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ITEM 2. STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS
a. Robert Lucas Elementary
b. Hoover Elementary
Hayek: Would the students from Lucas and Hoover please come on up! Well how you
guys doing tonight? Good? Tell me where do you guys go to school? (person
responding away from mic) You're at Hoover. (unable to hear response)
Hoover. All right! Well, those are great schools. I'm, uh, Mayor Hayek and this
is your City Council behind you, and we're really thrilled to have you here, and
one of the things the City Council does throughout the year is recognize student
leaders from the elementary schools around Iowa City and you come down, you
get nominated, I know, uh, because of all the good work you do, and you come
down here and we get to know you a little bit and you get to know us a little bit.
Is this your first time down here at City Hall? (unable to hear response) I bet it
is, cause you're too busy doing homework and stuff like that, I'm sure! Um, well
I have to tell you, I have a first grader at Hoover so, uh, that's a special school for
me, and Lucas is a great place. Um, well, I have something I'm going to read to
you, but first we'd like to ... to hear, uh, from you guys and I see you brought your
...your piece of paper. That's the first thing, so good job on that! And I'll just
hand the ... the microphone to you and you can start out!
Nkumu: Hi, my name is Rose Marie. I'm from Hoover Elementary. At Hoover,
citizenship is a part of our Hoover star, along with respect, responsibility, honesty,
caring, and courage. I practice citizenship in school and outside of school every
day. I think citizenship is being able to work well with others, put in your best
effort every day, help others with things they don't understand, and be a good
leader. Each day I challenge myself to be a good citizen. I appreciate being
nominated to receive this award. We can all be better citizens by just being nice
to each other, helping out in whatever way we can, and being good role models.
Thank you. (applause)
Goodman: Hi, my name is Spencer Goodman. It is an honor for me to be here. Citizenship
to me means following rules, being responsible, working hard, and helping others.
I had an opportunity to show citizenship when I helped with the Boy Scout food
drive. There are lots of people who participated. My partner and I went door -to-
door collecting food for the Crisis Center. It was raining really hard and we got
soaked. I was nervous at the beginning, but by the end I had a lot of fun. I'm
grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn about citizenship. Thank you for
selecting me for this award. (applause)
Nunez: Hi, my name is Alex Nunuez. It is a great honor to receive such an award.
Citizenship means a lot to me and I would like to thank my classmates who
always make me strive to do my best. I would like to thank my family for without
them I couldn't be here. In addition I'd also to thank the City Council for giving
me this award. I will continue to be the best citizen I can by being nice and
respectful to others, and helping others when they need it. Helpful actions may be
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small ones, but they add up and can make someone feel a whole lot better.
(applause)
Hayek: Well those are fantastic and citizenship is really what it's all about, and you guys
are great examples of young Iowa Citians who are doing great work in your
schools and you're an example to all your classmates, and that's why we want to
recognize you, because we hope you grow up and do things like join the City
Council and help the City out, and you're already doing great things in your
schools, and you know, your ... your parents and your teachers and your siblings
and everybody else who's ... who's here, and I can see a lot of people in the
crowd, we should thank them as well for everything they do. Now I have an
award I'm going to read, but I want to ask you first, what do you guys think about
all these, uh, snow days and late starts? Is that good, or bad?
Nunuez: Bad because we have to stay in summer! (laughter)
Hayek: That's right! As a parent I say bad! (laughs) Anyway, we're really proud of you
and ... and I've got a Citizenship Award for each one of you and it...it reads as
follows: For his or her outstanding qualities of leadership within Hoover or
Lucas, as well as the community, and for his or her sense of responsibility and
helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an outstanding student citizen. Your
community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, March
2014. (away from mic) I want to congratulate you guys. You can stick around
and watch the rest of the meeting or go do homework, either way is fine with us,
and we're really glad you're here. So thanks so much! Take care! (applause)
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ITEM 3. PROCLAMATIONS
ITEM 3a Special Olympics Month — March
Hayek: We have some special Olympians who are going to come to the front of the room
today. Hello! (several responding) It seems like a bigger group than last year
(laughter) (several talking) Well welcome to City Hall, everyone! How are you?
(several responding) Good! Well we're excited to have you, and you come down
here once a year and it's so great for us to get to see you and to recognize all the
hard work you do. So, uh, I have a proclamation which we have, uh, to read, and
it's in your honor and it ... and it's for Special Olympics Month, and it reads as
follows. (reads proclamation) (applause) Well you guys are great competitors
and so I'm going to ... I guess I don't really need to hand the mic over. You can
go ahead and talk! (laughter)
Rossi: (reads statement) (applause) Athletes, do you think we can have the Council help
us with our Special Olympics pledge? (several responding) All right, let's lead
`em! How does it go? Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt! (applause)
Hayek: So I'm going to give this proclamation to you, but first I have a question. If you
jump into the Coralville Reservoir at the end of March, what is the temperature of
that water? (laughter) (several responding) Pretty warm?
Rossi: Generally it's between 41 and 42 degrees!
Hayek: Oh! (laughs) That's tough!
Rossi: Um, in the past ... last year we had it a little bit later and the outside temperature at
least was a little bit warmer! (laughter)
Hayek: That takes real bravery!
Rossi: It does! Um, and Tim Dwight, I'd like to put kudos out to him. He's our
celebrity plunger, and he comes out and plunges with us every year!
Hayek: Good for Tim! (laughs) (applause)
Rossi: Thank you, everyone!
Hayek: I want to congratulate all of you and wish you the best of luck, and thanks for
competing! Thank you so much! (several talking and clapping) Terry, I think I
heard you indicate you're going to be doing the Polar Plunge along with them?
(laughter)
Dickens: Uhhhhh, I may be out of town! (laughter)
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ITEM 5. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA).
Hayek: This is the opportunity at each City Council meeting for members of the public to
address the Council on items that are not on the agenda. So if there's something
that's not on tonight's agenda, we invite you to step forward, and uh, to please
sign in, give us your name verbally, and limit your comments to five minutes,
please.
Bird: Good evening, I'm Nancy Bird, Director of the Iowa City Downtown District.
Um, thank you for having me. I'm here tonight to thank you for the support with
the streetscape update process and really all the staff time that has been devoted to
trying to make, uh, downtown Iowa City the best that it can be. Um, I want to
remind everyone here that may not know about the Downtown, um, District.
We're supported by property, um, property owners' tax that they put into the
District, as well as University of Iowa contribution, and other sponsors and
fundraising that we do. So it's very important that in order to us to fulfill our
mission of keeping downtown Iowa City, um, vibrant that we work with our
community and we make sure it's a place that's inclusive for all, and part of that,
uh, we've gone out, um, and we will be doing in the next month, a friend's drive,
and so we appreciate your support with that. Um, making sure that we re- invite
people downtown that haven't been for a while is really important, and we think
this friend's drive is going to help support that. So I wanted to thank you for
your, um, consideration, um, of the support to that drive. And uh, I look forward
to talking with each of you in the future.
Hayek: Thanks, Nancy.
Knight: Hi, my name is Roger Knight. Um ... I know you, Kingsley, er... sorry, um...
brought it up in a work session but it's not helping today, um, about low- income
housing. There's a big, big, big need for that in this city, and Mr. Hayek, I know
you said that you worked on it, you know, just throughout your career and
different things, and uh, Champion did it as well, but a quick vote for Moen kind
of undid a lot of your work for let's put these ... you know, 14 -story apartment
building downtown. And then we're going to charge rent, thousand dollars,
whatever it might be. You can go on Craigslist, I challenge you all, try ... try to
find an apartment for less than $700 in this city. That's about what I make a
month. That gives me, you know, if I were to do that, that gives me no room for
food, electricity, anything! I mean ... I need food, I need water, I need electricity.
