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Home My WebLink About2014-12-02 Correspondence12-02-14 3f(1) November 7th, 2014 Iowa City Council 410 E. Washington St Iowa City, IA, 52240 Dear Council Members, I am writing you today because the dangers of e -cigarettes have been brought to my attention. I have recently learned that aside from the unknown amounts of health problems they bring and the lack of knowledge and regulations for them there is also safety issues involving faulty batteries exploding. There is a man, Tom Holloway, who lives in Florida. He started using e -cigarettes to try to quit smoking. One day he was using it, from the other room his wife heard something that sounded like that of a firecracker and then him screaming. The fire chief compared the explosion to that of a bottle rocket. Every one of Tom's teeth was knocked out along with part of his tongue. Also the room he was in caught on fire. I believe that e -cigarettes should be banned from being sold or used in Iowa City until more regulations have been put onto the products and more facts are known about the possible health issues they can cause. I hope we can find a way to keep the citizens of our town safe. Sincerely, Emily Kovenock 409 South Scott Blvd Iowa City IA 52245 (319)541-3252 emilykovenock@yahoo.com i -""x Y" 02-14 410 E. Washington St. - Iowa City, IA 52240 3f(2) Dear Members of the Iowa City Council, First, I'd like to congratulate you on your decision to approve funding for equipping officers with body cameras. It was a good move as it will have both an impact in the number of issues caused by officers and those who would exploit our police force in order to squeeze past a ticket or other such things. It's a good step in both restoring trust from the people to the police force and vice versa, but I believe more can be done to ease the people's tensions as well as root out false claims and general poor acting in the police. Of course I'm not saying these things are in a vast abundance. Rather I believe that progress can always be made and this is a very good area to make that progress. There's a very clear layer of division between the officer and those they protect and serve brought on by less than pure acts on either side, and the fact the media is able to blow such things out of proportions and make them general stereotypes. For example, the corrupt cop, or the false victim, ect. These types of things will never totally go away, especially with the stories that can be told with them, but your steps can make a big difference in making sure they stay in movies and novels. I'm talking of doing more to make actions taken by either side of any exchange more than just hear -say and one person's word against another. Being able to record a number of officers is one thing that can, and now will, be done to separate fact from fiction, and I have a few ideas as what else can be done. Namely, things like paint covers over guns and for bullets used by officers and sold by gun retailers. Think of it like this, an officer, during an arrest is forced to discharge their weapon because they believe a suspect is firing upon them, it can be recorded which officer shot at what and if the suspect happens to own a weapon with a paint shell inside. It can be proven whether or not they fired a shot and in what general direction clearing up a lot of possible confusion in such a series of events. And that's simply one idea in one situation. In other words, I'm proud of the steps you've all taken so far, and I'm certain you and your predecessors will do more when the time comes and constituents give you idea, but you should also make sure to keep an eye on controversial and frankly, unclear events in law enforcement, and strive to enforce ways to clear such situations up in the future (preferably without putting our officers in a dangerous state.).Awl V7 Sincerely, N' heberrLane Iowa City, IA 52240 FS � C1J 50 12-02-14 3f(3) Iowa City Council 410 S. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Council Members: I agree with an article published on August 21, 2014 in the Des Moines Register titled "Activists rally on `Day of Rage' in Des Moines". Like me, people are concerned with the amount of force police are using these days. I believe that the police force has become more like an army even when they are trying to protect us. . In a case where a police officer is following you while you are in traffic, do you feel protected that there is security there or frightened by them? Today we fear them instead of having the sense of protection that we should be getting. I'm not saying that all of our police force is becoming too aggressive. What we should have is more officers with more training. I've heard that in some towns of Iowa all you need is 3-5 training sessions and you're already out on the field. There is still hope for this world, but in todays society we have just forgot what it means to be equal. There are neighborhoods that are over policed but yet under protected. Change starts with every individual. We must decide if we are to change within ourselves and to stand out or to go with the flow and let someone else do it. Sincerely, Libni Pontaza 2801 Hwy 6 E Lot 371 Iowa City, IA 52240 CD Zi- u5 12-02-14 3f(4) November 10, 2014 Iowa City Council 410 E Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear members of City Council: Lately I have noticed a parking problem in residential areas of Iowa city. Mainly this is a convenience issue to people who live in residential areas. However this is also a matter of safety. There are too many cars parked on both sides of the road, ultimately creating a one way street with cars going both ways. This also makes pedestrians hard to see. I request is that there be a review of the basic codes for residential living areas. Regarding cars on both sides of the road, there should be restrictions made according to the width of the street. In order to protect our pedestrians, I believe it would make a huge difference to create codes that would require cars to park farther from the intersection. Thank you for taking time to consider the issue I've brought to your attention. Sincerely, 00 Kyle Swenning 4132 Kilburnie Ct. Iowa City, IA 52245 PJ r COPY U.S. Department of Justice Mail Referral Unit Washington, D.C. 20530 October 30, 2014 Jerry Bokassa P O Box 1905 Iowa City, IA 52244-1905 Dear Friend: Thank you for your letter dated October 21, 2014 to the Attorne G Attorney General, or Associate Attorney General, which was received by the Department assigned ID Of Justice, Mail Referral Unit, on October 30, 2014 and y General Deputy number 2920020. Your letter will be reviewed and if a response or an update is necessary sent to you within 60 business days. If you have any questions, please contact at (301) 583-7350 and refer to your ID number 2920020 when re It will be concerning your correspondence. questing any information Sincerely, Mail Referral Unit Department of Justice r".j C'=) s' J yy Uri 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 JERRY BOKASSA—PROSE P.O.Box 1905 Iowa City,Iowa.52244 (213-840-2960) IN THE DISTRICT COURT IN JERRY BOKASSA-PRO-SE,On behalf of Himself And ALL Others simimilary situated, Plaintiff, vs. HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT,H.A,C.A.P H.U.D IN DES MOINE'S,IOWA IOWA CITY -LOW INCOME HOME BUILDING DEPT, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF JOHNSON COUNTY,SHELTER HOUSE OF IOWA CITY,429 SOUTHGATE,ST.D.H.S OF IOWA CITY,PHEASANT RIDGE APT COMPLEXS_2626- BARTELT,RD. ,JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD DF SUPERVISOR AT 913 -SOUTH DUBUQUE,ST. T' t7 AND FOR JOHNSON COUNTY Case No.: LACAV076104 AMENDED TO INCLUDE = f 7 , President Barack Obama as Head of all Federal Agency such as FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY. As allowed under the Constitution of the United States of America. CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR PREVIOUSLY NAMED OFFENSES —RULE. 1.261.,1.262. SUPPLEMENTAL EVIDENCE OF CRIMES IN IOWA CITY AND IOWA. AIDDING AND ABBETTING PROVIDE SAFE HAVEN FOR SECTION (8) AND FINANCING CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR. -- Defendant OCT 7,2014? Internet and newspaper accounts and documents and description committing Crimes And destroying the quality life in Iowa City And Iowa KAMIKAZE mentality of "WE" Blacks such as Ray Rice,and the"FOOL" That kidnap the Black female I saw on "T.V. There have been "SHOTS" fired and robberies In IOWA CITY that are directly connect to the "STUPID " Idea putting Welfare,Convicted Murders,Mentally Ill people Dump in IOWA that are totally useless,unemployable and never Intended to work in the first place. [PLEADING TITLE] - 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 This was done by CORRUPT politician who were paid not to tell us IOWANS just how Destructive to a community this would cause. Along with the " Donald Trump's realstate People who would sell the now vacated "Slums" at a higher price. Are jails are full of these "BLACKS" who refuse to work, And are doing the same "STUPID" stuff they were doing Back in the "CHICAGO and L.A. SLUMS. If You and Michael Jorden can get there attention with the "IDEA" they can be a "SPORTS " Then "WHY not teach them A TRADE" Like me a Union trained Journeyman Carpenter. I started Construction In Des Moines„Iowa . At which time I was apart of the "BLACK PANTHERS. And according to Malcom X "WE” were suppost to get EDUCATED and Make out OWN JOBS. Which we can, "BUT" we have to many Jesse Jackson ,JRS that end up in prison. WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY. JERRY$OKA9[8AVW0-M P.O.BCFX 1905 IOWA CITY,IOWA.52244. (Cell 213-840-2960) AM.PM. 1 i� [PLEADING TITLE] - 2 Marian Karr From: Karla Tonella <karlatonella@gmail. com> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 3:55 AM To: Mike Moran Cc: beyerlaw@gmail.com; Council; Tom Markus; Marian Karr; Simon Andrew; Geoff Fruin; Zac Hall Subject: Re: Thornberry Dog Park snow removal On Nov 24, 2014, at 11:08 AM, Mike Moran <Mike-Moran@iowa-city.org> wrote: Karla and Carolyn, I have been asked to respond to your emails regarding Thornberry Dog Park Snow removal. The city uses a contractor to clean snow from the park, we ask them to clean once per snow event per day, on an all -day snow event we will ask them to return for another visit on the same day. This is the same consistency that we use on all trails and sidewalks that we have responsibility for. We will discuss with the contractor about additional snow removal options and the cost related to their work. We will also have discussions with Johnson County DOGPAC about existing snow removal and other options that they might like to see. Thanks for your comments. Thank you for your response Mr. Moran. Unfortunately you seem to have been given incorrect information. The Parks Department may have asked a contractor to remove snow beginning the winter 2013 but the job is not getting done as you say. Whoever you have delegated the responsibility to for arranging snow removal and making sure the job was done has been shirking and perhaps falsely reporting to you. We would not be complaining If the walks had been cleaned as you say "once per snow event." Here is a screen grab of two photos of this years first snow taken the day after then" snow event" showing the path outside the dog park cleaned of snow and the snow covered path inside the dog park. I am using screen grabs from Facebook to show dates and comments. Thomaerry Off -Leash Dog Park November 113 0 The path outside the dog park gets regular and timely snow removal - the path inside the dog park gets ignored by the city. The path outside the dog park costs users nothing - the path inside the dog park costs users $30-35 per dog to use. Let's ask the City Council why. Their email: council C�iowa-city.org 399 people reached Like Comment Share A 1 Share 10 Kathleen Caron Unger, Liz Young-lkechukwu, Brynne Schwoigel and 14 others like this. °rate a comment... s 2 I chopped and scraped snow and ice myself for 5 days to completely clear the path. On the 5th day another woman helped me complete the job. Many people witnessed this. These photos from last winter show the first ever snow removal by the city and at least three different times snow removal was again left to volunteers with hand shovels. The first and second snow removal by the city contractor, December 13 and 15, 2013 was great and we were very encouraged and thankful. But then ... 0 3 Thombel December Thank the City for Cb FIRST TIME EVERT appiauselll P Tag Photo V Like Comment Sha g5 Sue Robinson, h Catherine Male € ( 1 share Rte' Thornberry I than wailing hurls puppy F Like Reply FiilWJY �.. s Sue Robinsc ® Unlike Reph 9SSam ®01ane Down ank>tu $ ttia com Thomb4 Decembi Yea15-10 mimfts hour pkis by a cad year. %Tag Photo i Like Comment Sh Nikki Herbst, Ji and Jennie Wa ®Diana Dow Like Reply Jennie War top Cold to ! Like Reply A partial snow removal. The contractor stopped a short way down the path the left and never came back. 4 k Extremely SLICK snow in the yard.' V where they are in slip. Nice out there 1 -4 W Tag Photo I Uke Comment Sl Matt Wilson, IV others like this Can you I;elieve t Cavlight Saving ti Tag Photo 8 Marian Karr From: Karla Tonella <karlatonella@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 1:34 AM To: Council Subject: Thornberry Dog Park snow removal The Thornberry Off -Leash Dog Park is totally supported by the high use fees charged to dog owners. Indeed, dog park fees profit the city well beyond dog park maintenance. Personally, I have to pay $70 a year for my two small dogs and myself to use the park. Without Thornberry there would be no save place for us to walk in winter -- it is free of traffic and salt that hurt dog paws. We should also expect, since we pay to use this park, (and it was built and furnished by donations on donated land) that it would also be free of snow and ice like many other paths in city parks and recreational trails. Why do the paths that are free to use get snow removal and the dog park we pay to use does not? For the first six years since it's opening in 2006 any snow removal had been done by hand by volunteers. Last year we were promised snow removal by the city but it was done only a few times. The man who passes out business cards calling himself the "Dog Park Czar" said in response to complaints that the reason why it was plowed so seldom was that it kept snowing! Duh! Snow that does not get removed gets tramped down and in below freezing temperatures turns to ice. Many park users are elderly and many of us dog owners have mobility issues. We need a safe place to get exercise for ourselves and our dogs in winter. Sunday I chipped ice and packed snow from 4:15 to 5:40 and managed to clear only about 50-70 feet of the path. A snow blower on Sunday morning would have cleared the entire .28 -mile path in no more than 20 minutes - a power brush would have completed the job in less than ten. Ten measly minutes added to the time it took to clear the path outside the dog park would have cost maybe the equivalent of one dog park tag. Two years ago, a retired University of Iowa VP witnessed a city snow power brush enter the dog park though the gate between the dog park and the frisbee golf course. The vehicle straddled the path with it's brush up until it reached the apron in front of the dog entry gates. It lowered the brush and cleared the apron. Then the driver lifted the brush and drove back down the path and exited the park. It could have AT LEAST have cleared the snow from the part of path it traveled down and back. It would have taken a mere five minutes more to clear the entire path inside the dog park. The number of people using the dog park far outnumber the number of people who either bicycle or walk the path between the frisbee golf course and the dog park. People use that path for free. Paying customers get no consideration. The number of people using Thornberry far outnumber the people who use the Waterworks park path. Waterworks park path is regularly cleared of snow, Thornberry path waits for elderly volunteers to do the best they can. If the city isn't going to use the dog park tag fees to maintain and service the dog parks then it should give the money back to JCdogPAC. This organization used to spend all the money from donations and its 90% share of tag sales on the dog parks. The city -ordered audit proved that very fact. If JCdogPAC still received 90% or even 80% or 70% of the tag sales it could reseed the huge swath of land turning back into sand; it could fix the badly eroded pond and remedy the extreme algae growth; it could replace the four newly planted trees the city allowed to die during the drought; it could pave the entry to the pond so people don't have to walk through 2-3 inches of water after every rain. In short, if the city would restore the dog park tag sale money to JCdogPAC the parks would be taken care of again and we could end this era of city neglect. Sincerely, Karla Tonella karlatonellagginail.com Marian Karr From: Carolyn J. Beyer <beyerlaw@gmail. com> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 10:20 AM To: Council Subject: Agree About Snow Removal at the Dog Park - It's A Disgrace Carolyn J. Beyer Attorney & Counselor at Law BEYER LAW FIRM, P.C. P.O. Box 3016 Iowa City, Iowa 52244-3016 (319) 354-6700 Office (319) 354-6703 Fax beyerlawkgmai1.corn 3f(7) Marian Karr From: Madonna McCormick <madonnamc2002@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 7:05 PM To: Council Subject: St Mary's Windows Please allow St Mary's parish to replace their non-functional, energy inefficient and inoperable windows with new windows that will still complement the historic presentation of the rectory. St Mary's Parish is a charitable contributor to Iowa City; they feed your hungry, give clothing to your poor, as well as provide emotional and spiritual support and guidance to all who seek it. The added expenses associated with maintaining and repairing the existing windows and heating and cooling the church can be better spent supporting the citizens of Iowa City. As a contributing Parishioner, I would prefer that my donations not be wasted on the expense associated with the 100 year old windows, but instead be put towards the many charitable acts the church supports. Thank you for your consideration. Madonna McCormick 12-02- 3f(8) Marian Karr From: Geoffrey Lauer <gmlauer@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 9:21 PM To: Council Subject: Garden Plots Dear City of Iowa City Councilors, First, thank you for your service. Also thank you for your support of Chadek Green Park and the inclusion of community gardens. I lived block from Carl Chadek in the 1990's and had the opportunity to dig potatoes with him on more than one occasion. As a boy my father would purchase rock and soil from his lot and there were few places that a kid could have more fun than his outyards full of bins of gravel and rock. His Mountain of topsoil will forever live in my memory as well as the Snow Mountains of Winter. Carl was a community icon in many quite ways that went unnoticed but that served as glue for his neighbors and our City. I am writing in point to ask that as you move forward with zoning and rezoning you consider the need to increase our individual and collective resilience. Please seek to deploy community gardens accessible within a mile of ALL city residents. Garden plots not only increase our individuals and community food security, they bring people together in ways that counter crime, disengagement, and loneliness. In Carls last years (when Frieda was ill) it was his gardens and potato patch that were an respite from his toil, an anchor to the seasons and an activity that led me, and many other of his neighbors, to get to know him and value his depth. Thank you for honoring him in this way please consider MORE community gardens! Geoff 00000<>0000 Geoffrey Lauer 700 Whiting Ave. Iowa City, IA 52245 319-621-7078 12-02-14 3f(9) Marian Karr From: Rita Bettis <rita.bettis@aclu-ia.org> Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2014 6:00 PM To: City Charter; Council; Eleanor M. Dilkes Cc: Robert Givens Subject: Recommendations for City Charter Review Commission Attachments: ACLU Recommendations to Iowa City Charter Review Comm'n.pdf Dear Council Members and Charter Review Commission, Attached, please find recommendations on behalf of the ACLU of Iowa, including the Iowa City Hawkeye Chapter of the ACLU of Iowa, pertaining to the provisions of the Iowa City Charter that govern initiative and referendum petitions. Hawkeye Chapter President Robert Givens is cc'ed. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or to discuss our recommendations further. Sincerely, Rita Bettis Legal Director ACLU of Iowa 505 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 901 Des Moines, IA'50309-2316 (515)-243-3988 ext. 15 IN. This email was sent by an attorney or her agent, is intended only for the addressee's use, and may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, reproduction or use of the information contained in this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please delete it and immediately notify the sender by reply email. Thank you for your cooperation. 505 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 901 Des Moines, IA 50309-2316 www.aclu-ia.org City Council Members and Charter Review Commission c/o Marian Karr, City Clerk City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 November 19, 2014 Delivered by email to: citycharterna,iowa-city.oiy. council@iowa-cit .00r and Eleanor- dilkes iowa.ci .or Re: Recommendations to Bring Iowa City Charter Provisions Regarding Petition Validity in Line with Statutory and Constitutional Requirements Dear Council Members and Charter Review Commission, This letter is written on behalf of the ACLU of Iowa, including the Hawkeye Chapter of the ACLU of Iowa in Iowa City. As the city goes through its charter review process, the ACLU of Iowa strongly urges you to amend several provisions of the City Charter of Iowa City ("Charter"). We are specifically concerned with the process for initiative and referendum laid out in the Charter, as well as the prohibition on amending the charter through that process. Those provisions unnecessarily exclude Iowa City residents who are eligible to vote but who are not already registered from fully participating in the democratic process in Iowa City. These provisions are in direct conflict with state law in numerous ways, and the state has legislated in this area so thoroughly as to demonstrate an intention to preempt local provisions. These provisions separate voters into classes and burden the right to petition the government in ways that are arbitrary, unreasonable, and likely unconstitutional. It is unclear what valid government purpose is served by classifying voters as "eligible" and "qualified," and only allowing signatures from "qualified" voters to count toward petition requirements. Thus, not only is the Charter subject to challenge on grounds that it is statutorily preempted, but the differentiation in the Charter between "eligible" and "qualified" voters may violate some Iowa City residents' constitutional rights. I. Section 7.03 of the City Charter of Iowa City is preempted by Iowa Code § 362.4 (2014). Express preemption of a city ordinance occurs when the general assembly has prohibited local action in an area. Goodell v. Humboldt Cnty., 575 N.W.2d 486, 492 (Iowa 1998). Implied preemption of a city ordinance by Iowa law occurs when an ordinance prohibits an act permitted by statute, or permits an act prohibited by statute. Id. at 493. Field preemption occurs when the legislature has "cover[ed] a subject by statutes in such a manner as to demonstrate a legislative intention that the field is preempted by state law." City of Council Bluffs v. Cain, 342 N.W.2d 810, 812 (Iowa 1983). A city's home rule powers under Iowa law do not extend to those ordinances which are "inconsistent with the laws of the general assembly." Iowa Code § 364.1 (2014). A local ordinance is inconsistent with a state law when it is irreconcilable with it. Goodell, 575 N.W.2d at 500; see also BeeRightTire Disposal/Recycling, Inc. v. City of Rhodes, 646 N.W.2d 857 (Iowa Ct. App. 2002). Because the Iowa City Charter is irreconcilable with Iowa law setting forth petition requirements that a municipality may impose, it is preempted by state law and must be revised. Iowa Code § 362.4, "Petition of eligible electors," sets forth the requirements of a petition of the voters if such a petition is authorized by municipality: "If a petition of the voters is authorized by the city code, the petition is valid if signed by eligible electors of the city equal in number to ten percent of the persons who voted at the last preceding regular city election, but not less than ten persons, unless otherwise provided by state law." In Berent v. City of Iowa City, 738 N.W.2d 193, 197 (Iowa 2007), the Iowa Supreme Court interpreted § 362.4 as establishing the validity of petitions that are "signed by eligible electors of the city equal in number to ten percent of the persons who voted at the last preceding regular city election...." Id. (emphasis added.) It held that "[t]here are no other statutory requirements for validity ... Our legislature, moreover, has directed that if a petition meets these two statutory requirements, it is `valid' under section 362.4 and the city council `must' submit the proposed amendment to the voters." Id. at 200. Because the Berent case, which dealt with amendments to the Iowa City Charter, interpreted the code section that is equally applicable to all petitions, it is highly likely the Court would apply it the same way to initiative and referendum petitions. The City Charter violates the requirement established by Iowa Code § 362.4. The text of § 7.03, subsection "A" of the City Charter of Iowa City, "Petitions; Revocation Of Signatures," states that "[i]nitiative and referendum petitions must be signed by qualified electors equal in number to at least twenty-five percent of the number of persons who voted in the last regular city election, but such signatures shall be no fewer than two thousand five hundred qualified electors." A "qualified elector," in turn, is defined by the Charter as "a resident of Iowa City who is registered to vote in Iowa City." This is notably a much smaller class of voters than all "eligible electors," which the charter defines as those who are "eligible to register to vote in Iowa City." 2 Thus, this section of the City Charter of Iowa City is preempted by state law because it is in direct conflict with Iowa Code §362.4 (2014) in at least three ways: (1) It requires that petition signatures be from "qualified electors," thus excluding the signatures from many eligible electors, who are to be allowed petition rights under state law; (2) It requires petitions to contain signatures equal to 25 percent of the number of persons who voted in the last regular city election, thus prohibiting petitions signed by merely ten percent of the number of persons, the number specified under state law; and (3) It requires a minimum of 2,500 signatures for a valid petition, thus prohibiting petitions signed by the minimum 10 people allowed under state law when that number exceeds ten percent of the number of voters in the preceding city election. II. Proposed Revised Charter Text Below, please find suggested text to cure the current deficiencies in the Charter. DEFINITIONS As used in this charter: 1. "City" means the city of Iowa City, Iowa. 2. "City council' or "council' means the governing body of the city. 3. "Councilmember" means a member of the council, including the mayor. 4. "Shall' imposes a duty. 5. "Must" states a requirement. 6. "May" confers a power. 7. "Eligible elector" means a person eligible to register to vote in Iowa City. 8. " ;a„a eleeter-2 ,,, resident „fir,..,,., City who ; ister-e,� �.....J.� w. ....+......� .. �...,...........� �.... » City .. �....., � gib. ...�..... to vote in lowa City. 8. 'Board" includes a board, commission, committee or other similar entity however designated. 3 4.0: 9. "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, political party, committee or any other legal entity. 44-. 10. "Ordinance" means a city law of a general and permanent nature. �? 11. "Measure", except as provided in article VII, means an ordinance, amendment, resolution or motion. (Ord. 76-2792, 1-2-1976; amd. Ord. 85-3227, 3-12-1985; Ord. 05-4152, 3-1-2005) Section 7.03. Petitions; Revocation Of Signatures. A. Number Of Signatures. Initiative and referendum petitions must be signed by qualified eligible electors equal in number to at least twenty - €rve ten percent of the number of persons who voted in the last regular city election, but such signatures shall be no fewer than tuethousand five ten qualified eligible electors. Any petition that does not, on its face, contain the minimum required signatures defined herein shall be deemed insufficient for filing under this article, and no supplementary petition shall be permitted. III. Conclusion Given the statutorily preempted and likely unconstitutional nature of the current language governing eligible and qualified electors in the Charter, the ACLU of Iowa strongly urges you to amend these provisions as provided above. We would be happy to provide additional information and answer any questions you may have regarding this letter or the text we suggest be adopted in the Charter. You may call or email me directly at the contact information provided below my signature. Sincerely, /s/ Rita Bettis Rita Bettis Legal Director ACLU of Iowa 505 Fifth Avenue, Ste. 901 Des Moines, IA 50309-2316 (515)-243-3988 ext. 15 0 3f(10) 12-02-14 Marian Karr From: Fred Meyer <f.meyer@mchsi.com> Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 10:51 AM To: Council Subject: Eliminate plastic bags Dear Iowa City Council members. Please support efforts to eliminate the use of plastic bags in Iowa City and encourage the use of reusable bags. Plastic bags can only be downcycled (not recycled) into lower grade materials making them forever harmful to human and environmental health. Worse, only 5% of plastic bags are downcycled the rest end up in our landfill or environment. For this reason, California has recently banned stores from providing customers with free plastic bags: http://money.cnn.com/2014/09/30/news/califomia-plastic-bag-ban. How willing would be to support a similar restriction in Iowa City to demonstrate our environmental progressiveness? ECO Iowa City and 100 Grannies have worked hard to eliminate plastic bags from our waste stream. Please support them in their continued efforts. ECO Iowa City: http://www.ic og v.org/?id=2256 100 Grannies: http://100grannies.org Thank you for supporting the elimination of plastic bags. Fred Meyer Iowa City, IA 3f(11) Marian Karr From: Fred Meyer <f.meyer@mchsi.com> Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 10:41 AM To: Council Subject: Support apartment recycling Dear Iowa City Council members. Please fully support the implementation of programs that will guarantee access to on-site recycling for all tenants of apartment complexes. If an apartment manager or resident contacts you about recycling services, please fully support them in their effort. We all want Iowa City to be viewed as a progressive leader in environmental practices and, as you know, recycling is a fundamental environmental activity. Without a recycling program that is accessible to all residents, achieving our full potential as a leader in this area will be impossible. A 2012 pilot program laid the groundwork for expanding recycling to all 1050 apartment buildings in Iowa City and showed that the vast majority of residents want to participate. Learn more about the pilot program: http://www.ic og v.org/?id=2173 Thank you for supporting apartment recycling and for all you do to help Iowa City thrive. Fred Meyer 1511 Bristol Drive Iowa City, IA 52245 319-358-7665 3f(12) Marian Karr From: Amy Blessing <ablssng@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2014 9:54 AM To: PlanningZoningPublic; Council Subject: cottages To Whom It May Concern, Please reconsider demolishing the historic Civil War -era cottages in the 600 block of S. Dubuque Street. These buildings add so much charm and uniqueness to our town. Please vote in favor of maintaining a balance of new and old in our community. We have already lost so many historic structures in the name of development (aka apartments for college students and the wealthy), that Iowa City is great danger of becoming a dull, barren cardboard wasteland. Please don't let this happen. Sincerely, Amy E. Blessing 804 S. 7th Ave. Iowa City, IA 52240 Marian Karr From: carneytennis@gmail.com Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 11:10 PM To: Council; Council Subject: Cottages on the 600 block of South Dubuque St. Dear Council Members, I am sure you are aware of the situation with the cottages on the 600 block of South Dubuque Street. Hodge Construction hired an engineering firm to find them structurally unsound so he could tear them down. The firm gave him the answer he paid them for and Monday morning November 24th the police and the city served eviction notices to the tenants. One notice said they had to be out Dec 8 and one said they had to be out by January 1 st. Also on the morning of November 24th, an independent firm inspected the cottages and found a couple of them in need of some repairs but all three structurally sound. Please do whatever you can, as soon as you can, to lift the eviction notices. Imagine the anxiety the tenants of the cottages must be feeling right now. Thank you for your time, Linda and Craig Carney Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:09 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Michael Chamberlain Email: slvp-bmp Message: City Council... It seems quite premature to issue an eviction notice to Will Ingles of The Book Shop when the Planning & Zoning committee itself has chosen to wait until a second inspection has been done. Hodge Construction's biased inspection should be taken with skepticism. I am sure you are aware that an independent second inspection was done on Monday which agrees with the City's own inspection of 608 S. Dubuque street done a year ago. The structure is sound & livable. I urge you to retract the eviction notice of Will Ingles after reviewing this independent inspection & also note Hodge Construction's deceptive tactics in any future dealings with them. Thank you... Michael Chamberlain Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.121.231 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:20 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Nora Boerner Email: n.boernerkgmail.com Message:Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council, Please stay the order to vacate for 608 S. Dubuque Street until the second engineer's report is reviewed. To evict unnecessarily would most likely close a long standing small business and provide so much financial hardship, it would be almost impossible to reopen in another location. One year ago the structure was deemed sound and I urge you to wait to make a decision about this property until you have all the information. The owner of The Book Shop, Will Ingles, is a real asset to Iowa City and preserving the cottages is part of the City's comprehensive plan. Thank you for your time and consideration. Nora Boerner Iowa City, IA Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.66.238 —'I-' # ,��u� CITY OF IOWA CITY UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: December 1, 2014 To: Tom Markus, City Manager From: John Yapp, Development Services Coordinator 7y 7"/— Re: 608, 610 and 614 S. Dubuque St Introduction 3 -(,61z) We have received numerous questions about the structures owned by Theo Resources, LLC (Ted Pacha), at 608, 610 and 614 S. Dubuque St (AKA the three cottages) and what the City's role has been. All three cottages are currently leased for commercial uses, although the City has issued a rental permit to allow one of the cottages to also be used for residential occupancy. This memo is to clarify the process to date and summarize what has transpired. Background Earlier this fall, the City received a rezoning application from Hodge Construction for properties in the 600 block of S Dubuque St and the 200 block of Prentiss St. The proposal was to rezone these properties from Commercial (CC -2 and CI -1) to a Riverfront Crossings zone. One issue identified in the staff report for the rezoning application is that the Riverfront Crossings Plan identifies preservation of the three cottages as a 'goal;' and that in order to encourage this the plan recommends that a density bonus be granted for their preservation and renovation. The bonus could grant a transfer of development rights to a future building as an incentive to preserve the cottages. Like most incentives, however, the density bonus incentive is voluntary. At the time of application for the Riverfront Crossings zoning designation, neither the property owner nor the applicant expressed interest preserving the cottages in exchange for the density bonus; the applicant indicated this is due to the condition of the cottages and the fact that increasing building height increases the overall cost of construction, including the square foot cost. The applicant proposed to document the cottages as a means of mitigating for their eventual demolition. Recent Events On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, the property owner submitted a 'Structural Evaluation Report' to the City regarding the cottages. The report concludes that the masonry walls of the structures are beyond their useful life and unstable, and that the structures pose a danger to occupants and bystanders (see attached report). The report is signed and certified by James Jacob, a licensed structural engineer, and recommends that the structures be "vacated as soon as possible and razed." This is the only engineer's report we have for the properties. On Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, the Planning and Zoning Commission held public discussion on a rezoning request to rezone much of the block on which the cottages sit from Commercial (CC -2 and CI -1) to the Riverfront Crossings – Central Crossings Zone. The structural evaluation report was distributed to the Commission. The Commission deferred consideration of the rezoning request and asked that Mr. Pacha allow a second structural engineer to examine the properties; and to obtain more information about the December 1, 2014 Page 2 City's latest rental inspection report. [A 2013 rental inspection of 608 S Dubuque St found a crack in a wall, and recommended a structural engineer report to address the crack. In lieu of a structural engineer report, the property owner had the crack repaired to the inspector's satisfaction]. • On Friday, Nov 21, Hodge Construction withdrew their rezoning request. On Monday Nov 24, the owner served the resident/tenant of 608 S Dubuque St with a 'notice to terminate' the lease. A Johnson County Sherriff's Deputy served the notice, which was filed by attorney James McCarragher on behalf of Theo Resources LLC. This is a typical service provided by the Sherriff's Department, and neither City Staff nor Police were involved. This is a landlord/tenant issue. Notably, the City had not ordered the properties to be vacated at that time. On Monday, Nov. 24, Building Inspections Services staff determined that the conditions described in the VJ Engineering report constitute a life/safety threat notwithstanding the zoning issue, thereby constituting dangerous building nuisance, as defined by City Code. Therefore, Staff issued a 'Notice of Violation' to the property owner ordering that the premises be vacated and the dangerous building be abated through either repair or demolition by December 8, 2014. A copy of this Notice was also sent or personally delivered to each of the tenants. This is the standard process the City takes to enforce code violations of this nature. The City's role is to ensure the structures are safe for occupancy. The owner determines which of the abatement options he pursues at their discretion. On Nov 25 1 learned, through a conversation with Alicia Trimble (Director of the Friends of Historic Preservation) that the 'Friends' had hired a structural engineer to investigate the cottages. This engineer visited the cottages on Nov 24, and was given access by the tenants. The property owner had let me know he did not authorize this investigation, and was not aware of it taking place. To date, we have not received this report. If staff does receive a conflicting engineer's report, we are obligated to take a conservative approach and ensure the structures are safe for occupancy. It is not the City's role to determine which report is more accurate, valid or acceptable. s:\pcd\john\cottages.doc • On November 26, the property owner submitted demolition permit applications for the three cottages. The City requires the structures proposed for demolition be 'posted' with a notice on the structures for seven working days before issuing the permit. This posting serves as a public notice, and allows time for utility companies to schedule shutting off utilities. Historic Preservation Currently the cottages are not part of a historic district, nor are they designated as historic landmarks, therefore the owner is within his legal rights to request a demolition permit. The property owner, City Council, Historic Preservation Commission, or another party may initiate a local historic landmark designation. Historic Landmark designations are considered an overlay zone, and a rezoning process is followed. The application must be considered by the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission and ultimately an ordinance must be approved by the City Council. If the property owner objects to the designation, a super -majority vote of the City Council is required to approve the Historic Landmark designation / overlay zone. We have not received an application for historic landmark designation. Supporting materials for the historic landmark designation typically include a historic survey, typically produced by a historic preservation specialist. As part of the agreement reached for the S:\PCD\John\coftages.doc December 1, 2014 Page 3 mitigation of the planned demolition of Sabin School, the University of Iowa will be responsible for a historic and architectural survey of the larger Sabin School neighborhood including the cottage properties; however this survey is not anticipated until sometime in 2015. The normal process for consideration of a Historic Landmark designation is review of the application by the Historic Preservation Commission, Planning and Zoning Commission, and subsequent setting and holding of a public hearing by City Council. Because the Historic Landmark designation is a rezoning process, the setting of a City Council public hearing would suspend for 60 days a) the issuance of a demolition permit or, b) if a demolition permit has already been issued, the demolition would be suspended if the owner had not made substantial progress toward beginning the demolition. Until and unless a public hearing is set by City Council, the property owner has the property rights to manage, maintain, and redevelop the property under existing regulations. Conclusion The main issue with the rezoning request was in meeting the goals of the Riverfront Crossings Plan, which encourages preservation of the three cottage properties, and which offers a height bonus as an incentive. In lieu of renovating and preserving the cottages, the applicant offered to document the cottages. The rezoning request, in my opinion, triggered a larger discussion regarding property & development rights, vs. other interests in preserving the cottages. The rezoning request has now been withdrawn, and did not progress to the point of a vote by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Now that the City received a signed and certified structural engineer's report identifying serious structural issues with a recommendation the buildings be vacated and razed, staff is obligated to follow up with our normal process, which has resulted in a Notice of Violation to the property owner. S: \PC D\Jo h n\cottages.doc Engineering — surveying 11/20/2014 VJ engineering 2570 holiday road, suite 10 Coralville, iowa 52241 Ph: (319) 338-4939 fax: (319) 338-9457 Structural Evaluation of 608, 610, and 614 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, Iowa The three buildings evaluated for structural adequacy were very similar in the following components: 1. Wood framed first floor at Dubuque Street elevation +/-. 