HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-10-02 Correspondence-0 r , ®4* CITY OF IOWA CITY 3e212
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MEMORANDUM
Date: September 25, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Ronald R. Knoche, City Engineer
Re: Competitive Quotation Result
CDBG Demolitions - Contract #7
Competitive quotations for the CDBG Demolitions - Contract #7 Project were opened on
September 18, 2012 and the following quotes were received:
Iowa City Excavating Coralville, IA $ 93,317.25
Kelly Demolition Mount Vernon, IA $ 104,784.50
CAJ Enterprises West Branch, IA $ 166,211.14
Active Thermal Concepts Hiawatha, IA $ 199,750.00
Peterson Contractors Reinbeck, IA $ 204,100.00
Engineer's Estimate $ 96,000.00
Public Works and Engineering recommended and the City Manager awarded the
contract to Iowa City Excavating of Coralville, Iowa. The project will be funded with
CDBG funds.
2012 Sewer Repairs
Competitive quotations for the 2012 Sewer Repair Project were opened on September
19, 2012 and the following quotes were received:
Lynch's Excavating West Branch, IA $ 68,560.00
Maxwell Construction Iowa City, IA $ 72,750.00
Carter & Associates Coralville, IA $ 97,920.00
Dave Schmitt Construction Cedar Rapids, IA $ 104,658.00
Engineer's Estimate $ 80,300.00
Public Works and Engineering recommended and the City Manager awarded the
contract to Lynch's Excavating of West Branch, Iowa. The project will be funded with
Wastewater revenues.
Marian Karr 3e(2)
From: Edwin Stone <stone.edwin @gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 13, 2012 11:00 AM
To: Council
Cc: Board; Stephen Murley
Subject: Iowa City Schools
Dear Council Members,
Thanks very much for your support of the schools in Iowa City over the past several weeks
Please see the North Corridor Call to Arms that I have pasted below. I find it interesting that some of the
people in North Liberty who want a new high school in their city consider the residents of the Horn and Weber
elementary enrollment areas to belong more to "the North Corridor" than to Iowa City.
The reality is that building a third high school before it is absolutely needed would not be of benefit to anyone
in Iowa City or Coralville, including the residents of the Horn and Weber neighborhoods.
Please continue to speak publicly about restoring equity to our school district and do everything you can to keep
both sides of our city united on this front.
Please also continue to very publicly support the school board as they make some hard decisions in the face of a
lot of very emotional input.
Regards,
Ed
From: Amy Johnson <aajohnson300gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 3:34 PM
Subject: North Corridor Community Meeting - Sunday, September 16th 3pm - Informational /Action Meeting on SILO
Funds
To:
Good Afternoon PTO representatives from Garner, Van Allen, Penn, Wickham, Kirkwood, Horn, Borloug, Weber, and
Coralville Central Elementary Schools.
At the Facilities Committee Meeting last week, 5 out of 7 ICCSD Board Members stated that they are in favor of releasing
the requirement which currently has $32 million dollars of the incoming SILO money reserved for building at the high
school level. Under current board policy this money would be used for the building of a 3rd Comprehensive High School,
most likely, in the North Corridor. If those monies are released the likelihood of a 3rd Comprehensive High School will
greatly diminish and our continued capacity issues within the North District will greatly increase.
A number of concerned citizens are hosting a North Corridor Community meeting to educate, address, and
take action against this most recent request.
We encourage all of you to reach out to your parents and invite them and their neighbors to attend this
meeting. It is open to ANYONE concerned with this issue. We have little time to act as the wheels are
already in motion to release these funds. Please get the word out, the time for action is now.
What: North Corridor Community Meeting
When: Sunday, September 16th
Where: North Liberty Rec Center - Geridin Conference Room (Lower Level)
Time: 3pm
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you
Amy Johnson
Earlier this week a version of the below letter as well as the attached
documents, went out to Penn Elementary parents and subsequently Van Allen
and Garner Families. Please feel free to communicate this information to all
your families as well._
Families and Staff -
The PTO Board wants to make sure you are aware of the recent developments in the ICCSD at the school board level. At
the Facilities Committee Meeting last week, 5 out of 7 Board Members stated that they are in favor of releasing the
requirement which currently has $32 million dollars of the incoming SILO money reserved for building at the high school
level. Under current board policy this money would be used for the building of a 3rd Comprehensive High School, most
likely, in the North Corridor.
Murley presented a draft of the Comprehensive Facilities Plan which he is working on for the district, which addresses
needs at all levels of education and across the entire district. He will be finalizing this and presenting it at the upcoming
board meeting. At least a subset of the board is moving forward on reallocation of SILO funding prior to allowing the
ICCSD Administration to complete their facilities recommendations.
The reallocation of SILO funds for purposes other than high schools has been put on the agenda for the
School Board Governance Committee. This Committee is a subset of the Board and is meeting this
morning to vote on the first of three steps that have to be taken in order to release the funds. **(This was
this Past Monday 9/10) **
We have attached copies of two recent news articles that address this issue for those who are interested. We encourage
you to make yourselves aware of the many pressing issues facing the district and form your own opinions.
It is imperative that you let your voice be heard, because critical decisions that will affect all our lives and
the future education of our children may be made in the coming weeks.
• The next School Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
• You can contact the entire School Board via email at board@iccsd.k12.ia.us.
Marian Karr 3e(3)
From: Melvin Kelly <kellyresearchplan @yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, September 15, 2012 7:47 PM
To: mland @texas - city - tx.org ; glenn.barham @wichitafalistx.gov ; mayor @cityofdeirio.com ;
mayor @elpasotexas.gov ; lee. lessingwell @austintexas.gov ; themayor @ci.pasadena.tx.us
; mayor @houstontx.gov ; mayorjuliancastro @sanantonio.gov ; mayor @ucitymo.org ;
LPagano @stptersma.nat ; mayor @gocolumbiamo.com ; gwinstead @ci.bloomington.mn.us
; citycouncil @cityofrichfield.org ; abiede @rochestermn.gov ; at @minneapolis.org ;
Council; jon.crews @cedarfalls.com ; mayorgulba @ci.davenport.ia.us ; mayor @kcmo.org
Subject: Violence in Music by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments: Violence in Music.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd.
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 796 -3044
Email: kellyresearchpl�yahoo.com
To: The Mayors of the United States of America
Sub: The Advocating of Crime and Violence through Music
Date: September 17, 2013
Co: American Elected Officials
American Leadership
Dear Mayor,
In the year 2001 after spending two years living in the city of West Palm Florida, I
decided to move to Jersey City, NJ... While living in Jersey City I became employed with
the Hudson River Trust Park which was located two blocks from the former World Trade
Center Buildings. On my lunch break my favorite pass time was staring up at the height
of the World Trade Center Buildings. On the day those building were attacked and
crumbled to the ground I didn't go to work, but I saw what happen from across the
Hudson River that day.
Three days latter many cities in the northeast were attacked by Anthrax, and I also
witness many victims exposed to Anthrax detained in the streets of Jersey City and
washed down like cattle before they could return to the general public.
Now while America was under attack the birth of gang violence began to explode in the
New York, New Jersey area and began to spread like a wild fire all through -out New
Jersey, city by city. Certain gangs at that time whose names I will not mention
established that in order for a person to become a member of there gang the new recruit
had to randomly cut someone in the face; this initiation process went on for a while. Then
the gang initiation process turned into, in order to become part of this gang the recruit had
to randomly shoot someone with a gun.
In 2004 I moved to Trenton, NJ which is my native home and the gang related violence
had already reached there, every day two or three people were shot for no reason at all
behind gang related violence innocently, children, school teachers, church goers, anyone.
I have read in the news papers about serious gang violence on the west coast before, but
never in my life would I have ever dreamed to see such destruction in America by
Americans.
Along with the gang violence, negative musicians created a type of music to
accommodate the promotion of violence and destruction in the United States of America.
