HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-08-14 Info Packet-4 A .S
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� CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org August 14, 2014
IN Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
AUGUST 19 WORK SESSION MEETING
IP2 Work Session Agenda
IP3 Memo to City Manager from Police Chief: Taxicab Ordinance Recommendations
IP4 Memo from City Clerk: KXIC Radio Show
IP5 Memo from City Clerk: Meeting with Army Corp of Engineers
IP6 Pending Work Session Topics
MISCELLANEOUS
IP7 Letter from Mediacom: Channel Add
IP8 Civil Service Examination: Maintenance Worker I - Refuse
IP9 Police Bar Check Report — July 2014
IP10 Save the Date — Human Rights Awards Breakfast, October 29
DRAFT MINUTES
IP11 Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee: July 30
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP1
Subject to change August 14, 2014
Time
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
Location
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Tuesday, September 2, 2014 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Tuesday, September 16, 2014 5:00 PM
7:00 PM
Tuesday, October 7, 2014 5:00 PM
Formal Me
Work Session Meeting
Formal Meeting
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 21, 2014 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2014 4:30 PM Joint Meeting /Work Session North Liberty
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 16 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
-= IP2
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa Clty, Iowa 52240 -1826
(319) 3S6 -S000
(3 19) 3S6 -S009 FAX
www.lcgov.org
City Council Work Session Agenda
August 19, 2014
Emma J. Harvat Hall - City Hall
410 E. Washington Street
5:00 PM
• Questions from Council re Agenda Items
• Council Appointments [Agenda Item # 13]
• Police Recommendations for changes in the City's taxicab regulations
[IP # 3 Info Packet of 8/14]
• Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) [Agenda Item # 12]
• Information Packet Discussion [July 17, 24, 31, August 7, 14]
• Council Time [IP # 4 Info Packet of 8/14]
• Meeting Schedule [IP # 5 Info Packet of 8/14]
• Pending Work Session Topics [IP # 6 Info Packet of 8/14]
• Upcoming Community Events /Council Invitations
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 18, 2014
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Re: Taxicab Ordinance Recommendations
a IP3
The use of taxicabs during or surrounding the commission of crimes is not uncommon. Police
investigations often involve the need to contact cab drivers and companies to locate suspects,
witnesses, and victims. The types of investigations are widespread and can include any type of crime
where a taxi was used as a mode of transportation; such as robbery, burglary, assault, theft, etc. Timely
resolution to these investigations is of the utmost importance to the Iowa City Police Department and
has a direct impact on the community's safety when a violent offender remains free. This was the case
during a recent sexual assault investigation. As a result, City personnel have discussed areas of concern
and have constructed five recommendations, which are included below.
During a recent sexual assault investigation the owner of a taxicab company was unable to
provide accurate or timely information about the company's current vehicles or drivers. The
owner simply did not know who was driving for the company or which company or independent
vehicles were being driven. At the time of the crime this information was not required to be
kept by taxi businesses. Investigators spent in excess of 200 hours within a week tracking down
possible drivers /cabs and compiling a spreadsheet that contained information that a company
should reasonably be able to produce upon request. This greatly slowed the time that it took to
identify and arrest a suspect in the case, thus allowing more time for the suspect to elude police
and potentially continue to commit such crimes.
Crimes such as burglaries, thefts, robberies, etc. frequently involve the use of taxi cabs
somewhere in the course of the events. Investigations into these types of crimes have also been
hindered by the lack of information. Often times a report is not made until a later date. When
the investigating officer contacts a company it can be extremely difficult, if at all possible, to
determine who had been working at the time the incident occurred and /or what vehicle was
involved.
As a result, we recommend that companies be required to hire drivers as employees of the
business and for the vehicles to be owned by the business. This would undoubtedly result in
investigating officers being able to access pertinent information with regards to vehicles and
drivers because owners would have an expressed interest beyond simply collecting fees from
drivers. Currently, numerous drivers operate as independent contractors and simply pay fees to
the business for the right to use the company name on privately owned vehicles. The exact
number of drivers and vehicles is unknown due to the lack of information on the owners' parts.
When asked in a recent informal poll, most owners were only able to give estimates or guesses
as to the number of drivers under their company name. Only two companies were able to
provide an accurate count by checking their records. It is also not uncommon for some owners
to contact the City Clerk to inquire about the number of vehicles they currently have operating.
As an indirect impact, employing drivers will also provide benefits to those drivers that they do
not currently have, such as workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, and minimum
July 18, 2014
Page 2
wage or greater earnings. Additionally, the business would contribute to Social Security and
Medicare.
Require companies to dispatch from an accessible office 24 hrs /day. This would provide for an
easier contact to the company and quicker access when trying to get in touch with a driver. All
information about trips could be kept by the dispatcher and would be easily retrievable upon
request. This would provide real -time manifest information by the companies in addition to the
current requirement of manifests being maintained by drivers, thus establishing a system of
checks and balances. This would be of great benefit when conducting criminal investigations to
corroborate information that is provided to investigators.
