HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-20 Correspondence01-20-15
Marian Karr 3f(1)
From: Marian Karr
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2015 7:58 AM
To: 'Vanessa Ryan'
Cc: City Charter; Council
Subject: RE: Council Participation in Charter Review?
Thank you for your email. A copy will be provided to both the Charter Review Commission and the City Council at their
next meeting. The Charter Review Commission will provide their recommendations to the City Council prior to April
1. You may wish to subscribe to receive their agendas and meeting materials, including minutes, by using the link below.
http://www.iowa-citV.org/icgov/apps/subscribe/
Please let me know if you have additional questions.
Marian K. Karr, MMC
City Clerk
From: Vanessa Ryan[mailto:vanessa.ryan91@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, January 02, 2015 10:34 AM
To: Council
Cc: City Charter
Subject: Council Participation in Charter Review?
Dear Council & Charter Review Members:
am a newcomer to this community, and read in the newspaper a while ago that you are reviewing the city's
charter. I am familiar with this process having lived in Tacoma, WA. It is a very high profile process there, with
online surveys, online city halls, direct mail flyers, etc., with buy -in and active participation from many
community groups. I recall talking to volunteers staffing info booths at the farmers market and they also had
outreach sessions throughout the community seeking input.
I'm not sure if this is an appropriate time to offer input but decided to go ahead anyway. I could not find any
information on the home page of the city website about charter review; however, if the process is still ongoing
I offer the following:
I was a bit surprised to see that I have heard of no suggestions for improvement and efficiencies submitted by
city staff or the city council itself to modernize its own administrative operations. This is a standard part of
Charter Review in Tacoma. It is difficult to believe that after the course of perhaps 60 years or so there are no
suggestions internally for streamlining the part of the city organization controlled by the city council, with
possible coordination and cost-effectiveness benefits. After all, in those days there were no internet,
computer networks, or other enhanced communication strategies we enjoy today. Most organizations today
reflect today's environment, not those of mid -20th century. There is also more concern for reducing the
taxpayer burden than there appeared to be in the past.
Specifically, I see that the city council, presently all part-time, has 3 employees to manage, supervise and
review. These would be the City Administrator, the City Attorney, and the City Clerk.
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I understand the current City Administrator has done an excellent job modernizing the organizational chart,
and merging smaller departments together to increase coordination and to decrease administrative overhead
costs. This I imagine has served to reduce the number of information "silos" and has benefitted the
organization in many ways.
In Tacoma, the City Attorney and the City Clerk's functions are joined together, with the City Attorney
ultimately supervising the Legal and City Clerk operations. They were in physical different offices I believe, but
organizationally they were joined together with one department head, the City Attorney.
This organization model offers the city council the same level of "check and a balance" to the role of the City
Administrator/Manager. The City Attorney would remain as the counter -balance to the role of the City
Administrator. The City Clerk remains responsible for administrative duties, under the supervision of the City
Attorney. Perhaps the City Clerk had a larger independent political role in the 1960s which would require the
position to be accountable only to the City Council, but I'm wondering why that may still apply today. If so, I
would like an explanation of that.
Without charter changes, it appears the part of the organization (Attorney/City Clerk) controlled by the city
council appear to be immune and protected from any reorganization iinitiatives to achieve both cost savings
and organizational coordination benefits that have occurred in the rest of the organization. Since it can be
considered only every ten years, I think now is a good time for the Council to consider its role and
responsibilities in modernizing and streamlining its own administrative function. Thank you.
Vanessa Ryan
Iowa City
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JERRY BOKASSA
P.O.Box 1905
Iowa City,Iowa
(213 -840 -2960 -cell)
ALERT -ALERT- ALERT. IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL.
In order to assist and protect the Iowa City Police in its now more Dangerous job.
Can you come up with a new ordinance that would punish Landlords and property owners Large Fines
For continuance of calls to the same address in Iowa City that directly connected to Section #8 housing
Drugs and any crime that is being commited at the same place.
Say $100 for the first $300 for the Second and $500. For the third,or evict the people in 30 days.
I said on June 9 -2014 in my Class -Action suit against the U.S .Government Housing,plus the City Org.
To the Judge "1F YOU DISMISS MY CASE YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE KILLING
OF A IOWA CITY POLICE OFFICER" (look it up)
This was before N.Y.P.D. because of my 30 years in the SLUMS of California. Now that it has happen else
Where don't make no difference, We have the same Type of people from the "SLUMS" here in Iowa City.
Some I know from L.A. SKID -ROW. I cannot sit here and watch this happen and not do all I can to stop
It, That Includes Notify The President Barrack Obama And the Dept of Justice who know me from the
( 1963 riots).
Following all that is being said on C.N.N,FOX about the trust of police and Black's none of them have mention
The "FACT" that "WE BLACK'S Have no real Leaders" The Mexican leaders in California have gotten
Drivers Licenses for Legals so thay can drive all the drugs from Texas,Arizona, Cali fomia to "IOWA CITY"
Most Blacks are to Stupid to do this,BUT do sell and use the stuff.
Our BLACK leaders are in prison (i.e) Jesse Jackson,JR for One,
I made it from Oskaloosa Iowa and a single mother to Union labor foreman and Union Journeyman Carpenter
Foreman,Not because 1 was `BLACK" it was because 1 was SMART,GOOD WORKER,BUT MOST OF
ALL 1 AM A "HAWKEYE"
[PLEADING TITLE] - 1
3f(3)
Members of the City Council:
Being a senior myself and having spent a lifetime working in and with several social service organizations, I have
become concerned about the services of SEATS. I live in North Liberty and fortunately am still able to drive. I
have also been fortunate to have met and worked with many of our special needs and disenfranchised
populations in and around Iowa City. Since retirement, I have volunteered on holidays at UpTown Bills. This
year their holidays were held on days other than the actual dates due to SEATS being unavailable for our riders
on the actual date. We were told this was due to the reduction in funds to SEATS.
The Senior Center of Johnson County is funded from the same budget as SEATS and it appears they are adding
programs by extending the age requirement for those services. Most of these younger members are still
employed and mobile. The services that attract them are duplications of services available at many other
facilities in town. This duplication is an increased expense and at a time when all budgets are being cut, it is
unnecessary. The seniors, special needs and other disenfranchised populations of Johnson County are especially
affected by decreased budgets.