2. Walk out basement to East 3. Approximately 17' wide x 28' long inside dimensions. 4. Limestone rubble masonry below grade with 2 wythe brick masonry above grade. 5. Wood rafter framed pitched roofs with asphalt shingles. All of the brick masonry walls are composed of soft brick with lime mortar. The brick and mortar are extremely deteriorated. In most exterior locations the mortar is essentially powder and can be easily raked out. Many of the brick units are also deteriorated and have little strength. This deterioration is the result of moisture intrusion and freeze -thaw cycles. The limestone rubble masonry below grade also has extremely deteriorated mortar. It also appears from soil probes near the east ends that the foundation walls do not extend to frost depth. As a result of the deteriorated masonry the walls are experiencing differential settlement and bowing/cracking. The differential settlement is the result of the mortar loss and the fact that the east ends of the structures do not have frost protected footings. The bowing and bulging of the walls is the result of dimensional changes of the brick as large amounts of water are absorbed and freeze -thaw action. I have been asked whether moving the structures or repair of the structures is possible. The structures are in danger of collapse as is and certainly could not stand the stresses associated with jacking and moving. This would be extremely dangerous to attempt. Likewise repair of the walls is not possible because of the extent of deterioration. The masonry walls of structures are beyond their useful life and are unstable. The structures pose a danger to occupants and bystanders. I would strongly recommend the buildings be vacated as soon as possible and be razed. 1ESS 1 p��, I hereby certify that this engineering document was prepared and the related engineering work �/ii, `�� 0• • • • • • /� was �Lc..r,_fomiccl by me or under my direct personal supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Q'•�� roessiul al Engineer �dcr 1�c of Iowa. ?Z ; Licensed r Q u, • 8895 U : James C. ' m_ James C Jacob, .E. License #08895 Date • n1c My lice se renewal date is Decembc 31, 2015 Jacob 'moi,* • •' • • ... • •' • * Pages or sheets covered by this seal: ��UII►Di iNii►t0��\�\\\ VJ Engineering Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 4:19 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Neo McAdams Email: neo-buengermcadamsguiowa.edu Message:Dear Council, Please hold the eviction notice for Will Ingles of 608 South Dubuque St. Inspection last year by the city deemed 608 structurally sound, as did an inspection carried out by another structural engineer on Monday, November 24. Please examine the report of November 24th before continuing the eviction process for the cottage. A small business owner's home and livelihood are at stake during a cold, difficult, and economically demanding time of the year. Sincerely, Neo McAdams Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.88.200 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 3:47 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Bob Lehman Email: rlehmanl231kgmail.com Message:Please reconsider the eviction of Mr. Ingles and his business from 608 South Dubuque. As the developer has backed off, and there is another assessment in progress, there should be no reason to proceed with vacating the property at this time. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 97.127.186.134 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 2:43 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Emily Pettit Email: emily-j-pettit ,uiowa.edu Message:Dear City Council, My name is Emily Pettit and I am a lifelong resident of Iowa City. I have been following the activity around the proposed rezoning of the 600 block of South Dubuque Street and was relieved when the Zoning Commission agreed to hold off on a decision until a second structural inspection of the cottages could be completed. I have always appreciated the variety of shops along the street, and it was disheartening to see them threatened. To learn that Will Ingles, owner of The Book Shop, received an eviction notice based on an outdated inspection report was dejecting. The new structural inspection is now finished, but the eviction notice for Will Ingles still stands. Please refrain from carrying out the eviction notice until you have read the new inspection report. Because this is such a highly charged topic held dear by many Iowa City and out-of-town residents, please consider all pertinent information before making any decisions. This is the holiday shopping season, and to force Will out by December 8 would deprive him of income and customers of a favorite shop. To evict him based on outdated information would be a fiasco. Thank you for listening to the opinions of the public on this issue. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 129.255.224.60 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 2:33 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Al Raymond Email: jazzman.al&mail.com Message:Hello, Please, as a community we need help to stop the eviction of Will Ingles, 608 S Dubuque Street. There was a very biased assessment done of the property, funded by Hodge who stood to gain a lot by having it deemed unstable. The community that heard the presentation and the board it was presented to all seemed skeptical, as any reasonable person would. If this report is the grounds for the eviction, we need to make time for the results of the second inspection to be compiled. Mr. Ingles' shop represents what a lot of folks see as a dying style of doing business in Iowa City -- a caring, community oriented shop that we can be proud of. This eviction is putting a man out of business and out of his home, and further kills part of what makes Iowa City not just another college town. We as a community need open communication and clear reasoning in situations like this. We need to know this decision was made with the community's well being in mind and not just to better line the pockets of a property developer. We need some sign that our elected officials care about the permanent residents of Iowa City and the shops and community members that make our City of Literature colorful and interesting. Stay the eviction, and give the community a chance to rally behind this neighborhood. It is worth saving and growing. Razing it would kill a truly unique piece of Iowa City. Thank you for your time, -Al Raymond, 1045 Westside Dr Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 128.255.78.128 3 --p (( -Z,) Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 2:24 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Mark Grover Email: ictallguykaol.com Message: Please do not evict Will Ingles! ! Review the second engineer's report carefully. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 128.255.236.134 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:51 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Elizabeth Boyne Email: eboynekgmail.com Message:City Council... It seems quite premature to issue an eviction notice to Will Ingles of The Book Shop when the Planning & Zoning committee itself has chosen to wait until a second inspection has been done. Hodge Construction's biased inspection should be taken with skepticism. I am sure you are aware that an independent second inspection was done on Monday which agrees with the City's own inspection of 608 S. Dubuque street done a year ago. The structure is sound & livable. I urge you to retract the eviction notice of Will Ingles after reviewing this independent inspection & also note Hodge Construction's deceptive tactics in any future dealings with them. Thank you, Elizabeth Boyne Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 24.130.250.203 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 4:24 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Dylan Salisbury Email: salisbury.dylan ,uiowa.edu Message: City Council, It seems quite premature to issue an eviction notice to Will Ingles of The Book Shop when the Planning & Zoning committee itself has chosen to wait until a second inspection has been done. An independent second inspection was done on Monday which agrees with the City's own inspection of 608 S. Dubuque street done a year ago. The structure is sound & livable. I urge you to retract the eviction notice of Will Ingles after reviewing this independent inspection. Best Regards, Dylan Salisbury Form submitted from website: www.salvagebarn.org Visitor IP address: 129.255.224.58 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 4:24 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Alyssa Bowman Email: Fireflyportraits&hotmail.com Message: Please review the second engineer's report and put off any eviction notices at the cottages on Dubuque. These historic buildings, and their residents, deserve time and respect to figure out the best plan of action. Thank you for your time and consideration. Form submitted from website: www.salvaizebam.org Visitor IP address: 173.28.198.216 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 4:39 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Aprille Clarke Email: brackishghotmail.com Message:Please do not evict local business owner and resident Will Ingles, at least until the second engineer's report is reviewed. There is altogether too much new construction in town already. We should be focusing our efforts on supporting local businesses and historical properties. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.122.165 2 -�' (I �) Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 5:20 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: William Ingles Email: thebookshoykg.com Message:I ask only that the truth about the actual condition of the buildings at 608, 610 and 614 be taken into consideration before the vacate/demolish order issued by the city goes into effect. The findings of inspection report offered to the Planning and Zoning Commission by Hodge Construction were inaccurate and misleading. Its conclusions were uniformly wrong and designed to promote the interests of Hodge Construction rather than offering an unbiased appraisal. Please demand that any decision rendered by city staff regarding the cottages be based on the truth. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 75.167.207.80 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 8:51 AM To: Council Subject: Cottages Form Submission New Form Submission Name: Alicia Trimble Email: aliciamtrimblegyahoo.com Message:Dear Councilors, There is something else I would like to bring to your attention. On Thursday night, November 20, the Planning and Zoning commission met to discuss the proposed rezoning of the 600 block of South Dubuque Street. The current property owner proposes to raze the entire block including three cottages that are both some of the oldest structures in down and one of the birthplaces of the Actualist poetry movement, the only literary movement that had its origins in North America. The Iowa City comprehensive plan calls for these three cottages to preserved. The cottages are architecturally unique, some of the last workers cottages of their kind. Seventy people were at the planning and zoning meeting and more that 130 sent emails to the Planning and Zoning commission asking for the cottages to be saved. As a rebuttle the owner of the cottages had a structural engineer, who regularly works for the developer, write a very short engineer's report which stated the cottages were an immediate danger and needed to be razed. This was not unsurprising as the owner of the cottages will receive millions of dollars upon the sale of the property and the developer wants the land to build a four story street to street apartment building, the design of which planning and zoning indicated did not meet the comprehensive plan and they could not allow even if the cottages were not on the block. At the meeting, the planning and zoning commission asked Friends of Historic Preservation to fund a second opinion by another structural engineer. There is such overwhelming support from the community our organization was able to successfully crowdfund the entire structural engineers salary in just over 24 hours. All three tenants also felt the engineer's report was in error also asked our organization fund a second opinion. Monday morning at 9am we arranged for a structural engineer, two architectural historians, and a preservation mason to look at the cottages to give their professional opinion. All three tenants were more than happy to allow access. We hope to have the structural engineer's report by this evening. Monday, although City staff was aware that the planning and zoning commission had asked us to hire a structural engineer for a second opinion, City staff cited the owner with having dangerous building and ordered that the owner, "VACATE PREMISIS AND ABATE VIOLATION THROUGH REPAIR OR DEMOLITION" by December 8th. This effectively has just evicted the tenants, including one who lives on site, without any notice or anywhere to go. I do not believe it should be the City's job to evict tenants for the owner, nor is it the City's job to break leases for a landlord who is eager to sell his properties, but this is what has in effect happened. Although I applaud the staff for their extra quick work on this notice, I believe it might have been more prudent for city staff to wait for the second report by the structural engineer. When making decisions that affect people lives the more information we all have the better informed decision we can all make. Further, I am asking that if structural engineers report comes back and says that the cottages are safe and architectural sound, that the city withdraw its notice of violation immediately and if necessary have yet another independent professional make an opinion on the cottages. There was another independent evaluation done on one cottage one year ago. Upon finding a crack in 608 S. Dubuque Street, the northern most of the three cottages, the City required the owner to get a structural engineer to look at the cottages and report back to the City. That report should be entered as public record. Try as I might, I have not been able to get a copy of that report. The report seems to have been misplaced. This engineer's report could alone stand as a second opinion on this very issue. I implore you to request that City staff take this new engineers report into consideration. The engineer hired for the inspection done this week does not have a conflict of interest and has excellent credentials. Alicia Trimble 2232 California Ave Iowa City, IA 52240-2308 Form submitted from website: ic-fhp.org Visitor IP address: 173.29.130.190 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 7:57 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Andrew Weinman Email: AAWeininatig,gmail.com Message:I've long been a fan of this particular shop. Although I don't live in Iowa City, I know the owner and make a point of visiting the shop whenever I'm in town. Calling for an eviction notice less than a year after the building was deemed structurally sound AND while a second report is currently underway isn't simply irrational, it also goes against the call for historical preservation in the area. I implore you to rethink your action; every bit of Iowa City's history is important, both to the local character and to the historic flavor. Please hold off on fulfilling this eviction notice until at least the second report has been filed. Sincerely, A. Weinman Sr. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 50.11.121.120 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 8:08 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Anne Duggan Email: annem.dugganngmail.com Message: have a heart. Call off the eviction dogs. Let's see what the second report says. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.74.229 Marian Karr 3 Jl� kq J From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Wednesday, November 26, 2014 8:52 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Lisa Martincik Email: yamainu(2gmail.com Message: Destroying properties without full and informed consideration does not well serve this city. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 71.7.34.6 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2014 2:51 AM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Kelcey Armstrong-Walenczak Email: armstrongwalenczakkgmail.com Message: Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my concern at your plans for the historical Cottages on Dubuque. These cottages are a valued part of local community, and it is imperative that you delay plans for demolition until all possible avenues have been explored, especially considering the second engineering report currently pending. Sincerely, Kelcey Armstrong-Walenczak Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 89.174.163.221 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2014 8:01 AM To: Council Subject: Cottages Form Submission New Form Submission Name: Marlin Ingalls Email: marlin -in ag lls(a,uiowa.edu Message:To whom it may concern, Through this letter I would like to express my concerns regarding the potential removal of these significant and historic Iowa City cultural resources. I hope to briefly explain their importance to the River Crossing Area Development, why they should not be removed, and why their preservation is of greater benefit to the city and River Crossing development than their removal. The three South Dubuque St. cottages are historically significant and are unique surviving architectural and cultural resources in Iowa City. They represent three of the last surviving cultural and architectural residences of this type in the south Iowa City development area. The majority of these once common vernacular housing types have been torn down. Besides the two nearby railroad hotels that date from the same era they are the last remnants of a once dynamic neighborhood. While the current zoning discussion focuses on the cottages, the two buildings to their north, the house and former corner store, could also be seen as historically important as they were contemporary with the cottages. The cottage's lots were sold in 1854 and possibly relate to the initial introduction of the railroad into the city. From 1855 to ca. 1875 this section of town was growing. Small stone and brick single story cottages were the homes of individuals who often had a nearby business. While the cottages appear to originally have been residences and not commercial properties, they may have functioned as both. It is clear that all three are related temporally, architecturally, and historically. They are similarly located, constructed, and decorated. The lots were purchased in 1854 by Phillip and George Hoffelder and passed to two members of the Kane family in the late 1860s and early 1870s. Gable front houses such as these are particularly well adapted to narrow urban lots. Built in a single story, banked, gable front subtype in the popular Greek Revival -style configuration, they are similar to vernacular buildings being constructed across the Midwest from the 1820s to 1870s. Their one story front -gabled substyle is considered rare (see McAlester 1986: Knopf & Company). Their brick masonry appears to have been laid by German masons and the hand -struck bricks appear to have been locally produced and possibly in the nearby old brick yard in the Capitol Street area. Likewise the wooden trim and mortar were also probably produced locally. The proposed River Front Development can benefit from the quality of neighborhood preservation that makes Iowa City unique. Once lost, these buildings and city landscapes are irretrievable. These buildings are unique and will add a historic community flavor to Dubuque Street streetscape. As one of the primary north/south streets that will access the River Front Development the street will act as visual corridor to the south. Variety in housing and commercial development is very important to both the visual and built landscape. A mass of modern apartments is nothing for heritage tourists to look forward to. Many of Iowa City's attractions are its charming old neighborhoods and period historic buildings. Other cities in the region wish that they had saved their historic buildings. In closing, the three South Dubuque Street cottages are eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion C for architecture. They are also likely eligible under Criteria A for the early (possibly antebellum) development of Iowa City. They may also be eligible under Criterion B for their association with the Hoffelder and Kane families who are early settlers of Iowa City. They are also eligible to the NRHP as a larger historic district that includes other contributing elements in the neighborhood. Sincerely, Marlin R. Ingalls Architectural Historian/Archaeologist Member of State Historical Society's Technical Advisory Network Historian, Architectural Historian, and Archaeological Consultant Iowa City, IA 52245 Form submitted from website: ic-thp.org Visitor IP address: 173.29.130.190 3 -fQ Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2014 12:58 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Amy Trautwein Email: a e t@hotmail.com Message: While I moved from Iowa City a few years ago, I spent a great deal of time in The Book Shop, both upstairs and downstairs, before that, and it was a sound, cozy, secure space with no signs of leaks, cracks, or other problems. I find it hard to believe that in the short time I've been gone, it would have changed to being hazardous! The charm and historical significance of this stretch of cottages is great. The character of Iowa City depends on unique contributions such as this. I hope very much that the tenant eviction and cottage demolition are stopped. Let the tenants buy the cottages if the 'structural integrity' is too much for the current owner to deal with! Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 151.202.27.4 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2014 11:17 AM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Sacha Wyckoff Email: sachaw cckof0&mail.com Message:As a long-term citizen of this community I have to say that I am beyond appalled at the city's apathy when it has come to allowing big money developers to demolish yet another group of historic buildings that are part of our roots as a community to build another ugly towering new building. This speaks to society's gross desire to throw out the old and replace it with something new and usually NOT better. This sends a message to the people of our community and our children. Shame on you. I moved here from Los Angeles over twenty years ago, and fell in love with the charm and sense of community that Iowa City offered. I have over the years been watching that charm being replaced by towering buildings and a minority of powerful rich behind the curtain. This is not how I want to see Iowa City "grow." I know I am not alone in this sentiment. Please, stand up and do the right thing this time and do not allow this. These are small businesses that many in this community love and support (much like the Red Avacado). It is disrespectful to your community to disregard our wishes,as we who are opposed to this are not few. Thank you for your consideration. Form submitted from website: www.salvaizebam.org Visitor IP address: 75.167.211.26 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2014 12:13 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: therese ragatz Email: tomtheresekgmail.com Message: Stop destroying beauty, we have a limited amount. These cottages are part of Iowa City history. Apartments complexes are not history they are ugly. This all comes down to money as usual. Just please let history and beauty win. It would be such a lovely change. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 173.25.11.104 To: Iowa City Council Members From: Ted Pacha November 30, 2014 Dear Members, 1 DELI 41 1014 City Cie,* 'OV/a City: Iowa I met for the first time with the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Committee on October 16, 2014. I explained to the group that I had enlisted the help of the Hodge Group to explore re -zoning my properties on Dubuque and Prentiss Sts. south of downtown Iowa City. I explained that I'm a lifelong Iowa Citian who had purchased these properties over 20 plus years ago from Freda Hironomus and others. I kept them in the best shape I could over the years. But due to my health issues over the past 4 years—including twice dealing with cancer. The most recent bout was this past spring and early summer, where I went through 8 weeks of 5 day/week cancer treatments. You start to feel vulnerable, and I decided what's best for my family was to sell the properties so that they would not have to deal with it. We asked the Planning and Zoning Committee to rezone the property to fit the city's Riverfront Crossings Plan (since 20+ acres were re -zoned for the same plan.) Thus the property would be redeveloped in sync with the R.C. District Plans. I was surprised to hear that the P&Z could not re -zone without a "plan," of what would be put on the properties. I did not understand why other properties in the "district" were rezoned without any "plans" submitted. The P&Z voted to defer the decision until plans were submitted. 1 I did not understand why the Hodge Group, who has not purchased the properties, would be asked to spend their dollars to have preliminary plans drawn up. A member of the P&Z committee asked why this was so, as we were asking to rezone to fit for the R.C. Plan and an Assistant City Planner stated that because the City Council has been very interested in this area for years (?) she expressed keen interest in the 3 old buildings on Dubuque St., and stated that the city would "allow" incentives to explore the possibilities of keeping these old buildings intact. Incentives mean nothing to me as the property owner, nor does it add any value to me as the seller. At the end of the meeting, I offered these 3 buildings to the city/Friends of DEC 0 12014 Historic Preservation at no charge to be moved to a location of their choosing. Cit, Clerk 'owa City, Iowa The Hodge Group went forward and paid to have plans drawn up and we again were placed on the Nov. 6th P&Z agenda. It was before this meeting that Jim Jacob of V.J. Engineering in Coralville was hired. He is a certified structural engineer with 40 years' experience in this area. I did so for numerous reasons, but mostly to see if my offer to donate the buildings was valid. The report came back that the 3 structures were beyond their useful life and unstable (see attached report). "These buildings pose a danger to occupants and bystanders. [Jacobs] strongly recommended that the buildings be vacated as soon as possible and be razed." His seal is attached to this report on Nov. 201h, 2014. Mr. Jacob attended the P&Z meeting at my request and detailed disturbing pictures of his structural survey. I was present as he was conducting his evaluation 2 of my buildings and was very surprised to hear how bad the conditions actually were. There were several people in attendance at this meeting that had their opinions etc. that went on for nearly 2.5 hours. At this point the chair of the P&Z stated I would not like the results if they voted that night (bear in mind the city staff at this time recommended this rezoning request). The chair of the P&Z asked if I would consider another structural engineer to do another evaluation. I verbally agreed that I would consider it (so as to not look like I had something to hide.) I told the P&Z I would do so under 4 conditions: y r` ' 1) I would not pay for it. DEC 0 12014 m 2) That the City Buildings Department would check on a certified structural-./ , engineer that I would agree upon. I spoke with Ann, the chairperson of the P&Z, and John Yapp from the city. John agreed he would investigate an option for a structural engineer. 3) I had to be present when this inspection would take place. 4) It had to be done within a 2 week period and I couldn't promise that I could afford that much time, as the buildings could endanger my tenants, because of the liability and insurance issues since I already had a certified report signed and sealed by a reputable structural engineer. We left the P&Z meeting at approximately 10 PM Nov. 20th with the above terms understood. On Friday, Nov. 21St, Hodge Group informed me they were going to withdraw their rezoning application and sent an email to John Yapp informing him of their 3 decision and further stating that Ted Pacha, in view of Hodge's decision, has decided John was not to proceed with a second structural engineer on this site until further notification from Ted Pacha. On November 25th, the Cedar Rapids Gazette and other news media reported that another inspection was done on my properties on Monday, Nov. 24th, I received calls and emails from people asking me what this report said. I immediately called my attorney and asked him to call Shanna Duggan of Morningstar Studios in Cedar Rapids, who allegedly did the inspection without my knowledge or permission to enter my properties. He called Shanna Duggan. The questions my attorney asked her were: 1) Q: Who gave you permission to do the survey of the property? A: Friends of Historic Preservation. 2) Q: Who gave you access to the property? A: Alicia Trimble from the Friends of Historic Preservation. 3) Q. How did you get access to the property? A: Alicia Trimble from the Friends of Historic Preservation had keys to the buildings. 4) Q: Did you contact the owner of the property to see if you had the owner's permission? A: No. 5) Q: Is it usual/standard procedure to contact the owner before doing an inspection? A: Yes. 6) Q: And you had no contact with the owner? A: Correct. iy 7) Q: Has a written report been issued? A: No. DEC 0 1 2014 �ovia City, Iowa 4 8) Q: So all information in the newspapers about the survey is being given without a written report having been issued? A: Yes. 9) Q: By the way, I have been told by the owner that he did not give permission for the Friends of Historic Preservation to conduct a survey? A: I kinda gathered that from your questions. DEC 0 12014 5 Miscellaneous Notes: • Emails and letters I have received state that the P&Z gave Friends of Historic Preservation permission to hire a structural engineer. This is not correct! • I'm not a web person, but my son helped me find the Friends of Historic Preservation website. On the front page (dated Nov. 25th) it states: "We reached our fundraising goal to hire a structural engineer and a second assessment was completed on Monday, Nov. 24th, AS REQUESTED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION!" (See attached, "Friends Website 2.") Thank you for your time. Respectfully, Ted Pacha I i -ssti .m DEC 01 2014 i,y , ! j'�' Ag enoneering 2570 holiday read, suite 10 Cordville, iowa 52241 Ph: (319) 338-4939 fax: (319) 338-9457 R*neering — surveying /�^''►` 11/2012014 O� Structural Evaluation of 608, 610, and 614 S. Dubuque St. Iowa City, Iowa The three buildings evaluated for structural adequacy were very similar in the following components: I . Wood framed first floor at Dubuque Street elevation 2, Walk out basement to East F)7 -"C 0 12014 3, Approximately 17' wide x 28' long inside dimensions. C 4. Limestone rubble masonry below grade with 2 Wythe brick masonry above glmk*z G ity, I owe S. Wood rafter framed pitched roofs with asphalt shingles. All of the brick masonry walls are composed of soft brick with lime mortar. The brick and mortar are extremely deteriorated. In most exterior locations the mortar is essentially powder and can be easily raked out. Many of the brick units are also deteriorated and have little strength. This deterioration is the result of moisture intrusion and freeze -thaw cycles. 1'he limestone rubble masonry below grade also has extremely deteriorated mortar. It also appears from soil probes near the east ends that the foundation walls do not extend to frost depth. As a result of the deteriorated masonry the walls are experiencing differential settlement and bowing/cracking. The differential settlement is the result of the mortar loss and the fact that the east ends of the structures do not have frost protected footings. The bowing and bulging of the walls is the result of dimensional changes of the brick as large amounts of water are absorbed and freeze -thaw action. I have been asked whether moving the structures or repair of the structures is possible. The structures are in danger of collapse as is and certainly could not stand the stresses associated with jacking and moving. This would be extremely dangerous to attempt. Likewise repair of the walls is not possible because of the extent of deterioration. The masonry walls of structures are beyond their useful life and are unstable. The structures pose a danger to occupants and bystanders. I would strongly recommend the buildings be vacated as soon as possible and be razed. I hereby certify that this engineering document was prepared and the related engineering work rg,turnzed by me or under m direct personal supervision and that I arrl a duly Licensed o ai lrr�gineer dT t aws �f St of Iowa. James 9 JAC* I My licee renewal date is Pages or shcets covered by this seat: 31, 2013 VJ Engtncenng 4#09895 Date Summary of Theo Resources' Offers to Tenants: 608 S. Dubuque, The Book Shoff • Free storage in the basement of the building next door at no charge until spring. • A sleeping room available at no charge through May 31St, 2015 (normally $200 per month) s , OAC O 1.2014 610 S. Dubuque, Suzy's Antiques: {,, • We discussed up to $1,500 moving expenses of her products to her existing storage unit she now rents elsewhere. Suzy has admitted she has not been open for business for the past 1.5 years. 614 S. Dubuque, Kung Fu: • Theo Resources offered a 6 month rent free retail space within 2 blocks of current store. In addition, I told the owner I would pay him 2 months' rent in cash. We have received no response to these offers as of Nov. 30th, 2014. Friends of Historic Preservation Cottages on Dubuque Need Your Help! UPDATEl1J25'i14 We reached our fundraising goal to hire a structural engineer, and a second November 2 Planning and Zoning Commission. We anticipate the official report will be released this week. Despite this, Will Ingles, owner of The Book Shop and resident at 608 South Dubuque Street, received an eviction notice by the City, calling for him to move out by December 8. We are calling upon the City to hold off on eviction until the second engineer's report is reviewed. Use the web form to write a message to City Council and tell them to stay the order to vacate, due to the fact that another report will soon be released and that just one year ago, 608 South Dubuque Street was deemed structurally sound by an inspector. Because the City's Comprehensive plan calls for the preservation of the cottages, the City should first make every effort possible to restore and rehabilitate the cottages before opting to demolish. UPDATE 11121; 14 The Planning and Zoning Commission has deferred making a decision on the rezoning Change until another engineer gives a second opinion about the structural integrity of the cottages. We need your help hiring this architectural professional. Visit our bidi-2y0go page to donate to this cause! Thanks so much to everyone who has shown their support for saving Iowa City's heritage. PRE55 yet frig a.pphca;.,or vrthdraVe .Ur Eovva City cottage: Prou,a:ty - KCRG ii+StOrit%I pre,ervttionists evorki: g to protect cottages - Press -Citizen Corvnission defers vote or: rezoning h1:it0ri( pioi)erties - Press -Citizen Iowa City cornri ltiee :sks fo> second review cr cov.agAs' stability - KCRG Send a message to the City. Tell them to hold off on eviction until the second engineer's report is reviewed! iV2i El$: En;ail: A,4essag�: - •m DEC 0 ] Z014 r, r sovja City, Iowa ST1VlJCT1JFt% . REVIEW TO: Friends of Historic Preservation P.O. Box 2001 Iowa City, IA 52244 OTTI'I: Alicia Trimble PROJECT NOME: So. Dubuque Street Cottages—Structural Review y' C DOTE: December 2, 2014 -77 Dear Ms. Trimble, We have completed our review of the structures at 608, 610 and 614 So. Dubuque Street, Iowa City, IA. Shanna Duggan of MORI M STPk STLUO performed the site visit and review on November 24, 2014. Alicia Trimble of the Friends of Historic Preservation office, Marlin Ingalls and Rich Carlson, Architectural Historians of the State Archeologists office, and Rob Owen - Mason, were also present. We gained access to the site with the permission of the tenants who were either on site or who provided keys to the property. The purpose of the review was to provide consulting engineering services regarding the structural condition of the buildings. Our findings and opinions are summarized below. Photos can be found in the appendices and are examples of observed conditions. No structural calculations were performed as part of this report. IS 1CK6ROLINU The three properties were constructed circa 1858 of multi-wythe (2 or 3 layers) brick masonry walls supported on limestone basement foundations. The full -height basements have concrete floor slabs and are "walk -out' on the east side. The single story structures have a medium slope gable wood rafter roof system with asphalt shingle roofing and wood floorjoists bearing on the exterior walls. Buildings 6o8 and 614 have a mid -span beam support for the floor joists. All three properties were currently in use by the tenants. OISSER OTIOIYS: The exterior of the building is in good condition (see photos Al -A8.) We were informed by the tenant that he had re -pointed the exterior wythe of brick with a cement based "drycrete" type mortar. The north and west elevations were completed in 2012, followed by the south and east elevations in 2013. The exterior wythe of brick was then painted. Some of the brick has a soft face or has spalled (see photo A4.) There is evidence of old openings which have been in -filled with a different type of brick (see photo A1— at front window.) On the north side the damaged gutter has allowed water to run down the face of the brick (see photos A5 -A7.) The tenant indicated a wood trellis was constructed to "brace" the northeast corner of building 610 to the southeast corner of building 6o8 (see photo AB.) The interior of the building is in excellent to good condition (see photos A9 -A16.) The attic of the property was not accessible. We did not observe any cracking in the drywall on the first floor that would indicate excessive building movement or settlement (see photo A1o.) C-) MO"INC3 STOK STUDIO. LLC C-> N r Structural Review So. Dubuque Street Cottages ? The first floor framing has been reinforced to support the weight of the books and to repairfioles or notches in the framing. Generally, newjoists have been added to both sides of the existing joists and bear on the exterior foundation walls and the interior beam (see photos Ali -M4.) This structure has a "shelf" type basement on the west and partial north and south walls which are constructed of brick (see photos At5 & A16.) Building 610 - Exterior The exterior of the building is in fair condition (see photos Bi -1315.) The exterior wythe of brick has been painted. The lime based mortar is soft and easily raked out. Some of the brick has spalled (see photo 133.) There are several hairline cracks in the mortarjoints (see photos 135, B8, 139, & Bit.) There is evidence of old openings which have been in -filled with newer brick (see photo B13.) Cracks have occurred in the mortar at the perimeter of these patches. A cement based parge coating has been applied to the limestone foundation (see photo Bio.) Expandable foam was used to seal a gap at the chimney on the east side of the structure (see photo B9.) A brick had been removed by others prior to our review and the cavity was left unprotected (see photo Bt4.) The northeast corner has settled over the course of several years, there is evidence of multiple types of repairs including mortar and caulk (see photos B7 & 139.) A crack of approximately 3/8" has resulted in the foundation on the north wall (see photo 136.) The brace that was installed appears to only be tight to the structure above the level of the first floor. The southwest corner also has some settlement damage (see photo Bi5.) Gutters and downspouts are poorly maintained and damaged. rtrar nm�tr The interior of the building is in excellent to good condition (see photos 1316-1324.) The wood paneling has tightly fitted joints. On the north wall, near the window, a gap has appeared in the corner (see photo 1317.) The tenant indicated that it developed after the brace was installed. The roof framing was reviewed via an attic access hatch. The framing is in excellent condition (see photos 1318-132o.) OSB sheathing has been added to the wide roof planks. Daylight could be seen through a few of the brick head joints. The foundation walls were covered in wood paneling (see photos Bei & 1322.) A small area was visible in the bathroom and at an access door; it appeared to be in good condition (see photos B23 & 13240 Only minor cracking was noted in the plaster ceiling. It- WWI MW The exterior of the building is in good to fair condition (see photos CI -C13•) The exterior of the brick has been painted. Old openings have been in -filled with concrete (see photo C3 & C4.) Cracks have occurred in the mortar at the perimeter of these patches. The chimney appears to have been constructed out of plumb (see photo C4.) The mortar has been deeply weathered in some areas (see photo C8 & C9.) Some of the brick has spalled and there are hairline cracks in some of the mortarjoints (see photo C11.) A cement based parge coating has been applied to the limestone foundation (see photos C12 & C13.) The southeast corner has settled; there is evidence of multiple types of repairs including mortar and caulk (see photo Cio.) The southwest corner is also in need of repair (see photo C7.) The gutters and downspouts are poorly maintained. vPGe 2 OF 4 MO"11`16 STOR STUDIO, LLC Structural Review So. Dubuque Street Cottages r-� Building 614- Interior -` The interior of the building is in good condition (see photos G4-C24.) No significpt cr ing wood panel separation was noted during the review. The roof framing could noir§e evied dele- to a drywall ceiling above the drop ceiling. rn The foundation walls were in good condition, only minor cracking was noted in tGepl st&:coat on the walls (see photos C17 & C21.) Interior brick had been removed from the b&etni!ntnyall an the construction of the muti-wythe wall was visible (see photos C18 & C1g.) Some areas of he brick wall were visible (see photos Cao & Cas) and a full depth concrete in-fill area was n6tid under the stair (see photo C23.) The floor framing is in good condition (see photo C24.) 01`1PLYSIS: Overall, the buildings are structurally sound. Some deterioration of all structures is to be expected, buildings of this age have experienced years of normal weathering and have items in need of repair. Some movement and settlement has occurred in the various components and materials of the buildings, most of which can be expected. These structures also have suffered exterior damage due to use of improper or incompatible materials in previous repairs and poor maintenance practices. There is only minimal visible evidence of damage on the interior of the structures. We did not observe any indications of water infiltration of the building envelope. Prior to the 188os, the manufacturing process of brick involved hand molding and air drying. The firing method resulted in large variations in the brick finish and hardness because of uneven heating. Some of the brick appears to be quite porous, a result of low-firing. The original lime based mortar has become eroded. The exterior wythe of brick on the structures is in need of re- pointing in several locations. In a few locations, the brick walls have suffered damage due to freeze/thaw cycles of the brick and the face of the brick has become spalled. The use of cement based mortars, patches and hard-fired brick has damaged the surrounding historic bricks. Stresses within a wall caused by expansion, contraction, moisture migration, or settlement must be accommodated in some manner. In a masonry wall, these stresses should be relieved by the mortar rather than by the masonry units. Cement based mortars and hard-fired brick are harder (less compressive) and less permeable than the original brick, the result is that the stresses are relieved through the original masonry. The masonry becomes cracked and spalled as seen on these structures. The incompatible materials are also the cause of the slight bow in the window infill on the south side of Building 61o. The newer brick expands and contracts at a different rate and has bowed outward as it tried to seek relief of the resulting pressures. The settlement that has occurred at the northeast (Bldg 61o) and the southeast (Bldg 614) corners are a result of a lack of a frost-protected footing along the east elevation of the buildings. Multi- wythe brick walls of this era were typically built upon the soil only a foot, or less, below the ground level. The damage to the wall has been accelerated by the use of improper repair materials, such as caulk which traps moisture and leads to freeze-thaw damage in the adjacent brick, and poor site drainage which allows water run-off to erode the supporting soil. The "brace" which was installed between Bldg 6o8 and 610 did not repair the existing settlement condition. It is not generally common practice to brace structures against one another as improperly doing so can result in damage to both the buildings. Fortunately, that was not the case in this instance. The gutters and downspouts are generally in a state of disrepair on the structures. They are damaged and full of debris. Some discharge at the base of the structure or are no longer connected in some instances. This allows run-off to flow down the face of the brick, potentially causing damage, or as noted above, results in soil erosion and consequently, foundation settlement. PAGE 3 OF 4 N MO111YIr16 ST(R STLIDIO. LLC r Structural Review r -n So. Dubuque Street Cottages RECOMMMr 4TKM: -cz We recommend mediating the root causes of the deterioration of the structures as:noted irr the f analysis: settlement, differential expansion of materials and moisture. First and for0n)osf,: rovi new support to the east walls of buildings 610 and M4 to mediate the settlement noted there. This can be attained by underpinning the east walls of the structures with frost -protected concrete footings or with a foundation support system such as helical piles. We recommend re -pointing of cracked mortarjoints and reconstruction of damaged wall areas. Re -pointing shall include: removal of all hard cement based mortars and caulking used in mortar joints, replacement of brick that have lost their face shell and removal and replacement of hard - fired bricks. Re -pointing and reconstruction should be performed by a qualified re -pointing mason, following the Brick Institute of America guidelines. The repointing or reconstruction mortar shall have proportions closely matching the original mortar and be less compressive and more permeable than the surrounding brick. In addition to the aforementioned issues, use of standard mortar mixes with old brick can result in excessive shrinkage of the mortar or poor bonding of the mortar with the brick. Clean the existing brick with a mild masonry cleaner. Avoid sand blasting and harsh solvents as these may pit or damage the porous surface of the soft brick. Repair or replace gutters and downspouts. Provide proper flashing at the roof eaves. Extend downspouts away from the foundations of the structures to assure proper drainage of run-off. All new construction and repair work shall meet applicable building codes and be performed by certified installers or contractors. Any damage discovered during demolition or repair work should be evaluated by a structural engineer. Our conclusions are based on review of the above information and our field investigation. Should any information become available that materially affects the validity of the aforementioned information, we reserve the right to modify this report accordingly. Sincerely, Shanna M. Duggan, PE MORN"6 STOM STUDIO. LLC I hereby certify that this engineering document was prepared by me or ? under my direct personal supervision and that I am a duty licensed Professional Engineer under the laws of the State of Iowa. aa� vt Signature: SpNgN Name: Shanna M. Du w M. g x i. • ? Ak1 16011 My license renewal date is December 31, 2015. Pages, Sheets, or Divisions covered by this seal: this report �w•. �► IOWA Dare Issued: 120214 �vPEnbix P N C� Q l � O �vPEnbix P MORN I h G STPK S T U D I O PROJECT NPME: Structure Review DPTE: November 24, 2014 6o8 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: S Duggan Iowa City, IA f f A Photo A3 East Elevation Page 1 of 4 Photo A4 North Elevation 4 n� SG -- } ,.1 r �,r } r Photo A5 Partial North Elevation Photo A7 Brick Wall and Limestone Foundation Page 2 of 4 LI I Photo A8 Trellis "Brace" from Building bio m M o R n I h G s T PROJECT N1 ME: Structure Review b( TE: Novemb. i4, io14 6oB So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: S'DuggaR:- Iowa City, IA 4 n� SG -- } ,.1 r �,r } r Photo A5 Partial North Elevation Photo A7 Brick Wall and Limestone Foundation Page 2 of 4 LI I Photo A8 Trellis "Brace" from Building bio PROJECT NPME: Structure Review 608 So. Dubuque Street ro S T P R S T U D 1 0e *TE: NoverTWz4, p14 PHOTOS BY: SDnggaW rn �. r-. aa. r Photo Ali Basement — Look west Page 3 of 4 0 MORN I n G S T� R �� N STU DIO - VKOJECT rl�ME: Structure Review *Tf : November 34, 2014 6o8 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: S Duggan' Iowa City, IA Photo A15 Basement — Northwest corner Page 4 of 4 Photo A16 Basement — Southwest corner �PPEnbix B C-3 �7 70 �PPEnbix B N v ES M O K n I n G S T P R o S T U D I O ' r� PROJECT NY ME: Structure Review *TE: November 4, ]d]94 bio So. Dubuque Street PyOTos BY: S Dnggaa:'� Iowa City, IA Page 1 of 6 MORN i n G STPR S T U D I O s PROJECT nPME: Structure Review DATE: Novenlbe24icio14 6 610 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: �-Pggap k Iowa City, IA iK Photo B7 Northeast Corner— Foundation settlement Photo B6 Northeast Corner — Foundation crack Page 2 of 6 rn o R n 1 n C3 GROJECT "EE: Structure Review 610 So. Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA Photo B9 Partial East Elevation — Mortarjoint cracks and deterioration, parge coating 11 Photo Bii Partial South Elevation — Mortarjoint and damaged downspout S T P R S T U D I O71 0 3i DPTE: NoverrtbO24yioi4 710TCSBY: �gg#h I— Page 3 of 6 Photo Blo Typical Parge Coating on Foundation Photo B12 Partial South Elevation M O R n i n 6 PROJECT NOME: Structure Review bio So. Dubuque Street Inwa City IA �r Photo B15 Partial West Elevation - Foundation settlement N 5 T P R S T U D I O ?. a *TE: Nover4k-' 4,204 PHOTOS BY: S3-3agg3ir' iV Photo B14 South Elevation - Brick removed by others Page 4 of 6 PROJECT NY ME: Structure Review 610 So. Dubuque Street Photo Big Attic Brick Wall — Look east S T P R S T U D I O _ ]) lTe: Novern6er x4eoi4 PHOTOS BY: Photo B18 Attic Roof Framing — Look west Page S of 6 N O r�0Krn1r Cj STPR -� STU DIO PROJECT N( ME: Structure Review baTE: Novern:W241`�io14I- 610 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: �puggan Iowa City, IA _, N .,,_.aa S:Lima,� Photo B24 Basement — West wall behind access door Page 6 of 6 PvPEnbix O ry PvPEnbix MORN I n G S T P R S T U D I O ��" PROJECT NOME: Structure Review *TE: November. 24, 2&4 614 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: S Ouggyano Iowa City, IA rn C-,) ^C r M r� -o Photo C3 Partial East Elevation Page 1 of 6 Photo C4 Partial East Elevation M0Rrnin6 5TPR S T U D I O rr� PROJECT NOME: Structure Review *TE: NovemJm 2¢ 614 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: i1bBtiggan - - . N i Iowa City. IA c_ 7 a.3 Photo Q Southwest Corner Page 2 of 6 Photo C8 South Elevation - Deteriorated mortar joints M O R n i r C3 17KOJECT M1 ME: Structure Review 614 So. Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA { t r Photo Cq Weathered Mortar Joint S T U D 1 0 a- ()PTE: Novefr)&Qr 2( 2014Fa^'A' PHOTOS BY: 5-"uggen �"- -,C 1 7 `�k l Photo Clo Southeast Corner— Foundation settlement Page 3 of 6 N O M O R n I n 6 S T P R r o STU DIO:-> = r7 PftO)ECT NOME: Structure Review *TE: NovediBe 24' o14 614 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS ISY: 5.Ptmgan M Iowa City, IA 7 u: tv _y -yrs. ,r r Photo C13 North Elevation —Typical crack at parge coating Photo C14 First Floor— Look northeast Page 4 of 6 M O ft n i n 6 PROJECT NOME: Structure Review 614 So. Dubuque Street �.....� /:r.. [A N 5 T P ft S T U D I O b0TE: Noverp#Cp24; 2-014 PHOTOS BY: 9AggA-R r1-- a —= 1, Photo Coq Basement — View inside brick cavity Page 5 of 6 Photo Czo Basement — Partial west wall M O R N I n 6 S T P R S T U D I O PROJECT NY ME: Structure Review *TE: November 24, 2oi4 M4 So. Dubuque Street PHOTOS BY: S Duggan Iowa City, IA =- Photo C2z Basement — Partial east wall under stair Page 6 of 6 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 4:58 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Todd Kimm Email: toddkimmghotmail.com Message: Historical importance aside, this strip of businesses makes up one of the most unique and character - filled places in Iowa City. The dwindling number of areas like this are what make Iowa City Iowa City. I attended the UI both as an undergrad and grad (Writers' Workshop) and treasure these buildings and businesses. As a former student, resident and co-founder of the Iowa City monthly Little Village, I ask you as representatives of Iowa City's culture and heritage source of economic diversity (small, local, etc.) to please do whatever it takes to protect these cottages. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.50.92 3 -�Q -�-) Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 10:13 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Jean Deschamps Email: Jeandeschggmail.com Message: Please wait until you have all the facts, we need to keep our historic buildings if we can. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 173.16.84.246 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 6:21 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Michael Maharry Email: MMAHARRYgYAHOO.COM Message:Hello, As a frequent visitor to Iowa City and a former resident, the city is vibrant not for the canyon of monolithic rental apartments but for its uniqueness, history and heritage. Please keep this in mind when deciding the future of buildings who will outlast us all with a bit of upkeep. Form submitted from website: www.salvaizebam.org Visitor IP address: 129.255.1.139 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 10:52 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Leigh Ann Randak Email: laj i chsgi uno. com Message:This statement from FHP's website seems absolutely sound to me. "Because the City's comprehensive plan calls for the preservation of the cottages, the City should first make every effort possible to restore and rehabilitate the cottages before opting to demolish." Rush may lead to regret. It seems demolishing these should only be a last resort after everything has been exhausted to try and save them. Waiting for another opinion from a second structural engineer seems absolutely reasonable to me. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.100.205 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 6:53 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Dr. Brett Berke Email: Brett.berke@yale.edu Message:Please wait to demolish the three historic cottages until a second structural engineer has given an assessment. This is only fair given the fond memories and attachment by so many tax paying citizens. Dr. Brett Berke Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 70.215.5.199 l Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 7:02 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Amy McBeth Email: mcbeth.amcbethka gmail.com Message:A second report that contradicts the first should be thoroughly reviewed and taken into account before any decision on eviction and demolition is made. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 108.160.235.71 43 -�' (t -) �) Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 8:55 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Brian Barkley Email: bbarkleygsouthslope.net Message: Form submitted from website: www.salvaizebam.ora Visitor IP address: 108.160.235.71 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 10:57 AM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Dan Cummins Email: cummins4dpkgmail.com Message:Dear Iowa City Council Members, Given the historic nature of the Dubuque St Cottages, City Council should take all necessary steps to preserve these buildings. At a minimum action should be deferred until the second engineer's report is reviewed. As identified in the Comprehensive Plan, the buildings are a critical part of Iowa City's history and deserve special consideration. The cottages offer a opportunity for a creative developer to incorporate the historic buildings into a new commercial and residential space. Several visionary towns have taken this approach. Please take a look at Park City, Utah where historic small buildings have been incorporated into a growing community. These buildings are some of the most desirable commercial space and have increased in value. Thank you. Form submitted from website: www.salvag-ebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.44.19 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 1:52 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages Form Submission New Form Submission Name: Dina Bishara Email: iowadinagyahoo.com Message:I strongly urge the city to taking whatever possible steps in her power to stop the demolition of the historic cottages on Dubuque St. These cottages are part of what makes Iowa City Iowa City, and not just any other generic urban renewed wasteland full of upscale boutiques that appeal to 19 year olds from Chicago. Once they are gone, they are gone forever. Form submitted from website: ic-fhp.org Visitor IP address: 173.29.135.147 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 1:20 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Janet Ashman Email: janet-ashmanguiowa.edu Message:More apartments vs Historic Preservation? Oh please. This is a no-brainer. Of course the City should wait for a second structural engineering report. Especially since preserving the cottages is already part of the City's comprehensive plan. This pretty big hurry to demolish (to me) reflects greed and makes me wonder why the rush to evict small businesses? I'd much rather see small businesses than more apartments. Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 63.152.114.220 Marian Karr From: Matthew Wolf Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 1:19 PM To: Marian Karr Cc: Christine Olney Subject: FW: Preserve the cottages at 608-610 S. Dubuque Marian, I presume this message is for Council. -Matthew -----Original Message ----- From: dhannen@dracovolans.com[mailto:dhannen@dracovolans.com] Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 20141:03 PM To: *Contact Subject: Preserve the cottages at 608-610 S. Dubuque Please stop the demolition of the historic S. Dubuque St. cottages. Everyone should get a chance to review the second inspection report, the one which says that they are safe and inhabitable, before any irreversible steps are taken. Besides being an irreplaceable part of the Iowa City landscape, those cottages are homes and small businesses. It would be devastating for those business owners to be evicted during the Christmas shopping season. I believe that my city officials will make the fair and forward-looking choice and protect the cottages. Sincerely, Deborah Hannen Marian Karr From: Erica Blair <ericalynn.blair@gmail. com> Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 12:57 PM To: Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; Jim Throgmorton; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne; Council Subject: Transcription of P&Z meeting re: three cottages on Dubuque Attachments: Commission defers vote on rezoning historic properties.pdf Dear Councilors, There seems to be confusion as to what was actually said at the Planning and Zoning meeting on November 20, particularly with regard to whether or not the commission requested a second structural engineer's report for the three cottages on South Dubuque Street. Because the minutes for this meeting have not yet been released, I have transcribed the part of the meeting that contains the relevant information. You may also read the brief summary published by the Press -Citizen on November 20 in an article entitled "Commission defers vote on rezoning historic properties" (attached). Thank you, Erica Blair 427 Clark Street Iowa City, Iowa Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting, November 20, partial transcription [2:07:15] Ann Freerks: I think we have a lot of questions and thoughts, and it's difficult, really, to mull all of this over in a moment or two. And, um, I don't think I can say that enough, you know, so. Um, `cause I do have a question for the applicant or applicant's representative, and that would be, um, if they would be open to having, um, someone from Friends of Historic Preservation, someone that they would allow who would also be, um, able to, uh, an engineering, certified someone who could inspect that. There's seems to be, um, a real "trust me" on this. This is a big step. And, um, I think, in current zoning, I mean, this is a great, would be a huge up -zone. In current zoning, what could we have? Maybe fifteen units on this property? Attorney: Yes, I believe that's correct. Freerks: Okay. So we're going, potentially from fifteen units to whatever we might see here on this. So we have to take that into consideration. This isn't necessarily a given. We can continue on. Now, that doesn't mean I can't prevent you from, we can't prevent you from tearing down structures. You know, you have a right to do that, if you'd like to. But I guess, um, my question is, if there's this honest, open communication and this sense of trust that we want to have, um, before I even consider, and there are lots of questions I have, even about this structure as it might be, even if those cottages weren't there, okay, but if you would be open to having someone that was independent and not even from the city. I don't know that I would even go there, um, to come and be a part of that. And I don't know if I can ask this or if it's possible, but— Commissioner: I hope you can, that's the same question I have. Freerks: So, I don't know which of you guys want to step up and bite the pill and talk about it. Or you can think about it. And that's maybe part of the reason we should continue this, so, my first questions would if you're willing to continue this to another meeting. And if you'd step up to the mic. Because I'm not sure you'd like what we would say tonight if we had to, you know, put a gun to it and make a statement and make a decision. I'm just being honest with you. Commissioner: I thought this was a no weapons area. Freerks: Oh, I know. Squirt gun. [laughter] You know what I mean. You can strike that from the record. Get myself in trouble. Attorney: I want to make sure that, since we do have such a large audience here that everyone understand what is actually occurring. These have not been designated as historic. Freerks: Yeah, no, and that's why I say, they're— Attorney: And so therefore, they could take out a demolition permit tomorrow. This board does not have the power to stop that. I just want to make sure that everyone understands that that's not what's being considered here tonight. They're not obligated to... Freerks: We have no power to protect them right now. There's, but part of the, public hearing is open, but wait, that's part of what, you know, this, it's kind of like a, it's all in combination and moving parts and what we have is a survey that's gonna come up, because what we've looked at in this comp plan, you know, one of the goals, one of the few goals for this area is cottage preservation, okay. And I know, I have a brick basement, I've seen many of those things. In my opinion, they're reparable. It's, whether it's a value to the community and to the person who owns it to repair it or not. That's what it comes down to. And I can't say, you know, it's not my money, really, to do that. But if there's a way to, you know, to work with this, we're here to try to come up with a solution. What I think, in my mind, at least. And I don't see it right now. And so, um, I think there's sometimes a way to make multiple things happen. And so that's why I'm leaving public hearing open. Because I think what we need to do is try to find what's in the best interest of the community, um, here. And I mean, these cottages have been around for a hundred and what, 150, 160 years. I'm not saying I feel one way or the other about the engineer's inspection on this, but you know, um, I think, um, that we have a little bit of time here to maybe come up with a decision on what we want to do. Mr. Pacha? Ted Pacha: Yes, I understand the question to be, would I be willing to have some other certified structural engineer paid for by someone else to look at the buildings, and so forth. Obviously, in good faith, I have no problem with that. Because right now, I'm under the gun. Based on the information I have, I have people in danger. And my attorney tells me that liability is very, very, very unsettling. Okay? So, if this can be done within a two-week period or whatever, I would agree to it, if that's what you people want to do, because, like you said, in the spirit of cooperation. Freerks: Well, and I don't feel like forcing someone to do something that's completely irrational in terms of, trying to, you know. I'm not a structural engineer. But I do feel that, you know, I just feel like we need to, in good faith maybe, have this looked at from all aspects. Pacha: I would welcome that. Because there's some vibe here that, this is some, I've never met this gentleman before in my life until we hired him to do this job. So I'm not sure where that vibe is coming from from the crowd and different people that uh, oh, this can be fixed, and you just happened to time it just right. I told you when I started the meeting that it's unfortunate that it came tonight and just like Doug Boothroy said, I wish I wouldn't have seen it, that last paragraph, because that's gonna force me to have to do something for my own safety and liability. Commissioner: I guess, my thinking is, that, this is a very important decision about those three buildings especially, especially because the comprehensive plan does single them out for special consideration. So to me, it's a very important decision. And it's not at all unusual, you know, to get more than one professional opinion when you're trying to make an important decision. Pacha: Yeah, I got lost between the old buildings and the tenants and the businesses because obviously, as I said before, I do everything in my power to make sure those businesses continue if they wish to continue. There are so many, three dozen rental places within two blocks of that area that are available, so things would need to be worked out because they are friends of mine, not just tenants. I've reduced rent on their behalf to make them be able to stay, I've waited for rent, as Will would attest to, my rents are due the 5th of the month and this is the 20th and I don't have my rent yet. But I've never evicted him even when the City said I should've because of his residential situation in that building. I've tried to work with them all I can. So the people that are concerned about the businesses, I'm equally concerned, but now we've got a little different situation, so I would welcome. [2:14:35] [2:20:50] Commissioner: I just want to point out that, um, although I would like to see a second structural engineer's opinion about the feasibility of preserving, or, opinion about the structural situation of these buildings, I'm also aware that the City's not going to pay to have that done. I'm not gonna pay to have that done. So we're gonna have to ask if there's a group in the community, perhaps, if there's a group in the community that's willing to do that. That's gonna, I think that's how it's gonna have to happen. Freerks: I think it's going to have to happen quickly. So hopefully you guys can talk outside after this. We're gonna take a break after this vote for five minutes and you guys are gonna, you can get together and try to politely, Ted is being, allowing this, so please, let's try to see what the best independent type. I don't want it to be a City engineer. I want this, I think, in my opinion, to be something else. Commissioner: There's lots of independent structural engineers. Freerks: Someone with historic, understanding of historic structures would be beneficial. Because then we can feel that we have a little more of a complete look at things, I think. Certified, yes. Certified. Absolutely. [2:22:04] Commission defers vote on rezoning historic properties Jeff Charis-Carlson, Iowa City Pm.Cihun 10:23 pm. CSTNovernber 20, 20/4 (Photo: Josh O'Leary/Iowa Cdy Press -Often) The Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday asked the owner of three Civil War -era cottages on South Dubuque Street to get a second opinion as to whether the buildings are structurally unsound. After the owner agreed, the commission deferred the rezoning request before it for two weeks. Iowa City staff had recommended that the commission grant a request to rezone about 2.3 acres along the 600 block of South Dubuque Street. As part of Thursday's meeting, representatives from Hodge Construction and Fusion Architects presented their plans for the area: a four-story, block -long, mixed-use development that would require razing nearly all the buildings on the block. City staffs recommendation was conditional, however, upon the city receiving a structural review from a certified engineer showing that three mid -19th -century properties at 608, 610 and 614 S. Dubuque St. are too unstable to use, build around or relocate. Such a review was provided to the city shortly before the commission's meeting Thursday. The engineer who prepared the review, Jim Jacob of VJ Engineering, provided a 20 -minute presentation on what he considered several structure problems with the three, 150 -year-old brick buildings. The presentation included photos of foundational cracks, limestone rubble, deteriorating mortar, disintegrated bricks, open joints, bowing walls, insect - damaged floor joists and other flaws. Ninety minutes later— after listening to several public comments from the packed room — commission members said were not persuaded by either the photographic evidence or the engineer's report. Instead, commission chairwoman Ann Freerks asked property owner Ted Pacha if he would agree to have an independent, certified, non -city -affiliated engineer review the structures. "I'm not sure you would like what we would have to say if we were forced to make a decision," Freerks said. Pacha, who owns all the property under consideration for rezoning, said he would agree to the second opinion if the engineer was certified, the costs were covered by someone else and it was completed within two weeks. Freerks suggested that Pacha and some of the historical preservationists in the room should work something out after the meeting. The commission agreed to defer the issue. Buy Photo ',.tl Three brick cottages, dating to the mid -1600s, stand In the 600 block of South Dubuque Street In what was once Iowa City's rail district. The cottages could be demolished under a proposed residential and retail development project for the block. (Photo: Josh O'Leary/lowa City Press -Citizen) During the public hearing, speakers praised Hodge Construction's commitment to historic preservation in past projects, but challenged the assertion that the three cottages were beyond saving. "I'm not surprised at those photos," local historian Mary Bennett said of Jacob's presentation. "That's what a building looks like after 100 years, especially if there has been neglect or lack of stewardship. This is a long story of neglect." Will Ingles — owner of The Book Shop on 608 S. Dubuque St. — urged the commission members to "look skeptically" upon the structural review. Ingles said that, although he has had to do many repairs on the building he has leased for the past three decades, city inspectors have attested to its soundness multiple times. Other owners and managers of the businesses that would be displaced spoke out about how the area already hosts a thriving, mixed-use neighborhood that succeeds because of the affordability of the existing buildings. The three cottages "cannot be replaced," nor can the character of this neighborhood, said Pete Hartley, the manager of The Broken Spoke at 602 S. Dubuque St. Although many local historians attest to the historic value of the three cottages, the buildings have not been declared local landmarks. As such, the commission does not have the authority to stop Pacha from obtaining a demolition permit for the three buildings if he wanted to do so. Reporter Jeff Charis-Carlson can be contacted at 319-887-5435 or jchadsc@press-citizen.com. Read or Share this story: http://icp-c.conVltggcuV MORE STORIES Committee: More money needed for senior services (/st- Qd=ws/local/2014/12/01/senior- services- recommendations- ad-hoc- committee/ 19760659/) (/story/news/local/2014/12/O1/mnior-services- recommendations-ad-hoc-committee/19760659/) Dec. 1, 2014,8:58 pm. UIHC pushes back deadline for new scrubs for nurses (/story/news/education/2014/12/01/uihc- scrubs-deadlines-nurses-extended/19760547/) Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 2:34 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages Form Submission New Form Submission Name: Larry Johnson Email: lajohnsonl kgmail.com Message: Form submitted from website: www.ic-fhp.org Visitor IP address: 70.198.4.61 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 3:03 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages Form Submission New Form Submission Name: Dan Campion Email: jecdre e,earthlink.net Message:My wife JoAnn and I lived in a little cottage at 222 E. Prentiss Street, just down the hill from the cottages. Each Friday night, we'd go to 610 Dubuque for the poetry readings in Jim Mulac's bookstore. His shop was a center of literary activity in the late '70s and early '80s in our "City of Literature." JoAnn and I have visited many such places around the country, where the towns had the good sense to keep their heritage standing and recognize such structures as assets to treasure. What a travesty it would be for Iowa City to knock down and bury its own living cultural history. Let's not do that. Form submitted from website: www.ic-fhp.org Visitor IP address: 63.228.162.139 Marian Karr From: council@iowa-city.org Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 3:47 PM To: Council Subject: Cottages on Dubuque Submission New Form Submission Name: Doris Eckey Email: deckeygiowadsl.net Message: To City Councillors: Please do not allow the cottages at 608, 610, and 614 S. Dubuque to be destroyed. They are charming and possess historic value. They are deserving of historic landmark status. There are far too many boring, characterless, mixed use buildings infesting our downtown already. We do not need more of them. They all look the same; they house businesses which are packaged just the same. These businesses tend to be faceless, indistinguishable, and short lived. It is like the difference between a vinyl recording with an interesting jacket design versus a fat box of CDs in white paper sleeves. Which recording will be listened to most often? The one with the distinctive cover art, or one of a dozen housed within a homogeneous exterior? I think the answer is obvious. Please call a halt to the homogenization of downtown and preserve the distinctive, quirky buildings we have left. Sincerely, Doris Eckey Form submitted from website: www.salvagebam.org Visitor IP address: 173.30.5.118 Z --�- �1 -.I,) Marian Karr From: Carmen Machado <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 3:18 PM To: Council Subject: 5 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 5 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa Cites Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 20 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: httn://www.chan2e.ora/n/citv-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 20. Carmen Machado Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 18. Austin Kinney Iowa City, Iowa 17. Brett Karlan Inwood, Iowa 16. Kelli Parsons Iowa City, Iowa 15. Mark Grulke Iowa City, Iowa Marian Karr From: Kalmia Strong <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 4:14 PM To: Council Subject: 10 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 10 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa City Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 40 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: httn://www.chanp-e.ora/p/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 40. Kalmia Strong Iowa City, Iowa 39. Andy Brodie Iowa City, Iowa 38. Frederik Norberg Iowa City, Iowa 37. Jasmine Terrell Iowa City, Iowa 35. Katy Meyer Iowa City, Iowa 34. margo magee swim iowa city, Iowa 33. Bethany Condon Iowa City, Iowa 32. christa johnson North Liberty, Iowa 31. Brian Lenth Iowa City, Iowa 29. Matthew Majarucon Iowa City, Iowa Marian Karr From: Todd Kimm <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 4:31 PM To: Council Subject: 10 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 10 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa City: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 49 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: http://www.change.org/p/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 50. Todd Kimm Amana, Iowa 49. Gerrit Wynkoop Iowa City, Iowa 48. Alicia Trimble Iowa City, Iowa 47. Donald Baxter Iowa City, Iowa 46. Alexandra Geraets Iowa City, Iowa 45. Aubrey Bierwirth Glasgow, United Kingdom 43. Mary Weber Coralville, Iowa 42. Madeline Cole Iowa City, Iowa 41. Ross Meyer Iowa City, Iowa 40. Kalmia Strong Iowa City, Iowa ff Marian Karr From: Matthieu Biger <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 4:54 PM To: Council Subject: 10 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 10 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa City: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 80 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: http://www.change_or p/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 78. Harry Olmstead Iowa City, Iowa 77. annie servin West Branch, Iowa 76. Judith Pascoe Iowa City, Iowa 75. Sylvia Bochenr Iowa City, Iowa 73. Julia Skinner Tallahassee, Florida 72. Ashlee Wilson Iowa City, Iowa 71. Thomas Miller Jupiter, Florida 70. James Robinson Iowa City, Iowa 68. Ansel cummings Riverside, Iowa 67. Sarah Marie Kosch Coralville, Iowa Marian Karr From: Carrie Nichols <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 5:02 PM To: Council Subject: 10 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 10 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa City: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 90 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: http://www.change.org_/p/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 90. Carrie Nichols Iowa City, Iowa 89. hart epstein iowa city, Iowa 88. Claire Czerwionka Iowa City, Iowa 86. Christina Stanton Coralville, Iowa 84. jody escobar Iowa City, Iowa 83. Jackie Biger Iowa City, Iowa 82. Alex Persels Iowa City, Iowa 81. Joshua Carroll Iowa City, Iowa 78. Harry Olmstead Iowa City, Iowa 77. annie servin West Branch, Iowa Marian Karr From: Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 5:09 PM To: Council Subject: 10 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 