Again, in the recent sexual assault investigation, investigators spent several days and hundreds
of hours attempting to locate and contact possible drivers and vehicles for a particular company.
There was no oversight by the company and the owner had no information about who was
working on a particular night. An accessible business office with a dispatcher, who has
immediate contact with drivers, would eliminate this issue and allow officers to gather useful
information in a timely manner, thus reducing the time required to investigate an incident and
reducing the time that an offender would be able to remain free.
3. City issued IDs for drivers that include photos. This would allow for the City to maintain a more
comprehensive database of driver information. In the example of the sexual assault
investigation, investigators could have quickly and easily had access to all drivers' information
rather than relying on the owner to provide it, and ultimately spending hundreds of hours
creating a list themselves.
This information would also be useful in other investigations that may involve taxis, such as
thefts, assaults, burglaries, welfare checks, etc. When combined with accurate lists of vehicles
and drivers from the company, a comprehensive database would greatly reduce the time to
identify individuals and bring an investigation to timely conclusion.
Standardized City issued IDs would also provide safety /security to customers of taxicabs. The
information could be in a standardized format across all companies, thus being more easily read
by customers, and including a photo would allow the customer to compare to the driver of the
taxi in which they are riding.
4. Require unique color schemes for each company. One of the most common problems that the
Police encounter when investigating taxicab related issues is that customers can not identify the
company of the taxi that they used. Often times they are only able to provide a color and type
of vehicle. This was the case during the recent sexual assault investigation. This contributed to
the length of time that it took to identify and make an arrest in the case as well as the time that
it took to clear a company that was initially identified by the victim. Unique color schemes
would allow for identification, even if a customer was not certain of the company name.
5. Require a signature receipt for an informational packet regarding Iowa City taxi ordinances
before drivers are able to be licensed by the City. One of the common responses that officers
hear when addressing violations with drivers is that they are not aware of the current
laws /requirements. Being educated on the laws could reduce the number of violations by
drivers.
July 18, 2014
Page 3
The ability to gather accurate information in an efficient manner is important in bringing criminal
investigations to a timely conclusion. In addition to identifying suspects and determining applicable
charges, suspects and companies can also be cleared of involvement much sooner when useful
information is available. This is not currently the case with regards to several of the taxicab companies
in Iowa City. The lack of information and accurate recordkeeping by some has hindered investigations
and monopolized investigators' time on tasks that should have been able to be completed in a matter of
minutes, certainly not days. The above recommendations would address these issues and enable
investigating officers to reach a quicker resolution to cases, thus providing greater safety to all who live
in, work in, or visit the Iowa City community, just as similar regulations have been used in many other
cities to protect their community members.
Realizing that these recommendations are significant changes to the current requirements of companies
and drivers, a phase -in period would be welcomed to assist in the transition. The intention is not to
create hardships for owners and drivers, but rather to provide the greatest level of safety that can be
offered to our community.
rlr CITY OF IOWA CITY
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MEMORANDUM
Date: August 13, 2014
To: Mayor and City Council y��
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk M'r"r
Re: KXIC Radio Show
KXIC offers a City show at 8:00 AM every Wednesday morning. In the past Council has
volunteered for dates, and staff filled in as necessary. Please take a look at pur calendars and
come prepared to help fill in the schedule at your work session on August 19t .
August 20 — Throgmorton
August 27 —
September 3 —
September 10 —
September 17 — Dobyns
September 24 -
Future commitments:
November 12 — Dobyns
U: radioshowasking.doc
CITY OF IOWA CITY IP5
Z ��� MEMORANDUM
Date: August 14, 2014
To: Mayor and City Council Members
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Meeting with Army Corp of Engineers
At the July 15, 2014, work session Council requested an invitation be extended to the
US Corp of Engineers to discuss the present regulation plan for the Coralville Dam, and
provide time for questions and answers. A meeting has been tentatively set for 7:00 PM
on Monday evening, September 15 in the Iowa City Public Library. Representatives
from Emergency Management, Iowa City, Coralville, Johnson County, University, and
the Corp of Engineers will be present. More information will follow.
L08-1444—
IP6
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
PENDING CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION TOPICS
August 12, 2014
August 191h, 2014
1. Review staff recommendations for changes to the City's taxicab regulations
2. Lost Option Sales Tax (LOST)
September 2 "d, 2014
1. Discuss City options for regulation of e- cigarettes
Pending Topics to be Scheduled
1. Review the Equity Report and National League of Cities Institute for Youth,
Education and Families report entitled, "City Leadership to Promote Black Male
Achievement" (originally distributed in the 5/16/2013 Information Packet)
2. Discuss recycling opportunities for multi - family housing (UISG letter in 10/1/2013
packet)- To be considered subsequent to Fiberight related decisions
3. Discuss city related marijuana policies and potential legislative advocacy positions
4. Discuss community business attraction and anti - piracy compact
5. Presentation on Emerald Ash Borer plans and strategies
Med*acom).
