HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-18 Correspondence��:.= CITY OF IOWA CITY 3f��
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� � MEMORANDUM -
Date: August 24, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kristopher Ackerson, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for September 18, 2012 City Council meeting; Installation of (2) NO
PARKING ANYTIME signs and supplemental arrows in front of 140 and 148
Primrose Court.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City
Council of the following action:
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9- 1- 3A(10), Install (2) NO PARKING ANYTIME signs and
supplemental arrows in front of 140 and 148 Primrose Court.
Comment:
This action is being taken to ensure that public transportation can provide ADA access
for a disabled resident.
I !=p4 CITY OF IOWA CITY 11-11-12
N-0-M", 3f 2
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��� �. MEMORANDUM
Date: August 29, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner A —
Re: Item for September 18, 2012 City Council meeting; Installation of (1) Iowa City
Transit BUS STOP / NO PARKING sign and (1) NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE
sign at the northwest corner of the William Street / Bradford Drive intersection
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action:
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (10); Install (1) Iowa City Transit BUS STOP / NO PARKING sign at
the northwest corner of the William Street / Bradford Drive intersection facing north, and install
(1) NO PARKING CORNER TO HERE sign on the north side of Bradford Drive approximately
25' west of William Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Iowa City Transportation Services Department to
establish a new bus stop at said location and to ensure adequate space for bus turning
movements.
� r j
CITY OF IOWA CITY 3f-
MEMORANDUM -
Date: September 5, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner Vk.` —
Re: Item for September 18, 2012 City Council meeting; Installation of (1) STOP sign at
the northeast corner of the (south) Dewey Street / N. Summit Street intersection.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action:
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (5); Install (1) STOP sign at the northeast corner of the (south)
Dewey Street / N. Summit Street intersection.
Comment:
This action is being taken to assign right -of -way at said intersection. This action will help
alleviate a sight distance issue for motorists by requiring a complete stop at said location.
CITY OF IOWA CITY -13-12
MEMORANDUM 3f
Date: August 30, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kent Ralston, Assistant Transportation Planner
-- -
Re: Item for September 18, 2012 City Council meeting; Installation of (2) NO PARKING
ANY TIME signs in the 2600 block of Roberts Road adjacent to the Pheasant Ridge
Neighborhood Center
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action:
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (10); Install (2) NO PARKING ANY TIME signs on the north side of
the 2600 block of Roberts Road adjacent to the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center.
Comment:
This action is being taken at the request of the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center. The
existing on- street parking makes it difficult for children to access the neighborhood center when
coming from / going to the school bus. The stated action will restrict on- street parking at said
location adjacent to allow safer pedestrian access to the neighborhood center.
� r
ni IVAMC rmN
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM 3f(5)
Date: September 11, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Ronald R. Knoche, City Engineer
Re: Competitive Quotation Result
CDBG Asbestos Abatement - Contract #8
Competitive quotations for the CDBG Asbestos Abatement - Contract #8 Project were
opened on September 6, 2012 and the following quotes were received:
Advanced Environmental Waterloo, IA $ 21,425.00
Iowa - Illinois Taylor Insulation Davenport, IA $ 23,315.00
ECCO Midwest Cedar Rapids, IA $ 33,300.00
Abatement Specialties Clinton, IA $ 34,423.00
Engineer's Estimate $ 62,500.00
Public Works and Engineering recommended and the City Manager awarded the
contract to Advanced Environmental of Waterloo, Iowa. The project will be funded with
General Obligation bond proceeds.
Marian Karr 3f(6)
From: Publisher - MaGaZiNe yEtU <magazineyetu @g mail. com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 5:45 PM
To: Hand, Joe; Rod Sullivan; Marian Karr; tkriz @co.johnson.ia.us; Finnerty, Diane L; Council
Subject: Re: New Iowa City Police Video!
Attachments: Iowa City Police Petition public file.pdf
Here is the copy of the petition against the Iowa City Police Department.
On Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 10:30 AM, Publisher - MaGaZiNe yEtU <magazineyetu ,gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Friends of MaGaZiNe yEtU,
Here is the link to the new You Tube video documentary of the Iowa City Police, and the link to the first
video. As you all may remember, I was given a citation for "failure to cross the street properly" out of
retaliation for excersizing my rights to be free from illegal search and seizure, as well as other rights. This new
video is the second part of this story, you will see a police supervisor allowing a caucasian female to "fail to
cross the street properly" directly in fromt of them, right in front of the police station, with no citation nor
verbal warning. Yet I was cited over $97.00, and the video from the squad car which they claim will show
whether I broke the law or not, is not released. Initially they told me a couple hours, but that was August 1 st,
2012. Go figure.
1st Video New Video!
Sincerely,
Mr. Longdon
publisher
kl --
------------------------------
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Mayor Hayek and City Council,
09-18-12
3f(7)
Enclosed is a letter that was signed by 34 of the 44 drivers at Transit. Two of the signatures couldn't
be identified. Of the 10 who didn't sign, some were on vacation. And others couldn't be contacted. No
one refused to sign, (to my knowledge). There are also several other documents included to serve as
history and support. The signed letter was meant to be a show of support and a plea for a "call to
action ". We respectfully submit this information to you and ask that you take it under advisement.
Thank you
r--) tr>
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Mayor Hayek and City Council,
08 \06\2012
In May of this year Chris O'Brien posted a memo on our bulletin board, stating that Susie Bethel and
Scott Amlong would be working on making changes to our routes. In hopes of making them run on
time during our peak hours of operation. The memo asked for our ideas and suggestions, as drivers, to
that end. This is an issue that we drivers have had for many years. Most all the routes have become
increasingly hard to maintain our schedules. And some have become impossible during peak times.
This is not just a customer service issue. It has become a safety issue as well.
This latest memo is the third such memo posted on our bulletin board since 2008. We are aware that
this issue has come before the Council on more than one occasion in the past as well. So we ask you to
accept the recommendations that Mr. O'Brien and his staff bring to the Council on this issue. And act
on them as expeditiously as possible. We support Mr. O'Brien and his staff on this issue 100 %.
cc: Chris O'Brien\ Transportation Di
s
W-OWR F - - I -
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Thank you
Iowa City Transit Drivers
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List of signatures arranged by senority.
1) Bill Peterson
2) Allice Swenka
3) Dave Danner
4) John Eggenberg
5) Joe Messenger
6) Jeff Reid
7) Jim Conzemius
8) Ian Gunsolley
9) Jan Van Schoyck
10) Steven G. Miller
11) Kat Collins
12) Ross Bittner
13) Manny Agullar
14) Brian Berentsen
15) Kim Hochstetller
16) Gary Davis
17) Jamar Collins
18) Dave Mozena
19) Carly Hey
20) Jennifer Rushton
21) Tom Kerper
22) Randy Kurk
23) Sarena Moore
24) Brian Lenth
25) Tonya Hargrove- Slater
26) Daniel Bissell
27) Hermilo Sosa
28) Jim Coblentz
29) Nick Hanger
30) Andrew Koch
31) Ken Gatlin
32) Mark Ridenour
J
Dear Mayor Hayek, and City Council,
r-3
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We the members of the Transit Advisory Group(TAG), would like to submit this letter to the ICouncil
concerning "Sunday transit service ". We are a group of drivers, mechanics and maintenance personnel
that were formed, at the suggestion of Chris O'Brien, to work together with management, to discuss
transit issues and policies. Our TAG members range from almost 30 years service down to 3 years
service. We represent over 50 transit employees.
We would like to state that we are not opposed to, "Sunday service ", or any other expansion of
service per se. However, Iowa City Transit currently has a number of routes that are in dire need of
attention. These routes are extremely difficult to keep on time in the best of situations. And during
peak times and bad weather they are impossible to keep on time. During a moderate snow event, the
whole system routinely collapses. And we will have passengers during peak times standing 9 &10 deep
at the Hospital and the Downtown interchange, waiting for buses that are 20 to 30 minutes late.
Transit is in the process of installing technology that will allow people to access a web site that will
tell them where any bus is at any given moment. That will be great for letting people know what the
status is of the bus they are waiting for. It does nothing to help that bus run on time. We on the TAG
believe that if the routes were designed to run on time, when the public wants to know where a bus is,
they could simply look at a route schedule. This is not to suggest that as a group, we are opposed to the
new technology. We understand the benefit to the public. And the potential for data collection on route
usage and stop usage. We also understand that Iowa City Transit will be the first system in the
Midwest to be using this technology, and how that effects our public image.
We feel that at this particular point in time, when resources are not unlimited, that Sunday service
would not be the best use of resources. We feel that, in the future, Sunday service would be a great
addition to our service. We believe that providing Clean, Safe, and On Time service is, and should be,
Iowa City Transit's mission statement. And "On Time" service is the foundation that the whole system
is built on. We believe that for the past ten years there have been a number of factors that have
conspired to chip away at that foundation. Factors like, City growth, population growth, increased
traffic, route consolidation, tremendous growth of University Hospital and Clinics and increased
ridership. Many of our routes are basically the same routes that we have been running for 30 to 35
years. They have been stretched and tweaked to the point where they are no longer feasible.
We are recommending that before any more resources are spent on expansion of service, the City
needs to address the inadequacy of the current service. Steve Miller and Paul Show made this same
recommendation to Councilor O'Donnell a few years back when the West Side Hospital, Melrose
Express, East Side Express service expansion was implemented. Paul and Steve had made these
request to Ron Logsden and Joe Fowler years before that. And when Chris O'Brien became
Transportation Department Head, over two years ago, we expressed to Chris our concerns about routes.
This work is long overdue. And if Customer Service is really a priority to the City and to Iowa City
Transit, then this work has to be done very soon. Before the Council entertains expanding service to
Sunday or any other day, we(TAG) recommend that the City address the problems we have with the
current service.
Respectfully,
Dave Danner -MT Steve Miller -MTO
Kat Collins -MT Kt. t r� i c` v
im Hochstetler -MT4
Carly Hey -MTO Jacob Butler -MTO/
Bill Quinlan-Mechanic C3 n f Angie McGee - Maintenance
cc: Dale Helling, Chris O'B
AFSCME
CounciV61 Local 183
MEMORANDOM
Date: 04\1 9\10
To: Transit -µ -�
From: Transit Advisory Committee
Re: Routes
The committee is soliciting ideas and suggestions from drivers on what changes can be made
to the routes to make them more efficient and on time. We recognize the routes as the
number one issue here with the drivers. Some of them are almost impossible to run on time
without speeding or throwing the handbook out the window! The committee will be
meeting with management to see what changes are needed to accomplish these goals. So
give us your thoughts and ideas, especially on what stops that can be eliminated on your
routes that are not necessary. Leave them in the mail box of any one on the committee. Our
next meeting is Thursday the 22nd of April. We will have more meetings on this issue in the
near future.
Committee Members: -- c4 .` L o tA e
Dave Danner
Kat Collins < �. 4n. 'e . j`�
Kim Hostettler `
Carly Hey ��- �.,�
Jake Butler
Steve Miller
(), - ►J, A
I (
4 r
�•(� j j
� v� �yG of'i�;"Z
Ilkt.
cy�
Transit Management, 02/28/2005
In the eight plus years I have been a MTO for the city I have had a lot of complaints and problems with
passengers on implementing our transfer policies. I once had to have two passengers removed from my
bus by the police over an incident that began when I tried to explain the policy of not using a transfer for a
return trip. In talking with other drivers I discovered that I was not alone in my frustration in dealing
with problems and incidents arising when trying to implement our confusing transfer policy. So as union
steward I decided that I would gather a little information on this issue and present what I found to
management to lot them know that there is an ongoing problem that needs attention:
Many of our routes overlap. Passengers will routinely take one of those overlapping routes downtown
ask for a transfer then try and use that transfer on another route to return with, Le. Lakeside/Broadway,
Towncrest/Courthill or Plain view/Westwinds. Or they will try and use the transfer to return on the same
route that they reeved the transfer from. As drivers we frequently have to explain to angry passengers
why they cannot use a transfer for return trips or layovers. Often in front of a bus full of passengers who
are anxious to be on their way home or to work. The driver is very often put in a position as appearing to
be heavy handed and unreasonable. Many times another passenger will attempt to pay for the angry
offending passenger's fare. We feel situations like these are very disruptive and very harmful to public
relations. And could possibly lead to a violent situation. This also takes precious time that we just don't
have in our routes, especially during peak times causing us to be late and further damaging customer
service.
In researching this problem I placed- a questioner in every drivers mailbox. I received twenty replies
from the thirty-six I handed out. Of the twenty replies 80° /b feel there is a problem implementing our
transfer policies: Of the respondents 75% feel that transfer issues causes the most conflicts with
passengers. The stroller policy was a very big concern for 45% of the respondents. Some of the
respondents marked both the transfer and the stroller policies as being a problem: Several drivers felt that
our schedules are too tight causing problems with angry passengers. But the overwhelming majority of
drivers responding felt that our transfer policy was the leading cause of conflicts with passengers: When
asked if you think that the transfer policy should be reviewed and possibly be changed 701/o of the
respondents felt that it should: When asked what. changes- they would favor, 30 % believe we should
charge for transfers and remove all restrictions except for time limits. Not charging for transfers and
removingAR restrictions except time limits was the favored change for 10% of the respondents. And 10%
felt that the current policy works fine. And 10% thought that transfers should be eliminated except for
emergency, two ride and 24hr passes. When asked if they would favor forming a committee to address
this issue with management in a labor /management meeting, 60% said yes they would. When asked if
public relations could be improved by adjusting our transfer policy 75% felt that it would.- Some other
suggestions were to have all the drivers on the same page when implementing our transfer policy. One
driver suggested more street supervision to help get drivers whom are 3 -5 mimtes down and out of
iaterohange on time. And one driver felt we should run a shuttle to and from the hospital, and run an
express route form Iowa City to Coralville.
While gathering information on what I felt was a problem with implementing our transfer policies I
found that a lot of drivers feel that there is also a significant problem with our stroller policy. It was
suggested that our stroller policy was developed at a time when strollers were much simpler and smaller
than today's new double strollers and much larger strollers that are very difficult for the passengers to fold
up. And they feel strongly that this problem also needs attention.
Thank you for taking the time to review this report. We are willing and anxious to work with
management to resolve the problems we have addressed in this report.
i ,
Steven G. Miller
Chief S[ewacd local 3
CITY OF IOWA CITY
NM514p RN
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 17, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Chris O'Brien, Director of Transportation Services
Re: Signed Letter from Transit Drivers
Recently, a group of transit drivers signed a document supporting recommendations for potential
route changes being discussed by our management team. This document was then submitted to Mayor
Hayek and the City Council for them to take under advisement. I was not aware that this document was
being prepared and am therefore, not familiar with the reasons for its submittal. Following is some
background information on what I am assuming led to the timing of the submittal and of the supplemental
documents included form 2005 and 2010.
Over the last several months we have been evaluating our service and working on adjustments
that could have overall benefits for our system. During that time we also solicited input from our driving
staff as they are the ones on the front lines. We felt that this input was critical to our process as they
could provide us with a lot of useful ideas. Recently, we have begun to roll out maps of our initial
thoughts for route adjustments to get feedback. The drivers were given a mechanism to provide specific
feedback for each route displayed and make additional suggestions, comments. etc. We are early in this
process and are not ready for any suggested changes to go public for input at this time. The driving staff
has been very supportive of our proposed adjustments and it appears that the document submitted to
council is a result.
I have no experience with the document dated 2/28/2005 as I was not involved in any transit
operations at that time. The issue raised in the document regarding transfers has been an ongoing
problem and has led to many conflicts between passengers and drivers. This is an issue that we will
attempt to address as we progress into policy changes associated with our system evaluation.
The documents dated 4/19/2010 and 8/10/2010 were from a group we had tried to put together to
give the drivers a constant voice through a Transit Advisory Committee. This committee was developed
to provide a forum for drivers and management to discuss issues within a workable group in hopes of
addressing concerns, policies, etc. Some fundamental flaws developed that led to the termination of this
committee. Please let me know if you have any additional questions or need more detailed information.
Marian Karr 3f(8)
From:
Brad Sladek <jimmyhatfield60 @hotmail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, September 06, 2012 3:38 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Allowing bars to seat partrons in the street
What a horrible idea, I sincerely hope the council takes input from others who do not own and operate a bar
downtown. In case you are wondering the real reason 'establishments' want to use the parking area is to allow bar
patrons to smoke cigarettes in the street between drinks. We already have given up at least half the sidewalks to these
bars, please leave the parking areas for residents! There already is a serious lack of parking downtown.
Remember back in the day when we were kids downtown? You could walk an entire family down the sidewalk shoulder
to shoulder. Now you can only get 2 persons next to each other if there is a seating area encroaching on that
block. Best part is now our kids get to watch people get drunk as you walk downtown. This is wrong!
Thank you,
Brad Sladek
3f(9)
Marian Karr
From:
Tom Markus
Sent:
Thursday, September 06, 2012 4:48 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Bicycling on Benton Street
From: Donald Baxter [ mailto:donald.baxter @gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 4:17 PM
To: Rick Fosse
Subject: Re: Bicycling on Benton Street
Thanks Rick, I appreciate your efforts.
Donald Baxter
On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 4:16 PM, Rick Fosse < Rick- Fossegiowa- city .or > wrote:
Donald:
Thanks for your e -mail about bicycling along Benton Street. You are correct that the white line at this location
is somewhat confusing and actually delineates the shoulder of the road, not a bike lane. I have followed up with
our Police Department to clarify that.
Sincerely,
Rick Fosse
Public Works Director
City of Iowa City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319- 356 -5141
Marian Karr
From: Sam Hargadine
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 3:15 PM
To: ' donald. baxter@gmail.com'
Cc: Council; Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin
Subject: More, Better, cyclist harassment from Iowa City Police
Mr. Baxter,
Your email to Council was forwarded to me for a response. Thank you for bringing the matter to the Council's attention.
