HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-12 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY January 12, 2012
www.icgov.org
MISCELLANEOUS
IP1 Tentative Meeting Schedule
IP2 Memo from City Clerk: KXIC Radio Show
IP3 Memo from City Clerk: Re- Broadcast of Budget Sessions
IP4 Email from City Manager: African American Youth Detention Rate
IP5 Memo from City Attorney: Rezonings — Ex parte communications
IP6 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Laboratory Technician - Wastewater
IP7 Copy of letter from Annie Tucker to PCRB: Board Name and Process
IP8 Iowa League of Cities Legislative Link — January 6, 2012
IP9 The Planner — January 2012
IP10 Article from City Manager: Taking a u -turn on the one -way street (National Post)
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'= CITY OF IOWA CITY -aM-12--
M E M 0 RA N D u M 0��
Date: January 10, 2012
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: KXIC Radio Show
At your January 10 work session meeting the Council Members agreed to the following
schedule:
January 11 -
Mims
January 18 -
Payne
January 25 -
Dobyns
February 1 -
Throgmorton
February 8 -
Dickens
February 15 -
Hayek
February 22 -
Champion
U:radioshowappts.doc
�.I -_, r _,® CITY OF IOWA CITY "r-M-- I
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 12, 2012
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Re- Broadcast of Budget Sessions
The January 7, 2012 budget session will be broken into four parts:
Part 1 of 4: City Manager's Budget Overview & City Attorney's Office (TRT: 1:36:30)
Part 2 of 4: Police, Fire, Housing, Library, and Senior Center (TRT: 2:34:00)
Part 3 of 4: Planning and Community Development, Airport, Transit and Parking (TRT: 1:58:20)
Part 4 of 4: City Manager, Finance, City Clerk (TRT: 44:30)
The January 9, 2012 budget session includes three parts:
Part 1 of 3: Capital Improvement Projects- Overview; Transportation Services; Landfill & Public
Utilities; Airport; Streets, Bridges, & Traffic Engineering; Flood Recovery & Mitigation (TRT:
1:53:00)
Part 2 of 3: Capital Improvement Projects- Flood Recovery & Mitigation; Parks, Recreation &
Trails; Public Safety; Economic Development; Miscellaneous Other Projects; On the Radar
(TRT: 1:20:15)
Part 3 of 3: Public Works; General Budget Discussion (TRT: 39:30)
Below is the schedule for the Budget Hearing playback for next week:
Saturday at noon: Session 1, part 1
Saturday at 1:38pm: Session 2, part 2
Sunday at 6 am: Session 2, part 1
Sunday at 4 pm: Session 1, part 2
Monday at 6 am: Session 2, part 1
Monday at 12:30 pm: Session 1, part 4
Monday at 1:30 pm: Session 2, part 3
Tuesday at 2 pm: Session 1, part 3
Wednesday at midnight: Session 1, part 1
Wednesday at 1:38 am: Session 2, part 2
Wednesday at 2 pm: Session 1, part 3
Wednesday at 8:30 pm: Session 1, part 2
Thursday at 10pm: Session 2, part 1
Friday at 8am: Session 1, part 4
Friday at 8:45am: Session 2, part 3
Friday at 10pm: Session 1, part 3
The meetings will also be available on citychannel4.com /video, and will be indexed where
possible.
They will also be available as Video On Demand on InfoVision on Channel 5. Users can call
InfoVision at 356 -5478, and look under the City Council Meeting category to watch each video.
We'll be running an occasional scroll on each session, telling folks about the InfoVision and
citychannel4.com options as well.
u /Budgetcableschedule.com
IN
Marian Karr
From:
Tom Markus
Sent:
Thursday, January 05, 2012 1:38 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Update! Great Article...
Please include in info packet
From: Stefanie Bowers
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 12:50 PM
To: Tom Markus
Subject: FW: Update! Great Article...
Tom-
Below is a link to a recent article that shows that the African American Youth Detention rate went
down in Johnson County for 2010. 1 do not regularly attend these meetings but I believe Captain
Wyss does attend.
Stefanie
From: LaTasha Massey [mailto:lmassey @co.johnson.ia.us]
Sent: Thursday, January 05, 2012 11:31 AM
To: Beth Chaplin; Christopher Wyatt; 'Dee of DVIP'; Dusti Dalton; 'James Mims'; Janet Lyness; Jefri Palermo; Kafi Dixon;
Lynette Jacoby; 'omar.hamza @iccsd.kl2.ia.us'; 'Pangborn, Peg'; Patricia Weir; RaQuishia H; Rick Wyss; 'royceann porter';
Stefanie Bowers; Student Intern; valerie Nyberg
Subject: Update! Great Article...
Please feel free to comment at our next meeting which is this upcoming Monday at 12.
http• / /www aecf org/Maj rInitiatives/ TuvenileDetentionAlternativeslnitiative /Resou
rces/ TDAI/ 2012/ Winter %202012/ TDAI %20Site %20Updates / Iowa %20sees %20reductio
ns %20most %20in %2020 %20years.aspx ?print =1
Thanks,
L aTaska Massey, LM5W
Community Projects Specialist
Johnson County Social Services
855 S. Dubuque St. Ste 2028
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: 319.356.6090
My Office: 319.688.5708
Email: Imassey coJohnson.ia.us
website: http://www.johnson-county.com/dept soc ser.aspx ?id =1861
City of Iowa City •��
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 11, 2012
To: City Council
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney
Re: Rezonings — Ex parte communications
Jim Throgmorton asked that I provide new members with a copy of my memo to the City
Council dated 2/28/2007 that is referenced at the beginning of the Planning & Zoning
section of every Council agenda. The memo is attached. Give me a call if you have any
questions.
Cc: Marian Karr, City Clerk
Tom Markus, City Manager
Geoff Fruin, Asst. to the City Manager
r'It I ~pI CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
DATE: 2/28/2007
TO: City Council
FROM: Eleanor Dilkes, City Attorney e0A*1
RE: Rezonings, Due Process And Ex Parte Communication
INTRODUCTION / ISSUE
In Sutton v. Dubuque City Council, Slip Op. No. 85/04 -1067 (September 29, 2006) the Iowa
Supreme Court held that the Dubuque City Council's rezoning of a parcel of property from a
commercial recreation district to a planned unit development (PUD) district was a "quasi- judicial"
as opposed to legislative proceeding. The issue in Sutton was the nature of the proceeding one
must use to challenge a zoning decision. However, the court's characterization of the rezoning
as "quasi - judicial" has prompted. an examination of the extent to which the due process
requirements that apply to quasi-judicial bodies (e.g. Board of Adjustment) apply to a legislative
body like the City Council when it is making a rezoning decision that is quasi - judicial in nature.
CONCLUSION
Due process requirements apply to quasi - judicial proceedings and generally not to legislative
proceedings. In Sutton, the court explained that zoning decisions can be either legislative or
quasi judicial in nature: "When a municipal legislative body enacts a comprehensive plan and
zoning code it acts in a policy making capacity. But in amending a zoning code, or reclassifying
land thereunder, the same body, in effect makes an adjudication between the rights sought by
the proponents and those claimed by the opponents of the zoning change." Slip Op. p.5 (quoting
Fleminq v. Tacoma, 81 Wash. 2d 292, 299, 502 P. 2d 327, 331 (1972)). Under the standards set
forth in the Sutton case, the majority of zoning decisions made by the Iowa City City Council are
quasi- judicial in nature. With respect to these decisions, I advise that the following changes be
made in order to assure that the participants are afforded due process:
1. Ex parte communications. In the light of the differences between quasi-judicial bodies
and legislative bodies making quasi - judicial decisions, I do not agree with the position of some
commentators that the Sutton case requires that Council members have no ex parte
communications. (§jee , ems., "Recent court case decision changes rezoning process ", February
2007.) However, in order to assure due process, a Council member who has had an ex parte
communication concerning the rezoning must disclose the identity of the person(s) with whom he
or she has communicated and the substance of each communication. Such disclosure should
occur at the public hearing. If a communication occurs after the public hearing it should be
disclosed the next time the item is on the Council's agenda. A Council member may discuss the
rezoning with a staff member outside the public forum but a discussion with a staff member other
than a city attorney must be disclosed as an ex parte communication.
