HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-27 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org September 27, 2012
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
OCTOBER 2 WORK SESSION
IP2 Work Session Agenda
IP3 Copy of memo to City Manager from Asst. to the City Manager: Strategic Plan Status
Report
IP4 Memo from City Clerk: Electronic Distribution of Late Handouts
IP5 Pending Work Session Topics
MISCELLANEOUS
IP6 Copy of press release from Kinseth Hospitality Companies: Plans to Develop Dual- Branded
Hotel, Downtown Iowa City
IP7 Meeting Agenda and invitation: Riverfront Crossings & Downtown Iowa City
IP8 Email invitation from Parks & Recreation Dir.: Park Tour
IP9 Email invitation from Recycling Coordinator: Iowa Recycling and Solid Waste Management
Conference
IP10 Letter from Senator Grassley: Building Taft Floodwall (levee)
IP11 Civil Service Entrance Examination —Maintenance Worker II Streets
IP12 Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker II Wastewater Treatment
Plant
IP13 Copies of emails to Iowa City Community School District Board from Edwin Stone: Thanks
IP14 Copy of response from Public Works Dir. to Leonard Sandier: Persons with Disabilities
DRAFT MINUTES FROM CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS
IP15 Telecommunications Commission: August 27
09 -27 -12
NNEM �_ City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN � September 27, 2012
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Subject to change
Date
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
7:OOPM
Regular Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
7:OOPM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
7:OOPM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
7:OOPM
Special Formal Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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Tuesday, December 4, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
7:OOPM
Regular Formal Meeting
Emma J Harvat Hall
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J Harvat Hall
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
7:OOPM
Regular Formal Meeting
Emma J Harvat Hall
IP2
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 3S6 -S000
(319) 3S6 -SO09 FAX
www.lcgov.org
City Council Work Session Agenda
October 2, 2012
5:00 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall - City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
■ Questions from Council re Agenda Items
■ Strategic Plan update [IP # 3]
■ Distribution of electronic late hand -outs [IP # 4 ]
■ Information Packet Discussion [September 20, 27]
■ Council Time
■ Pending Work Session Topics [IP # 5]
■ Meeting Schedule /Upcoming Community Events /Council Invitations
CITY OF IOWA CITY
aIP3
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M E M 0 RA N D U M
Date: September 26, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager
Re: Strategic Plan Status Report
Included in this week's information packet is the October 2012 Strategic Plan Status Report.
The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with information on the strategic planning
process and the City's efforts to achieve the adopted goals. The document also contains an
update on the various major projects and activities that are included in the City's Capital
Improvement Program (see Appendix A).
Much of the document remains the same or substantially similar to the status reports that were
provided in February and June of 2012. In order to focus you attention within this lengthy report,
please take note of the bolded "Progress to Date" headings that are included with each
individual priority overview, as well as the information in Appendix A. These areas contain a
synopsis of the activity that has occurred from the time the previous status report was issued.
The remaining sections of the document provide context on the strategic planning process and
the intended plan of action for each stated priority.
Staff intends to present our progress to date on each priority during the Council's October 2nd,
2012 work session.
Background:
Iowa City contracted with the University of Iowa's Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) for facilitation services
to assist with development of the FY 2012 -13 Strategic Plan. The strategic planning process involved
multiple steps, including gathering input from the general public, front line City staff, department
directors and the City Council. The process was initiated in the spring of 2011 and was completed with
two City Council work sessions taking place on November 291h and December 5 1 of 2011. The strategic
planning process focused on the following:
1. Issues, Concerns, Trends and Opportunities
2. On -Going or Committed Projects
3. Significant and New Projects, Programs, Policies and Initiatives
4. Organizational Effectiveness
The FY 2012 -13 Strategic Plan is an outline illustrating the primary areas of focus in the current year.
Numerous additional projects, initiatives and policy matters that are not mentioned in this document
will be carried out or addressed throughout the year as appropriate. The priorities in the FY 2012 -13
Strategic Plan are intended to be fluid and may change over time as determined appropriate by the City
Council.
Established Priorities:
The FY 2012 -13 Strategic Plan established the prevailing organizational focus as the following:
1. Economic and Community Development
2. Development of the Downtown and Near Downtown Areas
3. Neighborhood Stabilization
4. A Strong and Sustainable Financial Foundation
5. Coordinated Communication and Customer Service Orientation
In addition to acknowledging numerous on -going or committed projects (See Appendix A), the City
Council identified the following new projects and initiatives that fall within the above - mentioned focus
areas:
• Actively work with the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) on a joint strategy to
maintain and build upon the success of schools in established neighborhoods while ensuring
new elementary schools are planned as integral and sustainable components of neighborhoods
(Neighborhood Stabilization)
1IPage
• Develop an economic development strategy for targeted commercial properties outside of the
previously noted downtown and near downtown districts
(Economic and Community Development)
• Conduct a comprehensive organizational assessment focusing on communication strategies and
the organizational customer service culture
(Coordinated Communication and Customer Service Orientation)
The City Council also discussed a number of topics related to organizational effectiveness. Many of
these issues will be fully examined through the above - mentioned organizational assessment. In addition,
the City Council has also directed staff to undertake a succession planning process and become more
strategic and engaged in working with State and Federal government representatives.
Status Report:
The City Manager's Office is coordinating various actions that contribute to successful outcomes in each
of the identified focus areas. This Status Report explains each of the following issue areas, names a
primary staff contact, defines the anticipated steps needed to achieve the desired outcomes, and
presents a timeline for completion of specifically outlined projects. The report also includes pertinent
activities or projects identified by staff that Council may wish to consider in future budget processes.
Lastly, the report contains a summary of the ongoing or committed projects that Council discussed at its
strategic planning work sessions. This summary includes project descriptions, status updates and
pending Council decision points.
21 Page
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FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: Economic and Community Development
Staff Contact: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community,
particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Action Plan:
The City Council has indicated a strong desire to promote private investment in established commercial
areas and strategic green -field sites that have previously been targeted for new development. The areas
that will be focused on in the coming year include, but are not limited to:
• Towncrest
• Sycamore Mall and First Avenue
• Highway 6 / Highway 1
• 420th Street Industrial Park
• Moss Office Park and Northgate
Each of these areas have different needs and varied market potentials. In the coming year staff will be
focusing on specific projects in each of these locations. Additionally, staff will be looking at more
generalized strategies that could help facilitate economic development investments throughout the
community.
Towncrest
This area has been the focus of planning efforts over the last several years. In the coming year, staff will
work to facilitate redevelopment of several key properties and also begin work on a streetscape project
that will improve the function and aesthetic appeal of the area. These initial projects are intended to
serve as a catalyst for future investment in this business corridor.
Sycamore Mall and First Avenue
With the pending departure of Von Maur in June of 2013, staff is actively working with the private
owners of the Sycamore Mall on a new strategy for the property. The loss of the anchor tenant presents
a great challenge, but also a unique opportunity to reinvent the commercial space. Staff is also
preparing for several significant capital projects in this retail corridor. These street improvement
projects will aim to improve traffic flow in this often congested region.
Highway 6/ Highway 1
This area remains a viable commercial corridor, in large part because of the high traffic counts. One of
the primary efforts that staff will be focusing in the coming months is a plan for the City -owned Public
71 Page
Works and Transit property. As the City transitions its municipal operations to the S. Gilbert Street
location, new prime development space will become marketable. Staff is currently working on
environmental reviews and is planning to prepare a draft RFP for the property in 2012 -13. The City still
has operations on the site, and as a result any development will likely need to be phased in until such
time that all operations can be relocated. During the budget preparation process for FY 2014, staff will
be looking at options to expedite the transfer of all operations to the S. Gilbert Street campus.
420th Street Industrial Park
The City has invested considerable money in infrastructure development and recently achieved a shovel
ready status designation for prospective industrial enterprises. In the coming year, the public capital
projects should be substantially completed. ICAD and City staff continues to receive inquiries about the
property. It is expected that interest will continue to grow as the economy rebounds and capital projects
are completed. As inquiries about the property increase, staff will be assisting ICAD with the necessary
evaluations.
Moss Office Park and Northgate
The Moss Office Park area is one with great potential due to its location off of 1 -80. However, there are
significant infrastructure improvements that are necessary to accommodate the planned growth. Staff is
actively working with Pearson and the Moss Office Park owners on potential access arrangements that
could allow for a phased development approach to this property. The Northgate corporate park is
continuing to experience build out.
In addition to the more location specific actions listed above, staff will be focusing on broader polices
and projects that can influence economic development throughout the community. Examples of such
efforts will include:
• Closer collaboration with ICAD, including helping to launch their planned co- working project in
Iowa City
• Investigation of additional co- working projects with private or non - profit entities
• Review of CDBG programs and policies that facilitate economic development activity
• Continued analysis of zoning classifications and provisions, as well as other policies that may be
unnecessarily restricting specific development projects
• Analysis of potential future capital investments that could facilitate private investment
• Streamlining of the internal economic development and business operation processes within the
City
• Investigating the cost /benefit of a retail analysis and recruitment consultant
Creating a healthy economic development environment through appropriate land use policies, incentive
programs, stakeholder relationships and strategic capital investments is a continuing priority for City
staff. Focus on these broader economic development issues will help maximize the private investment
that results from the more targeted strategies in the specific areas that Council has identified with this
goal.
81 Page
Progress to Date:
In 2011 the Council adopted a new set of economic development policies that are helping to guide
decisions pertaining to public incentives. These policies are serving as a valuable standard for staff and
elected officials. Staff will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies and recommend any
changes as necessary in the future. Staff is also evaluating the cost and benefits associated with a retail
recruitment consultant. Many cities contract for such services in an effort to boost regional and national
exposure of local commercial properties. This evaluation is ongoing and will be reviewed with Council at
a future date.
Towncrest
The spring of 2012 witnessed the completion of the free medical clinic building facade project. This
project illustrates the type of redevelopment that can be expected in the district. Additionally, staff
finalized the acquisition of the Kerr -McGee property on First Avenue and Muscatine. Staff intends to
market this property for redevelopment beginning in the fall of 2012.
Council approved a redevelopment agreement with Hodge on a new medical office building at the
corner of Williams and Muscatine. The site plan for the property is currently being reviewed. In
conjunction with this project, staff is also developing a streetscape project for Williams Street, between
Muscatine and Towncrest Drive.
Finally, staff continues to meet with prospective developers evaluating projects in the Towncrest area.
As the above - mentioned projects begin to take shape, staff expects that development interest in the
area will continue to grow.
Sycamore Mall and First Avenue
Staff continues to have regular discussions with the Sycamore Mall ownership team and the General
Manager. The mall is working on plans for physical improvements to the property and staff expects to
receive a formal plan in 2012. At the request of the mall, the City staff completed landscaping
improvements to the area between Highway 6 and the Sycamore Mall. These improvements enhanced
the visibility and provide for a more aesthetically welcoming appearance to the property. Other areas of
focus for the mall management team appear to be improvements to the property signage, an interior
common space remodel, outlet development, and additional special events on the property. Earlier in
2012 the City Council approved a CDBG small business loan for Title Boxing, which will open in October
at a previously vacant tenant space inside the mall.
Staff is also coordinating four significant capital projects in the area that are expected to last two or
more constructions seasons. Those include improvements to Sycamore and Lower Muscatine roads, as
well as the grade separation project on First Avenue and the State of Iowa's repaving of Highway 6.
