HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-07-15 Correspondence07-15-15
2f(1)
Marian Karr
From: Erik Bunchman <erik.bunchman@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2015 11:23 AM
To: Council
Subject: Disappointed
This is the first time I've bothered trying to contact my immediate local governance. This is just more a letter of
reproach over realizing that you have ruled that Uber or Lyft can not operate locally. The taxi service here is
terrible. It is rare that they won't go out of their way to rip someone off, even when I tell them specific
directions they will try to upcharge and scam me. They get aggressive when I tell them they are being recorded
or that I know they are taking the long route.
I can not understand what made you think Uber and the like would not be beneficial for Iowa City. To even get
in a car you already know what you will pay for the ride, and you have the name and info of any driver
already. They are rated and therefore crowd controlled to a higher standard than any cab service. Besides for
cities like NYC and LA where they have highly controlled and structured their cab service to make it fair for all,
Uber/Lyft is the better option every time I have the choice.
Please reconsider and let the better/cheaper service into the community. Even if you just do a pilot try with a
dozen or so initial drivers.
Respectfully,
Erik Bunchman
2f(2)
Marian Karr
From: David Robertson <david1101 @msn.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2015 9:56 PM
To: Council
Subject: juvenile crime
The uptick in juvenile crime is a major concern. Though the police have done a great job getting Wetherby
Park temporarily under control, it seems the problems have spread elsewhere. The police department is not
getting the back up it needs. I have heard in several instances, that when juveniles are arrested on minor
infractions including some drug related charges, that they are not held accountable in our court system. In the
end, they do not seem to be penalized enough. If we can not hold the juveniles responsible, we need to
somehow hold their parents responsible. Through the social/ economic programs that taxpayers provide it seems
that at times we are wasting our money. We pay to house people, arrest people, incarcerate people, rehabilitate
people, then house them again. Seems pretty stupid to me. Some folks just can not be helped. At some point we
need to cut our losses and spend the money more responsibly.
I would hope that at some point, one way to punish law breakers would be to hurt them financially by ending
their assistance.
Don't get me wrong. I am all for helping people that help themselves on a temporary basis. The best way is not
through an endless supply of money and goods, but a jobs program that would enable them to gain job skills
while bettering the community. Win,win.
After seeing how our police officers are treated by some of the public and many juveniles, I wonder why they
have to put up with this behavior. After the fights in the ped mall and the recreation center, I wonder if the
world has gone mad. An officer tries to detain a 15 year old so he can not cause any more harm to a victim and
is questioned about his use of force? The officer has to protect himself from the other ten or fifteen juveniles in
the mob while arresting the one. Pretty stressful I think. Give the officer the benefit of doubt.
Anyone making excuses for these juvenile's behavior should invite them to their home, throw a party in your
own yard, see how that works. It is always just kids burning off steam, til it affects you.
In the future, I think there is definitely a need for further funding for our police department. We will never get
this under control without spending money on police presence. Also said, when making policy, please consider
the safety of our lawmen, not question every little thing they do. They really earn their money.
In closing, I want to thank the Iowa City Police Department for their work and efforts the past month or so
for getting the Wetherby Park situation under control. Give them my personal thanks. David W Robertson
_.—.5-15
2f(3)
I owa Citi,
Historic Preservation Commission
• Cits I fall, 410 F \Vashington Strcct, Iowa City. 1A. 53240
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MEMORANDUM
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Date: June 23, 2015 �.
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To: City Council N
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From: Ginalie Swaim – Chair of Historic Preservation Commission
Re: Preservation At Its Best Award recipient 518 Bowery
While some recent historic preservation issues have been controversial, preservation in our community
occasionally makes great strides, such as the recent rehabilitation of a small commercial grocery store at 518
Bowery. The overall vision of the value of historic buildings in our community as well as in Iowa as a part of
a larger history of our country is being recognized on June 26 when 518 Bowery Street will receive a
Preservation at Its BestAward in the commercial category at the Preservation Iowa Summit.
Since 1996, Preservation Iowa has recognized exceptional preservation efforts across the state through the
Preservation at Its BestAwards. Award categories include the best in residential, commercial, public,
sustainability, adaptive use, and rural preservation, as well as special awards for community effort and
individual preservationist.