When I first heard the word "nigger" being used in rap music, in which I call "tear gas
music" I myself along with millions of other Americans both black and white didn't like
it, old and middle age.
We know about our history, we lived through and experienced Jim Crow Laws; we are
knowledgeable and have experienced racial hatred in America live and in color. And
along comes a generation of never having to struggle for anything exploiting the evilness
of America's past, using words like "nigger" as an act of endearment for a profit in the
music industry.
I believe the word "nigger" should be classified as profanity, and all profanity should be
banned from the usage in music forever. Along with any lyrics that induce violence of
any kind or the promotion of selling drugs, shooting police officers or innocent people for
gang initiations, or advocating hate crimes, home invasions, or wearing your pants below
your waist line showing your bottom in public.
The United States of America has a form of government known as Democracy not
Authoritarian of Totalitarian, but when do you draw the line in the United States of
America on "can do and cannot do" or "can record and cannot record" in the form of
video and music production. Where do we stand and what grounds do we stand on.
In the United States of America there were many judicial cases in the past that dealt with
the freedom of speech when it came to endangering the welfare of American Citizens, or
any situation rebelling against the laws established by the American Government for the
safety and protection of its people. For example, Schenck v. the United States in 1919
and Brandenburg v. Ohio in 1969 illustrated concerns pertaining to the limitations of the
freedom of speech, consistent with the terms of the First Amendment of the United States
of America Constitution.
Regardless of how much tax money is involved in the production of music and video
recordings, the Music Industry partially is governed by the United States Department of
Federal Communications Commission and the department should enforce to the best of
its ability the basic laws of the land.
In the year 2001 when American Troops were deployed to fight the Taliban and al Qaeda
in Afghanistan they had the best weapons available to fight the battle, in America the best
weapons to attempt to bring peace and harmony within troubled communities is the law.
And if the law allows violence and injustice to flow from any angle, conditions can only
get worse. Violence spreads like cancer because it doesn't discriminate.
For this reason please join me in asking our Federal Elected Officials to consider creating
the best laws to stop the promotion of aggressive lawlessness through music and video
production in the United States of America.
Jesus Christ said "that a house divide will not stand"
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Marian Karr 3e(4)
From:
Tom Markus
Sent:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 10:36 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
Fwd: Noise In The Neighborhoods
Info list please.
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Sam Hargadine <Sam -Har ag dinekiowa- city.org>
Date: September 25, 2012, 6:20:57 PM CDT
To: "'thebookshoygq.com "' <thebookshopJd`q.com>
Cc: Tom Markus <Tom- Markusgiowa -ci , .org>
Subject: FW: Noise In The Neighborhoods
Dear Mr. Ingles,
Thank you for taking the time to write the City Council. Your email was forwarded to me since most of
what you cite is a police issue. We have reviewed the last incident that you called in on and I can
certainly understand your frustrations. I've talked to the officer involved and he said he remarked about
how noise and disturbances are usually the worst during the first few weeks when the students are back
and then it calms down noticeably. This is especially noticeable when there has been a tranquil
summer. The Late Night's Watch Commander is aware of your concerns and there have been arrests
made in and around your block since.
You asked that the Council pursue a campaign that would reverse the ever increasing number of young
people that think it's cool to "get wasted." There is an initiative that is co- sponsored by the City of Iowa
City and the University of Iowa called the Partnership for Alcohol Safety. This group meets about once a
month and is made up of businesses, bar owners, university and city officials and students. Changing
culture is slow but this group has accomplished quite a bit since its inception and they are always
looking for more people to get involved should you be interested.
Again we certainly understand your frustrations and please don't hesitate to call the police when there
is a disturbance.
Sincerely,
Samuee E. NaVadite
Chief of Police
Iowa City Police Department
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240 -1826
From: The Book Shop [mailto:thebookshop ftcoml
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 4:37 PM
To: Council
Subject: Noise In The Neighborhoods
To the members of the Iowa City City Council,
I apologize for adding to your workload, so I'll make this short. Five quick things:
1) I've been the owner of The Book Shop at 608 South Dubuque Street for twenty-six years now. This is
also where I live. As well, I serve as caretaker for the property owner of the properties from 602 through
632 South Dubuque Street (the even side of the 600 block of South Dubuque Street). I am almost
constantly on the property and over the past few years the number of incidents of constant drunken
bellowing, of out -of- control parties, of public urination, of shattered windows and other ridiculous
vandalism to, and adjacent to, these properties has become intolerable.
Not all of the drunken noise and vandalism occurs in the few square blocks that constitute our
downtown. In my neighborhood it starts around ten every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Packs of
clearly underage, obviously drunk young people stagger through the neighborhood yelling as loudly as
they can, screeching and swearing at one another and any motorists they step in front of, throwing litter
everywhere, stomping on plants, breaking limbs off trees, pounding on doors and windows, and relieving
themselves between buildings, off balconies, and right in the middle of the street.
The tenants to whom I am responsible and I deserve to quietly enjoy our homes. And we deserve this
quiet enjoyment far more than drunken children have the right to disrupt, disrespect and destroy the
neighborhood. Too often, jaded police officers and dispatchers say that we'll just have to get used to all
the noise and damage. I say they're wrong, and I expect the City Council to say they're wrong, and that
drunken young people have no more right to break the law by annoying my tenants and me, than I would
have the right to break the law by annoying anyone.
I ask that the police be encouraged to listen for all the drunken bellowing in the neighborhood, and to cite
these young drunks for disturbing the peace.
2) 1 ask that the City Council consider an ordinance that would require that any property where there
are three or more dwelling units (apartments, plexs, condominiums) have a resident manager or other
responsible party on -site. It is too abundantly clear that when no responsible adults are present, these
multi -unit apartment buildings in our neighborhoods are magnets for young people to further pursue their
goal of getting "wasted."
3) 1 ask that the City Council insist that the police better patrol our neighborhood every weekend. I'm
frankly tired of having to call two or three times a week to request they pay attention to this area. The
graffiti and noise and vandalism needs to be prevented, rather than merely reported after the fact. With
so many unsupervised multi -unit apartment houses in the neighborhood, it should be a given that this
area needs to be patrolled just as does downtown. As well, since cab and delivery drivers prefer to speed
up and down South Dubuque Street rather than take South Gilbert, perhaps a greater police presence
would reduce the number of speeders who too often make crossing the street dangerous.
4) 1 ask the City Council to pursue a campaign that would reverse the seemingly ever increasing number
of young people who think it's cool to "get wasted," their term for drinking themselves into a stupor. We
ought to be pouring Drunk Is Stupid (copyright William R Ingles, but you can use it) into the absorbent
skulls of all minors until they believe it.
5) And to add another thought that'll probably go nowhere, when some blithering idiot is busted for
drunkenly bellowing, the person is cited and fined. Wonderful. This does nothing for all the people who
were so egregiously annoyed. We ought to pioneer some method of community payback. You annoy
my neighbors and me by your drunken antics, we ought to have the right to annoy you right back. I'm still
working on what sort of return - annoyance would be suitable.
Thank you for your consideration.
Take care.
William R (Will) Ingles
The Book Shop
608 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City IA 52240 -4231
319- 327 -8222
thebookshop(&-Q.com
www.thebookshop2.com
This correspondence will become a public record.