This brings me back to SEATS. The reason given for the new "celebration" dates was, "SEATS' BUDGET HAS BEEN
CUT and drivers aren't available as before." Consequences of this are wide spread. The persons able to attend
the celebrations were fewer than years before, being the most obvious. The unseen consequences are that this
population was deserted on the most celebrated and family oriented holidays of our nation. This is a time when
depression, drinking, suicide, and desperation are often felt even by the most "normal" of our citizens.
SEATS is a god -send for many people and services needs to be increased to accommodate our aging, special
needs and disenfranchised populations. Those of us who live in the county without any bus service need a
resource for transportation. We all pay taxes and the services that have been devised for the aging, special
needs and disenfranchised, deserve an equal amount of our tax money as other organizations being served out
of the same budget. This would truly make Johnson County the Place to Retire.
Joan McMillan, BSN, MA, CAC
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January 14, 2015
Ms. McMillan,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.lcgov.org
Thank you for your letter that we received on January 7, 2015. The paratransit services
provided for Iowa City through a contract with Johnson County SEATS is required to mirror the
hours of service provided for regular fixed route transit services. Over the holidays between
Christmas and New Year's, Iowa City Transit operated as listed below:
Christmas Eve: 5:45AM — 6:45PM
Christmas Day: No Service
Day after Christmas (City Holiday): 5:45AM — 7:40PM
New Year's Eve: 5:45AM — 6:45PM
New Year's Day — No Service
The paratransit service offered by SEATS during these dates would have matched the services
provided by Iowa City Transit. The services offered by Coralville, North Liberty and the County
may have differed slightly based on their operational schedules.
Funding for the SEATS service, provided by Iowa City, comes from the Transit Division
Operations Budget and has actually increased from $978,000 in FY2013 to $1.3 million in
FY2015 due to changes in funding policies by Johnson County for these services. Despite this
increase for Iowa City in the cost for paratransit services, the only impact to the operations was
the elimination of Sunday service and the phasing out of the reduced fares.
The Iowa City/Johnson County Senior Center receives 75% of its funding from Iowa City's
General Fund, 7% from a Johnson County Quality of Life Grant, and 18% from a variety of
participant cost sharing methods, fundraising, corporate sponsors, and other grants. The
Center also uses a large number of community partnerships (121 in fiscal year 2014) to expand
program options, decrease program expenses, and avoid duplication of services.
The minimum age requirement for member ship is 50 years of age. This has been the case for
over a decade. Center members range in age from 50 to 100 years with 72% of them falling
between 60 and 79 years old.
January 14, 2015
Page 2
The comprehensive programs and services offered at The Center are developed based upon the
expressed needs of participants. They provide information, social connections, mental and
physical exercise, and community involvement in a supportive environment.
Please let us know if you have any additional questions or would like to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Linda Kopping
Senior Center Coordinator
City of Iowa City
(319)356-5225
Linda-kopping@iowa-city.org
Chris O'Brien
Transportation Services Director
City of Iowa City
(319)356-5156
Chris-obrien@iowa-city.org
Marian Karr 3f(4)
From: WalkerCL04@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2015 1:36 PM
To: Council; Tom Markus
Subject: Comments and suggestions re AD HOC Senior Services Committee's final report
This correspondence will become a public record.
To the entire City Council and City Manager of Iowa City, IA
As you review and discuss the final report submitted by the AD HOC Senior Services Committee, I
hope you will take time to consider my suggestions and comments below about the Iowa City Senior
Center.
1. Consider carefully that many things have changed since the city arranged to use that big historic
building for the senior center. There is less need for a big building now. Its important to keep good
records on how that building space is being used. As one example to review, there is very nice
ground level room has been standing empty for several years now, since Elder Services moved from
the Senior Center. It could be used for several worthy senior purposes but the stubbornness of the
director will not let that happen.
You cannot just look at the bulging and confusing program guide to judge how that building is being
used. Some of those advertised classes never take place due to lack of interest and some listed are
brief one timers. The number of current unduplicated participants does not warrant such high funding
for the senior center.
2. Membership fees at the senior center generate such a small and unfair part of the senior center
income. I think it would be much better to end the membership fees. But, if the council insists on
membership fees at the senior center, I think it would be wise and welcomed to create a uniform
membership fee for all elders in Johnson County. Few elders will be coming from most of our small
towns and it is unkind and very unfriendly to turn away the few who are able and want to attend. Most
of the popular and interesting activities and classes at the senior center require paid membership. As
for Coralville, we have the example of friendly cooperation between Iowa City and Coralville with the
use of their libraries without membership fees.
3. Provide better council and city manager attention to the management of the senior center. There is
obvious need for closer supervision of the highly paid Senior center coordinator/director.
4. Watch what is going on with the Friends of the Center fund and how it is managed.
5. Revise the way the one county member of the Senior Center Commission is chosen. The County
Board of Supervisors might be inspired to increase their contribution to the senior center if they could
choose at least one member of the Senior Center Commission. For those who don't know, presently
only the senior center commission
selects the county member, not the city council of Iowa City or the County Board of Supervisors.
6. Impose short term limits for members of the Senior Center Commission. As most of you know, one
member has been on the commission for far too many years.
7. Consider relocation of the senior center to an easier to maintain
smaller senior friendly building at a location that is on a good city bus route and that also has free
ground level parking.
8. Consider using the historic senior center building as a much better city hall and city office space,
including a cheery well equipped work room to be used just for city council members.
9. When considering a city bus stop for the senior center, you have to consider how the elders can
return home too. There is an urgent need to have another bus stop near the senior center that
will take riders to the downtown transit transfer hub. Its not good enough to point to the one current
bus stop that is near the senior center.That bus stop only helps getting to the senior center from the
transfer hub and for those who can return home on that bus route. Some seniors are too frail to walk
from the senior center to the downtown transit transfer location, especially in bad weather.
10. I'd like to see a discussion of spinning off the senior center as a 501 C 3 non-profit organization.
There should be a way to do that in a fair way. That's about the only way to whittle down the high city
budget for the senior center since most of the city money is going to staff salaries and benefits. Times
have changed since the historic building
was turned into a senior center. Changes need to be made to address current needs.
11. The city manager and city council should pay attention to the senior meals that are being served
at the senior center. I'd suggest that you drop in unannounced from time to time to see what is being
served and to see the somber mood there. The quality of the meals keeps getting lower and lower. It
is a depressing blot on the city to allow poor quality meals to be served to our seniors in that
elaborate large city owned building. If the current provider (Elder Services) cannot produce better
meals, they should not be allowed to use that free space. It would be interesting to compare the
senior meals with the meals served at the jail and at the Free Lunch program.