The police department is committed to bicycle safety just as they are for pedestrian and motorist safety. Obviously, we
can't be all things to all people but we try.
Regards,
Samuet E..3 m9adim
Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240 -1826
From: Donald Baxter <donald.baxter @gmail.com>
Date: September 2, 2012 11:19:01 AM CDT
To: <council @iowa- city.or >
Cc: Tom Markus <tom- markus @iowa- city.org>
Subject: More, Better, cyclist harassment from Iowa City Police
While riding my bicycle on Benton Street Sunday morning, September 2 around 9:45am, I was passed by an Iowa City
Police officer who told me "that lane's for you my'friend'."
While there is a white line painted on the street to delineate between the main part of the road and the poorly
maintained, littered, potholed and cracked shoulder (re: not suitable for riding by cyclists) there is no such indication
that this is a bike lane. There is also no such municipal code requiring a cyclist to use the bike lane if there was one. Now
I usually ride directly on that white line which keeps me far enough away from the curb that I actually have safe options
should I encounter glass, litter, potholes or pavement irregularities.
How is "bicycle friendly" status for the City of Iowa City maintained when the police not only don't know what the law is,
but use what they think the law is, or vague statute (for instance the "as far to the right as practicable" ordinance) to
harass cyclists? Will we maintain this status if police are allowed to create conditions for cyclists that are specifically
cyclist - hostile? The ICPD may be many things to many people. They are not our'friend.'
Sincerely,
Donald Baxter
Marian Karr NO o) _
From: Melvin Kelly <kel lyresearch plan @yahoo. com>
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 12:17 PM
To: mayor @kcmo.org; mayor @gocolumbiamo.com; mayorg u lba@ci. davenport. ia. us;
jon.crews @cedarfalls.com; Council; at @minneapolis.org; abiede @rochestermn.gov;
citycouncil @cityofrichfield.org; gwinstead@ci. bloom ington. m n. us;
mayor @GoColumbiaMo.com; LPagano @stptersma.nat; mayor @ucitymo.org;
mayorjuliancastro @sanantonio.gov; mayor @houstontx.gov; themayor @ci.pasadena.tx.us;
lee .lessingwell @austintexas.gov; mayor @elpasotexas.gov; mayor @cityofdelrio.com;
glenn .barham @wichitafallstx.gov; miand @texas - city - tx.org
Subject: Homelessness and Education 2013 by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments: mayors.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd.
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 796 -3044
Email: kellyresearchplan@yahoo.com
r z
To: The Honorable Mayors of the United States of America
Sub: Homelessness and Education in America 2013
Date: September 7, 2012
Dear Hon. United States Mayors,
I am writing you this letter pertaining to the creation and implementation of two new
projects to benefit American Citizens in the areas of homelessness and education, but
before I do please allow me to briefly introduce myself to you.
In 1994 I started a very small non - profit operation known as the Universal Research and
Development Center incorporated with the city of Columbia South Carolina, the purpose
of this organization is to research problems through out Urban America in the areas of
employment, housing, education and recreation. My concerns for Americans in the areas
mention have allowed me to travel and observe various situations up and down the
eastern coast of the United States of America.
Augusta, Ga as of the year 2012 is my present home, and as an Architectural /
Mechanical draftsman designer I find it to be a great opportunity to use my creative skills
along with my sociological concerns for American citizens, to study through research and
observation the needs of American Citizens and create proposed programs that will
benefit them in the areas mentioned above.
Facing problems such as Homelessness and the continuing rise of the number of Drop -
Out Factories and Abbott Districts within America's Public School Systems, is just a few
of the problems America face and I would like to share with you my proposed projects in
both of those areas. I truly don't have all the answers towards the total solution of
eliminating homelessness in America, or uplifting failing school systems, but I truly
believe my proposed projects if implemented will have a positive impact towards
benefiting American citizens within the United States of America.
Proposed Homeless Project:
My proposed (4 -Point Homeless to Home Ownership) projects determining financial
factors and operating expenses will be determined from a basic architectural drawings
that I have drawn with modifications acceptable, which will determine its overall cost
including the construction of any new facilities and the first 500 housing units per
facility.
Step #1
Step number one entails the hiring of 16 professionals ranging from research specialist to
engineers for a period of 8 weeks to determine the proposed amount of financial
expenditures needed to operate the proposed project and it operations including employed
personnel
Step #2
Document the results from step number two in the form of a proposal / business plan for
implementation along with final presentation of architectural structures.
Step #3
Submit proposed project to the proper Government Officials / Corporate America for
implementation once all research operations have been completed.
Short and long term goals of proposed project:
1. Eliminate Homelessness
2. Create employment "
3. Create employment training
4. Re -build torn down Urban Neighborhoods
5. Reduce Recidivism ->
6. Create constructive human activity for impoverish American's to reduce crime
Within this project governmental spending from the Department of Housing and Urban
Development and any other division that supports homelessness can re- evaluate its
spending, to give the tax payers more for their money from the categories it allocates
funding towards that support its low income housing and homeless projects such as:
1. Homeless Assistance Grants
2. National Housing Trust Fund
3. Community Development Block Grants
4. Project -Based Rental Assistance
5. Tenant -Based Rental Assistance
6. Housing for the Disabled
7. Housing for the Elderly
8. Hope 6 Projects
Proposed Education Project:
My proposed educational project will set a new stage for learning a basic High School
Diploma and energize America's effort for individuals regardless of there age to obtain a
General Education Development Degree.(GED) Based on the mechanical design's I have
drawn with room for modifications.
Step #1
Step one of this proposed educational project entails the process of a patent research to
determine if someone have already came up with the proposed project here in America,
and if so let's obtain with written permission from the registered inventor to use the
invention. If the proposed invention has not already been patent let the process for the
proposed project advancement of obtaining a basic education here in United States of
America.
Step #2
Step number two of this proposed educational project is very similar to the proposed
homeless project except it involves hiring four computer specialist and thirteen educators
with special qualities for an eight week period of time to determine to total cost and-,
complete outline of this proposed project with modifications acceptable.
C:)
Step #3 u
Submit proposed projects to the proper Government Officials / Corporate At r ca. f or
implementation once all research operations and business plan / proposal ham been
completed.
Short and long term goals of proposed project: "j
1. To help eliminate Drop -Out factories across the USA.
2. To help eliminate Abbott Districts across the USA.
3. To elevate obtaining a basic education as one of the top priorities in America.
4. To introduce a new way of obtaining a basic education in the USA.
5. To make available an education project every from the ages 3 years old and up
can participate in.
The United States of America spends Trillions of dollars every year on education,
whether it is on Pre K, Elementary, Middle School, High School, College or Vocational
schools. Every one doesn't learn at the same pace or have the same learning capabilities;
this is why I believe that every facet available should be open when it comes to learning
and obtaining a basic education.
While many Americans are unemployed homelessness has grown tremendously in the
USA, people who never dreamed that they would ever have to sleep outside or in a
homeless shelter are doing so. I believe collectively America can produce and activate a
new way of living for the less fortunate that will create employment and provide the basic
essentials of life without increasing taxes and raising the deficit.
I can write all day long about the problems in America with homelessness and failing
educational systems through out Urban America, but I believe the solution is more
important.
Question number one is, how many mayors or municipalities I can get to support the
completion of my proposed research projects which will cost under $500,000.00 to bring
the best ideals to the American people for implementation in the year 2013.
I am not talking about spending billions of dollars flying to the planet Mars or promoting
some type of sporting event, I am talking about saving human lives here on Earth, I am
talking about giving the less fortunate a chance to become active and sleep indoors during
the time of a storm or recession.
If by chance your municipality is in financial shape to sponsor the two research projects
mentioned to help change the way Americans live lets do so, and if not, how about at
your next United States Conference of Mayors Meeting you bring the conclusion of my
proposed research projects up at your next meeting.
If by chance you are wondering how can a various amount of municipalities overall come
together on common terms, to initiate the finalization of the proposed research project. I
would suggest that a Community Development Division and an Educational Department
be selected from a particular city here in America, and become selected to over see each
project financially.
Pound for pound, and penny for penny, after all the arithmetic within this project has
been completed I truly believe that my proposed projects will not only be a blessing to
Americans living today, but will present a new way of life for Americans of tomorrow.
Please contact me in regard to my proposed projects, together we can make a difference.
Let's build a better America for everyone,
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Marian Karr 3f(11)
From: Marian Karr
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 9:08 AM
To: 'kelly -oberry@uiowa.edu'
Subject: RE: Noise from Regina Fall Fun Festival
Dear Ms. Kelly,
Thank you for your letter concerning noise at the Regina Fall Fun Festival. I have spoken with Trish Kohl at Regina and
she confirmed that a call was received at 10:50 Sunday evening at the school and the band stopped at 11:00 in
accordance with the permit. She also reported that 3 deputy reserves were on duty and were aware of the permit
requirement of 11:00 PM. Ms. Kohl felt the band on Sunday evening seemed louder than Saturday and was mindful of
the permit requirements.
You mentioned in our phone conversation that you called the Police Department with a noise complaint around 10:20
and were referred to the communications center (JECC). We were unable locate any noise complaints in the Regina area
over labor day weekend through our Police dispatch records, and will continue to follow up on that matter.
Regina did receive permits for two events over the summer. One in July and one in August. Both events were done by
913M and I am not aware of any complaints received.
As you noted in your email any change in the ending time for Type D permit holders would require a change to the City
Code and could be initiated by the City Council. We will continue to monitor noise complaints and will update Council
with any recommendations.
Thank you for your email and please feel free to contact me with any further questions.
Marian K. Karr, MMC
City Clerk
From: O'Berry, Kelly L [mailto:kelly- oberry@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 9:45 AM
To: Council
Subject: Noise from Regina Fall Fun Festival
Dear City Council Members —
I am writing to respectfully ask for your consideration of a change in the acceptable hours for Type D sound permits for
churches and schools. Over Labor Day weekend, Regina Catholic Education Center hosted two late night concerts for
the "Iowa City Fall Fun Festival." I was not at home for the Saturday night concert, but I can tell you that the Sunday
night concert was not at all 'fun' for me and my family. It was very loud and the sound was inescapable inside our home
all evening, but especially at the time we wanted to go to bed.
According to their Type D sound permit, Regina was approved for noise until 11 pm two nights in a row (Saturday,
September 1 and Sunday September 2). My first request is for a revision of Section 6 -4 -4 of the City Code (Sound
Equipment and Sound Amplifying Equipment) to an earlier time limit for Type C and D permits, more in line with the
limits for amplified sound in City Plaza (9:30 pm). Even 10:00 pm would be acceptable, if the music was within the
acceptable level. That would be consistent with section 6 -4 -3 of the City Code (Specific Activities Prohibited)
I notice that the Type D sound permit limits the level of amplified sound to not more than 60 dB(A)s at the property
boundary of the nearest residence. According to a decibel (loudness) comparison chart I found on the internet, 60 -65
dB is equal to a normal conversation at 3'. My house on at 2040 Rochester Court is not the closest residential property
to Regina School, but I was unable to sleep in my own home on Sunday evening until the music was turned off at 11
pm. That would suggest that at least the Sunday night concert exceeded the allowable limit for the sound permit.
I am curious about how the City of Iowa City enforces this requirement — if the police officers are equipped with sound
measuring devices. I did not personally have a way to measure the decibel level of the concert, but it certainly did not
sound like a normal conversation coming in my bedroom window until 11 pm on Sunday night.
I understand from the City Clerk that Regina had two other sound permits for Thursday night concerts in August.
According to information I received from someone in the Regina Business Office, these concerts ended earlier in the
evening (one ended early due to weather). In my experience, neither of these concerts were as loud as the Sunday night
Fall Fun Festival concert. But I still believe these concerts exceeded the noise limit of 60 dB(A) for a Type D permit based
on my experience of the noise from within my own home.
According to Section 10 -1 -4 of the City Code (Issuance or Denial of Permit), part A.1, the City Manager or designee will
only grant sound permits that "will not unreasonably interfere with the... tranquility of the residents or inhabitants of
the area in light of the date and time of said proposed use." The concert on Sunday, September 1 definitely affected the
tranquility in my home and for me personally. I would ask you to consider restricting future Regina requests for sound
permits if they are unable to comply with the noise level limits in the Iowa City Code. And I would hope that future
requests will be granted for an earlier end time.
Thank you for your consideration. I would be happy to further discuss this issue in person or by phone or e-mail.
Warm regards,
Kelly O'Berry
H: 319 - 351 -2703
C: 319 - 541 -0326
Marian Karr 3f(12)
From: elcraig @juno.com
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 12:07 AM
To: Council
Subject: Getting rid of plastic bags
I recently read in the paper that a bunch of "grannies" were trying to get the city to stop using plastic bags. I
understand their thinking, but they said about 90% (1 think)of bags were only used once & thrown in the
garbage. I know of no one who does that. Most everyone I know use them for all kinds of things. If I get fresh
vegetables from friends at church we use the old plastic bags. If I give some things to friends I put them all in
the bags to bring home. We can't use our cloth bags to give away to others. Some use the plastic bags for
garbage bags. I even use mine to put a wet umbrella in while in a store or some place. We put wet things in
them (in summer) & I use them to be sure things don't leak when travelling. If I get a bunch of them saved I
give them to Crowded Closet to use. So many other ways they are used. Please don't get carried away by a few
people. Maybe think how often you reuse them yourselves.
Elva Craig
Woman is 57 But Looks 27
Mom publishes simple facelift trick that angered doctors...
Consumerl-ifestvles.org
Marian Karr 3f(13)
From:
Geoff Fruin
Sent:
Monday, September 10, 2012 3:02 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Thornberry Dog Park
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 3:02 PM
To: 'Edward St. John'
Subject: RE: Thornberry Dog Park
Mr. St. John,
Thank you for your email regarding erosion control near Thornberry Park. The City is aware of the issues that you have
highlighted and we are actively working with the property developer to remedy the situation.
Although unfortunate, this type of problem is not uncommon in new developments. The City is actively monitoring this
site and various others throughout the community where erosion is a concern. In this case the developer will provide
compensation for any damages that occurred as a result from erosion off of their property.
Thank you for your email and your general concern for Thornberry Park. We agree that the park is a unique treasure in
our community and are committed to the maintenance and oversight of the property.
Sincerely,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant to the City Manager I City of Iowa City, IA
319.356.5013 I geoff- fruin @iowa- city.org
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Edward St. John [mailto:esj178 @southslope.net]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 5:03 PM
To: Council
Subject: Thornberry Dog Park
Honorable Council Members,
The Thornberry Dog Park is a unique treasure of Iowa City, highlighting the city's progressive management and
attractiveness to current and future residents and tourists.
I'm sure that you are all aware from citizen complaints of the recent problems at the park due to inadequate erosion
measures by the developers of the Peninsula Neighborhood.
If I'm correct on this, I may not be, but I understand that the Peninsula Neighborhood development was done on
property previously owned by Iowa City. The development was done in phases. The most current phase scarified the
hillsides and with the first substantial rain of the summer several weeks back significant erosion occurred causing a
portion of the park to be flooded and covered with a heavy layer of clay. Only after two significant events did the
developer take effective erosion measures by which time the park had suffered significant long term damage.
The long term damage consists of clay covering the improved areas and the grassy fields. Eventually the weeds will
cover the clay and hide the damage but none the less the damage will be there.
Clay is extremely good at retaining water, so after each consecutive rain storm the park which has extremely good
drainage drys very quickly except for those areas which are covered with a thick layer of clay. These areas remain wet
for many days after the rest of the park is dry. That wet clay causes several problems. It causes both people and dogs
to become very messy should they venture into these grassy areas while the rest of the park is dry and it also causes a
hazard to people and dogs as clay is very slippery. People and dogs (mostly dogs) who are romping through the dry
areas of the park and venture into these slippery areas (covered by
weeds) are subject to joint injuries and worse should they slip. Since dogs run fairly fast and often make sudden changes
of direction they are most subject to injury. A dog ACL type surgery costs roughly $3000 at the Iowa State Vet Clinic.
The solution is to remove the clay and restore proper drainage. If not the drainage problem will continue at the park
forever basically.
Also, the improved areas are still a mess and the clean up that has been done (shoveling clay off of the concrete areas)
was done by Iowa City employees.
So to summarize:
Iowa City sells land to a developer who will obviously make a profit on their development.
The developer fails to put in proper erosion control in an obvious erosion situation.
A city park is damaged.
City employees have to clean the park best they can.
The purpose of the park - an off leash dog park, now has a new problem - hidden hazards for dog and people injuries
which are directly due to the erosion of the clay hillside.
As a frequent user of the park, I am curious if Iowa City is going to either take action against the developer or fix the
park through city funds?
Sincerely,
Ed St. John
1642 OakView Dr. NE
Solon, IA
Marian Karr W(14)
From:
Geoff Fruin
Sent:
Monday, September 10, 2012 2:49 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: Request to Address the City Council
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 2:48 PM
To: 'Cargill, Robert R'
Subject: RE: Request to Address the City Council
Mr. Cargill:
Thank you for your email regarding the City's utility billing and collection process. As requested, your email will be
distributed to each Councilmember. The City Council allocates a portion of each meeting for community comment. You
are welcome to attend any future meeting to further express your view on this or any other matter. The next meeting is
scheduled for Tuesday, September 18th at 7:00 p.m.
For efficiency purposes, the City bills four cycles each month. This means that your property location dictates the time of
month your bill is issued. Your property is in 'zone A' and meter reads for that zone are obtained the 3rd week of the
month and then billed the first week of the following month. Once a bill is issued the City provides 22 days before a 5%
fee is added. Although municipal utilities are not regulated by the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), this billing practice is in line
with guidelines of that regulatory agency. The guidelines reflect an appropriate window to receive compensation for
services previously rendered (i.e. water has been utilized prior to billing).