Marian Karr 3e(5)
From:
Jason Havel
Sent:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012 4:42 PM
To:
'Robe, Mark R'
Cc:
Council; Adam Bentley; Geoff Fruin; Tom Markus
Subject:
RE: Stop Light at McCollister Blvd and Old Hwy 218
Mark,
Thank you for your e-mail reply. I do remember speaking with you on the phone, and I believe it was around the
beginning of February. However, I did not indicate the Old Hwy 218 and McCollister Blvd /Mormon Trek Blvd signal was
out for bid at that time. At the time of our discussion, we had begun looking at a proposed signal at this intersection,
but did not have a plan set or specifications that would be needed to send the project out for bids. In addition, the
construction of a traffic signal at this location will be a formal project, which will require Council action during the
bidding process. I believe the signal at Hwy 218 and Melrose Ave was out for bid at the time of our discussion, and it is
possible there was some confusion during our conversation. If this was the case, I sincerely apologize. The signal at Hwy
218 and Melrose Avenue was scheduled for construction this spring, and it has been installed and is operational. I can
assure you the proposed signal at Old Hwy 218 and McCollister Blvd /Mormon Trek Blvd is a priority and we are currently
working on the design. Regarding the project timeframe, the anticipated schedule I discussed in my last e-mail is my
best estimate at this time. As always, feel free to contact me for updates on the project progress /schedule or with any
questions. Thanks.
Jason
From: Robe, Mark R [mailto:mark- robe @uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 12:15 PM
To: Jason Havel
Cc: Council
Subject: RE: Stop Light at McCollister Blvd and Old Hwy 218
Jason,
Thanks for responding to my email. I do wish that someone from the council would have contacted me since I sent it to
them but no one has. I'm not sure if you remember talking to me either early this year or late last year when I called but
at that time you told me that bids had gone out for this project and it should be in by this spring. Now you tell me that it
is still in design. I have served seven years on two different PandZ committee's and I currently serve as a City Councilman
and it is hard for me to understand how it can go out for bids and not be designed yet.
You also say that you have a lot of other projects to complete but as I stated when I talked to you before you said that it
would be done this spring.
I would like to know where this project really stands
Mark Robe
From: Jason Havel [mailto :Jason - Havel @iowa- city.org]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 3:06 PM
To: Robe, Mark R
Subject: RE: Stop Light at McCollister Blvd and Old Hwy 218
From: Jason Havel
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 3:05 PM
To: 'Robe, Mark R'
Cc: Adam Bentley; Geoff Fruin; Tom Markus; Council
Subject: RE: Stop Light at McCollister Blvd and Old Hwy 218
Mark,
Thank you for your e-mail. I can assure you the installation of a signal at this intersection is a priority, as we are
currently working on the design and the project is fully funded. Unfortunately, with the current workload and the
number of other projects under design and construction, progress hasn't been as quick as we'd like. However, we are
continuing to work on the design of the traffic signal, and hope to have the preliminary design completed in the near
future. Upon completion of the preliminary design, we will forward it to the railroad for their review and
comment. Once we've received comments from the railroad, we can finalize the design and move forward with
construction. At this time, I am anticipating a spring construction date for this project. I appreciate your concern
regarding this intersection and we will continue to work to have a traffic signal installed at this location in a timely
manner. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions. Thank you.
Jason Havel
Civil Engineer
From: Robe, Mark R jmailto:mark- robeOuiowa.edul
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 8:48 AM
To: Council
Cc: markrobe45(&hotmail.com; newsroomOkcrg.com
Subject: Stop Light at McCollister Blvd and Old Hwy 218
This correspondence will become a public record.
Honorable Mayor and City Council:
My name is Mark Robe I am not a resident of I.C. but I do work here. I am employed by the University of Iowa
and work at the Mossman Business Services Bldg. on Old Hwy 218.
My concern is the intersection at McCollister Blvd. and Old Hyw 218. We need a stoplight there immediately.
On 9/12 there was an accident involving a minivan and a motorcycle and that is just one of many accidents that
have happened there. The number of close calls that happen every day probably number as many as fifty. There
are nine lanes of traffic counting the turning lanes trying to use that intersection at the same time and it is just
not safe. One of the employees here has been in two accidents the last being on 9/7/2012 when the car ahead of
him pulled out into traffic then realized that another car was too close and backed up into him. He was telling
me that as they were filling out the paper work for the accident he saw at least five close calls. I have discussed
this with someone in your traffic division and he told me that you are waiting on the railroad to decide what
needs to be done there on their end. We cannot wait any longer. The winter is fast approaching and we cannot
count on another mild winter like we had last year. I was also told that bids have gone out for this project and it
should be done this year but so far nothing. I looked at the I.C. Police Dept. website and it was hard to believe
that this intersection was not on the top ten intersections for accidents. People get tired of waiting for a break in
traffic and take chances trying to get into traffic. If you are on McCollister and a pickup or other large vehicle
pulls up alongside of you, you cannot see traffic in either direction. When you put in the bypass you did it to
move traffic off Hwy 6 and it worked. The road is great and works well except for not having the light.
PLEASE make this matter a priority before someone loses their life.
You can contact me at (319)- 331 -1672 or markrobe45khotmail.com
Thank you for your time
Sincerely
Mark Robe
Marian Karr 3e(6)
From: Kurt Kimmerling <kurtkimmerling @msn.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:41 AM
To: Council
Subject: Taft Speedway /No Name Road Hod Mitigation Project
Attachments: Council Letter 20120919.pdf
Please find my correspondence attached in .PDF format.
Kurt Kimmerling
33 Trevose Place
Iowa City IA
This correspondence will become a public record
33 Trevose Place
lows City A S2245
September 19, 2012
Member of C#tV Council and Staff
City of Iowa city
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City Al 52240
Reference: Taft Speedway/No Name Road NOW WtlgWon
Dear CkV Council and Staff
City Council has a demonstrated a concern for stablitting ftC49tdKwhoods In and around its
downtown core. For example, the Northside neighborhood "ere problems with rental housing
have created an unstable environment for attractirig and retakft owner occupied properties.
Since the food of June 2008 the Idyllwild neighborhood, only one mile from aside and
minutes by foot from downtown, has struggled with *Y&r problems. Approved by City Council
In early 199(Ys as an "in -field or ki-W development close to downtown, kt#wod was
envisioned as 104 owner occupied condominium properties for older adults and retirees, it
successfully met this vision; with few exceptions our bylaws did not allow rental properties. on
June 1, 2006 ninety-fte percent (M) of our properties were owner occupied.
Contrast that "rty vision with what we have today. To attract investment needed to r*bu#d
abandoned %W damaged properties, a bylaw change to allow recitals was approved by our
remaining owners In late Year 2006. The result, forty- &* percent (45YQ of the cornmunity Is
now rental occupied. These properties are a mix of young adults, mostly hospital residents and
undergraduate and graduate students, and others rtq&ft temporary housing prior to moving
on to whatever.
The ability to rent an kty#wHd property Is current set to expire In December 2016. This Is, of
course, a decision that can be changed by a majority vote of our ownership. Ws very possible
that without a positive decision by City Council on future flood mitigation for our neighborhood
the ownership could decide to keep a rental option In place. This would, In my opinion, prove to
be a tipping point and put an end to klyllwilds original intent as an owner occupied
neighborhood. Our future will be In student rental properties convenient to downtown by foot,
We path or bus.
When considering the Taft Speedway/No Name Road flood mitigation project think
'neighborhood stabilization." PI*&s* support the project.
Sincerely,
Kurt Kknm""A tr#ng
r- _I
Marian Karr
From: Kurt Kimmerling <kurtkimmerling @msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2012 4:51 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jim Throgmorton
Subject: Idyllwild Buyout Question Answered by Association
Attachments: Letter to City Council 20120924.pdf
Idyllwild has put together our reply to Councilperson Throgmorton's question, asked during the September 18
council work session, regarding any buyout Federal, State or local buyouts offered to the Association.
Kurt Kimmerling
33 Trevose Place
Iowa City IA
This correspondence will become a public record.
Member of City Council and Staff
City of Iowa City
410 E Washirigton Street
Iowa City AI 52240
Reference: idyN wild Buyout Question
Dear City Council and Staff:
33 Trevose Place
Iowa City lA 52245
September 24, 2012
During the September 18 City Council work session, Counciiperson Throgmorton asked City
staff if ldyllwiid was ever offered a buyout. The answer Is an unequivocal NO.
Timeline and details of our buyout efforts follow:
July 7, 2008 —
Idyl iwIld convenes a special meeting of our owners to discuss a possible buyout option.