With its relatively small size and vernacular -style balloon framing, 518 Bowery is an archetypal example of a
storefront built in 191h century Iowa. For the work being recognized, the owners preserved the historic
integrity of the building while rehabilitating the structure to meet current code standards, including the
installation of a new HVAC system and a handicapped accessible restroom. Large display windows on the
front fagade replaced decaying windows and restored the character of the exterior. Partitions were removed
to open up the main floor of the store and to accommodate a new bathroom. The metal roof and concrete
stucco exterior were given a fresh finish and a non-contributing addition was torn down to provide two
parking spaces behind the building.
The renovation of this historic neighborhood grocery created a distinctive locale for Za.Za's Pasta Shop &
Italian Market. A creator of handmade pastas utilizing local and organic produce, Zaza sells pasta and other
treats from her historic grocery as well as other local stores, the farmer's market, and online. Preservation of
neighborhood commercial buildings partners well with local small businesses to add to the vitality of our
community.
This Preservation at Its Best Award, as recognition of the positive aspects of Historic Preservation in Iowa City,
is a reminder of the important work we do when we choose to preserve our Iowa Heritage as evidenced in
our local built history.
Respectfully submitted,
ut«
2f(4)
Marian Karr
From: Susan Manuel <smanuelrn@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 8:49 AM
To: Council
Subject: To Mayor Hayek: Letter supporting National Service
Dear Mayor.
Below is a link to the Call to Action: Help Stop Cuts to Service.
I would appreciate if you took the time to read the letter and forward your support to the recommended House
committee.
The Corporation for National and Community Service makes investments in local communities, and through
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, provides essential human capital to city agencies and community-based
organizations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.
I thank you in advance for your support.
Susan Manuel
1007 Euclid Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319-321-1623
htti)s:Hdocs.google.com/forms/d/1ZPrZOYJZOoTVtZFNflNJJpGWsbSPFnHBcS opN2UYE4/viewform
Letter Supporting National Service from Mayors
Page 1 of 3
Letter Supporting National Service from
Mayors
* Required
On Wednesday, June 17th, the House Labor -HHS Appropriations Subcommittee approved a
FY16 funding bill that proposed a drastic and disproportional 34 percent cut to Corporation
for National and Community Service, jeopardizing vital services for students, veterans,
military families and communities recovering from natural disasters. Under this proposal,
the AmeriCorps NCCC program would be completely eliminated and half of all AmeriCorps
positions cut.
The Corporation for National and Community Service makes investments in local
communities, and through AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, provides essential human capital
to city agencies and community-based organizations.
National service enjoys strong support among mayors across the country, but unfortunately
some members of Congress are not fully aware of this support.
That is why Voices for National Service and Cities of Service have organized a letter of
support from U.S. mayors. (download the letter here: http://bit.ly/1 H3dcMN).
We need your help. It is crucial that we document the breadth of support that CNCS
programs have earned, so we can share it with Washington decision makers as the budget
and appropriations process continues.
If you have any questions, please contact us at info(@voicesforservice.org or 202-742-
7374.
Please take the time to fill out the form below in its entirety. Please fill in ALL sections
below, including the Sign -on Agreement check box.
https:Hdocs.google.com/fonns/d/ 1 ZPrZOYJZOoTVtZFNfINJJpGWsbSPFnHBcS_OpN2U... 6/24/2015
Letter Supporting National Service from Mayors Page 2 of 3
Sign -on Agreement *
❑ Yes, please add my name to this letter from mayors in support of national service funding. If
you are not the person whose name will appear on the letter, checking this box affirms that you
were given permission to add the signer's name.
Information about the Mayor whose name will be
displayed on letter:
If you are signing for a Mayor, please provide the Mayor's information as it should appear on
the formal letter.
Full Name *
City *
State
❑ Please check this box if you are a Cities of Service Coalition Member.