Finally, I hope that you will not hesitate to look beyond the final report provided by AD HOC
Senior Services Committee as you discuss the senior center. There are many reasons for changes at
the Senior Center that they never considered at all.
Most sincerely,
Charlotte Louise Walker (82 years old)
Member of the Senior Center Commission for one year
before I moved to Coralville in 2010.
Marian Karr
From: Carol Thompson <carolt@southslope.net>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 1:12 PM
To: Council
Subject: Senior Center
I have heard that the committee considering the needs of seniors has submitted its report, although I was unable to locate
it on the city website. I was pleased to learn that there was discussion of considering the senior center in the context of
other agencies serving seniors. I'm sure you learned that there are many gaps. Transportation is an important need, as
well as assistance to seniors who are housebound or otherwise debilitated. Adult day care is also an important need, as
are senior nutrition programs. Agencies serving these people have long waiting lists and short budgets. There was a time
when many of these important services were operated out of the Senior Center. One by one, they have left, and the
Center's mission has gradually changed to serving younger and more affluent seniors. This may have been a mistake,
since many affluent seniors now live in all-inclusive facilities, or are able to find other private resources for themselves.
Services for disabled or low-income seniors have disappeared from the Center, but the need persists in our community. In
a Livable Community, all seniors need adequate resources. You devote considerable tax resources to the Center, which
serves only a small percentage of elders. I hope that as you continue to study the needs, you will find a way to make your
expenditures benefit a wider range of seniors.
Carol Thompson
5 Kelsey Court
Coralville IA 52241
phone: 319-626-2346
Marian Karr
From: Eve Casserly <casserly@mchsi.com>
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2015 1:05 PM
To: Council; Tom Markus
Subject: Comments: Ad Hoc Senior Services Commission
January 09, 2015
To: Members of the Iowa City City Council and City Manager Markus
410 E. Washington
Iowa City, IA 52240
RE: Comments: Ad Hoc Senior Services Commission
Dear Mr. Mayor, City Council Members and Mr. Markus
The Senior Services Commission report was somewhat puzzling with its varying views of what is seen as
important to have for senior services, the significant impact financial constraints are making on
government budgets and the likely impact of financial constraints on services for persons of all ages
including senior citizens.
Clearly, government has serious limitations on what it can fund. I believe, that at this time, we must
recognize as a priority the needs of the homebound senior (such as those served by Elder Services, VNA,
Iowa City Hospice, Pathways, SEATS, etc.) because many of these people cannot avail themselves of
senior center services. They need just very basic services such as nutrition, personal care, medical care in
home, transportation to & from medical sites to keep them in their own homes.
Certainly, socialization such as is available at the senior center is important, but basic help for the
homebound (including the more limited income) should be a higher priority in a responsible society.
According to the Senior Services Commission minutes, the apparently 1,600 seniors who currently are
members of the present IC/Johnson Co Senior Center would seem well satisfied with that service and
may wish it to grow. I expect that you are aware, however, that when checking census figures it becomes
clear that the SC membership numbers are only a minor percentage of Iowa City/Johnson County senior
citizens. (US Census figures of 2010 shows Iowa Citians aged 65 and over to number 5,567 people at that
time nearly five years ago. This would amount to 28.7% of the then Iowa City age 65 population.)
As a retired social worker who has spent many hours in the past 15 years in volunteer work for multiple
senior organizations plus serving as caregiver for two elderly relatives in their last years, I have become
more aware of real needs of our aging citizens. My volunteer and personal experiences (including
Johnson County Livable Community for Successful Aging, Johnson County AARP, Johnson County
Task Force on Aging, Iowa City Hospice, Heritage Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, Older
Iowans Legislature, FAIR and one short term as a member of the IC/JC Senior Commission) has been a
thorough lesson in the various real needs experienced by many persons as they age, needs which every
single one of us may well experience if we live long enough.
As city leaders, I would ask that you rethink your senior services funding plan. I would urge that
essential services such as Elder Services, Hospice, Meals on Wheels, Pathways, SEATS, VNA, etc. be
given priority over those that would simply be nice to have in a more ideal world.
Thank you for your work.
Eve Casserly MSW
1615 Pine Ridge Court
Coralville, IA 52241-1064
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To: Members of City Council
As my resume indicates I have an extensive background of education, work history and
volunteer activities in program development, resources and working with and for a senior
population. This includes some years as program coordinator at the Senior Center. I write
this to you in response to "wrap-up" findings of an ad hoc commission on senior services in
our area as reported in the Press -Citizen. The following questions/issues were not addressed
or addressed satisfactorily in my professional opinion and remain critical to your budgeting
and funding considerations and decisions.
1. Defining the senior population: Who is a senior? The census uses age 65 as a base age,
the Senior Center uses 50. How many seniors in each age group live in Iowa City?
Johnson County? What are the age and residence factors of concern to this Council?
We want to compare apples with apples when assessing relative needs and numbers,
especially noting that the Senior Center has 1700 members ages 50 plus.
2. What services/programs are currently available for seniors 65 plus?
a. By location: Iowa City? Johnson County? or individual towns such as Solon, Tiffin
and others?
b. By types of service: Medical, Meals, Transportation, Housing, Day Care, Erptof Life
(Hospice), Social, Cultural, Educational, Counseling (SHIIP, Tax, Psychologiem,
Legal?)
C. By Financial Support: Governmental grants? Private Contributionsj-�ndabions
Membership? Out of Pocket by Seniors?
3. Monitoring/Evaluation of Existing Services Y'
a. By whom? How? Frequency?
b. Example: SEATS ridership is administered through IC Transportation department.
Currently eligibility for SEATS transportation excludes older citizens without
documented severe disabilities. They are expected to utilize city bus
transportation if they don't drive. Many do not have bus stops near their
residences. Is there a bus stop at the Washington St. entrance to the Senior Center
where there are no steps to navigate? How can older citizens be expected to walk
to bus stops in neighborhoods and then to the SC, doctor's offices, shopping in
inclement weather. How are these concerns addressed? Perhaps SEATS needs
more funding and a change of inclusionary regulations to accommodate frail
elderly who don't meet current standards of disability?
c. Example: Senior Center Membership: Why is the Senior Center the only city
financed agency that charges a membership fee? We do not pay for a library card
or classes offered at the ICPL such as computer classes for seniors. There is no
membership charge at the recreation centers though special classes and pool use
have fees.
d. Example: Additional Class Fees to Senior Center Membership: While the Senior
Center offers many fine classes in arts, crafts, literature, history, travel and
physical fitness, et al, there are fees charged if the instructor is an "independent
contractor," meaning a paid instructor. (and the SC gets 25% of that fee for
administration, i.e. registering and advertising in catalog, and for room usage.)