City Manager Michael Lombardo speaks about the FEMA program. He states the City
will research the situation and report back to us by.September 12 with a decision on
whether they would be participating in the FEMA program.
Jeff Davidson, PCD Director, explains funding may not be available for property in the
500 year flood plain, that the first consideration was 100 year flood plain properties.
Further, he says the City would review a cost-analysis of the buyout project and send a
"Notice of Interest to FEMA.
Regina Balley, Iowa City Mayor, speaks to us. She comments there is no precedent with
FEMA for +buying out" condominium associations but the City would press for a
decision.
September 11, 2008 -
Idyllwild convenes a special meeting of our owners to discuss buyout possibilities. The
Association's buyout committee reports the City Included us on a "Notice of Interest"
sent to FEMA informing them of our interest In participating In a buyout program. We
are also told the City Is analyzing Input from Idyflwiid to determine if we reach ekglb ty
requirements, namely were we over 50% damaged and In the 100 year flood plain.
September 29, 2008 —
Members of our executive committee attend a meeting at City Manager Michael
i ombardo's office. At this meeting, Mr. Lombardo explains tdyilvwltd did not meet
requirements for a FEMA buyout. Further, he recommends we remove My twild from
the "Notice of Interest" fist so our owners might be eligible for several other Federal,
State and local programs.
September 30, 2008 —
idyllwiid convenes s meeting of the owners. An emall from Michael Lombardo Is read. it
explains Idytiwild did not meet the requirements fora FEMA buyout. Specifically, all our
structures are not in the 100 year flood plain and there was not substantial die to
our structures. Because ldylWld is treated as one property, Baer requirement Is met.
The City also explains we do not quality for another Federal program ceded Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMiGP). After conducting a Benefit Cost Analysis (BCA), we
fall to meet the required hurdle rate of 1.0. Our BCA Is less than 0.2 per City staff. (•)
Finally, per the City Manager's recommendation, Idy"ld owners vote to have our
name removed from the "Notice of Interest."
(•) Please note: the fact that our BCA was law is not Indicative of the corhdifi n of
ldylh W after flooding. AN properties were deemed uninhabitable by City inspection and
all had to be mold mitigated and rebuilt per City code.
In confusion, Idyiiwild made every attempt and followed the aWS advke on obtaining a
FEMA buyout or any other funding program available to us.
if the Council or Staff requires further details, meeting minutes, etcetera we would be happy to
provide.
Sincerely,
ldythivild Condominiums Owners' Association
Satyr Cline
Association President
August 29, 2012
Den Iowa City Councilors and Staff
V7;'
I am writing you today to ask that you vote in favor of budding the Taft Floodw&U to help
protect us - the 92 homes in the Idy4wild condominium, complex - from the type of fin-tidal
physical, and mental devastate caused by the flood of 2008 After the flood, IdylvrAd
homeowners spent over $8 miffion to gut and rebuild every condo in the development More
funds were spent for temporary housing, to replace Id wild landscaping and repair toads and
sidewalks. By late 2009, 35 homeowners out of 92 had sold their condo, filed for bankruptcy or
had their morqqp foreclosed by the bank. It was it devastating event for our community, and
not one we ever wish to repeat.
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 out 92 homes - that would have
required 500 ,OW sandbags! INNS concluded in the Flood Emergency Response Pkn which
they developed for IdyUwdd, that permanent floM protection would be the most effective
means to protect this am from another flood Ww the one we cxperimced in 2W8.
Idyl wsld was not dg"e for a FEMA buyout because as a condominium development, we in
governed by a Declaration of Condominium which defines &192 homes as in association and
one kW property, not individual units. Also, coltectively, we did not meet the masinwm
damage reqwen-Aents to be 6gible for a buyout.
For these reasons, I am asking for you to please support the Taft Floodwall.
Sincerely, P. A V"U� rbg& (OMkN
W*.-CP rebL411
Susan Pappas IA� am � %mvc�- W4. -G�
58 Pentire Circle aA?A WWI jW&C" -Q- 44-U& a*j4VN4&tC- aAka�
Iowa City, IA 52245 WVA& U *AUkAj. CCN S*W(3: - 00" e"A 1+410ttPt
(5r u 6ne; 17e K- 14% &Zor -6 Ka4y-e— a-- UA 0
"a*'Of -.kwv- At*ul- 1:
�o ab 4ouog,,, W44,,t
VK4- Ittic", k " 001 t(A
uP&iJ% ka6 i W.P& ca ';&Aj!S -Ge- +V'X Ao Use*
Marian Karr
From:
MurphyGeerdes <mg9425 @mchsi.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 10:49 AM
To:
Council
Cc:
Tom Markus
Subject:
FW: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
Thank you for your thoughtful questions about the proposed flood mitigation for the Idyllwild condominium
development at last week's council's work session. We were disappointed to recently learn that the City has a "policy"
of not allowing the public to review documents which the City considers to be "draft." As you can see from the below
email exchange, it takes this position even though the legislation which authorizes such action in some cases does not
take effect until July 1, 2013.
What is the City trying to hide? What can be so sensitive about a draft document? The Idyllwild /Taft Speedway flood
mitigation project is controversial enough. The City does not need to make it more so by withholding information from
the public.
We had understood from the June 6th public forum held by the city at the Parkview Church about this proposed flood
mitigation that the public would have an opportunity to review the city's consultant's draft report. See the dialog from
the city's Meeting #2 Video found at http : / /www.hdrpi.com /taftspeedway /.
Wally Taylor. "I'm Wally Taylor I'm an attorney from Cedar Rapids representing the folks south of Taft
Speedway.... now maybe your draft report will have more on that but we don't have a report to look at yet so um
when I came here tonight 1 was going to ask where in the heck is the report but you've explained that already we
don't have one yet. Uh, I'm assuming that that draft report at the end of month [June] will be on the website."
John Engel (city consultant): "Absolutely..."
Wally Taylor. "Okay."
John Engel (city consultant]: "Yah ... yah absolutely."
Wally Taylor. "Then can the public comment on the draft report ?"
John Engel (city's consultant): 'Absolutely absolutely."
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary and Gregg
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg9425 @mchsi.com
From: Sarah Holecek [mailto :Sarah - Holecek @iowa - city.org]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 10:30 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'; Marian Karr
Cc: Jason Reichart; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Ms. Murphy:
As noted in Marian's response to your public records request on Friday, it has long been the City's
position that tentative, preliminary, draft, and research form materials not yet finalized for the purpose
for which it is intended (i.e. a recommendation to and /or decision by City Council on a project), or not
presented to any public official or public body (i.e. City Council) for review and formulation,
recommendation, adoption or execution of official policy or action is not a "public record ", but rather a
work in progress, not yet by the City; thus, it its draft stage, not "of or belonging to" the City. (See,
Iowa Code 22.1(3)).
We are aware that SF430 does not take effect until July 2013, however, the City's position has been
steadfastly consistent that draft documents that have not been presented to either an official or the
City Council for policy or decision making review are not "public records" but rather drafts that are a
work in progress. In other words, documents being created and drafted by a public employee and /or
contractor are not public until presented for official decision making authority. If you wish to discuss
this matter further, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sarah E. Holecek
First Assistant City Attorney
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph: 319- 356 -5030
Fax: 319- 356 -5008
email: sarah- holecek(&iowa- citv.or
Notice:
Since e-mail messages sent between you and the City Attorney's Office and its employees are transmitted over the Internet, the City Attorney's Office cannot
assure that such messages are secure. You should be careful in transmitting information to the City Attorney's Office that you consider confidential. If you are
uncomfortable with such risks, you may decide not to use e-mail to communicate with the City Attorney's Office. without written notification that you do not wish to
communicate with the City Attorney's Office via e-mail communication, the City Attorney's Office will assume you assent to such communication. This message is
covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S. C. Sections 2510 -2515, is intended only for the use of the person to whom it is addressed and may
contain information that is confidential and subject to the attorney - client privilege. It should not be forwarded to anyone else without consultation with the
originating attorney. If you received this message and are not the addressee, you have received this message in error. Please notify the person sending the
message and destroy your copy.