Residents have a variety of billing paying habits and we have tried to establish various mechanisms to accommodate
those preferences. Unfortunately, we do not currently have the ability to allow residents to specify their billing dates. If
you have further questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me at your
convenience.
Sincerely,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant to the City Manager I City of Iowa City, IA
319.356.5013 Igeoff -fruin @iowa- city.org
From: Cargill, Robert R [ mailto:robert- cargill @uiowa.edu]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 12:36 PM
To: Council
Subject: Request to Address the City Council
Dear Iowa City City Council,
I should like to request the opportunity to address the City Council regarding Revenue Division billing practices concerning
water, sewer, and trash. Specifically, I'd like to express publicly my concerns regarding the 2 -week billing cycle that is
demanded by the city in order to avoid 5% penalties.
As one who pays bills on the first of every month, the fact that the Revenue Division does not send my bill until the 4th day of
each month, and then requires payment by the 19th of the same month means that by the time I pay my bill on the first of
each month, the city already considers my payment late, and imposes a 5% penalty.
When I called the Revenue Division to ask why the city does not have a standard 30 -day billing cycle like every other bill I pay,
they encouraged me to sign up for the automatic debit system. However, I do not consider handing over my bank account
number to the city in order to avoid paying what amounts to paying a 5% surcharge each month on those who refuse an
appropriate solution. Likewise, l should not be compelled to pay my bill immediately upon receipt a viable business practice,
especially when most other revenue collection services like credit cards, home loans, etc. allow consumers more than a 14-
day turn around to pay their bills in this economically difficult time.
The Revenue Division of the City of Iowa City should institute a standard 30 -day billing cycle for the collection of revenues of
its water, sewer, and trash so that honest citizens who routinely pay their bills on the first of each month are not penalized for
not wanting to hand their bank amount numbers over to the city.
I should like to address the City Council with this complaint. Please let me know when I have been added to the agenda of the
next scheduled meeting, and please be prepared to offer a solution for this dilemma.
Sincerely,
Bob Cargill
Robert R. Cargill, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Classics and Religious Studies
Department of Classics
The University of Iowa
210 Jefferson Building
Iowa City, IA 52242 -1418
Office: 209 JB
(319) 335 -1996 office
(319) 335 -3884 fax
robert-cargill@uiowa.edu
http:// www. uiowa .edu /— relip,ion /cargill.html
http://www.uiowa.edu/—classics/people/"faculty/cargill.htmi
09
Marian Karr 3f(15)
From: kathleen henderson <kmhenders @hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 9:33 AM
To: Council
Subject: garbage fees
Council Members:
I have a house that has been converted into apartments. I was given 3 large garbage cans by the city because I have 3
apartments, but I rarely put out more than one can. Sometimes I don't need to put out any cans for pickup. I am billed
for 3 cans every week, and I think it would be more equitable if there was an occasional survey of what's at the curb and
the garbage fees based on that. I would be happy to return 1 or 2 of the cans.
The fees seem to be the same for the 3 recycling containers provided for the house, also. I have had some tenants that
recycle a lot, but most don't. I recycle, and almost always put out 1 container. Thanks for your attention.
Kathleen Henderson
325 S. Summit St., # 1
3f(16)
August 28, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
The reason for this letter is to encourage you to support building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the
flood of 2008. As we know you are aware, Idyllwild was built WITH City Council approval
and NOT in a flood plain. It was built a foot or more above the flood plain, but the
landscape has changed over time to put some areas in the flood plain. Flood protection
plans put into place in Coralville and other communities to our north may have an adverse
effect on flooding us once again.
Pre -flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and the Taft Floodwall
should help stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know
there is concern over floodwall appearance. However, one needs only to walk the streets
of Iowa City to see the many walls that have been built for many reasons, with many of
them being interesting and visually appealing. A flood wall with a brick or stone facade
would certainly look better than a flooded church and 92 flooded condos.
The Taft Floodwall will protect 92 families and real estate that was valued at close to $30
million at the time of the 2008 flood. It will help stabilize property values and support
increased property taxes. And lastly, the HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic
encumbrance upon our neighbors as a result of a proposed floodwall, even to the height
of a 500 year flood level plus 3 feet.
It is our view that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well-
being of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve
this protection.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
John & Martha Monick
35 Pentire Circle w'
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 26, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff:
I am an Idyllwild Condo owner in Iowa City. I am writing today to ask for your consideration
of building a floodwall to protect the Idyllwild community and the neighboring Parkview
Church.
Though Idyllwild was built a foot or more above the floodplain, that did not protect it from
the devastating Flood of 2008. With Coralville, and other communities to the north having
adopted their own flood protection plans, this may well create more problems for those of us
in the Idyllwild community. The Taft floodwall will help to provide us some needed protection,
as taxpaying citizens, in the unconscionable event of a reoccurrence. The Idyllwild community
cannot build a sandbag wall high, wide, or expansive enough to protect ourselves. And the
homeowners association is not in a position to pay and provide labor for a temporary flood
protection wall.
One argument given against the floodwall is that it will need taxpayer dollars to finance it. It
seems that a floodwall — even at an expense of $15 million (of which $8 million would be paid
by a HUD grant) would be a good investment to protect the more than $25 million of real
estate ( Idyllwild and the Parkview Church) that is left. And if the grant money of $8 million is
not used in our community, it will not be given back to taxpayers, but redistributed to some
other community for disaster protection. It makes sense for our community to use this grant!
The proposed levee will not only protect the 92 homes in Idyllwild, but also protect against
Foster Road again being flooded, which is presently the only access to the Peninsula
community. The Parkview Church property will also gain protection from a floodwall.
For these reasons, we support the Taft Floodwall and we urge you to support it as well.
Sincerel , n
Bill & Lyda Brown
31 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 31, 2012
Dear Council and Staff:
The reason for this letter is to encourage you to support building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the
flood of 2008. As we know you are aware, Idyllwild was built WITH City Council approval
and NOT in a flood plain. It was built a foot or more above the flood plain, but the
landscape has changed over time to put some areas in the flood plain. Flood protection
plans put into place in Coralville and other communities to our north may have an adverse
effect on flooding us once again.
I am asking for the Council to take action now to protect this community. The HUD
Community Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most of the cost at this
time, lessening the burden to the taxpayers of our community. The Taft Floodwall will
eliminate the need to raise Foster Road, as the levee will protect this roadway as well.
And perhaps most importantly, the HDR study has concluded that the Taft Floodwall will
not create a detrimentally higher water level for our neighbors on Taft Speedway or
Parkview Terrace.
The proposed levee will not only protect the 92 homes in Idyllwild, but also protect against
Foster Road again being flooded, which as you know is presently the only access to the
Peninsula community. The Parkview Church property will also gain protection from a
floodwall.
It is our view that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well-
being of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve
this protection.
Please support the floodwall.
Sincerely,
Cl
i! l
George & Barbara Sondag
27 Newlyn Circle
R
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 28, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff
I am writing this letter to ask for your support of building the Taft Floodwall to protect the
92 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex and the Parkview Church, all of which
were devastated by the flood of 2008. Even though every building at Idyllwild was built a
foot or more above the floodplain, the landscape has changed over time to put some areas in
the floodplain. Flood protection plans put into place in Coralville and other communities to
our north are anticipated to have an even more adverse effect on the flooding of Idyllwild in
the future. And indeed, a study released by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the
Rocky Mountain Climate Organization have concluded that the storms which led to the
Floods of 2008 in Iowa are part of a growing climate trend and likely to recur with growing
frequency.
Idyllwild does not have many options for flood protection. Our development was not
eligible for a FEMA buyout after the flood because as a condominium development, we are
governed by a Declaration of Condominium which defines all 92 homes as an association
and one large property, not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not meet the
minimum damage requirements to be eligible for a buyout. We cannot raise our buildings
higher due to the type of construction. We cannot protect ourselves with sandbags - with all
the community resources that were available in 2008, we were unable to build a sandbag
wall high enough and wide enough to protect our 92 homes. We put into place 350,000
sandbags before we were evacuated and were still 150,000 sandbags short.
For all these reasons, we believe that a floodwall is the best option for the protection of
Idyllwild and the Parkview Church. A wall or a levee may not be as nice to look at as the
road and ditches, but it beats rebuilding $30 million worth of property.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Doug & Mary Kat n Walla
August 28, 2012
Iowa City Council Members
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Councilors and Staff:
r
°_
I am writing this letter to ask for your support of building the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92
homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex and the Parkview Church, all of which were
devastated by the flood of 2008. Even though every building at Idyllwild was built a foot or more
above the floodplain, the landscape has changed over time to put some areas in the floodplain.
Flood protection plans put into place in Coralville and other communities to our north are
anticipated to have an even more adverse effect on the flooding of Idyllwild in the future. And
indeed, a study released by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain
Climate Organization have concluded that the storms which led to the Floods of 2008 in Iowa are
part of a growing climate trend and likely to recur with growing frequency.
It has taken the Idyllwild community four years to overcome the destruction left in the flood's
wake - and we are still not finished rebuilding. The flood caused the Idyllwild homeowners to
spend over $8 million to rebuild — much of this was funded by taxpayer dollars from the state and
federal government. And even though the Idyllwild community now has flood insurance, that too
is a federal program whose shortfall is funded by our tax dollars. It would seem to be a better use
of everyone's dollars to build a levee rather than rebuild again after every flood.
Idyllwild was not eligible for a FEMA buyout because as a condominium development, we are
governed by a Declaration of Condominium which defines all 92 homes as an association and one
large property, not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not meet the minimum damage
requirements to be eligible for a buyout.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
r�
Bruce & 11 ary Gantz
31 Trevose Place
Iowa City, IA 52245
J
August 31, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
I am writing this letter to ask for your support of building the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92
homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex and the Parkview Church, all of which were
devastated by the flood of 2008.
We have heard many reasons against the floodwall or levee in the past year.
One argument against the floodwall is the use of taxpayer dollars to finance it. Taxpayers have
already financed $21,000,000 to buy. out properties on the river that includes many homes along
Taft and Parkview Terrace. It seems that a floodwall — even at an expense of $15,000,000 (of
which $8 million would be paid by a HUD grant) would be a good investment to protect the more
than $25,000,000 of real estate ( Idyllwild and the Parkview Church) that is left. And if the grant
money of $8,000,000 is not used in our community, it will not be given back to taxpayers, but
redistributed to some other community for disaster protection. It makes sense for our community
to use the grant we were given.
Another argument against the floodwall is that we should all just get flood insurance. Parkview
Church DID have flood insurance in 2008, however, it paid only $500,000 out of the $900,000
worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does not mean there is no expense to the victim.
Additionally, flood insurance does not cover the stress and mental devastation from such a disaster.
A third argument is that a floodwall will look awful. However, one needs only to walk the streets
of Iowa City to see the various walls that have been built for different reasons, with many of them
being interesting and visually appealing. A floodwall with a brick or stone facade could be an
interesting backdrop to new landscaping.
The Taft Floodwall will protect 92 families and real estate that was valued at close to $30 million
at the time of the 2008 flood. It will protect Foster Road and the Parkview Church. It will help
stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. And lastly, the HDR Study shows
that there is no hydraulic encumbrance upon our neighbors as a result of a proposed floodwall,
even to the height of a 500 year flood level plus 3 feet.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
= rv—
Sincerely,a
Willis & Beverl5'Jol
23 Camborne Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 29, 2012
Dear Council and Staff:
The purpose of my letter is to ask for your support in building the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92
homes and 23 buildings in the Idyllwild condominium complex devastated by the flood of 2008. As you
are aware, Idyllwild was built with approval by the City, and was originally built a foot or more above the
floodplain, although the landscape has changed overtime to put some areas in the floodplain. Flood
protection plans put into place in Coralville and other communities to our north may have an adverse
effect on the flooding of Idyllwild.
It has taken the Idyllwild community four years to overcome the destruction left in the flood's wake -
and we are still not finished. It was a devastating event that created financial ruin for some, stress and
anxiety for all, and it cost us $8 million to rebuild. No one could possibly wish for us to go through this
again.
It is our view that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well -being of its
citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve this protection.
Sincerely,
Jean Davidson
42 Camborne Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 29, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff:
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to help protect us
- and the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex - from the type of financial,
physical, and mental devastation caused by the flood of 2008
Pre -flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and the Taft Floodwall should
help stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know there is concern
over floodwall appearance. However, one need only to walk the streets of Iowa City to see the walls
that have been built for many reasons, with many of them being interesting and visually appealing.
A flood wall with a brick or stone facade could be an interesting backdrop to new landscaping and
would certainly look better than a flooded church and 92 flooded condos!
The City Council has the opportunity and funding - at this moment- to choose to protect these
homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss to do nothing and let
the flood waters flow unabated next time around.
Please support the creation of the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
Ed Warth
48 Camborne Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 28, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
The Flood of 2008 was a devastating event for the Idyllwild community, and not one we
ever wish to repeat. There is an opportunity now to mitigate this type of event in the future
and we are asking that you please exercise it. Please vote yes for the Taft flood protection.
The HUD Community Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most of the
cost at this time, lessening the burden to the taxpayers of our community. The Taft
Floodwall will eliminate the need to raise Foster Road, as the levee will protect this
roadway as well. And perhaps most importantly, the HDR study has concluded that the
Taft Floodwall will not create a detrimentally higher water level for our neighbors on Taft
Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
Idyllwild does not have many options for flood protection. Our development was not
eligible for a FEMA buyout after the flood because as a condominium development, we are
governed by a Declaration of Condominium that defines all 92 homes as an association and
one large property, not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not meet the minimum
damage requirements to be eligible for a buyout. We cannot raise our buildings higher due
to the type of construction. We cannot protect ourselves with sandbags - with all the
community resources that were available in 2008, we were unable to build a sandbag wall
high enough and wide enough to protect our 92 homes. We put into place 350,000
sandbags, and we were out of time and still 150,000 sandbags short.
We need flood protection, and it is at your fingertips. Please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
Earlene & iiibte:rt Slaymaker
145 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 26, 2012
Dear Councilors and Staff:
The reason for this letter is to encourage you to support building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the
flood of 2008.
It has taken the Idyllwild community four years to overcome the destruction left in the
flood's wake - and we are still not finished rebuilding. The flood caused the Idyllwild
homeowners to spend over $8 million to rebuild ($87,000 average per homeowner) —
much of this was funded by taxpayer dollars from the state and federal government. And
even though the Idyllwild community now has flood insurance, that too is a federal
program whose shortfall is funded by our tax dollars. It would seem to be a better use of
everyone's dollars to build a levee rather than rebuild again after every flood. We know
Parkview Church DID have flood insurance; however, it paid only $500,000 out of the
$900,000 worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does not mean there is no
expense to the victim. Additionally, flood insurance does not cover the stress and mental
devastation from such a disaster.
The Taft Floodwall will protect the church, Foster Road access, 92 families and real estate
at Idyllwild that was valued at close to $30 million at the time of the 2008 flood. It will help
stabilize property values and support increased property taxes in this area. And lastly, the
HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic encumbrance upon our neighbors as a result of
a proposed floodwall, even to the height of a 500 year flood level plus 3 feet.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely, r.
Ivan N. Hall III v -� '
14 Idyllwild Court i
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 21, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
Thank you for directing Staff to apply for Grant money to be used for building
permanent flood protection for Idyllwild, Parkview Church and Foster Road. I am
writing this letter to ask you to please use it! It would seem unconscionable to
return it after experiencing the most devastating flood in the history of our City.
The HUD Community Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most
of the cost at this time, lessening the burden to the taxpayers of our community.
The Taft Floodwall will eliminate the need to raise Foster Road, as the levee will
protect this roadway as well. And perhaps most importantly, the HDR study has
concluded that the Taft Floodwall will not create a detrimentally higher water
level for our neighbors on Taft Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
It has taken the Idyllwild community four years to overcome the destruction left in
the flood's wake - and we are still not finished rebuilding. The flood caused the
Idyllwild homeowners to spend over $8 million to rebuild - much of this was funded
by taxpayer dollars from the state and federal government. And even though the
Idyllwild community now has flood insurance, that too is a federal program whose
shortfall is funded by our tax dollars. It would seem to be a better use of
everyone's dollars to build a levee rather than rebuild again after every flood.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
i
K ' n Cayler & Bran on Menke " `'w a
13 Camborne Circle m
Iowa City, IA 52245 s -
August 24, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
It has been 4 years since the Flood of 2008 left the community of Idyllwild, Taft Speedway,
Parkview Terrace and the Parkview Church in ruins. After the flood, Idyllwild homeowners spent
over $8 million to gut and rebuild every condo in the development. More funds were spent for
temporary housing, to replace Idyllwild landscaping and repair roads and sidewalks. By late 2009,
35 homeowners out of 92 had sold their condo, filed for bankruptcy or had their mortgages
foreclosed by the bank. It was a devastating event for our community, and not one we ever wish to
repeat.
Therefore I am writing today to ask the Council to take action now to protect this community. The
HUD Community Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most of the cost at this
time, lessening the burden to the taxpayers of our community. The Taft Floodwall will eliminate
the need to raise Foster Road, as the levee will protect this roadway as well. And perhaps most
importantly, the HDR study has concluded that the Taft Floodwall will not create a detrimentally
higher water level for our neighbors on Taft Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
Idyllwild does not have many options for flood protection. Our development was not eligible for a
FEMA buyout after the flood because as a condominium development, we are governed by a
Declaration of Condominium which defines all 92 homes as an association and one large property,
not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not meet the minimum damage requirements to be
eligible for a buyout. We cannot raise our buildings higher due to the type of construction. We
cannot protect ourselves with sandbags - with all the community resources that were available in
2008, we were unable to build a sandbag wall high enough and wide enough to protect our 92
homes. We put into place 350,000 sandbags, and we were out of time and still 150,000 sandbags
short.
