HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-08-20 Correspondence'k,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 356 -5000
(3 19) 356 -5009 FAX
www.Icgov.org
STATE OF IOWA )
JOHNSON COUNTY)
I, John Grier, do herby state that I will perform my duties as a Fire Chief with the Iowa City Fire
Department to the best of my ability. I will be exemplary in conduct, personal appearance, and
manner of speech. I will uphold the Constitution of the United States of America and the
Constitution of the State of Iowa; and will obey all State and Local statutes, as well as the rules
and regulations of the Iowa City Fire Department, as now or hereinafter required by law.
— q 2-
Fire Chief
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 20th day of August, 2013.
City Clerk
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Marian Karr 2f(2)
From:
Summer of Solutions <iowacitysos @gmail.com>
Sent:
Thursday, August 01, 2013 10:40 AM
To:
Council; Council; Tom Markus
Cc:
sheila @brightgreenstrategy.com
Subject:
Proposal to Council from Our Power
Attachments:
Our Power 08012013.pdf
Dear City Council and City Manager:
Please accept the attached PDF, which outlines the challenges of energy efficiency in Iowa City
rental housing, and provides a brief proposal for improved performance. We will attend the August 6th
council meeting to share this proposal in person.
This proposal is submitted by Our Power, a project of Iowa City Summer of Solutions.
Iowa City Summer of Solutions is a local organization that develops community -based projects
focused on social and environmental justice. Learn more at www.iowacitysos.orq.
Thank you for your consideration of our proposal.
Sincerely,
Iowa City Summer of Solutions - Our Power
Addressing energy efficiency in Iowa City rental
housing: A recommendation to Iowa City City Council
by Our Power, a project of Iowa City Summer of Solutions
Summary
Our Power requests that the Iowa City City Council take an active role in addressing the issue of energy efficiency
in local rental properties. Doing so will benefit not only landlords and renters, but the overall community. In addition,
meeting Iowa City's energy and climate goals may be difficult, if not impossible, without addressing the rental
housing market and finding a mutually beneficial solution to the split incentive between landlords and tenants. To
do this, we propose a two -fold solution, including the disclosure of energy efficiency levels to tenants at the time of
lease signing, and the creation of a revolving loan fund, to help landlords finance energy efficiency upgrades.
Context
Iowa City is recognized as a leader in energy conservation. In 2007, the Iowa City Mayor signed the US Mayors
Climate Protection Agreement and in 2008 the Council signed a resolution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
and increase energy efficiency. By 2009, a greenhouse gas emissions assessment was completed, creating a
baseline by which to measure progress over time.
Four of the six indicators that the city uses to gauge its energy and climate performance progress are currently
below the desired level, including "Community wide CO2E emissions" reductions. The residential sector is a
significant contributor to these emissions. Rental housing is an important piece of this, making up 80 -90% of
households in some neighborhoods. Therefore, energy efficiency in this sector must be addressed for the
community to meet its goals.
The Split Incentive
As it is, there is not an incentive - in the market or otherwise - for both landlords and tenants to be more energy
efficient. The nature of landlord- tenant relationships is such that only one of the two parties benefits from any type
of efficiency upgrade. Tenants often bear the utility expenses, yet they cannot make the types of improvements
necessary to significantly reduce energy bills. Landlords do not perceive an incentive to invest in these upgrades
because the returns go to the tenants. When the landlords do pay utilities, the tenants have no financial incentive to
use energy responsibly. This is the "split incentive" issue, and it restricts the city's progress in reducing CO2E
emissions, raises expenses for utility customers, and engenders a waste of energy and resources. Our goal is to
find a solution that is acceptable to landlords and renters alike.
Background
Our Power, a project of the local nonprofit Iowa City Summer of Solutions, held two public forums in July 2013 to
collect feedback and explore solutions to the split incentive that would benefit both landlords and tenants. Diverse
stakeholders attended, including a City Housing staff member, a MidAmerican Energy representative, as well as
various property owners, property managers, and rental tenants. The groups engaged in solutions- focused
discussion and shared feedback that helped Our Power identify a number of barriers and possible solutions to the
issue.