Thank you.
APlease consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary.
From: MurphyGeerdes rmailto:mc194250mchsi.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2012 10:36 PM
To: Marian Karr
Cc: Jason Reichart; Sarah Holecek
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hello Marian,
Senate File 430 does not take effect until 2013. The draft report is therefore a public record which the public is entitled
to review. My husband, Gregg Geerdes, and I will be at city hall Monday afternoon at approximately 1:00 pm to review
and perhaps copy the same. We would also like to see the cover letter and any other correspondence between the city
and its consultant concerning the draft report.
Below is a link to Senate File 430 showing the effective date:
http:HcooIice.legis.iowa.eov /Cool- ICE /default. asp ?Categorv= biIlinfo &Service= BiIlbook &menu = false &hbilI =sf430
"Sec. 17 EFFECTIVE DATE. Except for the section of this Act establishing transition provisions for the Iowa public
information board, this Act takes effect July 1, 2013. "
Thank you.
Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
3191400 -7464
mp9425@mchsi.com
From: Marian Karr fmailto :Marian- Karr(&iowa- city.org]
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 9:09 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Cc: Jason Reichart; Sarah Holecek
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
I have discussed your request with Jason and Asst. City Atty. Sarah Holecek. Any report received
from the consultant is currently in a tentative, preliminary, draft, research form and is not yet finalized
for the purpose for which it is intended (i.e. a recommendation to and /or decision by City Council on
the project). The report has not been presented to any public official or the public body (i.e. City
Council) for review upon a formulation, recommendation, adoption or execution of official policy or
action. As such, the City does not consider this document a "public record" as the report has not yet
been accepted by the City and is therefore, it its draft stage, not "of or belonging to" the City. (See,
Iowa Code 22.1(3)).
Notably, Senate File 430 passed during the last legislative session, specifically codifies this position
and states that draft documents that are not yet submitted for decision making regarding official policy
or action are considered confidential public records under Iowa Code Section 22.7.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Sarah Holecek in the City Attorney's
office at 356 -5030.
Marian
From: MurphyGeerdes [mailto:mg9425C&mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 8:00 AM
To: Jason Reichart; Marian Karr
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason and Marian,
Fyi .... In accordance with Iowa's open records law, my husband, Gregg Geerdes, and I will be at your offices today to look
at the draft report you have received between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg94250mchsi.com
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg94250mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:27 PM
To: 'Jason Reichart'
Cc: 'Marian Karr'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason,
I have not yet heard from you on this matter. When can I review or receive a copy of this public document? Please
consider this an official request to review the same under Iowa's Open Records Law.
Thank you. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
ma94259mchsi. com
From: Marian Karr fmailto :Marian- KarrC&iowa- city.org]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 8:11 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'; Jason Reichart
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Good Morning Mary (and Jason),
I'm not sure if the incomplete draft is available and will let Jason respond to your inquiry. Let me know if I can be of any
assistance.
Marian
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg9425 @mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 12:34 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Cc: Marian Karr
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hi Jason,
I'd like to visit your offices and see this draft report/public record. I can usually make myself available on Mondays or
Wednesdays until about 2:30 or Fridays after 1 p.m. until about 2:30.
When would be a good time to take a look at it?
Thank you. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mq9425@mchsi.com
From: Jason Reichart fmailto :Jason- Reichart(aaiowa- city.org]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 11:12 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
At this time we only have an incomplete draft of the study report. We will release the final report to Council and the
public when it is complete.
Thanks,
Jason
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg94250mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 12:01 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason,
Have you received a draft or other type of preliminary report or summary of any sort from the consultant?
Thanks. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mo9425L@mchsi.com
From: Jason Reichart fmailto :Jason- Reichart(aiowa- city.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 3:46 PM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
We have not yet received the final report from the consultant. We will be sure to post to the project website when it is
available. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Jason Reichart
Special Projects Engineer
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: 319.356.5416
Jason- reichart@iowa- city.ore
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg94250mchsi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 7:12 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Subject: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hi Jason,
I am writing to inquire whether Iowa City has received a report from the consultant since the meeting at the Parkview
Church about the proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation (floodwall /levee) — preliminary, final or otherwise?
Thanks. Mary
Mary Murphy
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg9425 @mchsi.com
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------------------------------------ -
- - - - - - - - - -
Z3 P-�)
My names is Jim White, Sr. I live at 121 Taft Speedway
St in Iowa City. Here is a censored version of what I had
hoped to present to the Council at Your September 18,
2012 Regular Meeting. (The term "Flood Mitigation" has
been removed.)
July 28 2009. The Regular City Council Meeting when
the council gave city staff approval to apply for the Taft
Speedway /o Name Road project. A
Meeting Lyle Seydel, Carole Seydel and I attended
Promises were made at that time by the council to seek
public input and not to rule out doing this project even if
the money was received. It was merely the formality of
the grant application process we were told; we (the
concerned citizens) would have plenty of time for
discussion and input AND the council would keep an
open mind on all of this.
I remember that night well and my notes reflect the same.
I remember Rick Fosse saying our homes would be "on
the wrong side of the levee" when a counselor asked what
would happen to the homes already on the south side of
Taft Speedway.
Also, after the meeting I recall five or six Idyllwwildt�_"-
residents thanking Rick "for all you are doing S."
"Thanks, Charlie," Rick replied.
d
Here is what else I know and remember: We had a
petition regarding the Gateway Project and the Taft
Speedway and No Name Road (TS/NN) Project signed by
288 residents. There would have been more signatures
but we were led to believe there was going to be a public
meeting, a decision to be made in November 2011 so we
stopped collecting signatures on or about Nov 1 St of that
year.
City Staff deep sixed these petitions because they said
they did not know what they pertained to. The Title, in V2
inch bold type on the cover of the petitions, read: Taft
Speedway Study [And Iowa City
Gateway Project] and it contained 5 suggestions /options
for these two projects.
The petitions were finally shared with the `Consultants"
only after we complained and brought this information to
the attention of the City Manager.
We have had numerous meetings on this topic since Sen.
Grassley and HUD got more involved. Some discussions
.w
lasting 1 to 2 hours in length. These
conversations /discussions have been taped andre --
available through the local public access chan , ° u
If you were to enter "Taft Speedway" in any internet
search engine you would see all the letters in opposition
to this project printed in the local newspapers; you would
see a majority of the articles in the local newspapers
against this project; you would see citizens who are
engineers, geologists and even residents of Idyllwild
opposed to any of the proposed TS/NN Road
proposals.
It is ironic when I hear current Idyllwild residents and
investors putting so much trust and credence in what
some engineers and consultants are saying, and what the
City Public Works Staff is saying, yet these are thesame
people who made monstrous mistakes back in M14bout
Idyllwild and which many Idyllwild residents esex
after The Flood of 2008.
In an important related matter:
There is no need for a Taft Speedway/Dubuque Street
intersection. One million dollars could be saved in the
Dubuque St. (IC Gateway) project if such an intersection
was not built. City staff will say, `But what if there is an
accident at the intersection of Dubuque Street and Foster
Road? We need to have emergency vehicle protection to
the west end of the peninsula." To which I ask, What if
there was an accident at the intersection of Brown St and
Dubuque St? What if there was an accident at the
intersection of Park Rd and Dubuque St? What if there
was an accident at the corner of Kimball Rd and Dubuque
St ?, What if there was an accident at the corner of Ridge
Rd and Dubuque St? What if there was an accident at the
intersection of No Name Road and Foster Road?
How many times since the advent of the automobile have
we had an accident at an intersection in Iowa City that
caused emergency vehicles to radically change their
routes?