It's been cold. I don't know if anybody has noticed — it takes a lot of electricity to
do that, unfortunately. It needs to be addressed. Bad! Today! You know, and it
just doesn't get brought up. I don't know what needs to be done. I don't have the
money to help. I only make, like I said, about $700 a month. Unless you guys are
going to give me money (laughs) like you guys do to Moen to build ... ugly
buildings. I can build one that would be nicer, but I don't have any kind of plan.
Maybe I should put one in! That's kind of the gist of it right there. You're ... you
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know, look at the 14 -story apartment building. Does it even match anything
downtown, other than his buildings? It's... sad and another thing I brought up is
Mediacom! You guys need to look at maybe going with Ion, share with Cedar
Rapids. But ... you know either Mediacom needs to start addressing treating the
customers of Iowa City better... or... get out! And one thing I can't even think
from the work session, how does nobody notice this? From the, uh, how we're
going to re -vamp downtown. Great (mumbled) you know, great idea! That's a
10 -year idea. That it should last for 10 years. At... low budget, $10 million.
That's a million dollars a year, people! A million dollars a year, and ... no
maintenance! No maintenance! Go look downtown right now! Trees aren't
being done. It's designed to ... as trees are nice and round. I haven't seen a nice
round tree grow nice and round all the way around. Nobody seems to notice this!
As a City Council, I know you guys can't see it. But some of your votes, you
quickly vote, and then you end up hurting somebody in that vote, but you just
pass on to the next one and do it again! Over and over. You know, it was once
brought up for a gas station. You know one thing for a quick little plan, does that
gas station even need to be there, or is it just to help somebody make some
money? It's just a question that needs to be asked ... in your head! Before you
even think about having it come up for a vote. It's just ... a lot of people. Go ask
around! Have a friend do it, cause then they're not actually here on the City
Council. You guys have the reputation that ... you guys don't care about this city.
Because nothing you guys do makes sense! That's really sad! I know you guys
care. That's why I brought it up. It's maybe, you know, a challenge. Here's a
challenge for you — show you guys do care! For the entire city, not just Moen and
a few rich people. I'm poor. I'd like to see a few things, you know, sidewalks get
fixed. I'm not asking for much. I know it costs more than a hundred dollars to
do, but ... you know, sidewalks get fixed. Snow be taken care of from where the
street and the sidewalk meet. Look at the bricks downtown! They're gettin' worn
out. Try to take a wheelchair over those gates that go to like Whitey's or
something, you know what I'm talking about. I don't know what those are called.
(laughs) Evel Knievel wouldn't do that! It's just a thought. Thanks!
Hayek: Thank you for the comments! Anyone else? Okay, we'll move on from
community comment to Item 6, Planning and Zoning Matters.
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ITEM 6. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS.
ITEM 6a COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT FOR WALDEN
SQUARE — APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO AMEND THE SOUTHWEST DISTRICT
PLAN TO CHANGE THE LAND USE DESIGNATION OF PROPERTY
LOCATED WEST OF MORMON TREK BOULEVARD, NORTH OF
WESTWINDS DRIVE (WALDEN SQUARE) FROM NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL. (CPA12- 00006)
ITEM 6b REZONING WALDEN SQUARE — CONDITIONALLY
REZONING 8.7 ACRES OF PROPERTY FROM NEIGHBORHOOD
COMMERCIAL (CN -1) ZONE TO COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL (CC -2)
ZONE LOCATED WEST OF MORMON TREK BOULEVARD, NORTH
OF WESTWINDS DRIVE. (REZ12- 00001) (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
1. PUBLIC HEARING.
Hayek: I'm going to read Items 6a and b, uh, and then ... which regard Walden Square.
The applicant has requested that, uh, they be deferred until the March 25 meeting,
but if there's anyone here from the audience who wishes to provide input, uh, they
can certainly do so. (reads Items 6a and 6b) I will open the public hearing at this
time. (bangs gavel) There will not be a staff presentation this evening on these
items, but instead at the March 25 meeting. Is there anyone from the public who
wishes to provide input? Okay, if we could take up a motion. Okay, if we could
take up a motion?
Mims: Move to continue the public hearings to March 25.
Throgmorton: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Throgmorton, and this is to continue both 6a (both
talking)
Mims: ... and 6b.
Hayek: ... and 6b. Um... (both talking)
Karr: And to defer the resolutions.
Mims: And to defer the resolution.
Karr: And the ordinance!
Hayek: And the ordinance.
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Mims: And the ordinance (laughs)
Hayek: Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0, so
6b ... 6a and 6b will ... will come up before the Council on March 25.
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ITEM 6c REZONING ON CLINTON STREET FOR NEW MUSIC
SCHOOL — REZONING APPROXIMATELY 1.45 ACRES LOCATED AT
THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF CLINTON STREET AND
BURLINGTON STREET FROM CENTRAL BUSINESS SUPPORT (CB -5)
TO INSTITUTIONAL PUBLIC (P -2). (REZ13- 00026) (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: I'll open the public hearing at this time. (bangs gavel)
Davidson: Good evening, Mr. Mayor, and Members of the City Council. I'm Jeff Davidson
the Director of Planning and Community Development for the City. Uh, if it's all
right, Mr. Mayor, the ... the next two items have almost identical staff reports so
I'll make one staff report and then you will consider them separately. Um, Item
6c, these...these are both rezonings, uh, for University of Iowa, uh, flood
impacted facilities, basically the new facilities that are being built, uh, for the
Music School and the Visual Arts Building. Uh, the first is at the corner of
Burlington and, uh, Clinton that you see here and it is for the Music School. It is
a rezoning from CB -5 to P -2, Public 2, and an important distinction. We have
two public zones, uh, for designating property that is public and non - taxable. The
P -1 zone is for local, uh, units of governments — school districts, county, cities.
Uh, the P -2 zone is for state and federal levels of government. The distinction
that's important and important to have the zoning clearly indentified when you,
especially with the P -2 zone. The P -1 zone has certain site development standards
that local governments are still, uh, still have to comply with. School District and
the County still have to comply with our local site development standards for the
P -2 zone, or for the P -1 zone. For the P -2 zone, for state and federal level of
government, there are no site development standards. So it basically puts people
on notice, especially neighboring properties that there are no site development
standards associated with this zone. Basically the University and the federal
government can go and do whatever they want. Now that being said, I do want to
emphasize that the University has cooperated with the City greatly on both of
these parcels and I guess I didn't show you the second one yet. Uh, there's the
location at Clinton and Burlington for the Music School. Uh, you see the aerial,
the two banks that used to be there that are now gone. Big hole in the ground
now. Um, here is the location then of the Visual Arts Building at, uh, on River
Street, and here's an aerial with the building that has also since been demolished.
Um, the ... the, uh, Visual Arts Building, uh, the rezoning is from, uh, RNS -20,
Residential Neighborhood Stabilization 2P2. Uh, the, uh, Music School site's
approximately an acre. The Visual Arts, uh, site is approximately a half -acre.
Uh, are there any questions? Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff.
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Throgmorton: Jeff, I ... I do have one question. I think fairly obvious, maybe I don't understand
quite a... a detail about the procedure. Constructions already underway...
Davidson: Uh huh.
Throgmorton: ... why are we getting the rezoning after construction was initiated?
Davidson: Um, I ... I do not know the answer to that question, Jim, but it is simply to, um...
basically make the zoning ordinance comply with the fact that the University now
officially owns these properties. The ... the timing of it, I'm sorry, I can't ... can't
tell you just exactly, and I ... I also wanted to emphasize, cause I think it's
important that the University's been great with the Visual Arts Building, uh, and
cooperating with the Manville Heights neighborhood in keeping the neighborhood
informed, through Marcia of our office, keeping them informed of what's going
on with that project. They've been really great to work with.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff! This is a public hearing on 6c. Is there anyone from the public?