2. Impartial decisionmakers. Council members must remain impartial. An impartial
decisionmaker is a critical component of due process. Council members must keep an
open mind. Statements by council members indicating that they have made up their mind before
they vote are not acceptable and will subject the rezoning to challenge.
3. Staff presentations. Staff presentations and questions for staff should occur at the public
hearing, not at the work session. A staff presentation made at the work session is on the
record, and therefore, is not ex parte. However, other interested parties are not able to
participate at the work session. Having all presentations and responses thereto at the public
hearing will help assure the impartiality of the decsionmakers.
DISCUSSION
Example of Ex Parte Communications. "Ex parte" means: "Done or made at the instance and for
the benefit of one party only, and without notice to, or argument by, any person adversely
interested." Black's Law Dictionary (1999 7th ed.)
Assume the council's agenda includes the consideration of an ordinance to rezone a particular
city block owned by John Doe. The following are examples of ex parte communications:
1. John Doe calls Council member A and tells him why the rezoning is a good idea.
2. Neighboring property owner Jane Smith calls Council member B and tells her the
rezoning is a bad idea.
3. Council member C talks to Planner A to find out why Planner A thinks the rezoning is
a good idea or a bad idea.
Although it is not always clear if the matter before Council is legislative /administrative in nature or
quasi-judicial, the distinction is constitutionally significant because the due process clause applies
to quasi - judicial matters. Key principles underlying procedural due process are notice,
opportunity to be heard, and an impartial decision maker. Matthews v. Eldridge, 424 U.S. 319,
333 (1976).
In Sutton, the Iowa Supreme Court listed three (3) factors that must be considered in determining
whether a zoning decision is quasi - judicial:
"Those factors include (1) rezoning ordinarily occurs in response to a citizen
application followed by a statutorily mandated public hearing; (2) as a result of
such applications, readily identifiable proponents and opponents weigh in on the
process; and (3) the decision is localized in its application affecting a particular
group of citizens more acutely than the public at large."
Slip Op. at p.5
Most of the zoning decisions the City Council makes are "quasi-judicial" because they involve a
citizen application of a localized nature that is supported by some and opposed by others.
Exceptions to this would be comprehensive amendments to the comprehensive plan or zoning
code.
The Iowa Court of Appeals has concluded that a Board of Adjustment must not engage in ex
parte communications with interested parties, see Rodine v. Zoning Board of Adjustment of Polk
County, 434 N.W. 2d 124 (Iowa Ct. App. 1988). However, the appellate courts in Iowa have not
considered whether ex parte communication by city councils and boards of supervisors in quasi -
judicial matters violates the Constitution. Other state courts that have considered the issue
generally have not issued a complete prohibition, but rather, have looked to whether the ex parte
2
information was disclosed such that all parties had an opportunity to address it and whether the
decision maker was predisposed to a decision.
In a case before the Idaho Supreme Court, a limited partnership filed an application with the
Boise City Historic Preservation Commission for a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a
warehouse building. Idaho Historic Preservation Council, Inc., v. City Council of Boise, 134 Idaho
651, 8 P.3d 646 (2000). After the Commission denied the application, the limited partnership
appealed to the city council. At the hearing before the city council, certain members of the city
council stated that they had received numerous telephone calls concerning the issue but did not
identify who contacted them and did not state what was said. The city council approved the
certificate of appropriateness, and an appeal ensued. The Court found that the due process
clause was violated for the following reasons:
The members of the City Council who accepted phone calls failed to disclose the
name and other identifying information FNFN2 of the callers, and also failed to reveal
the nature of the conversation, making it impossible for the Commission to
effectively respond to the arguments that the callers may have advanced. See
Tierney, 536 P.2d at 443. While the district court found that it "[did] not appear
that any of these telephone contacts improperly influenced any ultimate opinion
given by the individual [City] Council members," there was no evidence to
support this conclusion because of the City Council's failure to sufficiently identify
the callers and provide a general description of what they said in favor of or in
opposition to the destruction of the Foster Building. We hold, therefore, that the
receipt of phone calls in this case, without more specific disclosure, violated
procedural due process.
Id. at 655 -656, 650 -651.
As explained by the Idaho Supreme Court in another case, Eacret v. Bonner County, 139 Idaho
780, 787, 86 P.3d 494, 501 (2004), "[t]he purpose of the disclosure requirement is to afford
opposing parties with an opportunity to rebut the substance of any ex pane communications."
Most recently, the Idaho Supreme Court wrote that:
[Me recognize that due process "entitles a person to an impartial and
disinterested tribunal[,]" but we require a showing of actual bias before
disqualifying a decision maker even when a litigant maintains a decision maker
has deprived the proceedings of the appearance of fairness. Davisco Foods Intl,
Inc., 141 Idaho at 791, 118 P.3d at 123.
Cowan v. Board of Commissioners of Fremont County, 143 Idaho 501, 512, 148 P.3d 1247, 1260
(2006).
In a case from Oregon, Neuberger v. City of Portland, 288 Or. 585, 607 P.2d 722 (1980),
opponents challenged a decision by the Portland City Council to change the zone of a parcel of
undeveloped land based, in part, on council members' ex parte communication. The Oregon
Supreme Court wrote that the "issue is not whether there were any ex parte contacts, but
whether the evidence shows that the tribunal or its members were biased." Id. at 590, 1260.
Thus, when a city council discloses the information and remains an unbiased decision maker,
both the Idaho and the Oregon Supreme Courts have found that the fundamental principles of the
due process clause are met. See also, McPherson Landfill, Inc. v. Board of County Com'rs of
3
Shawnee County, 274 Kan. 303, 322, 49 P.3d 522, 534 (2002) ( "With respect to the ex parte
communications, it should be noted that the parties must be informed of the evidence submitted
for consideration and must be provided an opportunity to respond and rebut the evidence. ");
Sandy Beach Defense Fund v. City Council of City and County of Honolulu, 70 Haw. 361, 378,
773 P.2d 250, 261 (1989) ( "Due process is not a fixed concept requiring a specific procedural
course in every situation..... The full rights of due process present in a court of law, including
presentation of witnesses and cross - examination, do not automatically attach to a quasi - judicial
hearing. "); and County of Lancaster, S.C. v. Mecklenburg County, N.C., 334 N.C. 496, 511, 434
S.E.2d 604, 614 (1993) (" Due process requires an impartial decision maker.... A fixed opinion
that is not susceptible to change may well constitute impermissible bias, as will undisclosed ex
parte communication or a close familial or business relationship with an applicant.). But see
Massey v. City of Charlotte, 2000 WL 33915844, *8 n. 3 (N.C.Super. 2000) ( "When quasi- judicial
procedures are invoked, ex parte communication is prohibited. ").
Additionally, courts have recognized that a council member engaging in ex parte communication
is different than a district court judge doing so because councilors are elected officials with
constituents. In Hougham v. Lexington- Fayette Urban County Government, 29 S.W.3d 370, 374
(Ky.App.1999), the Kentucky Court of Appeals explains why elected officials are not held to the
same standard as judges:
We agree with the trial court that members of council do not live in a vacuum nor
are they required to. They are elected officials who represent the community and
will be subjected from time to time to contact from constituents concerning issues,
upon which they must ultimately decide. The mere fact that they are exposed to
various information from competing groups does not make it impossible for them
to serve and vote. Mere contact with neighborhood groups, letters from
constituents, information gathered from staff, etc. does not, by itself, constitute
"improper ex parte contact." If this were the case, seldom could an elected official
make an informed decision without being accused of improper ex parte
conduct.....
This decision does not hold the City Council to a standard of judicial
disinterestedness. As explained above, members of the City Council are free to
take phone calls from concerned citizens and listen to their opinions and
arguments prior to a quasi-judicial proceeding. In order to satisfy due process,
however, the identity of the callers must be disclosed, as well as a general
description of what each caller said....
A Florida court also acknowledged this political reality when it stated:
[Me recognize the reality that [county] commissioners are elected officials in
which capacity they may unavoidably be the recipients of unsolicited ex parte
communications regarding quasi- judicial matters they are to decide. The
occurrence of such a communication in a quasi - judicial proceeding does not
mandate automatic reversal. Jennings v. Dade County, 589 So.2d 1337, 1341
(Fla.App. 3 Dist. 1991).