Barriers to investing in energy efficiency upgrades include disincentives provided by Iowa City's unique housing
market. First, very few prospective tenants prioritize energy efficiency in their housing search, even though utility
expenses can contribute significantly to the total cost of rental. Second, demand exceeds supply in Iowa City's
rental market, which means that even unsatisfactory units will be rented. In addition, the high turnover rate in rental
units presents the challenge of educating tenants - who are often first -time renters - about responsible energy
efficiency behavior.
Iowa City Summer of Solutions — Our Power
August 1, 2013
Existing Resources Are Not Sufficient
We recognize that programs to incentivize energy efficiency exist through local utilities and the Federal government.
However, these programs are not sufficient to address the split incentive we describe above. While utility
companies provide free energy audits and various energy efficiency rebates, few landlords are aware of the
programs. Further, while audits highlight the measures landlords can take to conserve energy, they do not
incentivize them. Residential energy efficiency incentives offered at the Federal level - such as a $500 tax credit for
improvements to a home's envelope or high - efficiency heating, cooling and water - heating equipment - are designed
for use by homeowners only, not landlords. This leaves a significant financing gap for landlords who might
otherwise invest in energy efficiency improvements.
Based on feedback from the two public forums held in July 2013, we have found that a comprehensive solution to
address the split incentive must do two things:
• Influence the market - create a demand for energy efficient housing in Iowa City
• Incentivize energy efficiency - make energy efficiency a financially sound option for landlords
To address both of these areas, we submit the following proposal.
Proposal
To address the split incentive issue in Iowa City, Our Power submits the following two measures to City Council.
We respectfully request adoption of these measures by Iowa City.
1. Develop a standard form, to be completed by all rental permit holders, that states a rental property's utility
consumption history (available upon request from the utility), and designates completed energy efficiency projects.
A sample form is provided, attached.
i. The completed form will be submitted to the City biennially and will be available in a public database
hosted by the City. This information will aid rental housing seekers in prioritizing energy efficient properties,
and help provide a market incentive for landlords to invest in upgrades.
ii. The completed form will be presented to and signed by the tenant(s) at the time of lease signing, as
evidence of energy efficiency disclosure. This information can be used by the potential tenant to better
understand their full financial obligation of signing the lease.
iii. Information from this form can be used to develop a certification program that will designate levels of
energy efficiency of rental properties. A simple certification will further help create a market incentive for
property owners to invest in energy efficiency, and allow them to differentiate their units or even charge a
premium, based on energy efficiency.
2. Establish an energy improvement fund to aid landlords in making properties more efficient. This revolving loan
fund could be established with as little as $10,000. In this program, loan funds would be available to landlords who
have received a free energy audit from an approved source, such as a utility provider or Our Power. Funding would
help defray the cost of high - efficiency upgrades, such as improvements to the building's envelope, or the purchase
of Energy Star approved appliances. Loans could be forgiven or paid back at a low interest rate, and re- invested in
the fund. This program is intended to help landlords make the decision to invest in energy efficiency, even when
they do not receive the benefit of lower utility bills.
Iowa City Summer of Solutions — Our Power
August 1, 2013
Rental Unit Energy Efficiency Disclosure Form (sample)
Landlords should use this form to indicate which energy efficiency measures apply to a given rental property, by assigning one
point for each completed item. The form must be presented to tenants at the same time as the lease agreement and requires
the signature(s) of both parties as evidence of energy efficiency disclosure. Landlords are encouraged to use this standard form
to differentiate themselves in the rental housing market.
Audit (2 points) Score: /2
❑ A building energy audit has been completed by an approved utility or other audit provider.
❑ One or more suggestions or recommendations from the audit have been implemented.