Okay. I will close the hearing at this time. (bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE
Mims: Move first consideration.
Dobyns: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by ... Dobyns. Discussion? Roll call, please. First
consideration passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6d REZONING ON RIVER STREET FOR NEW ART SCHOOL —
REZONING .54 ACRES OF PROPERTY FROM NEIGHBORHOOD
STABILIZATION RESIDENTIAL (RNS -20) ZONE TO INSTITUTIONAL
PUBLIC (P -2) ZONE LOCATED AT 109 RIVER STREET (REZ13- 00027)
(FIRST CONSIDERATION)
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: I'll open the public hearing at this time. (bangs gavel) Is there anyone from the
audience who would like to address the Council? Public hearing is closed.
(bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE
Payne: Move first (both talking)
Throgmorton: Move first consideration.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Throgmorton, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Roll call, please.
Passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6e REZONING NCS PEARSON — REZONING APPROXIMATELY
49.5- ACRES OF PROPERTY FROM OFFICE RESEARCH PARK (ORP)
ZONE TO RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT PARK (RDP) ZONE LOCATED
AT 2510 N. DODGE STREET. (REZ14- 00001) (FIRST CONSIDERATION)
1. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel)
Davidson: Uh, here you see the location of the NCS property at the Dodge Street interchange
with I -80. The rezoning before you from ORP to RDP is to avoid the creation of
a non - conforming setback due to the proposed, uh, construction of Moss Road,
and that, uh, road is scheduled for this upcoming construction season. I
apologize. Somehow the aerial that got stuck in here does not show the location
of the road, but basically the road will come in here, and then along the parking
lots, right here is the setback in question. Uh, the, um, ORP zone, uh, requires a
150 -foot setback. That will not be met when the new road is put into this building
here, uh, and then the road will come and uh ... hit the Moss property here, and of
course we're trying to establish the new commercial office subdivision in this
area. Um, the differences between the ORP zone and the RDP zone are minimal.
Uh, basically the reason even for having the two separate zones are in terms of the
character of the site. The ORP site, uh, the ORP zone requires greater lot sizes
and greater setbacks than the RDP zone does. Otherwise the uses are almost
exactly the same, so this was considered a satisfactory resolution of making sure
that NCS's property is not non - conforming, uh, once the road is installed. So
basically something that was worked out in conjunction with the road, uh,
reconstruction. Uh, are there any, uh, questions?
Payne: The property owner didn't have any issues with the change, because it doesn't
(both talking)
Davidson: Uh, my understanding, and the City Manager's been part of these discussions, is
that this was satisfactory resolution of the issue for, uh ... uh, the, uh, for NCS, and
they ... they are represented to night if you want to ask them directly.
Markus: They are, uh, present, but my impression is is that they, um, after a lot of
discussion with staff understood that this zoning district, uh, protected them, uh,
and their uses much better than the current zoning.
Davidson: Any further questions? Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff. Anyone from the public?
Pugh: Good evening, uh, my name is Mike Pugh. I'm here to, uh, representing NCS
Pearson. Uh, as Mr. Davidson indicated and ... and Mr. Markus indicated, um, the
application is really a result of, uh, an effort to avoid a non - conforming setback
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once Moss Ridge Road is ... is constructed. Uh, it's a ... resolution that was
initially suggested by staff, uh, and after considerable review, uh, Pearson is in
favor of it. Uh, we think this'll be a good change for Pearson. Um, Mr. Stabanow
is here from, uh, Pearson; Miss Fornish is here from Hall & Hall Engineers; and
any one of us'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Mike. Any questions from us? Anyone else from the audience? Okay,
I'll close the public hearing at this time. (bangs gavel)
2. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE
Mims: Move first consideration.
Payne: Move (both talking) ... second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion?
Dickens: Glad to see it move forward.
Mims: Yes! Agreed!
Hayek: Yep. Roll call, please. First consideration passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 6h LEXINGTON GREEN — RESOLUTION APPROVING FINAL
PLAT (SUB14- 00006)
Davidson: Uh, you of course recall the (both talking)
Hayek: Let's get it on the table first actually.
Davidson: Oh, I'm sorry!
Mims: Move the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Davidson: All right, here's the location on Lexington. Uh, you see the for ... it was formerly
one lot, uh, with a house on it, which has been demolished, and here are the three
newly platted lots. Uh, the p ... final plat is in, uh ... uh, concurrence with a
preliminary plat, and the recommendation is for approval. Any questions? Thank
you.
Hayek: Thanks, Jeff. Jim (mumbled)
Throgmorton: See if there's anybody else.
Hayek: Oh, yeah, is there anyone from the audience who wishes to speak to us on this?
Okay, we'll ... close it down for Council deliberation.
Throgmorton: Yeah, I ... I'm just thinking I ought to recuse myself from this. I have a
relationship with the attorney. She's been a ... the developer, she's been helping
me revise my will. I...1, you know, if...if that's sufficient, I should recuse
myself.
Dulek: You certainly can recuse yourself.
Throgmorton: I'll just ... I think I'll do that, just ... you know, for sake of...propriety! (laughs)
Hayek: Just make sure we're in the will! (laughter)
Throgmorton: Yeah, 20 bucks! (laughs)
Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 6 -0, uh, Throgmorton abstaining.
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ITEM 7. UNIVERCITY SALE, 1034 EAST BURLINGTON - RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING CONVEYANCE OF A SINGLE FAMILY HOME
LOCATED AT 1034 EAST BURLINGTON STREET.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel) For the
public's information, this regards the University's, or the City and University's
neighborhood partnership program called, uh, UniverCity, and uh, this is the...
the sprucing up of a property located at 1024 (sic) E. Burlington Street, and uh,
the sale of it, uh, back into owner- occupancy, uh, for eligible, uh, individuals. Is
there anyone from the public? Public hearing is closed.
b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Dickens: Move the resolution.
Dobyns: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Dickens, seconded by Dobyns. (laughter) Yeah! Discussion? Roll
call, please. Passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 8. ANIMAL SHELTER CARE AND ADOPTION CENTER 2014 -
APPROVING PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND
ESTIMATE OF COST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ANIMAL
CARE AND ADOPTION CENTER 2014 PROJECT, ESTABLISHING
AMOUNT OF BID SECURITY TO ACCOMPANY EACH BID,
DIRECTING CITY CLERK TO PUBLISH NOTICE TO BIDDERS, AND
FIXING TIME AND PLACE FOR RECEIPT OF BIDS.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel)
Karr: Mr. Mayor, do you have the revised comment in front of you, the addition?
Hayek: Yeah I do. But uh...
Karr: Just noting that...
Hayek: Yeah, there is a revised comment. The, uh ... estimated cost of the project is $2.7
million. This is going to be funded with FEMA money, uh ... uh, State and other
local government money and GO bonds, as well as Foundation contributions. Is
there anyone here from the public on this item? Okay, I'll close the public
hearing. (bangs gavel)
b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION
Mims: Move the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Mims: Just happy to see it moving forward ... after so much time!
Hayek: Yeah.
Throgmorton: Me too! I'm very excited about it. Uh, I remember earlier conversations about
how we could possibly work this out with various people and ... and we've
managed to do it. So bravo to the staff, and bravo to the people in the Animal
Shelter and other participating governmental units. It's a really good thing!
Markus: Hooray for good bids! (laughter)
Hayek: Yeah! (several talking) Oh, and I ... I congratulate the Foundation and the
supporters of...of the organization. There ... there is private money involved and
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that's a great way to accomplish a task of this significance. Roll call, please.
Passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 9. OPERATING BUDGET AND MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM - PROPOSED OPERATING BUDGET
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2014, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2015, THE
PROPOSED THREE -YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN FOR FY2014 — 2016, AND
ALSO THE MULTI -YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2018.
a. PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. The public hearing is open. (bangs gavel)
Bockenstedt: Good evening! My name is Dennis Bockenstedt. I'm the Finance Director for
the City of Iowa City. Tonight is the public hearing for the fiscal year 2015 City
Budget. Preparation for the fiscal year 2015 budget was consistent with the City's
financial goals. It was also guided by the City Council's strategic plan priorities
and it was focused on a balanced budget with controlled spending. The City's
fiscal year 2015 financial goals include, number one, to prepare for the property
tax shortfall resulting from the 2013 legislative changes. Two, to maintain the
Moody's triple -A bond rating. Three, to maintain a competitive tax and fee
environment; and four, to continue to achieve the GFOA awards for financial
reporting and budget presentation. In order to prepare for the property tax
shortfall that is expected, this budget creates an emergency reserve fund to help
protect against sudden revenue shortfalls, pension and healthcare rate spikes,
natural disaster and emergency funding needs, and other unforeseen financial
emergencies. This budget maintains strong reserve and fund balance levels, and
maintains sustainable fees and rates that sufficiently recover the cost of operations
wherever feasible. Uh, this budget also continue to emphasize low debt levels
and controlled spending. And you can see by the chart that the City's general
obligation debt as a percentage of its legal debt limit continues its downward
trend. In addition, the City's debt service payments have been reduced by 28.1%
since fiscal year 2013. This has been accomplished through a combination of
debt restructuring and early bond retirement strategies, and through the funding of
capital projects with cash balances in lieu of bonded debt whenever possible. The
City's fiscal year 2015 proposed property tax rate is $16.71 per $1,000 of taxable
value, as a 10% decrease from last year and a 6.3% decline since fiscal year 2012.
The City's proposed property tax rate will be the lowest city property tax rate in
the last 10 years. In addition, we are continuing to explore opportunities for
revenue diversification, such as the local option sales tax, or utility franchise fee
increase. The City's fiscal year 2015 budget document will be submitted to the
GFOA for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Uh, the City's received
this award for both its fiscal year 2013 and 2014 budget documents. The City will
also continue to participate in the GFOA Certificate of Achievement in Financial
Reporting program. The City has received this award for 28 consecutive years.
In addition, we are looking to continue our efforts to integrate performance
measures and the strategic plan into the budget document. In addition to the
City's financial goals, the budget was guided by the strategic plan priorities.
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Those priorities include fostering a more inclusive and sustainable city through
commitment to healthy neighborhoods, a strong urban core, strategic economic
development activities, a solid financial foundation, and enhanced communication
and marketing. This budget continues investments in the residential housing
stock, including UniverCity, GRIP, and targeted neighborhood investment
programs. It continues investments in neighborhood parks, trails, and events,
such as upgrades to the playground in Mercer Park, improvements to Willow
Creek and Kiwanis Parks, continuation of the PIN grant and community event
grant programs, uh, funding for LED streetlight conversions, and expanded ADA
curb and ramp replacement program, and the elementary school recreational
facility partnership with the School District. Uh, this budget also continues
investments in the downtown and near - downtown areas, including the Riverfront
Crossings redevelopment, removal of the North Treatment Plant, the Central
Business District streetscape enhancements, uh, new parking ramp construction
on Harrison Street, and Burlington corridor intersection (mumbled) at both
Clinton and Madison Streets. Uh, the budget also includes strategic economic
development activities, including an expanded micro - enterprise program, the
Towncrest area redevelopment, the Moss Road office park development, uh,
Riverside Drive streetscape improvements, and infrastructure investment in the
First Avenue and Lower Muscatine corridor. The fiscal year 2015 budget also
strives to maintain a solid financial foundation. This budget sustains strong fund
balances with all major fund balances projected to remain stable. Uh, the budget
includes revenue enhancements in both the Park and Rec, or in the Park and Rec
programs, the Water funds, and the Refuse collection fund. This budget also
creates an emergency reserve fund and an energy efficiency revolving loan fund.
Uh, it also includes additional funding for marketing of human rights' programs
and awareness, funding for redesigning of the City's web site, and marketing
activities, and funding for the Fastrack and Diversity Focus organizations. The
City's expenditures by fund type, expenditure budget for all City funds totals a
little over $193 million. Uh, the City's governmental funds, which are primarily
property tax supported and inter - governmental revenue supported have a budget
of $117.3 million. Of those funds, it includes the City's, uh, primary operating
fund, the General Fund, has a budget of $52.3 million. The City's debt service
fund has a budget of $13.7 million. And the couple project funds total a little over
$39 million. The enterprise funds are the City's business type funds that are
operated like a business, and that would include the City's water and sewer funds,
uh, those fund expenditures total $57.1 million. Overall, the FY2015 operating
expenditure growth is 2.76% from last year, and the 2015 budget is considered a
balanced budget with its projected revenues equal or exceeding its projected
expenditures. In summary, proposed budget was guided by clear financial goals.
Its priorities were determined by the City's strategic plan. Uh, we were focused
on having a balanced budget with controlled spending, and the proposed property
tax rate is $16.71 per $1,000 of taxable value, which was a 10 -cent reduction from
last year. And that concludes my presentation.
Hayek: Thank you, Dennis. Any questions for Dennis?
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Hayek: Thank you, Dennis. Any questions for Dennis?
Mims: A big hearty thank you! (laughter and several responding)
Bockenstedt: You're welcome.
Hayek: Okay, I ... it's my understanding there are people, uh ... who may have an interest
in addressing the Council during the public hearing. If so, now would be the time
to step forward.
Geerdes: Good evening, uh, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Greg Geerdes. I live at 890
Park Place in Iowa City, which is the Parkview Terrace neighborhood,
immediately to the west of City Park. I'm here, I've been in front of you before
on this issue, and I'm here again to express the neighborhood's ... disappointment
with the continued presence of the emergency road which is in the capital budget,
will connect the existing park roads, which serve Lower Park, with Normandy and
our neighborhood. Um, when this idea was first proposed, it was represented to
us as being an emergency access road, which could be used to get ambulances,
fire trucks into the neighborhood to help people who may need assistance, or to
assist for example the baseball crowd if there was summer storms that needed,
um, people to leave in a hurry. Being reasonable people we had no objection to
that and we still don't have any objection to that, but somewhere along the line,
that plan sort of morphed into something far more like a city street, and that's sort
of the status where it is now. We hear reports about, uh, Riverside Theater
wanting a through street through there to cut down on traffic affecting its
performances and things like that. Uh, and it's simply a bad idea to make that a
street. Um, there's a lot of safety concerns, for example the baseball players are
going to be right next to where this street is going to go. When you leave our
neighborhood and need to access Park Road, that's a very... dangerous I don't
think is an overstate word, uh, intersection because of the traffic coming from the
east, which goes down the rather steep hill there and it's hard to see. Um, I think
this is one of those situations where you should switch directions on this idea if
you have any interest in it. Rather than budgeting the money and then getting the
specifications, I would suggest that you don't budget any money until you see the
specifications, because unless you do it that way, you're going to end up with a
city street, which my sense is you folks didn't really anticipate that you were
going to be getting, and the neighborhood certainly doesn't want! Um, we've
tried to be good neighbors with the ongoing park renovations that have been
going on. We appreciate them, things like the Ashton House. I think they are
treasure waiting to happen for the City. Uh, we welcome the walkers that we see
in the neighborhood. Uh, we welcome bicyclers that ... that are going to be, uh,
using the new, uh, trail that's going to sort of cut the corner off when you get to
the Park Road intersection. I think that's going to be a wonderful attribute to the
city. All those uses however are going to be in conflict with a city street, if you
increase traffic along that area and that's going to be the result of this, uh, project
as it is ... contemplated. Um ... couple other points... you've got some financial
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issues facing you. I think those are probably going to get worse before they get
better. You need to prioritize things. I don't see this as being a high priority item.