In 1992, when Idyllwild was being planned, the traffic
study recommended that no turning lanes or major
intersection be built at the intersection of Dubuque and
Taft Speedway. It was considered too dangerous to have
left turning vehicles on a curve in the road. That is why
Foster Road is the major entrance and exit for Parkview
Church and only on Sunday may vehicles legally exit
Parkview Church via Taft Speedway.
In 1992 renowned Hydrologist Dr. John F. Kennedy,
quoting his esteemed colleague Joseph W. Howe, gave
the recommendation to the Iowa City Council not to
allow Idyllwild to be built. Mr. Sam Farr, the Dean of
the U of Iowa Law School, seconded this
recommendation. Such recommendations were ignored.
What has really changed that makes these
recommendations any less valid today then the: w-' e 2Q-
va
years ago? =t
Nothing!
ames J.- ite, Sr.
121 Taft Speedway St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319- 321 -1643
Marian Karr
From:
Jason Reichart
Sent:
Friday, September 28, 2012 11:55 AM
To:
MurphyGeerdes (mg9425 @mchsi.com)
Cc:
*City Council; Rick Fosse; Ron Knoche
Subject:
RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
Your last message was forwarded to me for a response. We did not recall this commitment had been made at the
meeting. Although it is not consistent with our policy on draft documents, we will honor the commitment. It does not
reflect a change in our policy, it is an exception to honor the commitment. We expect to have a draft early next week.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Jason Reichart
Special Projects Engineer
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: 319.356.5416
iason - reichart@iowa- city.org
From: Tom Markus
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 12:21 PM
To: Rick Fosse
Subject: FW: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
From: MurphyGeerdes [mailto:mg9425 @mchsi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 10:49 AM
To: Council
Cc: Tom Markus
Subject: FW: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Dear Iowa City Council Members,
Thank you for your thoughtful questions about the proposed flood mitigation for the Idyllwild condominium
development at last week's council's work session. We were disappointed to recently learn that the City has a "policy"
of not allowing the public to review documents which the City considers to be "draft." As you can see from the below
email exchange, it takes this position even though the legislation which authorizes such action in some cases does not
take effect until July 1, 2013.
What is the City trying to hide? What can be so sensitive about a draft document? The Idyllwild /Taft Speedway flood
mitigation project is controversial enough. The City does not need to make it more so by withholding information from
the public.
We had understood from the June 6th public forum held by the city at the Parkview Church about this proposed flood
mitigation that the public would have an opportunity to review the city's consultant's draft report. See the dialog from
the city's Meeting #2 Video found at http : / /www.hdrpi.com /taftspeedway /.
Wally Taylor: "1'm Wally Taylor I'm an attorney from Cedar Rapids representing the folks south of Taft
Speedway.... now maybe your draft report will have more on that but we don't have a report to look at yet so um
when 1 came here tonight I was going to ask where in the heck is the report but you've explained that already we
don't have one yet. Uh, I'm assuming that that draft report at the end of month [June] will be on the website."
John Engel (city consultant): "Absolutely..."
Wally Taylor: "Okay."
John Engel (city consultant]: "Yah ... yah absolutely."
Wally Taylor: "Then can the public comment on the draft report ?"
John Engel (city's consultant): "Absolutely absolutely."
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mary and Gregg
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
ma9425@mchsi.com
From: Sarah Holecek [mailto :Sarah- Holecek @iowa - city.org]
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 10:30 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'; Marian Karr
Cc: Jason Reichart; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Ms. Murphy:
As noted in Marian's response to your public records request on Friday, it has long been the City's
position that tentative, preliminary, draft, and research form materials not yet finalized for the purpose
for which it is intended (i.e. a recommendation to and /or decision by City Council on a project), or not
presented to any public official or public body (i.e. City Council) for review and formulation,
recommendation, adoption or execution of official policy or action is not a "public record ", but rather a
work in progress, not yet by the City; thus, it its draft stage, not "of or belonging to" the City. (See,
Iowa Code 22.1(3)).
We are aware that SF430 does not take effect until July 2013, however, the City's position has been
steadfastly consistent that draft documents that have not been presented to either an official or the
City Council for policy or decision making review are not "public records" but rather drafts that are a
work in progress. In other words, documents being created and drafted by a public employee and /or
contractor are not public until presented for official decision making authority. If you wish to discuss
this matter further, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Sarah E. Holecek
First Assistant City Attorney
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph: 319- 356 -5030
Fax: 319- 356 -5008
email: sarah- holecek(&iowa- citv.or
Notice:
Since e-mail messages sent between you and the City Attorney's Office and its employees are transmitted over the Internet, the City Attorney's Office cannot
assure that such messages are secure. You should be careful in transmitting information to the City Attorney's Office that you consider confidential. If you are
uncomfortable with such risks, you may decide not to use e-mail to communicate with the City Attomey's Office. Without written notification that you do not wish to
communicate with the City Attorney's Office via e-mail communication, the City Attorney's Office will assume you assent to such communication. This message is
covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510-2515, is intended only for the use of the person to whom it is addressed and may
contain information that is confidential and subject to the attorney - client privilege. It should not be forwarded to anyone else without consultation with the
originating attorney. If you received this message and are not the addressee, you have received this message in error. Please notify the person sending the
message and destroy your copy.
Thank you.
APlease consider the environment and do not print this email unless absolutely necessary.
From: MurphyGeerdes rmailto:mg94250mchsi.com]
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2012 10:36 PM
To: Marian Karr
Cc: Jason Reichart; Sarah Holecek
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hello Marian,
Senate File 430 does not take effect until 2013. The draft report is therefore a public record which the public is entitled
to review. My husband, Gregg Geerdes, and I will be at city hall Monday afternoon at approximately 1:00 pm to review
and perhaps copy the same. We would also like to see the cover letter and any other correspondence between the city
and its consultant concerning the draft report.
Below is a link to Senate File 430 showing the effective date:
http: / /coolice.legis.iowa.gov /Cool- ICE /default. asp ?Categorv= biIIinfo &Service= BiIIbook &menu = false &hbiII =sf430
"Sec. 17. EFFECTIVE DATE. Except for the section of this Act establishing transition provisions for the Iowa public
information board, this Act takes effect July 1, 2013. "
Thank you.
Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
3191400 -7464
ma9425 @mchsi.com
From: Marian Karr [mailto :Marian- Karrca)iowa- city.ora]
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 9:09 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Cc: Jason Reichart; Sarah Holecek
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
I have discussed your request with Jason and Asst. City Atty. Sarah Holecek. Any report received
from the consultant is currently in a tentative, preliminary, draft, research form and is not yet finalized
for the purpose for which it is intended (i.e. a recommendation to and /or decision by City Council on
the project). The report has not been presented to any public official or the public body (i.e. City
Council) for review upon a formulation, recommendation, adoption or execution of official policy or
action. As such, the City does not consider this document a "public record" as the report has not yet
been accepted by the City and is therefore, it its draft stage, not "of or belonging to" the City. (See,
Iowa Code 22.1(3)).
Notably, Senate File 430 passed during the last legislative session, specifically codifies this position
and states that draft documents that are not yet submitted for decision making regarding official policy
or action are considered confidential public records under Iowa Code Section 22.7.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Sarah Holecek in the City Attorney's
office at 356 -5030.
Marian
From: MurphyGeerdes [mailto:mg94250)mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 8:00 AM
To: Jason Reichart; Marian Karr
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason and Marian,
Fyi .... In accordance with Iowa's open records law, my husband, Gregg Geerdes, and I will be at your offices today to look
at the draft report you have received between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg94250mchsi.com
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg9425@mchsi.coml
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2012 9:27 PM
To: 'Jason Reichart'
Cc: 'Marian Karr'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason,
I have not yet heard from you on this matter. When can I review or receive a copy of this public document? Please
consider this an official request to review the same under Iowa's Open Records Law.