Appliances (6 points) Score: /6
❑ A portion of appliances in each rental unit are Energy Star.
❑ All appliances in each rental unit are Energy Star.
❑ Landlord commits to purchasing Energy Star appliances when replacing or upgrading existing models.,
❑ Refrigerator temperatures are set between 38 - 41 degrees, and freezer temperatures are set between 10 - 20 degrees F.
❑ Set hot water heater to 120 degrees F.
❑ All rental units are equipped with low -flow shower heads.
Lighting (2 points) Score: /2
❑ Lighting controls such as timers, motion sensors or daylight sensors are used in building's common areas (hallways,
entryways, basements, storage areas).
❑ Lighting and exit signs use high - efficiency lighting, such as LED or fluorescents (not including linear T -12 lamps).
Heating, Ventilation Elt Air Conditioning (6 points) Score: 16
❑ All rental units have programmable thermostats.
❑ Landlord or property manager helps tenants properly program the thermostat.2
❑ Heating and cooling ducts are sealed, as well as air leaks around windows, doors and electrical sockets.
❑ HVAC system is checked each year for coolant leaks, duct sealing, clogs, and obstructions of air intake and vents.
❑ All units are equipped with ceiling fans.
❑ Shades, blinds or curtains are provided on all windows.
Waste (5 points) Score: /5
❑ Electronic and hazardous waste are properly disposed of at the Johnson County Landfill Hazardous Waste facility.
(Contact the hazardous waste facility at 319 - 356- 5185.)
❑ Used appliances are recycled or properly disposed of.3
❑ Cardboard recycling is provided for tenants.
❑ Paper, plastic, metal and /or glass recycling is provided for tenants.
❑ Food scrap collection is provided for tenants.
Total Score: /21
Tenant signature(s) and date Landlord signature and date
1 MidAmerican Energy provides rebates for the purchase of Energy Star appliances.
http:/ /www.midamericanenergy.com /ee /ia res rebates.aspx
2 An improperly set thermostat can result in more energy loss than having no programmable thermostat at all.
3 MidAmerican Energy provides free pickup and disposal. http:/ /www.midamericanenergy.com /ee /ia res appliance recycle.aspx
Iowa City Summer of Solutions — Our Power
August 1, 2013
Marian Karr 2f(3)
mop—
From: Mommato6 @aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 05, 2013 4:54 PM
To: Council
Subject: Railroad and First Avenue Crossing
This correspondence will become a public record.
Would like information on when the problem with First Avenue Crossing and the Railroad will be addressed.
Thank you
Irene Klinzman
275 Paddock Cr.
Iowa City, Iowa
Phone: 319- 338 -0765
e -mail: mommato6kaol.com
Marian Karr 2f(4)
From: Rick Kaster <rick_kaster @yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, August 09, 2013 12:22 AM
To: Council
Subject: homeless population in Iowa City
To the Iowa City City Council:
It is my opinion that the homeless population in Iowa City has increased over the last 10
years. The city just opened up a new homeless shelter not long ago. I realize the demand
for space at the homeless shelter is high and not all homeless people can be
accomodated. But when it comes to public common areas in the city, I do not believe
places like the Pedestrian Mall should be allowed to become "homeless shelters ". Allowing
people to sleep downtown in the Ped Mall has got to stop. Allowing homeless people to
store their personal belongings in bike racks, etc. has got to stop. During the day, there is
no place to sit comfortably in the Ped Mall at the Dubuque Street/ Washington Street area
because the homeless have basically taken it over. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw a
20" TV set sitting among a pile of possessions, over - flowing shopping cart included, that
was obviously NOT going to be hauled around by its owner. In fact, I heard he plugs it into
a power outlet, city -owned no doubt, and watches TV. I would be most upset if I were a
business owner and had to deal with that every day. The thing I object to most is the fact
that they are allowed to basically LIVE there, since they sleep and hang out in the same
place. Certainly, if they are going to create trouble, they shouldn't be allowed to hang
around there at all. My preference would be to have some kind of ordinance on the books
that prohibits camping out in public common areas. No shopping cart campgrounds. No
storage of personal belongings in bike racks. I WOULD ALSO BE VERY MUCH IN FAVOR
OF A "NO PANHANDLING LAW ....... city -wide, not just for the downtown area. Thank you
for your consideration.