Finally, in Sutton the Iowa Supreme Court relied heavily on the opinion of the Washington
Supreme Court in Fleming v. City of Tacoma. In that case the Washington Supreme Court held
that the appearance of fairness doctrine applied to all hearings conducted by municipal legislative
bodies aimed at amending existing zoning codes or reclassifying land thereunder. It is notable
4
that the fairness doctrine, which has since been codified in Washington, does not completely
prohibit ex parte communication, but rather, requires disclosure of the communication at the
hearing. Wash. Rev. Code Section 42.36.060.
Cc: Steve Atkins, City Manager
Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager
Marian Karr, City Clerk
Karin Franklin, Director of Planning & Community Development
Sarah Holecek, First Assistant City Attorney
Mitch Behr, Assistant City Attorney
Sue Dulek, Assistant City Attorney
Eric Goers, Assistant City Attorney
5
01/09/2012 16:08 3193350202 UIEMPLOMENT PAGE 02
r I -
� APawll'04 -O�4k IP6
&'j �
ClTy OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
j319) 356 -5000
(319) 356.5009 FAX
www.lcgov.org
January 9, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination —
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN — WASTEWATER
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Laboratory
Technician - Wastewater.
Jennifer Kerns
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra %1. Dickerson, Chair
Annie Tucker
1425 Oaklawn Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52245
January 10, 2012
To the Members of the Iowa City PCRB:
r1j11 N nP' 10 4l-±
IP7
==Nunn
First, 1 apologize for not being able to attend your meeting in person. 1 am the director of a
local nonprofit and our board meetings are the second Tuesday of the month at 5 pm in North
Liberty. I do not get back to Iowa City after the meetings until at least 6:45 pm. So, as a
member of the community, I am writing you, since I will not be able to attend your meeting.
I would like to speak about a specific case: I am very surprised and disappointed about the
board's decision in the Royceann Porter case. I sat through the trial May 19, 2011. In court, the
magistrate heard the all of the City's witnesses, including a Saddlebrook staffperson, a retired
librarian who lives across from the Saddlebrook clubhouse (the site of Ms. Porter's daughter's
birthday party), the youth at the party who started the fight, and an investigator with the Police
Department. When asked whether Ms. Porter provided alcohol, the youth said, "No, Ms.
Porter doesn't drink." The City used an attorney from Cedar Rapids because the city attorneys
were not involved. I am not sure of the reason for that, but the board may want to inquire.
Once all the City's witnesses had spoken and both attorneys were done with them, the
magistrate immediately acquitted Royceann Porter on a directed verdict, meaning without
hearing from her witnesses. The City brought forward everything they had re: the charges
against Ms. Porter, and apparently it was not sufficient to the support the charges in court. I
found that very interesting.
would also like to focus on the board name and process.
I propose that the board and the City consider changing the name of the board. The board is a
citizen's board established to review complaints against the police. Most other cities use the
name Citizen's Police Review Board, because the citizens are reviewing the police. I think a
name change would make sense, both with the intent and grammatically.
I also propose that we consider implementing a different process for reviewing citizen
complaints against the police. Right now, all complaints against the police department go to
the police department for investigation. I think this can be a deterrent to people who would
like to file a complaint. I also think that it could undermine the perception of the credibility of
the complaint process and findings because of a concern about a potential conflict of interest.
am not at all implying that the investigations or decisions themselves are in any way
compromised. I am saying that people could perceive that they are. And perceptions influence
what people think and do.
There are other models. I was curious about how those work, so I spoke with Ms. Beth
Pittinger, the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Independent Citizen's Police Review Board,
which was created as an independent agency. They have three paid city employees who do the
investigations and a board of volunteers that reviews their findings. (Of course, they are a far
larger metropolitan area. I am not suggesting we need three investigators.) The PICPRB has
investigatory and subpoena power and the power to hold public hearings, where the public can
observe the trying of a complaint in front of three of their board members. Ms. Pittinger said
this structure intentionally puts the review process in the public view unlike police
investigations, which are internal and not public. She said an internal process can raise
suspicion about the objectivity and impartiality of a process or decisions and doesn't promote
trust or improve community relations.
We definitely want a process that promotes trust and improves community relations. I imagine
that is why the PCRB was established.
She referred me to the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. Their
website is NACOLE.org She said it provides lots of information about different models in
different cities. She encouraged anyone from Iowa City to contact her with questions at
beth.pittinger @pittsburghpa.gov or at 412 - 765 -8023.
I encourage the board and the City Council set up a committee to review the current PCRB
name and process. It is usual to review any program after it has been up and running for a
number of years: there may be new relevant information to consider. Although I am not able
to attend our PCRB meetings, I would be glad to work on a committee to review Iowa City's
current process for citizen's review of complaints about the police and our options.
I look forward to hearing from the board and the City Council.
Sincerely,
Annie Tucker
cc: Iowa City Mayor Matt Hayek
Iowa City City Council Members
!—'I
h.,l
Marian Karr jpg
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
katecarlucci@iowaleague.org
Friday, January 06, 2012 3:29 PM
Marian Karr
Legislative Link: January 6, 2012
In This Session Begins!
Issue: The Iowa Legislature will gavel back into session on Monday, January 9, 2012. The
Session Legislative Link newsletter will arrive in your inboxes every Friday and continue through the
Begins! end of session.
View the session schedule Back to Top
Bipartisan
RUTF
Proposal Lawmakers Present Bipartisan Proposal to Increase Road
Maintenance Funds
Tax On Wednesday, Representative David Tjepkes and Senator Tom Reilly announced a
Increment bipartisan plan to address Iowa's shortage in road maintenance funding. The proposal would
Finance raise the gas tax by eight cents total, phasing in the increase by four cents per year in 2013
Meetings and 2014, and would raise vehicle registration fees from five percent to six percent this
Open year. All new funds raised under this initiative would go to the TIME -21 fund. The
Meetings lawmakers are still working on a provision relating to hybrid, electric and alternative fuel
Law vehicles. The plan is similar to the recommendations made by the Governor's Transportation
Changes 2020 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) which met last year.
Offered View the CAC Proposal I Back to Top
City Tort
Liability on Tax Increment Finance Meetings
Sledding
Hills The League has participated in several meetings on Tax Increment Finance (TIF) reform
leading up to the start of session. Representatives from the League were in attendance at a
Legislative meeting convened by Senator Joe Bolkcom and Representative Tom Sands at the Coralville
Day Update library on Wednesday evening. Senator Bolkcom expressed his views on reforming TIF,
including allowing other taxing entities to have a veto power in TIF proposals, limiting the
length of a TIF, and transparency in reporting on TIF money. Representatives from
Coralville, North Liberty, and Iowa City discussed the use of TIF in their cities, and their
perspectives on TIF reform. The League will be closely following this issue as we move into
session.
Back to Top
Pre -filed bill: Ombudsman's Office Offers Legislation to Clarify Open
Meetings Law
Under the proposed legislation, the definition of a governmental body subject to the open
meetings law is amended to include an advisory board, advisory committee, task force, or
other body created by the governor, statute, executive order or motion, resolution or
ordinance of a political subdivision. The proposal also changes the definition of a meeting to
include any gathering in person or by electronic means, formal or informal, of a majority of
the members of a governmental body where there is deliberation or action, or formulation of
public policy or recommendations relating to public policy, concerning public business within
the governmental body's duties or discretion.
Back to Top
Pre -filed bill: Legislation Introduced to Protect Cities from Tort
Liability on Sledding Hills
Representative Baltimore introduced this bill to provide an exemption for cities from liability
for negligent design, construction, or reconstruction of a public facility designed for sledding
purposes if it was constructed in accordance with generally accepted engineering or safety
standards. The bill also exempts cities from liability for claims based on acts or omissions of
officers or employees of the city. It also protects cities from liability for injuries caused by
another person engaged in sledding at a public facility that knew or should have known that
their actions were unreasonably dangerous and acted voluntarily.