There are higher fees for non Iowa City residents. One wonders if the staff surveys
the myriad of the volunteers they have on their rosters since this is a community
of retired professionals among whom there might be trained or trainable potential
instructors who would share their expertise sans remuneration.
e. Example: Most fitness classes are run by independent contractors who charge $5-
$6 per session. This may preclude low-income seniors who might need or want to
take a class to improve balance, sense of well being or improving bodily functions.
f. The Senior Center advertises scholarships for low income seniors, the senior fills
out the paper work, interviews with the director, and if accepted gets a
membership for a reduced cost, and 10% off the class fee which would stitLbe pro-
hibitive for low income seniors in fitness classes which they could 0enefitom.
The Annual Report does not provide data on HOW MANY LOW INCOW P PLE
APPLIED FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, HOW MANY WERE GIVEN AND AT W . CCj�r TO ---
THE SC SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS (derived from donations and annual lifteresnn
Foundation funds)
4. Duplication of Senior Services and Programs -_
What services or programs designed for senior citizens are duplicated in this area at
what cost? For example could seniors use exercise equipment at the recreation
facilities at no charge during the day when they are not busy with younger people
(after school or work hours); library computer courses and others are free. Did the
committee compare course offerings, faculty, course length, convenience of meeting
sites and parking and fees to those classes available through UI Senior College,
Kirkwood, various church groups, plus UI free lectures and concerts?
5. Other Issues: Some questions have been raised by citizens about tax supported
agencies/building s renting rooms for parties, catered dinners, special events. There
has been a rumor that the Senior Center wants to apply for a liquor license in order to
do this. Would this conflict with their stated mission? Would it be in direct
competition with local businesses? We know that many services housed in the Senior
Center have moved out. Elder Services needed more office space some years ago.
AARP lost its small ground floor office some years ago because the custodian needed a
place to park his bike and though they still offer AARP tax counseling, I am told they
have moved their general meetings out to the Coralville Library for free parking and
good accommodations. Elder Services kept the RSVP program (Retired Senior
Volunteers Program) on second floor of the Senior Center where seniors could come
to find out about opportunities when in the building and then they had to leave. I
believe the Heritage Task Force meetings have moved as well. There have been
additional unfortunate contentious dealings with the New Horizon Band. Note: The 80
plus senior musicians constitute a goodly proportion of the SC total
membership,numbers of building users (for rehearsals), and are heavily touted as
"volunteers" and "outreach" in the community with their concerts and programs.
Friends of IC New Horizons Band recently became a new nonprofit to "assure that this
fantastic music group continues to be available to community seniors for many years
to come".
6. Finally, I personally don't understand how the Senior Center could issue a yearly
report showing income of $290 thousand dollars without crediting double that
amount in support from Iowa City. We know that the SC has never been self sustained
from its inception.
Thank you for your patience in reading this account. These are all issues I had hoped
would be discussed by the ad hoc group.
June Braverman
349 Koser Ave
Iowa City, IA 52246 319-338-4139
Birthdate: 5/31/33
Post -Secondary Education (University of Iowa)
BA Degree 1955 Speech Pathology(K-12); Speech & Drama Education (9-12)
MA Degree 1972 Communications
PhD Degree 1979 Education Administration
Work History
. Speech Therapist, Cedar County
. Graduate teaching assistantships at University High School and College of Education
. English and Speech Teacher Regina High School; drama and musical director
. Post doctorate fellowship Ul Graduate College
. Director, UI Center for Conferences and Non -Credit Programs
. Asst. Director for Grants, Hancher Auditorium"-
. Grant Consultant, Iowa Humanities Board
. Program Coordinator, ICJC Senior Center _ .w
. Director, Kirkwood College Non Credit Programs, Johnson County
Awards
Larry Eckholt Awards for Arts/Culture Advocacy: la. Cultural Corridor Alliance
Heritage Area Agency on Aging: Outstanding Initiative in Aging
Ia. Volunteer Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award
Sertoma Service to Mankind Award
Annual Girl Scout Award for Community Service
Hospice Award for Volunteer Community Involvement
Perry McClenahan Awards, UI College of Education: Outstanding Candidate for an
Advanced Degree in School Administration
Volunteer Service Award: Distinguished Service in Cause of Elderly, Iowa Adult Day
Services Association
Volunteer Activities
Director, President, Iowa City Community Theatre, Founding member City Circle
Acting Co.; Chair JC Democratic Women, IC/Coralville Convention Bureau, Agudas
Achim Women Sisterhood. Founder and Director, Ronald McDonald House Players(
fund raising performances for private parties for 18 yrs in addition to two major
musical productions at Hancher for the Housev Fundraising shows to benefit IC
Hospice, Shelter House, Best Buddies, City High; Pathways. Twice monthly sing-alongs
at Pathways for approx 8 yrs; developed and lead IC Hospice singing and reading
programs monthly at nursing homes in area; developed and led pilot program for after
school drama program, elementary schools. Currently planning entertainments for
conventions and events with funds to go to local nonprofits IC Hospice, Elder Service,
Pathways, Best Buddies and Mental Health Center for Mideastern Iowa.
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Marian Karr 3f(5)
From: John McKinstry <icdisciple.pastor@gmail. com>
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2015 11:15 AM
To: Council
Subject: Tuesday Work Session
Dear Councilors,
I attended your Tuesday, January 6 work session — the day of the Epiphany holy day- and I was pleased to
experience a very enlightened discussion of affordable housing strategies and the opportunity we have in Iowa
City to demonstrate effective policies through the Riverfront Crossings redevelopment. Thank you for your
willingness to serve the whole community by stepping out in leadership with a balanced approach to
inclusionary zoning.