Rick Kaster
1532 McKinley Place
Iowa City, IA 52246
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Marian Karr 2f(5)
From: Eric Goers
Sent: Wednesday, August 14, 2013 1:34 PM
To: 'm.montgomery146 @gmail.com'; Council
Cc: Marian Karr; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Adam Bentley
Subject: Non - Disclosure /Confidentiality Agreement - Landfill Damage Claim
Mr. Montgomery:
Because I am the attorney in the City Attorney's Office assigned to this matter, your question has been forwarded to me for
response. This reply will be included in the Council packet and made public.
First, in answer to your question, the Confidentiality Agreement was executed at the request of Travelers. The contact person they
have identified is as follows:
Matt Bordonaro
Corporate Communications
Travelers
One Tower Square, 51VIS
Hartford, CT 06183
860.277.7014 office
We agree that any settlement reached by the City would be a public record. Should staff reach a tentative settlement with
Travelers, City Council would have to approve it in open session in order to make it effective. Prior to doing so, Council may meet in
executive session under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c) to "discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or
where litigation is imminent ", as is the case here. However, you, and any other member of the public, would have the chance to not
only witness the approval or denial of any tentative settlement at the open meeting, but offer comment if you wish.
As you surely saw in the Confidentiality Agreement, the City explicitly preserved its ability, and obligation, to comply with Iowa open
records law, but agreed not to comment beyond that. I hope this answers your questions to your satisfaction.
Eric Goers
Assistant City Attorney
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319 - 356 -5030
319 - 356 -5008 Fax
eric - goers@ iowa- city.org
Notice:
Since e-mail messages sent between you and the City Attorney's Office and its employees are transmitted over the
internet, the City Attorney's Office cannot assure that such messages are secure. You should be careful in transmitting
information to the City Attorney's Office that you consider confidential. If you are uncomfortable with such risks, you
may decide not to use e-mail to communicate with the City Attorney's Office. Without written notification that you do
not wish to communicate with the City Attorney's Office via e-mail communication, the City Attorney's Office will
assume you assent to such communication. This message is covered by the Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18
U.S.C. Sections 2510 -2515, is intended only for the use of the person to whom it is addressed and may contain
information that is confidential and subject to the attorney - client privilege. It should not be forwarded to anyone else
without consultation with the originating attorney. If you received this message and are not the addressee, you have
received this message in error. Please notify the person sending the message and destroy your copy. Thank you.
From: Michael Montgomery [ mailto :m.montgomery146 @gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2:33 PM
To: Council
Subject: Non - Disclosure /Confidentiality Agreement - Landfill Damage Claim
Dear City Council Members:
I have a question regarding the recent Non - Disclosure Agreement executed by you with the city's insurance carrier. This
agreement was evidently a requirement to settle an insurance claim after a fire at your landfill.
The issue of public governmental bodies entering into Non - Disclosure Agreements is a subject related to my
studies. Because of that, I have one question concerning the Non - Disclosure Agreement.
1. Was the aforementioned Non - Disclosure Agreement executed upon the request of the City of Iowa City, or was the
Agreement initiated by your insurance carrier?
Assuming it was initiated by the insurance carrier, could you provide me with the name of the firm and a contact
person. I would like to contact them and hopefully ascertain how frequently this carrier extracts such agreements from
public governmental bodies prior to financial settlements.
