston: Thank you very much!
Hayek: Thanks for your time and for coming down here (several talking).
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ITEM 13. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 9, ENTITLED
"MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," CHAPTER 3, ENTITLED
"RULES OF THE ROAD," SECTION 6, ENTITLED "SPEED
RESTRICTIONS," SUBSECTION B, ENTITLED "EXCEPTIONS ".
(SECOND CONSIDERATION)
Hayek: This is second consideration and this has to do with, uh, speed limits along north
Dodge, between Prairie Chen Road and ... uh, Conklin Lane ... in that vicinity.
Wright: Move second consideration.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Roll call...
Dickens: ...giving tickets out there tonight when I was driving here ... to the Council
meeting, so ... (laughter) we need to pass it fairly soon. (laughter)
Wright: Sort of an abrupt change!
Hayek: Roll call, please. Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 14. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING THAT GENERAL
PROPERTY TAXES LEVIED AND COLLECTED EACH YEAR ON ALL
PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE TOWNCREST URBAN
RENEWAL AREA, IN THE CITY OF IOWA CITY, COUNTY OF
JOHNSON, STATE OF IOWA, BY AND FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
STATE OF IOWA, CITY OF IOWA CITY, COUNTY OF JOHNSON,
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT AND OTHER TAXING
DISTRICTS, BE PAID TO A SPECIAL FUND FOR PAYMENT OF
PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON LOANS, REBATES, GRANTS,
MONIES ADVANCED TO AND INDEBTEDNESS, INCLUDING BONDS
ISSUED OR TO BE ISSUED, INCURRED BY SAID CITY IN
CONNECTION WITH SAID URBAN RENEWAL REDEVELOPMENT
PROJECT. (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
Bailey: Move first consideration.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Champion: I will abstain from this because I have a conflict of interest.
Hayek: Okay.
Champion: Do I have to leave the room?
Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 6 -0, Council Member
Champion abstaining.
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ITEM 15. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING, AUTHORIZING, AND
DIRECTING THE MAYOR TO EXECUTE AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST AN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF IOWA
CITY AND KUENY ARCHITECTS, LLC TO PROVIDE CONSULTANT
SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FUEL FACILITY AND
VEHICLE WASH PROJECT.
Mims: Move the resolution.
Wright: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Wright. Discussion? Uh, for the public's
information, the negotiated price's not to exceed, uh, $77,000 or so and will be
funded with General Obligation bond proceeds. Discussion? Roll call, please.
Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 16. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR
FUNDING ASSISTANCE FROM THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (IDOT) FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A
LANDSCAPED MEDIAN ON BURLINGTON STREET FROM THE
IOWA RIVER TO CAPITOL STREET.
Wright: Move adoption.
Bailey: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Uh, this will allow City
staff to apply for grants totaling up to $750,000, uh, for this project. Further
discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 17. ANNOUNCEMENT OF VACANCIES.
Hayek: Previously announced, two vacancies on the Airport Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Two vacancies on the Airport Zoning Commission. One vacancy for a
mechanical professional on the Board of Appeals. One vacancy for a building
design professional on the Board of Appeals. One vacancy on the Senior Center
Commission, and one vacancy for a student from Tate High School on the Youth
Advisory Commission. Applications for these positions must be received by 5:00
on Wednesday, September 28th. New announcements include the following: one
vacancy on the Board of Adjustment. Three vacancies on the Human Rights
Commission. One vacancy on the Parks and Rec Commission. Two vacancies on
the Public Art Advisory Committee. Two vacancies on the Senior Center
Commission, and three vacancies on the Youth Advisory Commission.
Applications for these positions must be received by 5:00 on Wednesday, October
26th. And, uh, want to bring the public's attention to this. We need people to, uh,
step up and volunteer for these, uh, city commissions; it's interesting work and
uh, you'll learn a lot more about how the city operates, and we would appreciate
the help.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Wright: So moved.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say aye.
Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0.
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ITEM 19. COMMUNITY COMMENT.
Hayek: Oh, okay!
Dieterle: Um, I read a disturbing article in the Little Village, um, regarding the hiring of the
consultant for the downtown.
Hayek: Would you ... I know everyone here knows your name, but for the public.
