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2013-04-09 Correspondence
Marian Karr 4i■���r From: ryan durbin <durbinr1750 @hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 12:03 PM To: Council Subject: Build the Chauncey This is a message to the city council members, planning and zoning members: I've seen a lot of opposition communication regarding the proposed 20 -story Chauncey building. Please do not be intimidated by those voices. While they are entitled to their own preferences, I believe there is even more community support in favor of the project. Iowa City is growing and will continue to grow substantially in the future. There is no need to keep development small or all development to be in the character of a small Iowa town. In fact, projects like the Chauncey are unique opportunities to embrace the future of the city with aesthetics and amenities we might not otherwise have a chance to have. It will not be to the detriment of anything. There are plenty of small towns in Iowa and so few that can feasibly have such buildings. There is even plenty of small town aesthetic in the immediate area, so I don't think the detractors of this project are really losing anything, but the rest of us stand to lose a lot if it does not get built. Iowa City needs more signature buildings like this, and how many other locations could they realistically go? I will say this: The empty lot at the SE corner of Burlington and Clinton Streets is probably a better location for a tall signature building. Keep that in mind in case you want to move the Chauncey to that location, or build another project like it there, in addition to the Chauncey. In any case, don't be afraid to do the rezoning and approvals for Marc Moen to build it. It will be a signature development for Iowa City, something the city needs to continue to grow prosperously in the future, and it will likely even spur other great developments in the future. Please allow Moen to build it, and do so without fear. Not only will be okay to do so, I believe it will be of great benefit to us all. Thank you. Marian Karr From: Marybeth Slonneger <mbslonn @mchsi.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 26, 2013 4:38 PM To: Council Subject: Moen Building This correspondence will become a public record. March 22, 2013 Dear Council Members, I've been following the articles in the paper about the proposed Moen building and feel that I need to respond while the building is still under discussion. To begin with, I'm not in favor of council's choice and have two strong reasons to offer. First is the problem of scale. Have you really visualized what this monster is going to look like, alone on its corner? It will be looming over us at nearly twice the size of the Hotel Vetro, completely out of scale with the businesses and churches (and people) around it, or for that matter (with one exception) with the rest of the city. It makes me recall a recent tour of Warsaw. In the center of that city is another monster slab, erected by the Soviets, despised by the people, and avoided by tourists who happily go off to visit the more charming, restored, old city with its human- scale buildings. I'm not against buildings of reasonable density, but this massive tower in the midst of our modest city feels both pretentious and irritating. Scale is such an important aspect of creating an inviting space. Won't you please try to visualize the impact of this giant on all of us? We all have to live with it long after each of you step down. We aren't trying to be a skyscraper city are we? Second is the problem of who's going to be able to rent its retail space. I so very much regret that New Pi lost out in the competition for your vote. What if they don't find an adequate space downtown? Are you willing to see New Pi move elsewhere? Perhaps you don't shop there as I do or patronize the Bread Garden. Finally, my husband and I recently attended an excellent play at Riverside Theatre that also included a plea for financial support to keep offering fine theatre. This modest -sized group brings such cultural enrichment to our community, so it was distressing to me to think that our tax dollars will be encouraging a bowling alley, even though one failed in the Union, and a non - permanent movie theatre. New Pi and Riverside are two profoundly important anchors of our community, but the Moen building is a choice for bowling and this non - permanent theatre. Couldn't all of you look for a builder who has more of our community's best interests at heart? One who will be sensitive about the scale of the building in our midst and who will include options that will satisfy a broader base of our city? Marybeth Slonneger 1109 Davenport St. Marian Karr From: Amanda Owen Van Horne <ajowen @gmail.com> Sent: Friday, March 29, 2013 4:16 PM To: John Yapp; Tom Markus; Council Cc: Ben Webb; Barbara Eckstein; Anne Tanner Subject: Trinity's requests for the College /Gilbert Redevelopment Attachments: TrinityCollegeGilbertRequests .pdf Attached you will find the requests that we are making on behalf of Trinity Episcopal Church as you proceed with the negotiations with Mr. Moen for what we view as responsible development of the College /Gilbert lot. Rev. Webb and I would very much like to sit down and discuss these requests with you after Holy Week and Easter are over. Rev. Webb is out of town next week but either of us would be available to meet in the week after that. We appreciate your consideration and hope for your support of these requests as proceed with the negotiations. Amanda Amanda J. Owen Van Horne Jr. Warden Trinity Episcopal Church 319- 354 -0393 (Home) ajowenkkgmail.com Dear Iowa City Staff & City Council Trinity Episcopal Church has observed the process thus far for the development of the corner of College and Gilbert Streets with great interest. We believe that replacing the empty lot that is currently there with a neighbor that will revitalize the corner is in the interest of the developer, the city, and our church. As we have articulated in the past we are advocating that the city consider our needs and our values as you negotiate. With regard to affordable housing and environmental stewardship, Trinity's history as a leader is clear. Trinity played an active role in the development of Ecumenical Towers, the construction of the new Shelter House, and in providing overflow housing to the homeless during the interim period. We are home to several environmental groups, including the 100 Grannies and the Iowa City Climate Advocates. We obtained Gold LEED certification on our renovation of the sanctuary at a substantial cost to our congregation. Because we will be the nearest, non -city owned neighbor to the Chauncey we feel we have a particular responsibility to speak out about the qualities that the development will have. As a Christian community, we have a particular moral obligation to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves - those with lower incomes who may not have the resources required to access city structures and those who are not yet born but will inhabit this city in years to come. Enclosed you will find four documents that quantify the needs and values that we hold as a church. 1) Workforce Housing - We request that The Chauncey to provide workforce housing that accommodates those who actually work downtown 2) Sustainability - We urge the city to require The Chauncey to meet commonly accepted standards of environmental sustainability. 3) Appropriate Scale - We speak to our concerns about the mass and scale of the building given the transitional neighborhood. 4) Parking - We describe our parking needs and potential solutions as traffic on the cornerincreases. We urge the city council and city staff to act in accordance with these recommendations as it negotiates with Mr. Moen and Mr. Rohrbach. We believe that forward thinking, responsible development is beneficial to the city and that this type of development should be used to promote a just and sustainable society. Sincerely, Amanda Van Horne Ben Webb Jr. Warden Interim Rector Trinity Episcopal Church Trinity Episcopal Church Workforce Housing HUD definition of affordable housing - no more than 30% of household income toward rent or mortgage payments plus utilities. Many cities (including Iowa City) apply this to low income families, or households earning up 80% of the area median income. A 2007 Affordable Housing Market Analysis for Iowa City pointed out that the Iowa City metro area is producing more high priced units than moderate /low priced units despite the fact that there is a need for low /moderate priced units. A variety of barriers interfere with bringing affordable housing to market, especially in the downtown area. These include hesitation on the part of banks to provide financing, pressure from the student rental market, and zoning concerns. I'm unaware of any substantial policy /market changes that would improve the situation since 2007. The 2009 floods have likely worsened it substantially. Workforce housing is not clearly defined in city documents or by HUD. In the RFP for the development on College and Gilbert this was listed as 80 -150% of median income - the figures highlighted in your table. On March 5, 2013, the city agreed to consider this as applying to 60 -120% of AMI for projects going forward (but not for the College /Gilbert development). One Person 60% AMI 80%AMI Annual Median Income 120 %AMI 150%AMI Annual Gross Income $32,100 $42,750 $53,500 $64,200 $80,250 Monthly Gross Income $2,675 $3,563 $4,458 $5,350 $6,688 HUD Affordable Housing $883 $1,176 $1,471 S1,766 $2,207 Purchase Price* $90,000 $128,000 $171,000 $214,000 $267,526 Two Person Annual Gross Income $36,600 $48,850 $61,100 $73,320 1 $91,650 Monthly Gross Income $3,050 $4,071 $5,092 $6,110 $7,638 HUD Affordable Housing $1,007 $1,343 1 $1,680 $2,016 $2,520 Purchase Price* $153,000 1 $201,000 $251,000 1 $312,000 A.,ones 4 imerest raw on a au yew Loan, able to provide a 20% down payment, 4 0/oproperty tax, good credit, and monthly debt of $250 /mo. Also assumes that all of the affordable housing (I 13 of income) goes to rent/mortgage payment. No reserve amount for maintenance, utilities etc. ht tp:// www. zill ow .com/mongage- calculator/house- affordability/ The Chauncey proposes 74 units (30 % workforce housing, 11 rental, 11 owner occupied). We are concerned that the development provide truly affordable housing to downtown workers - librarians, janitors, clergy, university staff, waiters, and city employees. The use of old workforce housing definitions leave many downtown employees unable to afford housing in the Chauncey. We want these units to continue to be designated as workforce housing into the future. Market forces and construction costs may lead to pressure to convert some of the housing that is set aside for workforce housing to housing that is available at non - subsidized rates. We believe that access to clean, decent, and affordable housing is an ongoing concern for low- moderate income families and retirees and the units set aside for this purpose should be consistently made available to this population in the years to come. We advocate that the city do 3 things: 1) Apply the newly adopted definition of workforce housing (60- 120%AMI) to the College and Gilbert development 2) Increase the percentage of units available as workforce housing to 40% (15 each of owner occupied /rented units) OR Add 10% low - income rental housing (8 units) to the development. 3) Require that these units continue to be sold /rented in the workforce housing price range at least for the duration of the TIF (14 years) if not longer (20 years). Environmental Sustainability In 2010, Trinity Episcopal Church completed a 1.3 million dollar renovation of our 140 - year -old structure. We attained Gold LEED certification at an additional project cost of $26,873 (approx. 2% of our construction costs). The additional $26,000 constituted a substantial cost given that all funds were raised from giving within the church. Our primary efforts for obtaining LEED certification had to do with energy efficiency, with the choice of materials for use in the new construction, and with how waste from the renovation was managed. In new construction, the options for opportunities for obtaining LEED certification are much more numerous. These include introducing high density housing into a certain areas, incorporating access to public transportation, managing construction related waste and pollution, managing storm water and waste water, and maximizing energy efficiency. The cost of documenting LEED certification -is dependent on the size of the construction project. For large projects, such as The Chauncey, LEED certification may cost less than 'h of 1% of the total project cost. The cost of documentation is trivial given the community confidence that such certification inspires. Although all of the components of LEED certification are valuable, we, at Trinity Episcopal Church, are most concerned with the long -term impact of fossil fuel use on the climate. We believe that any new development built in 2013 should recognize the impact that global warming is having on our home, both Iowa City and the planet as a whole. The responsible action is act now to reduce the use of fossil fuels by any major development. In a city initiated project such as this one, city officials can request and acquire responsible energy use. This may mean taking steps that go beyond the energy efficiencies required by LEED certification, especially only gold certification. The University of Iowa requires that new buildings be at least 30% more efficient than city code requirements. University buildings have a variety of specialized uses that may make obtaining greater energy efficiency especially difficult. Thus this benchmark for energy use is too modest when applied to new development whose primary use is intended to be residential/business related. In the documentation provided to the city at the Jan 8 Special Formal Meeting, Moen and Rohrbach propose to obtain 37 -50% energy savings over city code, enabling them to obtain LEED Gold certification. We see 37% as insufficient savings in a city- tax -payer support project of the 21st century. We see 50% as still far less than is possible in new construction. We ask the city to require the project to achieve at least 60% of energy savings beyond city code and to be nonnegotiable on this point both in initial discussions and as construction gets underway. Trinity Episcopal Church asks that the city require that • At its completion, The Chauncey have energy savings of 60% or more over city code a Moen and Rohrbach document that they have met the requirements in building standards to obtain Platinum LEED certification Appropriate Scale Trinity Episcopal Church has had several opportunities to move to other locations but has repeatedly chosen to remain a downtown church and to continue to engage in issues that are relevant to the neighborhood in which we are housed. We value being a part of a livable community that is in the liminal space between the bustling downtown developments and the historic neighborhood. We believe that this transitional space is important, providing a chance for citizens to move from their homes, past the church, and into the downtown commercial district. Iowa City's comprehensive plan designates Gilbert Street as the boundary between the urban core and single - family homes. As such buildings built in that area should respect the transitional nature of the neighborhood. As the surrounding buildings reflect, 3 -5 story buildings make for an appropriate visual buffer between the high rises on the pedestrian mall and the 1 -2 story homes that surround College Green. Trinity, like the surrounding buildings, has the scale and mass to be appropriate as a buffer between the two zones. While it may be too restrictive to limit buildings to 3 -5 stories, 20 stories violates the compact that was established when people purchased homes on College Green and further east. Not only does high -rise construction impinge on the surrounding neighborhood it also limits the possible ways that the community may use the building. Buildings taller than 75 feet are required to meet the building codes for high -rise construction, which lead to greater construction costs. Reducing the size of the building also reduces the TIF investment on the part of the city. Greater construction costs and increased overall square footage translate into higher rents. High rents restrict access by low /moderate income individuals and non - profit entities. Given the investment being made by the citizens of Iowa City through the TIF, the city has a vested interest in ensuring that the building is open to a variety of uses by tenants with both modest and extravagant means. Consider the difference that $50 -100 less in rent could make in the life of someone making less than $2000 /month. Three (and potentially 4) privately owned high -rise buildings in downtown restrict access to our community's public space. By dominating the visual and physical landscape these private buildings project a sense of exclusivity. Architecturally they speak only to each other and exclude the lower profile public spaces - the library, the pedestrian mall, city hall, our own church — from consideration. Large urban buildings often claim to have public amenities, but, being privately owned, the publics allowed in such spaces -often high altitude spaces -are restricted. This is a divisive social pattern we would not want to see further developed in Iowa City. The city has a moral responsibility to maintain common spaces in such a way that all citizens, not only the upper middle class, can readily access to the public square. In our transitional neighborhood, between downtown and the College Green residences, between public use and private, between religious and civic life, between