This example of the tension between non - disclosure agreements and the public's right to know is an issue which
interests me greatly. A fairly recent State of Iowa Supreme Court decision required public bodies, the University of Iowa
in that case, to reveal amounts of lawsuit settlements. That decision upheld that the public's right to know supercedes
all other concerns such as privacy. Companies which do business with public bodies I am assuming are, or should
be, aware of the transparency required of governmental bodies which are ultimately accountable to their citizens.
Thank you for consideration of this request and best wishes.
Michael Montgomery
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CITY O F IOWA CITY 2f(6)
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 6th, 2013
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for the August 20th, 2013 City Council meeting; Installation of 9 on- street metered
parking spaces and establishment of parking meter terms on the 300 block of Prentiss
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 (17), Establish 9 parking meters, P300E, P302E, P304E, P306E,
P308E, P310E, P312E, P314E, and P316E the north side 300 block of Prentiss Street. These
meters will each have a 2 -hour term at the rate of $0.75 per hour.
Comment:
This action is being taken to provide additional metered short term on- street parking on the 300
block of Prentiss Street.
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®�� MEMORANDUM
Date: August 6th, 2013
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for August 20th, 2013 City Council meeting; Change of odd / even on- street
parking terms on the 600 block of East Davenport Street on Saturdays from 8 AM — 5
PM to 8 AM — 3 PM.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action:
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9 -1 -3A (10); Install (2) NO PARKING EVEN CALENDAR DATES 8 AM — 5
PM M -F 8 AM - 3 PM SAT signs and (2) NO PARKING ODD CALENDAR DATES 8 AM — 5 PM
M -F 8 AM - 3 PM SAT signs on the 600 block of East Davenport Street.
Comment:
This action was requested by the Saint Wenceslaus Church congregation to allow for on- street
parking for their Saturday early evening services. This action will allow vehicles to begin
parking on both sides of the street on Saturdays two hours earlier.
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MEMORANDUM
Date: August 6th, 2013
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle -Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for August 20th, 2013 City Council meeting; Installation of (2) NO PARKING
BETWEEN SIGNS signs with arrows on Kirkwood Court between Pickard Street and
the curve.
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 (1); Install (2) NO PARKING BETWEEN SIGNS signs with arrows
on Kirkwood Court between Pickard Street and the curve.
Comment:
This action is being taken in response to neighborhood concerns about congestion caused by
on- street parking. This action will prohibit parking on the north side of the road between Pickard
Street and the curve, and will leave parking available on the south side.
a�' c9
Marian Karr
From: Doug Boothroy
Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 1:34 PM
To: 'Pete Anderson'; Council; Matt Hayek
Subject: RE: Football Game Days
Pete,
As you may recall, the Magic Bus moved from the Melrose Ave site because the property owner increased the lease rent
to an amount that the Magic Bus organization determined to be unaffordable.
The current code allows "commercial "activities (nonprofit or for profit) to be located only along the Melrose Ave street
frontage with a permit. Commercial activities are not allowed anywhere else in the Melrose Ave neighborhood. Any
commercial activity that provides alcohol (sold, dispensed, or otherwise made available) is prohibited.
Tailgating is defined in the City Code ... "as a home football game day informal social gathering that is non - commercial
and may include eating and drinking beverages (alcoholic or non - alcoholic) as part of the activities. Temporary parking
on unimproved surfaces located on private property is allowed during tailgate events. No alcohol is sold at a tailgate,
nor is any admission fee charged, goods sold, given away, nor services provided for a fee."
A permit is not required if the tailgating activity is as defined above.
If you have a game day activity proposal you would like reviewed by the City, please send it to me.
Doug Boothroy
Director of Housing and Inspection Services
From: Pete Anderson [mailto:pdanders @yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 4:09 PM
To: Doug Boothroy; Council; Matt Hayek
Subject: Re: Football Game Days
So coming full circle, what was the the Magic Bus doing that was violating anything?