10 new people recently signed Nialle Sylvan's petition "City Council of Iowa Cites Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks" on Change.org. There are now 100 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: httn://www.chanae.orv/D/citv-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 100. Kristy Hartsgrove Mooers Iowa City, Iowa 99. Al Raymond Iowa City, Iowa 98. Robin Stoker Mount Vernon, Iowa 97. Jessica Barton Iowa City, Iowa 96. Andrew Wittenmyer Iowa City, Iowa 95. Abby Jessen Iowa City, Iowa 94. Stacia Rain Iowa City, Iowa 93. Cordelia Logan Iowa City, Iowa 92. Tonya Wegner Iowa City, Iowa 91. Nateasa McGuire Iowa City, Iowa Marian Karr From: Abigail Ravn <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Monday, December 01, 2014 9:39 PM To: Council Subject: 100 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 100 People Recently Add Their Names To %{Petition Creator}'S Petition "%{Petition Title}" That Means More Than 500 People Have Signed On There are now 300 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: http://www.change.org/p/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 300. Abigail Ravn Iowa City, Iowa 299. Jennifer VansCoy Cedar Rapids, Iowa 298. Della Nuno Iowa City, Iowa 297. Kathleen Galloway -Menke Des Moines, Iowa 296. Erika Binegar Iowa City, Iowa 295. Marika estrada Iowa City, Iowa 293. Will Rosenstangle Iowa City, Iowa 291. Neil Menjares Iowa City, Iowa 290. Abraham Kline Golden, Colorado 289. Stephanie Brohman Iowa City, Iowa 288. Leah deMatta Coralville, Iowa 287. trish nelson iowa city, Iowa 286. Grace Kreger Iowa City, Iowa 285. Daniel schellberg Iowa City, Iowa 284. Sandra Coobs Elkader, Iowa 283. Jenny Arnold North Liberty, Iowa 282. benjamin hansen fairfield, Iowa 280. Kathleen Crose Iowa City, Iowa 279. Merit Bickner Iowa City, Iowa 278. Miranda Cornell Shellsburg, Iowa 277. Thomas Carsner Iowa City, Iowa 276. Alyse Burnside Iowa City, Iowa 275. Bryan Pierce Iowa City, Iowa 274. Chelsea Cox Cleveland, Mississippi 273. Gloria Hartley Iowa City, Iowa 272. sarah kanouse Iowa City, Iowa 271. John Hopkins Iowa City, Iowa 270. Lindsey Boorman Iowa City, Iowa 269. Amy McBeth North Liberty, Iowa 268. Andrea Greathouse Iowa City, Iowa 267. Kylie Buddin Iowa City, Iowa 266. Emily Braverman Iowa City, Iowa 265. Alyssa Bowman Iowa City, Iowa 264. Philip Kean Iowa City, Iowa 263. Kate Hess Iowa City, Iowa 262. Angela Weaver Iowa City, Iowa 261. Deborah Hannen Iowa City, Iowa 259. Christopher Dusek Iowa City, Iowa 258. Alena Green Iowa City, Iowa 257. Alicia Sachtjen Iowa City, Iowa 254. Sharada Shreve -Price Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 253. Tara Atkinson Seattle, Washington 252. Cindy Nagel Iowa City, Iowa 250. Karen Disbrow Iowa City, Iowa 249. Wendy Cochran Silver Springs, Nevada 248. Angela Romero Iowa City, Iowa 247. Bill Friedman Evanston, Illinois 246. Bridget Malone Coralville, Iowa 245. Gregory Delzer Iowa City, Iowa 244. Sidney Hansen Coralville, Iowa 243. Samantha Baehr Iowa City, Iowa 242. Ryan Dusil Cedar Rapids, Iowa 241. John Engelbrecht Iowa City, Iowa 240. Thomas Miller Jr Banks, Oregon 239. Neil Mincey Lone Tree, Iowa 238. Rachel Tokuhisa Iowa City, Iowa 237. Kelly Carney Iowa City, Iowa 236. Patrick Naick North Liberty, Iowa 235. Charlotte Wright Iowa City, Iowa 234. Pam Michaud Iowa City, Iowa 233. Jenika Shannon Iowa City, Iowa 231. Joseph Smith Iowa City, Iowa 230. LINDA CARNEY Iowa City, Iowa 228. David Showalter Cedar Rapids, Iowa 227. Kim Wolfram Spring City, Pennsylvania 226. Margo Glass North Liberty, Iowa 223. Jill sabroske Iowa City, Iowa 222. Sydney Smith Chicago, Illinois 221. Rob Decker Iowa City, Iowa 220. Jamie Engel Iowa City, Iowa 219. James Smith Iowa City, Iowa 218. Marianne Hopewell Iowa City, Iowa 217. Jake Kundert Iowa City, Iowa 216. Anne stork Riverside, Iowa 215. Kris Ruddle Iowa City, Iowa 214. Mark Pooley Iowa City, Iowa 213. Constance Dexter Mount Vernon, Iowa 212. Amy Pedersen Iowa City, Iowa 211. Katie Gandhi Iowa City, Iowa 210. Brennan Bogert Iowa City, Iowa 209. Analia Alegre Iowa City, Iowa z 207. barbara larpenter Lone Tree, Iowa 205. lori steele Nichols, Iowa 203. Kathleen Tandy Iowa City, Iowa 200. Casey Daley Iowa City, Iowa 199. Laura Webber Solon, Iowa 198. Becky Boscaljon Iowa City, Iowa 197. Anne Duggan Iowa City, Iowa 196. Katie Hassman Iowa City, Iowa 195. Kathie Gerber Lu Verne, Iowa 194. Lauren Negaard Chicago, Illinois 193. Brett Berke Hamden, Connecticut 192. John White Germantown, Illinois 191. Emily Matson Iowa City, Iowa 189. Thomas Dean Iowa City, Iowa 188. Bonnie Bradley Iowa City, Iowa 187. Katie Ferring Iowa City, Iowa 186. Sally Terukina North Liberty, Iowa 185. Melissa Zimdars iowa city, Iowa 183. Courtenay Bouvier Iowa City, Iowa Marian Karr From: Mark Remeikis <mail@changemail.org> Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 2:08 AM To: Council Subject: 100 new people signed: Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks 100 People Recently Add Their Names To %{Petition Creator}'S Petition "%{Petition Title}" That Means More Than 500 People Have Signed On There are now 400 signatures on this petition. Read reasons why people are signing, and respond to Nialle Sylvan by clicking here: httn://www.chanae.orv-/t)/city-council-of-iowa-city-declare-608-610-and-612-south-dubuque-street- landmarks/responses/new?response=7cOd897268ef Dear City Council of Iowa City, Declare 608, 610, and 612 South Dubuque Street Landmarks Sincerely, 399. Neo McAdams Iowa City, Iowa 398. Holly Hart Iowa City, Iowa 397. Caitlin McGowan Coralville, Iowa 396. Laura Isham Iowa City, Iowa 395. Joshua Spain Polk City, Iowa 394. Helene Lubaroff Iowa City, Iowa 392. Debbie Hartley Iowa City, Iowa 391. Lori Wise Coralville, Iowa 390. Tanner Gardiner Urbandale, Iowa 389. Matthew Peters Iowa City, Iowa 388. Luan Heywood Iowa City, Iowa 387. Sarah Cartwright Des Moines, Iowa 386. Emmaline Pohnl Portland, Oregon 385. Jason Grubbe Iowa City, Iowa 384. Julie Schmitz Dubuque, Iowa 383. Renee Goethe Iowa City, Iowa 381. Lauren Seruya Iowa City, Iowa 380. Christine Bricker Iowa City, Iowa 379. Jason Verber Clarksville, Tennessee 378. Ann Dudler Iowa City, Iowa 377. Fernando Castro Ortiz Iowa City, Iowa 376. Justin Haines Eugene, Oregon 375. Stella Hart Iowa City, Iowa 374. ken strampe Iowa City, Iowa 373. April Rahe Rochester, New York 372. Jeffrey Mead Iowa City, Iowa 369. F. John Herbert Cedar Rapids, Iowa 368. Sarah Masengarb Des Moines, Iowa 367. Lee Burress Iowa City, Iowa 366. Jordan Running Iowa City, Iowa 365. Megan Hartley Orem, Utah 364. nanciya Wernett Iowa City, Iowa 363. Laurie Haag Iowa City, Iowa 362. Ed Nehring Iowa City, Iowa 361. Rachel Fotheringham Iowa City, Iowa 360. David Withey Albuquerque, New Mexico 357. Nathan Smith Oxford, Iowa 356. Nathan Ferguson Iowa City, Iowa 355. Jennifer Britton Iowa City, Iowa 354. Leigh Ann Randak Iowa City, Iowa 353. Shannon Hammen Miner Iowa City, Iowa 351. Julia Leonard Iowa City, Iowa 350. Stacia Scott Iowa City, Iowa 349. Noelle McClellan Mount Vernon, Iowa 348. Christopher Carpenter Coralville, Iowa 347. Barbara Buss Iowa City, Iowa 346. Joe Lee east moline, Illinois 344. dave moore Iowa City, Iowa 343. Jeremy Dombrock Iowa City, Iowa 342. Jonathan Chown Iowa City, Iowa 341. Benjamin Hartley Spanish Fork, Utah 340. Bethann Gavin Davenport, Iowa 339. Jill Tomek Iowa City, Iowa 338. Joe McNertney Iowa City, Iowa 337. Kim Ewert Iowa City, Iowa 336. nancy romalov Iowa City, Iowa 335. Megan Carney Iowa City, Iowa 333. Annie Gauger Randolph, Massachusetts 332. Quinn Montgomery Oxford, Iowa 331. Ana Rodriguez Iowa City, Iowa 330. Jeremy Endsley Iowa City, Iowa 329. allison donnell Coralville, Iowa 328. Chad Blanchard Coralville, Iowa 326. Dennis Bricker Iowa City, Iowa 325. Christopher Willauer Iowa City, Iowa 324. Randy Poole Iowa City, Iowa 323. Jennifer Sessions Iowa City, Iowa 322. Andrea Pintar Des Moines, Iowa 321. Elizabeth Deifell Iowa City, Iowa 320. Veronica Armstrong Coralville, Iowa 319. Cassie Wittenbaugh Ankeny, Iowa 318. Dylan Salisbury Iowa City, Iowa 317. Cameron Johnson Coralville, Iowa 316. Stella Clark Iowa City, Iowa 315. jill oulman Iowa City, Iowa 313. Craig Carney Iowa City, Iowa 312. Teresa Kopel Iowa City, Iowa 311. Megan Samuelson Iowa City, Iowa 309. Brendan Baylor Ashland, Wisconsin 308. britta young Iowa City, Iowa 307. Renee McCrary Cedar Rapids, Iowa 2 306. emily norveisas iowa city, Iowa 305. Sharon Hoke Iowa City, Iowa 304. James Pobst Iowa City, Iowa 303. Katherine Parker Bryden Hamden, Connecticut 302. Shana Wagner Cedar Rapids, Iowa 300. Abigail Ravn Iowa City, Iowa 299. Jennifer VansCoy Cedar Rapids, Iowa 298. Della Nuno Iowa City, Iowa 297. Kathleen Galloway -Menke Des Moines, Iowa 296. Erika Binegar Iowa City, Iowa 295. Marika estrada Iowa City, Iowa 293. Will Rosenstangle Iowa City, Iowa 291. Neil Menjares Iowa City, Iowa 290. Abraham Kline Golden, Colorado 289. Stephanie Brohman Iowa City, Iowa 288. Leah deMatta Coralville, Iowa 287. trish nelson iowa city, Iowa 286. Grace Kreger Iowa City, Iowa 285. Daniel schellberg Iowa City, Iowa 3_11 3f(13) Marian Karr From: Nancy Bird <nancy@downtowniowacity.com> Sent: Monday, November 24, 2014 2:45 PM To: Council Subject: Tues Dec 9 at 9am Mayor Hayek and City Council Members, As many of you may know, the IC Downtown District has been working on a retail strategy this fall. We hired a consultant, Downtown Works, to take a look at our market, let us know our potential, and help us set a deliberate path towards growing our existing businesses and where appropriate, recruit new. The City made a generous $10,000 contribution towards the total $45,000 strategy cost and Jeff Davidson has been involved in this process all along. This work wraps up this December and it's information we are excited to share with our City Council. Please join me December 9 at 9am at the Iowa City Public Library Meeting Room A to hear about the "plan" and get your feedback on ways we can work together to strengthen our offerings. We recognize that you have other work within the community, but hope you can schedule this earlier time frame into your busy schedules. We will need to collaborate with the City of Iowa City to implement this plan - so this is great information for you to have as background. We will have strong participation from our retailers (restaurants and goods/services) at this event. Please feel free to email or call me with questions prior to the meeting. Have a great Thanksgiving week! Nancy Bird Executive Director Iowa City Downtown District downtowniowacity.com 3f(14) Marian Karr From: Pooneet Kant <pooneet@uber.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 9:55 AM To: Council; Simon Andrew Cc: Carla Jacobs Subject: Uber and Iowa City Dear members of the Iowa City Council: Last week, I met with Simon Andrew to discuss the proposed ordinance to regulate services like Uber in Iowa City. Uber has been interested in the Iowa City market for several months, and reached out proactively to City staff to discuss expansion plans. While we greatly appreciate the time and effort that City staff has put into the ordinance, as contemplated Uber would not be able to operate a business in Iowa City. Uber is a technology company that connects riders and drivers through a smartphone application. Present in over 250 cities and 50 countries, Uber is now responsible for the creation of over 50,000 job opportunities per month. By connecting users with a safe, reliable and seamless ride, and with unprecedented accountability and transparency built into the system, Uber has transformed the way users think about their transportation options. For riders, Uber connects users with transportation on -demand, wherever and whenever they choose at the touch of a button. The seamless experience means never having to worry about finding a ride or having cash. For drivers, Uber's lead generation software facilitates powerful entrepreneurship opportunity. Drivers make far more — and with greater flexibility — than any other option available to them. For cities, Uber means faster economic development, more jobs, and significant economic output. With Uber, consumers gain access to the highest quality transportation with the fastest response time, resulting in a reliable and elegant way to move around. Uber's presence also lowers incidents of impaired driving. The availability and affordability of rides on the Uber network provide the residents and visitors of Uber cities with an important alternative to drunk driving, marking a considerable contribution to the welfare of a community and reducing DUI arrests by tens of thousands across the nation. Uber's recent econometric analysis shows that, for example, the entrance of the Uber platform in Seattle caused the number of arrests for DUI to decrease by more than 10 percent. In cities similar to Iowa City where Uber has recently launched, roughly 75% of all rides occur on Friday and Saturday nights between 9PM and 3AM - exactly the time when people are most likely to be confronted with decisions about drinking and driving. We have reviewed the proposed ordinance, and as discussed with Mr. Andrew, have prepared specific feedback. Ordinance Feedback: Definitions • Context: Network Representative, Network Taxicab, and Network Taxicab Business do not accurately reflect the Uber business model. • Suggested change: Insert new definitions describing transportation network companies, drivers, and services. Uber can provide sample language. Business License • Context: Uber is not a taxicab business, so would not be successful under the currently proposed qualifications, particularly requiring driver authorization by the city clerk. • Suggested change: Establish requirements unique to transportation network companies and create a TNC Permit. Uber can share specific language. Accessibility of Records Context: Uber data is proprietary and in a competitive market such as ridesharing, we must protect this data. Uber provides the information included in the proposed regulations (driver name and photo, license plate number of vehicle, and vehicle make and model) to riders to ensure the connection between rider and driver is made. Uber could make this information accessible to the city in ways such as: through a third party, anonymized, or through an audit process. Uber is committed to ensuring safety for riders, drivers, and citizens/visitors to Iowa City and would work with the city and law enforcement to address any criminal investigation. Suggested change: Insert language on audit for data. We can provide models from other cities or work with the city on a solution. Driver Requirements Context: Because of information included in the records section above, Uber can not support a proposal that would include permitting by a city. Uber has strict policies regarding driver requirements, such as an industry leading background check and driving history. Suggested change: insert language specific to driver requirements, which would include a requirement for a driver to apply to the TNC rather than the city. The ordinance could require standards to which the TNC conducts the application review process. We can provide sample language. Vehicle Requirements • Context: Uber drivers' vehicles are not hailed on the street, so many provisions do not apply, such as dome light, lettering on the vehicle, standard color, etc. Uber has high standards for vehicle quality and utilizes a real-time rating system for riders to provide feedback, including on the vehicle. If there are questions about safety or mechanics of a vehicle, Uber can suspend a driver's access to the app until the issue is resolved. • Suggested change: Seek clarity from city on which provisions would apply to TNC. Insert language specific to TNC vehicles. We can provide sample language. Decal Context: Because Uber drivers' vehicles are not dispatched or hailed, decals are not a means to identification. Suggested change: exempt TNC from this requirement Liability Insurance Requirement Rates: Context: Uber provides automotive liability insurance coverage to protect drivers, riders, and the public. Uber provides commercial liability coverage of $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage involving a TNC Driver's operation of a motor vehicle while providing TNC Services and contingent liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage during the time that a TNC Driver is logged into the TNC's digital network and available to receive requests for transportation, but is not providing TNC Services. Suggested next step: City to provide additional clarity on proposed requirements for Uber counsel review. Context: Uber's business model allows for dynamic pricing during period of high demand. This comes in the form of a multiplier to a rate/distance fare calculation. The increase in the fare is provided to the driver as an incentive for additional drivers to get on the road to equalize the demand for vehicles. Suggestion- adjust language to allow for dynamic pricing. As part of our outreach to the city, we provided a variety of ordinances that have been passed by other jurisdictions which in our view serve as excellent models that meet the city's goal of ensuring public safety while also allowing us to operate a business. These cities include places as varied as Tulsa, Baton Rouge, Minneapolis, Austin, and Washington DC. We remain excited about the Iowa City market, and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the city on this topic. Please let me know if you have any questions at all about Uber's business model, operations, policies, or anything else. In addition, I understand that this ordinance will be discussed in a work session on Tuesday, December 2 at 5pm. A colleague of mine, Carla Jacobs, will be in attendance to answer any questions you might have in person. Best, Pooneet Kant General Manager, Uber Midwest Expansion Pooneet Kant General Manager https://www.uber.com/ Y(15) Marian Karr From: Marian Karr Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:36 PM To: 'hsin lin' Subject: RE: senior center yes. Thank you for your email regarding the Senior Center. The Ad Hoc Senior Services Committee has completed their work and submitted a report to the City Council. The report can be viewed on the City Council website. The November 25 City Council Information Packet is available at: http://www.ic og v.org/councilDocs I will pass along your remarks to the City Council. Marian K. Karr, MMC City Clerk From: hsin lin [mailto:hsinlin65@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2014 1:06 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: senior center yes. Dear committee members: My name is Hsin Lin lived at 15 valley view knoll , Iowa city for the past 50 years. Senior center has offered a good opportunity to spend my retirement. It is a well organized and warm place for the people like us seniors. I attended the class and activities. Without their class "writing your life story" class I would never have written my early childhood memory. Without their art exhibition I would never show my painting to the public. I certainly will take other classes or activities in the f iture.This is only for my benefit out of the senior center. I feel we should make senior center much better building and facility for the senior to enjoy their life not less. Every one will need this place not now it will be in the future. A city like ours should provide of this kind of facility for our parents and grandparents to enjoy old age respectfully and comfortably. We take care of our young and we build a new children hospital and we should build a new senior building for our senior center let all the senior enjoy their life in the best facility and support. If any one who has parents or grand parent and who is working age should vote to support the senior center and make it bigger and better. Sincerely yours, Hsin Lin Marian Karr From: John Thomas <johnfredericthomas@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, November 29, 2014 8:18 AM To: Council Subject: New Development Attachments: What's Next .docx Dear City Council, I submitted the attached letter to the Press Citizen today. John Thomas Iowa City Where are we as a City heading with our new development? Development is hardly new to Iowa City. Over the past 50 years, we have seen both its beneficial and detrimental effects. When significant detrimental effects occur, they usually follow intensified - as opposed to gradual - development. Examples include dramatic increases in population densities in our central neighborhoods and more generally within the University Impact Zone. We have also witnessed, as across from the New Pioneer Co-op, what can happen when dramatic intensities of use occur where a residential neighborhood meets a growing commercial district. Potential losses to the community from detrimental development can be