the nineteenth century and the twenty- first, we value a continuous, livable community. We value the art of architecture that reaches across differences and finds valuable correspondences; not art that announces the singularity of its own existence. This is why we are urging city officials to decide for a building scale at College and Gilbert that respects these transitions over time and space, and indeed respects the city's own plan for the neighborhood. If we speak with some idealism about the light that comes through the windows of our nave, it is because that shared light inspires our mission to stand up for humans of limited means, a planet of species who do not speak our language, and a livable community into a long future. We ask that the city • Abide by the master plan that the city itself designed. • Respect the transitional nature of the neighborhood and the surrounding neighbors by limiting the building height to 75 feet or less. • Consider the implications that high -rise construction has on potential building uses, affordability, and civic discourse. Parking Needs Parking is a need for the church that was not anticipated when the church was built— pressure on parking may limit the long -term economic viability of the church. We want to emphasize that we believe that our current parking arrangements are adequate (if not perfect) for our current needs. We appreciate the accommodations the city has already made with regard to funeral parking. We are concerned about the pressure that will be put on the parking arrangements when traffic on the corner of College and Gilbert increases as a result of new development. We assume 80% of the people who attend on a Sunday (peak attendance on a normal week = 175 parishioners) and 100% of the people who attend at other times (peak attendance on a normal week = 40 parishioners and community members) need parking. This translates to • 140 parking spots on a Sunday • 30 -40 parking spots on weeknights • The ADA requires that 2% of available parking be marked as handicapped — if we had a parking lot attached to the church we be required by ADA to have at least 5 handicapped spots. We would likely choose to have twice that given the composition of our membership. Current capacity • There is a loading area in front of the Masonic building • 3 handicapped spots on College in the block outside of Trinity • 24 metered spots on College in the block outside of Trinity • Chauncey Swan Garage provides free additional parking used by more mobile members on Sundays and after 5 on weeknights. • Burlington and Linn Garage provides parking but is rarely used by parishioners because it is gated and fees are charged at all hours. • Parking on Linn is close unreliable because of heavy use by library/ped mall patrons Changes and solutions as the Chauncey is built • Change — Increased utilization of Chauncey Swan, on street parking on College, and on street parking on Linn o We ask that the city shift its permitted parking to other garages to free up spots in Chauncey Swan for use by parishioners o We ask that the city make the parking garage on Linn and Burlington free on Sunday mornings to parishioners. • Change - increased traffic on the corner of College and Gilbert may make finding parking at the metered spots more difficult for our mobility impaired parishioners. o We ask that an increased number of spots be designated as handicapped parking on Sunday mornings and weekday evenings. This could be accomplished through temporary or permanent changes in the parking on College street. Supporting information Summary of Parking Demand Number of People Attending Trinity Events — Typical Week Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 6:30 -7:00 12 7:15 10 12 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 9:00 9:15 9:30 9:45 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:30 11:45 NOON 12:15 12:30 12:45 1:00 20 1:15 20 1:30 20 1:45 20 2:00 -3:00 3:00 -4:00 4:00 12 4:15 12 4:30 12 4:45 12 5:00 5:15 5:30 35 5:45 35 6:00 35 6:15 35 6:30 35 6:45 35 7:00 10 7:15 30 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15 8:30 8:45 yellow = attendence of 20 -40 orange = attendence of 40+ red = attendence of 75+ 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 20 20 20 20 24 24 24 24 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 14 31 31 ■ 15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 20 20 28 28 28 16 16 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 25 25 25 31 31 31 35 35 35 35 35 6 6 6 10 30 22 22 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 20 20 20 20 31 31 31 31 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 28 28 28 28 28 33 13 13 13 14 14 28 28 22 22 24 24 10 10 Thursday Friday Saturday 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 20 20 20 20 16 16 16 16 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 28 28 38 38 38 38 15 15 15 15 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 20 20 20 20 16 16 16 16 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 21 21 21 21 18 18 26 26 18 18 26 26 26 26 34 34 34 34 8 8 8 8 8 20 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 http:/Iwww.ada.gov/restribr.htm Minimum Number of Accessible Parking Spaces ADA Standards for Accessible Design 4.1.2(5) Van - Total Number of (Column A) Total Minimum Number Accessible Parking Accessible Parking Spaces Parking Spaces Provided (per lot) of Accessible Parking Spaces (60" & 96" Spaces with min. 60" 9 i h min. wide access aisle aisles) access aisle 1 to 25 1 1� 0 26 to 50 II � 2 F 1 51 to 75 F 3 F 1 2 76 to 100 4 F 1 3 101 to 150 5 F 1 4 151 to 200 F 6 F 1 — 5 Marian Karr From: Amanda Owen Van Horne <ajowen @g mail. com > Sent: Friday, March 22, 2013 1:47 PM To: markmoen @me.com; Council; Jim Throgmorton; Rick Dobyns; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; John Yapp; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Cc: Ben Webb; Barbara Eckstein; Anne Tanner; Raisin Horn Subject: Editorial in the Press Citizen on Workforce Housing Attachments: Dear Readers of the Press Citizen.docx Hello, We wanted to make you aware in advance that Trinity Episcopal Church is submitting the attached editorial to the Press - Citizen. The focus is on workforce housing, with an eye toward the College /Gilbert development in particular. Jeff hasn't told me when it will run yet (he may be out of town so it may not appear until next week), but we didn't want it to be a surprise to you when it came out. We hope you will be sympathetic to the views expressed in the letter and supportive of affordable housing downtown. Amanda Amanda J. Owen Van Horne ajowen @gmail.com Jr. Warden - Trinity Episcopal Church cc: Connie Champion & ICATS Dear Readers of the Press Citizen, The article entitled "Part of the middle class and want to live downtown? Good luck. " provides an interesting overview of the city's current status with regard to workforce and affordable housing. The Press - Citizen should be complimented for providing feature length coverage of the housing issues faced by Iowa City. The city council is to be commended for adopting new definitions of workforce housing on March 5t' that set household income limits to 60 -120% of the area median income (AMI) replacing the previous definition of 80 -120% of AMI. The new definition means that households making between $32,000 - $73,000 per year ($2,675- $6,110 gross income /mo.) qualify for workforce housing. HUD defines affordable housing as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household's income for rent/mortgage + utilities. Ignoring utility costs, these income limits translate into rents of $883 - $2,016 or sale prices of $90,000 - $251,000. Taxpayers subsidize development in order to encourage developers to provide housing that falls within these income ranges. The Press - Citizen highlights the long -term contribution made by the Moen's in the re- introduction of workforce housing to downtown Iowa City. We should acknowledge that Mr. Moen is setting aside 22 (30 %) of the 74 residential units in the Chauncey for workforce housing, as required by the city's call for proposals. Unfortunately the Press - Citizen subtly misrepresents how this new definition is being applied and thus substantially misrepresents how taxpayer dollars are being used. In reality, the city plans to use the old definition of workforce housing as it negotiates with Mr. Moen. The old definition considered workforce housing as 80- 150 %AMI or up to $91,650 for two - income households. The units in The Chauncey could rent for up to $2,520/mo. or sell for $312,000 and still be considered workforce housing! Clearly developers are incentivized to target the high end of whatever range is allowed and to minimize workforce housing in favor of the student and luxury housing markets. While the city claims that it needs to abide by the definitions set forth in the original request for proposals so that it can negotiate in good faith with developers, we disagree. The city has an equal or greater obligation to use taxpayer dollars to promote a just society in which all people have access to clean, decent, and affordable housing, including those people at the lower end of the income scale. With this in mind, the newspaper should accurately reflect the way that the city is planning to alter the downtown, including how these definitions influence ongoing negotiations. Mr. Moen should ensure his legacy as a leader in downtown revitalization by voluntarily targeting the lower end of the current workforce housing definition at The Chauncey and in other downtown developments. And the city council should ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to subsidize housing that is truly affordable by the downtown workforce — everyday people like secretaries, librarians, clergy, and university employees. Sincerely, Trinity Episcopal Church Marian Karr From: Kristin Johnson <sunshineariel99 @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 5:37 PM To: Council Subject: comments concerning the development at Gilbert and College Sts. Dear City Council, Please enforce the zoning for the development at CB5 so that it fits in with the city's master plan. This would also ensure that the project would cost less to build, and thus could support workforce housing definition currently endorsed by the council -- $32,000 to $72,000. I am also asking that the amount of workforce and affordable housing units go from 30 to 40 percent, enforced for the duration of the TIF -- 14 years. I also would ask for the building to meet platinum leed standards and that the building be 60% more energy efficient than the present city code requires and these standards should be non - negotiable during construction of the building. I ask that this project fit in with the transitional nature of the neighborhood at Gilbert and College Sts. and that adequate parking be ensured with this new business. Thank you very much. Kris Johnson Marian Karr From: Al and Bobbie Paxton <alloverrovers@g mail. com> Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 10:10 AM To: Council Subject: Chauncy To the Mayor and the City Council et al: Please stop the craziness of giving the TIF money to the Moen project. If you want to see how one of his too -tall, too -big buildings for the space will block the light and character of a downtown area, just go to the Ped Mall and see how that monstrosity that is still under construction blocks out sunlight on the Ped Mall. Right now, you can't even see the top of his other building, the Hotel and condo complex on the Burlington/Linn corner, when walking on Washington. It is just too big for the space, will dwarf the little Episcopal Church, and will be housing for the rich -- if they come. Thanks, Bobbie Paxton + 4;� (I ) Marian Karr From: N/R cogan /strampe <cellardoorspress @g mail. com> Sent: Thursday, April 04, 2013 3:18 PM To: Council Subject: Thoughts about sky and building Attachments: LIGHT ON COLLEGE STREET& BEYOND.pdf I am disappointed in your choice for the Gilbert/College corner. Twenty stories, not green, no New Pi and blocked sky views seem most peculiar in human, if not financial, terms. I choose expression re loss of sky as a response. It's a human soul concern. Nancy Adams -Cogan 111 St. Clement's Alley Iowa City Marian Karr From: Briggs, Michael <michael- briggs @uiowa.edu> Sent: Friday, April 05, 2013 1:50 PM To: Council Subject: The Chauncey This correspondence will become a public record. I have been reading with interest the City Council /Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission/Iowa Coalition Against the Shadow /etc. comments regarding the proposed 20- story Chauncey development by Marc Moen. My spouse and I own a home on Brookside Drive in east Iowa City. I am of the opinion that the city council should give the go ahead for this project. The fact that it does not include space for New Pioneer Co -op (of which we and many others are not members) should have no bearing on this project. In fact, including movie theaters and a bowling alley are excellent ideas due to the fact that you need not be a "member" to enjoy the benefits of these entertainment venues to their fullest. Also, the 20 -story proposed building with its glass exterior would make for a great asset to the downtown skyline. Michael Briggs Notice: This UI Health Care e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 2510 -2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you. Marian Karr From: Sonia Ettinger <spettinger @yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 12:11 PM To: Council Subject: Zoning Re ;corner Gilbert and College I strongly support CB5 NOT CB 10 as the zoning for this area - if indeed higher density has been designated as desirable. 1. The City Council needs to listen to residents- it ignored the 826 people who signed a protest against the building of Park 201- which is going to be 14 storys! There is no easy street access for this building and the loading area will be cramped. This was a bad precedent to set. The new UI music building already has been required to share with residents despite the fact that it is on the corner of Burlington a ferociously busy street. Enough. Many people are against the building of a 20 story edifice on the corner of Gilbert and College. The City should listen. 2. The City should not be so limited by the plans of one developer- the one who has already built 10 storys in front of the IC Public Library windows. The use of TIF in this regard is inappropriate to say the least. A very large consideration is not only the shadow year round but in particular the ice in winter- despite the estimates pictured for the zoning meeting. The pedmall already demonstrates these effects on the North side of the Vetro. The paths from Gilbert down Washington and along Gilbert beside the Trinity church will be adversely affected. This church was remodeled with LEED factors in mind which will be affected. 3. Traffic will be adversely affected. Gilbert St is already extremely busy. Having a multistory building requiring many pedestrians to cross that road would be very undesirable. In addition the traffic going in and out of the pay - parking ramp on College would be greatly increased thereby affecting traffic turning out of Gilbert. Frankly a corner lot is absolutely the wrong place to put a high density building - anywhere. 4. The C135 would allow a bowling alley which may indeed divert some students from the bars. The art film theater may or may not be able to attract audiences in competition with the Bijou theater. Traffic for these venues is likely to be later in the day after business hours. It would not completely block views of Iowa City from College Green which the 20 storys would do. 5. There is absolutely no call for a monstrous skyscraper in a town of this character. Madison, Austin and East Village Des Moines were quoted as places where constraint had been used in the interests of human sized character. Chicago is rehousing people out of skyscrapers. If we want Iowa City to be the kind of place where people actually speak to each other and shop in individualized businesses then let us avoid the concept of mass housing. This is not the way to increase the tax base of Iowa city. The "workforce" quoted as the desired occupants may or may not rush to buy or rent the 2 BR apartments going for an estimated $1020- as reported. There is space to the south of Iowa City in the newly designated Riverfront Crossing areas for a higher density accommodation. Let us wait and see how popular the too -tall 14 story apartments are on the pedmall. These apartments are set to appeal to singles but how many can afford to pay these rents? Let us also consider Iowa City as a whole. There are many who cannot get to work by public transit - thereby increasing the numbers of children who require free or reduced lunch at school. This aspect has in turn caused an upset in the neighborhood schools as the ICCSD attempts to manage social aspects of the community which should be managed by judicious housing and transport. Marian Karr From: Matthew J. Hayek <mhayek @hhbmlaw.com> Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 3:58 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Chauncy - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Matt Hayek [mailto:Matt- Hayek @iowa - city.org] Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 2:07 PM To: Matthew J. Hayek Subject: FW: Chauncy - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Cory Nelson [ mailto :cory.nelson @law.columbia.edu] Sent: Monday, April 08, 2013 1:41 PM To: Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Jim Throgmorton Subject: Chauncy Dear Iowa City Council - I am writing to briefly express my support for the development known as "Chauncy." I was motivated to write to you all as a response to hearing of the "Coalition Against the Shadow," a group that asserts objections to the Chauncy whose merit is dwarfed by the wonderful opportunity that such a building poses for the Iowa City community. While I do not currently live in Iowa City, I resided there during my undergraduate years and have been excited to see how the city has developed and matured since then. I do not feel that such a development threatens the character of the community, but rather that such provides a vibrancy that can retain young people and slow the "brain drain" that Iowa has been experiencing. I know a number of my peers feel similarly. Best regards, Cory Nelson Cory J. Nelson B.A., University of Iowa J.D. Candidate, Columbia Law School corv.nelson @law.columbia.edu 319.400.9925 1 Marian Karr . 