Information about individual who filled out this form:
Full Name of Individual who completed this form and has mayor's approval:
Title:
City Department or Office:
Email:
Phone:*
https:Hdocs.google.com/forms/d/1 ZPrZOYJZOoTVtZFNfINJJpGWsbSPFnHBcS_OpN2U... 6/24/2015
Letter Supporting National Service from Mayors
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Marian Karr
From:
Simon Andrew
Sent:
Thursday, July 02, 2015 9:09 AM
To:
'Susan Manuel'
Cc:
Matt Hayek; Tom Markus; Marian Karr
Subject:
RE: To Mayor Hayek: Letter supporting National Service
Dear Ms. Manuel,
Thank you very much for your email to Mayor Hayek and for forwarding the link to the Cities of Service letter of support
for CNCS funding. I am responding on Mayor Hayek's behalf. Mayor Hayek has added his support to the effort and will
appear as a signatory on the letter to the House Appropriations Committee. Thank you again for your time. Have a
great holiday weekend!
Best regards,
Simon Andrew
Administrative Analyst
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 356-5010
simon-andrew@iowa-city.ore
From: Susan Manuel [mailto:smanuelrn@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 8:49 AM
To: Council
Subject: To Mayor Hayek: Letter supporting National Service
Dear Mayor.
Below is a link to the Call to Action: Help Stop Cuts to Service.
I would appreciate if you took the time to read the letter and forward your support to thdirecommended House
committee.
The Corporation for National and Community Service makes investments in local communities, and through
AmeriCorps and Senior Corps, provides essential human capital to city agencies and community-based
organizations.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.
I thank you in advance for your support.
Susan Manuel
1007 Euclid Ave.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319-321-1623
https:Hdocs.google.com/forms/d/IZPrZOYJZOoTVtZFNfNJJpGWsbSPFnHBcS opN2UYE4/viewform
2f(5)
Marian Karr
From:
Chris O'Brien
Sent:
Wednesday, July 08, 2015 4:22 PM
To:
Tom Markus
Cc:
Geoff Fruin; Marian Karr
Subject:
FW: I.C. Parking
From: Chris O'Brien
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 4:21 PM
To: 'BBennett@ProForms.com'
Subject: FW: I.C. Parking
Mr. Bennett,
Your email was forwarded on to me and I have reviewed the details included that describe the situation your daughter
experienced. We have several events that cause for parking being restricted in the downtown area throughout the
year. When these events are scheduled, our practice involves signing the impacted areas 48 hours prior to the
event. This includes every parking meter and regulatory sign in the impacted area with checks each day to insure that
signs were not removed overnight. In addition to this, the City sends out media releases for the events, posts closure
information through social media and sends out alerts to those that are subscribed for the City alerts service. We have
circulated your email amongst our staff and are in the process of reevaluating our event procedures for parking
closures. Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any additional questions or would like to discuss this further.
Regards,
Chris O'Brien
Director of Transportation and Resource Management
City of Iowa City
(319)356-5156
Chris-obrien@iowa-city.org
From: Bill Bennett [mailto:BBennett@ProForms.com]
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2015 10:14 AM
To: Council; Kingsley Botchway; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; 'nicole-neat@uiowa.edu'; Michelle
Payne; Jim Throgmorton
Cc: Paula Bennett
Subject: I.C. Parking
July 6, 2015
To the City Council of Iowa City, Iowa:
I am writing to you because you have a problem. More specifically, you have a communication problem.
On the afternoon of July I I received a phone call from my daughter, Elizabeth Bennett, who is a junior at the
University of Iowa. It was not unusual for her to call, we speak frequently most weeks. However, this call was
different — she was stressed about an incident that happened on Clinton Street near downtown Iowa City after
she finished up with a summer class on Wednesday afternoon.
It seems that when she approached the spot where her moped had been parked she noticed not only was it no
longer there, it was on a towing company's vehicle along with another 18 or 19 mopeds. She and two or three
other `violators' that happened to be there wondered what was going on and why this truck was preparing to
haul all of the mopeds away. She was informed by an employee with a Community Services badge that she was
parked illegally — along with all of the other mopeds. It turns out Jazz fest was being held July 2-4 and the event
required the additional space and I'm certain provided an element of safety for pedestrians. I want to make clear
that I support the decision of Iowa City to close that are to vehicles due to the event.
However, my daughter, and the others who routinely park in the `space' for mopeds, did not see any notice of
the event or the temporary parking restriction at that location. Unless it was obviously posted, why would she?