considerable, including: • Closing of locally -owned shops and enterprises • Limiting opportunities for affordable housing and local businesses due to the high cost of new construction (and high land costs when construction is in or near Downtown) • Demolishing historically significant and older buildings • Damaging the continuous fabric of the townscape • Damaging public and private access to light, air, and views • Concentrating traffic and increased parking demand Good development, where development in one location strives to preserve or enhance values all around it, is challenging enough to accomplish, but our community also has many other issues entering into our discussion of intensified development: • Housing the existing and anticipated rise in student population without further damaging our residential neighborhoods • Increasing the availability of affordable and diverse housing in multi -generational neighborhoods • Increasing the availability of affordable commercial properties, especially in and near Downtown • Addressing a backlog of infrastructure work and pressing social needs, in the face of anticipated decreased tax revenues • Gaining broader public support for the City's economic programs and policies encouraging good development • Achieving the health, social and environmental benefits of reducing our dependence on fossil fuels I submit we need many conversations among ourselves, both as neighbors and in larger community gatherings attended by public officials, over the next few months. These problems cannot be resolved building by building without due consideration to the kinds of environmental and socio-economic challenges noted above. Attention to the City, in all its complexity, must inform our decisions. Marian Karr From: Harry Olmstead <HarryO3@AOL.com> Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2014 12:50 PM To: Jim Throgmorton; Kingsley Botchway; Jeffery L Ford; Jeff Kellbach; WELSHBOB@aol.com; Simon Andrew; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Stefanie Bowers Subject: Fwd: New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com -------- Original Message -------- Subject: RE: New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com From: "Manternach, Brian C' <brian-manternach@uiowa.edu> Sent: Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 11:26 AM To: HarrY03 <HarrYO3@aol.com> CC: Hi Harry, It was a pleasure meeting you as well. Thank you for sharing this article with me. I really enjoyed reading it, especially when they referred to "Silver Design" and "Silver Architecture". Along those lines, here is something that is very much aligned with that concept. It is a project scoping and assessment model titled MAPPS (Measuring Accessibility Points Plan & Standards). http://www.facilities.uiowa.edu/accessibiliiyy/mgpps.html It includes an extensive checklist of accessibility considerations and provides an excellent framework for scoping a project design. It also offers a rating system to aid understanding the relative extent of universal design. Wouldn't it be great if local municipalities would adopt or simply consider such requirements for their facilities? Please feel free to share your thoughts and any ideas on how to move forward with concepts like this on a local level. Brian Brian Manternach Facilities Management Accessibility Coordinator The University of Iowa Building & Landscape Services 260 University Services Building Iowa City, IA 52242 Ph. 319-384-0654 From: HarryO3 [mailto:Harry03kaol.com] Sent: Saturday, November 01, 2014 9:31 PM To: Manternach, Brian C Subject: New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com http•//mobile n)times coml20l4/11/02lopinionlsundgylnew-buildings-for-older-people.html?referrer= Brian It was a pleasure meeting you at the UI Disabilities Awards on Thursday. I thought that the link to the article above, may be of some interest to you. Harry Olmstead. 319-338-2931 home. 319-855-2666 cell Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone Marian Karr From: Harry Olmstead <HarryO3@AOL.com> Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2014 1:09 PM To: WELSHBOB@aol.com; Jeff Kellbach; Jeffery L Ford; Janelle Rettig; Rod Sullivan; Simon Andrew; Rick Dobyns; Terry Dickens; Kingsley Botchway; Jim Throgmorton; Susan Mims; Tom Markus; Stefanie Bowers; Susan Blodgett; Jackie Blank; John Etheredge; Leonard Sandler Subject: New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com http•//mobile.nytimes.com/2014/11/02/opinion/sundae/new-buildings-for-older-peopie.htmI?referrer New Buildings fc Opinion New Buildings for Older People BENOICTE MULLER By LOUISE ARONSON NOVEMBER 1, 2014 SAN FRANCISCO — I HEARD about the new building for months before I saw it. Part of a leading medical center, its green architecture and design were getting a lot of attention, as was its integration of top-notch modern medicine with health and wellness spaces inspired by cultures from around the world. My father's doctor had http://mobile.nytimes.coml2O l4l l l /02lopinionlsundaylnew-buildings-for-older-people.htm... 12/1/2014 New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 6 moved there, and driving to his appointment we looked forward to experie-neiiIL8 the cutting-edge new building firsthand. SHARE TWEET MORE Outside, I unloaded the walker and led my 82 -year-old father through the sliding glass doors. Inside, there was a single bench made of recycled materials. I noticed it didn't have the arm supports that a frail elderly person requires to safely sit down and get back up. It was a long trek to the right clinic and I was double-parked outside. Helping my father onto the bench, I said, "Wait here," and hoped he would remember to do so long enough for me to park and return. He nodded. We were used to this. It happened almost everywhere we went: at restaurants, the bank, the airport, department stores. Many of these places — our historic city hall, with its wide steps and renovated dome, the futuristic movie theater and the new clinic — were gorgeous. The problem was that not one of them was set up to facilitate access by someone like my father. That may have been intentional. A few years earlier, I'd heard about a new community center where the older adult program was positioned so attendees entered via a nondescript side entrance in order not to "scare off' the younger people the center hoped to attract. Such approaches once may have made sense from a business perspective, but current demographic realities are creating financial and practical reasons to build more homes, businesses, health care facilities and public buildings that are well suited to older people's needs. The Americans With Disabilities Act's guidelines help, but they do not ensure access or safety for this unique and rapidly growing population. Many buildings are A.D.A.-compliant and still difficult to navigate for older adults who have one or more physical, sensory or cognitive challenges, and especially for the frail elderly who have many. To some, this may sound like a small issue. It's not. Over 40 million Americans are 65 or older, and 11 million — the fastest growing segment of the older population — are over age 80. Too often, current buildings turn impairments — a bum leg, less - than -perfect hearing, the inability to walk long distances — into handicaps. Ironically, this includes not just restaurants, multilevel houses and large businesses, but most health care structures. I hear about this regularly in my role as a doctor who makes house calls. While patients often end up in our Care at http://mobile.nytimes.coml2Ol4/11 /02lopinionlsundaylnew-buildings-for-older-people.htm... 12/1/2014 New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com Page 3 of 6 Home practice because they can no longer leave tlhelr lioliies, riot iii r-equeuiiy use problem is at the other end: the hospital or clinic is tooWa -to naviT&FJ. MORE Still, it wasn't until I left my father at the much -lauded new green clinic that it occurred to me that the challenges that he and my patients faced navigating medical facilities were symptomatic of a larger societal problem. Just as green architecture and design came into being in response to the energy crisis of the late 1970s, we in the 21st century have to start creatively building to meet the challenges of our aging population. We need "silver" architecture and design. What would a silver building look like? For starters, it would be well -lit, and offer easy, safe access that doesn't require pulling open heavy doors or remembering a key. Building materials would minimize noise, overstimulation, distraction and the risk of falls. Doors, rooms and public areas would accommodate walkers, wheelchairs and a person walking arm in arm with a caregiver. There would be sturdy, regularly spaced chairs where people could rest and regroup. None of this is novel. These and other strategies are already in use in many long- term care facilities and in specialized areas of hospitals, such as geriatric emergency departments or acute care of the elderly units. But they aren't nearly as prevalent as they should be. Diana C. Anderson, a resident physician at Columbia University Medical Center who is also a licensed architect (she calls herself a "dochitect"), says that "despite the growing health care specialization in architecture, many spaces in health facilities are ill suited for their actual use." Health care might be the ideal sector to start developing design prototypes that could be applied to homes and even neighborhoods, so people can stay active and grow older without having to move to retirement homes. Over the next few years, we should begin to see prizes for excellence in silver design, just as there are awards for green buildings. When local communities review plans for new or improved buildings, they should start by asking questions not only about job creation and traffic flow, and, for green buildings, about sustainability and energy use, but also about how well the design meets the needs of residents and consumers of all ages. In health care, leaders should examine the considerable data on how facilities harm and hinder older patients, and move forward only with buildings that prioritize equal access, health and safety. Some might say that buildings can't cater to every group with special needs. But silver architecture and design aren't about indulging a special interest group. http: //mobile. nytimes. com/2014/ l l /02lopinionlsundaylnew-buildings-for-older-people.htm... 12/1/2014 New Buildings for Older People - NYTimes.com Page 4 of 6 They're about maximizing quality of life and independence for a iife stage Iilusi. ui us will reach. SHARE TWEET MORE Green architecture is good for the environment; silver architecture is good for humans. The best new buildings will be both. http://mobile.nytime s. com/2014/ 11 /02/opinion/sunday/new-buildings-for-older-people.htm... 12/1/2014 v Yellow Cab of Iowa City P.O. Box 428 Iowa City, IA 52244 "T.Pen (319) 338-9777 December 1, 2014 RE: taxicab ordinance Member of the Iowa City City Council: DEC 01 1014 Cit; Cle ov%a City, Iowa In regard to the working draft (November 20, 2014) of the Iowa City taxicab ordinance, the draft ordinance seemingly creates two platforms for taxicab businesses, distinguished by whether or not the company connects to passengers via a smartphone app. While there is no denying that using smartphone and web -based application technology in the taxicab industry is innovative and exciting, it does not substantially amount to a significant shift in taxicab operations that warrants a reduction in the City's interest in public safety and consumer protection. For years, the City has repeatedly re -addressed its taxicab ordinance to ensure safe, inspected vehicles staffed by drivers screened by the Police Department for driving record and criminal background. In addition, the City has continuously tweaked its ordinance to ensure the riding public pays a metered, pre -structured fare, without unexpected surcharges or mufti -tiered rate formulas. These concerns have been central to the changes the Council thought necessary when enacting revised ordinances. In short, a taxicab company that dispatches via web -based technology nevertheless conducts taxicab business; whether or not a company uses this technology or not, passengers are still being driven from Point A to Point B for profit. We would like to see the proposed ordinance ensure that all taxicab companies and drivers are subject to the same requirements to ensure safe and responsible service from all companies involved. I will be in attendance at Tuesday's work session should you have any questions or comments for me. Sincerely, Roger E. Bradley Manager _4 Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 11:51 AM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, During the campaign for the last City Council election all candidates voiced support for increasing the supply of affodable housing options in Iowa City and agreed to work towards that goal. Those of you who were elected and those who will be running for election in the future have an opportunity to "put the rubber to the road" by endorsing the following plan. As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Keep the promises you made during the election cycle. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Valerie Kemp 4332 Camino del Rio Iowa City, Iowa 52240 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 11:52 AM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, Households on tight budgets, like MINE would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. When purchasing a home in Johnson County 12 years ago, I found myself unable to afford a home in the Iowa City area. I work in high poverty schools in Iowa City and I volunteer in Southeast Iowa City BUT I CANNOT AFFORD TO LIVE IN IOWA CITY. I shop and spend in Iowa City, use the library, attend public events and meetings to improve the community, but I am unable to afford Iowa City living! I would like to live in the community I work within. Is this asking to much? I would like to be able to ride or walk to work, rather than take a 1.5 hour bus ride. As Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area SHOULD BENEFIT WORKING HOUSEHOLDS LIKE MINE and others in need. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters — and those LIKE ME who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. It is reasonable to expect AFFORDABLE HOUSING in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The WORKING, ELDERLY AND DISABLED in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like ALL OF YOU WEALTHY FOLKS!. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Stephanie Van Housen 2107 10th Street Coralville, IA 52241 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 1:41 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Hassan Abdelkarim 2425 Brtelt rd 2d Iowa City, IA 52246 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 12:58 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Becca Bender Becca Bender 40 Gryn Court Iowa City, Iowa 52246 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 12:59 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Clara Czerwionka 802 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 12:59 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. Acceptance of diversity follows when faces, personalities and names take the place of stereotypes and assumptions, this is facilitated by proximity and inclusion. Diversity creates vibrant and healthy neighborhoods. I want that for our community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, Barbara Bailey 2357 Willenbrock Circle Iowa City, IA 52245 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. t Marian Karr From: jcaffordablehomes@gmail.com Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2014 12:59 PM To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; jthrogmo@yahoo.com; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Michelle Payne Subject: IC City Council: Please support affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings 12/2/2014 Dear Council -members, As our Iowa City elected leaders, city staff, developers and advocates discuss the development of Riverfront Crossings, it is important to affirm the goal of an economically diverse neighborhood. Development in this area should benefit working households as well as elderly and disabled people. We need to strike a balance between more affluent residents -- students, young professionals, and empty -nesters – and those who have lower incomes but play important roles in our local economy and community. Households on tight budgets would benefit from the proximity to public transportation, health services, jobs, and university and cultural events downtown that Riverfront Crossings offers. All students—preschool through university-- would benefit from living in an economically diverse community. University students would live among and learn about people they will work with and serve in their professional lives. Diversity brings mutual respect and understanding and builds inclusive community. We are concerned because development is beginning to heat up in Riverfront Crossings, but there is not yet a transparent and consistent policy about affordable housing in the area. It is reasonable for developers to make a profit, but it is also reasonable to expect affordable housing in areas benefiting from significant public infrastructure investments. The working, elderly, and disabled people in this community deserve to have housing in good neighborhoods just like those of us who have been more financially blessed. With the Riverfront Crossings development, we can set a precedent that will benefit Iowa City for decades. Let's not miss the opportunity! Sincerely, annie servin 1930 lakeside drive iowa city, iowa 52240 This message was sent by the above individual via Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition's citizen input system. Qwe FURGUSON & THE RAFTER Ferguson is only tangentially connected to race. It's about ignorance of 20th century American History: 1919 Red Summer & Rodney King; and inept city governmental management. The outcome was predictable: Riots and destruction of private and public property. Governor Nixon; the Ferguson mayor, the City Council, the prosecutor, all parthenogenesis of the Neo -fascism sweeping through American politics which holds all citizens, Black & White in contempt. Evidenced by the resulting chaos because the National Guard was not called out in force to stand shoulder to shoulder. And why allow cross examination in a Grand Jury where only evidence is permitted? The winner in the Ferguson kafuffle: ISIS; ISL; Putin, and China because Ferguson exposes the hypocrisy of American Rule of Law. The Grand Jury proceedings were modeled on Chinese Secret Courts; Putin can laugh at the old Winston Churchill speech given on March 5, 1946, at the request of Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where Churchill gave his "Iron Curtain" declaration of an Iran Curtain closing in on the West; and ISIS and ISL can see why Iran refers to US as The Great Satan. 2 The losers: The 99%. Now that Chinese Secret Courts have become Stare Decisis, we can understand that Luke 6:41 really applies to US: Stop looking at the straw in our [Communist] brothers' eye, while ignoring the rafter in our own [Capitalist] eye. The rafter of governmental ignorance is what Ferguson represents, not race. December 1, 2014 Work session on Tuesday December 2, 2014 Dear City Council: Subject: Financial Assistance I would like to request financial assistance to my company, American taxi cab. That has been operating in Iowa City from 2009. I would like to request financial assistance to support my company that was greatly affected by two unfortunate license revocations that were wrongly implemented by the City Clerk. The first incident on behalf of the City Clerk's Office to negatively affect my company involved sending the court hearing letter to the wrong address. This caused a hearing to be conducted on a day, of which I had no prior knowledge about, where I was unable to be heard by the hearing committee. The second incident that negatively affected my company's appearance and reputation was by the Iowa City Police Department's false allegations in regards to a pending sexual assault case. Because of these allegations, I lost more than 25 contractors and my drivers now mistrust the company. In the end, the investigation proved that th.- actual suspect belonged to another company by the name (Vina Sun). For these two above reasons, I would like the city council to consider my application to grant me some financial assistance or even possible loans to fix this company damage. Thanks, Adil Adams 2532 Bartelt rd apt 1C Iowa City, IA 52246 Adaoud29@hotmail.com Cell Phone: 319-594-6902