These projects, which are all underway in different phases, will each have a positive impact on the traffic
flows and aesthetics in this commercial district.
Highway 6/ Highway 1
Much of staffs focus on this corridor has been on the publicly owned land located at the southeast
corner of Highway 6 and Riverside Drive. A phase one environmental study has been completed and a
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phase two study is in- progress. Once the extent of any environmental concerns is known, the City will
initiate remediation actions or will issue an RFP for potential development. The site still houses various
municipal operations and staff is exploring options for expediting relocation plans for those
departments. In the fall of 2012 the Council approved a contract to relocate the fueling pumps from that
site. Staff is currently investigating grant programs and other financial mechanisms that may be
necessary in order to assist with relocation. The eventual private development may likely need to be
phased, depending on the timing of such relocations.
The State of Iowa is commencing work that will repave and improve portions of Highway 6 through Iowa
City. Additionally, the City has commenced work on a large sidewalk installation along portions of
Highway 6.
Moss Office Park and Northgate
Staff continues to work with the developers of the Moss Office Park as they push forward with
developing their real estate along the 1 -80 / Dodge Street interchange. Access to the property remains
the most critical issue, as the cost of connecting Oakdale Boulevard from the west is too prohibitive at
this time. As a result, the City has been working toward a solution with the development team and
Pearson, which owns the majority of land where a new road will need to be placed. Staff is coordinating
such improvements with the Iowa Department of Transportation due to the projected impact on
Highway 1. The Planning and Zoning Commission conditionally approved the rezoning for phase one of
the Moss Office Park. The City Council will be considering similar action in October of 2012.
Staff continues to work with the Northgate property owners and ICAD on attracting new business to the
Northgate business park. There remains interest in the developable property and staff is optimistic that
some new projects will commence in coming year. Also in Northgate the Council recently approved use
of Midwestern Disaster Area Revenue Bonds for an Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center facility. That
project is currently under construction.
420th Street Industrial Park
In May of 2012, the City Council approved a bid award for the rail spur project in the Industrial Park. This
project, which was funded in part by a State grant, will help increase the marketability of this property.
Also in that same month, the Council received the official shovel ready designation for this property
from the State of Iowa. This designation will help elevate the marketability of the property and will
increase its exposure to companies working with State economic development officials. Both City staff
and ICAD representatives continue to market the property and respond to inquiries from businesses and
site location consultants.
Other Location Specific Projects
The City is actively working to enhance the marketability of the Downtown and Riverfront Crossings
areas. These efforts are detailed in the Downtown strategic plan objective that follows.
Additionally, the City Council partnered with the State on an incentive package to assist with the
expansion of ALPLA, a global bottling company that has a growing operation in Iowa City. The City
should receive confirmation in the coming months as to whether ALPLA will make that investment in its
Iowa City plant.
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The City Council recently approved significant expansion of the Oaknoll property on West Benton Street.
This project will allow for expanded senior housing and care facilities, which has been identified as a
growing need and an area where there is considerable growth potential. Construction will begin in 2012
and will be completed over several years.
In 2012 the City agreed to vacate right -of -way to the University of Iowa. This vacation will facilitate a
parking lot development that will allow for a substantial investment in the medical campus, including a
new tower that will serve as the Children's Hospital. This campus expansion will have a significant
economic impact on the local economy.
On a smaller scale, the City funded three small business startups through the CDBG micro - enterprise
program. Those projects include the Title Boxing, Trumpet Blossom Cafe and Molly's Cupcakes. The City
also used discretionary economic development funds to seed the Busy Co- Working startup, which is now
open in downtown Iowa City. The City is hoping that this venture will expose entrepreneurs to business
resources and contacts needed to grow their ideas in the Iowa City community. It is the City's
understanding that Busy Co- working is currently considering an expansion of their space to meet the
growing demand of their clients. Discretionary economic development funds were also used to help
develop and implement a modified business model for the Prairie Lights bookstore.
Other Economic Development Efforts
In addition to location specific investments, staff is working on various other initiatives aimed at
assisting economic development efforts and streamlining other processes impacting businesses in the
community. In April, the Council adopted code changes pertaining to the redevelopment of non-
conforming properties. These changes will make it less onerous to redevelop or improve such sites in
the community. Staff has identified further refinements needed in this code section and will propose
further changes in the fall and winter of 2012.
The Council also broadened sidewalk cafe standards and gave staff the administrative authority to
approve such uses. This will allow for a turnaround period in a matter of days as opposed to a couple of
weeks. Additionally, many of the standards governing cafes were shifted to administrative regulations
governed by resolution. This will allow staff to be more responsive when responding to business
requests related to cafes in the future.
City staff has initiated a review of the City's commercial zoning classifications. In conducting this review
staff has invited several members of the business community to the table for their insight and input. The
committee began meeting in September of 2012. Changes stemming from this review will be presented
to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Council at a later date.
In an effort to better accommodate the business community, staff has initiated a pilot program focusing
on our development intake process. One criticism of the City has been that it is too time consuming to
coordinate discussions with all the departments and that some issues or additional legislative
requirements are not identified upfront, thus leading to the expenditure of additional time and money
and delays in the project approval process. In order to mitigate these occurrences, staff is piloting a 'one
stop shop' approach to our intake. A cross - departmental team is now available to meet with prospective
developers each week. During these meetings all impacted departments are available to provide initial
comments, raise red flags, and make suggestions. At these meetings, staff can also spell out the
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legislative timeline and expected fees. The initial feedback on this approach has been very positive and
thus staff will continue to refine this process in the coming year.
The City Council adopted a buy local policy in April of 2012. This policy will encourage more local
business and will foster greater business relationships with those entities in Johnson County. Along with
this policy change, the new procurement regulations simplified the business climate for vendors and
service providers interested in doing business with the City.
With the completion of the fourth fire station, the Fire Department initiated the process for updating
the City's Insurance Services Office (ISO) fire protection rating of Class 3. This review took place in May
and the City was notified that effective November 1, 2012 the City's rating would change to a Class 2.
With this change, Iowa City will become only the second community in Iowa to achieve a Class 2 or
better designation. Furthermore, the designation places Iowa City among the top 5% of communities
nationwide. The higher level of service may positively impact property insurance rates of large industrial
users. The high level of service is certainly a selling point for future economic development purposes.
An improvement in the ISO rating to a Class 2 is being realized at the same time as the City's property
tax rate dropped $.57 per $1,000 of taxable value. This property tax reduction for FY 2012 -13 was the
largest among the Iowa Metro Coalition cities. Staff will continue to explore ways to further reduce the
City's tax rate, while maintaining high standards for our public services in the coming years.
Lastly, in August of 2012 the Iowa City Police Department held a liquor license open house event for
businesses. The event intended to bolster communication between the ICPD and liquor license
establishments. At the meeting the ICPD answered questions on current laws, enforcement practices
and other topics. The department also offered a variety of training opportunities that businesses can
utilize in order to better prepare their staff for alcohol sales. The department hopes to build upon the
success of this meeting by hosting similar meetings in the future.
Future Budget Considerations:
A number of the programs and investment decisions that staff will be analyzing will require budgetary
support. At this time there are no specific recommendations that will require a budget adjustment or
future allocation of funds. Any future recommendations that have a budgetary impact will be detailed in
specific action items or in the FY 2013 -14 budget proposal to Council.
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FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: Development of the Downtown and Near Downtown Areas
Staff Contact: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development
Goal: It is the City's goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown
areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding
neighborhoods and University community.
Action Plan:
Staff will be focusing on three distinct geographic areas including Downtown Iowa City, the Northside
Marketplace and Riverfront Crossings. Each of these areas requires individual, yet coordinated,
development strategies. In the coming year staff will work to build on the policies and projects that the
City has recently undertaken in a manner that will leverage further private investment in these core
central areas of the community.
Downtown Iowa City
The successful formation of the Iowa City Downtown District (ICDD) presents a unique opportunity to
bring together property owners, businesses, the University of Iowa and Iowa City. With a better
coordinated vision and additional resources from all stakeholders, there will be opportunities to achieve
the desired progress. City staff will remain integrally involved with the ICDD and will offer needed
support throughout this first year and beyond. In conjunction with the ICDD, the City will be actively
looking for ways to build upon the success of special events that successfully bring visitors to the
Downtown. Festivals and other special events are a critical component to the success of the area and
there needs to be a continual effort to improve and expand the scope of such activities.
In 2007 and 2011, the City partnered on two separate market analyses related to Downtown Iowa City.
The Marketek and Divaris studies both highlighted the market potential for the area. It is now
incumbent upon staff, in partnership with our stakeholders, to pursue policies and projects that will help
more fully realize the potential of the central business district.
Staff is planning two significant capital projects that will directly impact the Downtown region. The
conversion of Washington Street from one -way to two -way traffic will improve vehicular and pedestrian
traffic flow and advance the marketability of this important retail corridor. The downtown maintenance
project will improve the physical condition of the infrastructure and streetscape. Staff will be working
closely with the ICDD to prioritize potential projects with an eye toward making the area more attractive
and inviting for patrons. Additionally, staff will evaluate other potential public improvement projects for
the region that may be included in future budget proposals to the City Council.
There are a number of existing projects that are in various stages of development that will have a
positive impact on downtown. The University's announcement of the Voxman -Clapp building location at
the corner of Clinton and Burlington is tremendously positive news for the downtown. That project will
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require careful coordination between the City and University on infrastructure improvements and traffic
management. Staff is actively marketing the 'John Wilson building' property on the eastern edge of the
Downtown (College and Gilbert). This property has great potential to attract significant private
investment and add to the vibrancy of the entire district. ICAD's effort to establish a co- working space in
Downtown as well as the ongoing renovation of the former Vito's space will help to infuse new activity
in the coming year. The recent fire at the Bruegger's and Van Patten House properties also presents
unique redevelopment opportunities. Staff will be working to assist in the successful completion of
these projects, as well as several other potential downtown projects that are currently being
contemplated by various property owners and developers.
Lastly, staff will be investigating ways to facilitate new private investment in the area. Among the items
that staff will be looking at include land use policies and regulations, as well as potential new grant
and /or loan programs to assist in the rehabilitation of exterior and /or interior spaces of existing
buildings. Such programs would aim to increase the marketability of properties and also increase the
amount of usable space within the district's existing building stock.
Riverfront Crossings
The Riverfront Crossing area, located immediately south of Downtown, is intended to serve as a
pedestrian orientated mixed -use neighborhood. Extensive planning for this area has been undertaken.
Staff is working with consultants on the master plan and zoning code changes that will be necessary to
achieve the established vision for that area. Such changes will be presented to the Council in the coming
months. Earlier this year, Council created a new Urban Renewal Area for the Riverside Drive area, which
anchors the western edge of the district. Staff also expects to recommend that Council expand the City /
University urban renewal area south to encompass a greater portion of the Riverfront Crossings area.
Several critical capital projects are currently underway or are being planned in the Riverfront Crossing
area. A new parking structure, as well as the decommissioning of the north wastewater plant will both
help facilitate future private investment in the region. Additionally, staff continues to advocate for a
passenger rail connection to Chicago with an eventual station location in the Riverfront Crossings area.
Establishing rail service would be an incredible boost to the community and would directly impact the
short and long -term marketability of the Riverfront Crossings area.