Dieterle: Oh, I'm sorry. Car ... Caroline Dieterle.
Hayek: Thanks, Caroline!
Dieterle: And, um, in case you haven't seen it, I will hand a copy of it to the City Clerk so
that she can circulate it to you, uh, later. Um, but then, uh, after... some time after
reading this, which I found disturbing but frankly I was busy with other things
and didn't do a lot about it, um, I got a notice that there was a survey to be taken
online regarding the downtown. And I, uh, did take the survey. I ... I found the
survey, um ... well, the politest thing to say about it, you know, in this, uh, in this,
uh, situation here is that I think it's worthless. And that it's ... that you've spent
money on something that is ... that has no value. Anybody who's been acquainted
at all with the construction of surveys, which I have, knows that a survey can be
constructed to engineer a ... a, um, result that is predetermined or wished for. And
people who are really wanting to know what people think have a much more
difficult time creating a balanced survey. And it seemed quite, um, obvious to me
when taking this survey, that it was geared toward, urn ... finding out how many
people wanted which kinds of chain stores to come to downtown Iowa City.
Now, all around us we're hearing calls for `buy local,' `support local.' Um, you
know, try to get local dollars staying local. And I am a strong believer in that and
a strong proponent of that, as an active member of New Pioneer Co -op and a long
time backer of the Farmers Market, you know, I feel especially strongly about
that. And, when I looked at the suggestions that the survey was offering ... for
things for people to tick off that they would like to see in downtown Iowa City,
almost all of the ... all that I was acquainted with and there were a few there that I
was not acquainted with, but almost ... but all of the ones I was acquainted with
already were doing things that were represented by a business that's already in
downtown Iowa City. Sometimes by more than one! Um, you know, a bakery for
instance. Well, we've got two or three excellent bakeries, not just New Pioneer's.
Got the Brad Garden, you know, we have the Pastry Shop. We've got other
things. Bookstores, we've got Prairie Lights! Um, the big ... the chain bookstores
are taking it in the shorts and uh, folding. Borders bookshop just bit it, for
instance. Um, we're lucky to have Prairie Lights, and it undermines local
businesses such as these, you know, when you're asking to bring in ... how many
people would like to have a chain bookstore here, how many people would like to
have Trader Joe's or Whole Earth... Whole Foods come here. Um, because we're
already trying to fill that niche here with local people. So I found the survey quite
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offensive, and I don't know how much you paid for it, but it wasn't worth it. It
wasn't worth a penny because I think it's really useless, and as a taxpayer of
course this bothers me, but ... but it bothers me more as a citizen because, you
know, I love Iowa City. I've lived here a long time. I've seen a lot of changes
downtown. And I know you're trying to get more activity down there and more
businesses. But I truly do not believe that you will add to the distinctiveness of
Iowa City by inviting, uh, chain stores to come here. Instead of that, I think we
need a program where you, uh, basically encourage by whatever means you can
find financial... anything to ... to get more people to put their efforts into starting
local businesses here and using the fact that we are trying to be local and keep
money here as a way to promote downtown Iowa City. Thank you very much.
Champion: Thank you, Caroline.
Hayek: Thank you for your comments.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Wilburn: So moved.
Wright: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Wright. Discussion? All those in favor say aye.
Opposed say nay. Motion carries. Correspondence is accepted. Any further
community comment?
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ITEM 20. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Mims: Nothing.
Champion: Nothing.
Wright: I would just like to highlight that the University of Iowa Student Government is
sponsoring a picnic Sunday afternoon, 4:00 to 7:00, in College Green Park, and
I'd certainly like to see some turnout from the community. It's a great opp ... great
opportunity and really appreciate you doing it.
Hayek: Thanks, Mike.
Wilburn: Just like to point out on Saturday at City Park in Iowa City is one of the Walks to
End Alzheimer's, so those of you who have a family member or a friend of
(mumbled) who has Alzheimer's, you might want to consider stopping down and
showing your support and/or contributing, and on Sunday the Crisis Center of
Johnson County is having the Out of the Darkness Walk. It's 5k non - competitive
walk to raise awareness about suicide and (mumbled) prevention and they start at
shelter #6 in Lower City Park.
Bailey: Nothing.
Dickens: Nothing.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
formal meeting of September 20, 2011.