John McKinstry
308 Ronalds Street, IC
Marian Karr
From: Sally Scott <salwah. scott@g mail. com >
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 3:44 PM
To: Council; Matt Hayek; Kingsley Botchway; Rick Dobyns; Jim Throgmorton; Susan Mims; Terry
Dickens; Michelle Payne
Subject: Affordable Housing Location Model
To the Members of the City Council of Iowa City,
On behalf of the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, I appreciate the Council's voting to accept the
recommendations of staff concerning affordable housing in Riverfront Crossings. We look forward to working
with City staff, for-profit and non-profit developers to make sure there is measurable progress in the creation of
new affordable housing for Iowa City residents.
On a related note, I am writing to encourage City Council to request a review of the current Affordable Housing
Location Model. While the model was created with the best of intentions, and has been praised by planners
from other cities, there is no evidence that the model is effective. The goals of the model were (1) to de -
concentrate poverty in Iowa City, and (2) to promote diverse neighborhoods in terms of income levels. We
have not seen statistical evidence that Iowa City neighborhoods have less concentrated poverty or more
income -diverse neighborhoods as a result of the model.
The model's name is only partially accurate, because it limits the location of publicly supported affordable
housing, not privately owned affordable housing. Whether under the auspices of the Iowa City Housing
Authority, the Housing Fellowship, or Shelter House, publically-financed affordable rental housing is well
constructed and well maintained. Unfortunately there are examples of large privately -owned rental complexes
in areas of concentrated poverty in Iowa City that are not well maintained, but the model does not address
these units.
In an email dated January 13, 2015, on behalf of the The Coalition for Racial Justice and the Black Voices
Project, Circe Stumbo wrote: "The Coalition for Racial Justice and the Black Voices Project have identified
policing, housing, schooling, and jobs as priority issues for racial equity in Iowa City. We encourage you to
specifically consider these issues as you take the actions listed above. Further, we want to highlight two
specific actions within this list that the Council is especially well-positioned to do:
Identify key indicators in each of these priority areas and examine progress on indicator data at least
quarterly.
Invest the necessary funds to fully implement the six actions, such as investments in ongoing cultural
competency training and coaching.
To respond to these important equity concerns, the Council should ask for a review of the Affordable Housing
Location Model, determine whether it is accomplishing its stated goals, and if not, work with housing experts
and community members to develop a policy that is more likely to accomplish these goals.
Sincerely,
Sally Scott
Chair, Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition
Marian Karr
From: Tracy Hightshoe
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 4:54 PM
To: 'Sally Scott'
Cc: Tom Markus; Doug Boothroy; Marian Karr
Subject: Affordable Housing Location Model
Hello.
Thank you for contacting us about your concerns with the Affordable Housing Location Model. Staff is reviewing the
model and placement of housing since the policy was adopted. We hope to provide this information to City Council and
interested parties by the Feb. 3 Council meeting. In the meantime, please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Tracy MONSRoa
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.356.5244
Fax 319.356.5217
www.icaov.org
Marian Karr 3f(6)
NO -
From: Annie Tucker <annie. h.tucker@gmail. com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 1:14 PM
To: Council
Subject: Equity issues in IC: In preparation for Jan. 13 work session and ongoing work.
This correspondence will become a public record.
To: The Members of the Iowa City City Council
RE: Equity Issues
From: Annie Tucker, citizen
January 13, 2015
I commend you for scheduling a work session that includes a discussion on diversity and equity issues in the
City and for providing time for community input. These are among the most important and urgent issues in our
country and in our community. I regret that I will not be able to attend in person as I am meeting with our board
today from 4-6 pm in North Liberty. I am instead writing to you. For the record, I am also a member of the
Coalition for Racial Justice, and support the CRJ and community members who will be present tonight.
I urge the Council to implement the proposals of the Equity Report 2013. I also support the Council
implementing the actions proposed by Councilors Kingsley Botchway and Jim Throgmorton. Further, I urge the
Council to implement a quarterly reporting system whereby the City Council oversees the progress and is
informed of or deals with any problems in a timely way.
I think the most important issues addressed by the Equity Report and the Councilors are:
Recognition that Iowa City has racial inequities and disparities. This should be a public, community-
wide ongoing conversation.
Awareness: City staff and officials and the community need to understand diversity and equity issues and
have regular and ongoing cultural competency and equity training.
Building relationships across differences and including diverse needs and concerns into discussion
and decisions: All members of the community need to be heard by our public officials, and their perspectives
integrated into Council and Commission decisions. Regular meetings in different locations, as proposed by Mr.
Throgmorton, would be a start.
Policy and procedural changes: As indicated in the Report
Accountability: For City staff.
The Equity Report states:
Over the next few years the City will be learning, it will need to evaluate what works well and
what may need to be changed or modified to better correct a disparity. The City will need to
evaluate whether policies or practices including daily operations inadvertently affect certain
populations more than others and if so what the City can do to correct the unintended result
and address the institutional and structural barriers to achieving equity. It should be noted that
systemic change takes time.
The Equity Report 2014 was presented to the Council on March 7, 2013, nearly two years ago. I recognize
there have been measurable action steps taken, but there is still much to do: We do not have the luxury of time
regarding these issues. If we further delay or deny, the problems will get worse: for individuals, for children
and families, for neighborhoods, for businesses and the entire community.
We are a community of smart, innovative and compassionate people, in every neighborhood. We are need to be
better than a community that condones or allows the disparities and inequities documented by the Report.
We need to learn from each other to make effective change. Together, as a community of the whole, we can
successfully deal with these problems.
What will happen on your watch as councilors?
Thank you.
Annie Tucker
1425 Oaklawn Ave.
Iowa City, IA 52245
Marian Karr
From: Circe Stumbo <circe@westwinded.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 12:28 PM
To: Council
Subject: Actions toward racial equity
City Council Members:
I am writing on behalf of the Coalition for Racial Justice to thank the City Council for convening the special
work session on Racial Equity and Diversity tonight and to urge you to take action in the six areas
recommended by Councilmember Botchway in his December 1, 2014, memo to the Council:
I. Publicly acknowledge we have racial inequities and disparities in our city and have strategic planning
session to develop actions the city council can take to eliminate or minimize these issues
2. Add public oversight or inclusion in the Diversity Task Force
3. Use Seattle Racial Equity Toolkit or modified racial equity toolkit in budget decisions & Council actions
4. Develop different ways to engage and incorporate the minority community
5. Work with other governmental bodies on racial equity (i.e. the County)
6. Follow through with overall action plan and the action plan for police department to reduce racial/ethnic
disparity
The Coalition for Racial Justice and the Black Voices Project have identified policing, housing, schooling, and
jobs as priority issues for racial equity in Iowa City. We encourage you to specifically consider these issues as
you take the actions listed above. Further, we want to highlight two specific actions within this list that the
Council is especially well-positioned to do:
Identify key indicators in each of these priority areas and examine progress on indicator data at least
quarterly.