In the coming year staff will focus on finishing the planning, regulatory and financial incentive policies as
well as commencing work on the initial capital projects. These actions will help lay the groundwork for
future private investment. Additionally, staff will focus on private projects already in some stage of
development, such as the Hampton Inn Riverside Drive hotel project. Evaluation of future public capital
projects that could help speed the development of the area will be considered with the FY 2013 -14
budget submittal to Council.
Northside Marketplace
This area recently benefited from streetscape improvements that advanced the aesthetics and improved
pedestrian and bicycle accommodations. This area will be included in many of the staff analyses that are
described in the neighborhood stabilization goal. Similarly, the efforts to investigate ways to facilitate
new private investment that were described in the Downtown section of this goal will be broad enough
to encompass the Northside Marketplace. Other potential public investments will be considered for the
FY 2013 -14 budget.
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Progress to Date:
Downtown and Northside Marketplace
Staff has been actively working with the ICDD staff, board and various subcommittees. Examples of such
topics being discussed include parking policies, taxi stands, sign regulations, public safety and general
maintenance practices. The City and the ICDD have already or are in the process of entering into
agreements that will facilitate public art projects, exclusive advertising opportunities, and expanded
sidewalk and City Plaza cleaning. Staff expects that further collaboration with the district will lead to
additional policy and /or project recommendations that will be forwarded to Council as appropriate.
Of particular note, the ICDD board and staff have agreed that it would be prudent for the City to
contract with an urban design team before making a several hundred thousand dollar budgeted
investment in maintenance projects in the Central Business District. The design team will be charged
with reviewing the 1998 streetscape plan and suggest modernizations that will meet the changing needs
of patrons and also more definitely tie the downtown to the Northside Marketplace, Riverfront
Crossings and the University properties. Staff and the ICDD are currently discussing the appropriate
steps to take for this initiative. It is expected that a consultant will be selected over the winter months.
The ICDD has initiated their first special event / public art project, called BenchMarks. This project
involves the painting of over 100 public benches in the Central Business District. The pilot program was
completed in May and additional benches will be painted throughout the year in conjunction with
festivals and other public gatherings. The program is expected to continue in subsequent years. 2012
also ushered in the inaugural One Book Two Book festival, which was very successful and showed great
promise as an annual event showcasing the library and Downtown Iowa City. Lastly, the ICDD and the
City worked to facilitate the very successful Asics Fan Fest that welcomed thousands of wrestling fans
from across the country in conjunction with the Olympic Wrestling Trials.
Earlier this year, the City completed the Washington Street two -way conversion project. The public has
responded very well to this project and there has been no significant challenges post conversion. The
Council also approved new transit routes in the summer of 2012 that are intended to help minimize
behavioral problems that have occurred in past years after large numbers of teenagers were gathering
at the bus exchange in downtown.
Additionally, Council approved new sidewalk cafe standards including allowing for administrative
approvals to expedite business operations. An ordinance change allowing for greater density in
exchange for Class A office space was also approved by Council. This zoning change helped facilitate the
"Park at 201" development that is currently under construction on the pedestrian mall.
There are several individual projects that are at different phases at the current time. Staff is working to
make certain that the following projects remain active:
• Rehabilitation of the former Vito's building continues and a new office tenant has been secured
for the second story space and will be occupying that space in the fall of 2012. A portion of the
ground floor level will be occupied by Film Scene. Staff is optimistic that a first floor retail tenant
will be announced in the coming months.
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• The Park at 201 is the name of the new fourteen story high rise building at the former Wells
Fargo site, which was approved by Council in 2012. Work has commenced on the site and
construction is expected to be completed in late 2013.
• Construction was completed on the mixed -use building in the 500 block of E. Washington. The
residential component is occupied while the retail space is being marketed by the owner.
• Numerous small business investments have been made in the past few months including:
• Busy Co- Working (potential plan for expansion in the near future)
• Trumpet Blossom Cafe
• Molly's Cupcakes
• Prairie Lights
• Council has authorized funding for the ICAD Co -Lab and staff is working with the ICAD board to
finalize the location and business plan for this venture.
• Staff expects to receive several proposals related to the 'John Wilson building' RFP (College and
Gilbert), which will be reviewed by a committee of staff and Council members. It is expected
that a project proposal will be forwarded to Council in late 2012 or early 2013.
• Staff is actively working with the owners of the two downtown properties that were damaged
by a fire last fall. The Bruegger's corporation has obtained the necessary permits for their new
building on Iowa Avenue.
• Staff assisted with a rezoning application and associated special exception for the property that
housed the former Sabin School facility. The rezoning will facilitate a banking facility and
indirectly the University's Voxman -Clapp School of Music project.
Riverfront Crossings
Riverfront Crossings is in its early planning stages, however a number of significant happenings are
occurring in 2012. The City Council recently approved an expansion of the south waste water plant,
which will eventually lead to the decommissioning of north plant. This will free up valuable public space
that will serve as an anchor for the district. The final master planning documents for the region are
being finalized in 2012. The adopted plan will serve as a blueprint for public and private investments in
the district.
In 2012, the City Council approved a new Urban Renewal Area on the western edge of the district
covering the Riverside Drive area, immediately west of the river. This financial incentive tool could be
used to spur redevelopment through private incentives or strategic investments in public infrastructure.
Construction has commenced on the new Hampton Inn hotel in this area. This significant private
development is expected to help generate demand for new or expanded uses in this corridor.
Staff has prepared an expansion of the City / University Urban Renewal Area to cover the Riverfront
crossing district. Council will be considering this amendment in the fall of 2012. Also expected is a new
form based zoning code that will help guide the desired mixed use development in the region.
Finally, City staff continues to work through development issues related to several large -scale
developments in the Riverfront Crossing district. Included in this mix is the County Justice Center,
University Voxman -Clapp project, Hieronymus Square property and Midwest One property. With these
projects in mind staff is evaluating various options for a sixth parking facility that will eventually be
needed in this general region of the community.
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Future Budget Considerations:
Staff is preparing a proposal for a facade and building improvement program. Such a program would aim
to enhance the appearance of the private building stock and also help property owners overcome
financial hurdles that are preventing a greater use of their buildings. In many cases these may be
compliance issues with existing codes, such as requirements for elevators, sprinkler systems or other
mechanical improvements. The proposal will be vetted with the ICDD and proposed to Council with the
FY 2013 -14 budget submission.
Staff will also be evaluating various public improvement projects for the Downtown and Riverfront
Crossings area. Specific public improvement projects will be included with the staffs budget submission
to Council.
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FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: Neighborhood Stabilization
Staff Contact: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning and Community Development
Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a
manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character
while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Action Plan:
The Council has indicated a strong desire to stabilize the neighborhoods surrounding the city core. An
effective stabilization strategy requires a review and analysis of the City's policies, programs,
communications and capital investment decisions that directly shape and influence a neighborhood's
character and livelihood. Such a strategy should recognize the importance of maintaining a
neighborhood's character while also creating an environment that facilitates complementary
development opportunities.
In the coming year staff will focus on the central planning district neighborhoods, however many aspects
of the neighborhood stabilization review will have implications throughout the community. In order to
achieve Council's goal, staff will be focusing on the elements illustrated by the following radial diagram
that influence strong neighborhoods:
Land Use
Regulations
Updated Public
Planning Infrastructure
Documents and Open Space
Neighborhood
Stabilization
Open
Stakeholder 1 T Private Building
Communication Stock
Nuisance
Mitigation
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Land Use Regulations
Land use policies directly influence the manner in which neighborhoods develop. Therefore it is
critical that staff analyze the policies and code provisions that govern land use in the
neighborhoods that Council seeks to stabilize. Throughout the year staff will be reviewing
various aspects of land use regulations, including but not limited to:
• Appropriate densities provided by zoning classifications
• Permitted uses within the zoning classifications
• Permitted number of unrelated habitants per unit
• Permitted number /mix of bedrooms per unit /structure
• Parking requirements
• Open space requirements
• Appropriateness of additional historic or conservation districts
• Potential density bonuses for desirable development characteristics and /or targeted
locations
• Land assembly and subdivision policies
• Demolition permit requirements
• Security plan requirements
Public Infrastructure and Open Space
Public infrastructure and open space plays a critical role in neighborhoods. Well maintained and
appropriately planned infrastructure and open space can directly influence a neighborhood's
character and can further attract private investment that sustains neighborhoods over the long-
term. Over the next year staff will be evaluating the adequacy of planned public investments in
the following areas:
• Street maintenance (including concrete and brick)
• Utilities
• Sidewalks
• Alleys
• Signage and pavement markings
• Traffic calming provisions
• Street trees and plantings
• Parkland amenities
• Recreational trails
Private Building Stock
Facilitating private investment in the existing building stock can reinvigorate neighborhoods
while reducing undesirable redevelopment pressures or the spread of blighted conditions. The
city has several programs that aim to encourage investment in the residential building stock of
neighborhoods. Those include:
• UniverCity
• General Rehabilitation Improvement Program (GRIP)
• Housing Authority down payment assistance program
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Staff will be evaluating the effectiveness of these programs, as well as their funding levels to
ensure they are having the intended impact in the core neighborhoods. In addition, staff will be
researching other programs that aim to accomplish increased investment in the private building
stock, including residential improvement districts and single - family infill programs.
Nuisance Mitigation
Stable neighborhoods benefit from actions that effectively reduce or eliminate habitual sources
of nuisances and quickly address incidents creating sporadic nuisances. Effective nuisance
mitigation strategies can improve the livability of neighborhoods and remove barriers to desired
private investment. In reviewing our nuisance mitigation strategy in the core neighborhoods
staff will consider the following:
• Policies or programs that reduce the number of non - conforming uses and rooming
houses
Amortization of non - conforming uses
Nuisance ordinances that can trigger the loss of non - conforming status
Creation of a City "non- conforming use buyout program' to strategically reduce
such uses in critical areas of neighborhoods
• Requirement that duplexes are 'leased as licensed'
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of the rental permit sanction provision of the code
• Review of Police Department policies on enforcement of disorderly house and other
criminal laws in neighborhoods
• Review of the existing trash, debris and litter ordinance
• Review trash receptacle standards (residential container storage and commercial
dumpsters)
• Active participation on the Partnership for Alcohol Safety (PAS) taskforce
• Exploration of further potential collaboration with the University of Iowa
Open Stakeholder Communication
Any effective neighborhood stabilization strategy must include open dialogue and exchanges of
ideas with stakeholder groups. Staff believes it will be essential to involve both neighborhood
representatives and members of the development community in future neighborhood
stabilization discussions. Additionally, it may be appropriate to conduct more comprehensive
stakeholder surveys.
Similarly, staff will be evaluating mechanisms that can more effectively solicit stakeholder
feedback on a continual basis. This includes evaluation of the optional "Good Neighbor Policy ",
as well enhanced electronic communication channels through website improvements and /or
smartphone applications.
Neighborhood schools also have a role in neighborhood stabilization efforts. Thus
communicating and actively working with the ICCSD will be an important part of the overall
stabilization strategy. Staff will be seeking to establish two -way communication mechanisms
with the ICCSD that promote increased coordination in school and neighborhood planning.
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Finally, the City needs to make sure that it reaches out to the University, which has a keen
interest in making sure that neighborhoods adequately support students, faculty and staff.