We believe that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well -being of
its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve this protection.
Please support the floodwall.
Sincer ,
avid Russo
11 Pentire Circle+
Iowa City, IA 52245_
August 28, 2012
Dear Iowa City Council and Staff:
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to
help protect us - and the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex —
from the type of financial, physical, and mental devastation caused by the flood of
2008.
No one could have predicted the 2008 flood would be so extreme, and flood
mitigation structures up and down the river, as well as more frequent intense
storms have changed the severity and number of floods in the Midwest. The City
Council has the opportunity and the funding - at this moment- to choose to protect
these homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss
to do nothing and let the flood waters flow unabated next time around.
Though the floodwall is important for Idyllwild, it is also an important element for the
protection of the Parkview Church, which was also devastated by the Flood of
2008. And while one argument against the floodwall is that we should all just get
flood insurance, Parkview Church DID have flood insurance, however, it paid only
$500,000 out of the $900,000 worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does
not mean there is no expense to the victim. Additionally, flood insurance does not
cover the stress and mental devastation from such a disaster.
Please support a Floodwall to protect our community.
Sincerely,
Mishelle Paullus;
37 Trevose Place CIO
Iowa City, IA 52245:,
�E a
August 26, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff.
I am writing this letter to ask for your support of building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex and the Parkview
Church, all of which were devastated by the flood of 2008. Even though every building
at Idyllwild was built a foot or more above the floodplain, the landscape has changed
over time to put some areas in the floodplain. Flood protection plans put into place in
Coralville and other communities to our north are anticipated to have an even more
adverse effect on the flooding of Idyllwild in the future. And indeed, a study released
by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Rocky Mountain Climate
Organization have concluded that the storms which led to the Floods of 2008 in Iowa
are part of a growing climate trend and likely to recur with growing frequency.
I am asking for the Council to take action now to protect this community. The HUD
Community Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most of the cost
at this time, lessening the burden to the taxpayers of our community. The Taft
Floodwall will eliminate the need to raise Foster Road, as the levee will protect this
roadway as well. And perhaps most importantly, the HDR study has concluded that
the Taft Floodwall will not create a detrimentally higher water level for our neighbors
on Taft Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
Ojn� C--J JAAtj
Angela & Terry Tegen
143 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
T1,
13
August 26, 2012
Dear Councilors and Staff:
The reason for this letter is to encourage you to support building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the
flood of 2008.
It has taken the Idyllwild community four years to overcome the destruction left in the
flood's wake - and we are still not finished rebuilding. The flood caused the Idyllwild
homeowners to spend over $8 million to rebuild ($87,000 average per homeowner) —
much of this was funded by taxpayer dollars from the state and federal government. And
even though the Idyllwild community now has flood insurance, that too is a federal
program whose shortfall is funded by our tax dollars. It would seem to be a better use of
everyone's dollars to build a levee rather than rebuild again after every flood. We know
Parkview Church DID have flood insurance; however, it paid only $500,000 out of the
$900,000 worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does not mean there is no
expense to the victim. Additionally, flood insurance does not cover the stress and mental
devastation from such a disaster.
The Taft Floodwall will protect the church, Foster Road access, 92 families and real estate
at Idyllwild that was valued at close to $30 million at the time of the 2008 flood. It will help
stabilize property values and support increased property taxes in this area. And lastly, the
HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic encumbrance upon our neighbors as a result of
a proposed floodwall, even to the height of a 500 year flood level plus 3 feet.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
Harvey & Ma ine Miller `
47 Colwyn Court
Iowa City, IA 52245
r
-: y.
August 28, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff:
I own a condo in the Idyllwild neighborhood in Iowa City. I am writing you today to ask that you
support the Taft floodwall to help protect us - and the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild
condominium complex — from the type of financial, physical, and mental devastation caused by
the flood of 2008
Pre -flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and the Taft Floodwall
should help stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know there is
concern over floodwall appearance. However, one need only to walk the streets of Iowa City to
see the walls that have been built for many reasons, with many of them being interesting and
visually appealing. A flood wall with a brick or stone facade could be an interesting backdrop to
new landscaping.
The Idyllwild condominium complex was not built illegally in a floodplain, but actually a foot
above. And now the City Council has the opportunity and funding - at this moment- to choose to
protect these homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss to do
nothing and let the flood waters flow unabated next time around.
Please support the creation of the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
Karen Fox & arles Eastham
37 Colwyn Court
Iowa City, IA 52245
trig
`=
August 28, 2012
Dear Iowa City Council and Staff:
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to
help protect us - and the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex —
from the type of financial, physical, and mental devastation caused by the flood of
2008.
No one could have predicted the 2008 flood would be so extreme, and flood
mitigation structures up and down the river, as well as more frequent intense
storms have changed the severity and number of floods in the Midwest. The City
Council has the opportunity and the funding - at this moment- to choose to protect
these homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss
to do nothing and let the flood waters flow unabated next time around.
Though the floodwall is important for Idyllwild, it is also an important element for the
protection of the Parkview Church, which was also devastated by the Flood of
2008. And while one argument against the floodwall is that we should all just get
flood insurance, Parkview Church DID have flood insurance, however, it paid only
$500,000 out of the $900,000 worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does
not mean there is no expense to the victim. Additionally, flood insurance does not
cover the stress and mental devastation from such a disaster.
Please support a Floodwall to protect our community.
Sincerely,
Peter & Alexis Riley
13 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
Marian Karr
From: Thomas Novak <thomas.a.novak @g mail. com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 12:57 PM
To: Council
Subject: Taft Speedway Levee
Dear City Council members,
I am writing to urge you to oppose the Taft Speedway Levee project for several reasons:
- It is a project where the cost greatly exceeds the benefits to the community as a whole. The city will incur
costs well beyond the federal funding allocated, both to construct the levee and to maintain it. Flood insurance
can be purchased for 100 years for all of Idyllwild for the cost of construction. Iowa City has large budget
issues to consider - adding an expensive structure that only provides partial protection for a few landowners and
rental properties is not being fiscally wise.
- The city increases it's risk exposure by constructing a levee that will at some point fail, as all levees eventually
do.
- The aesthetics on both sides of the river are lost with a large concrete wall looming over the housing areas
next to the levee and obstructing the view from the park across the river.
- There is no safe way for vehicles pedestrians and bikes to use the narrow road on top of the levee, especially
with driveways entering at a steep angle with limited sight distance.
- Despite the assurances from the consultants that there is "no measurable effect" of the levee on upstream water
levels during a flood event similar to 2008, other experts in hydrology have stated that by constructing a levee
of this size there will certainly be an impact on upstream structures, thereby creating an inverse condemnation
of properties in Park View Terrace.
It is my hope that common sense will prevail and that the federal grant appropriated for 2008 flood relief will be
used for more appropriate projects.
Thank You,
Tom Novak
609 Manor Drive, Iowa City
34 t
Joel F. Wilcox, Ph.D.
119 Taft Speedway St.a
Iowa City, Iowa 52245 �'' r
September 14, 2012 a
Dear Iowa City Council:
I write to let you know that there continues to be opposition to any flood mitigation in the Taft
Speedway neighborhood. A recent series of letters from members of the Idyllwild Association appear to
have followed a general boilerplate, from which several arguments might be summarized as follows:
• Idyllwild was not originally built in a flood -prone area (because its first buildings were 1 foot
above the 100 year flood level). Circumstances have changed and now the City must protect
Idyllwild.
• The City approved the development of Idyllwild, therefore the City must protect it from future
floods
• The City derives $_millions (the figure seems to be a moving target) in tax revenue from
Idyllwild owners; it is in the City's interest to protect this revenue
• The City has the money to build a flood wall and using it now will save Iowa City taxpayers
money
The first two arguments are moral arguments, and they are connected. Since Idyllwild was not
supposed to be flooded, the Association had no flood insurance and was told they didn't need it. And
since the City allowed the area to be developed, or so the argument goes, the City should now play the
role of special protector.
This argument fails to take into account that other people would be affected by a flood wall to protect
Idyllwild, and that those effects will be adverse effects to degrees which are both known and unknown.
The City made exactly the same decision for other neighborhoods that Idyllwild claims is special in its
case when it allowed properties to be built in Parkview Terrace. Since the City also did not prevent
building on Taft Speedway at any time in its history, the City stands in the same moral position with
regard to those properties as Idyllwild claims exclusively for itself.
Properties adjacent to the flood wall will be adversely affected in the short-term by construction
inconveniences and temporary, or possibly permanent, liens on their property. As the river's force will
not be softened by spreading naturally across the flood plain, its current will more powerfully scour out
yards and structures inside the wall. Flood insurance does not cover damage to structures outside the
home, or to yards, plants, or trees.
Several of the letters refer to the HDR study as though that information is now publicl and among the
things they attribute to it is the notion that no increased harm will come to properties on both sides of
the river as a result of flood mitigation. I don't know how they know that. This is one of the things that
the study was supposed to determine, but it hasn't appeared in any preliminary reports or
presentations. We know that a flood wall or levee will raise the level of the river next to it. The only
way floodwall proponents can argue that no harm can come from this is to say that this higher river level
will be offset by things that maybe changed downstream, like raising Park Road bridge. But relative to
having a flood wall or not having a flood wall, whatever the other circumstances downstream might be,
the properties on the wet side of a wall will be at greater risk from river levels that are higher because of
a flood wall than without one. As a case in point, the difference between survival and utter disaster for
my own elevated structure in 2008 was a matter of inches.
The City derives revenue from all the properties on the flood plain. Potential tax revenue does not give
Idyllwild a stronger claim upon the City to the kind of protection that all taxpayers pay for. We have a
right to expect services to be rendered equally and impartially. What possible basis of thinking could
assume otherwise ? Do some people believe they deserve more basic municipal protection because
they have more? 1 think we all need to think carefully about the tenor of arguments that would
champion one group of taxpayers against another. Government ought not to be viewed as a commodity
in which the wealth of its citizens, either individually are as a group, buys a better quality of protection,
or where one neighborhood can be allowed to press its interests, like a predator, against another. What
neighborhood in our city could possibly feel safe if its city officials acted on such a premise? Indeed, it is
an insult to our City government. If a flood wall is actually built for this reason, we are all in trouble. It
would likely be a monument of shame to the community.
The good news is that recent sales of condominiums in Idyllwild have shown rebounding figures. The
City would maximize its revenue by letting the housing market work and spending nothing further.
Idyllwild could begin to improve its appeal to the market by building up its own funds to cover costs that
flood insurance won't cover in the .2% probability that an event like 2008 recurs.
Most of the individuals who have recently written in favor of a floodwall seem to know more about the
money available for a floodwall than the rest of us know, or else they are very confused. There is HUD
money of around $8M available, there is another $3M+ of Iowa City taxpayers' money on hand that can
be diverted from moneys earmarked to raise Foster Road. The estimate for a flood wall is about $14M.
This means the citizens of Iowa City would have to give $3M of their future taxes so that Idylld can
have a flood wall. And then the citizens of Iowa City must look at this wall every day they dri4into
Iowa City on Dubuque Street or when they spend time enjoying City Park. My neigh f-4—ro -the river»
estimates this would mean every household and business in Iowa City would be respafi$lb4e forwell
over $200 out of pocket to pay for this flood wall.
There are no moral arguments for special consideration to Idyllwild that cannot be co nteted *if
arguments of the very same nature from people who would be disadvantaged by what ldyliwitcFwants
for itself. In fact, in addition to out of pocket costs, the citizens of Iowa City are put at risk if its city
government creates adverse impact on one neighborhood at the expense of another in its management
of the flood plain. The response of a city that is fair and disciplined is to do nothing to upset balances on
a flood plain. There is nothing incumbent upon the city to look back at a disaster and attempt to
determine who deserves this or that. The city cannot fix 2008 morally. We who have decided to
remain in our homes on the property we love, on both sides of Taft Speeday, have fixed 2008 ourselves
— not without a huge amount of generous support and care from our fellow citizens, our friends, and our
neighbors, in addition to our own toil and expense. We survived a terrible experience in which everyone
on the flood plain suffered losses. But this is where we all live. We all have flood insurance, we all know
the risks, and we are not helpless to face our the future.
Sincerely,
Joel F. Wilcox
3-� (I L-)
August 31, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
We are writing as concerned citizens who own 14 condos at Idyllwild.
We request that the Council take action now to protect this community. The HUD Community
Development Block Grant of $8 million will cover all or most of the cost at this time, lessening the
burden to the taxpayers of our community. The Taft Floodwall will eliminate the need to raise
Foster Road, as the levee will protect this roadway as well. And perhaps most importantly, the
HDR study has concluded that the Taft Floodwall will not create a detrimentally higher water level
for our neighbors on Taft Speedway or Parkview Terrace.
Idyllwild does not have many options for flood protection. Our development was not eligible for a
FEMA buyout after the flood because as a condominium development, we are governed by a
Declaration of Condominium which defines all 92 homes as an association and one large property,
not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not meet the minimum damage requirements to be
eligible for a buyout. We cannot raise our buildings higher due to the type of construction. We
cannot protect ourselves with sandbags - with all the community resources that were available in
2008, we were unable to build a sandbag wall high enough and wide enough to protect the 92
homes at Idyllwild. With all the resources that were brought to bear, we put into place 350,000
sandbags, until we were out of time and still 150,000 sandbags short.
We believe that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well -being of
its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve this protection.
We want and need flood protection, please spend the grant money in Iowa City and don't send it
back to be redistributed to another community.
Sincere ,
Tom Bockenstedt & Celeste Holloway
3555 Dolphin Drive SE
Iowa City, IA 52240
Owners of
21 Pentire Circle
131 Pentire Circle
141 Pentire Circle
147 Pentire Circle
12 Colwyn Court
14 Colwyn Court
18 Colwyn Court
41 Colwyn Court
12 Trevose Place
18 Trevose Place
47 Trevose Place
21 Newlyn Circle
23 Newlyn Circle
25 Newlyn Circle
Marian Karr
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Dear Council Members,
MJDavidson @aol.com
Friday, September 14, 2012 3:35 PM
Council
Letter on flood mitigation for Idyllwild area
DavidsontoDPurdyreFlood. pdf
I wrote the attached letter to David Purdy, Iowa City Flood Recovery Specialist, slightly over one year ago (July 2011).
It includes my comments on the Idyllwild flood mitigation efforts and pictures of the results of the flood.
I do not know if you ever saw or read my letter, so I am sending it to you at this time of discussion about flood prevention
in the Idyllwild area.
My mother still lives in her condominium at Idyllwild and each time it rains, she wonders what measures are being taken to
prevent another flood.
I hope you will read the attached letter and understand why it is important to come to a conclusion about what will be
done.
Respectfully,
Mary Jo Davidson
To: Mr. David Purdy
City of Iowa City, Flood Recovery Specialist
Dear Mr. Purdy,
Those of us who have a stake in the Idyllwild community have been asked to weigh in on the delay
and possible cancellation of the Taft Speedway levee project. My mother, who is in her 80's, is a
resident of the Idyllwild community. I feel that, having gone through the flood and re- building process
with her, I can comment on the need for flood prevention in the Idyllwild area.
I have a few points to make:
The people who lived in the Idyllwild development at the time of the flood had not chosen to live ON
the river, with the apparent attendant risks that entails. They believed that the location they had
chosen was far enough from the river to be safe from flooding... and information available at the time
did not give them any reason to believe otherwise. It is unacceptable to leave those people in a flood -
compromised position.
I have heard claims that Idyllwild owners did not spend a significant amount of money to re -build their
homes. That is ludicrous. In the case of my mother's home on Camborne Circle, she basically had
to invest as much money in re- building it as she had in acquiring it in the first place. She lost many
items that cannot be replaced. Money should not be the only measure here. Flooding must be
prevented.
As far as funding the re -build of her unit-, while she received some grants, 90 % of the funds she has
obtained and used are in the form of loans. Her FEMA grant went immediately for clean -up and mold
mitigation.
I have included the following pictures to remind those who may have forgotten the Flood of 2008.
Look at these pictures carefully... my mother is in each picture.. This was a personal disaster ... and it
should not be permitted to occur again.
Please let me know if I can contribute any more information toward moving forward with the study of a
levee on Taft Speedway and further flood protection for the Idyllwild community.
Respectfully, Mary Jo Davidson
midavidsonCa)_aol.com
Flood of 2008 at Camborne Circle
living room — before clean -up and mold mitigation... furniture and possessions were moved to higher levels where
possible, but most were damaged beyond repair
3 rooms
September 1, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to help protect
us - and the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex - from the type of financial,
physical, and mental devastation caused by the flood of 2008
With all the community resources that were available in 2008, we were unable to build a sandbag
wall high enough -and wide enough to protect our 92 homes - that would have required 500,000
sandbags! MMS concluded in the Flood Emergency Response Plan which they developed for
Idyllwild, that permanent flood protection would be the most effective means to protect this area
from another flood like the one we experienced in 2008.
Pre - flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and the Taft Floodwall should
help stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know there is concern
over floodwall appearance. However, one needs only to walk the streets of Iowa City to see the
many walls that have been built for many reasons, with many of them being interesting and
visually appealing. A flood wall with a brick or stone facade could be an interesting backdrop to
new landscaping.
It is our view that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and well -being
of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes and deserve this protection.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Amy Bec er
52 Pentire Circle _ - - -
Iowa City, IA 52245 = q,
August 26, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff.
I am an Idyllwild Condo owner in Iowa City. I am writing today to ask for your consideration
of building a floodwall to protect the Idyllwild community and the neighboring Parkview
Church.