Invest the necessary funds to fully implement the six actions, such as investments in ongoing cultural
competency training and coaching.
We are looking for the City Council to demonstrate a serious and ongoing commitment to addressing racial
inequities—and to support your staff as they work on this. We will do our part to keep up public engagement in
the issue and invite you to partner with us to increase your engagement with people of color in Iowa City.
Thank you again for recognizing the need for public dialogue on racial equity and diversity—we hope you will
take the next step to move to action!
Sincerely,
Circe Stumbo on behalf of the Coalition for Racial Justice
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Marian Karr
From:
Jeff Davidson
Sent:
Wednesday, January 14, 2015 3:53 PM
To:
Marian Karr
Cc:
Tom Markus; Eleanor M. Dilkes
Subject:
FW: deal with Kinseth Hospitality
Marian, the following is provided in response to the City Council's correspondence below.
I checked with Kinseth Hospitality and they informed me that in 2009 they contemplated a ground lease agreement with
Gregory Properties for a new hotel in Coralville. The economy had declined, and they were unable to get financing for
the project. The ground lease agreement was never executed. The matter was not litigated.
Jeff Davidson
From: Lynn [mailto:lmgsnyder@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2015 1:55 PM
To: Council
Subject: deal with Kinseth Hospitality
Dear Iowa City City Council -
As you are now considering a TIF plan with Kinseth Hospitality I would like to ask you to reconsider the recommendation.
I have a lease in place in Coralville with Kinseth Hospitality/ 25th Ave Hotel Associates. They were to build a motel on my
property.
They have not honored their lease and have now quit paying the rent. The lease is recorded.
They owe me considerable in unpaid property taxes, maintenance, etc.
I kept hoping they would be honor their agreement but looks like they are planning to use your tax money to overcome
their financial problems.
I think this is something of which I think you should be aware.
Thank you for taking this into consideration.
Lynn Snyder
Gregory Properties
2466 10th St
Coralville, IA 52241
(319) 351-2505
Marian Karr
From: hartwig_oralsurg@hotmail.com on behalf of Dr.ACH Hartwig <hartwig.dds.phd@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 7:43 AM
To: Council
Subject: rezoning REZ14-00023
I own & occupy 2814 Northgate Drive, Suite 2 (Oral Surgery Associates of Iowa City).
I have just one concern about adding further office space out here: traffic flow.
There is a real back log of traffic getting in and out of Northgate Drive. This is
especially painful between 4:45-5:20pm most every day. Adding another turning
lane (for people heading north on Hwy 1 toward Solon) may be worth looking in to.
Thanks for considering this comment.
Andrew Hartwig
Dr. Andrew Hartwig
www.iowacityoralsurge .rte
Notice: This e-mail (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18
U.S.C. 2510-2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are
hereby notified that any retention, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete it. Thank you.
Marian Karr 3f(9)
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 11:38 AM
To: 'Flora Cassiliano'
Cc: Council
Subject: RE: Gigabit Internet city
Flora,
Thank you for taking the time to email the City about broadband services. Broadband services are privately provided in
Iowa City, which gives us limited ability to influence the speed in which those services are rolled out to the
public. However, I can say that we are actively working to encourage both existing and prospective broadband service
provides to take a more aggressive approach to expanding facilities and services. I am very optimistic that we are on the
path to achieving a gigabit city designation in the coming years.
Thank you for your interest.
Best wishes,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant City Manager I City of Iowa City
P: 319.356.5013
Web I Facebook ITwitter
Proud Home of the Iowa Hawkeyes!
From: Flora Cassiliano [mailto:FCassiliano@unfi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2015 8:18 AM
To: Council
Subject: Gigabit Internet city
Good Morning — Cedar Falls is the only gigabit city in Iowa. When will Iowa City have such a service
available?
See this morning's article in the Press Citizen. The Des Moines register also from past Sunday.
Thank you,
Flora Cassiliano
219 Ronalds St.
Iowa City, IA 52245
fcassilianogunfi.com
flora.cassilianogmchsi.com
This correspondence will become a public record.
The information contained in this communication is confidential, may be privileged pursuant to the attorney-client privilege
and/or the work product doctrine, may constitute inside information, and is intended only for the use of the addressee. If
the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended
recipient, be advised that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this communication in error, please immediately notify the sender by return email or by calling (860) 779-2800
ext 35555 and delete this communication and all copies, including all attachments.
rOMIT
CITY OF IOWA CITY WO)
MEMORANDUM
Date: January 8th, 2015
To: City Clerk
From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
Re: Item for January 20th, 2015 City Council meeting; Installation of YIELD signs on
Woodside Drive at the intersection with Oakcrest Street.
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise the City Council
of the following action.
Action:
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (5); Install YIELD sign on Woodside Drive at the intersection with
Oakcrest Street.
Comment:
This action is being taken to clarify the right-of-way and to remind westbound drivers that they
must yield to traffic on Oakcrest Street before entering the intersection.
January 20, 2015
Mrs. Sudan Dulek
Assistant city Attorney
Iowa city IA
Dear Mrs. Susan,
Thanks for responding to my letter to the city council dated December 1, 2014.
1 was disappointed when i read the letter because the response was different from what i
claimed in my letter about the hearing which was held in the city of Iowa City on November of
2013 by the city attorney not by the court. The decision has made the company loseing around
12,000 dollars, for the forty taxies.
The second claim about the police investigation wasn't normal because they abused their
power and investigated my company for two months and this came negative to scare all the
forty drivers to quite working and we lost costomers and contraters at that time quite working
with American taxi Company so i would like the city council to re-concider my request again.