Thank you. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg9425 @mchsi.com
From: Marian Karr fmailto :Marian - Karr @iowa- city.org]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 8:11 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'; Jason Reichart
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Good Morning Mary (and Jason),
I'm not sure if the incomplete draft is available and will let Jason respond to your inquiry. Let me know if I can be of any
assistance.
Marian
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg9425 @mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2012 12:34 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Cc: Marian Karr
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hi Jason,
I'd like to visit your offices and see this draft report/public record. I can usually make myself available on Mondays or
Wednesdays until about 2:30 or Fridays after 1 p.m. until about 2:30.
When would be a good time to take a look at it?
Thank you. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mg9425 @mchsLcom
From: Jason Reichart fmailto :Jason- Reichart(&iowa- city.org]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 11:12 AM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Mary,
At this time we only have an incomplete draft of the study report. We will release the final report to Council and the
public when it is complete.
Thanks,
Jason
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg9425 @mchsi.com]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2012 12:01 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Jason,
Have you received a draft or other type of preliminary report or summary of any sort from the consultant?
Thanks. Mary
Mary Murphy & Gregg Geerdes
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
mq9425@mchsi.com
From: Jason Reichart fmailto :Jason- Reichart(diowa- city.org]
Sent: Thursday, September 06, 2012 3:46 PM
To: 'MurphyGeerdes'
Subject: RE: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation.
Mary,
We have not yet received the final report from the consultant. We will be sure to post to the project website when it is
available. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thanks,
Jason Reichart
Special Projects Engineer
City of Iowa City
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office: 319.356.5416
iason- reichart@iowa- city.org
From: MurphyGeerdes fmailto:mg9425 @mchsi.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 7:12 AM
To: Jason Reichart
Subject: Proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation
Hi Jason,
1 am writing to inquire whether Iowa City has received a report from the consultant since the meeting at the Parkview
Church about the proposed Idyllwild flood mitigation (floodwall /levee) — preliminary, final or otherwise?
Thanks. Mary
Mary Murphy
890 Park Place
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
3191354 -2375
=94250mchsh com
Marian Karr 3e(7)
From: Roberta Till -Retz <demspotter @gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2012 3:19 PM
To: Council
Subject: Please consider Mike Wright's call
September 24, 2012
Dear Council Members,
I am deeply appreciative of your ongoing concern for the integrity of Iowa City's central neighborhoods. Mike
Wright's recent editorial in the Press Citizen, as well as the citizen comment at your City Council meeting of
September 4, were compelling testimonies on the need for a dramatic change in our housing policies.
Since my family arrived in Iowa City in 1980, I have sadly watched the continual erosion of our historic
neighborhoods. Our evacuation from "Mosquito Flats" in the flood of 2008 highlighted for us the unwisdom of
allowing residential construction in places which should never have been disturbed. Our new home in an older
neighborhood near City High has given us a wonderful sense of community. We are concerned to see the
preservation of neighborhoods like this for the future.
Numerous revisions to Iowa City's zoning policies and the adoption of a nuisance ordinance have slowed, but
not significantly reversed, the loss of housing stock and long -term residents. This is in large part because the
City's zoning code has not effectively preserved the most essential quality of any healthy residential
neighborhood: that the vast majority of its residents have chosen to make it their home for the foreseeable
future. If the goals of the City's Strategic Plan are to be achieved, this quality, reflected in levels of long -term
tenancy, must be restored.
Despite the City's central neighborhood stabilization efforts, the 2010 U.S. Census data included in your recent
information packet reveals the continued imbalance of rental to owner- occupied dwellings. In the two census
tracts approximating the Northside and College Green, rental units comprise 84% of all Northside dwellings,
and 94% of all College Green dwellings. Nothing speaks to the matter of neighborhood instability with more
urgency.
The housing imbalance affects more than the quality of life within our core neighborhoods. It also undermines
our strategic goals for the downtown. If we hope to promote diversity and balance in the downtown, we must
also promote them in the surrounding historic neighborhoods. Their fates are intertwined. Moreover, I have
spoken to many people who would prefer to live in the neighborhoods a short walk from downtown, rather than
in a condominium in the central business district. Unfortunately, such housing is currently very limited in terms
of affordability and type.
With so much at stake, I support Mike Wright's call for immediate action to address the housing imbalance: a
moratorium on new multi - family infill development in the historic neighborhoods, and a re- evaluation of our
zoning codes and housing programs.
Sincerely,
Roberta Till -Retz
206 College Court
Iowa City, IA 52245
Marian Karr
From:
John <john @johnfshaw.com>
Sent:
Thursday, September 27, 2012 11:23 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION
Attachments:
Council -Shaw neighborhoods. pdf
Attached find my letter to Council regarding neighborhood stabilization.
I hope this is in time to make it into Council's Packet
Thanks
John Shaw
319 - 338 -4344
319 - 331 -4348
john @iohnfshaw.com
This correspondence will become a public record.
09/27/12
Re: Neighborhood Stabilization
Dear Council Members,
My thanks to the City Council for recognizing the importance of neighborhood
stabilization and for its recent approval of changes to zoning regulations intended to
support stabilization.
Recently, the Press Citizen published a Guest Opinion written by Mr. Michael Wright:
"Some Big Steps toward Stabilizing Neighborhoods." Mr. Wright suggests that the City
Council impose a 90 -day moratorium on any new multi - family projects within the
boundaries of the UniverCity Program. He also proposes that the Council use this time
to create a better set of tools to protect our existing neighborhoods. I strongly support
the proposed moratorium and the adoption of regulations designed to further protect
Iowa City's established residential neighborhoods.
Change is certain. I consider it essential that we use the time provided by the proposed
moratorium to define a set of expectations and regulations that promote appropriate
change, change that supports a diverse population with an appropriate balance of
owner occupied and rental housing, change that improves rather than diminishes our
neighborhoods.
These neighborhoods are an asset belonging to the entire Community; they are certainly
one of the things that define "this place ". When we allow these neighborhoods to be
removed, piece by piece, in chunks, or to simply vanish through neglect, with little
concern for what fills the vacant space, we diminish ourselves.
Respectfully,
John F. Shaw
437 S. Summit St.
Iowa City, Iowa
Marian Karr 3e(8)
From: elcraig @juno.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 10:26 AM
To: Council
Subject: Discussion of plastic bags
I was wondering if someone would let me know when there would be a discussion in the council meeting
regarding stores using plastic bags. I know the group 100 Grannies will want to have their say, but I think
someone should speak on the other side & I would like to do that. I cannot come to every meeting so I would
like to make plans to attend that meeting. Thanks you.
Elva Craig
Woman is 53 But Looks 25
Mom reveals 1 simple wrinkle trick that has angered doctors...
ConsumerLifestyleMag.com
Marian Karr
From:
Melvin Kelly <kellyresearchplan @yahoo. com>
Sent:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 9:27 AM
To:
mland @texas - city - tx.org ; glenn.barham @wichitafallstx.gov ; mayor @cityofdelrio.com ;
mayor @elpasotexas.gov ; lee. lessingwell @austintexas.gov ; themayor @ci.pasadena.tx.us
; mayor @houstontx.gov ; mayorjuliancastro @sanantonio.gov ; mayor @ucitymo.org ;
LPagano @stptersma.nat ; mayor @gocolumbiamo.com ; gwinstead @ci.bloomington.mn.us
; citycouncil @cityofrichfield.org ; abiede @rochestermn.gov ; at @minneapolis.org ;
Council; jon.crews @cedarfalls.com ; mayorguIba @ci.davenport.ia.us ; mayor @kcmo.org
Subject:
Shelter in the Time of a Storm by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
Attachments:
Hurricanes and Tornadoes.doc
From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
2014 Olive Rd.
Augusta, Ga. 30906
706 - 796 -3044
Email: kellyresearchplankyahoo.com
To: The United States of America Elected Officials
Sub: Natural Disasters, Hurricanes and Tornadoes
(Employment Creation)
Date: September 27, 2012
Cc: United States Civic Leaders
Dear Hon. Unites States Elected Officials,
In the previously letters I sent you, within them I recommended the creation and
implementation of my 4 -Piont Homeless to Home Owner project to eliminate
homelessness in America, that would create employment for Americans and employment
training at the same time, while eliminating homelessness. Also I introduced to you my
proposed educational project that would help refuel America's failing educational school
systems, aimed towards eliminating Abbott Districts and Drop -Out Factories, along with
legal recommendations to eliminate violence in music.