Strong neighborhoods and well - planned communities can be strong assets for the University
and support its efforts to recruit a high - quality student body and workforce to the area.
Updated Planning Documents
Ultimately, the success of neighborhoods also depends on well- conceived planning documents
that guide staff and elected officials in future decisions. To this end, staff has initiated processes
that will seek public input on the City's Comprehensive Plan. Furthermore, staff is reviewing
neighborhood scale plans in other communities that may be appropriate to initiate in select
Iowa City neighborhoods.
Progress to Date:
Land Use Regulations
In April and May of 2012, the City Council passed three significant zoning changes that aimed to more
effectively regulate multi - family developments particularly around the off - campus housing areas. Those
three ordinances included:
• Amending the definition of a household to include no more than three unrelated persons in all
zoning classifications
• Creating a graduated density formula for the development of one, two and three bedroom
apartments in select zoning classifications
• Increasing the parking requirement for three bedroom units in a newly defined University
Impact Area
These changes will have a profound impact on future development, most notably in those areas close to
downtown and the university campus where a diversity of housing stock is desired to achieve vibrant
neighborhoods.
Staff is currently finalizing a proposed ordinance that would allow for multi - family density bonuses or a
private dormitory concept in select areas of the community. These areas would be walkable to campus,
yet isolated from more traditional neighborhoods. It is staff's hope that these areas will relieve pressure
from the core neighborhoods and simultaneously provide a safer and more attractive living environment
for students. After internal reviews are complete, staff will seek input from the development community
before sending the ordinance through the Planning and Zoning Commission.
It is expected that Council will be presented with two additional historic district proposals in 2012 -13.
Those districts include properties along Melrose Avenue and Jefferson Street and are currently being
reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. At Council's request, staff has initiated a
comprehensive plan amendment for properties on North Governor Street. This comes after a
redevelopment proposal for that property was rejected after neighborhood concerns were raised.
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Upon finalizing the private dormitory ordinance, staff will focus on other potential land use regulations
including open space requirements, subdivision / assembly regulations and other potential changes that
will help stabilize neighborhoods.
Public Infrastructure and Open Space
Most of staffs efforts in this area will be focused in the development of the Capital Improvements
Program budget for FY 2014. When developing recommendations, staff will focus on capital
improvements that enhance and strengthen our neighborhoods. Examples of recently completed or
scheduled projects that accomplish this objective include:
• North Market Square Park rehabilitation
• Reno Street Park and Fairmeadows Park improvements
• Park View Terrace landscaping enhancements
• Miller- Orchard neighborhood sidewalk installation
• Court Street traffic calming
• Grant Wood Sycamore Greenway Trail public art project
• Dewey Street brick street replacement
The Council also approved the annual "PIN" grants, which provide funding to neighborhood associations
for various improvements and activities. Some of these grants went toward physical improvements
such as plantings (e.g. Brooklyn Park), while others were dedicated to neighborhood building activities.
The grants serve as an effective mechanism to communicate with neighbors and better understand their
perspectives. Staff will continue to work with these associations on efforts to strengthen their
neighborhoods.
Private Building Stock
The first phase of the UniverCity Program has completed renovations on twenty six homes using $1.25
million of State I -Jobs funding with twenty four homes sold to new owners as of September 2012. The
second phase of the program for FY 2012 -13 is ongoing with four homes purchased and $160,000 of City
funding for renovations committed. Work on two homes is underway with the remaining two beginning
early this fall. The program remains very popular with the neighborhoods and many of the new
homeowners in the program continue to invest in substantial improvements to their homes beyond
work completed by the City. Outside feedback from this program has been overwhelmingly positive,
with many neighbors crediting it with stabilizing their streets and spurring additional private investment.
Staff will explore funding sources that can accelerate this widely popular and successful program in the
years ahead. A proposal will be included in the FY 2013 -14 budget submission.
Staff also continues to implement its more traditional rehabilitation program, General Rehabilitation
Improvement Program (GRIP). In FY 2012 -13 the program rehabilitated 13 homes and has committed
funds for another 11 homes. The investment in these properties totals approximately $477,000. This
program invests in the private building stock and helps preserve structures for owner - occupied
habitants.
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As part of the Council approved annual CDBG Action Plan, staff created and implemented a new
Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program in 2012 that provided a combination of low and no
interest loans and forgivable loans to homeowners to make exterior, emergency and comprehensive
repairs to their homes in targeted areas of Iowa City. These areas include the UniverCity program
boundaries, the Towncrest area, the Miller Orchard area, and the Grant Wood /Wetherby area. The
program is funded by CDBG and HOME funds allocated by the Housing and Community Development
Commission and approved by the City Council. 50% of each loan is forgiven if the home is maintained as
the owner's primary residence for five (CDBG) to 10 (HOME) years after the project is complete. The first
year program will assist 12 households with the $200,000 in funds allocated to this project. The program
has generated significant interest and all of the available funding was committed to projects in the first
seven days of its availability. Because of the high demand, there is a waiting list for the Targeted
Neighborhood Improvement Program, while some applicants were directed to other available housing
rehabilitation programs. Due to the success of this program, staff will look to offer it again in 2013.
Staff has conducted some preliminary research on single - family infill programs and residential
improvement districts. More research is needed on this subject before any recommendation can be
formulated.
Open Stakeholder Communication
Going forward, staff is making a concerted effort to engage a variety of stakeholders in these important
community discussions. In recent months staff has met with residents in the following neighborhoods:
• College Hill
• Northside
• Goosetown
• Glendale
• Miller- Orchard
• Parkview Terrace
As additional regulatory changes are considered staff will meet with neighbors and also engage the
development community. The City Manager intends to continue his Developer Roundtable meeting and
staff had a productive meeting with the Home Builders Association on recent zoning changes that
should serve as a foundation for discussions on future issues pertaining to development.
Staff has also engaged the ICCSD in discussions pertaining to their future plans for both new and existing
facilities in the district. We hope to establish and build an open dialogue that will allow for greater
collaboration in the months and years ahead. Similarly, staff has reached out to the University to involve
them in future development issues that impact housing and neighborhoods that serve their students,
faculty and staff. The City is partnering with the University of Iowa on an off - campus housing fair to take
place in January of 2013.
Research regarding how other communities handle 'good neighbor' meetings is ongoing. If any
examples warrant a change to existing code or policy, staff will present those to Council at a later date.
In the meantime, staff is working to promote the newly established social media sites as an enhanced
communication tool between the City and residents. The City is also in the process of launching a smart
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phone application that will allow residents to communicate neighborhood concerns directly with the
City.
Nuisance Mitigation
To date, staff has been reviewing the effectiveness of current nuisance mitigation policies and practices.
There has been a particular focus on the rental permit sanction provisions in the code. Staff has
compiled statistics on the number of properties that have been subject to some phase of this process for
each year the ordinance has been in effect (2003 to present). After undertaking this review and
discussing its effectiveness internally, staff proposed changes to the disorderly house provisions of the
code. These changes were adopted by Council and should help strengthen enforcement efforts and
minimize the number of recurring problems from the same property.
Staff is also increasing the use of a code provision that allows for annual property inspections (instead of
once every two years). The annual inspections can be triggered by nuisance and /or criminal complaints.
In cases where properties are generating violations, a more frequent inspection schedule can provide
incentive for property owners to take steps to limit nuisance violations.
Earlier this year, staff sent notice to owners of duplexes that those units must be leased to the public in
a manner consistent in which they are licensed by the City. Prior to this notice there were cases of entire
duplexes being leased to a single tenant or group of tenants. The clarification that staff made with these
property owners is that each unit in a duplex must be leased separately. Staff also updated the City's
rental disclosure form in an effort to provide more clear information on existing regulations. This form is
required to be completed for all rental permits.
The City has also taken steps to increase over - occupancy enforcement efforts. Staff is proactively
looking at rental advertisements and has also worked with University of Iowa officials to use their
student directory. By reviewing these sources staff can attempt to identify over - occupancy situations
before any nuisances are generated.
Staff has had conversations and conducted neighborhood driving evaluations with neighborhood groups
about their experiences and top nuisance concerns. Common themes in those discussions seem to be
recurring problems with non - conforming properties and aesthetic concerns with trash, debris and
storage of related receptacles. Staff is reviewing current policies in these areas and will consider
potential methods to alleviate these concerns. Staff is also in the process of shifting internal resources
to conduct more targeted trash and debris patrols. Such patrols will be targeted to areas where
complaints are most often received and will likely be conducted at times when the problems seem to
peak (e.g. following special events).
Through a partnership with the University of Iowa, residents now have access to a car - sharing program
in the community. The Zip -Car service is available to all residents. Over time it is expected that the
program will reduce the number of cars, particularly in core neighborhoods and dense multi - family
developments. The program will help to reduce traffic and parking congestion, which is often a source of
nuisance complaints in neighborhoods.
Finally, staff is investigating ways to enhance community reporting of non - emergent nuisance violations.
This includes the procurement of a mobile application that would allow people to submit complaints
with location and picture capabilities via their mobile device. This pilot project is expected to rollout in
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the fall of 2012. If successful the mobile application will be expanded to other areas of the City's
operations.
Updated Planning Documents
Staff launched the "Good Ideas' campaign and held several public forums to solicit input on the City's
Comprehensive Plan. Comments received electronically as well as in the public forums are helping to
shape an update to this important planning document. Staff anticipates that an updated comprehensive
plan will be available for public review and Council approval in the fall of 2012.
Future Budget Considerations:
A number of the programs and investment decisions that staff will be analyzing will require budgetary
support. At this time there are no specific recommendations that will require a budget adjustment or
future allocation of funds. Any future recommendations that have a budgetary impact will be detailed in
subsequent reports or will be included in the FY 2013 -14 budget submittal to Council.
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FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: A Strong and Sustainable Financial Foundation
Staff Contact: Kevin O'Malley, Finance Director
Goal: The City aims to create a strong and sustainable financial foundation that will
provide needed stability and flexibility while utilizing taxpayer dollars in the
most efficient and responsible manner.
Action Plan:
In order to achieve this Strategic Plan goal, the City is focusing in two primary areas. First, staff will be
recommending to Council several new financial policies and strategies that will provide a greater level of
financial stability. Secondly, staff will continue to enhance the level of financial analysis presented to the
public so that our elected officials will have a greater informational foundation on which to base future
decisions. This includes a continued emphasis to improve the Financial Plan document and ultimately
achieve the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Staff has completed or is currently revising or creating the following financial policies:
• Economic Development Policies
• Purchasing Policies and Procedures
• Target Fund Balances
• Debt Service Coverage Levels
• General Fund Contingency Level
• Annual review of rates, user charges and fines
In addition to the above - mentioned specific policies, staff is carefully examining our operations and
noting examples of the City providing subsidized service beyond our borders. In reviewing these
situations, staff will develop plans to ensure that the City is being equitably reimbursed for such
services.
The revised purchasing manual was adopted by the Council in the spring of 2012. The remaining items
will be incorporated into the presentation of the proposed Fiscal Year 2013 -14 budget document.
Throughout the year staff will be working to improve the financial analysis presented to the Council and
general public. Furthermore, staff is continuing efforts to make the annual financial plan more readable
and user friendly. Among the top priorities in this area include:
• Refinement of individual department narratives, including performance and comparative
metrics
• Introduction of a financial trend analysis section
• Expanded detail of line -item expenditures in the budget document
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Through enhanced information, greater transparency and well rooted financial policies, the City can
create a strong and sustainable financial foundation that will provide needed stability and flexibility
while utilizing taxpayer dollars in the most efficient and responsible manner.