August 4, 2014
Ms. Marian Karr
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 5224o -1826
Subject: Channel Add
Dear Ms. Karr:
IP7
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On or about September 14, 2014 Mediacom will be adding KGAN -DT2 GetTV
to the channel line -up in your community.
KGAN -DTz GetTV will be part of the Digital Local Plus TV tier and will appear
on display channel 102..
A digital ready TV, a Mediacom digital receiver, or a Mediacom digital
adapter is required to view this channel.
If there are any questions please call me at 319- 395-9699 ext. 3461 or e -mail
me at IgrassLe�y@mediacomc-c.com.
Sincerely,
0�4 4 mj�-
Lee Grassley
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Mediacom Communications Corporation
6300 Council St. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 •
319 - 395 -7801 • Fax 319 - 393 -7017
IP8
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� 44—
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356 -5000
(319) 356 -5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
August 6, 2014
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker I - Refuse
Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby
certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker
I — Refuse.
Kyle Hermsen
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Lyra W. Dickerson, Chair
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Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2014
-r
'i efn r ,
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21 Charges
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Podici Acx �lty_`,}
Business Name Occupancy
(occupancy loads last updated Oct 2008)
= University of Iowa
Monthlv Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Under2l PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
2 Dogs Pub 120
1
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
Airliner 223
0
0
0
74
1
18
0.0135135
0.2432432
American Legion 140
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Atlas World Grill 165
0
0
0
Baroncini—
0
0
0
Basta 176
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Blackstone— 297
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
Blue Moose— 436
1
0
0
83
2
3
0.0240964
0.0361446
Bluebird Diner 82
0
0
0
Bob's Your Uncle *^ 260
0
0
0
Bo -James 200
0
0
0
56
2
3
0.0357143
0.0535714
Bread Garden Market & Bakery
0
0
0
Brix
0
0
0
Brothers Bar & Grill, [It's] 556
9
5
5
293
41
72
0.1399317
0.2457338
Brown Bottle, [The]— 289
0
0
0
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar— 189
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Cactus Mexican Grill
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Caliente Night Club 498
0
0
0
13
0
0
0
0
Carl & Ernie's Pub & Grill 92
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
Carlos O'Kelly's— 299
0
0
0
Chili Yummy Yummy Chili
0
0
0
Chipotle Mexican Grill 119
0
0
0
Clarion Highlander Hotel
0
0
0
Clinton St Social Club
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
Club Car, [The] 56
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Coach's Corner 160
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Page 1 of 5
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Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2014
IL
...
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21 Charges', ;-
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Police;Actiyity `
Business Name Occupancy
(occupancy loads last updated Oct 2008)
= university of Iowa
Monthly Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Under 21 — ' `'PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Colonial Lanes— 502
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
Dave's Foxhead Tavern 87
1
0
0
11
0
0
0
0
DC's 120
4
0
0
241
49
14
0.2033195
0.0580913
Deadwood, [The] 218
1
0
0
36
0
0
0
0
Devotay— 45
0
0
0
Donnelly's Pub 49
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
Dublin Underground, [The] 57
0
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
Eagle's, [Fraternal Order of] 315
0
0
0
Eden Lounge
1
0
0
20
0
i
0
0
0
El Banditos 25
0
0
0
El Cactus Mexican Cuisine
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
El Dorado Mexican Restaurant 104
0
0
0
El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant 161
0
0
0
Elks #590, [BPO] 205
0
0
0
I
Englert Theatre— 838
0
0
0
i
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Fieldhouse 178
4
1
0
171
31
2
0.1812865
0.0116959
FilmScene
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
First Avenue Club— 280
0
0
0
5
0
1
0
0.2
Formosa Asian Cuisine— 149
0
0
0
Gabes— 261
3
0
0
24
0
0
0
0
George's Buffet 75
1
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
Givanni's— 158
0
0
0
Godfather's Pizza 170
0
0
0
Graze— 49
0
0
0
Grizzly's South Side Pub 265
1
0
0
18
0
0
0
0
Hilltop Lounge, [The] 90
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Page 2 of 5