I think you've got more important things that you should be spending your money
on. And lastly, I ... I couldn't help but make a few notes when the ... when the
finance direc ... finance director was making his ... his fine overview presentation,
and he pointed out that we're looking to build healthy neighborhoods and we're
looking to focus on ... on some core parts of the city. We've got an extremely
healthy neighborhood where we're at now. It's a very walkable neighborhood. It
is a bicycle - friendly neighborhood. I challenge anyone to find a neighborhood
which is not used by so many biking and... and fundraising walk sort of ac...
endeavors, which we welcome! I ... I think they're wonderful. I think they liven
up the place. They're... they're happy fun things to see! But all that gets ... gets
dampened if you open up that street to traffic. So you gotta be extraordinarily
careful on that. Um, and when you have financial projects that you want to focus
on the core of the community, you know, City Park is about as core as you're
gonna get when this ... with this community! It's a ... it's a jewel. It's one of those
things where if you damage it you can't really repair it, so I would advise that you
err on the side of preservation of that park and... discourage increase in traffic,
rather than encourage an increase in traffic. Uh, those are my ... my remarks. Be
very careful of this because it... it can cause some serious damage to the park,
which we all enjoy, and certainly to our neighborhood, uh, and just go very slow
and very cautiously, if you want to go at all. Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you for the comments! Anyone else before I close the public hearing?
Ozeroff: My name is Jon Ozeroff. I also live in Parkview Terrace and I'm, uh, appearing
to basically second the previous speaker's comments. Um, I had a more specific
question. As I have talked to the City engineer, I've gotten the impression that
the idea of this, uh, emergency access road came about as specifically to, uh,
assist in the final stages of the bridge construction ... of the Park Road, the new
Park Road bridge, and that it was supposed to, uh, it was supposedly needed
during the switchover from the old bridge to the new bridge. And that's when the
original, the normal access to City Park, to Lower City Park, would be sh...
temporarily shutdown. And so I, as I understood it, this road is ... is really, was
really tied to the bridge construction. So my question is, uh, there is an old access
road from Upper City Park to Lower City Park, which was put out of service in
...sometime in the 80s, but the road ... the road bed is still there and my question
is, could that road be ... re ... repaved and used as the access to City Park during
this construction, uh, period. Um, I did talk to a local paving estimator, and he
thought it would run somewhere under $50,000 to ... to do that project. And I see
that, from looking at the City budget that the ... the budget, uh, budgets $261,000
for the new road. So that would obviously be a pretty big savings. And that
would be a six -inch concrete road, which would go right down from Upper City
Park to Lower City Park. So that ... that was my question, if that ... if that had been
considered, if that had been ruled out for some technical reason or if there wasn't
a good reason to rule it out, if you ... uh, respectfully would consider that option.
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Hayek: Well we have staff here who probably could answer that question, um...
Markus: Rick, why don't you come forward and attempt to address that.
Ozeroff: Thank you.
Hayek: Thank you, John.
Fosse: Well there's... there's two components to the ... the need for that secondary access
to the Lower City Park. Part of it has to do with the construction of the Gateway
Project, and other parts have to do with long -term function of City Park, and I'll
let Mike, the Parks and Rec Director, address those aspects of it. Uh, as part of
the Gateway Project, um, Park Road will be reconstructed from the bridge, up
through the intersection with Templin. And during that period of time, there'll be
a period of about two months in which we won't be able to access the Lower City
Park entrance. So if this project can be timed to precede the Gateway Project, that
does provide an opportunity to keep access to Lower City Park and ... and continue
its use. Uh, that old access that he talked about, uh, is ... is very steep. It goes off
the end of Templin Road. I've ridden my bike on it.
Dobyns: That's the gravel road that goes down to the tennis courts?
Fosse: Yes. Yes, it is. And, uh, it will lead up to Templin Road, which, uh, will be
affected by the same construction project that also will affect the Lower City Park
entrance. So it'll be necessary to ... to go around the block to the ... to the west.
You can still weave through the neighborhood and get through, uh, the question is
do we want to rely on a ... on a grade that that ... is that steep for the access to
Lower City Park during that period.
Hayek: Thanks.
Fosse: There was a reason they got away from that access.
Hayek: Thanks, Rick.
Fosse: Uh huh.
Markus: Mr. Moran (both talking)
Hayek: Mike, you want to ... come on up? Thank you!
Moran: Uh, I would concur with that, that the steepness of that grade is only used, uh, in
my tenure here we've used it once and that was during the ... the 08 flood, when
we had to get into the park quick and ... and get out. Uh, other than that we don't
use it for any other kind of purpose. Uh, the road bed is there and it was used as a
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sledding hill and other things way back in the day, 30 or 40 years ago, but it's...
it's basically a non - usable road right now for us. Or trail or anything else.
Markus: So, can you elaborate on what the other use would be for this roadway?
Moran: Yeah, it was originally set up for, uh, purposes of transportation through the park,
and another access point. Uh, a singular access, if you've ever been into City
Park (clears throat) excuse me, if you've ever been into City Park during a
tornado siren or during rain storm and you have all those kids and stuff at the ball
parks, uh, you only have one point of entrance and exit into the park. And it... it
seems like it would make sense to have a secondary access where you can, uh,
leave the park in an orderly fashion instead of getting into a ... a delay because
you're waiting to get access onto Park Road. Uh, we can do a lot of different
things with that road, and make it usable for a lot of different activities. There
hasn't been any plan developed for that yet, uh, the money has been allocated for
it. Uh, in talks with the neighborhood, uh, they were adamantly against it, period,
and so that's why we decided, well, we'll just come here and play it out in here
and then see where we go from there, but we haven't done any research for any
other kind of options for that at that point ... at this point in time.
Markus: Uh, Mike, our conversation has been in the area of...beyond for the construction
of the Gateway Project, that if...if in fact you were going to leave that road there
and once you built that road you'd leave it in some fashion, but the understanding
I think that, at least I have, is that it would be for emergency ingress and egress, in
the case of a ... uh, a rapid evacuation of the park, and it seems to me that there's
different techniques that you could use to make that happen, uh, but that hasn't
gotten into the design phase. Is that the intent? (both talking)
Moran: Yes.
Markus: (both talking) ...affirmative...
Moran: It would not be a full -time road, uh, concrete and asphalt, it could be a lot of
different things. We just haven't explored any of that, but that's why it says it's
an emergency access road. For just (both talking)
Markus: ... and ... and the impression I get from the neighborhood is they do not want that
to evolve into a ... a road, so that's why I'm asking you this question, to get you to
state it on the record that that is the purpose of this.
Moran: That's correct. I understand that ... that do not want a full -time road, and that's not
what we're planning to do.
Throgmorton: Def...definitely my understanding of all our prior conversations, emergency road
not built to conventional street standards.
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Markus: He ... here's ... and here's part of the inherent conflict in what you just said. I think
the road has to be built to some level of standard, um, even when, uh, one of the
speakers talked about, um, getting estimates. They were talking about deep dip,
uh, depth concrete, uh, for a roadway through there. If you're going to be running
traffic for any period of time during the construction of the Gateway Project, it
has to have some substantial characteristic to be able to carry that traffic. And I
think once you make that kind of determination, then is it ... is it really wise then
to pull that improvement out, uh ... I don't think it is necessarily. I think the ... the
more important thing to do is to come up with some sort of reasonable device that
ensures that it is only going to be used in emergency situations. I don't know how
that it at this point, um, you know, to ... to make sure that that's the case. That to
me has to be design element, and what I'm really trying to do here is to get that
out publicly so that the public understands that that is what our intent is to do with
that roadway.
Hayek: Okay!
Moran: Any other questions?
Hayek: Thank you, Mike!