Back to Top
Legislative Day Update
The League's annual Legislative Day event is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24 at the
Embassy Suites hotel in Des Moines' East Village. Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant
Governor Kim Reynolds have just confirmed their attendance at the event. The Governor
and Lieutenant Governor will each speak and will present awards to the winners of the
League's annual "If I Were Mayor" essay contest. We will also hear from key legislators and
League legislative staff on legislative issues relevant to city officials. The event will run from
2 -5 p.m. with a reception open to all legislators and League members from 5 -7 p.m. We
hope you can join us!
Register Now I Back to Top
Iowa League of Cities
317 Sixth Ave, Ste 800 1 Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone: (515) 244 -7282 1 ; .QM I www.iowaleague.orci
You are receiving this email as a subscription available to Iowa League of Cities members and associates. Unsubscribe or
manage subscription.
DEPARTMENT
DIVISIONS
• Community Development
• Economic Development
• Historic Preservation
• Housing Rehabilitation
• MPOJC (Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson County)
• Neighborhood Services
• Public Art
• Urban Planning
STAFF CONTACTS
Contact information for PCD
staff appears on the back page.
TO SUBSCRIBE TO
THIS NEWSLETTER
Visit www.icgov.org /subscribe
To view previous issues, visit
www.icgov.org/theplanner
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Urban Planning
Riverfront Crossings ............
4
Economic Development
Millar study results ...............6
SSMID approved ...................8
Community Development
CDBG /HOME funds ............
9
New Homes Program.......
10
Public Art
Poetry in Public ...................
I I
Book Marks donations......
12
MPOJC........ ...............................
13
Calendar of events ..................
14
/ — /Z -/Z-
6017
le JANUARY 2012
PLANNER
E- newsletter for the City of Iowa City
Planning and Community Development Department
"good ideas!"
City is looking for public input
on ways to make Iowa City better
Iowa City residents are full of great ideas on how to make our community
a better place to live and work — and the Urban Planning Division wants
to hear them as part of the new "Good Ideas" campaign that will help
create a vision for growth and development of the City over the next 10
to 20 years. "Good Ideas," which kicked off in mid - December, encourages
Iowa City residents and business owners to submit their best ideas to a
special webpage — www.icgov.org /goodideas — where they'll be reviewed
and considered as part of the "Iowa City 2030" public planning process to
update the City's Comprehensive Plan.
continued on next page
For a better Iowa City ...
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go to www.icgov.org /goodideas
The Planner, January 2012 — page 2
11,RBAN PLANNING
www.ic cvorg / urban tannin
City seeks "good ideas" from citizens
continued from cover
Participants will be prompted to an-
swer three open- response questions
about Iowa City, including what's
best about it and what improve-
ments could be made. Next, they'll
be asked to share one good idea that
they think would make Iowa City a
stronger community and a more at-
tractive place to live and work. Re-
spondents may also opt to post their
idea to share with the public.
Participants are encouraged to be
constructive and creative in their
comments. Planners hope the "good
ideas" forum will inspire people to
think creatively about the type of
community they want to live in, to
help guide and build the framework
for the City's future.
February workshops
The Comprehensive Planning pro-
cess will kick off with two public
workshops in February, where citi-
zens, business owners, and City staff
will meet to discuss issues, explore
options, and set goals. Each work-
shop will provide a chance for peo-
ple from diverse backgrounds and
interests to discuss their ideas and
build consensus around shared val-
ues and goals for the community.
The workshops are scheduled
Wednesday, February I from 7
to 9 p.m. in the West High School
cafeteria, and Thursday, February
9 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Southeast
Junior High cafeteria.
As the IC2030 project moves for-
ward, the City's planners emphasize
that revisions to the Comprehensive
Plan will not replace the existing dis-
trict plans. Instead, the revised plan
will build on district efforts, taking
into account new opportunities such
as the UNESCO City of Literature
designation and redevelopment of
the Riverfront Crossings District, as
well as new challenges that may im-
pact the community, such as energy
and resource consumption, floods
and other natural disasters, and the
economy.
For more information, contact Sarah
Walz, Planner, at 319.356.5239 or e-
mail Sarah -walz @iowa- cityorg.
"good ideas" the City has adopted in the past
Many of the innovations that have been implemented by the City and that have strengthened its profile as a vi-
able, livable community have been ideas that were either generated by participants in previous planning efforts or
that gained momentum and advocates in discussions that were held as part of previous planning processes. Some
examples include:
• Riverfront Crossings redevelopment
• Terry Trueblood Recreation Area
• Towncrest urban renewal project
• UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership
• Ebongo and WiFi connections on City buses
• Court Hill trail
• bike sharrows
• converting Washington Street downtown to
two -way traffic
• installing LED energy- saving lights in City
parking ramps
Terry Trueblood Recreation Area: A "good idea" adopted by the City
The Planner, January 2012 — page 3
URBAN PLANNING
What is the
Comprehensive Plan?
The City's Comprehensive Plan provides a broad, general road map
for how the Iowa City community will grow and develop over the
next 10 to 20 years. It describes what kind of community we want
to be, and the steps to making that vision real.The Comprehensive
Plan should:
• Reflect community values and aspirations.
• Provide roadmap for directing change, development and growth
as well as preservation.
• Provide a foundation for policies, strategies, and actions.
• Set priorities — our community's to -do list.
• Build consensus.
The most recent comprehensive plan, adopted in 1997, set forth
a vision focused on creating a vital and attractive Downtown,
preserving the unique character of the community and pro - j
tecting the natural environment, encouraging diverse housing
and alternative forms of transportation. The plan paid con-
siderable attention to neighborhood safety, character, and
connectivity.That vision led to the following policy changes: ------- -_____
• a complete overhaul of the City's Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations;
• designation of historic districts and adoption of the Historic Preservation Plan;
• creation of a Bicycle Master Plan and adoption of the Complete Streets Program;
• development of design standards for multi - family buildings
• adoption of a Sensitive Areas Ordinance
• completion of 10 district plans
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The 1997 Comprehensive Plan called for the creation of 10 district plans, the most recent of which was the Southeast
District Plan,adopted in 201 I.The district plans have applied the broad vision set out in the Comprehensive Plan to distinct
areas of the City, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities of each district as well as the aspirations of
the residents of the district.
How is the Comprehensive Plan used?
The Comprehensive Plan, including any district plans attached to it, is used as a guide for directing future development and
investment as well as preservation in Iowa City. City Council and staff as well as the various boards and commissions that
oversee development, preservation, and reinvestment, all refer to the Comprehensive Plan when reviewing applications and
setting priorities for community investment. But the plan is also intended to guide developers, private investors, property
owners, neighborhood organizations, and preservation groups to guide them in their own efforts.
The plan provides particular guidance in the consideration of rezonings, subdivisions, annexations, designation for develop-
ment or preservations, capital investments, designation of parks and other open space, planning for infrastructure such as
roads, water, sewer, utilities and services such as police and fire protection and waste and recycling pick -up.
To view a copy of the City's current Comprehensive Plan, visit www.icgov.org /comppIan.
The Planner, January 2012 — page 4
URBAN PLANNING
MVERFRONT
CROSSINGS:
Planning the district's future
Ideas for the Riverfront Crossings District were
transformed into concrete design scenarios during
a "design charrette" held last month in Iowa City.
During the three -day series of open houses, approx-
imately 100 Iowa City residents shared ideas and
opinions with consultants and City planners regard-
ing the future of the district that the City hopes to
see developed into a sustainable, mixed -use neigh-
borhood in the heart of Iowa City.
Participants represented a cross - section of the
community: residents, architects, area business and
property owners, artists, bicycling advocates, devel-
opers, Johnson County and University of Iowa of-
ficials, neighborhood organizations, and realtors.
The design workshops represented the second
phase of the Riverfront Crossings project,which will
focus on the west riverfront and the area between
Benton Street and Downtown. The first phase,
which addressed the area along the east side of the
Iowa River that surrounds the City's North Waste -
water Treatment Plant, was recently adopted by the
City Council.
Next step
Above:This map details potential names and boundaries for
Riverfront Crossings sub- districts.Workshop participants indicated
they wanted to see a distinct identity established for each sub - district.