Though Idyllwild was built a foot or more above the floodplain, that did not protect it from
the devastating Flood of 2008. With Coralville, and other communities to the north having
adopted their own flood protection plans, this may well create more problems for those of us
in the Idyllwild community. The Taft floodwall will help to provide us some needed protection,
as taxpaying citizens, in the unconscionable event of a reoccurrence. The Idyllwild community
cannot build a sandbag wall high, wide, or expansive enough to protect ourselves. And the
homeowners association is not in a position to pay and provide labor for a temporary flood
protection wall.
One argument given against the floodwall is that it will need taxpayer dollars to finance it. It
seems that a floodwall — even at an expense of $15 million (of which $8 million would be paid
by a HUD grant) would be a good investment to protect the more than $25 million of real
estate ( Idyllwild and the Parkview Church) that is left. And if the grant money of $8 million is
not used in our community, it will not be given back to taxpayers, but redistributed to some
other community for disaster protection. It makes sense for our community to use this grant!
The proposed levee will not only protect the 92 homes in Idyllwild, but also protect against
Foster Road again being flooded, which is presently the only access to the Peninsula
community. The Parkview Church property will also gain protection from a floodwall.
For these reasons, we support the Taft Floodwall and we urge you to support it as well.
Sincerely,
r'sc
Kay & Tracy Hansen r.D
iw)
15 Pentire Circle W
Iowa City, IA 52245
J-('(
August 29, 2012
Dear Iowa City Council and Staff:
I am a homeowner in the community of Idyllwild.
The reason for this letter is to encourage you to support building the Taft Floodwall to
protect the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the
flood of 2008. As we know you are aware, Idyllwild was built with City approval a foot or
more above the flood plain, but the landscape has changed over time to put some areas
in the flood plain. And flood protection plans put into place in Coralville and other
communities to our north may have an adverse effect on flooding us once again.
Under the best of circumstances, Idyllwild cannot possibly build a sandbag wall high
enough, wide enough, or expansive enough to protect the 23 buildings in the
development. Further, the Idyllwild HOA cannot fund a temporary flood protection wall
due to its cost and the intensive labor required to put it in place in the event of a flood.
The Taft Floodwall will protect 92 families and real estate that was valued at close to
$30 million at the time of the 2008 flood. It will help stabilize property values and support
increased property taxes. And lastly, the HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic
encumbrance upon our neighbors as a result of a proposed floodwall, even to the height
of a 500 year flood level plus 3 feet.
We believe that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and
health of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes, and look
forward to paying more through increased property valuations. Please provide us that
protection.
Sincerely,
i
Karlen & Robert Fellows
135 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
I�
r M
August 25, 2012
Dear Iowa City Councilors and Staff:
I am writing today to ask for your consideration in building a floodwall to protect the Idyllwild
community and the Parkview Church.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS I WOULD LIKE YOU TO CONSIDER:
1. When the City Council legally approved the construction of Idyllwild in 1993, the
property was not in a flood plain.
2. Idyllwild was not eligible for a FEMA buyout because as a condominium development,
we are governed by a Declaration of Condominium which defines all 92 homes as an
association and one large property, not individual units. Also, collectively, we did not
meet the minimum damage requirements to be eligible for a buyout.
3. We cannot raise our buildings higher due to the type of construction.
4. The proposed levee will not only protect the 92 homes in Idyllwild, but also protect
against Foster Road again being flooded, which as you know is presently the only access
to the Peninsula community. The Parkview Church property will also gain protection
from a floodwall.
5. It has been falsely stated that those of us in Idyllwild did not have to spend a significant
amount to rebuild following the flood. You should know that the average cost to rebuild
each of the 92 homes was $87,000.
6. An argument used against the floodwall is that Idyllwild is turning into a rental
community. We want to assure you that in no way are we turning into a rental
community. We have temporarily allowed rentals as a way for our residents to sell their
property and relieve themselves of reconstruction. Rentals will end in 2016.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Marian Karr
From: Carol Seydel <clopey1 @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 8:22 PM
To: Council
Subject: Idyllwild project
I will make one last attempt to bring rational thought to the levee plans for Idyllwild private development. I
think the point I make is very important. There are no victims in Idyllwide. The people are all well aware of
what they bought or at least what they now own. The Church even sold land back to the City. I am sick of all of
them playing the victim. The developers took advantage of the original flooded owners. They bought cheap,
rehabbed, and now rent. They were out to make a profit and want the City to protect their investment. They
were doing no one any favors. They knew full well what they were buying and what they had to deal with. No
one is responsible to or for them The buyer beware and they were aware.This is not Taft Speedway residents
problem. We know our place along the river and we do not go around begging for some one to bail us out. I do
not know of any developer in Iowa City that invests money and then wants the City to protect them from their
own poor business decision. Be brave let them solve their own problems. If they want a levee let them build it
on their land at their expense. Enough foolishness. This is in the same category as the Sutliff bridge. A waste in
both cases of Taxpayers money.
I have been involved in this property since the first attempt to develop the flooded flat farm land in 1991. I
am tired no one listens to rational thought regarding this property. Do not fall for this fake sad tale again.There
are no victims in this fiasco. Let them buy flood insurance at their own expense and take their licks with the
rest of us.Carol Seydel ,125 Taft Speedway
August 29, 2012
Dear City Councilors and Staff:
I am an owner of a condo at Idyllwild and am writing this letter to ask for your support of building
the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex. I am
concerned about the incidence of flooding in our neighborhood, and the increasing number of
floods in the Midwest generally. A study released by the Natural Resources Defense Council and
the Rocky Mountain Climate Organization have concluded that the storms which led to the Floods
of 2008 in Iowa are part of a growing climate trend and likely to recur with growing frequency. It
only makes sense to protect the areas of vulnerability.
Pre -flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and a Floodwall should help
stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know there is concern over
floodwall appearance. However, one needs only to walk the streets of Iowa City to see the walls
that have been built for many reasons, with many of them being interesting and visually
appealing. A flood wall with a brick or stone facade could be an interesting backdrop to new
landscaping.
It is a matter of fact that flooding is increasing in the Midwest. The City of Iowa City should be
proactive and ward off the next disaster while the resources (HUD grant) are available.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
Sincerely,
Barb & Joe Tobin
43 Trevose Place
Iowa City, IA 52245
r_r
33 Trevose Place
Iowa City IA 52245
August 22, 2011
Member of City Council and Staff
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City Al 52240
Reference: Taft Speedway /No Name Road Flood Mitigation
Dear City Council and Staff
In Year 2010, Idyllwild Condominium Association commissioned MMS Consultants to prepare a Flood
Emergency Plan for our 92 properties. The plan's conclusions:
1. It's impossible to protect Idyllwild against river flooding at greater than a so- called 100 year
flood using traditional temporary mitigation methods like sandbagging. There is simply not
enough time to fill and place the necessary sandbags; it's estimated approximately 500,000
would be needed.
2. In addition to river flooding, Idyllwild is also exposed to a significant flood event from rainfall
and runoff on 82 acres of ground to our north and west, the Peninsula neighborhood. Runoff
from this watershed flows through the Idyllwild property and into our retention ponds.
Unlike others in surrounding neighborhoods, we have some unique challenges which hinder our ability
to mitigate future flooding:
1. Our building design /construction doesn't allow raising them out of harm's way like can be done
with a single family home.
2. It's impossible to protect our properties from river flooding through temporary sandbagging.
3. Individual owners cannot be "bought out' after a flood because the development is
incorporated as one large entity under the declaration which defines our Association.
4. We cannot redirect the increased volume of water flowing through our property from the
Peninsula neighborhood and Foster Road storm drains without City assistance and approval.
The conclusion is clear; some sort of flood mitigation for both river and rainfall flooding is required to
protect the Idyllwild neighborhood. City Council supported and approved its construction twenty -some
years ago and then approved and supported its reconstruction in Year 2008. The City has some sort of
responsibility and obligation to support us once again. 1 ask you to support the Taft Street /No Name
Road flood mitigation project.
w,
Sincerely,
5.
Kurt Kimmerling _-
August 27, 2012
Dear Council and Staff•
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to help protect us - and
the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex — from the type of financial, physical, and
mental devastation caused by the flood of 2008.
Though it was severely flooded, the Idyllwild condominium complex was built with Council approval a
foot or more above the floodplain. No one could have predicted the 2008 flood would be so extreme, and
flood mitigation structures up and down the river, as well as more frequent intense storms have changed the
severity of floods in the Midwest. The City Council has the opportunity and the funding - at this moment -
to choose to protect these homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss to
do nothing and let the flood waters flow unabated next time around.
One argument against the floodwall is that it will need taxpayer dollars to finance it. Taxpayers have
already financed $21,000,000 to buy out properties on the river which includes many homes along Taft and
Parkview Terrace. It seems that a floodwall — even at an expense of $15,000,000 (of which $8 million
would be paid by a HUD grant) would be a good investment to protect the more than $25,000,000 of real
estate ( Idyllwild and the Parkview Church) that is left. And if the grant money of $8,000,000 is not used in
our community, it will not be given back to taxpayers, but redistributed to some other community for
disaster protection. It makes sense for our community to use the grant we were given.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of this request.
David and Bepidny
44 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 28, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff:
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of building the Taft floodwall to help protect us - and
the other 91 homes in the Idyllwild condominium complex — from the type of financial, physical, and
mental devastation caused by the flood of 2008
Pre -flood, real estate was valued at close to $30 million in Idyllwild, and the Taft Floodwall should help
stabilize property values and support increased property taxes. We know there is concern over floodwall
appearance. However, one need only to walk the streets of Iowa City to see the walls that have been
built for many reasons, with many of them being interesting and visually appealing. A flood wall with a
brick or stone facade could be an interesting backdrop to new landscaping and would certainly look
better than a flooded church and 92 flooded condos!
The City Council has the opportunity and funding - at this moment- to choose to protect these homes
without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It would be remiss to do nothing and let the flood
waters flow unabated next time around.
Please support the creation of the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely,
j A �r
Gordon & Tammi Craft`
133 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
r�_:-
CO
VELA
September 17, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff-
The reason for this letter is to ask you to support the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92
homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the flood of
2008. We are owners of a condo in the Idyllwild community of Iowa City and have
grave concerns about landscape changes over time that have put some areas of
Idyllwild in the flood plain. And flood protection plans put into place in Coralville
and other communities to our north may have an adverse effect on flooding us once
again.
Under the best of circumstances, Idyllwild cannot possibly build a sandbag wall high
enough, wide enough, or expansive enough to protect the 23 buildings in the
development. Further, the Idyllwild HOA cannot fund a temporary flood protection
wall due to its cost and the intensive labor required to put it in place in the event of a
flood.
The Taft Floodwall will protect 92 families and real estate that was valued at close to
$30 million at the time of the 2008 flood, in addition to the Parkview Church and
their property. It will help stabilize property values and support increased property
taxes. And lastly, the HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic encumbrance upon
our neighbors as a result of a proposed floodwall, even to the height of a 500 year
flood level plus 3 feet
We believe that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and
health of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes, and look
forward to paying more through increased property valuations. Please support us in
this quest.
J
September 05, 2012
Dear City Council and Staff
The reason for this letter is to ask you to support the Taft Floodwall to protect the 92
homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex that were ruined by the flood of
2008. We are owners of a condo in the Idyllwild community of Iowa City and have
grave concerns about landscape changes over time that have put some areas of
Idyllwild in the flood plain. And flood protection plans put into place in Coralville
and other communities to our north may have an adverse effect on flooding us once
again.
Under the best of circumstances, Idyllwild cannot possibly build a sandbag wall high
enough, wide enough, or expansive enough to protect the 23 buildings in the
development. Further, the Idyllwild HOA cannot fund a temporary flood protection
wall due to its cost and the intensive labor required to put it in place in the event of a
flood.
The Taft Floodwall will protect 92 families and real estate that was valued at close to
$30 million at the time of the 2008 flood, in addition to the Parkview Church and
their property. It will help stabilize property values and support increased property
taxes. And lastly, the HDR Study shows that there is no hydraulic encumbrance upon
our neighbors as a result of a proposed floodwall, even to the height of a 500 year
flood level plus 3 feet.
We believe that a basic function of government is to protect the safety, welfare and
health of its citizens. Idyllwild residents and owners pay their share of taxes, and look
forward to paying more through increased property valuations. Please support us in
this quest.
Sincerely,
r
Burghard Schoenfeld
126 Pentire Circle i
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 28, 2012
Dear City Councilors and Staff:
We are writing you to ask for your support by voting in favor of building the Taft
floodwall to protect the Idyllwild condominium community. The 92 homes and 23
buildings were absolutely devastated by the flood of 2008.It created financial ruin for
some, stress and anxiety for all, and its owners $8 million to rebuild - and we are not
done. No one could possibly wish for us to go through this again.
Though it was severely flooded, the Idyllwild condominium complex was built with
Council approval a foot or more above the floodplain. No one could have predicted the
2008 flood would be so extreme, and flood mitigation structures up and down the
river, as well as more frequent intense storms have changed the severity of floods in
the Midwest. The City Council has the opportunity and the funding - at this moment -
to choose to protect these homes without raising the flood levels for our neighbors. It
would be remiss to do nothing and let the flood waters flow unabated next time
around.
Though the floodwall is important for Idyllwild, it is also an important element for the
protection of the Parkview Church, which was also devastated by the Flood of 2008.
And while one argument against the floodwall is that we should all just get flood
insurance, Parkview Church DID have flood insurance, however, it paid only $500,000
out of the $900,000 worth of damage that was incurred. Insurance does not mean
there is no expense to the victim. Additionally, flood insurance does not cover the
stress and anxiety from such a disaster.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
46 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
r -..a
Sincerely,
V
CD
Dale Simon
46 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
Marian Karr 3f(17)
NNNNmr-
From: jwarner1 <jwarner1 @mchsi.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 12:25 PM
To: Council
Subject: Need two new ordinaces ie bathroom vent fan control
This correspondence will become a public record.
Jerry Warner
2714 Wayne No.8
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319 - 351 -3037
Sept 11, 2012
Dear Iowa City City Council:
Several issues have recently developed where I live which reveal two "severe" shortcomings in Iowa City's Housing code,
according to your Housing Inspection Department. :
(1) There is no limit defined in the Iowa City Housing Code on the number of "guests" a tenant in a one bedroom
apartment can have stay overnight, or any length of time socalled "guests" may stay! Recently a new tenant in our
building had twelve adults plus additional children staying in Apartment No.1 over at least two days several weekends
ago.
The commotion and loud talking etc created a general problem for the other tenants. Moreover, because the bathroom
vent fan in that apartment is defective (too loud to live with for adjacent apartments), the vent fan ran on and off all
night long and throughout the day for two days, causing a complete loss of sleep to myself and others -
The tenant in the apartment involved came to my door a day later and informed me'in the strongest terms', I was to
"mind my own business because he was breaking no laws" !
(2) Bathroom vent fans: According to the Iowa City Housing Dept., while there is a lower "CFM" requirement for
bathroom vent fans, in apartment buildings, there is no UPPER "CFM" limit on those same fans!
About five years ago an extra - strong fan controled by a rheostat was installed in the bathroom of apartment No.1 in my
building, at the request of tenants living there at the time. This special instalation was later confirmed by Keystone.
There was an immediate problem where there had been no problem at all before. The new extra - strong fan vibrates the
floor and walls in my bathroom clear out to the walls in my bedroom, and even out into the kitchen area of my one
bedroom apartment - making sleep and normal life impossible. The noise from this fan is easily twice as loud as my air
conditioner in my bedroom.
Moreover, the fan is not even directly below me but one unit over to the front of the building, then below me! The noise
from this fan is a very significant factor for everyone living in the vicinity of the fan, and for the tenants who control the
fan downstairs in Apartment
No.1
According to your Housing Inspection Depart, there is literally nothing to cover a situation like this. Various tenants who
have lived in the apartmentwith the fan have simply not run the fan in order to accomodate me and the other tenants
being affected by the fan. Keystone has made several attempts to 'look at the fan'
or repair it( ?), all to no avail.
New tenants with lots of 'guests' have now moved into Apartment
No.1 and insist on using the fan, as is their right. The situation for me, however, is now critical due to a prolonged loss of
sleep and stress in a unpredictable situation nobody seems able to remedy - the whole situation has placed me in an
impossible situation and has derailed my life to the breaking point.
I think the City Council needs to address situations like this formally,
in new ordinances and requirements your City Housing Department can then enforce.
Thank you for your consideration.
Jerry R. Warner
August 22, 2012
3f(18)
ILED
AUG 312012
City Clerk
To Whom It May Concern: rowa city, rowa
We are writing to voice our concern about a decision made by the Parks and Recreation
administrators and currently being implemented at the Recreational Center's downtown
pool. The modifications involve the installation of the new climbing wall. We regret the
manner in which it was made and how it will impact others who use the pool. Obviously,
you are targeting a new demographic of potential users, but, in the process you have
turned your back on customers who also pay for the programs offered at the pool.
For two decades, a loyal group has been regular attendees at the daily deep -end aquasize
classes held at the Rec Center. Many use the pool for exercise because of health and
mobility issues due to bad knees, hips, backs, or feet. For some of the participants, it is
challenging to walk as far as the ladders on the southeast corner of the pool.
On Wednesday, August 22, members of the class were stunned to find out the climbing
wall was being installed on the south deck of the deep end. This area of the pool is
routinely used during the class as some exercises require students to hold on to the edge
of the pool while doing exercises. Gear such as water bottles, dumb bells, kick boards,
and noodles are also placed on the pool deck for easy access from the water.
The climbing wall will be an exciting addition to the pool for some audiences but we find
it imposes on our enjoyment of the space. We regret that someone in your office could
not have taken the time to explain the proposal and the potential ramifications it might
have. There is perhaps no remedy at this late date but a compromise or accommodation
might have been reached had we been consulted during the planning stages.
Given the public notice and newspaper articles about renovations to the east side of the
facility, it appears your office is aware of how important public involvement can be.