Progress to Date:
In 2011, the Council adopted economic development policies that aim to guide decisions on financial
support of private projects. These policies have been applied to numerous projects and appear to be
serving an effective purpose. The policies send a clear message to the private sector as to the type of
projects and level of support that the City is willing to consider. This helps frame discussions and focuses
the attention on projects that provide the desired outcomes for the community.
In April of 2012, the City Council adopted a new purchasing manual. This manual provided much needed
updates to all purchasing related policies. The new policies are intended to streamline the procurement
process while also ensuring that the most competitive pricing options are obtained. Additionally, the
manual created a local preference policy aimed at keeping more public dollars in the local economy.
Staff will closely monitor the effectiveness of the new policies and also solicit feedback from the local
business community. Any needed changes or adjustments will be brought back to Council for
consideration.
In May of 2012, Moody's conducted a review of the City as part of the bond rating process. The review
resulted in Moody's reaffirming the City's AAA bond rating for the recently issued general obligation
bonds. The excellent bond rating led the City to securing the lowest interest rates on bonds in recent
memory. Iowa City remains as one of four Iowa cities with that highest rating. Nationally, less than 200
cities currently have a AAA Moody's bond rating.
Also in May of 2012, the Council approved a shifting of personnel resources within the Finance
Department. That change resulted in the elimination of a three quarter time Purchasing Clerk position
and the addition of a second full -time Budget Analyst position. This change will help facilitate progress
toward the specific items in this strategic plan goal. Specifically, the second Budget Analyst position will
provide the ability to expand upon the Capital Improvement Plan reporting, budget narratives,
comparative analysis, financial trends and performance measures. These efforts will enhance the
effectiveness of the organization and also better inform the general public and elected officials about
the City's overall fiscal performance.
Staff has requested that the Government Financial Officers Associations (GFOA) provide feedback on the
City's recently adopted FY 2012 -13 budget. The comments received, as well as the initiatives already
underway in the Finance Department will help the City achieve the GFOA Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award in the future.
Staff continues to evaluate services that stretch beyond our borders. In these instances staff is reviewing
the level of subsidy and determining steps to ensure that in the future the City is equitably reimbursed
for such services. As an example the City recently negotiated the manner in which it is compensated for
animal shelter services. Going forward the City and the remaining partners in the facility will share
equitably in the capital and operating expenses associated with the operation.
Finally, the FY 2013 -14 budget process will include a more detailed review of user charges, fines and
fees. This analysis is to more clearly identify the level of property tax subsidy that goes into the various
271 Page
services that the City provides. While most recommendations for fee adjustments will come with the FY
2013 -14 budget proposal, the Council did concur with the Senior Center's recommendation on fee
increases at the Senior Center earlier in 2012.
Future Budget Considerations:
None at this time
281 Page
FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: Coordinated Communication and Customer Service Orientation
Staff Contact: Geoff Fruin, Assistant to the City Manager
Goal: The City strives to be a high- functioning, customer service orientated
organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through clear,
open and innovative communication methods.
Action Plan:
The City Manager's Office is conducting a comprehensive organizational assessment focusing on
communication strategies and the organizational customer service culture. The assessment is targeting
the following issue areas:
1. Communications
a. Internal
i. Review of interdepartmental communication methods
ii. Identification of barriers to effective internal communication (e.g. technology)
b. External
i. Assessment of clarity in City communication to various audiences
ii. Review of effectiveness of current communication methods (e.g. website,
advertisements, direct mail, etc.)
iii. Identification of emerging communication methods and barriers to effective
usage
iv. Initiate a website redesign process
v. Consider any needed changes to the branding of the City and /or activities,
amenities or services (e.g. use of logos)
2. Customer Service Orientation
a. Transactional Processes
i. identification of transaction - orientated public services
ii. Assessment of process efficiency, accessibility, and convenience
iii. Barriers to efficiency (technology, information sharing, training, policies, etc.)
b. Organizational Culture
i. Assessment of policies and programs aimed to recognize and encourage
outstanding customer service
ii. Identification of mechanisms to facilitate and encourage ideas for customer
service enhancement
iii. Opportunities for skill enhancements, cross - training and promotion of increased
awareness pertaining to other city services or programs
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It is anticipated that the assessment will conclude with the development of an organizational
communication and customer service plan. That plan is expected to be ready for presentation to Council
in the late fall or winter of 2012 -13.
Progress to Date:
In April of 2012, the City Council approved a staff reorganization that will serve as the foundation for a
more centralized and strategic approach to organizational communication. That reorganization, which
became effective on July I ", eliminated the Document Services division of the Finance Department and
moved two employees of that division into the City Manager's office. These two employees were joined
by the City's Web Developer to form a central communication team. With guidance from the City
Manager, the communication team is working with departments to develop well- coordinated public
messaging.
The new communication team has also assumed oversight of the front desk responsibilities at City Hall
during regular business hours. Two part -time employees currently split desk coverage and offer front
line customer service assistance to visitors and those contacting City Hall via phone or email. Staff is also
preparing plans for the budgeted remodel of the front lobby area. The redesign aims to create a more
welcoming environment for both City Hall and the Police Department. After plans are prepared they will
be reviewed with Council and then bid out for completion with work to be completed in 2013.
The City staff is working to identify opportunities to enhance customer service throughout the
organization. On a broad level, training opportunities in the areas of communication and customer
service have been provided to staff members. Similarly, the Personnel Division has retooled the new
hire orientation process to include a segment on customer service for City employees. Several specific
items or work flow processes have been or are currently being changed to better meet the needs of our
citizens. Some examples include:
• The Iowa City Public Library has launched new phone system and is pursuing several operational
and physical design changes that are intended to enhance accessibility and customer service.
The changes to the lobby of the library, including a reconfigured Help Desk, will be completed in
2012. Cross - training of staff and other service initiatives associated with these changes are
ongoing.
• The Transportation Department worked with the Finance staff at City Hall to enable customer
applications for elderly and disabled bus passes at City Hall. Previously, such applications were
only available in the Tower Place parking office. Instead of sending inquiring citizens from City
Hall to that separate facility, the City's Finance staff can now process such applications.
• The HIS department added a second computer terminal near their front counter to assist with
businesses or citizens wanting aerial images of their property. The department has seen such
requests increase steadily and can now meet the requests in a more timely manner.
• HIS and Engineering staff are currently working to streamline the excavation in public right of
way permit process. The current process requires a contractor to obtain approvals and submit
payment to both departments separately. After the changes are made there will be a single
point of contact for approvals and payment.
• The City is preparing to implement an electronic plan submission solution. This effort aims to
streamline the plan submission and review process. Instead of receiving and routing multiple
301 Page
paper files and then collecting and disseminating comments from various departments, this
electronic submission will share plans instantly and collect comments in a centralized portal for
all parties to review. This project will require significant coordination with the private sector, as
well as internally between departments. The City aims to launch this effort in early 2013.
In the summer of 2012 the City launched a redesigned homepage and introduced a City Facebook and
Twitter page. These communication improvements have allowed the City to reach broader audiences
and better promote activities, community news and service information. The improved website not only
markets the City better through improved imagery, but it also makes customer service a priority through
easy to find information and prominent communication portals with City staff. Plans for continued
improvements include greater use of videos and a complete redesign of the current website.
A significant barrier to improved internal work flows and communications lies in the City's decentralized
and dated computer platform. Several years ago the City attempted to rectify this situation; however,
the software vendor failed to perform under the terms of the agreement. The City Council recently
approved a contract with Tyler Technologies for a new software package that will allow for a more
centralized approach with information sharing advantages. Such a system will also facilitate the
automating of several processes within the organization, and would result in easier access to
information and ultimately better informed decision - making. Implementation of the software will
commence in October and is anticipated to finish in 2014.
Future Budget Considerations:
None at this time
311 Page
FY 2012 -13 City Council Strategic Plan
Priority: Organizational Effectiveness
Staff Contact: Tom Markus, City Manager
Goal: The City shall proactively look toward the future to ensure that services are
continually able to be delivered at high levels and that relationships with
external stakeholders are strong and productive.
Action Plan:
The City Manager's office is focusing on two key areas in order to meet City Council expectations. First,
staff is conducting a succession plan for the organization. This effort is being jointly led by staff from the
City Manager's Office and the Personnel Division. The succession plan process includes analyzing the
staffing of each department and identifying management and highly skilled positions that are likely to
experience turnover during the next five years. Additionally, the plan will identify key challenges and /or
opportunities presented by the anticipated staff turnover. Such examples may include the loss of highly
technical or specialized skills, and general institutional knowledge. The plan will identify strategies to
better prepare the organization for the anticipated turnover in key positions.
Secondly, the City Manager is actively working to build relationships and establish more effective lines of
communication with our Federal and State elected representatives. As Federal and State lawmakers
consider legislation and appropriations that impacts our community, it is increasingly important that
Iowa City has a strong voice in Des Moines and Washington D.C. With a focus on the City's adopted
Legislative Priorities, the City Manager is working with our elected officials, lobbyist and membership
organizations to make certain that the City's perspective is fully understood and considered at all levels
of government. Similarly, the City is continually identifying key projects that may align with Federal
and /or State initiatives. This will allow the City to more proactively leverage local funds and progress
with flood mitigation, economic, public safety and other key local projects.
Progress to Date:
Succession Plan
Staff has completed phase one of the organizational succession plan effort. This phase included a high -
level demographic analysis of the organization, as well as an internal analysis of management positions
with a focus on those that have a high probability of turnover due to retirement or other known
circumstances in the next five years. This analysis highlighted the need for further succession planning,
as it revealed a significant number of people holding management level positions that are currently or
will soon become eligible for retirement.
Staff is currently working on phase two of the succession plan effort. Phase two focuses on the following
efforts:
• Identifying strategies that will help transfer institutional knowledge and expertise in the areas of
the organization where management level position turnover is anticipated
321 Page
• Evaluating current service delivery strategies and identifying opportunities to achieve greater
efficiencies and value through restructuring when management level position become vacant
• Identifying skill sets and employee values that will be sought for future management level
positions
• Developing opportunities to promote such values and skill sets among current and future
employees through targeted training and performance assessments / professional development
tools
Staff anticipates that the phase two succession planning analysis will produce actions that have
applicability across the entire organization. Additionally, there will likely be more detailed actions that
focus on a few specific areas of the organization, which are expected to experience the greatest amount
of management turnover in the next five years. The largest area of focus will be on the Public Works
department.
The City's management staff conducted a succession planning retreat in September of 2012. The
purpose of this day -long effort was to assess the employment culture and begin to create a framework
that will develop existing and guide the recruitment of new employees in order to meet the identified
needs and stated values of the organization.
Partnership with State and Federal Officials
The City Council adopted its annual legislative priorities in January of 2012 and has authorized the hiring
of the Davis Brown Law Firm for lobbying services at the State level. Staff is actively working with Davis
Brown, the Metro Coalition and the Iowa League of Cities to ensure that the City's position is being
presented effectively. Communication with our lobbyist occurs on a weekly basis during the active
legislative session. Communication with our partners in the Metro Coalition occurs every other week,
with more frequent contact as needed.