The next steps toward redevelopment of the Riverfront Crossings
District are up to the City: to refine concepts and results from
the workshop, and to develop a series of zoning codes for each
sub - district to implement the plan. The zoning codes will reflect
the public's desire to create distinct identities for each of the sub -
districts, such as an arts district, a park district along the Iowa River,
and an extension of downtown south of Burlington Street.The City
will host another public workshop in February or March to present
the next draft of the plan.
For more info, visit our webpage at www.icgov.org/riverfrontcross-
ings, or contact Robert Miklo, Senior Planner, at bob -miklo @iowa-
city.org or 319.356.5240.
Right:This concept sketch from the charrette shows how Riverside Drive
could be developed to better utilize its proximity to the Iowa River.
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The Planner, January 2012 — page 5
URBAN PLANNING
NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT
The City Council recently approved plans for the following development:
MAC KI NAW V I L LAG E— PART 4
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MACKINAW VILLAGE - PART FOUR
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The Planner, January 2012 — page 6
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Study reveals City's
true buying power
Early in 201 I, the University of Iowa invited John Millar to Iowa
City to discuss the topic of "hidden economies" that exist in college
towns — and they invited City officials to meet with him, too. Millar, a
real estate professional with Divaris Real Estate in Virginia, convinced
the group that Iowa City did indeed have access to more economic
resources than census or other reports would indicate, due in large
part to University of Iowa students who come from affluent families.
One of the ways to build Iowa City's economy, Millar stated, would be
to determine the true spending power of those who live here, attend
school here, and /or visit — and then use that information to help
recruit more businesses to set up shop in Iowa City.
The meeting with Millar led to a partnership project between the University
and the City to split the $50,000 cost of a study that would provide data on
Iowa City's "hidden economies" — and the survey provided some interesting
and thought - provoking results.
Census data
Retailers, restaurateurs, and other businesses seeking new markets
typically research a community's spending power before locating
there to ensure that the community can support their business. Cen-
sus data is used to review the community's average household in-
come, but in college towns, that can be misleading, as students may
report they have no income despite having access to their parents'
financial resources.
Millar estimates that about 11,000 students filled out the census in
Iowa City, which had a dramatic negative effect on census - reported
average household income (AHHI).With student census reporting in-
cluded, Iowa City'sAHHI is $44,139 — but if student data is factored
out, the number more than doubles to $92,205 in the area within a
one -mile radius of downtown. Within a five -mile radius, the census
reported an average household income of $65,000, which jumped
to $93,135 with the student impact removed. Because of this, Millar
stated, it is likely that Iowa City does not receive a fair appraisal when
competing against other communities and markets, and in fact may
cause some businesses to overlook us completely.
As part of the study, Millar worked to determine a more accurate
average household income for student households. Using the home-
town zip codes of all University of Iowa students, the study showed
that:
• 95% of UI students come from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
• The average "hometown" household income for that 95% of the student
body is $81,600 — substantially higher than the AHHI of Iowa City.
continued on next page
The Planner, January 2012 — page 7
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Ti
d
1A
Study
continued from previous page
• The spending power of the top quartile is a healthy $1 16,333 per year, an indica-
tor that a substantial part of the population would support higher -end shopping.
Student spending
Millar sourced information from the 360Youth /Harris Study and the Tripp Umbach
Report which cite, on the low end, that students spend about $13,000 per year, not
including tuition, room and board. Of that amount, $3,250 is spent on "shopping cen-
ter goods' " Running those numbers, Millar deduced that UI students spend a total of
$105 millin per year on shopping center goods.
Visitor spending
The Tripp Umbach Report also studied direct visitor expenditures. More than 1.1
million people visit Iowa City each year, and spend around $408 million while they're
here. Combined with the student spending of $105 million, the total tops $513
million by the non - resident population alone.When considering the most popular
shopping categories for students and visitors, that figure indicates financial support
for a total of 1.2 million square feet of retail and restaurants in a town that currently
has a half - million square feet. In other words, Millar estimates retail demand from
these sectors would support as much as 762,433 additional square feet of retail and
restaurant space.
Baby boomers
Another market ripe for the picking in Iowa City is aging Baby Boomers.There are
almost a quarter - million living UI alumni, half of whom live in Iowa and Illinois, and
one -third of whom are Baby Boomers. Because Iowa City's average home prices
are among the lowest of their counterparts in the Big Ten, these Baby Boomers are
likely to be able afford to purchase second homes here or sell homes in their more
expensive communities and use equity to relocate to Iowa City. College towns like
Iowa City are attractive to the Baby Boomer market because they offer many ameni-
ties, good health care, and an excellent quality of life.
Web survey
Millar also garnered a great deal of feedback from a web -based opinion survey he
posted last fall to gain an understanding of what categories of shopping the Iowa
City market desired. Survey results show that more than 40% of respondents want a
Pottery Barn and a Cheese Cake Factory, and more than 30% want an Apple Store, a
P.F. Chang's and an Urban Outfitters.Another revelation from the online survey was
that the Iowa City community houses strong sentiments for downtown remaining
largely locally owned boutiques and restaurants. Millar suggests this is very possible
with the addition of new retail and restaurant space, perhaps geared to a national
franchise or two in the planned Riverfront Crossings district.
The survey results consisted of both hard data and soft opinions, both of which are
useful information for businesses considering locating in downtown Iowa City and
Riverfront Crossings. For more information, contact Economic Development Coor-
dinator Wendy Ford at 319.356.5248 or e-mail wendy- ford @iowa - city.org.
The Planner, January 2012 — page 8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Council approves SSMID;
Ritu Jain, Textiles
merce, Iowa City Area Development Group, Convention and Visitors Bu-
ABOUTTHEBOARD
Board of Directors named
The SSMID Board is comprised of:
and finalized selection of the new SSMID Board of Directors,who are listed
Four property owners
The City Council has voted to approve an ordinance creating a Self -Sup-
Two whose property is valued at
ported Municipal Improvement District (SSMID), in which commercial
less than $1.4 million, and two
properties located Downtown and in the Northside Marketplace will be
whose property is valued at more
taxed at a higher rate to help fund business recruitment, marketing, physi-
Four business representatives
cal upgrades, and improvements. Under the special levy, an additional $2
Two who lease more than 3,000 square feet
in taxes will be paid per $1,000 of valuation, beginning in September 2012.
of property, and two who lease less
The funds raised by the SSMID will total approximately $242,000 each year,
One from the Northside Marketplace
and will be combined with an additional $100,000 per year that has been
One from the University of Iowa
promised by the University of Iowa for these projects.The SSMID, which
Up to four others who ft any of these
was generated by a petition by Downtown property and business owners,
categories or are a stakeholder in the district.
will expire in four years, although it can be renewed.
BOARD of DIRECTORS
What happens to the DTA?
Marc Moen,Moen Group
The activities of the decades -old Downtown Association (DTA) will con-
Kent Jehle,MidWestOne Bank
tinue under the SSMID organization, but DTA membership dues will cease.
Mark Ginsberg, MC Ginsberg
In addition to the event creation and event management activities that have
Mark Weaver, Active Endeavors
been the hallmark of the DTA, the SSMID will allow for those activities to
Catherine Champion,
increase and for a new program of business development to begin.
Cheap & Chic and Catherine's
Karen Kubby,Beadology,
SSMID business development
Steve Pajunen, Zephyr Printing & Design
SSMID business development activities will include:
Joni Schrup, Discerning Eye
Naftaly Stramer, Oasis Falafel
• Marketing Downtown and the Northside Marketplace to new business,
David Kleft, University of Iowa
in categories deemed important by residents in recent studies;
Bill Nusser, Hands Jewelers
• Serving as a resource for space referrals and assistance in attracting new
Linda Schreiber, Community Volunteer
business to Iowa City;
• Directing media buys and promotional campaigns that were too expen-
Gabe Aguirre, Iowa City Press - Citizen
sive for the DTA;
Joe Moreland,
Hayek Brown Moreland &Smith
• Expanding the Park and Shop and Bus and Shop programs;
Scott Cray, Paul Helen Building
• Implementing beautification programs involving landscape, lighting, ban-
Patty McCarthy, Iowa City Public Library
ners and other physical improvements.