Like every other yard around Kinnick, a vehicle is parked in lot. Like many other yards, people belonging to that vehicle
and /or friends of that vehicle would come to that lot and participate in "tailgating ". These groups eat food and drink
beverages. The group of people share in the cost whether it be in cash or bringing food or beverage or chairs or a
number of miscellaneous things that provide a "tailgating spot ".
How is that different then what the Magic Bus did? In addition to that, the Bus provided safeguards above and beyond the
other tailgates. Security, ID check, restrooms, trash disposal are the ones that come to mind quickly. They also provided
a unique experience for those coming to Iowa City with live music and the bus itself. I always thought of it as a unique,
one of a kind, place that made Iowa Football Tailgating different from the other 10, 11, 13 or whatever schools in the Big
Ten. It was a "can't miss" experience for those visiting on gamedays. I would think that would be a positive and not a
negative.
I understand the guy buying the lot and paving it and using it for profit was out of line and understood the need to step in
there, but they were not affiliated with the Bus.
So is it still the non - profit vs commercial holding things up?
What if I want to park a RV on a private lot and provide music, food, and beverages? What if I have some friends
over? What distinguishes what is OK and what is not? I'm just confused when a private lot with tailgaters transforms from
legal no permit required, to permit required?
Can you clarify when a permit is required and when it is not for a private tailgate?
Thank you,
Pete Anderson
From: Doug Boothroy <Doug- Boothroy @iowa - city.org>
To: 'Pete Anderson' <pdanders @yahoo.com >; Council <Council- @iowa- city.org >; Matt Hayek <Matt- Hayek @iowa -
city.org>
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2013 2:30 PM
Subject: RE: Football Game Days
Pete,
I can tell you there are no Iowa City Code changes proposed or under consideration concerning football game day
activities along Melrose Ave. I cannot of course speak for the City of University Heights or the University of Iowa.
As you may recall, three football seasons ago, the City of Iowa City did adopt Code changes to legalize Melrose Ave.
game day "commercial vending" (subject to a permit) and "game day parking" in residential areas (no permit
required). All vendors along Melrose Ave do get permits and there are about 25 vendors (number fluctuates). The
feedback we have received from the vendors about the vendor changes has been positive.
Also, at the same time the code changes were made, the City of Iowa City and the University of Iowa partnered to reduce
trash/litter with improved trash control on game day along Melrose Ave and Melrose court. This effort has been
successful and both the Melrose Ave neighbors and vendors have expressed their appreciation for keeping their area
cleaner.
Regarding the Magic Bus, I have had no contact with their organization last year or this year about any football game day
plans.
Hopefully I have addressed your concerns,
Doug Boothroy
Director of Housing and Inspection Services
From: Pete Anderson [mailto:pdanders @yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, August 18, 2013 5:39 PM
To: Doug Boothroy; Council; Matt Hayek
Subject: Football Game Days
Hello Mayor, Mr Boothroy and City Council,
It's almost that time of the year again and I was curious what changes fans and alumni of the U of I can expect this season? Things
have been quiet in the press so I was a bit curious what the changes the city had planned this year?
Is the Magic Bus and the city having any discussions, or has the city ended this tradition for good? I was also curious if the Melrose
Vendor permits requirements were deemed a success in cleaning up the out of control food vending on Melrose Ave on game day?
Finally I was hoping for an update on the most abused and biggest nuisance on gameday for both fans and residents, the unregulated
parking on private property around the stadium. Has the city continued it's cleanup of gameday by regulating private parking around
the stadium? My understanding was after the Bus and the Vendors, IC was going to make sure residence that were using their yards
for parking were following and meeting all city regulations as the Bus and Melrose Vendors had too. Are permits being required for
parking on private property? Are these residents being held accountable for the actions of those that use their property?
Have all things evil about Iowa Football been resolved now by shutting down the Bus and regulating the Melrose vendors? I'd be
interested in any statistics the city has on these "improvements" and what future plans the city still has up it's sleeve.
Thank You, 2
Pete Anderson
Class of '92