She pulled up to where she has parked her moped almost daily for the past 2 years and went to class. She keeps
her motorcycle parking permit up to date and visible on her moped at all times. Her permit payment is made to
the City of Iowa City. She's a paying customer one might say. How do those in charge of parking in Iowa City
choose to inform paying permit holders of the event parking? No orange traffic cone, no noticeable sign,
NOTHING obvious about the way the City of Iowa City chose to `inform' these people of the temporary
parking restriction circumstances. Then Elizabeth was shown the signs — a small sign at the south end of the
zone and another small sign at the north end of the zone. This is a space that is long enough that seven
individual spots for moped parking spaces are marked, each at least three feet wide. The sign to the south was
not obviously visible to mopeds parking on the opposite end of the zone while the sign to the north was torn and
actually attached to a parking meter for the vehicle parking space next to the designated moped parking area
(see attached photo).
Then, the city representative said that Elizabeth and the others currently there, bewildered about how unfair this
all seemed, could just pay them on the spot and they would pull her machine off the truck — the fee being
$95. They would not issue her a parking ticket and `save' her a $15 illegal parking fine. Wow, how
generous. She paid them, thinking it would save her a LONG walk home and a trip to the impound.
This bothered me to the point where I made a phone call on July 2 to the City's Parking Division and spoke
with a Mark. He was nice enough on the phone, but I suspect I wasn't the first to discuss this situation with
him. He mentioned he was down at the moped parking site that morning at 6:30 a.m. taking photos. Wonder
why??? He said that the signs were posted and they should have been noticed. Did he have doubts? My question
to him — was the manner in which this incident was handled in order to generate revenue while clearing a space
for the event or was the point to be sure the space was clear? If the former, shame on you. These poor kids have
it bad enough paying and incurring debt for overinflated tuition and a monopolizing landlord housing system in
Iowa City. Does it really need to come down to the City of Iowa City and the towing company of their choice
fleecing these kids as well? Or, if the intention was to be sure the space was clear, would it not make more sense
to make sure the zone was CLEARLY marked so that those who try to obey basic traffic laws can avoid the
issue entirely? (Did you notice how I highlighted that in orange? It's a simple and elementary — but effective —
design tool.) What is the goal of the City of Iowa City in this case? Mark, of the City's Parking Division, said
mopeds parking illegally under these types of circumstances "happens all the time." So I in turn asked him
"don't you think that maybe there is something wrong with the how the city posts parking restrictions in such
areas if it `happens all the time,' or is it working exactly as the City wants it to work?"
Would it be considered terribly difficult or even unreasonable to put an orange traffic cone in the space — maybe
referring them to the hardly noticeable signs with the pertinent parking information? How about a strip of `no
parking' tape along one side? Perhaps a bright orange bag at minimum over the signs that indicate
moped/motorcycle parking? Or how about the signs located just as you had them ONLY BRIGHT ORANGE
AND TWICE THE SIZE and completely intact?! Come on. Get creative. Better yet, do a satisfactory job!
Again, my question, is this system working just the way the City of Iowa City and the Big Ten Towing
company prefers? Is there some shady arrangement going on here. Is this just the way it's always been done and
rather than fix an obvious issue it's just easier to let it go — let the next person spend their energy on it? A status
quo kind of thing? At some point did a policy maker have a cousin or old high school buddy work at a towing
company? Or perhaps the city doesn't mind the infusion of illegal parking payments collected at the expense of
unfairly "notified" individuals? Or is this just simply something that has not been thought through very clearly
and everything is working perfectly? If it "happens all the time" as Mark admits then I would think that Iowa
City would be better served to revamp some of its procedures for something as simple and mundane as special
event parking restrictions.
Although I felt Mark was a bit defensive, he was polite and provided me with the name of another city worker
who would be able to email a reimbursement request form. He said it would be reviewed if submitted. I had my
daughter make the call to get the form since she will be the one to deal with that process. My daughter said the
lady she spoke with was a little on the crabby side said that the torn sign said "Tow Away Zone" so they should
have known not to park there even if it was torn, however that "Tow Away Zone" sign applied to the vehicle
parking space, not the moped parking area. Probably not that city employee's first request regarding this event
would be my guess. We'll see what response is received once the City reviews the claim.