4f(2) From: Martha Norbeck [ mailto :martha_norbeck @hotmail.com] Sent: Thursday, March 14, 2013 12:26 PM To: Council; Marian Karr Subject: Bicycles on Burlington Street Bridge Dear Council, I am writing on behalf of Think Bicycles of Johnson County. We would like to request 10 minutes on a council work session to present a proposal for dedicated bicycling facilities on Burlington between Riverside Drive and Madison Street. We met with city engineers on February 20th and engineers at the University of Iowa on March 8 to review this proposal. The Unveristy was supportive of the plan. City staff member, Kris Ackerson, attended this meeting. A description of the issue and supporting images are attached. Thank you for your attention to this issue, Martha Norbeck Member of Think Bicycles www.thinkbicycles.ora 906 S. 7th Ave. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 319- 621 -4168 MAAMEWU�M2 Promoting bicycle culture and healthy living in Johnson County Burlington Street Bridge and Median Project Think Bicycles of Johnson County —a coalition of area cyclists, bike shops, groups and organizations —has been focusing on the Burlington Street Bridge for more than a year and proposes bicycle accommodations along this corridor. Think Bicycles sees the stretch of Burlington Street, from Madison to Riverside, as vital to the future of alternative transportation in Iowa City and has been investigating options for this corridor. We became aware of the Burlington Median Project which is currently in the Capital Improvement Program FY 2012- FY2016 and received City Council funding approval in September of 2011. Through investigation and meetings with the City of Iowa City Division of Engineering, Think Bicycles found the current plan did not provide a safe route for cyclists. We hired Marty Shukert of RDG Planning to offer an alternative. Think Bicycles urges the council to support the Division of Engineering and Public Works in implementation of a project that supports cycling along this corridor. There are two key points that need to be addressed when discussing this section of Burlington Street. First, this corridor is the linchpin to a comprehensive bicycle network that can serve all levels of cyclists. As Burlington is currently configured, it serves as a barrier for would be cyclists to cross the river. Think Bicycles has consulted at length with area cyclists and has concluded that the Burlington Street Bridge is the only viable east -west route for the majority of cyclists needs. Second, the current median plan will increase conflicts between motorists and cyclists and create a dangerous situation for cyclists and motorists. Current plans have bike lanes on the bridge itself, but no facilities to get to or from those lanes. In the case of eastbound traffic, the current plan will likely put cyclists in harm's way as they are forced to merge into a shared lane at an inopportune time. Think Bicycles is adamant that the current median plan needs serious attention to accommodate all roadway users. Attached, you will find clarification of our issues with the current median plan as well as a proposal for an alternative plan endorsed by Think Bicycles. The plan proposal endorsed by Think Bicycles can be acted upon independently of the median project as it largely has no impact on the median plan itself. Moreover, the Think Bicycles proposal can be a stand- alone solution to Burlington Street if the median project is delayed or cancelled. www.thinkbicycles.org z a 0 w N O a a ,n Al I I i t � t I ii i f I? c 4 ul V 0 tA mi0 a C a t a V `i,' V WWI .�Z W u.. f g�a Transition zones are often marked with green or blue paint to indicate to motorists and cyclists that there is a potential conflict. Transition Zones Cycle Tracks are separated lanes dedicated to cyclists. Bike boxes define a safe area for cyclists to move to the left for a turn at an intersection. • Cycle Track • Bike Boxes Current Median Plan— Dangerous Eastbound Conflict and Lack of Westbound Facilities Cyclists forced to merge with traffic while overall roadway narrows. Bike lane ends abruptly. Cyclists must merge while performing an S- curve movement and just prior to railroad crossing. Bike Lane Ends Sharrow Current median plans include a section of roadway that increases potential conflicts with motorists. This section as planned will lead to an increase in future conflicts and will also confuse and mislead cyclists as they attempt to navigate this area. Likewise, bicycle facilities must be continuous to have a positive impact on would -be cyclists. The westbound plan offers no improvement for cyclists from Madison to the bridge. I ��� ®, CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: April 3, 2013 To: Tom Markus, City Manager From: Ron Knoche, City Engineer Re: Burlington / Madison Intersection and Median Project and Think Bicycles As part of the proposed Burlington /Madison Intersection and Median Project, efforts were made to incorporate bicycle traffic by way of dedicated bike lanes and the use of sharrows. As this project has been delayed awaiting funding, the Think Bicycles group has reached out to City staff to discuss the bicycle traffic in this corridor and how it is planned to be addressed. These discussions have become more prevalent the past 6 -9 months as Think Bicycles has expressed that the two blocks of Burlington Street between Riverside Drive and Madison Street are the most important in the city for east/west bicycle traffic. As a result, City staff has met with representatives of Think Bicycles on several occasions. In addition, Anderson - Bogert, design engineers for the Burlington /Madison Intersection Project, also met with representatives of the group. In the past year, Think Bicycles have reviewed the plans and have developed a concept plan with the help of RDG. This plan focusses on greater separation for bicycle traffic along this portion of the Burlington Street corridor through the use of dedicated cycle tracks and bike boxes. Think Bicycles would like the concept plan to be incorporated in with the Burlington /Madison Intersection and Median Project plans and what was proposed in terms of bike lanes on the bridge over the Iowa River. The concept plan presented to City staff looks reasonable and could be beneficial to bicycle safety when the project is constructed, although more details need to be developed and reviewed to fully assess the feasibility. Staff appreciates Think Bicycles including the City design team in discussions of the concept plan and looks forward to working with them in the future on the final design and implementation of the project. As project partners, the University of Iowa and the Iowa DOT will need to be involved with the review of the final design of the project. The existing wide sidewalks, landscaping, and streetscape amenities along the north and south side of Burlington Street between Front Street and Madison Street are maintained by the University of Iowa via Use of ROW Agreements with the City. The City and Iowa DOT have joint jurisdiction of Burlington Street. The proposed capital improvements plan shows the Burlington /Madison Intersection and Median Project #3834 in FY15 with $1.1 million programmed. The current cost estimate for the project is $2,032,000. Think Bicycles with RDG has estimated the concept will add an additional $100,000 to the project. Staff has been pursuing other funding sources and to date no additional funds have been secured. Staff will continue to pursue additional funding and also determine if the scope of the project can be reduced to stay within the current budget. Marian Karr 4f(3) From: Billy Joe Parker <parker30183 @peoplepc.com> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 12:50 PM To: newsroom @press - citizen.com; Matt Hayek, Rick Dobyns; Susan Mims, Terry Dickens; Council; Sam Hargadine; jrettig @co.johnson.ia.us, pharney @co.johnson.ia.us; jetheredge @co.johnson.ia.us, rsullivan @co.johnson.ia.us, tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us; [pulkrab@co.johnson.ia.us Subject: National Prohibitionist January newsletter Attachments: Docl.docx The National Prohibitionist, newsletter of the Prohibition Party. We invite people who are concerned about addiction to join the Party and help protect America's children. Contact information is on the attached document. rational prohibitionist N Twenty -first Century Series Campaign Summary The Prohibition Party spent about six thou - s,-and dollars on its campaign for the presi- dency in 2012: $350q on ballot access, $1000 on radio publicity. and $1500 for mailing campaigm litentu c. In return, it won a few more than S(X) ,,rotes in just one state. That's about $12lvote. We paid our consultant, Rick Knos, $3500 to get us on the ballot in Louisiana, Mississippi, and 7;:rmessee. He succeeded in doing so only in Louisiana. Finding peo- ple willing to sip the petitions is tedious, and some of the signatures inevitably turn out to be invalid for one or another reason. We then offered our presidential candi- date, Rev. Fellure, $1000 to go to Louisiana for a week and campaign in person. He was not interested in doing sr, however, he do¢ 4cW j1¢out $1500 at his pwnmoncy mailing out nearly 1000 copies of our plat- form and his own position papers, We then gave Knox the $1000 to prepare a radio spot. This was broadcast a few days before the election, on WrWZ (AM 1120), a powerful station which reaches the entire state of Louisiana. It was the first time in many years that the Prohibition Party used radio advertising. Rev. Fellure also panicipated in some radio talk shows, although no log was kept. t5um,¢ey. a,ninued m ¢ J1 Candidates Needed Local officials will be elected this year in many places. Ballot access requirements for local candidates usually are very easy. Some - times, there is only one major -party candi- date, or even no candidate at all. In years past, Prohibitionists won many local offices. We can do so again. If you are will- ing to put your name on the ballot as a candi- date for local office, your state chairman will help you: if you have no state chairman, the national Executive secretary will help you. Everyone who is not willing to ran for of- fice this year please take one step backward — the rest of you are going to ran. Thank you' January 2013 :.vr January 2013 .c Post - Election Issue For Vice- President in 2012 Toby Davis Toby Davis, the Prohibition convention's choice for Vice-president in 2012, is pastor of the Good PtospectCumbcdand Presbyterian Church in Trilla Illinois. Rev, Davis is a na- tive of Huntsville, Alabama, having been born them in 1960. His wife, Janet, is from Min - neuAa 71cirlanith includesuvenchikhen, t-aquW at We faun Rachel, a student at L,akc- latd College in Mattoon. Illinois, to Rebekah, an infant. Rev. Davis is a graduate of Memphis Ptcp rdlory School. He holds a Bachelors de- gree in History from Millsap college (1988), a Masters degree in religion. from Memphis 'theological Seminary (1998), and a Masters of Divinity degree from Memphis 7 beok)gi- cal Seminary (2011). Mom accepting a call to Goal Prospect Church. he uvs pastor of Barton First Southern Methodist Church in Memphis and was a school teacher. Rev. Davis is active his local community, a member of the Lions Club and of the Min- IPA iste ial Alliatax. He schooWge chiWmt attend St Joints Lutheran School in Mattoon. Rev. Davis has worked with the Prohibi- tion Puny since 2001. His enthusiasm, youth- ful outlook, and willingness to serve have al- lowed him to nx rapidly through Putt' nnk�. tic was elected V Ycc -Chu moan of the Prohibi- tion National Committee in 2006, then be- came Chairman fallowing the death of Gene Amundson later that year. He also sears as Treasurer of time Partisan Prohibition Historical Society. Rev. and Mrs. Davis have created an attractive, informative wehsite for the Prohibition National Committee, www.prohibitionparty.org. This appeals to CHARACTER, HOPE. TRADITION. Charactered leadership driven by hope for a return to traditional values' ProhibitionPartyA 911, The ilatinnal Prohibitionist ISSN 1549.9251 D PuNiOrd at Box 211 Natidntay. Pemsylsant;r 172.ka by the Prohibititm National Conunitee. Fulmer: Janes Hedges (7U- AW19U) fnlgesFprMiibOimius.txg Dkadlim: Iasi Monde) of the namh Cmtridaed anicks are uzkwne. Wit will not N wknowledeed or twitted omleec a SASE i%cwtosed. Subscription: 55)yrar 112 ntonlhsI — make Meeks out to the Prohibition Natural Contminee, mein "Natimal Prohibitimku Fund:' and wait tothe addrcc aline. r= Airing, typography, and graphic design by Ile Ca inel Prext, Big Cosa Tannery, Pttnsylvmia Print- ing by The Fulton County News- McCtntnellsborg, Pennsylvania. FAitoriat material is not capyrig fwd aml ntav be rcptxximed by anyone. with credit. Baier to Run in New Jersey Prohibitionist Scott Baler hope to run for ei- ther a local or a state -wire office in New Jer- sey this year Scroll is an eager young per- son, the son of person of which our Party needs many more. The Secretary is working with him to get his petitions signed and his paperwork in order. Ray Perkins Our Man in Maine National Commiuccntan Ray Perkins, Jr.. of Waldiaboro, Maine, keeps busy with letters - to- Witors promoting the Prohibition Pan), and its goals, Perkins writes mostly to snlal140own dailies and Waal weeklies, those papers which are roost likely to publish his letters. Before the elation last year, Perkin writ- ing publicized our presidential candidate, Jack Fellure. creating "buzz" for the Prohi- bition Party even though we were not on the ballot in Maine. His pnncipad interest is in tobacco proh- lems. He writes in support of legislative bills discouraging tobacco use. tie sends this Ed- itor clippings and news about tobacco in Maine which can be used to write short ar- ticles in The Prohibitionist. Perkins is one of our most influential na- tional committeemen. We need more like him. Kudos, Ray! The Prohibition Party — addressing America's challenges from the viewpoint of !tome and family Page 2 Monetary Policy €I2012 by Stephen Contmio The Founding Fathers understood that eco- Bonne activity would shape the new Amer- ican nation. When drafting the Constiut- tion of the United States, the members of the Constitutional Convention gave the central government the sole power to coin money and to regulate its value. The states in the federal union could tax, but not coin money. Govemment was not designed to be a feudal lord over serfs, but it was to act as a democratic guardian protecting the economy from private and powerful inter- ests whose activity was suspect, not audit- ed, and likely to exploit economic devel- opment. The nation's economy grew and the country's boundaries expanded westward, because the individual was treated as the main producer of wealth. His rights were respected, and he worked alongside fel- low Americans as an equal partner in the country's progress. He thrived in this type of open environment and sought just and noble personal values for the public goof. (,)or government generously leaned and provided for economic development. Greedy opponunists weaseled their way into politics. In 1913, the Federal Re- . ve Act chcatcd a system oi' bank; and a privileged class of bankers with enormous power over economic activity and over the government. These "Fed" bankers control the market by giving credit and fixing in- terest rates. They contract and expand the money supply based on special interests. Their activity amounts to predatory lend- ing and shade deals with trarksnational com- panies. They print paper money that lacks a real standard- Today's paper money can- not be redeemed for gold or silver, as it once could be. Land and personal property have a real value. Paper money only has a value based on shaky politics. There is very Iii- tie free and fair business in the country. Trnsnational companies operate in foreign lands and deprive Americans of jobs. There are few or no taxes on imports. Everything is made overseas. Huge retail- ers sell these foreign products and make a profit. American cottage industry and local business are displaced. The Fed is largely responsible for the shift from manufactur- ing to services. Bankers hwe trading, in- surance- and loaning, but they know noth- ing about engineering, craftsmanship, and fanning. Many states are raising revenue by legalizing gambling. Liquor stores sell alcohol and cigarettes on every street cor- ner. Americans consume junk food and are overweight and ill. A drug problem is epidemic. The commercial banks prior to The Fed had open lending policies. They worked ef- ficiently with cottage industries, business- es, and farmers. The United States was booming with agriculture and every indus- try. The Founding Fathers established a monetary policy that shaped a great nation. The Fed bankers have crushed the econo- my and opened the door to every son of so- cial evil. We need to eliminate the Federal Reserve banking system. It is not a constitutional pan of our democratic republic. By oper- ating commercial and/or slate banks, we can begin to rebuild our national economy. Thomas Jefferson said in 1802: °I believe that banking institutions are more danger- ous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency first by inflation, then by deflation, tote banks and corporations that will grow up around the hanks will deprive the people of all prop . cry until their children wake up humeless on the continent their Fathers conquered." Alcohol Calories The Marin Institute (recently re- branded as "Alcohol Justice') is seeking to have alco- hol nutrition data listed on retail containers of alcohol. Doing so would emphasize that alcohol isjusi "empty calories" with no nu- tntional value. This approach to the alcohol problem meshes with contemporary concem about obesity: If people know how many calories they are getting with their food when they order thinks to go with a meal, they may drink less. Alcohol contains 116 calories per ounce, and ii s just' junk food." Three calories ei- ther lake the place of those from nourishing food, of they, literally go to waist. Gambling Destroys... Lives Families Communities NATIONAL PROHIBITIONIST Florida, The Should -Have -Been Campaign Florida state chairman Bill Bledsoe came to the 2011 Convention brinuoing with confidence that our ticket would again he on the ballot there in 2012. All the paper - work [Kid been done, and he, kept in frequent contact vvith the state Bureau of Elections. to make certain there were no foul -ups. And then.... The legislature changed the rules. Several of the larger (and wcaithierl third panics stwd the State, seeking to prevent the new rules from taking effect. T}e Prohi- bition Party could not afford to join the lawsuit. A court subsequently ruled that, in essence, thou stnail parties which had chal- lenged the new rules could continue using the old rules: those which did not join in the challenge, however, were obligated to go by tile new rules. And so, we did not appear on the Flori- da ballot kw year. At Convention time, however, all of the above had not tran- spired. We fully expected to be on the Florida ballot in 2012. Scverd of the Con- vention attendees went to beFuniak Springs, Florida after the Convention and posed for publicity photographs at the grave of our own (and only) Prohibition Gover- nor, Sidney Cans. in prcluration fora Flori- da campaign. Figure Legends: Lahore) Convention goers at Gov. Can's grave, from left: Charles Royce (our local guide). National Committee Secretary James Hedges, Florida State Committee Chairman Bill Bled - soe. presidential candidate Jack Fellure, and Gov. Cates re- enactor James Moore. fearer lei) Prohibitiori presidential candidate lack Fellure (R) and Gov. Gans re- enactor James Moore (L) meet each other at Catts' grave in DeFumak Springs, Florida. (darer )ight) Florida state chairman Bill Bledsoe offers Gov. Caus a symbolic to ast of "Adams Ale:' Catts' spirit no doubt appreciated this kind gesture, as it was 100' in the shade that day. January 2013 W W W P r 0 h i b t i 0 P a r t Page 3 Rick Knox Knox was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1949. He attended the public schools of Nashville and of Davidson County, Ten- nessee, earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of the State of New York, and holds the Juris Doctor front Thomas Jef- ferson College of Law. Dr. Knox has had 12 years of experi- ence as an educator and headmaster. He has had 30years of experience as a politi- cal consultant. pollster, and political strate- gist. In addition, Knox has been a radio talk -show host for 8 wean and has served as an election -night conmentatcx for nnany radio stations. Knox's polls have been widely quoted over the years, due to his high degree of accuracy. Rick Knox has been hired to work in numerous political campaigns, from coun- ty constable to President of The United States, and he has managed and worked in political campaigns in over 14 states. .$•.. Why Smoking is so Dangerous The U.S. National Academy of Science 2001 report "Clearing the Smoke" con- cluded that smoking damages cells lining the bronchi and alveoli – the airways of the human body. Three major respiratory sys- tem diseases result from this damage. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cancers of the mouth and lungs. Ninety -one thousand Americans died of stroking- related respiratory diseases dur- ing the years 19901994. 2013 Conference The 2013 Midterm Conference of the Pro- hibition Party is apprcuching quickly. Tra- ditionally, conferences are held on week- days around the middle of June, although that time -frame is not mandatory. The purpose of the Midterm Conference is to discuss and act upon urgent Party business, such as finances and National Commimee member ships. There are also talks and held trips related to our history, discussion and approval of position pa- pers, and of course meeting and fellow - shipping with other Piny members. Anyone may suggest agenda items to the Secretary (Box 212. Needmore, Penn- sylvania 17238). Our contentions and conferences rotate around the country, so that people living in the many states will have easy opportuni- ties to attend. Anyone wishing to attend may recommend a location for the 2013 Midterm Conference. Our previous four meetings were held in Indiana, Pennsyl- vania, Tennessee, and Alabama. If you live in anolher state and would he willing to do the local arrangements forthis year's meeting. please contact the Secretary. Basically, we require an inexpensive hotel /motel, a neetine room Yoe 50 (in- cluding some display space) in or near the hotel, a convenient restaurant, and an wr- pon with scheduled flights. There should also be a "news peg" associated with the site — the hone of a prominent Prohibi- lion Piny historical figure, an important museum or library collection, something which can be used to stimulate public in- terest in our meeting. Religious Freedom Day Each year, the President declares January 16th to be Religious Freedom Day and calls upon Americans to "observe this day through appropriate events and activities in hones, schools, and places of worship' 16 is the anniversary of the pas- sage, in 1786, of the Virginia Statute of Re- ligious Freedom. Schools are encouraged to recognize Religious Freedom Day dur- ing the week leafing up to January 16th. See: www.religiousfreedointoday.com. Thomas Jefferson said, "To compel a titan to subsidize with his laves the prolm- gatior of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sir jet and irrannieal. " IVKY pm-XIP , (1Hi1NlYt wwp r 1) contemporary young people searching for a political home and complements the Historical Society's website, www4trohibitionists.org, which is do-signed to serve stations anti scholars. Rev. Davis believes that the Prohibition Patty neck to nudemize its image by restat- ing its vision in today's vernacular. Toward that end, he has created a slogan: Character / Hope / Tradition. We, as a political organ- ization, are people of goof character, we ad- vocate policies which will make real our lope fora better future: we will tx» kl this ha- ter future on a foundation of the traditional values which have served our country so well. The Davises also manage a website for their church. On its honrepage. Good Prtnped Church states that its members seek to serve God with a willingness and avail- ability to help others through the use of their gifts. lalents,skills and abilities. The Church strives to be a lighthouse, a beacon for all to see, in the lives, hones, community. and world of its nucmhers. The Prohibition Party is part of this out- reach in Rev. Davis' personal fife. 15001.LV1. antm.rJ Inxn p. I i Fellure spoke with officials of several other third piatics, seeking their endorse- ments. None were forthcoming, lie also attempted to establish communication with relatives of the late national chairman Earl Dotage, but none of them recurred his tele- phone calls. There was some interest shown in us be- fore the election by political reporters, es- pecially from overseas. Unfortunately, this interest usually took the form of "Why has your organization been able to survive so long ?" rather than "Why should the voters choose Prohibition candidates?" These were all internet requests and, because Rev. Fellure has no internst connection, they were fielded by the Editor. Where time per- mitted, the requests were forwarded to Fel- lure by letter mail with a suggestion to the reporter that he telephone Fellure — and then a snow stone knocked out Fellure's telephone line for several days just before the election. Nevertheless, the Prohibition Party is still alive and still maintains its place in the his- tory books! Page 4 NAiioNAi. PRoH1ltmoNls-r Marian Karr 4f(4) From: Billy Joe Parker <parker30183 @peoplepc.com> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 12:50 PM To: newsroom @press- citizen.com; Matt Hayek; Rick Dobyns; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Council; Sam Hargadine; jrettig @co.johnson.ia.us; pharney @co.johnson.ia.us; jetheredge @co.johnson.ia.us; rsullivan @co.johnson.ia.us; tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us; Ipulkrab@co.johnson.ia.us Subject: Communities and governments responsible 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Mal 4:6 (KJV) Remove alcoholic drinks and abortion. Insure that each American child lives to see Christmas and inherit the nation. Stop the government's and political parties' assassination and betrayal of the children. All who wish to be removed from this e-mail list please inform Celestial discussions from the Prohibition Party Discussion Group I 1 w Y / • -I Prohibition Party Discussion Group ....... 1 r r , 4. • ........... ............................... ► ' - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . _ - - . . - - - - - _ - .. _ _ .� .. - t The Prohibition Party Discussion Group. Open the door to your dark dungeon just a bit and we will fill it with light. We count for something. We count for life. THOSE WHO SELL AND LICENSE ALCOHOL ARE AS GUILTY AS ITS USERS. THEY ENCOURAGE USE BY GIVING THE IMPRESSION THAT ALCOHOL IS GOOD. THEY SEDUCE THE CHILDREN IN THEIR CARE. low Malmkar sent to prison for homicide by Jay Huff (The North Platte Bulletin) - 212812013 In an emotionally charged courtroom, Michael Malmkar, 22, of North Platte, was sentenced Monday to up to 10 rmi. years imprisonment for motor vehicle homicide and leaving the scene of an injury accident. courtesy Phototmage Michael Malmkar ©Ifaceyboo-o-�k-Rge-q2-esti EBRASKALAND .mane..; IIAI CLICK HEREI Trouble began for Malmkar June 17, 2011 when he hit and killed bicyclist Levern Allan Walter, 56, while driving on State Farm Road on the south side of North Platte. Alcohol was suspected to be a factor. Malmkar later underwent treatment in Lincoln for alcohol and drug abuse, but near the end of his treatment he burglarized a restaurant while living in a halfway house. He has been jailed in Lincoln County since January 2012. He stood before Lincoln County District Judge Donald Rowlands Monday to face sentencing in the death of Walters. About 20 family members of the victim sat in the first three rows of the courtroom. Before sentencing, defense attorney Robert Lindemeier asked the court to consider that this was not deliberate act, but an "irresponsible and negligent act by a scared young man" Lindemeier noted that Malmkar was an Eagle Scout. "He's a good kid that made a terrible mistake," Lindemeier said. "It haunts him every day and you really should sentence him as a person." Lindemeier cited a past accident involving police officers in which two were killed and the responsible driver was only sentenced to probation. "This does not call for the maximum sentence," Lindemeier said. "Michael was scared and took off from the scene. He later came in and told police all that had happened." Lindemeier spoke about Malmkar's prior offenses and said he definitely has an alcohol problem, but said that Malmkar is a responsible person at core. "He will do something and then later take full responsibility for it," Lindemeier said. He asked for minimum sentences for the crimes, and that they be served concurrently (at the same time.) Lindemeier also asked Rowlands to take note of several letters that were written to the court, supporting Malmkar. Lincoln County Attorney Rebecca Harting made no comment. When it was time for sentencing, Rowlands told Malmkar "this is an obviously a tragic case.' "It's the result of your bad judgment that this resulted in a tragic accident in which someone out for a bicycle ride ended up dead," Rowland said. "Had you come before me today showing you had completed treatment and with good evaluations, a lesser sentence could be considered." "Your prior record and the incidents after your arrest on this does not make probation appropriate," Rowland said. "That would send the wrong message to the public -- that one can commit something like this and only get probation." Rowlands sentenced Malmkar to 4 -5 years on the motor vehicle homicide and 2 -5 years for leaving the scene. The sentences will run consecutively, so Malmkar faces 6 -10 years. Malmkar was credited for a year and 17 days that he has already served. Lindemeier appeared dejected and exhausted after the sentence was pronounced. He moved off by himself in the courtroom, removed his glasses and rubbed his face. On the other hand, Walter family members also reacted negatively, often shaking their heads while Rowlands spelled out the sentence. Roberta Walter, the wife of Lavern, started to speak but court officials did not allow it. She left the court room in tears and other family members followed, seemingly angry. Even though prisoners usually remain in court for other cases, this time Malmkar was removed from the courtroom by jailers promptly after sentencing. Like this story to send to your facebook p►%* North Platte man locked up after wild ride by George Lauby (North Platte Bulletin) - 2/22/2013 Benjamin Fritz drove smack into the railroad tracks with a pickup in the wee hours Sunday morning, landing him in 0 - - the hospital for four days. He was promptly arrested and charged with a bevy of crimes Thursday when he got out. Courtesy Photolmage Benjamin C. Fritz b You've got a ©MRASKALAND faeebook Request) K AT Ioa•� >•._, CLICK HEREI Fritz was hospitalized afer he wrecked his parent's pickup shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday on the main Union Pacific railroad tracks in North Platte. He drove the Nissan Titan down Oak St. and directly into the tracks. The pickup crossed two sets of tracks and the front end of the pickup came apart. The front nosed into the third set, sending the rear of the pickup over it, and it landed upside down between the third and fourth sets of tracks. Fritz had to be extricated from the wreckage. Fritz's wild night began about 40 minutes earlier. His girlfriend told police that Fritz hit her in the face and put a rear choke -hold on her. Police responded to her distress call at 12:26 a.m. in the 600 block of So. Sycamore. A police spokesman said the woman had visible injuries. The investigation revealed that Fritz hit her in the face several times and then choked her, causing her to struggle to breathe. Fritz was long gone when police arrived. As police searched, they checked his parent's home in the 2600 block of Anna and found that their 2010 Nissan Titan was missing along with a spare set of keys. At 1:11 a.m. officers were dispatched to Union Pacific tracks near Oak and Front, where they found Fritz trapped in the Titan. He was rescued and taken to Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Police said Fritz drove north down Oak, through the T intersection at Front, jumped the curb, went through a chain link fence and hit the tracks. Alcohol is suspected to be a factor. Blood samples were taken but the lab has not reported the results yet, a police spokesman said Friday. Fritz is charged with third - degree domestic assault, strangulation, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and driving under the influence. Parole violation too Fritz was on parole at the time for second- degree arson that occurred Dec. 12, 2008 at the home of Jose and Sheila Marquez at 2220 Anna. Not only was Fritz convicted of setting the Marquezes house on fire, police said he burglarized it first. The home and all the belongings inside were reduced to charred rubble. The damage amounted to an estimated $350,000. Firefighters fought the 4 a.m. blaze for nearly three hours. The Marquezes and their children were out of town at the time. About two and a half hours later, before the flames were even out, a North Platte police patrolman saw Fritz walking near McDonald's. The police had been on the lookout for Fritz since he ran away from the Boys and Girls Home Dec. 10. The officer picked up Fritz and noticed that he reeked of smoke. A quick examination revealed that Fritz had a cigarette lighter on him as well as some paperwork that had the Marquez name and address on them. The officer became suspicious and investigated further. The investigation later revealed that Fritz was even wearing clothes taken from the Marquei s house. Fritz was immediately charged with the burglary and theft and jailed. He spent 217 days in the county jail as his case went through the courts. In July 2009, he was sentenced to 2-4 years in the state penitentiary for arson. He was still on parole when he rammed his parent's pickup squarely into the railroad tracks. Like this story to send to your facebook Billy Joe Parker Georgia Prohibition 1143 Debord Drive Waleska, Georgia 30183 (770)- 479 -1322 Monday, February 25 , AD 2013 'Trmor — Marian Karr 4f(5) From: Billy Joe Parker <parker30183 @peoplepc.com> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 12:50 PM To: newsroom @press- citizen.com, Matt Hayek, Rick Dobyns; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Council, Sam Hargadine; jrettig @co.johnson.ia.us; pharney @co.johnson.ia.us; jetheredge @co.johnson.ia.us; rsullivan @co.johnson.ia.us, tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us; Ipulkrab @co.johnson.ia.us Subject: FIELDS OF THE WOOD resurrect America from the tomb. the use of tobacco in any form ❑o This Easter- Resurrection Day -let's Jesus died for our sins Against Carolina Fields Of The Wood, North 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. Mal 4:6 (KJV) Remove alcoholic drinks and abortion. Insure that each American child lives to see Christmas and inherit the nation. Stop the government's and political parties' assassination and betrayal of the children. All WHO WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM THIS LIST PLEASE INFORM GEORGIA PROHIBITION Through God we shall do valiantly; for He it is that shall tread down our enemies: Psalm 60:12 Sunday, March 3 in the year of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 2013 Probably America's great strength is that she is the base for Christian evangelization of the earth. Because of this, the USA is still under a great divine blessing even though society and government have backslid somewhat into the most horrible pre- Christian barbarism. The Christian Church in the USA is under attack from within by people who have benefitted the most from living in this country. Many are billionaires and strive by seduction and stealth along with open actions to separate the USA from Christ. All the rage and wrath stored in the human mind is released upon the Christian Church by vanity, lust, and self love with a feeling of god -like importance that enormous wealth brings to pervert the human mind. It is obvious and bright common sense that if men and governments followed the guidelines of the 10 Commandments, then crime would cease and people would not harm each other. Christian teaching is a national treasure because it cleanses the human mind and directs its thoughts and action to noble pursuits. Christian evangelization is a great shield for the USA for it rains down heaven's blessings upon the nation. Fields Of The Wood is in Western North Carolina near the meeting point of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. The 10 Commandments are written on the side of the mountain. The 10 Commandments are the rules that people and nations should live by and the path that they should travel for they bring the blessings of God. The US Congress should recognize the 10 Commandments as the proper way Americans should live and guide by. The US Congress, the Supreme Court, the Federal Courts, and the White House have drifted too far into pre- Christian barbarism, savagery, and into tyranny under heathen and pagan groups dedicated only to money, alien creeds, and willing to destroy millions of men, women, and children. The result is that millions of children are put to death and denied the nation and their lives unjustly. All children should be taught the 10 Commandments so they memorize them. Also they should memorize the Golden Rule--"Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you. " -- "Love thy neighbor as thyself." John 3:16 should also be taught to every child. Children should be allowed to be in plays about the Good Samaritan. Today they are not and the result is a slaughterhouse of little children in a most horrible savagery by a supposedly civilized people. A child may not follow the teaching, but the nation itself for teaching will receive the utmost blessing from God. Christian evangelization is America's great shining shield against the evils of a dark world gone insane and growing more so every day. PA 16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting Iife.John 3:16 Americans should take special note of the fact that all those who claim their feelings are hurt by Christian teaching in our schools are not hurt by the deaths caused by the absence of Christian living. Christianity teaches good citizenship -Good Samaritanism. Good citizenship is needed for families and nations to be happy, prosperous, and free. Fields of the Wood Murphy, NC — Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, across from a mountain where God revealed a vision, lie the world's largest set of the Ten Commandments. Other record breaking biblical monuments can be found here also along with replicas of Golgotha and Joseph's Tomb. At the turn of the 1900's, Ambrose Jessup Tomlinson of Indiana came to pass out tracts to the Western North Carolina mountain people. He and a few followers decided to form a new church hoping to find the true way of Christ. Before the group met, Tomlinson hiked up a nearby mountain to pray. He came back saying that God had revealed to him what kind of church it should be. Thus, the beginnings of the Church of God of Prophecy, a church that now has more than 700,000 members in 115 countries. Tomlinson, decided that one of the missions of his church would be to mark sacred spots because Jacob in the Old Testament had marked the spot where he received his vision of a ladder leading from earth to Heaven. Where his own church was formed was the first place he decided to mark. The church bought 210 acres of land, including the mountain were Tomlinson had gone to pray for guidance. There Tomlinson planned to create a holy place, and named it Fields of the Wood. He wanted to begin this project by creating the world's largest Ten Commandments with concrete letters 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide on the mountainside across from where he had prayed. Tomlinson only saw the commandments spelled out in lime on the mountainside before he died in 1943. In 1945, the Ten Commandments were completed out of white - painted concrete. Other markers include, the world's largest altar, a concrete structure 80 feet long erected where Tomlinson prayed, the world's largest New Testament, an open concrete Bible 30 feet tall and 50 feet wide, and the world's largest cross, a prone concrete structure 115 feet wide and 150 feet long, lined by the flags of the eighty -six nations in which the church can be found. A replica of Christ's tomb was also built at the park, and an outdoor baptismal pool which is used by thousands annually. Location: 18 miles west of Murphy on NC -294 near the Tennessee line Open: Daily year round with no admission charged. Facilities: Bathrooms and Picnic areas are available. Information call: (828) 494-7855. Online at: http : / /fiieldsofthewoodbiblepark.com/ Billy Joe Parker Georgia Prohibition 1143 Debord Drive Waleska, Georgia 30183 (770)- 479 -1322 Sunday, March 3, AD 2013 Marian Karr 4f(6) From: Billy Joe Parker <parker30l83 @peoplepc.com> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 12:50 PM To: newsroom @press - citizen.com; Matt Hayek; Rick Dobyns; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Council; Sam Hargadine; jrettig @co.johnson.ia.us; pharney @co.johnson.ia.us; jetheredge @co.johnson.ia.us; rsullivan @co.johnson.ia.us; tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us; 1pulkrab@co.johnson.ia.us Subject: Happy Trails In Georgia -March April March AD 2013 Calling the states h Georgia Prohibition's proposal for a Prohibition Amendment is making progress in presenting itself to the members of the 50 state legislatures. The states are destroying thousands of their children because the governors and legislatures are puppets to the chiefs of the political parties who seek only to be over the nation and will use any power group no matter how evil to achieve power. The political parties literally make war on children and addict them to evils and infect them with diseases from the gutter such as homosexuals' AIDS. Mothers of the nation have deserted the children to serve the merchants willing to kill them with alcohol and abortion for money. The death tolls are tremendous. No Christian burial for millions of aborted children. Our national shame, disgrace, and dark evil. Recently a drunken driver crossed the centerline, hit a car driven by a mother -to -be killing her, and a child riding with her. Huge liquor stores line our 4 -lane highways protected by our governor and legislature as they kill citizens of the state. Owned by liquor stores, our US Congress, president, have little feeling for the deaths. [Avvv Trail. L CGeot6a Fubl:shed bi- monC?JX by G001 Va PI 01116ttimt 1143 Debut d Ih ixe R'alesl.a Geut� ;013`3 Pat ket 3olSx @4,�e eoplePt .ui E duor Bfll ToeP.vl;ei 2 and party chiefs 3/20113 Ttno At the Fringe: March 2013 lh9n 0 More Next Blog» Create Blog Sign In 4f(7) Two At the Fringe Everyone looks at the issues from a different perspective. This is ours, sometimes individually, sometimes as a duet. -- Carol deProsse/ Caroline Dieterle TI233DAY, MARCH 19, 2013 "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 1M." OFFICIAL ICPD RECRUITMENT VIDEO PRODUCED BY CTTY CHANNEL 4, UPLOADED TO THE DEPARTMENTS FACEBOOK PAGE ON OCTOBER 5, 2010 AND TO YOUTUBE: httpa/www. youtube.com /embed /3T1 BSkYTmwo The lyrics are from the album Blood Stained Love Story by the American rock band Saliva, which has achieved some acclaim since it's founding in 1966. According to Wikipedia•, Sony has used this song as background music for a number of it's PlayStation3 commercials. "Ladies and Gentlemen" Ladies and gentlemen please Would you bring your attention to me? For a feast for your eyes to see An explosion of catastrophe Like nothing you've ever seen before Watch closely as I open this door Your jaws will be on the floor After this you'll be begging for more Welcome to the show Please come inside Ladies and gentlemen Boom Do you want it? Boom Do you need it? Boom Let me hear it Ladies and gentlemen BLCG ARCHME {'2013(10) ♦ March (s) "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the ICPD." Lefty Eclecticism 'Hey, Dems, it reallywas the issues.- Academic Freedom Don't poison the children ► February(2) ► January(3) ► 2012 (6) twoatthefringe .blogspoLconV2013_03 01_archive.html 1/8 3/20/13 Tm At the Fringe: March 2013 Boom Do you want it? Boom Do you need it? Boom Let me hear it Ladies and gentlemen Ladies and gentlemen good evening You've seen that seeing is believing Your ears and your eyes will be bleeding Please check to see If you're still breathing Hold tight cause the show is not over If you will please move In closer You're about to be bowled over By the wonders you're about to behold here Welcome to the show Please come Inside Ladies and gentlemen Boom Do you want it? Boom Do you need it? Boom Let me hear it Ladies and gentlemen [x6} Here's the official Saliva musical video ofthis song, which focuses on two women bloodily beating each other up in a boxing ring; one of them drinks a can of cocaine part -way through the fight. CaroldeProsse CororineD mrle http: / /"w . youtube.com /watch?v= tMIKmEL1hgY •http:l /en.Wkipedia.argiv iki /Sali%e_°h29band % 29 wateebyme Fmgeee�ntstr:<s Ann Wcon ffls: Rec.nd this on Googly - Links to u6 past Marian Karr From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox @mac.com> Sent: Thursday, March 21, 2013 9:48 AM To: Council Subject: Reactions to the ICPD Recruitment Video httu: / /twoatthef inee.blogsoot.com/2013 /03/ reactions -to -icpd- recruitment -video 1353 html Two At the Fringe Everyone looks at the issues from a different perspective. This is ours, sometimes individually, sometimes as ,a duet. -- Carol deProsse/ Caroline Dieterle Reac ions to the ICPD Recruitment Vide Here are som reactions to the posting of the Iowa City Police Department's recruiting video, produced by3 ity Channel 4, found at http: / /www.fark.coml comments /7652453/This- is- actual- department -m de- recruitment - video - for - Iowa - City - Police- Department- Proving- once - for - all -that- steroids -filmm king- are - not -a -good- mix ?cpp =1 At the recommendation of the Diversity Committee of the Human Relations Commission of Iowa City the video has very recently been removed from the police department's website, but can be found at http: / /twoattt 4ringe.blogspot.com/ 2013 /03 /ladies- and - gentlemen - welcome- to- icpd.html t j i 1 2013 - -talk 03 -19 10:59:22 AM At least it was short. 2013 - People in power are Stupid [tom 03 -19 10:59:34 AM Everybody knows that cops don't like to just walk around all day or do training exercises... I liked the part where the cop had to sponge vomit out of the backseat of his patrol car. 2013- 03-19 11:19:12 AM falcon 176 2013 -03- 19 11:20:55 AM I bet they actually paid a "videographer" for this and he went to town with his cracked copy of Sony Vegas 2013 - bugmn99 03 -19 11:24:28 AM With a soundtrack that really makes you think, bro. "Do you want it ?" is bad -ass enough,. But then switch it up with "Do you need it ? " ? ?? They don't write'em like that any more, bro. F'kin PUMPED. Seriously! 2013 - seelorq 03 -19 11:30:09 AM Among the other shining examples of ill- conceived concepts that this film champions, I like how wrapping a stop sign in caution tape is "professional" and walking down a sidewalk and riding a bike down some stairs are "progressive." However, the solarized landscape near the end sold it for me. Where the fark do I sign up to police such a post - apocalyptic hellscape? /Needed some zombies and hippy bashing. 2013 - Jim from Saint Paul 03 -19 11:31:40 AM Only truly awful thing was the whole "ELITE" scene. One guy pointing a gun, 2 standing aroun behind him with hands on hips and another holding a door open with his off hand. Yeah. Elite. tjsands1118 You too can be a douchbag of one, join the police today. gfbabbitt 2013- 03-19 11:39:47 AM 2013- 03 -19 11:40:45 AM Eh, a bit over - blown. I live in Iowa City and didn't know about the, ahem, 'elite' stuff. Usually it's more of the keystone cops variety of elite. On the upside, I've actually worked with one of the cops in that video; good guy. 2013 - Earl Green 03 -19 11:53:26 AM Training exercises and busting college kids. ELITE. 2013 - numbone 03 -19 11:57:22 AM Needs more cowbell. 2013 - bugmn99 03 -19 12:00:11 PM seelorq: Among the other shining examples of ill - conceived concepts that this film champions, I like how wrapping a stop sign in caution tape is 'professional" and walking down a sidewalk and riding a bike down some stairs are 'progressive. " However, the solarized landscape near the end sold it for me. Where the fark do I sign up to police such a post - apocalyptic hellscape? /Needed some zombies and hippy bashing. Why do I think I'd catch a good ass - beating /fine if I ever rode a bike down stairs in front of a cop? weapon13 2013- 03 -19 12:01:46 PM Where are the clips that show them shooting dogs and people? 2013 - FormlessOnel 03 -19 12:14:05 PM gfbabbitt: Eh, a bit over - blown. I live in Iowa City and didn't know about the, ahem, 'elite' stuff. Usually it's more of the keystone cops variety of elite. On the upside, I've actually worked with one of the cops in that video; good guy. Have you pointed out to him that the video doesn't exactly show cops in a good, or even useful, light? You should probably do that. 2013 - wellreadneck 03 -19 12:36:26 PM If you have POLICE written all over you in bright yellow, what's the point of camouflage? icam 2013- 03 -19 12:44:21 PM wellreadneck: If you have POLICE written allover you in bright yellow, what's the point of camouflage? Because without it they WOULDN'T LOOK AS X- TREMEIIII ha -ha -guy 2013- 03-19 12:45:17 PM I see they managed to work in some shots of the single woman on the force. They should rescheduled the shoot for the day the black guy wasn't out on vacation though. You should have at least one minority on screen when displaying "progressive ". /the "elite" guy looks kind of drunk Lyonid 2013- 03-19 12:49:04 PM seelorq: Among the other shining examples of ill - conceived concepts that this film champions, I like how wrapping a stop sign in caution tape is 'professional" and walking down a sidewalk and riding a bike down some stairs are 'progressive. " However, the solarized landscape near the end sold it for me. Where the fark do I sign up to police such a post - apocalyptic hellscape? /Needed some zombies and hippy bashing. I kept thinking "each of these needs an asterisk with small text at the bottom reading 'video unrelated "'. ha -ha -guy 2013- 03 -19 12:49:20 PM wellreadneck: If you have POLICE written allover you in bright yellow, what's the point of camouflage? I'd imagine that the company who made it does most of their business in the form of mass produced camo for the military and /or hunters. When our local department looked at buying new gear all the forest camo stuff was cheaper than the SOCOM black style stuff. The pricing seemed to be winter /forest /jungle is the cheapest, then desert, then solid black/dark blue, and urban camo is the most expensive. /we went with off the shelf "Finnish ski trooper" camo and then had a local company do the 'Police" markings. //on the town council so I saw all the paperwork to approve it, not a cop 2013 - uberaverage 03 -19 12:54:09 PM No officer, I do not consent to a search. Am I free to go? Or are you detaining me? 2013 - alizeran 03 -19 12:55:13 PM I wonder if they got permission to use that song. They sure didnt give any credits. /but if your 14 year old downloads a bieber - - -> eleventy billion dollars plox. bikerific 2013- 03 -19 12:55:35 PM The song said "open the door," and at the exact same time, the guys in the video opened a door. These guys are wizards. 2013 - iaazathot 03 -19 12:57:27 PM Jim from Saint Paul: Only truly awful thing was the whole "ELITE" scene. One guy pointing a gun, 2 standing aroun behind him with hands on hips and another holding a door open with his off hand. Yeah. Elite. Don't forget the awkward and late entry by the second guy in the very next scene. 