Today I would like to share another proposed project with you, one that will create
employment and employment training and help save human lives known as "Shelter in
the Time of a Storm."
Far too many American lives are lost to Tornado's and other natural acts of the nature
because they are left without somewhere to hide for safety, recently many Emergency
Management Divisions and National Weather Services have previously reported as many
as 50 Tornadoes or more activated at one time in the same day, here in America
especially in the mid - western part of the country.
I believe it is a good thing for the American Government to create in -house positions of
employment for the unemployed Americans in an area that is well needed to save human
lives, while giving hope to the less fortunate at the same time. Most scientists predict that
because of Global Warming we can expect more unusual weather behaviors in the future
on dry land and in the seas.
For more information about my proposed project named "Shelter in the Time of a Storm"
Please feel free to contact me.
Melvin Lorenzo Kelly
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 27, 2012
To: City Clerk
From: Kristopher Ackerson, Acting Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for October 2 "d, 2012 City Council meeting; extending the existing
COMMERCIAL LOADING ZONE 30 MINUTE LIMIT 6AM -5PM one additional hour
through 6PM on the east side of the 200 block of South Linn Street, south of the
driveway for 224 South Linn Street property.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9- 1- 3A -18, install a COMMERCIAL LOADING ZONE with a 30 MINUTE
LIMIT 6 AM — 6 PM with a 2 AM TO 6 AM TOW -AWAY ZONE on the east side of the 200 block
of South Linn Street, south of the driveway for the 224 South Linn Street property.
Comment:
This action was initially requested by Mailboxes of Iowa City to provide an additional temporary
commercial parking space to serve businesses in the 200 block of South Linn Street. The new
timeframe is needed for deliveries after 5PM.
C-0
Z '04\ I )
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Overview World Habitat Day October ist
October i was World Habitat for Humanity Day: the goal is the elimination of
poverty housing for all people around the world.
Facts:
- -Iowa Valley for Humanity is 20 years old and has built moved or remodeled more than 80
homes in Johnson, Cedar and Iowa counties. Our homes are sold to families with a 20 -25 year,
o% interest mortgage.
- -The property taxes generated by the 36 homes built or remodeled in Iowa City totaled more
than $gi,000 in 2012 alone! All Habitat for Humanity homes pay l00% of property taxes:
there are no subsidies after the home is sold.
- -Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity homes has experienced only two foreclosures in 20 years
(less than half of the rate of the national foreclosure average).
- -Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity has built or is building on the following streets in Iowa City
Aster Ave.
Coneflower
Court St.
Crescent St.
Diana St.
Dickenson
Douglass Ct. (under construction)
Fourth Ave. (under construction)
G. Street
H. Street
Indigo Ct.
Paddock Circle �..�
C
Prairie du Chien
Rochester Ave.
Whispering Meadows
Whispering Prairie
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity has also installed or will be installing or repaired 9 wheelchair
ramps in Iowa City in 2011 -2012; worked with the A.M. Rotary Club and West High Interact
Club to replace light bulbs and smoke alarms for 24 elderly households in 2011 -2012.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity tithes 1o% of unrestricted funds to help build homes in
developing countries. We have sent +$274,000 to build 94 small homes in 9 different countries.
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity finds it very difficult to find affordable homes or building lots
within two miles of the University of Iowa campus due to our inability to compete with for - profit
developers and still keep the homes affordable. The net effect is to find a few in -fill lots or go to
new subdivisions to build our homes. Since we are restricted by our national organization from
building too large of a home we essentially are locked out of subdivisions which have covenants
to build homes greater than 1500 square feet, on large lots and with expensive brickwork or
fencing. Since no voluntary (with City incentives) or involuntary inclusive zoning exists, it is
difficult or impossible to build in many parts of Iowa City.
The ability to purchase and remodel existing housing stock is difficult: lead testing and
abatement, asbestos testing and abatement, and bringing up the energy efficiency of older
homes is very expensive. The reality is if we cannot purchase an existing home for less than
$75,000, we cannot keep it affordable for the families we serve: the cooks, janitors, nurses' aides
we serve, those who serve all of us. Ironically, we can build a new home for less than the cost to
remodel most existing homes AND still make it +5 Star energy efficient (i.e. costing less than
$6o per month to heat /cool).
We will be carrying out a survey of neighborhoods in southeast Iowa City where we have built
new homes in the past four years to determine if property values have increased, and if crime
has fallen. We will share that information with the Council in early 2013.
� MIME
CITY O F IOWA C 1 TY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 24, 2012
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Karen Jennings, Human Resources Administrator
Re: Approval of tentative agreement with Iowa City Association of Professional Firefighters
Introduction:
The October 2, 2012 consent agenda will include a motion to approve the tentative agreement between the
City of Iowa City and the Iowa City Association of Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF, Local #610.
History/Background:
The current collective bargaining agreement between the City of Iowa City and the Iowa City Association of
Professional Fire Fighters expires June 30, 2013. The City participated in collective bargaining with the Fire
union and reached a tentative agreement on September 13, 2012 which has been ratified by the union.
Discussion of Solutions:
The Fire agreement was settled for a term of three years and includes wage settlements of 1.25 % -1.25% split
year increase in FY2014, 2.2% across - the -board increase in FY2015, and 2% across - the -board increase in
FY2016. The FY2014 and FY2015 wage and insurance settlements are equivalent to the wage and insurance
settlements reached with AFSCME and the Police Labor Relations Association of Iowa City for FY2014 and
FY2015. The FY2016 settlement provides increased employee contributions to health insurance in the form
of increased premium co -pay, deductible and out of pocket maximum. A summary of the wage and insurance
settlement follows:
10 -02 -12
r_�
Other settlement provisions include a $50 increase to Haz -Mat Technician pay in each year of the contract,
electronic distribution of the collective bargaining agreement to union members, and language changes
clarifying the timing of step increases following promotion to the rank of Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain, and
regarding employee participation in union meetings while on duty via electronic communication systems.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the tentative agreement between the City of Iowa City and the
Iowa City Association of Professional Fire Fighters.
Current
FY14
FY75
FY16
Wage Settlement
1.36%-1.5% split
1.25%-1.25% split
2.2 %ATB
2 %ATB
Deductible
- Single
$500
$350
$500
$600
Family
$500
$450
$700
$800
Out of Pocket Maximum
Single
$1000
$840
$900
$1000
Family
$1000
$1100
$1450
$1700
Premium Contribution
Single
$60
$40
$40
$45
Family
$60
$75
$80
$85
Other settlement provisions include a $50 increase to Haz -Mat Technician pay in each year of the contract,
electronic distribution of the collective bargaining agreement to union members, and language changes
clarifying the timing of step increases following promotion to the rank of Fire Lieutenant or Fire Captain, and
regarding employee participation in union meetings while on duty via electronic communication systems.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends that City Council approve the tentative agreement between the City of Iowa City and the
Iowa City Association of Professional Fire Fighters.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240 -1826
(319)356 -5041
September 20, 2012
Mayor Matt Hayek
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mayor and Council Members:
At the September 19, 2012 meeting, the PCRB voted in open session to request a 60 -day
extension to its regular 45 -day reporting deadline for the Public Report according to the City
Code for PCRB Complaint #12 -03 for the following reasons:
• Due to timelines and scheduling
• Public Report presently due October 22, 2012
60 -day Extension request — Report would be due on December 21, 2012
The Board appreciates your prompt consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Donald King, Chair
Police Citizens Review Board
cc: City Attorney