Presumably the pool staff was aware of the climbing wall installation months in advance.
We realize we are sharing the pool with others. We have adapted to the loud noise from
swim classes, having to shout our instructions to our aquacise classes, and even try to
accommodate diving instructors and students during our class time, but this action is
definitely detrimental as it further limits the space available to us.
We regret the manner in which the installation of the climbing wall was handled and we
hope that communication improves the next time a major change is planned. At the very
least, we would like some aquatics representative to explain how this happened.
Thank you for considering our request,
T
"The Blue Belt
c/o Bennett
1107 Muscatine
Iowa City, Iow
Michelle Wiegand
Marcia Goldsborough
Lynne Cannon
Lorraine Dorfman
Mary Merchant
Mary Bennett
and others
Ladies"
cc: Matthew Eckhardt
Avenue Mike Moran
52240 Mayor Matt Hayek
DATE: September 12, 2012
RE: Climbing Wall at Recreation Center
On September 5, 2012 staff met with Mary Bennett to discuss the concerns expressed in the letter
regarding the Climbing Wall installation at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center pool. Solutions
were discussed as to how the wall could be modified to address the concerns about program impact.
Solutions agreed upon would include installing additional hand holds to allow aquacise participants
to utilize the climbing wall within their program.
Staff also addressed the communication concerns and agreed to include the aquacise group in any
future discussions of improvements, additions, or modifications to the pool. Staff will follow up
with the group on a regular basis.
Matthew P. Eckhardt
220 S. Gilbert
Iowa City IA, 52240
September 13, 2012
"The Blue Belt Ladies"
c/o Mary Bennett
1107 Muscatine Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Ladies:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
I would like to thank you for expressing your concerns regarding our recently installed aquatic climbing
wall at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Upon receiving your letter I contacted our instructors that
were included and arranged a meeting with Mary Bennett on Wednesday September 5t'. At this meeting
we had the opportunity to listen to each of your concerns; the physical location of the wall, the class
adjustments that are now needed due to the wall's installation, and most importantly the lack of
communication during the planning phases.
Three locations were actively considered for the wall's final location, each of which had upsides and
down. Our biggest concern was the potential elimination of an access ladder and the effect the wall would
have on our existing programs, primarily the deep water exercise class. Admittedly, at this point in the
process we should have actively pursued our participants' feedback. I can assure you that this error in
judgment on my part will not happen again and I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Moving forward we are researching possible modifications that can improve the usability of this new
feature and how we can adapt its features to fit your class.
Once again I thank you for your dedication to the program and your willingness to share your concerns. If
you have any further questions, comments, or concerns please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
Matthew P. Eckhardt
Aquatics Program Supervisor
Matthew- eckhardt(2iowa- city.org
319- 887 -6117
Cc: Chad Dyson
Michael Moran
Matt Hayek
220 S. Gilbert Street • Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1632 • (319) 356 -5100 • FAX (319) 356 -5487
Marian Karr
From:
eastwinders @mchsi.com
Sent:
Tuesday, September 04, 2012 1:13 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Neighborhood preservation
Dear Council Members:
NO 9)
First, let me say how much I appreciate that each and every one of you is giving your time, energy, and
attention to the endeavor of running our city. I am deeply grateful.
I'd like to spend some time addressing what I see as a pressing need within our city, and our school district, to
carefully assess the ongoing needs of our neighborhoods. Michael Wright's editorial in the Press Citizen this
morning stated the concerns quite clearly and I'm hoping that many people are contacting you about how to
prioritize our resources in order to preserve our lovely older neighborhoods.
It seems to me that the first priority has to be setting a moratorium on building permits so that we can all take a
breath and step back to get the bigger picture. Really, nothing is more important! Every time I drive by the new
building going up across the street from the Co -op I am reminded once again that we must bring focused
attention to the problem and challenge of how to keep our older neighborhoods intact. A moratorium will allow
us the time to study this issue in more depth and to organize a comprehensive strategy for neighborhood
maintenance.
Of course it will be important to work with the School Board to bring the issue of school maintenance and
growth, especially to the east side, into their discussions and decision - making processes. The Council can go a
long way toward influencing the delegation of school monies to areas that need it the most by informing the
Board of our very real concerns regarding the allocation of school funding. I know that many people are
concerned about the issue of neighborhood preservation. Let's do something concrete that shows our collective
commitment to the creation of strong neighborhoods with vital schools. Let's have a moratorium on building
permits so that reasonable and careful consideration of how to mix the new with the old can occur.
Thank you in advance for your serious consideration of these issues.
Sincerely,
Candida Maurer
1613 College Court Place
Iowa City
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U.S. ensus Bureau
A Nt ER I CAN _T
FactFinder 0-,,,
QT-H1 I General Housing Characteristics: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010 /doc/Sfi.pdf.
Geography: Census Tract 11, Johnson County, Iowa
Subject
OCCUPANCY STATUS
Number
Percent
Total housing units
1,709
100.0
Occupied housing units
1,644
96.2
VWc_ant housing units
65
3.8
TENURE
Occupied housing _units___'___
-------
_Owner
1,644
100.0
occupied
259
'15.8
Owned with a mortgage or loan
189
11.5
Owned free and clear
70
4.3
Renter occupied
1,385
84.2
VACANCY STATUS
-units
jr-Vicanf-h-ousing
65
100.0
For rent
36
55.4
-1- Rented; not occupied -
For sale only
5
7.7
Sold, not occupied
2
3.1
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use
-For -migratory w-orkers
8
12.3
0.0
Other vacant I
12
18.5
?ENURE BY HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN OF
HOUSEHOLDER BY RACE OF HOUSEHOLDER-___--
Occupied housing units
1,644
100.0
Owner-occupied housing units
259
15.8
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
255
15.5
White alone householder
250
15.2
Black or African American alone householder
1
0.1
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
householder
0
0.0
Asian alone householder
2
0.1
I Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
-.e
0
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
1
0.1
Two or More Races householder
1
0.1
Hispanic or Latino householder
4
0.2
White alone householder
3
0.2
Black or African American alone householder
0
0.0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
householder
0
0.0
Asian alone householder
0
0.0
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
0
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
F
1
0.1
1 Two or More Races householder
0
0.0
Renter-occupied housing units
1,385
84.2
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
1,326
80.7
White alone householder
1,207
73.4
Black or African American alone householder
23
1.4
7�
I of 2 09/07/2012
.U.S. Census Bureau
A N.1 E R I CA X
FactFind
er
QT-P2 Single Years of Age and Sex: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see http://www.census.gov/prod/cen20-.l-Q/doc/sfl.pdf.
Geography: Census Tract 11, Johnson County, Iowa
Age
,Total population (all ages)
Under 5 years
- -Under Iyear
1 year
Both sexes
3,934
47
11
8
Number
Male
2,075
20
4
5
-Fernale -
1,859
27
7
-.--.---_Percent
Both sexes
100.0
1.2
0.2
Male
1O-C6-
1.0
0.2
0.2
2 years
11
4
7
0.3
0.2
3 years
11
5
6
0.3
0.2
4 years
5 to 9 years
6
33
2
14
4
19
0.2
0.8
0.1
0.7
5 years
10
4
6
0.2
6 years
6
2
4
--0.3
0.2
0.1
7 years
5
I 2
3
0.1
0.1-
8 years
8
4
4
0.2
Ai�s
9,ye
10 to 4 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
3 years
1 14 years
26
7
6
5
5
3
9
3
0
3
2
1
17
4
6
2
3
2
0.7
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.4
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
0.0
L15 to 19 years
268
118
150
6.8
5.7
15 years
16 years
2
7
1
2
-
T-I
5
0.1
- -- 0.2
I
0.1
17 years
5
I 2
3
0.1
0.1
18 years
21
12
9
0.5
0.6
19 years
233
101
132
5.9
4.9
20 to 24 years
2,305
71I180
1,125
58.6
56.9
20 years
682
309
373
17.3
14.9
21 years
755
375
380
19.2
18.1
22 years
528
300
228
13.4
14.5
23 years
222
127
95
5.6
6.1
118
69
49
3.0
3.3
25 to 29 years
423
259
164
10.8
12.5
25 years
107
65
2.7
3.1
26 years
114
72
3.5
27 years
78 I
43
35
2.0
2.1
28 years
71
48
23
1.8
2.3
29 years
53
31
22
1.3
1.5
30 to 34 years
158
96
62
4.0
4.6
30 years
43
22
21
1.1
1.1
31 years
29
22
7
0,7
1.1
32 years
38
22
16
1.0
1.1
33 years
27
18
9
0.7
0.9
34 years
21
12
9
0.5
0.6
35 to 39 years
87
55
32
2.2
2.7
1 of 6 09/07/2012
Age Number
L Percent
35 years -
Both sexes Male Female Both sexes Male
r 36 years - 14 9 5 0.4 0.4
37 years - 15 9 6 0.4 - 0.4
38 years -`- - 16 9 7 0.4 0.4
;---d9 years -- -- -- 23 16 _ 7 0.6 0.8
40 to 44 years - - - - - "- - 19 12 7 0.5 0.6
-- - - - -- ------------ - - - - -- 87 53 34 2.2
40 years - -. 2.6
41 years - - 21 - 14 7 �- - 0.5
0_7
42 years -- - - - - - -- 17 _ 10 7 _ _ 0.4 0.5
j 43 years -------- - - - - -- - -- 20 14 6 0.5 0.7
44 years - 13 - 7 - 6 0.3 0.3
16 8 8 - - -
45 to 49 years 0.4 0.4 -- _-- - - - - -_ - -_ - -- -
45 years 85 42 43
-- 2.2 2.0
46 years - - -- -._- - - 19 13
- - - --- 0.5 0.3
21 - _ -.
' 47 years ------ - - - - -- 3 g - --
- - - - -- 0.5 0.6
48 years -- -- --
-- - 11 1 0.6
- - -- - - - -- 10 7
49 years -- - -- 3 3 -- 0.3
0.3
50 to 54 years - -- - 8 0.3 0.1
-- - - - - -- -- - ------------ - - - - -- - 113 62 ---- - - - - --
50 years - - - - - - - -- 51 2.9 3.0
30 15 15 - -- - -- -
51 years - - - - --
17 11 - - - - -- - -- - -- - ---
52 years - - - - - -- - - -- - -- - _ 0.4 0.5
53 years - - - -- - 23 - - -- - 11 -- 8 - - -- 0.5 -- - - - -- 0.5
54 years- - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - --- 12 - - - -- 11 0.6 0.6
55 to 59 years ------ - - - - -- - - - -- -- - 24 13 - -
!_- -- 0.6 0.6
55 years -- - 111 70 - 41 2.8 -- - - -3.4
�- 56 years -- 22 14 8 - 0.6
-57 years _ _ -_ - -- 24 14 10 _ 0.6 0.7
58 years -- - - -- - -- 16 11 - - -- 5 r- 0.4 r
_
- 0.5
59 s, _ ___28 _.__________17_. ......
._..._1t _ -07 ; --
60 to 64 years - -`- -_ 21 14 7 ---
-- - -� 05 t).7
- - - -- 75 �- 49 26 - -
60 -
- - -- 21 I _
61 years - - - - - -- - 13 g
- -62 years - - - - - -- - -- 14 I - - - -- 8 6
63 years - - - -- 15 11 - 4 -Q:4; 03 i
64 years - -- 13 9 4 -0 3 0.4 -I
12 8 4 0.3 - 0.4
65 to 69 years - 39 --
65 years - - -- 19 20 1.0 0.9
-;66:y ears - 11 7 4 0.3 0.3
years 12 5 7 0.3 0.2
6 3 3 0.2 0.1
69 years -' -- " -- 8 4 4 0.2 0.2
2 0 2 0.1 0.0
70 to 74 ye ars -- - - -" 29
70 years -- -- -- -- 14 15 0.7 0.7
71 years -- - -- - - -- -- - 8 7 - 1 0.2 - -- 0.3
2 1 1 - -_ 0.1 =0.0
10 3 7 0.3 _ 0.1
74 years -- 3 1 2 0.1 0.0
6 2
75 to 79 years 0.1
15 4 0.2 !
75 years 6 9 0.4 0.3
76 years - - - - -- - 2 0 2 i 0.1 0.0
77 years -- - -- -- - -- - - - - -- - -- - - - -- 4 - - - 2 ------2 0.1 0.1 I
78 years -` - - - - - -- --- - - - - -- -- 1 _. 0 -1 �� -_ -- 0.0 - - -- 0.0
79 years -- - - - -- -- - -- - - - -- - -- 5 -- -- 3 - - - -- 2 0.1 _ -0.1
80 to 84 years - - -- 3 1 2 0.1 - 0.0
80 -years-------- - 13 - 4 9 - -- 0.3 -- _ 0.2
81 years " -- - - - - - -- -- - 2 - - -- 1 0.1 - 0.0
- -- - - -- - -- -- - - -- - - - - - 3
82 - - years - - - -- 1 -- - -- - -- -_ 2 0.1 - -- 0-0
3 I 1 2 � -- -- - --- 0.1 - - -- ---- - -- -0.0 -i
84 years -
5 1 4 0.1 0.0
0 0.0 -- -- 0.0
2 of 6
09/07/2012
Age
Number
Percent
85 to 89 years
sot
Male
Female
Both sexes
We
85 years
13
5
8
0.3
a2
j-8-6 years
0
1
0
2
0
0.1
01
87 years
88 years
5
2
3
0.0
0.1
0.0
0.1
89 years
I
4
- - - - - - - 0
2
1
0.0
0.0
90 to 94 years
5
- - - - - - - -
0
2
5
0.1
OA
0.1
01
90 years
[-91 years
2
0
2
0.1
on
92 years
2
0
2
0.1
0.0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
so
94 years
0
ao
0.0
1
2
—
0
1
2
0.0
0.0
0.0
—yea-rs,-
95 years
12years
1
0
1-
-
0.0
--
0.0
0
0
0
(TO
0.0
97 years
98 years
99 years
-100
1
0
0
0
Q
0
1
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
on 1
-.0
0.0
to 104 years
0
0
- - -0
0
0.0
-- — ------
O.q
105 to 109 years
0
0
0
0.0
110 years and over
0
0
0
0.0
3 of 6 09I7I01 2
g`U.S. Census Bureau
act Fielder
QT-H1 General Housing Characteristics: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see http://www.census.gov/prod/cen20lO/doc/Sfl.pdf.
Geography: Census Tract 16, Johnson County, Iowa
rSubject
Number
Percent
-Total housing units -T_- -,�- __
3,093
100.0
Occupied housing units
2,989
96.6
Vacant housing units
104
3.4
TENURE
Occupied housing units
2,989
100.0
Owner occupied
166
5,6
L Owned with a mortgage or loan
113
3.8-
Owned free and clear
i --
53
1.8
---
1: Renter
2,823
94.4
VACANCY STATUS -
Vacant housing units
For rent
-not
-Ranted, -occuple.d- -------
For sale only
not occupied
104
58
100.0
55.8
----
5.8
3.8
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use
7.7
For migratory workers
-8
0
0.0
Other vacant
19
18.3
TENURE BY HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN OF
HOUSEHOLDER BY RACE OF HOUSEHOLDER
Occupied housing units
2,989
100.0
Owner-occupied housing units
166
5.6
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
163 I
5.5
White alone householder
158
5.3
Black or African American alone householder
1
0.0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
householder
0
0.0
Asian alone householder
0
0.0
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
1
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
0
0.0
Two or More Races householder
3
0.1
Hispanic or Latino householder
3
White alone householder
3
-0.1
0.1
Black or African American alone householder
0
0.0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
householder
0 I
0.0
Asian alone householder
0
0.0
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
0
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
0
0.0
Two or More Races householder
0
0.0
Renter-occupied housing units
2,823
94.4
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
2,735
91.5
White alone householder
2,486
83.2
Black or African American alone householder
63
2.1
C-
1 of 2 09/07/2012
FactFinder
QT -P2 Single Years of Age and Sex: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see http: / /www.census.66v /prod /cen2010 /doc /sf1 pdf.