Regenia Bailey, Bailey Leadership
Board of Directors named
Kevin Digmann, Old Capitol Town Center
A committee comprised of community leaders from the Chamber of Com-
Ritu Jain, Textiles
merce, Iowa City Area Development Group, Convention and Visitors Bu-
reau, City of Iowa City, and the University of Iowa evaluated applications
EX- OFFICIO
and finalized selection of the new SSMID Board of Directors,who are listed
NON - VOTING MEMBERS
in the column at right. The first order of business for the Board will be to
Nancy Quellhorst,
establish a budget based on the strategic priorities of the SSMID and hire
Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
two full -time employes — a Business Development Manager and an Assis-
Joe Raso,
tant Business Development Manager.At the same time, the DTA is prepar-
Iowa City Area Development Group
ing for its transition, making way for the start -up of the SSMID.
Josh Schambergerlowe CitylCoralville Area
Convention &Visitors Bureau
For more information, contact Wendy Ford, Economic Development Coor-
Geoff Fruin, City of Iowa City
dinator, at 319.356.5248 or e-mail wendy- ford @iowa- city.org.
The Planner, January 2012 — page 9
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR
$ 1.2 MILLION IN CDBG /HOME FUNDS
Applications are now available for
more than $1.2 million to help meet
the housing, jobs and service needs
of low -to- moderate income Iowa
City residents. Local agencies, non-
profit organizations, and businesses
may submit applications for the
funds, provided by the U.S. Depart-
ment of Housing and Urban Devel-
opment's Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME
Investment Partnerships (HOME)
programs.
Applications are due by noon
on Friday, January 20, 2012. The
Left
CDBG and
HOME funds
can be used for
affordable housing
as well as owner -
occupied housing
rehabilitation.
Housing and Community Develop-
ment Commission (HCDC) and the
City's Community Development staff
strongly encourage all applicants to
attend an informational workshop
scheduled Monday, January 9 at
I I a.m. in Emma Harvat Hall in City
Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, to
learn more about the application and
funding process.
The HCDC and the City Council will
review all applications and conduct
a public allocation process to de-
termine which projects will receive
funding. Funds are awarded accord-
ing to the needs and priorities out-
lined in the City's 2011 -2015 Con-
solidated Plan (CITY STEPS), a copy
of which is available on the City's
website at http://www.icgov.org /ac-
tionplan.The funds will become avail-
able for use on July 1, 2012.
New this year:
• First consideration for funding
will to go housing and public facil-
ity projects of $50,000 or more.
• Unfortunately, due to funding
cuts, funds are not available for
public service eligible activities,
such as operations or salaries.
Funding applications are available on-
line at www.icgov.org /fy 13apps.
Questions about these two federal
programs or the funding process
may be directed to the Iowa City
Community Development staff at
319.356.5230 or tracy- hightshoe@
iowa- cityorg or Steve -long @iowa-
cityorg.
The Planner, January 2012 — page 10
Attention, Iowa City area
Builders
� Developers
We're getting ready to build again!
The City of Iowa City is now soliciting proposals from
area developers and builders for Phase 4 of the
Single Family New Construction (SFNC) Program.
SEND US
YOUR PROPOSAL!
Here's the info we need:
• Name and contact info for the
builder /developer.
• Identification of the building
lot(s), and info on whether the
builder has site control or an
accepted purchase option.
• The number of homes you
propose to build for this project.
• Info about each home, including
type, floorplans, square footage,
number of bedrooms and bath-
rooms, and proposed elevations.
■ Total development cost per
home (must be the same as the
sales price or appraised fair
market value, whichever is less).
• Explanation of past experience,
proving the ability to commence
construction on all selected
homes by March 15, 2013.
• Proposals cannot exceed 10
pages (not including elevations).
GENERAL
INFORMATION
• A variety of housing types, sizes,
locations and prices are encour-
aged.
• Maximum sales price is
$150,000.
■ Funding is available for 32
homes.
• Housing types may include
single - family detached,
duplexes, condos, zero lots,
or row - houses.
• Gut reconstruction of single -
family / single - dwelling homes
is allowed.
■ Homes may be stick -built or
manufactured housing.
To review the requirements, visit
www.icgov.org/newhomes4
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
DEADLINE &
WHERETO SEND
Proposals should be mailed
to City Hall:
City of Iowa City
Community Development Dept.
Re: SFNC Round 4
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
by 5:00 p.m. January 27, 2012
FOR MORE
INFORMATION
www.icgov.org/newhomes4
319.356.5230
TA;M
CITY OF IOWA CITY
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ I 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
The Planner, January 2012 — page I I
PUBLIC ART
Poetry in Public 2012 now underway
"Poetry is thoughts that breathe, and
words that burn," wrote poetThom-
as Gray (1716 - 1771). In Iowa City,
the search for "breathing thoughts"
and "burning words" has been
launched for another year, as the
10th annual "Poetry in Public" writ-
ing competition is now underway.
Sponsored by the City of Iowa City's
Public Art Program, the annual po-
etry contest encourages residents of
all age groups and all levels of writ-
ing experience to submit a seven -
line poem that will be critiqued by a
panel of judges for possible display in
the Iowa City community.
Anyone who's a resident of Johnson
County may enter the competition.
A full list of Poetry in Public require-
ments appears on the City's website
at www.icgov.org /pip, but the general
guidelines are:
• Only one poem per person may
be submitted.
• The poem must be 7 lines or less
(not including the title).
• Poets should avoid using complex
formats, layouts, and /or typefaces.
• All poems must be suitable for
public display, for readers of all
ages.
Final selections are made by a panel
of judges, including a professional
writer, representatives from the
City's Public Library and Public Art
Advisory Committee, and select
City staff.
The prize? Mostly, it's the joy of the
writing experience, but for those
whose works are selected, there will
be two other awards: a poster -sized
copy of the poem for the writer, and
public display of each winning poem,
beginning in April, National Poetry
Month. Display areas include all City
buses, downtown kiosks, Robert A.
Lee Community Recreation Center,
Scanlon Gymnasium / Mercer Park
Aquatic Center, the Johnson County
Senior Center and other public fa-
cilities.
Poems will also be posted online on
Iowa City's Poetry in Public website,
the Poetry in Public Facebook page
(www.facebook.com/PoetryinPub-
lic),the University of Iowa's Daily Pal-
ette ( http : / /dailypalette.uiowa.edu /),
and other literary - related websites.
The deadline to submit entries
is 5 p.m. on February 10. Entries
should be accompanied by a 2012
Submission Form (at www.icgov.org/
pip) and may either be e- mailed to
marcia - bollinger @iowa- city.org or
dropped off or mailed to City Hall
at 410 East Washington Street, Iowa
City, IA 52240.
For more information on Poetry
in Public, visit www.icgov.org /pip
or contact Marcia Bollinger, the
City's Public Art Coordinator, at
marcia - bollinger @iowa- city.org or
319.356.5237.
The Planner, January 2012 — page 12
PUBLIC ART
THREE BOOKMARKS SCULPTURES
DONATED TO PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
The City Council has accepted the donation of three BookMark statues to the City, which have now become part of the
Iowa City Public Art inventory and placed on display in downtown Iowa City.
The BookMarks program was implemented last summer to celebrate reading, writing, and book art in Johnson County and
to benefit the Iowa City UNESCO City of Literature and the public libraries of Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty. A
total of 25 unique statues were created by artists from throughout the Midwest, each of which was sponsored by various
individuals and entities, and displayed through the end of October in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and the Eastern
Iowa Regional Airport.The statues were auctioned in November.
The three BookMark statues that were purchased at the auction and donated to the City's Public Art Program are:
Crpq. un Cb .Jxt+✓co
U[IBXO GSY DF YREiN�
Wx-
LITERARY LIFE IN IOWA CITY
Artist: Lauren Haldeman
Donated by the
Iowa City /CoralvilleArea
Convention and Visitors Bureau and
City of Iowa City family and friends,
in recognition of Dale Helling's 36
years of service to the City.