Staff continues to seek State and Federal funding opportunities for local projects. Below is a listing of
state and federal grants secured since the adoption of the strategic plan:
• The City applied for and was awarded $1.7 million in additional CDBG home buyout funds for
the Park View Terrace neighborhood. These funds represent the last of the approximately $27
million in state and federal funds that were secured to buyout 93 homes in this area of the
community.
• The Iowa Economic Development Authority announced a fourth round of funding for the Single
Family New Construction (SFNC) Program, thus extending this program into 2012 -13. Iowa City is
eligible to receive $1,390,227, which will allow for approximately 32 new homes for this
program aimed at rebuilding the housing stock after the 2008 flood. After this latest round of
funding is spent, Iowa City will have assisted with approximately 141 new housing units since
the 2008 flood. The taxable value created from this program will exceed that lost as a result of
the flood buyout programs.
• Iowa City was awarded a 6% increase, or $639,218, in federal Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) funding for the 2012 -13 fiscal year. The increase is especially positive news, given
that most other communities across the country received a 10% or larger reduction in funding.
331 Page
The long -term CDBG funding trend is still negative as the current allocation is approximately
33% below that of ten years ago.
• Iowa City's allocation for the federal HOME program, which focuses on affordable housing, was
reduced to $381,851, representing a 36% reduction from last year. This cut is consistent with
cuts from other cities across the country. In the last ten years the City's annual HOME funding
has been reduced by 47 %.
• The Iowa City Police Department collaborated with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and
received a $32,164 U.S. Department of Justice grant. This grant will help offset costs to training
police staff at the Cedar Rapids shooting range. The partnership with Cedar Rapids will eliminate
the need for a City -owned shooting range and will help build a stronger relationship with the
Cedar Rapids Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies that will utilize the
range.
• The Iowa City Police Department also received a U.S. Department of Justice grant in the amount
of $250,000 to offset the costs of hiring two new officers. This highly competitive grant program
will enable the City to expand its police officer to help meet the demands of a growing
community. At the same time the grant will help focus police resources on specific priorities
that are articulated in the strategic plan.
• The Iowa City Municipal Airport received three grants in 2012. Senator Harkin recently
announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded the airport $2.3 million for
the construction of a new taxiway. The City also received a $90,525 from the State of Iowa for
the same project. Thirdly, the State of Iowa also granted the airport $75,000 for the
rehabilitation of the roof on the terminal building.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued its support of the Riverfront Crossings
effort with a $60,000 planning grant for the redesign of the Burlington Street Damn. This
project, which includes the University as Iowa as a partner, will make the damn safer while
creating potential recreational benefits for the community.
• The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the City $121,721 for
the Family Self- Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program promotes self- sufficiency and asset
development by providing supportive services to participants to increase their employability, to
increase the number of employed participants, and to encourage increased savings through an
escrow savings program.
In addition to seeking out funding for community projects, staff has actively been communicating our
position on statewide legislative proposals impacting cities. While most communication is channeled
through our lobbyists, staff also corresponds directly with our legislators and travels to Des Moines,
when deemed appropriate. Examples of such proposals include:
• Commercial Property Tax Reform - Both the House and Senate had advanced discussions and
debates on commercial property tax reform, including reclassifying apartments as residential
uses. However, no agreement was reached and thus the property tax structure remains status
quo. It is expected that this discussion will pick back up in 2013.
341 Page
• Municipal Use of Red Light Cameras — The City communicated its position to continue to allow
municipal governments the right to decide if such technologies were appropriate for use within
their jurisdictions. A ban of such technologies was introduced but did not succeed through both
chambers.
• Preemption of Occupancy Regulations — A legislative proposal surfaced that would have
restricted a city's right to regulate occupancy of residential structures based upon the number
of unrelated persons. Iowa City is one of many cities throughout the country that uses such
regulations to ensure safe living conditions and mitigate neighborhood nuisances. The proposal
to preempt a city's ability to regulate on this basis did not succeed.
• Low -Head Dam Program Funding — Iowa City advocated for the State to restore the low head
dam program, which had not received funding in the past year. This state program helps
communities ensure that damns are safe and also can allow for greater recreational uses on
rivers. Iowa City is looking at needed changes to the Burlington Street damn and this program
may provide financial assistance to carry that effort forward. The approved state budget
restored a million dollars of funding for this project.
• Road Use Tax — This revenue source has not kept up with increasing maintenance needs of our
transportation infrastructure. As a result, more work is being deferred or completed with other
revenue sources (e.g. general obligation bonds). While there was some discussion on an
increase in the road use tax, no proposals materialized in the 2012 session.
• Tax Increment Financing — There was significant statewide attention on Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) this session. Iowa City worked with the Metro Coalition to advocate for changes that would
make the process more transparent, provide for a better data collection mechanism and
strengthen the antipiracy regulations that govern the economic development tool. Cities will
now be required to submit annual TIF reports to the State, which will be collected in a
searchable database. Individual TIF projects now require a public hearing, which will invite more
opportunity for community discussion and input from other taxing jurisdictions. Finally,
municipalities can no longer incent the relocation of business from other Iowa jurisdictions
unless there is a written agreement between the communities or there is a public finding that
without such incentive there will be a statewide loss of employment or wage earnings.
• 411 Pension System - No structural changes to this public safety pension system were seriously
considered. There was an effort to restore State funding to help offset rapidly escalating costs
for cities, however no such funding was secured.
• Passenger Rail Funding — No action was taken in the spring session as the legislature is awaiting
the completion of an IaDOT study on the proposed service from Chicago to Omaha. In May, the
IaDOT announced the preferred route, which runs through Iowa City. Further study is being
conducted on the preferred route and the final report is expected in late 2012 or early 2013.
Staff has attended several IaDOT passenger rail advisory committee meetings in Des Moines this
spring. These meetings help ensure that everyone is updated on the project timeline. The
meetings have also connected staff with other project advocates across the state. Staff is
currently working with those partners to develop an advocacy strategy. In the past few months,
staff made presentations on this project to the IaDOT passenger rail advisory committee, the
351 Page
Iowa Passenger Rail Association and local service groups. In conjunction with the Greater Des
Moines Partnership and the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, the City sponsored an
educational event in May featuring nationally known transit advocate John Robert Smith, CEO of
Reconnecting America.
Staff attended a number of legislative advocacy events in Des Moines this year. Examples of such events
included those hosted by the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, Iowa League of Cities and various
professional associations that involve management level staff. The City also actively participated in the
Chamber of Commerce's annual Washington D.C. legislative trip this past spring.
In the coming year, staff will be evaluating the effectiveness of both our state and federal lobbying
efforts. Any recommendations that stem from this evaluation will be forwarded to Council at a later
date and will also be included in subsequent status reports.
Future Budget Considerations:
None at this time
361 Page
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A CITY OF IOWA CITY
11 MEMORANDUM IP4
DATE: September 27, 2012
TO: Mayor & City Council
FROM: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
RE: Electronic distribution of late handouts
Introduction: Council has started receiving their meeting packets electronically and has expressed a desire to
receive late handouts electronically as well.
Background: Currently hard copy correspondence is delivered to the City Clerk's office, scanned, and sent to
City Manager's office. Emails addressed to "Council" are automatically received by the City Manager's office
and City Clerk. The City Manager notifies staff if a response is needed. A copy of the response is included
with the original correspondence to Council. If the item is on the Council agenda the late correspondence is
distributed hard copy to Council Members at their meeting; and then archived in the permanent record. If the
item is not on the Council agenda the late correspondence is included in the next Council meeting packet (if
the correspondence is "copied" to Council it appears in the information packet).
Discussion of Solutions:
OPTION # 1 - Change program so all "Council" correspondence goes to individual Council Members
as well as CM, CA, CC *
• Council would get immediately (even during meetings)
• Council would see before staff could respond
• May result in duplicative or conflicting responses or inquiries from Council (chat room issues)
• Other items not received "to Council" email such as hard copy correspondence and late staff info
received would be scanned and sent as received. (Until 5:00 PM)
OPTION # 2 - Change to send electronic second packet of late handouts with a pre- determined
deadline and distribution time
• Council would check for one more packet at a set time
• Allow for staff responses if necessary
• Provide the info to media and public on website
• Would include late staff info as well (memos, etc.)
• Hard copies would be distributed after the pre- determined deadline. (Until 5:00 PM)
OPTION # 3 — Continue "Council" correspondence aoina to CM. CA, and CC only; and then forwarded
electronically to Council with staff response right up until meeting time(or some pre- determined
deadline) *
• Enables staff to include a response if necessary
• Provides Council more time to read in smaller amounts rather than second packet
• Would include late staff info as well (memos, etc.) electronically
• Other items not received "to Council" email such as hard copy correspondence and late staff info
received would be scanned and sent as received. (Until 5:00 PM)
*Media would receive a packet of late handouts as they currently do for all options; and items archived in
meeting folder.
Staff is prepared to implement a procedure based on direction from Council.
Cc: City Manager
City Attorney
Asst. to the City Manager
M IP5
"V%AM._.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
September 27, 2012
October 23, 2012
1. State Legislative update from the Davis Brown Law Firm
Pending Topics to be Scheduled
1. Continue the discussion on the sale or dispersion of public housing units
2. Discussion pertaining to noise concerns voiced by residents of Ecumenical Towers
3. Discuss potential procedures and/or policies related to requests for habitable private
spaces constructed over public right -of -way
4. Discuss the restaurant / drinking establishment separation distance provision of the
City Code
5. Review of mobile vending regulations
19.M'
IP6
Kinseth Hospitality Companies
2 Quail Creek Circle, North Liberty, Iowa 52317
(319) 626 -5600 kinseth.com
NEWS RELEASE
"Iinseth Hospitality Companies Makes Plans to Develop
'- )!iii-Rrandntl Hrrel. rlin\vntown IOWA City
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North Liberty, IA., Monday September 24, 2012
Kinseth Hospitality Companies announces plans to develop its newest hospitality project that will house two hotels in one
high -rise structure as well as a rooftop executive conference center and restaurant. The hotels will be branded Holiday Inn
& Suites and Staybridge Suites, and will be located in downtown Iowa City.
The building will be the first of its kind in Iowa, one of Iowa City's tallest buildings.The tower will feature a unique rooftop
restaurant, outdoor patio, and state of the art executive conference center, with sweeping views of the Iowa City Skyline.
The new facility will be located at 320 S. Clinton St, close to the intersection of Clinton and Burlington Street, with great
Visibility and easy access to and from Downtown Iowa City, The University of Iowa, and University of Iowa Hospitals and
Clinics. Combined, the two hotels will have 180 rooms catering to a wide variety of guests including extended stay, business
and leisure. The rooftop will feature a full service restaurant and Iounge.The conference center will accommodate up to 300
people. Additional amenities in the building will include an Indoor pool and spa as well as an expanded fitness center. Once
scabilized the complex will employ more than 100 full -time team members and support staff with a scheduled opening during
the second quarter of 2014.
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn offers today's business and leisure traveller's dependability and friendly service. Holiday Inn ranked highest in
guest satisfaction among mid -scale hotels in the J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction
Index Study. Holiday Inn has the services business travellers need, while also offering leisure travellers a comfortable, casual
atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy amenities such as restaurants, room service, swimming pools,fitness centers and
comfortable lounges.