Geography: Census Tract 16, Johnson County, Iowa
Age
Total population (all ages)
Under 5 years
Under 1 year
1 ear
y - - --
2 years
years --
4 years
5 to 9 years
5 years _
6 years
7 years
8 years - - -- -_ --
9 years
10 to 14 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
13 years --
14 years
15 to 19 years
15 years
16 years - -- --
17 years -
18 years --
Number Percent
Both sexes _Male Female Both sexes Male _
7,267 3,975 3,2_92 -T -- 100.0 -- 100.0
39 19 20 0.5 0.5
14 7 7 - 0.2
~ - -- 0.2
7 Y 3 4 0.1 - - -0.1
-v 8 4 4 0.1
5 2 - ^ 3 0.1 0.1
5 _ 3 2 0.1 0.1
32 -- 17 15 0.4 0.4
4 3 _ 1 _0.1
11 6 - 5 0.2 - -- 0.2
6 3 3 _0.1 _ 0.1
6 3 3 0.1 0.1 22 12 10 0.3 _ 0.3
2 1 1 v 0.0 0.0
5 2 3 - 0.1 _A- 0.1
8 4 - - 4 0.1 - - -- - 0.1
` - 1 0 0. _- - 0.0
_ 6 4 2 0.1 1 0.1
671 293 378 9.2----..--7.4
6 2 4 0.1
8 4 4 0.1 0.1
7 1 6- 0.1 0.0
47 27 20 _ 0.6 0.7
ana I quo I -qdd �� 8.3 6.5
20 to 24 years
5,204
2,851
2,353
71.6
71.7
20 years
1,508
772
736
20.8
19.4
21 years -
-
1,640
835
805
men
22.6
i-7 0
21.0
ian
22 years
!-23 years
516
357
159
7.1
- -
9.0
24 years
245
172
73
3.4
4.3
25 to 29 years
546
370
176
7.5
9.3
25 years -
181
127
54
2.5
3.2
26 years
132
87
45
1.8
-- 2.2
27 years
78
52
26
1.1
1.3
28 years
81
58
23
1.1
1.5
29 years
74
46
28
1.0
1.2
30 to 34 years
192
114
78
2.6
2.9
r 30 years
60
34
26
0.8
0.9
31 years
37
27
10
0.5
0.7
32 years
39
23
16
0.5
0.6
33 years
34
18
16
0.5
0.5
34 years
22
12
10
0.3
0.3,
F35 to 39 years
86
37
49
1.2
0.9
1 of 6 09/07/2012
Age Number Percent
Both sexes Male -male Both-sexes Male
35 years __�e -- --
22 14 0.3 0.2
36 years 8
17 -7 10_ 0.2 0.2
37 years - I - - ---- i
41 years lu 1 7 8 0.2 0.2
---- 23 15 8 0.3 -0.4
42 years
---- 14 13 1 0.2 0,3
43 years
17 9 8 0.2
44 years -- --- --- 0.2
13 8 5
f
45 to 49 years --- 0.2 0.2
63 33
30
7-45 years
13 7 6
years
6 5-
years
8 4 4
48 years 4 0 li -
12 5 G.2
49 years - 1 , -
19 9 10 0.3 0.2
years
86 44 42 1.2
50 years
12 8 4 0.2 0 .2
-
18 - ----- 0.2- 0.2
52 years -- 8 9 0.2 0.2
19 8 11 0.3 0.2
54 years -- - I - =1
20 J 12 8 0.3
---- ---.--.-83 52 31 1.1 1.3
55 years
24 17
-- - - - - -- ---- 7._ -I 0.3 0.4
years ----
12 8 4 0.2 0.2
57 years -
5 16 8 8 0.2
8 years
17 11 6
--- ---- 0-
i 14 8 0.2 1
60 to 64 years
60 years 60 43 17 0.8 1.1
14 13 1 0.2 0.3
61-years - ----
14 8---- 0.2 0.2
62 years 10 4 6 0.1 0.1
L-63 --8 ---3 0.2
-64 years
.10 1 0.2 0.3
1_65 to 69 years --
29 17 12 0.4
6 y-ears--- -- ---_0.4
-- years - - - - - - 6 3 3 ---0.1 0.1
9 5 4 0.1 0.1
67 years
years 4 1 1 0.1 01
7 4 3 0.1 0.1
69 years -
2 1 1 0.0 1
70 to 74 years - --- --
70 years 26 8 18 ----0.4 0.2-.
[--771 year. 4 1 --- 3----- 0.1 0.0
72 years 5 3 - 2 0.1 0.1 -1
2 0 2 0.0 0.0
73 years -------
-5 11 1 4 0.1 0.0
74 years 10 3 7 ----
75 to 79 years 0.1 0.1
1.6 6 10 0.2
75 years 0.2
2
----j-iT 0.0 0.0
e years - --------
ff-ye-ars 2 0.0 0.0
7 2 0 2 0.0 0.0
8y�ars
3 1 2 0.0
79 years -- 0.0
6 3 3 0.1 0.1
I_80 to 84 years
L
-- 16 -------4 0.2 0.1
86 p6ars
F-8fy-ears 4 - 0 4 1__ 0.1 0.0
5 2 3
0.1 0.1
82 years
83 years 0 1 0.0 0.0
3 o 3 0.0 0.0
84 years
3 2
0.0 0.1
2 of 6
09/07/2012
1--'d8 -year.
39 years
if 40 to 44 years
.-
17
18
I I -
9
6
U
8
12
U.4
0.2
0.2
U.2 -1
0.2
--0.2
--1.3
40 years
82
52
30
1.1
41 years lu 1 7 8 0.2 0.2
---- 23 15 8 0.3 -0.4
42 years
---- 14 13 1 0.2 0,3
43 years
17 9 8 0.2
44 years -- --- --- 0.2
13 8 5
f
45 to 49 years --- 0.2 0.2
63 33
30
7-45 years
13 7 6
years
6 5-
years
8 4 4
48 years 4 0 li -
12 5 G.2
49 years - 1 , -
19 9 10 0.3 0.2
years
86 44 42 1.2
50 years
12 8 4 0.2 0 .2
-
18 - ----- 0.2- 0.2
52 years -- 8 9 0.2 0.2
19 8 11 0.3 0.2
54 years -- - I - =1
20 J 12 8 0.3
---- ---.--.-83 52 31 1.1 1.3
55 years
24 17
-- - - - - -- ---- 7._ -I 0.3 0.4
years ----
12 8 4 0.2 0.2
57 years -
5 16 8 8 0.2
8 years
17 11 6
--- ---- 0-
i 14 8 0.2 1
60 to 64 years
60 years 60 43 17 0.8 1.1
14 13 1 0.2 0.3
61-years - ----
14 8---- 0.2 0.2
62 years 10 4 6 0.1 0.1
L-63 --8 ---3 0.2
-64 years
.10 1 0.2 0.3
1_65 to 69 years --
29 17 12 0.4
6 y-ears--- -- ---_0.4
-- years - - - - - - 6 3 3 ---0.1 0.1
9 5 4 0.1 0.1
67 years
years 4 1 1 0.1 01
7 4 3 0.1 0.1
69 years -
2 1 1 0.0 1
70 to 74 years - --- --
70 years 26 8 18 ----0.4 0.2-.
[--771 year. 4 1 --- 3----- 0.1 0.0
72 years 5 3 - 2 0.1 0.1 -1
2 0 2 0.0 0.0
73 years -------
-5 11 1 4 0.1 0.0
74 years 10 3 7 ----
75 to 79 years 0.1 0.1
1.6 6 10 0.2
75 years 0.2
2
----j-iT 0.0 0.0
e years - --------
ff-ye-ars 2 0.0 0.0
7 2 0 2 0.0 0.0
8y�ars
3 1 2 0.0
79 years -- 0.0
6 3 3 0.1 0.1
I_80 to 84 years
L
-- 16 -------4 0.2 0.1
86 p6ars
F-8fy-ears 4 - 0 4 1__ 0.1 0.0
5 2 3
0.1 0.1
82 years
83 years 0 1 0.0 0.0
3 o 3 0.0 0.0
84 years
3 2
0.0 0.1
2 of 6
09/07/2012
Age
I
Number
Percent
85 to 89 years
Both sexes
Male
Female
Both sexes
Male
5 years----
11
1
10
0.2
----
0.0
86 years
0
0
T-o
0
0.0
0 0.0 0
87 years
88 years
2
2
0
0
2
2
2
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
89 years
5
1
--
---O-U
90 to 94 years
0.1
0.0
90 years
----
-�l
2
1
1
0
1
0.0
.0
0.0
years
-92 -years
0
--
I 0
0
0
---
0.0
j 0.0
0.0
0.0
---
0.0
93 years
yeam
95
1
0
0
1
0
0
0.0
0.0
----0::0:
0.0
-6-5 years
1
0.0
0.0
66 ears
------
0
0
0
o .0
.0
0�.O 0
97 years
. ........
0
0
0
0.0
0.0 i
8 years
- - ------- -
0
0.0
0.0
99 years
idFt(3 104 years
-165 o
-FT69 years
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
.0
16 years Cnd�,
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0.0
3 of 6
09/07/2012
Bureau U.S. Census
`:7i�,�'��,�•f1, tl t ��T,LNl1y. M -(!+{t (''''^�y1 y
1 ya-.ie i11de 1!
QT -H1 General Housing Characteristics: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection,
Geography: Census Tract 21, Johnson County, Iowa
nonsampling
error, and definitions,
see http: / /www, census .gov /prod /cen20l0 /doc /sf1 pdf.
_
rr
'
Subject
Number
Percent
_
OCCUPANCY STATUS
-
White alone householder
_Total housing units - -- _
790
100.0 -
Occupied housing units
755
35
95.6
4.4
_
rVacant housing units
;TENURE -
Asian alone householder
0
Occupied housing units
755
100.0
Owner occupied
20
2.6
Owned with a mortgage or loan
15
2,0
Owned free and clear
5
0.7
Renter occupied
735
97.4
VACANCY STATUS
Vacant housing units -
-
35
-
100.0
For rent-
15
42.9
_._ - . "- aanted,.noLoccupied.___. _
__ 2
_
-5-.7
For sale only
0
0.0
0.0
Sold, not occupied
0
0.0
_ _ _
C For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use
11
31.4
For migratory workers
_ - 0
- 0.0
Other vacant - -- - -- -- - -- -
- -- 7�-
20.0
TENURE BY HISPANIC OR LATINO ORIGIN OF
HOUSEHOLDER BY RACE OF HOUSEHOLDER
Occupied housing units
755 I
_
100.0
I Owner- occupied housing units
_
20
__
2.6
_
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
20 i
2.6
White alone householder
20
_
2.6
_
Black or African American alone householder
0
0.0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
,householder _
0
0.0
Asian alone householder
0
0.0
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
0
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
0
0.0
Two or More Races householder
-
0
0.0
Hispanic or Latino householder
0
0.0
r White alone householder
0
0.0
Black or African American alone householder
0
0.0
American Indian and Alaska Native alone
(householder
0
0.0
Asian alone householder
0
0.0
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone
householder
0
0.0
Some Other Race alone householder
0
0-0.
Two or More Races householder
0
0.6
Renter - occupied housing units
735
97.4
Not Hispanic or Latino householder
702
93.0
white alone nousenoloer 1 620 82.1
Black or African American alone householder 12 1.6
1 of 2 0910712012
Census Bureau
A M V R I CAN
nieffinder
QT-P2 Single Years of Age and Sex: 2010
2010 Census Summary File 1
NOTE: For information on confidentiality protection, nonsampling error, and definitions, see http://www.census.g-gvipro a/ce, n2010/cloc/sfl.pdf.
Geography: Census Tract 21, Johnson County, Iowa
Age
Number
Percent
-
Bothsexei Male
Both sexes Male
Total population (all ages)
3,784
1 1,798
1,986
100.0
100.0
Under 5 years
-Under
1 year
1
1
0
0.0
0.1
IL 1 year
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
2 years
-3 --years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
4 years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
5 to 9 years
0
0
0
0.0
5 years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0-1.
6 years
7
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
years
0.
0
0
1
years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
years
-9
-0-
0--
-
10 to 14 years
10 years
11 years
12 years
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0.0
T--
0.0
0.0
0.1
0.0
13
0
0
- - -- -
0
F 0.0
0.0
years
14 years
15 to 19 years
i 15 years
�
1,597
0
0
593
0
0
-
1,004
0
0.0
42.2
0.0
0.0
--33.0
0.0
years
1
1
0
-0-0
17 years
11
4
7
0.3
0.2
18 years
497
158
339
13.1
8.8
19 years
1,088
430
658 i
28.8
23.9
o
I 20-T years
1,795
967
828
47.4
53.8
20 years
745
389
356
19.7
21.6
21 years
534
269
265
14.1
15.0
22 years
333
189
144
8.8
10.5
23 years
131
86
-
45
3.5
4.8
24 years
25 to 29 years
52
34
18
1.4
1.9
-
-26-
120
75
45
3.2
4.2
ears
44
27
17 I
1.2
1.5
I years
28
14
14
0.7
0.8
27 years
17
12
-5--
0.4
0.7
F28 years
20
14
6
0.5
0.8
29 years
11
8
3
--
0.3
0.4
30 to 34 years
32
23
9
0.8
1.3
30 years
10
9
1 I
0.3
0.5
31 years
8
3
5
0.2
0.2
32 years
7
4
3
0.2
0.2
33 years
4
4
0
0.1
0.2
34 years
3
3
0 1
0.1
0.2
35 to 39 years
33
-27
6
0.9
1.5
1 of 6 09/07/2012
Age
Number
Percent
35 years
Both sexes
Male
Female
Both sexes
Male
i 36 yeari____
9
4
4
1
0.2
0.4
0.2
37 years
6
5
0
-
1
0.1
38 years
-years
6
----
4
2
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
36
F4_Ot. 4-4 y�a_r.
8
6
-
2
0.2
0.3
0.8
40 years
20
2
15
5
0.5
0.1
0.2
0.1
41 years
42 years
_
6
2
3
0
3
.2
0.3
5
5
0
0.1
------------ 7
............ .2
44 -years
5
4
1
O.1
J�f5 to _49years _
2
1
-
1
0.1
0.1
1.2
t - -
45
__30
21
9
0.8
years
2
2
0.1
years
iffie-ars
9
3
7
2
2
0.2
0.
48 years
6
4
1
0.1
0.1 1
49 years
8
6
2
2
0.2
23
14
--------
0.2
0.3
50 years
51 years
52 years
8
3
3
0.6
_1 0.8
0.4
ears
5
0
2
0
O� .0
54 years
55 to 59 years
3
22
3
2
0
GA
I`
55
16
6
.6
6
9
'9
years
6 5
;
56 -years
4 4
1
02
.
.2
3
G:3
0*. 21
__-,
i 57 years
5 3
0
�0. I
T"I
58 years
-9§7
3
2
0.1
0.2
earn
4 1 2
2
0-1
1 -0.1
_0_.I_T
14 7
7
0.1
60 years
4
0.4
0.4
61 years
62
2
1 1
2
0
0.1
0.0
0.1
0.1
years
64 years
2 0
3 1
2
2
I __O.I
0.1
------0.0
0.1
4 3
1
0.2
0.41
0. 6
0.2
6-5 to 6-9
I years
years
20
4 1 3
5 3
10
10
0. 1
0.5
0.1
0.2
0.1
years
L 68 years
5
5 3
2
4
2
0.1
0.1
--TO to 7-4 years_
-- -------
18 6
12
0.1
0.5
0.0
0.3
70 years
- - ------
2 0
2
2 1
2
0.1
0.0
71 years
72 years
___7Yyears
6
74 years
2
0.2
0.1
0.1
0.1
=OR
75TO_7_9 years _________
3_1
r
io
0.1
0.1
75 - years - -------- -
9
11
0.5
0.5
F j76�_ears______--
�Tyea years
4 1
6 3
3
3
0.1
0.0
0.2
0.1
Oi
years
0.2
--n- -
4
1
3
_0.1
0.1
years
_6d_t,� 84 years
g-6
5
15
3
5
2
10
0.1
0.4
0.2
:0::3:1
years
--------
years
1
1
0.0
0.0
82 years
4
6
2
---
0.1 -1
. 8j
-
-IL
1
0
5
.0.2
0.1
Y4 years
3
-
2
0.0
0 '0
0.1
0.1
2 of 6
09107/2012
Age
Number
Percent
r 85 to 89 years
Both sexes
Male
Female
Both sexes
Male
14
6
8
0.4
0.3
85 years i
1
0
1
0.0
86 years
2
2
-
0
0.1
87 years
6
2
4
0.2
0.1
88 years
2
0
2
0.1
0.0
89 years
--
3
2
1
0.1
0.1
90 to 9Tyears-
.. ....
7
2
5
0.2
0.1
60-
years
3
2
1
0.1
0.1
91 years
- 1
0
--
1
--
I
0.0
92 years
-- ---
1
1
1 0
1
--0.0
0.0
0.0
9�3 years
1
F-0
1
0.0
0.0
94 years
--
1
0
1
0.0
--
0.0
!j-5-to- qears
65 years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
0
0
0.0
66 years-
0
0
0.0
0.0
97 years
0
0
0
0.0
0.0
98 years
99 years
Of ----- ld 6164years
0
1
0
0
0
0
0.0
0.0 -,------O.o
0.0
0.0
106 to 109 years
0
1
0.0
0.0
110 years and over
0
0
0.0
-0.0
3 of 6 09/07/2012
Worktorce housing - Wikipedia, the tree encyclopedia . Fage 1 of 6
Workforce housing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Workforce housing is a term that is increasingly used by planners, government, and organizations
concerned with housing policy or advocacy. It is gaining cachet with realtors, developers and lenders.
Workforce housing can refer to any form of housing, including ownership of single or multi - family
homes, as well as occupation of rental units. V�rkfor_.rcce housing is generally understood to mean
affordable housin f households ome that is insufficient to secure quality housing in
reasonable nroximity to the workplace .
Contents
■ 1 Overview
■ 2 History
■ 3 A Critical Problem
■ 4 Study and Policy
■ 5 Legislation and Projects
■ 6 References
■ 7 External links
Overview
Consideration of workforce housing includes these four principal factors:111
Workforce
t � •1
The term "wkforce" is meant to connote those who are ¢sinfully employed, a group of people who are
nopally un�n target of affords le hn ,sin�nr_�ram : Workforce housing, then,
implies an altered or expanded understanding of affordable housing. Workforce housing is commonly
_DQuonnel. Some communities define "essential" more broadly to include service workers, as in the case
of resort communities where one finds high real estate costs and a high number of low- paying service
jobs essential to the local economy. Workforce housing may be targeted more generally at certain
income levels regardless of type of employment, with definitions ranging from 50% to 120% of Area
Median Income (AMI).
Affordability
Mortgage lenders typically impose a limit of 28% to 36% of household income allowable for principal,
interest, taxes and insurance (PITI). Pricing calculations aimed at renters, who represent approximately
one third of US households, define a desirable workforce housing cost as at or below 30% of household
income. Affordability is a function of the relationship between one's income and the housing costs of the
area, which leads to variation in the percentage of AMI that may be used to describe people who might
need workforce housing. [21
Proximity
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Workforce housing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia . Page 2 of 6
Most appropriately, "workforce housing" is located in or near em 1p oyme centers. The expanding
distanct betwee nlnvment and housing made affordable by the income it provides has
caused eo le to seek housmi on the periphery o sett a areas. s is cited as a con i utor to urban
s„ nrawl, typifie traffic con estion, leng y commutes, convenience stores and_ strip retail centers, and
the raid consumption of open space due to the building of new homes taking place at tie outer edges of
metropolitan areas where land is typically cheaper. While prevalent in US metropolitan areas, _
orce
housing iss = may arise anywhere that land—values or other restrictions on creation or availability of
quality affordable housing units re constrained by zoning, market forces orZhysical boundaries.