2013 - fickenchucker 03 -19 01:03:01 PM It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http://www.milwaukeepolicenews.com/#menu=home-page 2013 - JPINFV 03 -19 01:13:16 PM ha -ha -guy: / see they managed to work in some shots of the single woman on the force. They should rescheduled the shoot for the day the black guy wasn't out on vacation though. You should have at least one minority on screen when displaying 'progressive" /the "elite" guy looks kind of drunk What they need to do is hire a female minority... kill 2 birds with one stone that way. icam 2013- 03 -19 01:14:19 PM JPINFV: ha -ha -guy: I see they managed to work in some shots of the single woman on the force. They should rescheduled the shoot for the day the black guy wasn't out on vacation though. You should have at least one minority on screen when displaying "progressive". /the "elite" guy looks kind of drunk What they need to do is hire a female minority... kill 2 birds with one stone that way. That just seems flashy. Panty Sniffer 2013- 03-19 02:08:55 PM They should get over themselves. It is a college town. All they do is bust kids for public intoxication. Also being used to Chicago cops that tend to not give a f I found them to be compete dicks when I lived there. And go Hawkeyes! Great Milenko 2013- 03-19 02:43:29 PM I'm not exactly a prison planet reading, ron paul supporting, anonymous -in -a- guy - fawles -mask wack job, but I do think all of this paramilitary tactical business is a bit unnerving. They're the police, not the secret police. 2013 - Caspertoo 03 -19 03:17:06 PM fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http: / /www. milwaukeepolicenews. coml#menu= home -page I gotta admit that is a cool cop website. 2013 - gfbabbitt 03 -19 03:18:59 PM FormlessOne: gfbabbitt: Eh, a bit over - blown. I live in Iowa City and didn't know about the, ahem, 'elite' stuff. Usually it's more of the keystone cops variety of elite. On the upside, I've actually worked with one of the cops in that video; good guy. Have you pointed out to him that the video doesn't exactly show cops in a good, or even useful, light? You should probably do that. Agreed! Especially as he's one of the cops I know who's interested in mental health issues (my field).... Chunky_Charlie "Who wants to get tased ?" burber 2013- 03-19 03:20:15 PM 2013- 03 -19 03:57:03 PM Beerguy �, 2013- 03 -19 04:09:39 PM Kendoway: I liked the part where the cop had to sponge vomit out of the backseat of his patrol car. Cops don't do that, Jail trustees do. fickenchucker jigger 2013- 03-19 04:38:40 PM Caspertoo: fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http. //www. milwaukeepolicenews. com/#menu= home -page I gotta admit that is a cool cop website. An outside ad agency did it pro bono. Cops aren't known for their mad graphic arts skills, so unless someone wants to do projects for them, they have to struggle with some sergeant or captain spearheading things on old PCs. 2013- 03 -19 04:56:35 PM fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http: / /www. milwaukeepolicenews. com/#menu= home -page They really love their assault weapon rifles. fickenchucker 2013- 03 -19 05:15:56 PM jigger: fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http.Y/www. milwaukeepolicene ws. com/#menu= home -page They really love their assault weapon rifles. You would, too, if you wandered certain areas of Milwaukee. IntertubeUser 2013- 03 -19 05:27:53 PM I have a buddy getting out of the military soon and he wants to pursue a career in law enforcement. I've tried, unsuccessfully, to dissuade them. lordaction 2013- 03-19 05:57:31 PM "KNOW YOUR DOPE FIEND. YOUR LIFE MAY DEPEND ON IT! You will not be able to see his eyes because of the Tea - Shades, but his knuckles will be white from inner tension and his pants will be crusted with semen from constantly jacking off when he can't find a rape victim. He will stagger and babble when questioned. He will not respect your badge. The Dope Fiend fears nothing. He will attack, for no reason, with every weapon at his command - including yours. BEWARE. Any officer apprehending a suspected marijuana addict should use all necessary force immediately. One stitch in time (on him) will usually save nine on you. Good luck." -The Chief 2013 - toetag 03 -19 06:05:25 PM jigger: They really love their assault weapon rifles. Is this akin to that image where they show multiple different firearms (rifles, assault rifles, pistols...) and all are labeled "assault rifle "? 2013 - milowitz 03 -19 06:29:36 PM burber: [blog.stevienova.com image 200x142] MORE STAR WIPE 2013 - Dick Stallion 03 -19 06:40:58 PM numbone: Needs more cowbell. +1 2013 - Scrotastic Method 03 -19 06:56:20 PM Jim from Saint Paul: Only truly awful thing was the whole "ELITE" scene. One guy pointing a gun, 2 standing aroun behind him with hands on hips and another holding a door open with his off hand. Yeah. Elite. ...and the whole "door open" strategy was really a "get your point man just absolutely lit up with bullets" strategy. 2013- Corn—Fed 03 -19 07:05:15 PM I'm glad they're dispensing with the ridiculous myth that police are supposed to be a positive and benevolent part of the civic and community fabric, and instead are portraying the reality that they are an adversarial paramilitary combat squad which will be brutally inflicted upon all of us. Whatthefark 2013- 03-19 07:26:21 PM bugmn99: With a soundtrack that really makes you think, bro "Do you want it ?" is bad -ass enough,. But then switch it up with "Do you need it ? " ? ?? They don write 'em like that any more, bro. F'kin PUMPED. Seriously! Dude! It was the theme song for Wrestlemania 23 so you know it's Parking extreme! /Also noticed how these guys enter doors fully facing their target instead of standing sideways. Where did these guys learn their tactics, WoW raids? rocknews 2013- 03-19 07:57:22 PM There is no way this is a real recruiting video. It's a home -made job done by an absolute beginner. Poorly edited and with every transition and effect he could find in his little tin -pot freeware video editing program. Probably some kid who has a hard -on for police work trying to attract some attention. I hope you guys checked your sources before publishing this, as a professional TV news editor I will guarantee you, you've been had. ghettodwarf 2013- 03-19 07:58:32 PM I bet this video will recruit a ton of cops in 1997. needs star wipe. 2013- Oh—Enough—Already 03 -19 08:02:37 PM rocknews: There is no way this is a real recruiting video. It's a home -made job done by an absolute beginner. Poorly edited and with every transition and effect he could find in his little tin - pot freeware video editing program. Probably some kid who has a hard -on for police work trying to attract some attention. I hope you guys checked your sources before publishing this, as a professional TV news editor I will guarantee you, you've been had. It's on the department's website. As "a professional TV news editor" you should "check it out" before you make statements like that, which really make you look like an idiot. Scrotastic Method f 2013- 03 -19 08:05:57 PM Oh— Enough—Already: As "a professional TV news editor" you should "check it out" before you make statements like that, which really make you look like an idiot. That's why he's the editor and not the reporter. 2013 - rocknews 03 -19 09:50:32 PM Then I feel sorry for the department, its officers and the taxpayers who are funding this garbage. 2013 - thisisyourbrainonFark 03 -19 10:08:02 PM Oh man, did you see it when, and then that, but it really went- - blam, fark, canines, paperwork, drills, fark yeah!! In motherfarkin' I.O.W.A. Also ... Oh_Enough_Already: rocknews: There is no way this is a real recruiting video. It's a home -made job done by an absolute beginner. Poorly edited and with every transition and effect he could find in his little tin -pot freeware video editing program. Probably some kid who has a hard -on for police work trying to attract some attention. I hope you guys checked your sources before publishing this, as a professional TV news editor I will guarantee you, you've been had. It's on the department's website. As "a professional TV news editor" you should "check it out" before you make statements like that, which really make you look like an idiot. Flappyhead 2013- 03 -19 10:15:51 PM Oh this'll get recruits in, trust me. They'll all be wearing TAPOUT shirts and have shiatty tribal tats but they'll sign up 2013 - HotWingAgenda 03 -19 11:52:56 PM I watched the whole video waiting for the scene with steroids and stupidity, and it never came. That was just a standard lame local government agency video. 2013 - relaxitsjustme 03 -19 11:57:29 PM numbone: Needs more cowbell. And a Christopher Waken cameo! Smackledorfer 2013- 03-20 01:33:22 AM rocknews: Then I feel sorry for the department, its officers and the taxpayers who are funding this garbage. Which is it? Are you mad they used a free editing program and did it in house to save money, or are you upset at wastes of taxpayer money? Should they have hired an ad firm to do it? vwarb 2013- 03-20 03:28:56 AM Whatever happened to "join the force to keep your community safe!" You don't need to become a cop to play paintball and dress -up. Glenechocreek 2013- 03-20 04:28:39 AM And here, I thought that scene was a clip from The Idiocracy. Iowa City, you say? Madame Ovary 2013- 03-20 05:18:24 AM weapon13: Where are the clips that show them shooting dogs and people? RIP Eric Shaw http:// articles .chicagotribune.com /1997 -02- 17/news/9702170105_1_polic a - officer - des - moines- state- police 2013 - toyotaboy 03 -20 07:01:58 AM Every mall security wants to be a cop Every cop wants to be SWAT Every SWAT wants to be FBI Keep reaching for the stars 2013 - TommyDeuce 03 -20 07:48:44 AM Panty Sniffer: They should get over themselves. It is a college town. All they do is bust kids for public intoxication. Also being used to Chicago cops that tend to not give a f I found them to be compete dicks when I lived there. And go Hawkeyes! IC Police = 90% Public Intox, DUI Stops and rousting "hippies" on the PedMall. (and maybe speed traps) 2013 - Linux Yes 03 -20 08:20:10 AM love the noise that pretends to be music. 2013 - kregh99 03 -20 08:46:52 AM That was the slowest, sloppiest excuse for "elite" that I've ever seen. jayhawkeye2 2013- 03-20 09:48:43 AM I went to school in Iowa City, and it is a relatively sleepy college town -- in fact the only violence I remember, were when the cops shot and killed an artist, Eric Shaw who was working late and held a cell phone in a threatening manner. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1 997-02- 17/news/97021701051_poli ce - officer - des - moines - state- police Easy Reader 2013- 03-20 11:52:03 AM jigger: fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http: / /www. milwaukeepolicenews. coml#menu= home -page They really love their assault weapon rifles. They're not "Assault Rifles ". They are "Patrol Rifles ". farkingnotworking 2013- 03-20 01:37:45 PM fickenchucker: It's not a video, but if you want good design for a police department, look at this web site for Milwaukee. http://www. milwaukeepolicenews. com /#menu= home -page Their "Most Wanted" page could give TSG a run for its money. 2013 - farkingnotworking 03 -20 01:40:11 PM rocknews: There is no way this is a real recruiting video. It's a home -made job done by an absolute beginner. Poorly edited and with every transition and effect he could find in his little tin - pot freeware video editing program. Probably some kid who has a hard -on for police work trying to attract some attention. I hope you guys checked your sources before publishing this, as a professional TV news editor I will guarantee you, you've been had. But, more important: can you tell from the pixels, and are you getting a kick out of our replies? GRCAMPBELL 2013- 03-20 06:07:51 PM This link is more appropriate for the stuff cops do. http: / /www.dailymail.co. uk/news /article - 2262462/1 ncredible- video-sho ws - moment - dozen - heroic -NYPD- officers - lift -taxi- cab- BARE - hands - save -trapp ed- pedestrian.html tjfly 2013- 03-21 01:33:31 AM Because People in power are Stupid: Everybody knows that cops don't like to just walk around all day or do training exercises... Hey f(cktard, cops today aren't responsible for some group of abusive racists from 22 years ago. As John Kerry said, thanks to the 1 st amendment, you have the right to be stupid. God bless John Kerry. Carol deProsse Caroline Dieterle Marian Karr 4f(8) From: Melvin Kelly <kellyresearchplan @yahoo.com> Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2013 3:43 PM To: ctham.AWP @gmail.com ; danmartinez @indio.org ; council @cityoffullerton.com ; dgarcia @cityofalisoviejo.com ; cthomas @ci.adelanto.ca.us ; cthurmond @brokenarrowok.gov ; ddickerson @obms.us ; cpucheu @gulfport- ms.gov ; dblitch @roswellgov.com; cwheeler @augustega.gov; council @town.barnstable.ma.us ; cwainscott @nmha.org; ddsmith @augustaga.gov; council @suffolkva.us ; darrel1.smith @d raper. ut.us ; csierra @phenixcityal.us ; croth @kenner.la.us ; cshaheen @wrga.gov; dbelleisle @alpharetta.ga.us; dechols @cityofrockhill.com; councilclk @tompsc.com; david.combs @rockymountnc.gov; deggers @dunedinfl.net ; Council; council @altoonapa.gov ; cshannon @baycitymi.org ; darbyj @bossiercity.org ; council- dist12 @brgov.com ;council-distll@brgov.com ;council-distlO@brgov.com ; council -dist9 @brgov.com ;council-dist8@brgov.com ;council-dist7@brgov.com ;council- dist6@brgov.com ;council-dist5@brgov.com ;council-dist4@brgov.com ; council -dist2 @brgov.com ;council-dist3@brgov.com ;council-distl@brgov.com ; counciladmin @brgov.com ;cweathersward3@www.greenville.ms.us ; dfayard @biloxi.ms.us ;council@shreveportia.gov ;csawyer@cityofpafterson.org ; dan @senatorkotowski.com ;dan@senatorduffy.com ;ddehaney@usmayors.org ; dclough @cityofwestlake.org ;dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org ;dbelleisle@alpharefta.ga.us ; cs @odessa- tx.gov ;council@ci.pearland.tx.us ;davidsweets@rockwall.com ; dgoddee @cityofeastlansing.com ; darren.dioh @mail. house. gov ; dennis.weber @ci.longview.wa.us ; dave.earling @edmondswa.gov ; curtiel @boe. rich mond.k12.ga.us; CWayneGuilfoyle @augustaga.gov; cpd_web_ mail @hud.gov; dbarney @copebhss.com; Dan @HousingFirst- AL.org; dgarcia @trentonnj.org; ddsmith @augusta.gov; cristen.moore @mail. house. gov Subject: American Public Schools Summer Activities 2013 / by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly Attachments: 2013 Summer Youth Projects.doc From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly 2014 Olive Rd. Augusta, Ga. 30906 706 - 796 -3044 Email: kellyresearchplan(2yahoo.com To: The Honorable USA Congressman John Barrow Sub: High School and Middle School 2013 Summer Activities Date: March 21, 2013 Cc: The President of the USA the Hon. Barack Obama / Cabinet Members The US Senate Committee Members on Health, Education, Labor and Pension The State of Georgia Department of Education The Hon. Governor of the State of Georgia Nathan Deal The Hon. US Senator Johnny Isakson The Hon. US Senator Saxby Chambliss The Hon. US Congressman Paul Broun The State of Georgia Senators and Representatives The Hon. Mayor of Augusta, Ga. Deke Copenhaver / Commissioners The Hon. US Mayors / Elected Officials The Hon. US Clergy Dear Hon. Congressman John Barrow, The summer will be here very soon and the 2013 school year will be over, creating youth programs and part-time employment to keep our public school students active during the summer season is of great concern to me and many other Americans. Billions of dollars are invested in the US Department of Education yearly on higher education between grades pre K to the 12th. When a student enters the public school system the expectation of the student from the school system, and the parent is 12 years of dedicated studying to complete the 12th grade preparing them for the next level of higher education. Giving each and every public school student the tools and provisions needed to successfully progress all year round including the summer break, especially those students that are in grades 8th thru 12th. Every student in those grade levels should have an opportunity to earn an allowance during the summer months and participate in some kind of activity related to education daily during the summer break. While most school systems are struggling to keep academic progress going forward, Abbott districts, Drop -Out factories and low scoring school systems have serious challenges to encounter to improve systematically. Creating new programs to face the challenges of today's time and era to improve our educational system requires a much different approach that the ones presented 45 years ago. Public school students forty -five years ago were not face with fortified gang violence. Forty -five years ago public school students carried books to and from school in their hands. Forty five years ago African Americans protest and marched for better school books for there children and the right to obtain an equal education. Forty five years ago very few people knew that crack cocaine would hit the streets of America and relentlessly increase crime and destruction in the behavior of the America people towards each other. When you put the true facts on the table, the American Public school student faces immeasurably degrees of difficulty all year round just leaving home in the morning on there way to the school, and leaving school on there way back home. I believe every public school student grades 8th thru 12th should be connected to the school they attend all year round including the summer months and a $25.00 stipend should be available weekly to each student that enrolls in a planed summer educational program. Leaving a public school student completely idle during the summer month's through -out many urban areas in America without some kind of spending change in their pockets creates the perfect recipe for educational retardation. Overall it cost the American tax payers approximately $11,000.00 per school student per year. Overall it cost the America tax payers approximately approximately $47,000.00 per year to house one prisoner per year at $129.00 per day. Not every student wants to be active during the summer break; some prefer to sit at home and watch TV or play video