Staybridge Suites
Staybridge Suites is an extended stay hotel for business travelers looking for a'home from home', environment. Staybridge
offers spacious apartment -style living with modern amenities and hotel services to create a welcoming environment for
guests who need to stay in the area for weeks or even months at a time. Guests are typically on a temporary assignment,
relocating to the area, or on an extended training program. Each suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen and living room.
Public spaces include an outdoor terrace with barbecue, exercise room, laundry room and a 24 hour shop. Each day, guests
are offered a complimentary breakfast, and 3 nights per week a'Social' where free beer wine and soft drinks is available for
guests to enjoy.
About Kinseth Hospitality
Kinseth Hospitality is a leading hotel management, development and ownership company. Kinseth has a proven track record
of developing and operating award- winning hotels, restaurants and meeting facilities. Kinseth Hospitality is based in North
Liberty, Iowa and currently operates over 90 hotels and 9 branded restaurants in fourteen states.
�� It ,lli 11 ' ►�
11111 11 �, ►�
hii till
rfront
After public workshops and extensive community input we're ready to unveil the
draft plan for Iowa City's Downtown and Riverfront Crossings ...
You are invited to view and discuss the proposed plan, which encourages the
preservation of what is best about Downtown Iowa City and Riverfront Crossings while
identifying locations and opportunities for new development that will add to the commer-
cial vitality and expand residential options in the heart of our community.
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, October 1
5:15 -5:30 Gather and enjoy refreshments
5:30 -6:15 Formal presentation
6:15 -7:00 Public open house
Emma Harvat Hall (City Council Chambers) in City Hall
410 East Washington Street, Iowa City
For more information contact Bob Miklo at 356 -5240 or e-mail bob -miklo @iowa - city.org.
www .icgov.org /riverfrontcrossings
IP7
s1 .rlll���
j .0.010
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Department of Planning
& Community Development
City Hall
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
PRST STD
U.S. Postage
PAID
Iowa City, Iowa
Permit No. 155
MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 5:15 -7:00 P.M.
EMMA HARVAT HALL IN CITY HALL
410 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
L I V E W 0 R K W A L K B I K E B U S R A I L
A plan for sustainable urban development in Iowa City
L V E W O R K
W A L K
B I K E B U S R A I L
After numerous public workshops
and extensive community input
we're ready to unveil the draft
plan for Iowa City's Downtown
and Riverfront Crossings ...
You are invited to view and
discuss the proposed plan, which en-
courages the preservation of what is
best about Downtown Iowa City and
River front Crossings while identifying
locations and opportunities for new de-
velopment that will add to the commer-
cial vitality and expand residential op-
tions in the heart of our community.
Wfi4 Before aotlAffcv Ner�tlermgs Srowing the New Nfv¢wiew NeighhanYOOtl Devefopmeo! m [Ine Wes[ FrverhmllFShf[f
For more information contact Bob Miklo at 356 -5240
or email bob - miklo @iowa - city.org.
MEETING AGENDA
Monday, October 1
5:15 -5:30 Gather and enjoy refreshments
5:30 -6:15 Formal presentation
6:15 -7:00 Public open house
Emma Harvat Hall
(City Council Chambers)
City Hall
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City
IP8
Marian Karr
From:
Mike Moran
Sent:
Thursday, September 27, 2012 8:14 AM
To:
Council
Cc:
Marian Karr; Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Tammy Neumann
Subject:
Park Tour
City Council,
On behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission, we would like to invite you to our annual Park Tour on Wed.
October 10th. The Commission meeting begins at 4pm with a short approval of last month's minutes, then we board for
our tour at 4:15pm at the Recreation Center. We expect the tour to last no later than 7:30pm and dinner will be served.
If you are interested in attending please let either myself or Tammy Neumann know so that we can make appropriate
arrangements. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us. Thanks for your consideration)
Michael Moran CPRP
Director
Parks and Recreation
220 S. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 - 356 -5104
IP9
Marian Karr
From: Jennifer Jordan
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 12:10 PM
To: Council; cityhills @netins.net; City Clerk Merry Thomae (LON ETREECITY@iowatelecom. net);
City of kalona (kchristner @cityofkalona.org); ' khayworth @ci.coralville.ia.us';
cassandra.lippincott@solon-iowa.com
Cc: Teresa Kurtz (tkurtz @iowarecycles.org); Jennifer Jordan
Subject: Iowa Recycling and Solid Waste Management Conference
Hello,
I'd like to invite you to the upcoming Iowa Recycling and Solid Waste Management Conference Open House
and Vendor Reception on Tuesday, October 2.
Thank you!
Jen Jordan
Jeww ferJMIAa
Recycling Coordinator
Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center
3900 Hebl Avenue SW
Iowa City, IA 52246
319 -887 -6160
4ennifer- iordan(cbiowa- city.org
www. icgov.orglenviron ment
IOWA Recycling & Management Solid Waste Manag October 1- 3.2012
Conference
oral'Ime, Iowa
You are Invited...
2012 Iowa Recycling and
Solid Waste Management Trade Show
OPEN HOUSE and VENDOR RECEPTION
October 2 2:3opm- 6:3opm
Coralville Marriott Conference Center, Coralville, IA
www.iowaconference.ors
*Please check in at the registration desk to receive your FREEpass.
REPLY To:
❑ 135 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20510 -1501
(202)224 -3744
e -mail: grassley.senate.gov /contact.cfm
❑ 721 FEDERAL BUILDING
210 WALNUT STREET
DES MOINES, IA 50309 -2140
(515)288-1145
❑ 1501ST AVENUE NE
SUITE 325
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401
(319) 363 -6832
IlAn
ittd Matta �6tnatt
The Honorable Matt Hayek
Mayor of Iowa City
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear Mayor Hayek:
CHARLES E. GRASSLEY
WASHINGTON, DC 20510 -1501
REPLY To:
P 10 ❑ 103 FEDERAL COURTHOUSE BUILDING
320 6TH STREET
Sioux CITY, IA 51101-1244
(712)233-1860 -
September 18, 2012
❑ 210 WATERLOO BUILDING
531 COMMERCIAL STREET
WATERLOO, IA 50701 -5497
(319)232 -6657
❑ 201 WEST 2ND STREET
SUITE 720
DAVENPORT, IA 52801
(563)322 -4331
❑ 307 FEDERAL BUILDING
8 SOUTH 6TH STREET
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA 51501 -4204
(712)322 -7103
Enclosed are copies of letters from Mr. and Mrs. John Monick,
Mr. and Mrs. George Sondag, Ms. Leone Vander Woude, Mr. and Mrs.
Bill Brown, and Mr. and Mrs. Doug Wallace of Iowa City, Iowa
regarding the building of the Taft Floodwall to protect the
homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex.
This matter is one which is outside my jurisdiction as a federal
legislative official. Any information that you may be able to
provide them regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Should you have any comments, you may contact me at my Cedar
Rapids office.
Sincerely,
"Charles E. Grassle,
United States Sen or . -__s
r= � i
CEG /GF
RANKING MEMBER, Committee Assignments: CO- CHAIRMAN,
JUDICIARY AGRICULTURE INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS
BUDGET CONTROLCAUCUS
FINANCE
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
August 28, 2012
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
State Senator
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Sen. Grassley:
t pM r: 42
The reason for this letter is to voice my support for building the Taft Floodwall to protect
the 92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex in Iowa City where I live that were
ruined by the flood of 2008. As was required, 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
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 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.
Sincerely,
August 31, 2012
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
State Senator
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Sen. Grassley:
ifiP 12 PM 1142
The reason for this letter is to ask for your support for building the Taft Floodwall to protect the
92 homes within the Idyllwild condominium complex in Iowa City that were ruined by the flood of
2008. As you would surmise, Idyllwild was built WITH Iowa 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.
We are asking for the Iowa City 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 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 citizen- s.4dyalwild- r4esident� and- -ow -ner-s pay- their--�har -e-of- tars - and - deserve this protection.
Sincerely,
Ge irrge B arbara Sondag
27 Newlyn Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
C._; _
^,3
_� W
August 28, 2012
The Honorable Chuck Gra,ssley
State Senator l 2 PM P h {'.
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Sen. Grassley: ,
lam an owner of a condo in'the Idyllwild neighborhood in lowa-City. I am writingyouu today, - -to,
Voice my support of building the Taft floodwall to hetp,protect us - an_d the other 91 homes in the
Idyllwild condominium complex — from'the type of financial, physical, and mental devastation
caused by the flood of 2008.
It has taken the`Idyllwild-'communityfour years to overcome the destruction left in the flood's
wake - and we are still`not finished rebuilding: :The floo&caused the Idyllwild- homeowners to
spend over $8 million to rebuild — muchof th'iswas. 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.
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 tenant of government is to protect the safety and well -being of its
citizens, especially when there is funding available to do so. The council has that opportunity right
now, and we respectfully ask you to exercise it.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Leone Vander Woude
27 Camborne Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
}
G
August 26, 2012
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
State Senator
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Sen. Grassley:
SEP 12 PM 1 =4f'
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.
Some have said that Idyllwild was built illegally in a floodplain. In fact, it was built a foot or more
above the floodplain. With Coralville, and other communities to the north having adopted their own
flood protection plans, this may well have an adverse effect on 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 F000dwall.
Sincerely,
BO&VLyda Brown
31 Pentire Circle
Iowa City, IA 52245
August 28, 2012
The Honorable Chuck Grassley
State. Senator
135 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Sen. Grassley:
'P13
I am an owner of a condo in the Idyllwild community in Iowa City. I am writing this letter
to ask you to support 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.
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.
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.
Sincerely,
Doug Mary laat Wallace
45 Colwyn Court
Iowa City, IA 52245
From:Ul HR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
13193350202 09/26/2012 11:16 #013 P.002 /003
IP11
"t
+ amp
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.Icgov.org
September 26, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — MAINTENANCE WORKER II - STREETS
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
II - Streets.
Walter Portwood
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
W�
I-yr W. Dickerson, Chair
From:UI HR EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
13193350202 09/26/2012 11:16 #013 P.003/003
IP12
Got.
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa S2240-1826
(319) 3S6 -5000
(3 19) 3S6 -S009 FAX
www.icgov.org
September 26, 2012
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination —
MAINTENANCE WORKER II — WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
II — Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Jason Snow
John Wombacher
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyr . Dickerson, Chair
Marian Karr
From: Edwin Stone <stone. edwin @g mail. com >
Sent: Saturday, September 22, 2012 4:32 PM
To: Marla Swesey; Karla Cook; Sally Hoelscher; Sarah Swisher
Cc: Council
Subject: Keep up the good work
Im
Thanks to the four of you for everything that you are doing to restore some balance to the distribution of resources in
the ICCSD.
The majority of the ICCSD community are solidly behind you and will continue to work hard to help you effect the
important changes you are making.
You have a rare opportunity to make a long term difference in our community. The children of Iowa City are counting on
you to get them the educational resources that they need and deserve. The adults of Iowa City are counting on you to
keep the older neighborhoods healthy. Please stay on course and get this done for us.