Quality and Supply
In recent decades, federal programs have focused on providing housing subsidy or vouchers, or building
and maintaining public housing projects for low income households. Housing affordability for all others
has been supported mainly through programs for home buyers, especially through mortgage financing.
Whether seeking to rent or to buy, in areas facing an identified shortage of workforce housing, such
units as can be found in close proximity to workplaces are often of poor quality. E31 New housing built
during the economic boom has included low numbers of affordable units, affordable units are often
means- tested to exclude all but the poorest residents, and the less expensive housmg tends to -be built``at
a distance where land is cheaper. Proximity to work often means a tradeoff in qua rty `b to- us n z stool€
a tradeoff between access
History _
and access to resources
ous or margiznm aangnbornooas is
as nsm home e ui. or 9�, ity 4 y ;.
The concept of workforce housing has its early roots in the ski towns of Telluride and Aspen, Colorado.
In 1974, in response to locals not being able to purchase homes due to the disparity between wages and
the cost of homes and land rising sharply due to buyers from New York and Hollywood, a conference
was organized at the Aspen Institute.E41 In Aspen a plan was developed to create a secondary and
separate "local worker" housing market which was based on local wages and affordability. One standard
tool invented to create affordably priced homes for local workers that would stay affordable for future
generations was a deed restriction, which in its most simple form states that to qualify for purchasing a
home the applicant must live in the community, not own another home in the community, must work
essentially full -time and must have lived in the community for a minimum period of time. Also, the
owner can only sell the home to someone that meets the same criteria. Later provisions added over the
years of "trial and error" include income restrictions to qualify, and cap rates on the amount of profit an
owner is allowed to make in order to guarantees that the home will remain affordable forever. Three per
cent per annum has been a justifiable number over the years.
The workforce housing problem seemed to be an anomaly in the ski resorts, made worse due to limited
land for development due to mountains and federally owned land, which made "sprawling" unrealistic.
Instead, it seems to have been a precursor, to the problems now facing vacation communities and
metropolitan areas all around the country and the world. In the early 2000s record low mortgage interest
rates spurred a nationwide surge in housing demand. Record housing construction and record housing
prices in many communities drove land costs higher. Construction materials and labor costs, propelled
by disastrous hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 that damaged or destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes in
Florida and on the Gulf Coast, amplified the problem to create a critical dilemma: in many communities,
average income households cannot afford a median-priced home.E53 For a while, the low interest rates
and availability of creative financing options bridged the gap between housing costs and income for
some households, enabling people to obtain mortgages that consumed more than 30% of their income or
http://en.wikipedia.org/wAd/Workforce—housing 8/13/2012
w oriuorce nousmg - w ixipeaia, the free encyciopeaia rage s of b
to use rising equity in their home to compensate for the affordability gap. The subprime mortgage crisis
and current economic downturn raise questions as to the ability financing tools and private developers to
effectively solve current or future affordable housing shortages.
Housing has played an important role in economic advancement and the growth of America's middle
class. Federal housing policy has at times in the past created programs to assist the population currently
targeted for workforce housing. For instance, after World War II the needs of returning veterans and the
baby boom led to the GI bill which included provisions for favorable mortgage terms and fueled
suburban development, creating affordable home ownership opportunities for a generation of
Americans. Public housing projects also provided rental housing to many urban families. In later
decades means - testing, white flight, and mismanagement would change the nature and perception of
public housing, but in mid - century America they were still providing quality, affordable hpti'sing to
thousands of working and middle -class families.
A Critical Problem a
Today there exists a a to fund workforce housin develo t. Federal programs through
HUD or state governments are geare towards low income programs designed for people tlaf make less
than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). One program is the Low - Income Housing Tax Credit which
mainly spurs development of rental properties. Workforce housing is designed for people that make 50%
to 120% of AMI —an income strata that is largely unserved and unaddressed by both Federal and State
programs aside from FHA loans. Affordable housing for the working and middle classes is largely left to
individual municipalities and counties to deal with.
Families that fall into this income category have found it difficult to purchase a home that is located in
t, h�ea _m which they work, and that is adequate for their needs. In response, manyTaamilies have taken
to ' vin�or affordability ", or ive till ou ualify" to own a decent home with quality schools and a
_low crime rate. T 's set of circumstances has caused average commuting time to expand. It often
n which creates an added financial burden as gas prices rise. This trend has
also cawed congestion and the need to enlarge the hiahway system at huge costs. This trend has fueled
homebuilding, but some municipalities have found it is difficult or impossible to generate enough new
revenue from development to sustain or expand the infrastructure needed for this type of growth, which
has come to be referred to as sprawl. Critics of suburbia describe a host of a6 costs stemming from
these settlement patterns characterized by single - family homes, residential and commercial districts
separated by zoning, and the lack of transportation alternatives to the personal vehicle in order to access
employment, recreation, services and education. Bowling Alone is one such cr�ti'au_e.
An alternative to commuting is to locate housing close to the workplace. This option can be limited by
price. An overall loss of affordable housing units to redevelopment and gentrification has contributed to
the shortage in most cities. Remaining urban housing options are often undesirable due to issues of
quality. Since the 1950s America's urban centers have suffered from pervasive social problems,
exacerbated by the loss of working and middle class households, creating concentrations of extreme
wealth and poverty. Urban redevelopment has enhanced the economic base of cities like with new office
buildings and entertainment venues, hotels and tourist areas, and upscale apartment buildings. But
without successful schools, safe playgrounds and neighborhoods, and other basic amenities, cities have
failed to compete with neighboring suburbs to attract and retain moderate income residents. Issues such
as crime, unstable property values, low quality rental stock, and high concentrations of poverty created
by low- income housing projects, further deter people from choosing to live near work.
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workrorce nousing - wixipeaia, the tree encyclopedia
Study and Policy
Page 4 of 6
Systems like original Aspen scheme have not proliferated. However, the issue of workforce housing
continues to affect non - metropolitan communities, particularly resort communities where one finds the
acute effects of the triple impact of high land values, land limited by geographic features (i.e. coastline
or mountains) and a prevalence of lower paying service- sector employment. Currently, the majority of
advocacy and policy activity is centered on metropolitan areas with housing costs higher than the
national average.
The term "workforce housing" is appearing in policy discussions at national and state levels. While
typically defined by local terms - area median income, fair market rent, and the employment base of the
particular region - without the ability fund initiatives or to create sufficient incentives or mandates, it is
difficult to have any impact on affordable housing. As with all affordable housing initiatives, local
governments may use existing tools like inclusionary zoning, upzonings, density bonuses to create
desired outcomes. Incentives may include waiver of fees like building permit fees, water and sewer fees.
Real estate transfer taxes and retail sales taxes may provide funding in states where local governments
have the power to raise revenue in this way. In Missouri, some examples of policy recommendations for
changes at the state level that might accelerate creation of workforce housing include bond issues to
fund projects, and mandated inclusion of workforce housing in the comprehensive plans required for the
state's largest municipalities. [61
Metrics to define and address the issue of workforce housing are evolving. Many organizations cite the
NLIHC report "gut.Qf.$e"c "t73 which includes �t� itians� to�llustrate the misrat h�between housing
anrl-incomes across- the country.- A- 20- 10- report from the - Washington, -D.C.- based - non- profit - Urban - Land -- - -
Institute entitled "Price ut" is one example of in -death stu v for a specific area. It provides an
overview of workforce housing issues in the Boston Metropolitan Region.E81 ULI concludes that the
Boston area is 25,000 units shy of the number needed to house the current workforce, and will face a
shortage of an additional 11,000 units by 2020. While this example is drawn from one of the most
acutely affected areas of the country, it illustrates the usefulness of defining the scope and scale of the
problem as a necessary precursor to solving it. The report also includes examples of some typical Boston
region families to illustrate that workforce applies to people who are typically perceived to be middle
class, such as assistant college professors and civil engineers. Many workforce housing advocates hope
that it may find broader support than previous affordable housing initiatives, because it is targeted
towards essential members of the community and towards people who are perceived to be hard - working,
good neighbors who will not negatively impact real estate values, and more deserving than those who
are truly poor.
The National Association of Realtors, the country's largest trade association for real. 0,§fate pr -6fessionals,
now offers a Workforce Housing Certification and support for related projects througfthe Irk Gribinw
Workforce Housing Grant.191
Legislation and Projects
In the r�jifQrnR_.;r Area affordable workfor .. hnu ins has been meted to retain teachers when it
was disc ^•��,,�,;ah housing cost,�.were a m in son fQr high barn ver. One developer received a
density bonus, i.e. the right to build more units than current zoning allowed, in exchange for providing
units geared towards people making 80 -120% ofAMI.1101 Sonoma County, CA is imposing impact fees
to fund workforce housing.1111
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w orxrorce nousmg - w iKipeaia, ine Tree encyciopeaia
rage of o
Florida has faced record growth for most of its history, including during the recent economic boom. The
Florida Housing Coalition has served for almost 20 years as one of the leading U.S. innovators in
housing advocacy and helped to create the Sadowski Affordable Housing act in 1990121 Thy e South
Florida Workforce Housing Initiative has compiled a comprehensive list of approaches to promote
workforce housing develon�, ranging from land banking and financing options, to z� oning
recdmmendation� ap�ncent,,�.[131
New Hampshire passed workforce housing legislation in 2008 [141 and plans for the first project to be
built under this legislation were approved in 2010.[1-']
In 2008 New York enacted the Long Island Workforce Housing Act which received support in part
because long -time residents are seeing their young adult children move away due to housing= 3'costs.[161
References = �:
1. ^ Haughey, Richard M. (2002), ULI Land Use Policy Forum Report: Challenges to Dev41oping- Workf6rce
Housing - -
( http: // www. uli. org/ ResearchAndPublications/Reports/ / media / Documents/ ResearchAhdPublications/Report:
20Housing /DevWorkforceHousing.ashx) Washington, D.C., Urban Land Institute.
2. ^ DeCrappeo, Megan et al. (2010) Out of Reach 2010 ( http : / /www.nlihc.org/oor /oor2O10/) NL1HC: National
Low Income Housing Coalition, Retrieved 2011- 01 -29.
3. ^ American Housing Survey (http: // www. huduser .org /portal /datasets /ahs.html) US Department of Housing
and Urban Development, Retrieved 2011- 01 -29.
4. ^ Aspen/Pitkin_ H_ ousing office'(http://www.aspenhousingoffice.com/)' Aspen Housing Authority, Retrieved
2011- 01 -30.
5. ^ Paycheck to Paycheck 2010 (http: / /www.nhc.org/chp /p2p/) National Housing Conference, Retrieved 2011-
01-30.
6. ^ Salsich, Peter et al. (2008) Affordable Workforce Housing - An Agenda for the Show Me State: A Report
From an Interactive Forum on Housing Issues in Missouri
( http: // www. workforcehousingstl. org/ pdf /Affordable_Workforce_Housing=
_An_ Agenda — for _ the_ Show_ Me_State.pdf) St. Louis University Public Law Review, Volume XXVII:45,
pp. 45 -78, Retrieved on 2011 -01 -30
7. ^ Paycheck to Paycheck 2010 (http: / /www.nhc.org/chp /p2p/) National Housing Conference, Retrieved 2011-
01-30.
8. ^ Patenaude, Pam et al. (20 10) Priced Out: Persistence of the Workforce Housing Gap in the Boston Metro
Area
( http: // www. uli .org /ResearchAndPublications/ / media / Documents/ ResearchAndPublications /Terwilliger/Rer
Urban Land Institute, Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing, Washington, D.C., Retrieved 2011- 01 -29.
9. ^ Housing Opportunity Program
(http: / /www.realtor.org/ government_ affairs/housing_opportunity /grants /irag ibingrants?
wt.mc_id= rd0021fin) National Association of Realtors, Retrieved 2011- 01 -28. .
10. ^ Bay Area Burden (http: // www .bayareaburden.org /workforce- housing - communities/) Urban Land Institute,
Terwilliger Center for Workforce Housing, Washington, D.C., Retrieved 2011- 01 -29.
11. ^ County of Sonoma Workforce Housing Program (http://www.sonoma -
county.org/prmd/housing/workforcefee:pdf) Sonoma County, CA, Retrieved 2011 -01 -29
12. ^ Florida housing Coalition ( http : / /www.flhousing.org /trust -fund- advocacy) Retrieved 2011 -01 -30
13. ^ South Florida Community Development Coalition ( http: // www .floridacdc.org /policy /workforce-
hsing.html) Affordable Housing Initiative, Retrieved 2011 -01 -28
14. ^ Senate Bill 342 -FN -Local (http: / /www.gencourt. state. nh. us /legislation/2008 /SBO342.html) The New
Hampshire General Court, Retrieved 2011 -01 -28
15. ^ O'Brien, Dan (February 10, 2010) "Hooksett Planning Board OKs Workforce Housing
Project" (http: // www .unionleader.com / article.aspx?
headline= Hooksett+planning+ board +OKs +workforce +housing +prof ect&articleId=4c9b3574-3e09-4a29-
9e33- 07e9a603f8d4) UnionLeader.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workforce—housing 8/13/2012
Workforce housing - Wikipedia, the tree encyclopedia . Page 6 of 6
16. ^ Sweeney Workforce Housing Act Now Law ( http : / /assembly.state.ny.us /mem/ /?
ad= 011 &sh = story&story- 28837) Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney, Retrieved 2011 -01 -29
External links
• U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (http: / /www.hud.gov)
• Nelson, Arthur C. et al., (February 2002) The Link Between Growth Management and Housing
Affordahility: The Academic Evidence
(http: / /www.brookings.edu/es/ urban /publications /growthmang.pdf) The Brookings Institution
Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy, Retrieved 2011- 01 -30.
Retrieved from " http : / /en.wikipedia.org /w /index.php ?title= Workforce_housing &oldid= 501494806"
Categories: Affordable housing I Regional planning
• This page was last modified on 10 July 2012 at 02:08.
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workforce—housing 8/13/2012
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Marian Karr 3f(20)
From:
Geoff Fruin
Sent:
Tuesday, September 11, 2012 3:58 PM
To:
'Nick Hassett'
Cc:
Marian Karr
Subject:
RE: Chicago to Omaha Rail Line
Nick,
I would be happy to speak with you regarding the City's position on the project. Please feel free to call at your
convenience.
Thank you,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant to the City Manager I City of Iowa City, IA
319.356.5013 Igeoff -fruin @iowa- city.org
From: Nick Hassett [ma i Ito: nickhas0 @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 3:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: Chicago to Omaha Rail Line
To whom it may concern,
My name is Nick Hassett, I am a reporter with the Daily Iowan. With the UISG proposing a resolution to
endorse the rail line between Chicago and Omaha (with a stop in Iowa City), the Daily Iowan would like to
know where the city of Iowa City stands on the issue. If the council would like to release a statement on the rail
line, please email me back at this address.
Sincerely,
Nick Hassett
Metro Reporter, Daily Iowan
Marian Karr
From: Adam Bentley
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 4:08 PM
To: 'Nick Hassett'; Council
Subject: RE: Chicago to Omaha Rail Line
Nick:
You can contact the City Manager's Office for a statement. Please call 319 - 356 -5010 at your earliest convenience.
Thank you,
Adam
From: Nick Hassett [mailto:nickhas0 @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2012 3:51 PM
To: Council
Subject: Chicago to Omaha Rail Line
To whom it may concern,
My name is Nick Hassett, I am a reporter with the Daily Iowan. With the UISG proposing a resolution to
endorse the rail line between Chicago and Omaha (with a stop in Iowa City), the Daily Iowan would like to
know where the city of Iowa City stands on the issue. If the council would like to release a statement on the rail
line, please email me back at this address.
Sincerely,
Nick Hassett
Metro Reporter, Daily Iowan
Marian Karr
From: leonardsandier @aol.com
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 9:31 AM
To: Council; Rick Fosse; Stefanie Bowers
Cc: LeonardSandler @aol.com; leonard- sandler @uiowa.edu
Subject: Cafes, Restaurants and Persons with Disabilities
Dear Mayor Hayek and Members of the City Council:
As you know, many adults and children who visit and dine downtown use mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers,
crutches because of mobility, balance and other impairments. The City of Iowa City has for many years been committed to
providing equal access to all residents and visitors, including persons with disabilities. I am writing to ask that you
continue that tradition by including specific conditions and requirements for cafes operated by a restaurant in Iowa City.
I recommend that any city policy, practice or regulation that governs street -, sidewalk -, or parking -space cafes include a
requirement that new cafes meet 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and that the restaurant itself, new or
existing, have three features onsite that will provide city residents, visitors and other customers with disabilities the same
access to restroom facilities as other diners. The three features include 1) a step -less or ramped entrance, 2) an
accessible path leading from the entrance to an accessible restroom, and 3) a restroom that is designed and built in
accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines or the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design. Most, if not all the ADA requirements are embodied in the local building code.
Patrons of restaurants expect to be able to access and utilize a restaurant's facilities to wash up, use the restroom
facilities, and perhaps change their baby's diapers. That holds true whether they dine indoors or at the restaurant's
outdoor cafe (although not when they buying food from a vending cart in the pedestrian mall or elsewhere downtown).
Customers with disabilities expect and deserve no less.
It is discriminatory to permit a restaurant's cafe to serve food and drink to the public if the cafe itself does not meet ADA
standards and if the restaurant's restroom facilities are not accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
Thank you for your consideration and action.
Sincerely yours,
/s/
Leonard A. Sandler
Iowa City, Iowa