games all summer long. But most of all every student needs to be focus on the up coming school year to complete the 12 year marathon of graduating from high school. Most summer school breaks usually last about 90 days, which is too much time away from school just because the weather changes to wonderful. I believe if a determined student can go to school in the cold weather, it should be easier for him or her to go to school during the hot weather season. In order to prepare our American public school students with the advance knowledge they need to know to compete with the rest of the students across world in the areas of engineering and technology, medicine, scientific and vocational skills. Changing the year round present system of educating our children need to be modified using every educational facility available. America has over 1.5 million prisoners incarcerated within America's prison systems, many single or double parent household individuals will clearly indicate during the middle of the summer, "I'll be so glad when these children go back to school." Within my proposed project it clearly indicates a requisition for a financial investment to create part time work and class room exercises for middle and high school students during the summer vacation break. Many public middle and high school students prepare themselves to follow the career of their life, but in the mist of there daily walk of life get caught up in negative activities especially during the summer time. They become vulnerable through idleness to crimes such as drug offenses, robberies, fire arms, explosives, arson, extortion, fraud, bribery, property offense and many other crimes. Any bridge that needs to be built for our public school student to cross, to avoid any obstructions towards their completion of obtaining a basic education should be built. I know that reducing the budget deficit is forever mentioned when more money is requested from the federal government, but according to my calculations it is cheaper to keep a student in school all year round than to send one to prison. Please contact me and let me know what you think about my proposed summer educational -work project for middle and high school students, if you like my proposed project lets make it become a reality together. Let's build a better America, Melvin Lorenzo Kelly Marian Karr 4f(9) From: Kayla Cress <rentalsbyivette @gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 5:14 PM To: Council Subject: RE: trash can screening - no thanks. To the City Council of Iowa City. I am writing in opposition to a proposal to screen trash cans in neighborhoods. I received an email from the Northside Neighborhood Association (the email is below) about a problem they perceive and their proposal. would much rather just walk a neighbor's trash can or recycle bin back up to their house, than see a variety of screens attached to houses. Do unto others. My real preference would be for the City to pick up trash in alleys, where there is an alley. Thanks for reading this. Kayla Cress Residence - 4506 Dryden Ct., Iowa City, IA 52245 Rentals - 410 Ronalds St., 624 N. Linn, 404 S. Governor, etc. From: NorthsideNA [ mailto: northsideneighborhoodic agmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 4:41 PM To: undisclosed - recipients: Subject: Let's talk trash (trash containers, that is!) Northside neighbors - For those of you who didn't escape town on spring break, the NNA has a quick favor to ask ... but first, some background: On February 19th, the City's Housing & Inspection Services presented a proposed ordinance to City Council regarding the storage of residential waste receptacles (aka large green garbage carts), yard waste, and recycling containers. The proposed ordinance would amend the housing code and solid waste ordinances to require that the waste containers be stored behind the front of buildings or screened from public view. This proposed language arose from a meeting held last April between Northside and College Green neighbors and City staff, in which neighbors expressed frustration with the practice by some residents of habitually storing their garbage containers (often full to overflowing) next to front porches and front sidewalks. This practice means that the garbage containers remain on full view to the neighborhood throughout the week, not just on garbage pickup day (maybe they confused the waste containers with front yard art?). When multiple houses in a block start storing their waste containers in the front yard, the neighborhood begins to look, well, trashy. The proposed language (see attached pdf) is the vehicle necessary for Inspection Services staff to address this issue, and would come into play when a complaint is submitted to them. The City doesn't have the staff nor the interest to go out on garbage can patrol (nor should they). The language is not meant to harass a neighbor who occasionally leaves the waste receptacle at the curb or one whose mobility issues make it difficult for him/her to move the waste receptacle between house and street. It's meant for going after the chronic abusers who, from what I've observed, are able- bodied and oblivious to their surrounding neighborhood. (To be fair, perhaps their landlords haven't done a sufficient job of explaining the standard rules of behavior related to garbage container storage.) NNA board members were not able to attend the Council meeting when the proposed language was introduced by City staff, though we did submit a letter in support of the language. Who would have thought this could be controversial? As it turns out, the Council decided to defer consideration of the proposed ordinance until they have the opportunity to discuss it in a work session (date to be scheduled). Apparently, there was some concern expressed that this seemed to be a problem experienced primarily by the Northside, and so other neighborhoods in town shouldn't be 'punished'. There was also the point raised that moving a garbage container back behind the front edge of building wouldn't alleviate the problem of blowing trash, etc. What we're asking you to do: The City Council would like neighborhood feedback regarding the proposed ordinance. Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, is collecting that feedback, which should be emailed to her at marcia- bollingergiowa- city.org. Her deadline is soon (Friday, March 22), but I bet you could send in your comments over the weekend, as long as she had them by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 25. We'll also keep you updated regarding the Council work session (when it happens). And, if anyone is interested in joining several of us in a meeting with Councilmember Michelle Payne, please let me know. Please know that this proposed language wasn't something concocted by a few crabby Northside residents who have nothing better to do with their lives. We view it as just another tool in that nuisance ordinance toolbox -- it's too bad that we have to resort to nuisance ordinance language in order to maintain a certain quality of life, but that is the reality. Thanks for your assistance. Marian Karr 4f(10) From: Aleksey Gurtovoy (StopBig Brother. org) <team @stopbigbrother. org > Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 3:25 AM To: Council Cc: team @stopbigbrother.org Subject: Invitation to a Public Forum on Traffic Surveillance and Drones Dear City Council members, We'd like to officially invite you to a panel discussion / public forum event on traffic surveillance and drones that will be held today, Thursday, March 28th, from 7pm to 9pm, on the University of Iowa campus. It's going to be an informative, high - profile, non - partisan event, backed by organizations from across the political spectrum, featuring keynote addresses by Ben Stone, Executive Director of ACLU of Iowa, and Gary Biller, President of the National Motorists Association, an address by Iowa Senator Brad Zaun, a panel including prominent members of local community, and even a drone surveillance technology demo: htt p://stopbigbrother.or /fg orum/ Further event information, including location and parking, is available on the event page above. All in all, this is the event you don't want to miss, and we hope to see you there! Aleksey Gurtovoy htt :/p /StopBigBrother.org Marian Karr 4f(11) From: Mary Knudson <mary_knudson @msn.com> Sent: Thursday, March 28, 2013 10:09 PM To: Council Cc: Bob Miklo Subject: Iowa City Co- housing proposal To the Members of the City Council, Below is a letter I just sent to Bob Miklo discussing my concerns about the Iowa City Co- housing Development proposal, which is to sit at the south end (which is 90 feet wide) and east side (which is 390 feet long) of my property. As this proposal is being discussed quite actively with the City Staff, and since this action affects me and my family so directly, I would like to make my point of view clear to the City Council. Please read the letter below. Thank you. Regards, Mary Knudson 725 West Benton St. March 28, 2013 Dear Mr. Miklo, I went to a Miller Orchard meeting this week with Karen Howard presenting the River Visioning Project. While there, I found out from Iowa City Cohousing that they would be submitting their plan to the City this week. While addressing their plan might seem a bit premature — I do not believe that have yet acquired the funding necessary for purchasing the property — I felt that it was important to set down in words my thoughts on their plan. As you know, my property (725 West Benton St.) will be critically affected by whatever happens to the Benton Hill Park and to the land behind our house. I have enjoyed talking to the Iowa City Cohousing people, and have been impressed by their commitment to multigenerational housing and to their desire to be good neighbors. It is probably most useful to think of the Cohousing proposal as encompassing two elements, one involving development of the property to the south of our house, and the other involving the transfer of city parkland to a private entity. Regarding the first element, my husband and I have few concerns. Of all the uses that land could be put to, the idea of Cohousing is certainly one of the best. Our main concern is that any development not obstruct our view, a view that is the reason we bought the property in the first place and that would undoubtedly be the main selling point if we ever decided to move. We have talked to the Cohousing people on numerous occasions, and they have repeatedly indicated their sensitivity to this concern, even to the extent of moving some of the houses and agreeing to height restrictions. It would be nice if there was some way that these restrictions could be given some legal form, since there is no guarantee that any future owner of the property would share the same sensitivity to neighborhood sentiments as the Cohousing people have demonstrated. The second part of the plan, the one involving Benton Hill Park, is much more problematic, both for us as property owners and for you as the city. The Miller Orchard neighborhood worked for over 20 years to acquire this park. I participated in its acquisition, and in the planning. The distinctive arch at the entrance speaks to what this park is -- "To Walk In Beauty ". It is a unique, beautiful neighborhood park that is utilized greatly — for both the playground area and the woods. After the unfortunate closing of our neighborhood elementary school, the park is the remaining unifying element of our neighborhood. And it saddens me to think that this last vestige will now be parceled out. As far as I can tell, only two arguments have been presented to support the transfer of parkland to IC Cohousing. The first has to do with the relative costs of access for the proposed development, and the second has to do with the cost of park upkeep. As to the first concern, it should be noted that the property that Cohousing is planning to purchase already has access to Miller Street. It is thus not a question of whether the new development has access, but rather of the relative costs. While I have seen no actual estimates from contractors, I understand that it would be less expensive to build an access road through the Park to Benton Street than it would be to use their own property to reach Miller. This is unfortunate, but it also seems irrelevant. It is not the business of the City to give away publically -owned assets solely to increase the economic well -being of a small set of private interests. The cost argument clearly cuts both ways: my property value will decrease if they develop the park, as would the value to the neighborhood from reduced amenities. One also has to question the wisdom and safety of adding an entrance on Benton Street. From what I understand, prior to the purchase of the park, another developer, Mr. Braverman, approached the City with a similar plan to develop the area, and was told that it would not be possible to add an opening to Benton. It is hard to see precisely what has changed in the intervening period to make the City reverse its earlier decision. The Cohousing group are undoubtedly right in noting that the individuals currently working on development are less likely to drive than others, but there can be no guarantees as to the driving habits of those who will move in after the property has been developed. The second rationale is similarly weak. There is a perception that the upper portion of Benton Hill Park is costly to maintain. I did some searching of the records, however, and discovered that the City has spent only $400 to $600 a year on the upkeep of that portion of the park. To be honest, even this low figure seems high, since the only upkeep that I have seen is some occasional mowing of the trail and the planting of a few trees (many of which, being unprotected, have succumbed to the elements or the deer). If this is considered a heavy expense, my tree -crazy husband would happily be willing to purchase and plant new seedlings at no expense to the public. As you know, it appears that the City has never transferred parkland over to a private interest before. And there is a very simple reason why this has never happened — before the ink was dry on any such agreement, you would be immediately deluged with petitions from developers and others petitioning for similar deals for the other 40 parks currently listed on the Parks and Recreation website. While you undoubtedly would know the most attractive development opportunities, it is hard to think that no one would express interest in nibbling away little pieces of Happy Hollow, Wetherby, or even the area around the new Terry Trueblood Park. It is tempting to think that wholescale park poaching will not occur, but then again who would have thought that the ped mall would be home to not one but two high -rise structures? It would of course be possible to deny these inevitable requests, but doing so of course opens the City up to costly litigation as it attempts to explain why an action taken with respect to one park should not be extended elsewhere. To sum up, both Doug and I are hopeful that the IC Cohousing group will be successful in their plans to develop the property behind us in a way that secures the value of our own property while providing a new and exciting housing opportunity for Iowa City. Opening the IC park system, however, should not be the means to that end. In my discussions with the developers, they indicated they are considering my view very much. Doug and I are grateful for that. I would like to, at some point before this goes to P &Z, to see how the units on the park land will look with respect to the topography of the land. I imagine we will be conversing more on this topic in the weeks to come. Thank you. Regards, Mary Knudson 725 West Benton St. Marian Karr From: Bob Miklo Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 6:39 PM To: 'Mary Knudson' Cc: Marian Karr; Jeff Davidson; Marcia Bollinger Subject: RE: co- housing proposal Mary, Regarding your concerns about the zoning application for the Co- Housing community, I wanted to let you know that we have received an application for a Planned Development Overlay (OPD) rezoning. At this time the application is incomplete so it will not be scheduled for a Planning and Zoning Meeting until more information in submitted. When it is scheduled for discussion by the Commission you will receive a letter advising you of the time and date of the meeting. You requested that stipulations regarding the placement and heights of buildings be required to help preserve views from your property. The OPD zone does just that by requiring that development adhere to the approved plan. Significant deviations from the OPD plan require that an amendment be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the City Council. You noted in your email that a previous rezoning request in this area was denied access to Benton Street. I reviewed the file for that case and found that the Transportation Engineer determined that although access to Benton Street was not ideal in the location being requested at that time, it was acceptable. As I recall that rezoning request was not approved for various reasons with access being only one of the considerations. Your email expressed concern about the City transferring park land to the co- housing group to allow this development to occur. I thought you might like to know that in exchange for approximately 1.8 acres of land, the City would be receiving approximately 3.14 acres of land adjacent to Miller Street to be added to Benton Hill Park. The co- housing group has also agreed that a public access easement would be established over the bulk of the 1.8 acres so that it could still function as open space for the neighborhood. As I noted the rezoning application is not yet complete and is subject to change before being presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission. You are welcome to visit our office to review the current plan and revisions as they are made. If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Bob Miklo, Senior Planner Marian Karr From: Brian Flanagan <wordsmyth 1 @g mail. com > Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 12:06 PM To: Council Subject: Dining outside To the Mayor and Members of the City Council, Hello! I hope this finds you well. I've followed your deliberations in re: expanding the number of sidewalk dining venues and... 04-09-13 4f(12) I once lived in Santa Barbara, where this kind of venue is open year - round, thanks to their climate, and where the whole experience is quite gracious. Now, I like the Bread Garden's patio and some of the other places on college street, where the setting is fully integrated into the host restaurants. On the other hand, we already have far too many such areas where the dining space is offset by fences and nothing more. Well, it looks like what it is -- an afterthought, tacked on in an effort to be trendy. Or something. It looks tacky and ridiculous. I've lived here for most of the last 40 years and have come to have a proprietary interest in our fair city, and so ... No doubt you understand. That's my two cents for today. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best wishes, Brian Flanagan Word Association Writing I Editing I Research 04 -09 -13 Marian Karr 4f(13) From: Melvin Kelly <kellyresearchplan @yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 6:34 AM To: ctham.AWP @gmail.com ; danmartinez @indio.org ; dhansen @surfcity- hb.org ; council @cityoffullerton.com ; dgolonski @ci.burbank.ca.us ; dgarcia @cityofalisoviejo.com ; cthomas @ci.adelanto.ca.us ; cthurmond @brokenarrowok.gov ; dholloway @lapuente.org ; ddickerson @obms.us ; cpucheu @gulfport- ms.gov ; dblitch @roswellgov.com; cwheeler @augustega.gov; council @town.barnstable.ma.us ; cwainscott @nmha.org; ddsmith @augustaga.gov; council @suffolkva.us ; darrell.smith @draper.ut.us ; csierra @phenixcityal.us ; croth @kenner.la.us ; cshaheen @wrga.gov; dbelleisle @alpharetta.ga.us; dhubbard @albany.ga.us; dechols @cityofrockhill.com; councilclk @tompsc.com; david.combs @rockymountnc.gov; deggers @dunedinfl.net ; Council; council @altoonapa.gov ; cshannon @baycitymi.org ; dgonzalez @chicagoheights.net ; dhahn @kenner.la.us ; darbyj @bossiercity.org ; council - dist9@brgov.com ; council- dist8 @brgov.com ; council- dist7 @brgov.com ; counciladmin @brgov.com ; cweathersward3 @www.greenville.ms.us ; dfayard @biloxi.ms.us ; council @shreveportla.gov ; csawyer @cityofpatterson.org ; dan @senatorkotowski.com ; dan @senatorduffy.com ; ddehaney @usmayors.org ; dclough @cityofwestlake.org ; dbrumfield @mtlebanon.org ; dbelleisle @alpharetta.ga.us ; cs @odessa- tx.gov ; council @ci.pearland.tx.us ; davidsweets @rockwall.com ; dhodge @ci.duncanville.tx.us ; dgoddee @cityofeastiansing.com ; dhartzell @clarence.ny.us ; darren.dioh @mail. house. gov ; dennis.weber @ci.longview.wa.us ; dave.earling @edmondswa.gov ; curtiel @boe.richmond.k12.ga.us; CWayneGuilfoyle @augustaga.gov; cpd_web_mail @hud.gov; dbarney @copebhss.com; Dan @HousingFirst- AL.org; dhaddix @peachtree- city.org; dgarcia @trentonnj.org; ddsmith @augusta.gov; cristen.moore @mail.house.gov Subject: The West Nile Virus 2013 / by Melvin Lorenzo Kelly Attachments: West Nile Virus.doc From: Melvin Lorenzo Kelly 2014 Olive Rd Augusta, Ga. 30906 706 - 396 -3044 Email: kellyresearchplankyahoo.com To: The USA Honorable Congressman John Barrow Sub: The West Nile Virus (Blood Transmittal Diseases) Date: April 1, 2013 Cc: The President of the US the Hon. Barack Obama / Cabinet Members The US Center of Disease Control The Hon. Gov. of the State of Georgia Nathan Deal The Hon. US Senator Johnny Isakson The Hon. US Senator Saxby Chambliss The Hon. US Congressman Paul Broun The Hon. Georgia State Senator Hardie Davis The Hon. Georgia State Senator Jesse Stone The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Barbara Sims The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Quincy Murphy The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Wayne Howard The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Earnest G. Smith The Hon. Georgia House Rep. Gloria Frazier The Hon. US Mayors / Elected Officials The Hon. Mayor of Augusta, Ga. Deke Copenhaver / Commissioners The Hon. Us Clergy Dear Hon. Congress John Barrow, The West Nile Virus as you may already know is a seasonal disease contracted by humans through mosquitoes bites, from mosquitoes that mainly came in contact with infected dead birds that intravenously inject the virus into humans. Un like the Influenza disease which is normally contracted during the winter months from respiratory proplets, which shows symptoms of contraction by a fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, head aches, chills, fatigue and sometimes diarrhea or vomiting Individuals infected by the West Nile Virus shows no symptoms of contraction until it turns into what is known as the West Nile Fever, in which the medical symptoms are fever, body aches, fatigue, back pain, skin rash, swollen lymph gland and eye pain. More serious infection signs are neurological infections, inflammation of the brain and spinal cord along with acute flaccid paralysis which results in sudden weakness in your arms, legs or breathing that requires hospitalization for its victims. Thousand of American each year becomes infected with the West Nile Virus and hundredths die from the West Nile Virus every year with our senior citizens being the most vulnerable to the disease. The American government spends millions of dollars every year to prevent the spread of HIV /AIDS which is a blood transmittal disease on intravenous heroin and speed addicts, supplying them with kits that contain hypodermic needles, syringes, a tourniquet, alcohol wipes, filters and a cooker to liquefy the drugs. As well as a supply of Naloxne which is used to rescue an addict that is about to overdose With the summer season on its way, I would like to see our government invest more financially to provide more man power on the ground to control and eradicate the spread of the West Nile Virus, along with the distribution of free mosquitoes repellent packages to our seniors, women, infants and children during the summer months. Because there is no known antidote for a person infected with the West Nile Virus as of today. If you decide to introduce a bill to promote the mentioned project I would like to be part of the planning and outlining of it, along with you and other professionals if possible. Let's build a better America, Melvin Lorenzo Kelly 4f(14) 1401 Burry Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 -4513 March 30, 2013 r- City Council City of Iowa City 410 E Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Councilors: Local policing has improved since Chief Hargadine arrived, but many citizens have reservations regarding police ignorance of civil liberties and how that relates to the proposed new, expanded jail and justice center. Though the recruiting video has been removed from the ICPD's web and Facebook pages and taken off of YouTube, the fact remains that it would still be the official video of the police department if the Diversity Committee of the Human Rights Commission had not been informed of it and suggested that it was an inappropriate portrayal of the ICPD. Though Chief Hargadine says that it is similar to others that have been produced for other cities across the country, the fact remains that this one was made for our city, Iowa City, and was produced and paid for with taxpayer dollars through City Channel 4. I get the sense that everyone in a position of authority, including Council members, would be happy to draw a quick close to this matter, but as it became a minor sensation locally, and drew attention both nationally and internationally I think it would behoove the Council to make inquiry as to the genesis of its production to determine if the attitude in back of it is at least partially responsible for citizen concerns regarding civil liberties. w..wwn.- Was it Channel 4's idea? The Chief's? An officer? A citizen? Who gave final approval for uploading it to the internet? I should like to believe all seven of you would like to know the answers to those questions. Sincerely, a"4 Carol deProsse Marian Karr 4f(15) From: Thomas Novak <thomas.a.novak @g mail. com> Sent: Tuesday, April 02, 2013 5:57 PM To: Council Subject: Normandy drive extension into City Park I am writing regarding the proposed extension of Normandy Drive into Lower City Park. As residents of Pakrview Terrace (Mosquito Flats) we are daily witnesses to the bikers, skaters, runners and walker who use the streets in our neighborhood for their recreational pursuits. The low traffic volume and narrow sidewalks make the street the logical place to be, and the residents of the area are aware of the need to be vigilant when driving. A permanent through street into the park is going to result in a substantially higher traffic count, and would dramatically increase the likelihood of vehicle /pedestrian collisions. There is little demonstrable benefit to having the park become a thoroughfare. Parking access to the ball fields can be improved with an additional parking area accessed from Normandy, but this area would not need to connect with the rest of the park - spreading traffic out both entrances would be safer for all. Emergency vehicles already can access the park via the trail system that is present (and park maintenance vehicles already use the trails daily). A removable barrier for major events might improve traffic at times of peak usage, but the move to the Pentacrest of the 4th of July fireworks has all but eliminated any such events from the area. We will meet with Mike Moran tomorrow and pass our concerns on to him as well. Thank you, Tom Novak 609 Manor Drive Marian Karr 4f(16) From: Ann Christenson <annfchris @gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 3:44 PM To: Sarah Walz Cc: Council Subject: comprehensive plan comment I see a lack of imagination and a great deal of lip service in the proposed comprehensive plan for Iowa City. It is time for the city's council and workforce to take climate change as serious, with imminent consequences. Our leaders like to think of Iowa City as progressive, yet there is little evidence of forward thinking on this community's place in the big picture. One needs only to look at other places taking groundbreaking steps to make a difference for its population, cities such as Portland, Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Austin. Or on a smaller scale, Oberlin, Ohio. Even greater efforts are being made abroad, in places like Freiburg, Germany, Quebec City, Canada, and Barcelona, Spain, among many others. Global warming has been called "the great moral crisis of our time." Futurist Alex Steffen, a leading voice on sustainability, has said, "One of the biggest things that people can do is begin to see their own cities as places of transformation.... Cities that are embracing the idea of bold action are generally producing better solutions." For example, these 'better solutions' include advances in green construction that have made possible structures that need little heating and cooling; the understanding that older buildings can be retrofitted; that auto - dependency can be phased out with forward looking options. Since 2010, six Chicago buildings ranging in size from 18 to 70 units have been fitted with solar modules that provide more than 600 people with renewable energy in their daily lives. Let's require that all new construction in Iowa City meet stringent sustainable goals. That all new rooftops be either white or green with plants. Let's offer low interest loans for neighborhoods to implement solar arrays. Let's tap the Iowa River for hydropower though small underwater turbines, such as being done in India. Let's ban plastic bottles and bags to clean up our water routes to the ocean. Let's stop competing with Coralville and start working on cooperative efforts for sustainability. We live on a planet where the climate has changed and will continue to change no matter what we do now. We're playing a game of making the problem less bad rather than preventing it. None of these ideas is new; all are being done somewhere. Can't we make Iowa City a leader instead of an overly cautious foot dragger? Ann Christenson 827 Dearborn St., IC 52240 337 -0549 Ann Marian Karr 4f(17) From: jcwconsult @aol.com Sent: Wednesday, April 03, 2013 5:56 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Jim Throgmorton Cc: Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Sam Hargadine; Rick Wyss; Jim Steffen; Ron Knoche; Bud Stockman; John Sobaski Subject: Petition Filed to Ban Traffic - Cameras Dear Iowa City Council Members and other Officials, Some 3,322 of your voters have signed a petition for the Council to either pass an ordinance banning traffic cameras and other surveillance devices, or to put the matter to a vote of the people. The very best result would be for the Council to pass an ordinance outlawing ticket cameras and other surveillance devices, including a clause stating that any future decision to consider them must be put to a vote of the people in advance. Council members should be aware of these facts. 1) Setting the yellow intervals on the lights about one second longer (but not to exceed the federal maximum of six seconds) will almost always reduce straight through violations by more than ticket cameras achieve. If fewer red light violations is the true goal, correct engineering is more effective than punishment in almost every case. 2) When the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) told every state they must allow right on red turns to save fuel and reduce congestion, they did studies to prove this was safe at most intersections. In a report to Congress, NHTSA said their research showed only about 0.4% of all traffic crashes involved right on red turns and only 0.06% of all crashes involving injuries or fatalities were due to right on red turns. This action is safe virtually all the time, whether the person makes a full stop or slowly rolls the turn. Thus if a red light camera system tickets right on red turns, it is about money, not safety, in almost every case. See: http:// www. nhtsa. gov/ people /outreach/traftech/1995 /ttO86.htm 3) When ticket cameras are put to a vote of the people, cameras lose about 90% of the time. People come to resent the real revenue purpose and result for ticket cameras, and vote them out almost every time. Note this can be quite different than an opinion poll, particularly when the poll is taken before cameras are used and the questions are worded cleverly. But in real votes, the outcome is almost always against the cameras. 4) There are very few studies done by unbiased groups (unbiased = groups that cannot share in the ticket revenue either directly or indirectly) that show any significant safety gains with red light cameras. There are quite a few studies that show no change or an increase in crashes at sites with red light cameras, often when people panic brake to avoid tickets because the yellow intervals were deliberately set or allowed to remain too short for the actual approach speeds of vehicles. 5) Many cities have dropped their red light camera programs in recent years including now over 50 cities in California alone. The reasons include higher crash rates, no proven safety benefits, very low violation rates when yellow intervals were lengthened, programs that lost money when the engineering was done or re -done correctly for safety, and high rates of public pressure against the cameras. 6) Red light cameras are very expensive. If leased as many cities do to avoid the obvious corrupting incentives if the cameras are paid for with per- ticket commissions to the vendor, expect costs of $4,000 to $5,000 per month per camera. Over time this will send very large amounts of money out of your local economy. This loss of dollars which should be spent in your local stores, malls, restaurants, service businesses, entertainment businesses, churches, charities, etc. permanently damages the economic health of your citizens, businesses and your whole community. Red light cameras prove to be extremely unpopular with citizens and visitors. Iowa City has the opportunity and now the petition incentive to avoid ever using them. A formal decision to never use the cameras would best serve your constituents. Respectfully, James C. Walker Life Member, National Motorists Association Board Member and Executive Director, National Motorists Association Foundation www.motorists.org 2050 Camelot Road Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734 - 668 -7842 jcwconsult a-aol.com CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM 00 8) Date: March 29, 2013 To: City Clerk From: Kent Ralston; Acting Traffic Engineering Planner 1%i Re: Item for April 9, 2013 City Council meeting; Designation of a Motorcycle /Scooter Parking Only area in the 10 Block of Lincoln Avenue on the east side of the street. As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council of the following action: Action: Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (10); designate, with pavement markings and signage, an area on the east side of Lincoln Avenue specifically for motorcycle / scooter parking. Comment: This action is being taken to eliminate issues the neighborhood has been experiencing with motorcycles /mopeds parking in a manner that blocks parked vehicles from entering /exiting on- street parking spaces. All on- street parking spaces in the 10 Block of Lincoln Avenue will be striped with pavement markings which will provide the City with a method by which to enforce parking and eliminate this issue. This item specifically permits a designated area for motorcycles /scooters to further ameliorate this issue.