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Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2014
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21 Charge!�C,, 4 !1 (1 ,� 1
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Police Activitya r
Business Name Occupancy
(occupancy loads last updated Oct 2008)
= University of Iowa
Monthly Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Undid 21 Cf T r' XIfULLA
Ratio Rpt10
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Howling Dogs Bistro
0
0
0
IC Ugly's 72
2
0
0
21
0
0
0
0
India Cafe 100
0
0
0
Iron Hawk
0
0
0
17
0
0
0
0
Jimmy Jack's Rib Shack 71
0
0
0
Jobsite 120
1
0
0
20
0
0
0
0
Joe's Place 281
2
0
0
86
0
0
0
0
Joseph's Steak House— 226
0
0
0
Linn Street Cafe 80
0
0
0
Los Portales 161
0
0
0
Martini's 200
2
2
1
108
17
3
0.1574074
0.0277778
Masala 46
0
0
0
Mekong Restaurant— 89
0
0
0
Micky's— 98
0
0
0
28
0
0
0
0
Mill Restaurant, [The]— 325
0
0
0
3
0
0
0
0
Moose, [Loyal Order of] 476
0
0
0
Motley Cow Cafe 82
0
0
0
Noodles & Company—
0
0
0
Okoboji Grill— 222
0
0
0
Old Capitol Brew Works 294
0
0
0
2
0
i
0
0
0
One- Twenty -Six 105
0
0
0
Orchard Green Restaurant— 200
0
0
0
Oyama Sushi Japanese Restaurant 87
0
0
0
Pagliai's Pizza— 113
0
0
0
Panchero's (Clinton St)— 62
0
0
0
5
0
0
0
0
Panchero's Grill (Riverside Dr)— 95
0
0
0
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Page 3 of 5
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Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2014
C 13
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21 Charges
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Po[1�ej A
qVity
Business Name Occupancy
(occupancy loads last updated Oct 2008)
= University of Iowa
Monthly Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Prev 12 Month Totals
Bar
Checks Under2l PAULA
Under2l PAULA
Ratio Ratio
(Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
Pints 180
1
0
0
116
8
3
0.0689655
0.0258621
Pit Smokehouse 40
0
0
0
Pizza Hut— 116
0
0
0
Players 114
0
0
0
7
13
2
1.8571429
0.2857143
Quinton's Bar & Deli 149
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
Rice Village
0
0
0
Ridge Pub
0
0
0
Riverside Theatre— 118
0
0
0
Saloon— 120
0
0
0
2
0
0
0
0
Sam's Pizza 174
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Sanctuary Restaurant, [The] 132
0
0
0
Shakespeare's 90
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
Sheraton
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Short's Burger & Shine— 56
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
Short's Burger Eastside
0
0
0
Sports Column 400
5
0
0
172
31
24
0.1802326
0.1395349
Studio 13 206
0
0
0
49
0
0
0
0
Summit. [The] 736
2
2
0
146
38
32
0.260274
0.2191781
Sushi Popo 84
0
0
0
ISzechuan House
0
0
0
ITakanami Restaurant— 148
0
0
0
Taqueria Acapulco
0
0
0
TCB 250
4
0
0
67
4
0
0.0597015
0
Thai Flavors 60
0
0
0
Thai Spice 91
0
0
0
Times Club @ Prairie Lights 60
0
0
0
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Page 4 of 5
Iowa City Police Department
and University of Iowa DPS
Bar Check Report - July, 2014w✓
Possession of Alcohol Under the Legal Age (PAULA) Under 21,';Chai'gr�
Numbers are reflective of Iowa City Police activity and University of Iowa Police Accti ►try
Business Name Occupancy Monthlv Totals Prev 12 Month Total§ [Idn'�;i 21 PAULA
(occupancy loads last updated Oct 2008) Bar Bar Ratio Ratio
= University of Iowa Checks Under2l PAULA Checks Under2l PAULA (Prev 12 Mo) (Prev 12 Mo)
❑Trumpet Blossom Cafe 94
0
0
0
❑ Union Bar 854
6
0
0
178
11
64
0.0617978
Off Premise
❑ VFW Post #3949 197
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
❑Vine Tavern, [The] 170
2
1
0
29
2
8
0.0689655
[:]Wig & Pen Pizza Pub— 154
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
❑Yacht Club, [Iowa City]— 206
3
0
0
32
0
0
0
❑Yen Ching
0
0
0
❑Z'Mariks Noodle House 47
0
0
0
0.3595506
0.2758621
0
0
Totals
59
11
6
1 2232
250
249
0.1120072
1
0.1115591
Off Premise
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Grand Totals
* includes outdoor seating area
exception to 21 ordinance
6
249
Wednesday, August 13, 2014 Page 5 of 5
31ST ANNUAL
CITY OF IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 1
MINUTES DRAFT
AD HOC SENIOR SERVICES COMMITTEE
JULY 30, 2014 — 3:30 P.M.
HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
Members Present: Joe Younker (Chair), Jay Honohan, Rick Dobyns, Jane Dohrmann,
Mercedes Bern -Klug, Ellen Cannon, Hiram Rick Webber
Staff Present: Geoff Fruin, Marian Karr, Dennis Bockenstedt
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (to become effective only after separate Council
action):
None
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Younker called the meeting to order at 3:35 P.M. He reminded Members that the
City Council will need the chambers later today, so he asked that they stay on track in order to
get their meeting done by 5:00 P.M. for Council to get set up for their meeting.