Murphy: My name is Mary Murphy. I live at 890 Park Place and I do live in Parkview
Terrace, and I would very much like to thank Mr. Markus for his comments. We
appreciate him acknowledging that this should be an emergency access only. Um,
and I wanted to mention a couple of other things that have not been mentioned
yet. Certainly this had been represented to the neighbors as only an emergency
access. For those of us that live in the neighborhood, there is already access being
used via the bike trail, or that path that runs through City Park. During the nice
weather, the park, um, vehicles, the trucks, routinely use that, uh, path, and I don't
think it would be an exaggeration to say they use the bike path every day to
mostly go out, but sometimes go in the park. So, certainly vehicles could be
moved out of the park using the park paths, and also with regard to getting
baseball traffic out quickly, there is a fair amount of parking in our neighborhood,
both in the parking lot and on the street, so not all of the baseball traffic parks on
the Park Road side of the City Park. A number of baseball cars do park at our end
of the park in Parkview Terrace already. So you would certainly not be exiting
that many people that way. With regard to, um, perhaps needing another entrance
on the nights of the Shakespeare Festival, or the theater nights, I wouldn't want to
say that it would be pure speculation as to whether or not traffic would actually
decrease in front of the Shakespeare Theater because it could easily increase with
another access, because people then might be coming through our neighborhood
to go through and enter into City Park, and it may in fact increase the number of
cars. I also wanted to point out that this was property that was bought out by
FEMA. And because of that it was supposed to be deed restricted to green space
in perpetuity. So we'd ask that you give that some consideration, as many of the
neighbors have relied on the property remaining green space in perpetuity, and I
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cannot emphasize enough how many walkers and pedestrians and even people in
motorized wheelchairs currently enjoy our neighborhood, but most if...of them
are actually using the street to enjoy our neighborhood rather than the sidewalks
because the sidewalks are narrow and ... they're really not compatible with
wheelchair use and certainly bikes aren't using the sidewalk, and most of the
walkers, including myself when I walk my dog, we're using the streets. So, thank
you very much.
Hayek: Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, I'm going to close the public hearing. (bangs
gavel)
b. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING OPERATING BUDGET
Dobyns: Move to adopt the operating budget.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Dobyns, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Just want to...
Throgmorton: On ... on the points that have been raised, I ... I believe it's a wise investment to,
uh, to build an emergency access road there. Uh, I don't believe the, uh, the
narrow bike lane would be appropriate, uh, as a way of getting people out quickly
under emergency conditions. Uh, my sons played baseball there for a long, long
time, six years in a row I guess, so certainly spent a lot of time down there. Uh,
so I'm going to support that particular part of it, and I'm going to vote for the
budget as a whole.
Hayek: Uh, my comments are addressed at our operating budget, but also our ... our
capital, uh, vote, which is the next item. I ... this is an excellent budget, and I've
been doing ... this is now my seventh budget, and this is the best process I've...
I've been through to date, and I credit staff, uh, for... for that, and we are applying
precious tax dollars in furtherance of the strategic goals that the City Council, uh,
came up with, uh, over the last several years, and this approach gives us a head -
start on ... um, what, uh, those of us who study (laughs) municipal, uh, budget
issues recognize is going to have to be a multi -year effort to, uh, mitigate the
impact of a decline in State revenues, um ... caused by changes in the commercial
tax, um ... uh, regime and uh, the apartment complex, uh, classifications. And,
um, this is a serious matter for Iowa City, and we stand to lose upwards of $50
million over the next decade, um, because of these changes and this budget is the
first step, uh, toward addressing that and it, uh, makes us more competitive, while
also giving us a head start on, um, on ... on, uh, adopting, or adapting to, uh, these
changes in...in revenue from, uh, Des Moines, and I think we will see in the years
to come how much of a difference this budget and the ones I think, uh, that I think
will follow, um, will make to ... to position us to ... to soften the blow of these
changes, uh, and...and position ourselves to ... to be a ... a stronger community and
so I...I applaud staff. Um, this ... this is an excellent budget.
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Mims: I have one question. Dennis. I think I know the answer but could you come ... can
you tell me ... bonds that we are issuing now, what kind of an interest rate are we
paying?
Bockenstedt: Well, um, I believe our last issue had a 10 -year rate of about 1 1/2 %, um, but the
market has ... has changed a lot in the past year. Um, over this past year the
market has increased about 1% point so um, you know, we would expect to issue
those bonds, probably in the 2 to 2 1/2% range this year.
Mims: I ask the question because I want to make the point of how important our triple -A
bond rating is. Um, I got a ... I work in the financial planning field, and I got a
phone call yesterday from an individual who analyzes a lot of bonds for our
clients, and they were asking about some bonds that were out there, um, from a
municipality that does not share such a high bond rating as we have, and those
bonds have a coupon of 5 1/4%. Right? If you think about the difference of what
that entity is paying in interest on money that they borrow, at 5 1/4 % versus what
we are paying at 1 1/2% right now, it is just phenomenal, and so it is so important
and I think a lot of people don't necessarily understand why we keep emphasizing
our triple -A bond rating, but it saves us so much money when we do borrow
money, um, to have that triple -A bond rating. So thank you to you and to Tom
and to staff and our past Councils and staffs for making this such a priority,
because it's very important for us. So thank you!
Hayek: That's an excellent point! Further discussion? Roll call, please. (mumbled)
passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 10. COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDING — RESOLUTION ALLOCATING THE
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND PROGRAM FUNDING FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2015.
Mims: Move the resolution.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion? Thank you to those who
undertook this task.
Mims: Yes!
Hayek: It's ... nice to not have the Council spend so much time on what is really not a lot
of money. Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0.
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ITEM 11. CITY HALL POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT HVAC
REPLACEMENT 2014 - RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CITY HALL
POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT HVAC 2014 PROJECT.
Payne: Move resolution.
Dobyns: Second!
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dobyns. Discussion?
Throgmorton: What's HVAC again?
Mims: Heating, ventilating, air conditioning. (laughter)
Hayek: Uh, and for the public's information, uh, Public Works and Engineering
recommends awarding this contract to Day Mechanical Systems, Inc., out of
Cedar Rapids. Uh, this project will be funded by general obligation bond
proceeds and the bid was for $165,800. Further discussion? Roll call, please.
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ITEM 12. REVISIONS TO TAXI REGULATIONS — ORDINANCE AMENDING
TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS,"
CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS," AND
CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS," AND TITLE 9, ENTITLED
"MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC," CHAPTER 4, ENTITLED
"PARKING REGULATIONS," TO REQUIRE DRIVERS TO MAINTAIN
MANIFEST LOGS, TO REQUIRE SOME UNIFORMITY OF RATE
CARDS, TO REQUIRE NOTIFICATION WHEN A LICENSE PLATE
NUMBER IS CHANGED, TO ELIMINATE TAXI STANDS, TO ALLOW
TAXIS TO BE PARKED ON RESIDENTIAL STREETS, AND TO
AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO SUSPEND A LICENSE. (SECOND
CONSIDERATION)
Hayek: This is second consideration, but staff has requested expedited action.
Mims: I move that the rule requiring that ordinances must be considered and voted on for
passage at two Council meetings prior to the meeting at which it is to be finally
passed be suspended, that the second consideration and vote be waived, and that
the ordinance be voted on for final passage at this time.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Motion to collapse from Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Yes, Alec!
Bramel: I just want to say before letting this go through for expedited action, uh, I didn't
mention it before but you had mentioned in your... in the previous, uh, Council
meeting how we were concerned that no one had spoken on this, um, you know,
no taxicab drivers per se, and uh, how the student population is a very, uh, big, uh,
client population for the taxicabs. Um, I wanted to say that, um, after talking with
some of, um, my executives and doing a little polling on my own, um, I found that
uh, this issue was very much supported by the majority of the students I talked to.