Regards,
Ed
Marian Karr
From: Edwin Stone <stone. edwi n@gmai 1. com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 9:46 PM
To: Jeff McGinness
Cc: Marla Swesey; Karla Cook; Sally Hoelscher; Patti Fields; Tuyet Dorau; Sarah Swisher;
Council; Stephen Murley
Subject: Restore Parity
Hi Jeff,
In my view, the greatest "disservice to the district in the long run"
will be failing to act on the large existing disparities in facilities, curriculum and socioeconomic status in a manner that
results in real movement toward equity.
As I have watched the district's activities in the past several years, I have often seen the word "plan" used as a cynical
euphemism for "stop until we can get the disparity engines revved back up again ".
As a perfect example of this "plan really just means stop" phenomenon, you should watch the following clip of Mike
Cooper on youtube.
http: / /`www.youtube.com /watch ?v= PL14G -e5hE�
Listen to Mike talk fervently about holding off on high school redistricting so that the board can correct all of the
socioeconomic disparities at the elementary level. He doesn't want to move too fast. He wants a comprehensive plan.
Sound familiar?
Where is Mike now? Where is all that fairness at the elementary level that he spoke so passionately about more than
three years ago? Didn't happen.
In this district, you build fairness (or disparity) one concrete footing and one air conditioner at a time, with whatever
votes you can "muster" -- because there is no guarantee that you'll have those votes or that money tomorrow. Plans
can and do evaporate in the wink of an eye. Schools on the other hand can stay put for 100 years, feeding the
surrounding neighborhoods with their economic manna, and consuming resources from the taxpayers that support
them.
We must restore parity (and the principle of parity) to the district now. Then, when our two excellent comprehensive
high schools are both full, we can discuss building another one.
Regards,
Ed
On Sep 24, 2012, at 8:50 AM, Jeff McGinness wrote:
> I think your question is more properly addressed to Steve. The
> board, including myself, has told Steve we need to address it ASAP.
> Recall, however, that much of the pushback and reason for delay in the
> admins plans to redistrict the east side elementary schools this last
> year was that the community said it was premature and we needed a long
> term plan before doing so. Recognizing importance of balance between
> data, planning and urgency, there has to be some understanding of what
> the mid and long range vision is when making short term decisions. We
> also have large data gaps with our HS capacity insofar as there are
> only 140 seats at City per its current stated capacity. Assuming the
> board can come together relatively quickly behind some shared vision
> we could likely make some changes.
> If not, I feel short sighted decisions based solely on who can muster
> 4 board votes does a disservice to our district in the long run.
> Jeffrey K. McGinness
> Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC
> 115 Third Street SE, Suite 1200
> Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 -1266
> Telephone: 319 - 366 -7641
> Direct Dial: 319 - 896 -4088
> Facsimile: 319 - 366 -1917
> e -mail: imcginness @simmonsperrine.com
> www.simmonsperrine.com
> On Sep 22, 2012, at 4:19 PM, "Edwin Stone" <stone.edwin @gmail.com>
> wrote:
>> Hi Jeff,
>> Do you have any plans for dealing with the overcrowding at West High
>> in the coming year?
>> Regards,
>> Ed
> NOTICE: All email communications to and from the District's email
> server are archived in accordance with District policy and procedures.
> This email communication, including attachments, contains information
> which may be confidential and /or legally privileged, and may otherwise
> be exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The information is
> intended solely for the use of the addressee. If you are not the
> intended recipient or believe you received this communication in
> error, please reply to the sender indicating that fact and delete the
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> or believe you received this communication in error, any unauthorized
> retention, copying, disclosure, distribution, or other use of the
> information is strictly prohibited. Thank you.
Original email accepted 9/18 Consent Calendar
IP14
Marian Karr
From:
Rick Fosse
Sent:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:46 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Cc:
Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject:
FW: Persons with Disabilities
From: Rick Fosse
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 5:42 PM
To: 'leonardsandler @aol.com'
Cc: Stefanie Bowers
Subject: RE: Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Sandler:
We discussed this with the City Council at last night's Work Session. The City Council remains committed to ensuring
that any use of the public ROW meets ADA accessibility standards, but does not want to extend the requirement onto
the premises unless it is required by law. There was not sufficient interest in implementing a higher local standard for
compliance as a condition for use of public ROW. I believe their primary concern is that this requirement would be cost
prohibitive in most cases and could eliminate some existing sidewalk cafes.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions.
Thank you,
Rick Fosse
Public Works Director
From: leonardsandler @aol.com [mailto:leonardsandler @ aol.com]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 7:55 PM
To: Rick Fosse
Subject: Re: Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Fosse,
I appreciate the prompt and favorable response and action.
I look forward to hearing from you in the future.
Regards,
Len Sandler
- - - -- Original Message---- -
From: Rick Fosse <Rick- Fosse @iowa - city.org>
To: 'leonardsandler @ aol.com' < leonardsandler@aol.com>; Stefanie Bowers <Stefan ie-Bowers@iowa-city. org >
Sent: Mon, Sep 17, 2012 7:36 pm
Subject: RE: Persons with Disabilities
Mr. Sandler:
Thank you for your a -mails today about accessibility as it relates to outdoor dining in the public right -of -way. I have
shared both of them with our Housing and Inspection Services Department. I will also bring this up during our discussion
with the City Council at tomorrow night's Work Session Meeting and follow up with you.
Sincerely,
Rick Fosse
Public Works Director
From: IeonardsandlerCaD-aol.com [ mailto:leonardsandler(cDaol.com
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 1:04 PM
To: Rick Fosse; Stefanie Bowers
Subject: Persons with Disabilities
Dear Mr. Fosse,
I am writing to follow up the email I sent to you, Ms. Bowers and the Mayor and City Council this morning.
I ask that you consider bringing my request to the attention of your staff and the city council. I know that many stores and
restaurants are not obligated to remove existing barriers unless it is readily achievable to do so. I also acknowledge that
the city does not enforce the ADA, its readily achievable barrier removal standards or altered facilities guidelines in many
if not most instances, although it does enforce the access provisions of the city code and human rights ordinance.
My position is that the city is not obligated or required to grant restaurants or other public accommodations the privilege of
expanding their business or extended their point of sales or dining onto the sidewalk, street or parking spaces. Because it
is a privilege and not a right for businesses, the city should issue permits to create or operate parking or street cafes only
to existing restaurants who do remove barriers, even though federal law would not require the restaurant in some
instances to do so. And, permits should not be made available to businesses whose cafes, wherever located, do not meet
city and federal accessibility and human rights codes.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Regards,
Leonard A. Sandler
Iowa City, Iowa
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION DRAFT IP15
MONDAY, AUGUST 27,2012--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST. -TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Laura Bergus, Alexa Homewood, Matt Butler, Hans Hoerschelman,
Nicholas Kilburg
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Brau, Ty Coleman, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT: Josh Goding, Lee Grassley (by phone), Beth Fisher, Michael McBride
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Grassley participated by telephone. Due to the recent high temperatures the physical plant suffered
numerous problems. Maintenance crews have been working overtime to make repairs but are still a bit
behind. Work on installing redundant capacity for the phone network has been completed to meet 911
requirements. The head -end has also been upgraded with 6 hours of backup power supply.
Hoerschelman asked the new broadband caps recently enforced by Mediacom. Grassley said that the
caps are intended to affect only the 1 1/2 -2% of users who consume an inordinate amount of bandwidth.
There has been virtually no negative feedback from subscribers. Hoerschelman asked if there is a
place subscribers can go to monitor their data consumption. Grassley said that they can access their
data use on the Mediacom website under account status. Mediacom will send a subscriber a notice
when they reach 50, 60, and 70% of the data cap. Hardy said that Mediacom is not prepared to take
high - definition programs from the access channel for placement on the video -on- demand channel but
is willing to take standard definition programs. Hardy reported that the PATV contract will be
extended six months to March 1. The City Manager has asked Hardy to make a recommendation on
how to make the local access operations in the city more efficient. Hardy said the main idea he has
about how to do this is to combine the facilities of the City Channel and PATV. The plan moving
forward is determine if either facility can accommodate both organizations or if another facility will be
needed. Staffing will also be reviewed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bergus moved and Kilburg seconded a motion to approve the July 23, 2012 minutes. The motion
passed unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Hoerschelman said that the broadband survey has been updated. Homewood provided some feedback
on the survey.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley participated by telephone. Due to the recent high temperatures the physical plant suffered
numerous problems. Maintenance crews have been working overtime to make repairs but are still a bit
behind. Work on installing redundant capacity for the phone network has been completed to meet 911
requirements. The head -end has also been upgraded with 6 hours of backup power supply.
Hoerschelman asked the new broadband caps recently enforced by Mediacom. Grassley said that the
caps are intended to affect only the 1 %2 -2% of users who consume an inordinate amount of bandwidth.
There has been virtually no negative feedback from subscribers. Hoerschelman asked if there is a
place subscribers can go to monitor their data consumption. Grassley said that they can access their
data use on the Mediacom website under account status. Mediacom will send a subscriber a notice
when they reach 50, 60, and 70% of the data cap.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Hardy referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted that all complaints have been
resolved.
LOCAL ACCESS CHANNELS REPORTS
Hoerschelman noted that some of the access channels provided written reports for the meeting packet.
McBride said that the University of Iowa channel's facilities have been moved to Plaza Center One.
They were off the air for only 45 minutes. Hoerschelman asked if Mediacom has a mechanism to
monitor the on- screen signal of the access channels. Hardy said he did not know and that this question
might be answered at a tour of Mediacom facilities.
CABLE TV ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Hardy said that Mediacom is not prepared to take high- definition programs from the access channel for
placement on the video -on -demand channel but is willing to take standard definition programs. Funds
to upgrade to high definition for the video -on- demand channel are not budgeted until 2013.
Hoerschelman asked if Mediacom was willing to place high- definition programs from the access
channel at that time. Hardy said it appears so and that the access channels may wish to begin placing
standard definition programs on the channel. Hardy will follow up with the process to do so.
PATV CONTRACT
Hardy reported that the PATV contract will be extended six months to March 1. The City Manager
has asked Hardy to make a recommendation on how to make the local access operations in the city
more efficient. Hardy said the main idea he has about how to do this is to combine the facilities of the
City Channel and PATV. Goding and the PATV board president have met with the City Manager and
will meet with Hardy. Combining the facilities will also address the funding decline when the
franchise expires in 2018 and there are no funds for PATV or the Community Television Service. The
plan moving forward is determine if either facility can accommodate both organizations or if another
facility will be needed. Staffing will also be reviewed. Bergus asked which of the access channels
might share a facility. Hardy said the City Channel, PATV, and the library could conceivably be in
one facility. Bergus asked what percent of PATV funding comes from the city. Goding said that it is
about 90 %.
ADJOUNMENT
Hoerschelman moved and Homewood seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion was approved
unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 6:26.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Brau
Cable TV Administrative Aide
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
Hoerschelman
Ber us
Homewood
5/28/11
X
X
X
X
Homewood x
6/27/11
x
o/c
x
x
X
8/27/11
x
x
x
o/c
X
9/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
10/24/11
X
X
X
X
X
11/26/11
X
X
vacant
X
X
Kilbur
2/25/12
X
X
x
x
X
Butler
3/26/12
o/c
x
o
x
X
4/23/12
X
X
X
X
X
5/21/12
X
X
X
X
X
6/25/12
X
X
X
X
X
7/23/12
x
X
X
X
X
8/27/12
x
x
x
x
X
9/24/12
X
X
X
X
x
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O /C) = Absent/Called (Excused)