UtS -74 -14
IN I
CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR AMENDED:
a. Minutes of the Meeting on 07/21/14 — The minutes of the July 21, 2014,
meeting were discussed. Dohrmann noted that she has some changes to the minutes.
On page 3, under "Reports from Contact Members, " — she asked to strike a few words
and that this read, "Dohrmann stated that there is a breakdown in the FY2013 report
from Elder Services (distributed) on page 10) showing funding sources." [Removing "but
that it does not show speGifiG PeFGentages" ]
b. Correspondence — (1) Martha Huffman
Honohan moved to accept the Consent Calendar as amended, seconded by Cannon.
Motion carried 7 -0.
DISCUSSION OF SENIOR CENTER EVALUATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT:
Bern -Klug noted that they do not have anything to report at this time. Younker asked if the
Committee can still expect a draft report by the 18th. Bern -Klug responded in the positive.
REPORTS FROM CONTACT MEMBERS RE: LOCAL AGENCIES / CONSORTIA:
Elder Services — Younker asked if there was anything further on this organization. Dohrmann
stated that she just wanted to add that she did request more specific information on their
budget, but has not heard back from Elder Services. She then looked up their 990 online
(distributed at meeting), but still hopes to get more detailed information. Younker noted that
they do have a late handout that summarizes the 990 report for Elder Services.
HAAA — Cannon added that she too has not received any updated budgetary information but
that she did put together a couple of handouts (distributed at meeting) from the web sites which
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 2
indicates funding sources from each agency that funds the HAAA, as well as some budgetary
information on Johnson County.
JC Livable Communities — Karr noted that the two Cannon handouts (distributed at meeting,
HAAA and JC Livable Communities, are a page each.
Shelter House — Younker asked Honohan if he had anything further to share. Honohan noted
that he did receive the information he requested about the funding, and that he gave everyone a
copy of this handout (distributed at meeting). Younker added that at the last meeting he did ask
Honohan to see if he could obtain what requests Shelter House had made from the City, and
what the actual distribution was. This information was received for FY13 through FY15. He
asked that others try to obtain this type of information, as well, as they contact their agencies.
Pathways — Bern -Klug stated that the formal written report was on the meeting packet.
Consultation of Religious Communities — Dohrmann reported that she had no additional
information. Things are moving ahead as planned for discussion at their August meeting.
Free Medical Clinic — Younker reported that he is preparing his report for the next meeting.
MECCA — Dobyns stated that he submitted two pages on MECCA (distributed at meeting). He
added that one of the challenges substance abuse has for older Iowa Citians is that for any type
of Medicare reimbursement, specific licensed psychologist are required. This creates problems
with finding the required staff, and in helping the older population get financial help for this type
of treatment. Dobyns also spoke to the social isolation of the older population and how
substance abuse issues can go unnoticed for quite some time. Dobyns was asked if MECCA
has a sliding fee scale. He noted that MECCA does not, but that Johnson County Mental Health
does.
JC Mental Health — Dobyns spoke to the information he gathered at JCMH. With an aging
population, there will be increased mental health needs in Johnson County. Dobyns stated that
JCMH has four buildings in the area that they utilize for services, adding that he was impressed
by the number of people that are seen within a given year. There is a sliding scale for people
with limited means. Dobyns stated that the senior population accounts for a very small portion
of JCMH's services. He noted that services here are difficult to assess, much like MECCA's,
due to the sometimes isolated nature of this population, and also cognitive declines over the
years. Dobyns was asked if he knows where JCMH's funding comes from. He stated that he
does not have this information yet. He added that he has told both MECCA and JCMH that he
may be asking for this, but that he wasn't sure what all he would need.
VNA — Honohan stated that he thought about the VNA while at the Senior Center today. He
volunteered to gather information from this organization, if the Committee would like. He stated
that he will attempt to get a report done by the meeting on the 18th. Younker agreed, stating
that this has come up in other discussions. Dobyns spoke to the Medicare aspect of some of
these agencies and how much they cover on services, leaving this population without the care
they need. Through philanthropic giving, places like Iowa City Hospice can do more to help
their patients, for example. Younker suggested they include as an agenda item for the next
meeting the list of agencies. He asked that Members review this list and add any agencies they
think of. He stated that they then need to move forward with pulling all of this information
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 3
together, how they're going to use it, and how they're going to factor it into the Committee's
report.
Audience member Ina Lowenberg then asked to make a comment. She stated that she has
helped a friend obtain services and that two of MECCA's building are very inaccessible. She
also spoke about the COMPEER program, which matches a volunteer with a person who has a
mental illness who is stable but isolated. She suggested the Committee add this program to
their list. Dobyns stated that he would take a look at the COMPEER program.