Urn ... uh, it was more, it was more so supported in light of recent events
concerning the, uh, the sexual assaults, and whatnot on campus, um, but uh, in no
way do I want to link, uh, that, um, concern with this issue, but uh, nonetheless, it
is very important, uh, and so urn ... at least from the student body, um, what we see
in this, uh, ordinance is ... is very rationale and makes a lot of sense, uh, for the
safety and security, uh, of our citizens and the ... the student body here. So, um, I
put my support behind it and thank you very much.
Hayek: Thanks, Alec. Anyone else? Any Council discussion?
Throgmorton: Yeah, I ... um, I'll support the collapse but I'll have something to say about the
proposed amendments when we get to the main motion.
Hayek: Okay. Further discussion? Roll call, please.
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Mims: I move the ordinance be finally adopted at this time.
Payne: Second.
Hayek: Pass and adopt moved by Mims, seconded by Payne. Discussion?
Throgmorton: Yeah, in our last meeting I voted against the proposed changes and it's not so
much because I oppose the changes themselves. Substantively. I ... I really had
concerns about ... no offense to ... to Marian about the process, uh, by which the
changes were proposed. So I did so for three specific reasons. First, as best I can
tell, the staff did not consult with any relevant stakeholders, other than the owners
of the taxi companies... when preparing the amendments. Diverse taxi riders, for
example, as a stakeholder. Secondly, I also noted that a master student at the
University had recently completed a thesis about taxi regulation nationwide, and
in the U.S. Thanks to Marian, that abstract as I mentioned in a work session, the
abstract, and the ... and the conclusions, are in our formal meeting packet. I think
analyses like that should be taken into account when considering revisions to our
taxi, uh, regulations. Lastly, I also said that I think taxi regulations should be
completely rethought with... in relation to other modes of transportation. Why not
get `em together in a ... in a packet, so to speak? A package, instead of having
taxis regulated by the City Clerk's office. I really don't understand, other than
historic ... for historical reasons why a transportation activity would be regulated
by the City Clerk, and this has nothing to do with Marian as a person, obviously.
(laughs) It has to do with, uh, you know, the structure of the whole thing. So in
brief, I think the amendments themselves might be okay, but the structure and
process that produced `em leaves much to be desired.
Hayek: Well, Jim, I ... I guess I'd say I'm agnostic as to exactly what structure we impose
over, uh, the taxi industry, whether it's at the City level or at a more regional
level, and of course trans ... it's part of transportation, and I think you can make
the case that it should be, uh, on a more regional level, but I want to make sure
we're not moving the goal posts on staff on this, because as I recall from ... in
years past, you know, we directed staff to ... to include the taxi community in
connection with changes to policy, and I think they've done that. Um, and... and
we can always direct `em to expand the target audience, but I think they've done
what this Council and earlier Councils have indicated should be done in
connection with, um, these regulations, and you know, it's like a water balloon.
You squeeze it here and it pop ... you know, gets bigger over there, and there are
always... tweaks to the ... to the taxi ordinance, uh, taxi ordinance that we have on
the books and that's what we take up, it seems, every year or two.
Throgmorton: May well be right but I'm gonna vote against it for the reasons I just articulated.
Karr: Mr. Mayor, can I clarify one thing that I neglected to? Um ... a year ago with the
revisions we also instituted a new complaint procedure with complaint cards and
comment cards located in, required to be located in all taxicabs. Those complaint
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cards do come through my office. So all of those comments received during the
year were also taken into consideration in preparation, as well as the phone calls
we received, um, from those who chose not to put it in writing. So I wanted to
clarify those also were taken into consideration.
Throgmorton: Yeah.
Hayek: You know, and it's a balancing act! We ... we, you know, some people don't like
that ... that the larger taxicabs or the ... the larger taxi companies are ... are viewed
as trying to keep the little guys out of the industry and then we get criticized for
not having enough regulation because we have problems, uh, with respect to
driver/ client interaction, and so it's ... it's always a difficult balance, but ... um,
I ... I think staff's done a good job.
Throgmorton: Which is why diverse stakeholders ought to be involved in the process.
Markus: Could I make just one observation? It seems to me that what Mr. Throgmorton is
kind of introducing here is two things. One is about the regulation and the
licensing, and the other is how taxis fit into a grander picture of transportation in
the community, and I'm more interested at this point about how it fits into the
transportation system, and the potential opportunities that that provides in looking
at it kind of differently that way. I don't want to steer away from the way we
currently regulate and what we regulate, but I do think that there is maybe another
thought process that needs to be given to ... how taxis are integrated into our
transit system, and so, um, with the Council's understanding, I'm going to ask,
uh, Chris O'Brien to kind of take a look at that in terms of how that all fits
together. Um ... you know, regulation and all that, I ... I think we try to do, you
know, the best we can with the circumstances. Uh, I did read the report that the
student had prepared, um ... but again, you know, we hear comments on a regular
basis from our bus transit users about, you know, empty days or empty buses
during certain parts of the day and, you know, we'd be cheaper off providing a
voucher to let `em ride a taxi. I mean, that's... that's kind of a crude example of...
of what we're talking about, but how does this all fit into the transportation
system is at least worth talking about. (several talking)
Payne: I ... I guess ... you have the right to vote no if you want to, but we just passed a
$193 million budget, and the people that came and talked about it really weren't
talking about the budget. They were talking about their specific issue. We didn't
have any public comment... diverse public comment on that. You voted for it. I
mean, you would vote no on everything if that was your...
Throgmorton: You want to know why ... one reason I voted ... we ... we ... what we need is an
alternative budget! You know, so that we can actually compare it against
something. But, you know, our structure of governance has us defer to the City
Manager, who's very expert at it, the staff is very expert. So, and we ... we saw all
the presentations. We're in no position whatsoever to critique it, and ... and ... and
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there's... nobody in the public is either! There are all sorts of other cities around
the world that have very participatory budget making processes. We don't
because our structure of governance doesn't... doesn't, uh, enable it. It's not
designed to do this.
Payne: We have all ... we have public hearings. People have every opportunity because
we have (both talking)
Throgmorton: That's true.
Payne: ....and people chose not to because (both talking)
Throgmorton: That's true.
Payne: I'm assuming because it doesn't... specific things don't matter. They come and
talk when things matter ... when things matter to them! (laughs)
Hayek: Well let's take a vote on this! Is there any other discussion on Item 12? Roll call,
please. Passes 6 -1, Throgmorton in the negative.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Payne: So moved.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? All those in favor say aye.
Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7 -0.
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ITEM 15. FILM SCENE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE -
RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO BUDGET ANNUAL FUNDING FOR
FILM SCENE FOR THREE FISCAL YEARS 2015, 2016, AND 2017.
Payne: Move the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Payne, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Botchway: My only question on that one was, um, it didn't... Michelle, I think you brought
up the question about the minimum wage increase. That never got answered. I
don't know whether or not, uh, there was a question about, uh, it being $7.50 or
$10.00 and just in case, you know, the minimum wage would change, how that
would affect their budget or how that would affect their practices and that never
got answered. I don't know whether or not it will get answered or ... and it...at the
time it was said that, um, there wasn't any information on that, but I guess...
(mumbled) information on that.
Hayek: Sure ... if you want to come forward.
Brodie: Hi, guys, I'm Andy Brodie, I'm the, uh, Co- Founder and Director of Film Scene.
Um, so yeah, that question came up by Michelle at the Economic Development
Committee hearing and um, we said we were planning to do some wage increases
and certainly prepare if the minimum wage were to be increased. Our
projectionists are already paid starting at $10.00 an hour. Our counter staff makes
$7.50 an hour currently, plus tips. So, um, what some of this funding will help us
do is increase our payroll and, you know, so ... does that answer your question
or...
Botchway: Yeah, it does (both talking)
Brodie: We don't have any specific plans to increase that starting wage for all of our
employees now, but I think it's something (both talking)
Botchway: ...will help, at least you get to, I mean, get to that discussion (both talking)
Brodie: ... certainly would help, yes. Yeah.