Adil Adams Owner of American taxi
L,:- Copy to:
City Council
Thomas m. Markus -City Manager
Geoff Fruin-Asst. City Manager
Marian k. Karr -City Clerk
4
..•�.,�
CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(3 19) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www. icgov.org
November 5, 2013
Adil Adams
American Taxi Cab
2608 Bartelt Road, #2C
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Adams:
Pursuant to City Code Section 5-1-5, 1 am officially notifying you that a hearing has been
scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, in the Helting
Conference Room at City Hall, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, Iowa. The hearing
before the City Manager or designee is to determine whether the taxicab business
license held by American Taxi Cab should be revoked for failing to return a decal in
violation of City Code section 5-2-2(D)(3)(d). The City received notification of insurance
cancellation of the 2001 Chrysler Town and Country (VIN # 2C8GT64L41R376431) on
November 1, and you were asked on this date to return decal #330 immediately to the
Clerk's Office. To date the decal has not been returned.
If not immediately remedied, this violation may serve as sufficient grounds for revocation
of your business license.
Sincerely,
Marian K. Karr
City Clerk
Enclosure: City Code 5-2-2(D)(3)(d)
IOWA CITY PEOPLE'S CLIMATE MARCH
Iowa City, Iowa, U.S.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
With our future on the line, we are walking here in Iowa City in conjunction with the People's
Climate March in New York City and with thousands of other climate organizations in hundreds of
other countries around the globe. In New York, the occasion of the march is the United Nations
Climate Summit. Here in Iowa City, our destination is the offices of local officials who have within
their jurisdictions the ability to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change in our city and
county and campus --and on our planet. We come with respectful demands for each level of our local
leaders—and with thanks for what you have already done to begin addressing the effects of climate
change. With our sisters and brothers in New York and around the world—many very vulnerable to
climate change effects right now-- we are taking a stand to bend the course of history and protect
ourselves and our planet before it is too late. What we do here affects not only our near neighbors but
all those with whom we share the planet.
To the City of Iowa City:
We thank you for appointing a Sustainability Coordinator and completing a Sustainability
Assessment. We also thank you for emphases on sustainability in our city's comprehensive plan and
for the Environmental Education Center, built to LEED Platinum quality and the source of good
waste management ideas. And we thank you for the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory --
although we note the age of this Inventory.
We ask that you
• Create a commission, including citizens, to devise, within one year or less, a thorough
climate mitigation and adaptation plan, being mindful of the human public health and species
survival implications of climate change effects
• Revise city codes and budgets to enact the mitigation and adaptation strategies of the
commission's plan in a timely manner commensurate with the emergency we now face
• Create incentives for all new buildings in Iowa City to exceed the State Energy Code by at
least 40% and deny tax incentives to any new building proposal that does not achieve this
level of energy savings
• Identify ways that all city property—from parks to parking ramps—be used to enable diverse
species that live in our city to survive and rebound and to mitigate and redress the effects of
climate change wherever possible
• Change the waste code to require that all dwelling units, including apartment buildings, have
a recycling system for residents and a means to promote its use.
Because the need for response now is acute, we will be in touch again at the end of 2014 asking what
new action you have taken to address the present climate emergency.
Respectfully,
Iowa City Climate Advocates
100 Grannies for a Livable Future
The Iowa City Area Group of the Sierra Club
XGen Climate
Physicians for Social Responsibility
BOARD OF •
Terrence Neuzil, Chairperson Janelle Rettig
John Etheredge Rod Sullivan
Pat Harney
December 18, 2014
Dear Climate Marchers of Johnson County:
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors would like to extend their gratitude to the climate
marchers for their persistence and dedication in ensuring that the local conversation regarding
climate change and environmental sustainability continues.
To keep the conversation moving forward, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors ("Board")
would like to respond to your concerns that were presented to Supervisor Rettig on September
21, 2014. Your concerns (in italics) and the Board's responses are listed below.
Create a commission to devise, within one year or less, a thorough climate mitigation
and adaptation plan, especially addressing the human public health effects of climate
change.
RESPONSE: The Board feels that any commission tasked with creating a climate
mitigation plan should include Johnson County, the University of Iowa, and the
five municipalities in the metro area at a minimum. Matters of public health, in
particular, require a multi -jurisdictional approach. The commission should include
local governmental employees, elected officials, and citizens. The Board plans to
raise this topic with the other local governments. Because so much coordination
would be needed, a one-year time frame for a plan may be difficult to meet.
In the past, as part of Johnson County's commitment as a member of the Cool
Cities 1 Cool Counties organization, Johnson County staff attended quarterly
meetings organized by the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson
County (MPOJC) in 2009. Unfortunately, the meetings were discontinued
despite the commitment of Johnson County.
The existing Johnson County Multi -Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan: 2014-
2019 addresses, in part, climate -related challenges through its focus on natural
and/or human -caused hazards. The plan addresses issues in Johnson County
cities, school districts, unincorporated areas, and the University of Iowa. The plan
was prepared by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments in partnership
with Johnson County and the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency
Management Division. The plan uses a proactive, rather than reactive, approach.
In addition, in early November, two Johnson County staff members in
sustainability and in public health participated in an educational session on
913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET ♦ IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-4207 e PHONE: (319) 356-6000 ♦ FAX: (319) 356.6036
understanding and ultimately responding to weather and climate changes.
Discussions indicated there may be ways to integrate mitigation and adaption
measures into existing plans. However, a thorough plan would ideally involve
coordination with multiple jurisdictions, as noted above, and follow state -level
guidance and goals.
Revise county ordinances and budgets to enact the commission's plan in a timely
manner commensurate with the emergency we now face.
RESPONSE: The Johnson County Board of Supervisors has a strong track -
record of supporting and adopting policies that support sustainable county
operations and development. For example, the Board recently negotiated a
power purchase agreement for one of the largest (individual) solar arrays in Iowa
and has adopted ordinances that require sensitive area preservation, stormwater
management, and conservation development, which works to curb sprawl within
Johnson County. Please see Appendix A and Appendix B for more information.
In 2012, the County secured a Small Wind Innovation Designation and adopted
an ordinance to make it easier for residents in the unincorporated areas to install
and use small wind turbines (Appendix C).
The Board, in conjunction with public input, will be revising the County's land use
plan, which may independently offer ways to address the efficient use of
resources. Meanwhile, if the climate marchers have urgent concerns about
specific land use ordinances, please let us know. Policy changes in recent years,
including permitting small wind turbines, minimizing light pollution ("dark skies")
and protecting sensitive areas, have come from public input. We don't have all
the answers and would be glad to have your input.
• Curtail the building of new roads and the widening of existing roads, instead focusing on
development of public transportation, bikeways, and trails.