Now located in front of City Hall
TREASURE ISLAND
Artist:Tam Bodkin Bryk
Donated by Hands Jewelers
Now located on the
Iowa Sculptors Showcase Pad
WINDOWSANDWORLDS
Artist: Megan Klazura
Donated by Susan Craig
Now located on Iowa Avenue,
adjacent to
Tower Place Parking Ramp
The Planner, January 2012 — page 13
METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY
LONG -RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLANT:
DRAFT CHAPTERS READY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW
Several draft chapters of the 2012-
2040 Long -Range Transportation
Plan, which compiles transportation
plans for the Iowa City urbanized
area, are now available for public re-
view and comment. The Metropoli-
tan Planning Organization of Johnson
County ( MPOJC) continues to work
on updates and revisions to the plan,
which are required every five years
by the Federal Highway Administra-
tion.
The plan includes information and
proposals for all modes of transpor-
tation, as well as a list of transpor-
tation infrastructure improvements
projected to be completed by 2040.
The following draft chapters are
available for review at www.mpojc.
org/what—we—do/updates.htmi:
• Introduction
• Environmental Awareness
• Aviation
• Motor Carrier and Rail
• Passenger Rail
• Bicycle and Pedestrian
• Transit Network
• Fiscal Constraint
• Federal Planning Factors
• Public Participation
Remaining draft chapters will be
available online by February 2012
and will be followed by a public com-
ment period. The plan must be ad-
opted by May of 2012.
Comments or questions regarding
the Long Range Transportation Plan
materials can be forwarded to Kent
Ralston, Assistant Transportation
Planner, at kent- ralston @iowa -city.
org.
010 Means of Travel
to Work: U.S.
Census
Municipality
2010 Pop.
Walked
Public Transit
Other*
Total
CoraMlle
18,907
3.055;
7.855;
26,°6
13.45°;
Iowa City
67,862
14.9%
8.2%
4.6%
27.7%
North Liberty
13,374
1.7%
1.1%
0.6%
3.4%
Tiffin
1,947
0.5%
1.1%
0.6%
2.2%
University Heights
1,051
22.6%
2.4%
15.1%
40.1%
Tota 1
1!03,141
25.9%
*Includes biking and taxi
* *Total percentage of population walking, biking, or using taxi or bus to get to work
The chart above provides an example of the type of data
included in the Long -Range Transportation Plan.
MPOJC ALSO SEEKS COMMENTS ON:
Johnson County Bicycling and Trails Draft Plan
Last year, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors asked the MPOJC to up-
date the Johnson County Shared Use Trails Plan adopted in 2006. To view the
draft plan, see www.mpojc.org /docs/ file / transportation /Draft20l2TrailsPlan.pdf.
Written comments may be sent to to Kris Ackerson at MPOJC,410 E.Wash-
ington Street, Iowa City, IA 52245, e- mailed to Kristopher- Ackerson @iowa -city.
org, or faxed to 3 19.356.521 7.Written input received by February 22 will be
forwarded to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. The public is also in-
vited to attend two public hearings, on February 16 and February 23, at 9 a.m. in
the Board Room (second floor) of the Johnson County Administration Building
at 913 South Dubuque Street to provide comments in person.
Proposed amendment to TIP
The Iowa Department of Transportation has requested an amendment to
the FY2012 -15 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) plan prepared by
MPOJC to include a $1,307,000 grading and paving project at the interchange
of North Dubuque Street and 1 -80. Funds would include $261,000 from the
Iowa Department of Transportation and $1,046,000 from the Statewide Sur-
face Transportation Program. Submit written comments by January 24 to Kris
Ackerson (see contact info in the article above) to be forwarded to the MPOJC
Urbanized Area Policy Board, or attend the public meeting on January 25 at
4 p.m. in City Hall to provide comments in person.
Passenger Transportation Plan
MPOJC is requesting public input on the Passenger Transportation Plan (PTP),
which includes Iowa City Transit, Coralville Transit, and UI Cambus. The plan is
available at www .mpojc.org /passengertransit.A public hearing is scheduled dur-
ing the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board meeting on January 25 at 4 p.m. in
City Hall. Written comments may be submitted to brad- neumann @iowa -city.
org.The draft PTP is due to the Iowa DOT by February 1. For more information,
contact Brad Neumann at 319.356.5235.
DEPARTMENT
MEETINGS & EVENTS
The Planner,January 2012 — page 14
MEETINGS & OTHER EVENTS
This is a tentative schedule of upcoming meetings and events for the Planning & Community Development Department.
To verify that a meeting will be held, check the calendar on the City website at www.icgov.org /calendar or call our office
at 319.356.5230.
Agendas and meeting packets are posted to the City's website at least 24 hours in advance.To view,go to www.icgov.org/
calendar, click on the date of the meeting, and then on the group that will be meeting.
All meetings listed below will be held at City Hall at 410 E.Washington Street unless noted otherwise. Individual meeting
rooms are listed with the information below.
Saturday, January 7
Grant Wood Market Place winter farmers' market,
Grant Wood School Gym, 1930 Lakeside Drive, 2 -4 p.m.
Monday, January 9
Informational workshop, CDBG / HOME applicants.
City Hall, Emma Harvat Hall, I I a.m.
See article in this issue for more information.
Wednesday, January I I
Board of Adjustment
5:15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Thursday, January 12
Historic Preservation Commission
5:15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Monday, January 16
City offices closed for Martin Luther King Day.
Tuesday, January 17
Council Economic Development Committee
8 a.m.— Helling Conference Room
Thursday, January 19
MPOJC Transportation Technical Advisory Committee
10:30 a.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Housing & Community Development Commission
6:30 p.m.— Helling Conference Room
Planning & Zoning Commission
7 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Friday, January 20
CDBG / HOME funding application deadline.
See article in this issue for more details.
Saturday, January 21
Grant Wood Market Place winter farmers' market,
Grant Wood School Gym, 1930 Lakeside Drive, 2 -4 p.m.
Wednesday, January 25
MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board
4 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
MPOJC Rural Policy Board
6 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Wednesday, February I
Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop
7 -9 p.m. —West High School Cafeteria
See article in this issue for more information.
Thursday, February 2
Public Art Advisory Committee
3:30 p.m.— Helling Conference Room
Planning & Zoning Commission
7 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Saturday, February 4
Grant Wood Market Place winter farmers' market,
Grant Wood School Gym, 1930 Lakeside Drive, 2 -4 p.m.
Wednesday, February 8
Board of Adjustment
5:15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Thursday, February 9
Historic Preservation Commission
5:15 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Comprehensive Plan Public Workshop
7 -9 p.m.— Southeast Junior High School Cafeteria
See article in this issue for more information.
Friday, February 10
Poetry in Public submission deadline, 5 p.m.
See article in this issue for more details.
Tuesday, February 14 - Tentative
Council Economic Development Committee
8 am.— Helling Conference Room
Thursday, February 16
Housing & Community Development Commission
6:30 p.m.— Helling Conference Room
Planning & Zoning Commission
7 p.m.— Emma Harvat Hall
Saturday, February 18
Grant Wood Market Place winter farmers' market,
Grant Wood School Gym, 1930 Lakeside Drive, 2 -4 p.m.
PLANNING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION
Jeff Davidson
Director
319.356.5232
jeff-davidson@iowa-city.org
Janet Dvorsky
Administrative Secretary
319.356.5230
janet-dvorsky@iowa-city.org
Joy Bayshore
Clerk
319.356.5230
joy-bayshore@iowa-city.org
URBAN PLANNING
Robert Miklo
Senior Planner
319.356.5240
bob -miklo @iowa - city.org
Urban Planners
Karen Howard
319.356.5251
karen-howard@iowa-city.org
Sarah Walz
Board of Adjustment
319.356.5239
sarah-walz@iowa-city.org
For Historic Preservation
matters, please contact
Robert Miklo,
Senior Planner
319.356.5240
bob-miklo@iowa-city.org
COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
Steve Long
Coordinator
319.356.5250
steve-long@iowa-city.org
Community
Development Planners
Tracy Hightshoe
319.356.5244
tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org
Doug Ongie
319.356.5479
doug -ongie @iowa - city.org
David Purdy
319.356.5489
david-purdy@iowa-city.org
Housing Rehabilitation
Specialists
David Powers
319.356.5233
david-powers@iowa-city.org
Jeff Vanatter
319.356.5128
jeff-vanatter@iowa-city.org
Liz Osborne
Program Assistant
319.356.5246
liz- oborne @iowa - city.org
ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
Wendy Ford
Coordinator
319.356.5248
wendy-ford@iowa-city.org
MPOJC
John Yapp
Executive Director
319.356.5252
john -yapp @iowa - city.org
Transportation Planners
Brad Neumann
319.356.5235
brad -neu man n @iowa - city.org
Kent Ralston
319.356.5253
kent-ralston@iowa-city.org
Kri stop her Ackerson
319.356.5247
kristopher- ackerson@
iowa - city.org
Darian Nagle -Gamm
319.356.5254
darian - nagle -gamm@
iowa - city.org
Human Services Planner
Please contact John Yapp,
319.356.5252
john -yapp @iowa - city.org
NEIGHBORHOOD
SERVICES
& PUBLIC ART
Marcia Bollinger
Coordinator of
Neighborhood Services
& Iowa City Public Art Program
319.356.5237
marcia-bollinger@iowa-city.org
Taking a u -turn on the one -way street I News I National Post
GOP primaries I Sarah Burke I Rob Ford I Christie Blatchford I Consumer Electronics Shoe
Taking a u -turn on the one-way street
Tristin Hopper Jan 8, 2012 — 7:00 AM ET I Last Updated: Jan 7, 2012 4:59 PM ET
—/2 /
St. Catharines ward councillors Mark Elliot., left and Mathew Siscoe, both two -way street proponents tour St. Paul Street in St. Catharines
from a one -way into a two -way, about two years ago, with fabulous results.