Botchway: Sorry, I just didn't (mumbled) packet so I just wanted to ask to make sure.
Brodie: Thanks!
Hayek: Thanks, Andy! Well this was taken up at our Economic Development
Committee, uh, and uh, we vetted it at that level and there was strong support
from the three of us who serve on that committee, as I recall. Any further
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discussion? Roll call, please. Passes 7 -0. And we wish Film Scene the best of
luck!
Mims: Yes!
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ITEM 18. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Hayek: Why don't we start down with you, Rick.
Dobyns: Hey, Michelle, you like, uh, we both watch Daily Show on, uh, the Comedy
Channel. If you'da watched in February, you would have seen a story about
Coralville, but if you had watched 30 minutes later, the Colbert Report, which I
know you love, you would have seen Iowa City's own Bridgette Carney, graduate
of Horn Elementary, West High School, who is the lead bass on an up and coming
band called Lake Street Dive, um, they were on Dave Letterman only a couple
weeks after that, and while we can't go, but two weeks during this meeting, three
weeks, on March 25th, Bridgette and Lake Street Dive are going to be at the
Englert Theatre, so go watch that up and coming band in three weeks! Instead of
watching us! (laughter)
Payne: Wow! (laughs) Cool! I can't beat that!
Hayek: It sounded like you guys had practiced this two - person (several laughing and
talking)
Payne: He didn't let me get a word in edgewise! (laughter)
Throgmorton: I think he did rehearse it.
Dickens: I think he did!
Botchway: Sounds like a great thing though! (several talking)
Payne: I don't have anything.
Hayek: (mumbled) Dumbfounded, aren't ya? (laughs)
Dickens: I'd just like to reiterate the Englert's such a great place. I miss getting to go to
Frogs tonight. All my grandkids and my wife are there right now. It should be
probably over, but uh, and there is a show tomorrow night. I think Sharon Jones,
and I do have tickets for that. So that grown -ups get to go there too so (laughter)
looking forward to that.
Mims: I would just like to thank ... there was a nice letter, uh, in the newspaper the other
day, um, and I would just like to, you know, emphasize again, support for all the
people, City staff and others who are out there having to work in this, uh,
incredibly, snowy winter. Uh, whether it be our City staff members or Postal
people, whoever, um, just this week we had a, I think five water main breaks on
one day, two of `em were at the end of my street. They got one repaired
evidently, and then 10 minutes later they said another one ... it broke like 10 feet
down, and just, you know, I just can't imagine being out there in that, you know,
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single -digit or below zero weather having to do water main repairs and I stopped
and talked to `em afterwards, I was on my way home and they were finishing up,
and the guys were just so friendly and smiles on their faces and I'm like ... this
guy's gotta be crazy (laughs) but really just ... I really want to say thanks,
especially to City staff out there in this incredibly cold weather, whether it's
picking up the trash or whatever, so thanks for all their hard work.
Throgmorton: Here, here!
Hayek: Anything else?
Throgmorton: I don't know if I can top that but I want to, uh, draw attention to our City
Manager's very excellent beard (laughter) (mumbled)
Botchway: I was going to do that! (laughter and several talking)
Throgmorton: Aw! Well you'll get it ... you'll get your opportunity, but I also, uh, had ... wanted
to say that last... in our last, uh, meeting I told you I was going to Tacoma,
Washington for a, uh, a forum titled "Beyond Urban Branding," and I was invited
in my role as a retired professor over at the University, not because I'm on the
City Council, uh, and so I wanted to give you a little feedback about that.
The ... the event was held in the University of Washington at Tacoma's campus,
which is in the heart of downtown Tacoma. I was talking with Nancy Bird about
this just a little while ago, cause she knows it very well. Uh, the campus is a
beautiful, uh,, example of very high quality urban design that involved, uh,
preservation of older buildings, the insertion of a few new buildings in the ... the
network of older buildings, uh, and the event itself was held in a street ... a
storefront kind of fac... structure. In other words, the first floor of one of the new
inserted buildings, with the windows open to the public so that, uh, you know, if
they wanted to they could come walking by and looked in and seen the forum
underway. There were 300 people there. The speakers were, uh, from
Chattanooga, from Tom's old haunt, uh, Detroit; from Cleveland, from Iowa City,
uh, and uh, from uh, another town, I've forgotten where the other one is. One of
the key speakers was a fellow named Ken Greenberg and I was talking with Bret
about Ken Greenberg earlier, he recognizes him. He's a very well known urban
designer. So, uh, Ken made a great presentation about the importance of high
quality urban design, uh, in developing high quality places and high quality
streetscapes. A lot of his ideas are expressed in this book, and maybe the camera
can draw attention to it cause I promised Ken Berg... Greenberg I'd do this. He...
he wrote this book about two and a half years ago, it's called Walking Home, the
Life and Lessons of a City Builder. It's a really excellent book. I'm about, you
know, that far into it, but, uh, he does a great job in this piece of work explaining
how he developed the expertise that enabled him to work in St. Paul, to be the
urban design ... the leader of the Urban Design Unit in Toronto, Ontario for, I
don't know, a decade and a half. He studied under... or worked with Jane Jacobs
who's probably one of the best known urban, um, analysts that's ever lived in the
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United States and so on. Anyhow, it was absolutely superb forum. I was really
lucky to be able to participate in it, and uh, I really benefitted from meeting Ken
and uh, the various other people who spoke there.
Botchway: I have two comments. One, going back to the beard, it looks very Indiana
Jones'esque (laughter) so please keep it! Every time I look over there it makes
me think I'm a huge Indiana Jones fan! (laughter) Um, secondly, just with the
Special Olympics that were here, uh, today. If you can, I think she talked about it
being, uh, next week, if you can `pack it,' uh, pack the Fieldhouse, pack, um, you
know, the different venues, um, as much as you would pack, you know, an Iowa
football game. I know that's kind of crazy, but um, they would love it. I used to
work with a lot of people who, um, participated in the Special Olympics and you
know it..it'd be huge to see you know just anybody and everybody out kind of
supporting the event. Um, and one of the ladies who were actually up here, I
won't say her name, she actually knows so much basketball information I think
she would rival Fran McCaffrey. I mean, it's that ... it's that serious, um (several
talking)
Markus: How `bout Fran's wife? (laughter)
Botchway: Possibly, possibly! I'm surprised she didn't spout off, um, but I think that's
because Matt didn't even ask any questions or bring up Iowa at all, and so that's a
good thing but uh ... yeah, so please try and support and get out there and uh, you
know, give `em a couple cheers!
Throgmorton: Just want to say, Fran's wife is a Notre Dame grad. Go Irish! (laughter)
Hayek: Uh, Mission Creek Music Festival is around the corner. It's the first six days of
April. It is an incredible gathering of musicians and, uh, giants in the literature
and film and... and other areas of our local ... local arts and culture scene. Go to
Missionfreak.com for your tickets. You will not regret it! So ... that's all I've got!
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ITEM 19. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF.
a) City Manager.
Hayek: Uh, Mr. Scruffy over there!
Markus: Yeah! Um, the Crisis Center has a program that they run every year. It's called
the "Spread the Love" program. And I wanted you to know that besides a very
dedicated staff of employees, they're very generous! Um, the employees here
donated 139 jars of peanut butter, and 95 jars of bottles, uh, of jelly, uh, to that
program. And the other thing I wanted to mention to you is we completed our
United Way Iowa, uh, shares, uh, fundraising campaign for this year, and we
raised, uh, over $50,000 (several responding) amongst our employees, which set a
new record, and Jeff Davidson was our ... our United Way leader, along with, uh,
Tracy Robinson and Karen Jennings. So I wanted you (several talking)
Mims: Very good!
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
regular formal meeting of March 4, 2014.