Bern -Klug stated that she thinks most of the non - profits in the city could benefit from more
money, but that the question is what's the Council's responsibility in that. She stated that she
feels they are being asked to decide which of these agencies are the more worthy of funding,
but that this is not this Committee's call. Each of these agencies has a board of directors that is
responsible for their fundraising. She stated that she again questions what the responsibility of
this Committee is, pulling all of this information together when the City is not responsible for the
financial solvency of any of these non - profit organizations. Younker stated that their charge is
to provide a recommendation to the City as to how physical and financial resources should be
allocated to provide senior services. Through Aid to Agencies, the City does provide funding to
these various agencies that provide services. This Committee's charge is to provide a
recommendation, such as recommending that funding be shifted to focus on a specific set of
services, or something along those lines. Bern -Klug stated that her concern is the rest of the
picture, the rest of the Council's budget, and her concern that this Committee will end up moving
money around among senior - serving organizations when there is the rest of the picture that they
do not know. Dobyns stated that this is what the next part of the meeting may address, as
Financial Director Dennis Bockenstedt is present to speak with them. Honohan stated that the
way he reads the resolution he does not see them in the role of recommending where funds go,
but rather they are to make a report on how well the agencies and the Senior Center are serving
the seniors in Iowa City. Dohrmann agreed, stating that she reads it as how are needs being
met, and are there gaps in service. This Committee is to recommend ways to more effectively
serve seniors in the community. Cannon stated that she would agree with this assessment.
Younker stated that it does state that this Committee is to make recommendations to the
Council on how Iowa City should use current financial and physical resources to meet the needs
of seniors in Iowa City. Therefore, part of their charge is to make recommendations on how
these resources are used. Audience member Mary Guttman asked if there are any for - profits
serving the senior population who receive tax money. Younker stated that there aren't any he
was aware of, and he asked Fruin if he knew of any. Fruin responded that there aren't any he
knows of at this time. Honohan added that occasionally there will be a capital improvement
request from a for - profit, such as when Regency Heights got a $170,000 contribution when they
first started. Fruin noted that this type of funding is typically predicated on the provision of low -
income or moderate - income housing. As a point of clarification, Karr noted that all late
handouts distributed at the meeting will be added to the web site with materials for this meeting.
They will not be in the next packet.
DISCUSSION OF CITY FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Fruin noted that at the last meeting there were two requests with regard to budgetary pictures
for the City. One had to do with the State property tax reform and the anticipated impact that
this will have on the City. Second were the trends being seen in the HUD grants — CDBG and
HOME Fund dollars. He noted that Members have a copy of a memo from Bockenstedt
regarding the financial aspects in question, and that he is present to further clarify this for
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July 30, 2014
Page 4
Members. Bockenstedt then addressed Members, beginning with an explanation of the State's
property tax reform. He explained that there are four provisions in this bill that directly impact
the City's revenues for this year and future years. The bill is being phased in over the next 10
years. Bockenstedt continued, explaining the rollback factor with residential properties and how
it plays into these changes. He also touched on the commercial /industrial side of this, noting
that these properties will go from the current 100% to 95% taxable, and will then stay at a 90%
taxable value. Starting this year, the 5% that the City loses in commercial /industrial property tax
revenue will come from the State as a reimbursement. Bockenstedt noted that in FY2017,
these funds will be frozen and will not increase in the future. It is unknown how long the State
will continue to make these reimbursements. The worst part of all of these changes, especially
in Iowa City's case, is the multi - residential piece. Bockenstedt noted that this portion of the
reform act basically takes all multi - residential properties and reduces them from 100% taxable
under the old commercial rate, to being taxed as residential properties. This will take place over
the next 10 years, as well, until these properties are at the current residential rate at that time.
Berg -Klug asked for some clarification on this, asking if this means that owners of apartment
buildings, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes, for example, will no longer be taxed as a
business but rather as an individual residence. Bockenstedt noted that this is correct. The last
piece of this reform act, according to Bockenstedt, is telecommunication properties, or certain
portions of, that will no longer be taxed at 100 %. Some of these properties will go to 40 or 50%
taxable. Continuing, Bockenstedt noted that the City is building contingencies, emergency
funds, into their budget in order to deal with these revenue drops. Secondly the City is
attempting to control spending — by finding ways of becoming more efficient, cutting expenses,
and controlling expenditure growth. Finding ways of reducing the City's reliance on property tax
revenues will be crucial. Bern -Klug asked what other revenue sources might be available.
Bockenstedt noted that the local option sales tax is one. There is also the utility franchise tax.
Audience member Ruth Hanson asked Bockenstedt if the local option sales tax passes, would
this make up for what the City is losing in property taxes. He responded that this is a difficult
question to answer, but that generally it would help to balance the budget. Also in the audience,
Mary Gravitt asked about the energy tax on her electric bill and where this revenue goes.