Two years ago, city crews went to St. Paul Street — the one -way spine of downtown St. Catharin
signs, painted new lines and opened. up the street to two -way traffic. According to planners, it w
downtown more pedestrian friendly and spur retail development.
People, especially businesspeople, didn't like it. And then they did.
http: / /news.nationalpost.com/ 2012 /01/08 /taking -a -u- turn -on- the - one - way- street/ 1/12/2012
Taking a u -turn on the one -way street I News I National Post
Lured by the new two -way, the Wine Council of Ontario included St. Paul Street in its redrafted
currently at work on a new St. Paul Street performing arts centre. Slower - moving drivers have r
restaurants they never noticed before.
"It was somewhat controversial at first, but I would say now that, without exaggeration, people
McMullan, the city's ebullient young mayor.
"A prominent local businessman came up to me the other day and said, `I didn't support it from
you've ever done.'"
The Romans held their empire together with 80,50o kilometres of paved two -way roads, and w]
Machu Picchu, they often passed llama caravans going the other direction. For the past ioo yea]
peculiar age of one -way streets. But as blighted downtowns across North America try to woo sul
brief, shining reign of the one -way seems to be drawing to a close.
St. Catharines was only following the example of hundreds of cities in the United States and Car
their one -way streets since the 199os. In Ottawa last week, planners announced they are considi
several streets in the shadow of Parliament Hill. Two -way roads would help to "`normalize' the
greater choice of routes, improving wayfinding, creating a more inviting address for residential
improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists," according to a plan drafted by consulting firm Ur
Hamilton, Ont., began to end its addiction to fast - flowing urban streets by cutting the ribbon on
prominent thoroughfares.
As urban improvements go, two -way conversions are remarkably cheap. According to the U.S. I
swapping out one kilometre of one way for two way can be had for as little as $12,400 — about t
be why cities around the globe have even started pushing for complete one -way abolition.
The recently elected mayor of Lexington, Kentucky, took office on a promise to stop the ` jamme
downtown clean of one -way streets. In 2009, Perth, Australia, drafted a bold plan to systematic,
streets in the regional capital of 1.5 million people. Only a handful of "narrow local streets" wou:
conversions, according to Perth's official website.
Although renowned as the blue - blooded home of the Kentucky Derby, in the late 199os Louisvil
most crime - ridden neighbourhoods in the United States. "You'd go there for guns, hard drugs a:
one -way streets," said John I. Gilderbloom, director of the Center for Sustainable Urban Neight
Louisville. "Every time I talk to someone about a problem street, it's always one - way," he said.
Thanks to housing developments and historic preservation campaigns by Mr. Gilderbloom and
back from the brink. The next step, said Mr. Gilderbloom, is clearing the communities of one -w.
"The one -way is designed to maximize efficiency for the car; that's its purpose," said Larry Fran
Bombardier Chair in Sustainable Urban Transportation Systems. As car culture bloomed begins
ditched their apartments and townhomes for suburban ranch houses, one -way streets became tl
them to and from work. According to U.S. urban development advocate John Norquist, one -wa`
Cold War -era planners because they allowed speedy evacuation in the event of a nuclear attack.
The effects on urban cores were immediate. In small towns, the conversion of Main Street to on,
of urban blight. A much - quoted statistic holds that 40% of the businesses on Cincinnati's Vine
http : / /news.nationalpost.coml20l 2 /0l /08 /taking -a -u- turn -on- the - one - way - streetl 1/12/2012
Taking a u -turn on the one -way street I News I National Post
way. By the 198os, one -ways had become potent symbols of urban racial divides. In dozens of U
neighbourhoods were severed by loud, dangerous one -ways jammed with mainly white drivers
environmental racism," said Mr. Gilderbloom.
Since they encourage higher speeds, one -ways have consistently been found to be hot spots for 1
examining pedestrian safety on one -ways, researchers analyzed traffic statistics in Hamilton fro
child was 2.5 times more likely to be hit by a car on a one -way street.
Forfar, Scotland, was once the site of a major castle where Scottish clans plotted their resistancE
now it is a quiet market town about go minutes north of Edinburgh. Castle Street, the narrow rE
way since it was little more than a dirt track through the lowlands. Last summer, city council va
a one -way thoroughfare. "The traffic is faster, there's no doubt about that," said Alastair Camen
movement against the one -way conversion. The road is riskier for pedestrians, sales have plumy
problem with confused drivers flying down the street going the wrong way. In a recent survey, g
opposed the new street.
The owner of a fish, poultry and game shop on Castle Street ( "we also make our own pies "), Mr.
political person — but he made an exception for one -way streets. "When it's something this detr
stand up for our rights," he said.
"There's this sad oversimplification going on where some people are just saying, `One -way stree-
famed California -based urban designer and one of the founding members of the Congress for N,
While one -ways have wreaked havoc in North American suburbs, "in high - density, urban locati(
configuring streets," he said.
Mr. Calthorpe calls up a picture of San Elijo Hills Village Center, a shopping district in the subu
as a traditional shopping complex bisected by a gargantuan highway intersection, Mr. Calthorp(
a pair of tree -lined one -ways winding through a pedestrian - friendly, European -style retail villag
or travel times.
"If you're trading a six -lane arterial for two three -lane streets, that's a win," said Mr. Calthorpe.
one -ways remains "heresy" among modern urban planners.
So far, Toronto has been one of the few major North American cities to have resisted the siren s,
credit with maintaining the city's still - vibrant downtown. Nevertheless, it has also snarled the ci
and backed -up streetcars.
Since one -ways carry traffic more efficiently, they allow cities to squeeze more value out of their
Calthorpe. Conceivably, Toronto could convert many of its four -lane two -ways into three -lane o
congestion, opening the door to separated bike lanes, dedicated streetcar lanes and wider sidew
everlasting pipe dream of any Toronto motorist — would finally be a reality. "I had a traffic engi
to time the signals on a one -way street,' " said John Fregonese, a Portland -based planner and oz
San Francisco, Portland, Montreal and New York are similarly renowned as some of the most w
North America — and they did it with downtowns packed full of one -ways.
In early 1800s London, as the story goes, public science lectures at the newly minted Royal Inst:
adjoining road, Albermarle Street, would frequently become choked with carriages and horses.
http : / /news.nationalpost.coml20l 2/O l /08/ taking -a -u- turn -on -the- one - way - street/ 1/12/2012
Taking a u -turn on the one -way street I News I National Post
So choked, in fact, that London authorities closed the street to any traffic heading away from the
creating one of the Western world's first one -way streets. Two hundred years later, the surrounc
pedestrian - friendly. Far from a ghetto, it is one of the city's most high -end districts.
"One -way streets are a tool, that's all. They're not necessarily good or evil," said Mr. Fregonese.
National Post
thopper@nationalpost.com
Posted in: Canada, News Tags: Ontario, Transportation, Urban Planning