RESPONSE: Johnson County's network of approximately 920 miles of rural
roads is essential to the County's economic success. The Board has also
constructed more than 5 miles of pedestrian/bike trails in the last decade. Those
trails have worked to create connectivity between municipal areas, including the
Dubuque Street trail connecting Iowa City and North Liberty. Additionally, the
Board is working hard to facilitate the construction of two key trails: one from the
urban areas to Kent Park and eventually to Iowa County, and a section of the
Herbert Hoover Nature Trail that will connect West Branch, Solon, and Ely, Iowa.
(Please see Appendix D for details.) The Board has responded to public support
for trails, and is open to discussions about additional ideas for trails.
When authorizing the rebuilding of roads, the Board of Supervisors normally
elects to widen the road to make the road safer, longer lasting, and more
accessible to bicyclists. This rebuilding typically does not add more lanes for
motorized vehicles. The County has constructed approximately 35 miles of roads
with wide shoulders. The portion of Sand Road SE between Iowa City and 520th
Street SE and the portion of Prairie du Chien Road NE between Iowa City and
Newport Road NE are examples of roads that have been widened and that now
are safer, require less maintenance, and are popular with bicyclists.
The Board is also supportive of the Iowa City and Coralville Mass Transit
Districts, SEATS Paratransit, the MPOJC Long -Range Transit plan that supports
non -single passenger vehicle forms of transportation, and the possible expansion
of Amtrak to Iowa City. The East Central Iowa Council of Governments
(ECICOG) is conducting surveys to find ways to bring public or shared
transportation services among the seven -county area, including the corridor that
includes Washington, Johnson and Linn counties. We encourage county
residents to respond to these surveys, which are posted at the ECICOG website.
Enable and encourage individuals' installation of solar power generation on their
property by making the installation of solar panels a "permitted use" rather than an
"accessory use."
RESPONSE: The Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance intentionally
does not address solar arrays for private / personal electricity generation.
Currently, the Planning and Zoning Administrator considers solar panels and
arrays to be integral to any permitted structure requiring electricity and thus
regulated via the building permitting process. Essentially, this means that any
permitted structure in Johnson County utilizing electricity may seek a building
permit to install a solar array.
The building permit process is not meant to be a hindrance to development, but
is in place to ensure that all structures and their mechanical, plumbing, and
electrical systems (to include solar arrays) are installed and constructed safely
and correctly.
• Create incentives that encourage any new building proposals to sequester sufficient land
for diverse species survival and to achieve energy efficiency that exceeds State Energy
Code by 40%.
RESPONSE: The Sensitive Areas Ordinance, Cluster Subdivision Design
(Appendix E) Ordinance, and the Rural Cluster Zoning District (Appendix F),
used for major subdivisions, work to preserve wildlife habitat. For example,
instead of taking a 12 -acre parcel and dividing it into four 3 -acre lots, a
subdivision would have six half -acre lots with 9 acres set aside as undeveloped
open space that could potentially be wildlife habitat.
In 2012, the County adopted the International Energy Conservation Code (2012
IECC, which put us at the forefront of energy efficiency. This past spring, the
State of Iowa adopted the 2012 IECC, making it one of only nine states
nationwide that have done so. Because the 2012 IECC is so energy efficient, in
the opinion of Building Division staff, it is unfeasible to require new construction
to exceed current state energy code by 40%. We would welcome discussing this
topic in a meeting, as we are not clear how the 40% threshold was determined.
However, the County does encourage builders to build homes that achieve
energy efficiency at least 15% better than the IECC or achieve a Home Energy
Rating System score of less than 70. This energy efficiency goal is one of the
features of the County's optional Green Building Certification Program for new
single-family homes in the unincorporated areas. The original program, a unique
opportunity in Iowa, was created and adopted by the County in 2012 (Appendix
G) and was recognized by the Iowa State Association of Counties with an
excellence in innovation award.
Require LEED platinwn design for any addition to or renovation of the Courthouse.
RESPONSE: If the referendum had passed, the new Courthouse addition would
have received LEED certification. However, due to the recent bond defeat, there
will be no addition or major renovation of the Courthouse, and the Board is
revisiting how to address the Courthouse's pressing needs.
Regarding Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in general,
the County currently has two LEED Gold buildings and two LEED Silver
buildings. The Board agrees that new County buildings and major renovations of
existing County buildings need to be energy and resource efficient. To this end,
the Board adopted in August 2014 a green Capital Projects Standards Process
(Appendix H). For projects consisting of 2,000 or more square feet of conditioned
space, the Board must consider pursuing LEED certification and uses the
standards process to determine feasibility.
While "Platinum" is the highest achievable level of LEED, voter positions on fiscal
constraint generally will prohibit the County from pursuing Platinum for any new
building or major addition. Moreover, given the flexibility of the LEED program,
the most cost-effective energy and materials savings can often be well achieved
through the other LEED levels—Gold, Silver and Certified.
As part of the Capitals Projects Standards Process, the Board also can follow the
County's Sustainability Minimum Standards (Appendix 1), These standards were
also adopted in August 2014.
Separately, Johnson County participates in the Iowa Public Buildings
Benchmarking Program, which is hosted by the Iowa Energy Center. Through the
program, we can better track energy usage throughout our existing buildings and
work towards achieving energy and cost -savings.
• Identify ways that all county property—from parks to parking ramps—be used to enable
diverse species that live in our county to survive and rebound and to mitigate and
redress the effects of climate change wherever possible.
RESPONSE: At all County -level decision-making, preserving open space and
sensitive area is paramount. The Board adopted in 2013 a stormwater
management plan for all County buildings, and the County's soil and water
conservation specialist works with the Johnson County Conservation Board on
stormwater issues. If climate marchers see successful, tested approaches used
by other local governments, please share those examples with us.
The Johnson County Secondary Roads Department has a long-established
program for Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management that ensures
roadsides are safe, attractive and ecologically sound. The program manager will
continue to incorporate best practices into the program.
The Johnson County Conservation Board, which is a separate governing body
from the Board, oversees County parks. The Conservation Board is actively
engaged in acquiring and managing lands to ensure diverse species thrive.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors realizes that there is much that still needs to be
accomplished and is honored to be part of local climate change conversation. The Board
welcomes all input from the County's engaged residents regarding climate change,
sustainability, and environmental preservation.
Thank you again for your interest in the County's role in mitigating climate change and making
Johnson County a more sustainable place for current residents and our future generations.
Sincerely,
ju " (�)
Terrence Neuzil
Chairperson
Johnson County Board of Supervisors