Bockenstedt stated that the utility franchise tax goes towards fire fighting service, the street
overlay program, and the electrical maintenance of right -of -ways. Gravitt responded that this
money was originally supposed to go for flood help. At this point Younker interrupted, stating
that what he would prefer to do is to allow Bockenstedt to complete his presentation and then
allow the Committee to ask questions, before allowing the public to comment. Bockenstedt
noted that he wanted to quickly address Gravitt's last question. He noted that it was the
previous local option sales tax of 1 % that went towards flood projects. This is separate from the
1 % utility franchise tax that appears on utility bills.
Speaking to paratransit services, Dobyns asked Bockenstedt about Iowa City's financial portion
and where these funds come from. Bockenstedt noted that these funds come from a 95 -cent
property tax levy. Dobyns then asked about the Senior Center and where the funding for it
comes from. Bockenstedt replied, noting that this is funded through the General Fund and is
part of the General Fund operations. This is primarily supported through property tax funds, as
well. Dobyns then explained what is hoped to be accomplished with the local option sales tax
funds. Younker asked Bockenstedt if he would further explain the structure of the City's budget
for the Committee. Bockenstedt noted that the General Fund is the primary operating fund, with
the majority of revenue coming from property tax, about 60 %. The remaining amount comes
from service charges and other revenues. There are also special revenue funds, which are
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July 30, 2014
Page 5
restricted as to what they can be used for. Continuing, Bockenstedt explained the debt service
fund which retires the City's debt. Again, done primarily through property tax. Next are the
enterprise funds, such as water, sewer, storm water, transit, and airport. These are all meant to
be self- supporting. Internal service funds are the final part of the City's financial picture,
according to Bockenstedt, where departments charge other departments internally to help
support their operations. Bern -Klug then asked if other areas of the City, such as Parks and
Rec, Fire, Police are going to make up the loss of property tax funds, and if they have
subcommittees looking into them, as well. Bockenstedt responded that there have been
cutbacks throughout the City in anticipation of this drop in revenue. Each year the City goes
through a budget process, and each department faces a scrutinization of its funding. She asked
if the Senior Center goes through the same process, and Bockenstedt noted that they do, just
like every other department within the City. Younker interjected at this point that the
Committee's charge is not with the Senior Center itself, but rather services for seniors in the
community that both the City and other organizations provide.
Bern -Klug continued to verbalize her confusion over this issue, stating that to her things don't
add up. They are looking at senior services funded through the General Fund, such as the
Senior Center, but they are also looking at funding for programs through CDBG funds, which
neither the City nor this committee would have control over. Fruin noted that the General Fund
also funds the Aid to Agencies program, which gives money to local service agencies. He
clarified for Bern -Klug where some of the various pots of money come from. She asked if City
employees who are unionized can lose their jobs if there is a reduction in funding or if they are
protected. Bockenstedt addressed this, stating that both union and non -union positions can be
affected if cuts are made. Fruin stated that over the past three to four years, approximately 35
to 40 positions have been cut, the majority through attrition. Bern -Klug asked how many of the
Senior Center employees are union. It was stated that all but the Director are. Fruin further
explained how every two years the City Council goes through a strategic planning process that
identifies the priorities of the City. Staff then uses this plan in all aspects of the City's
operations.
Larry Rogers, resident of Ecumenical Towers, asked where the money comes from that the City
loans to individuals to build new buildings, for example. Bockenstedt briefly explained tax
increment financing and how the City receives these funds through tax dollars. He also touched
on how apartment buildings 'condominiumized' a few years ago. These changes have caused
decreases in the property tax amounts the City receives. Bockenstedt also spoke to how multi-
use buildings, with commercial on the first few floors and residential above are typically taxed.
Fruin then spoke to CDBG and HOME Funds, which are federal funds that the City receives
annually. He stated that it is difficult to know how much funding the City will receive in any given
year, as it depends on several factors. One is what will be the appropriation from the United
States Congress. Fruin then spoke to his memo to Members, page 19 of their packets, which
speaks to the appropriations that the City has received since FY2003. He added that it does
ebb and flow, but that the general trend has been a continuous decline in CDBG funds. Mary
Guttman from the audience stated that the for - profits appear to be gaining, where the non-
profits are losing. Fruin responded, stating that basically if you own property you will most likely
be receiving property tax breaks due to the change in State legislation. At the same time, the
City gets less in property tax dollars and less in federal dollars, thus leaving them less to give to
local service agencies. Fruin noted that the City of Iowa City and most every city in Iowa came
out against this State reform act, knowing what the outcome would do to them all.
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 6
Charlotte Walker of Coralville spoke to the evaluation committee and their charge, asking that
they put in their evaluation the impact on what she considers to be the `very unfair membership
fees' at the Senior Center. She questions if this is a hindrance to participation at the Center.
Bern -Klug asked what Walker finds unfair with the fee. Walker stated that her objection is that
Parks and Rec does not have a fee for the Recreation Center for the younger population, but
that the Senior Center population does. She believes it causes problems between various
populations within the Center, as well.