I would be very interested to hear if this letter prompts any action or if the system is working exactly as
preferred. Please let me know, elected officials. Thank you for your time and consideration. I at least now feel
like I may have gotten my $95 worth — but would really prefer you send my daughter reimbursement for this
debacle.
Sincerely Disappointed,
Bill Bennett
University of Iowa — Class of 1986
B.A. Fine Arts Major/Graphic Design Emphasis
Bili Bennett — Prepress Manager
! PROFEMONAI FOPM8, INC.
330 South 151 Street • Blair, NE 68008
Ph 402,426.5400 • tax 402.426.9024
vrvwv. prafprm�. rpm
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2f(6)
Marian Karr
From: jim walters <jcmwalt@i nfionl ine. net>
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2015 12:18 PM
To: Matt Hayek
Cc: Council; Ilyon@trinityic.org
Dear Mayor Hayek:
I think Rev. Lauren Lyon spoke for many of us in her column in today's Press -Citizen - that we feel ignored and abused by
the Council's maneuverings in regard to the proposed Chauncey Tower. I feel the Council majority's "vision" on this
matter no longer includes what matters to me, my family, and my neighborhood. That we are being ask to sacrifice
things that do matter to us for some "greater good" with which many of us disagree.
I feel this proposal has been basically rammed down our throats.
I do not begrudge the Moens (and company) the right to develop their properties in ways they see fit (congruent with
established city policies and zoning). I do begrudge providing tax assistance, favored treatment and changing the rules. I
haven't asked for any such assistance in maintaining or improving my property in Iowa City, nor do I expect any. That's
consistent with my definitions of free enterprise, private property, and democratic government.
My family has contributed heavily over the last decade to downtown Iowa City - through financial support for the Iowa
City Public Library ( $3,000+), the Englert Theatre ($3,000+), Summer of the Arts ( $2,000+) and more. I have planted and
maintained trees both downtown and extensively over our eastside neighborhood. I've helped maintain parks and clean
up Ralston Creek. I maintain the plantings in the traffic circles on Washington and College Streets. And I spend a
considerable amount of time picking up the trash on Washington and College streets.
These things seem to count for little in making my voice heard in Council chambers - and possibly they shouldn't. But it
sure feels unwelcoming when you shift into sleep mode when I come to talk to you.
Jim Walters
1033 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240-5248
319-466-1134
2f(7)
Marian Karr
From: Simon Andrew
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 8:26 AM
To: 'Blake Stokes; Council
Subject: RE: Internship Opportunities
Good morning Mr. Stokes,
Thank you for your email and your interest in working with the City of Iowa City. The City Manager's Office does
periodically staff an intern position that may be along the lines of what you are looking for. We recently had an
application period close for this position but I would be more than happy to discuss future opportunities with you. My
contact information is below. Here is a link to our city employment webpage —you can access our e -subscription service
from here to receive automatic updates when jobs and internships are posted: https:Hicgov.org/city-
government/departments-and-divisions/human-resources.
Thank you again for your interest. Have a good day.
Best regards,
Simon Andrew
Administrative Analyst
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 356-5010
simon-andrew@iowa-citv.ore
From: Blake Stokes[mailto:blakestokes92@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2015 9:32 PM
To: Council
Subject: Internship Opportunities
Hello, my name is Blake Stokes and I am writing in hopes of a full-time internship opportunity with the city
council of Iowa City or something equivalent in one of the other governmental branches. I have recently
graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor's Degree in political science and would like to
eventually continue my education at the University of Iowa. I would appreciate information on any upcoming
opportunities.
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Blake A Stokes
Illinois Army National Guard
University of Illinois I Urbana -Champaign
College of Liberal Arts & Sciences --
Political Science I Class of 2015
U.S. Army ROTC
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity I Illinois Eta
217.621.2971
2f(8)
Marian Karr
From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 11:21 PM
To: Council
Subject: post office mural
I think it would be fitting for Iowa City to request the large mural of Iowa City that has hung at the post office
since 1988 and put it in the council chambers. It would be a good backdrop for the tv when showing the city
council meetings.
Judy Pfohl
2229 Abbey Lane
Iowa City, IA 52246
319-351-1684
judypfohl( gmail.com