Ina Lowenberg reported the Senior Center did not charge membership fees until the County
reduced its financial contribution by about half. She added that there is a 'scholarship program'
that individuals can apply for very easily, which reduces the membership fee to $10 per year.
Mary Gravitt stated that she would like to ask Fruin a question about the finance report. She
spoke to Regency Heights and how they have an answering service, but don't answer
themselves. She stated that it is impossible to get an application from them, and she
questioned that they have opened a bar in the basement. She asked if the City shouldn't get
their money back since Regency is not doing what they said they would do. Fruin stated that he
can take a look at this contract, which he believes was 15 or so years ago, to see what
requirements were imposed by the City upon Regency. Gravitt then spoke about the Free
Medical Clinic, stating that they will not serve the senior population due to them having
Medicare. As for Elder Services, Gravitt stated that they are not very good — they were out of
food just today. She would like to see them looked into.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA):
Mary Gravitt distributed a handout, noting that last week she gave everyone information on the
history of the Center and how it was built with Block Grant money. She spoke to the LEAP
program, stating that the University of Iowa had a LEAP program for seniors that has since been
closed out. Gravitt shared an audio of a speaker who was addressing the topic of social
isolation for seniors. She stated that this is what keeps the Senior Center valuable. She then
spoke about Blue Zones, stating that the Center has been `blue' for years. Gravitt continued,
speaking to how well the Center has been able to serve its population over the years, even with
cuts in funding. She noted how programs have folded under the leadership of places like the
University, but that the Senior Center has been able to continue finding ways to provide what its
members need.
Judith Ann Knabe stated that she has paid taxes in Iowa City since 1968 and has been happy to
do so. She is now able to be a member of the Senior Center and believes it would be truly
pathetic to make the Senior Center less than it is. She added that many people have benefitted
from the Center and that many more could.
Bryson Dean stated that she is a proud member of the Center, noting as a retired physical
therapist, she lives and promotes preventative care. She spoke to the exercise room of the
Center and how many people have been able to help rehab themselves by using the equipment.
She stated that it's hard to put a cost on these types of things, and she asked that the
Committee keep values in their mind as they go through their deliberations.
David Curry, a Senior Center Member, spoke to the fact that Iowa City is a place that retirees
want to come to for retirement, and that the Senior Center is one of the desirable things about
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 7
Iowa City. He asked that they consider keeping funding at the current levels or even consider
increasing it.
Louise Young, also an Ecumenical Towers resident and Center member, asked why the City
Council is so anxious to take the Center away from the seniors. She stated that it is not theirs to
do, that the members are the ones who started the Center and are the ones who keep it going.
Young stated that she believes it is very important to keep the Center as it is and to let the
seniors run it.
Larry Rogers noted that the next section of the agenda is for items that still need to be reviewed.
One of the things he would like to know is how many of these agencies do home visits and how
many have buildings for their clients to come to. He noted that at the Senior Center all of these
can come together in one place so that everyone can use the services.
Shirley Lundell, a member of the Center for four years, shared her experience with joining the
Center. She stated that she enjoys the many opportunities the Center provides, especially the
tai chi and the exercise equipment that can help the senior population get stronger. She stated
that she volunteers several times a month at the Center, giving massages.
Donna Friedmann stated that she currently participates in a lot of activities at the Center and
has for many years. She and her husband coordinated the garden club for several years, until
staffing was withdrawn. She shared how in 1976 she looked at the empty Post Office building,
the current Senior Center, as a possible space for not only a senior center but also an arts
center. She continued to share how they got to this point, and asked that the Committee
support not only the arts, but more importantly the Senior Center.
PENDING ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS:
Bern -Klug asked if Capitol House and Ecumenical Towers should be added to their list.
Younker stated that no one has been asked to contact these agencies yet, and that he is
unaware of what types of funding, if any, they receive. Fruin stated that they do not receive any
from the City, but that senior housing would fall under the purview of this Committee should they
decide to go there. Bern -Klug asked if these two places could ask for money under the Aid to
Agencies funding. Fruin stated that they probably could, but that he is not sure where they
would fall on the priority list. Younker asked if they could receive a report from the Housing
Authority and then go from there to see what other information they need.
TENTATIVE THREE MONTH MEETING SCHEDULE:
September 3
September 24
October schedule to be discussed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Honohan moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:00 P.M., seconded by Webber. Motion
carried 7 -0.
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
July 30, 2014
Page 8
Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2014
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member at this time
TERM
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
NAME
EXP.
O
Cnn
co
w
w
-
c
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Joe
Younker
Jay
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Honohan
Mercedes
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bern -Klug
Hiram
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Richard
Webber
Ellen
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cannon
Jane
1211114
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dohrmann
Rick
12/1/14
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dobyns
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
- -- = Not a Member at this time