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Home My WebLink About2016-02-16 CorrespondenceState of the City Speech Mayor Jim Throgmorton February 16, 2016 Good evening. It's my great honor to present this year's State of the City address. Before reporting how our city is doing, I first want to thank you, the people of Iowa City, for expressing your opinions, for participating in the democratic life of our city, and for keeping your elected representatives' feet to the fire. Out of our 72,000 residents, more than a hundred currently serve on our 17 boards and commissions. They too warrant our thanks. Their work is rarely acknowledged in public, but it is important and greatly appreciated. I also want to thank my fellow Council members for their dedicated service. To be a good Council member requires committing time away from one's family, frequently attending nighttime meetings, and finding a way to fairly represent the diverse opinions of our engaged residents. Last, I want to thank the hundreds of City staff members — police officers, firefighters, street cleaning crews, water and sewerage plant operators, clerical staff, engineers, lawyers, and everyone else — who help keep our City running day in and day out. I've accompanied several of them in the field, and I have nothing but the highest respect for the good work they do. Due largely to all those I have named, our city is very strong and healthy. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 2.2% - less than half the national average. Our Aaa Moody's bond rating is the highest a city can have; we're one of only two cities in Iowa that can claim such a high rating. Healthy as it is, our city keeps changing in ways that demonstrate both the vitality of our local economy and the public's passionate commitment to this place. Prominent examples of recent change include the University's new Hancher Auditorium, Voxman Music Building, Art Building, and Children's Hospital, all of which will be completed later this summer. Alexander Elementary opened last fall. Sabin Townhomes on S. Dubuque is under construction, as are the Hilton Garden Inn on S. Clinton and an innovative apartment project on Riverside Dr. The Ist Avenue grade separation project should have traffic back on schedule by December. The Gateway Project will begin this summer, and construction of The Rise at Linn and Court is likely to begin in the very near future. As the face of our city continually changes, so too does our cultural core pulse with life. And it does so partly because City government financially supports a wide range of cultural organizations and activities, including The Englert, the City of Literature, the Summer of the Arts, and many more. For these and related reasons, national rating services routinely recognize our city for being a great place to live, work, and raise a family. In the last year alone, we have been named one of the country's smartest cities, the least -stressed city, the best city for college graduates, and the best place to age successfully, to name a few. story. In brief, there is much for us to feel good about. But these accolades do not tell the whole Not everyone shares equitably in our prosperity. Our city does have an incredibly low unemployment rate - but over 27% of our residents live below the federal poverty line, and over 33% of the School District's students participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch Program. Sixty- five percent of renting households pay more than 30% of their income on housing. As our city 2 has become more diverse racially and ethnically, it has also become more segregated. Some of our neighbors do not feel welcome because of their race, ethnicity, or faith, and we've seen worrisome disproportionality in race -related traffic stops and arrests. Some of our neighbors find parts of our city to be physically impossible to access. And there is compelling evidence that our way of life (especially our reliance on carbon -intensive fossil fuels) risks undermining our grandchildren's future prospects. In short, Iowa City is a great place to live but not such a good place for all its residents. And because our city is so strong and healthy, we have an opportunity to extend this prosperity to all Iowa Citians and to ensure it lasts well into the future. This is the message voters sent in last November's election. They want their City Council to lead the way toward making Iowa City a more inclusive, just, and sustainable community. In our strategic planning meetings over the past six weeks, the Council has discussed a number of policy initiatives that respond to the voters' call. In brief, we intend to focus on the following seven priorities: (1) developing a strong and resilient local economy, (2) building a vibrant and walkable urban core, (3) fostering healthy neighborhoods throughout the city, (4) maintaining a solid financial foundation, (5) enhancing community engagement and intergovernmental relations, (6) promoting environmental sustainability, and (7) advancing social justice and racial equity. Considered as a whole, these seven priorities constitute a pretty ambitious agenda. But we are not here to simply envision a better future; we are here to get good things done. This starts with setting realistic goals and providing the resources necessary to achieve them. We intend, for example, to identify goals for (1) reducing race -related disparities in arrests, (2) increasing the supply of housing that people can afford, and (3) reducing our citywide 3 carbon emissions. We have set a goal of raising our bike -friendly status from silver to gold by 2017 and then to platinum. We intend to enhance our support for the local foods culture. We have already begun to televise Council work sessions in an effort to be more transparent and accountable. While necessary, adopting ambitious goals is not sufficient. The goals must be reinforced by how the City collects revenue, allocates resources, and invests its capital. Tonight we are scheduling a public hearing on our proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2017 and our 5 -year Capital Improvements Program. As initially proposed by the staff and amended by the Council, the budget provides funds to conduct an Emerald Ash Borer Response Plan, to facilitate development of a climate change mitigation plan, and to improve our neighborhood parks. It continues the UniverCity program with 5 new units per year and provides funds to update our bike master plan. It assigns $50K for a complete streets study and $250K per year for complete street improvements, and it increases the annual pavement rehabilitation project to $1.5M. It includes funding for a full-time community outreach position in the Police Department. It doubles capital funding for the ADA curb ramp project, includes $50K per year for bus shelter improvements and expansion, and establishes a $50K endowment for a new Iowa City Community Fund. There is more. When amending the staff's proposed budget, the Council also decided to put $1 M from The Rise at Linn and Court into an Affordable Housing Fund, to provide $25K for a new racial equity funding program, and to allocate $50K for business incentives for persons of color and youth employment. We dedicated $100K for a carbon emission reduction project, $25K for a local foods project, $75K for a street tree inventory/planting program, and $190K for development of Frauenholtz-Miller Park. We set aside $150K to develop a new Form Based 4 Code for at least one part of the city and $70K for a housing market analysis of the University impact zone. And more. We added these elements while still reducing the City's overall tax levy for the fifth straight year, this time by 10 cents, and ensuring that our Moody's Aaa bond rating would not be endangered. Adopting our new Strategic Plan and revised budget constitute important steps, but not everything can be done at once. More steps are likely to come. As we engage in this great work of building a more just and sustainable place, we will pragmatically build on our city's great strengths and let additional changes unfold step by step. In fact, several additional actions are already built into our Strategic Plan. Here are but two examples: we intend to review and consider amending the City's Tax Increment Financing policy; and we intend to develop and implement a toolkit for reviewing racial/socioeconomic equity. Transforming our city into a more inclusive, just, and sustainable place is challenging work. Part of the challenge stems from the basic truth that we are blessed with living in a lively democracy. Though challenging, this is also good work. And we Iowa Citians are up to doing it well. Our city is full of creative and energetic people. It's full of businessmen and women who are deeply invested in our community. It's full of people whose life experiences provide deep insight into the lived reality of the challenges we face. And it's full of creative designers, builders, realtors, and developers who are eager to engage in the great work of incrementally transforming the city we and they love into a place that residents will cherish for generations to come. 5 So, as we reflect back on all the ways Iowa City is praised — it is the best place to be young, the best place to retire, the best place to find a job and start a family — remember that we Iowa Citians built all of it. If we built a city that is so already so strong and healthy, so too can we — if we commit our minds and hearts to it -- build a city that is more inclusive, more just, and more sustainable. And by leading the way for Iowa City, we can lead the way for the region and the state. Thank you. 2 310 W Maxson Ave West Liberty, Iowa 52776 January 29, 2016 Mr. Matthew J. Hayek Mayor City Council of Iowa City 410 E Washington St Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Dear City Council of Iowa City, 541) volifft 2016 FEE, -4 All 11: T' I drive around the Iowa City area a lot, and I happen to see a few homeless people every time I drive in the area. Now that the weather is changing, these conditions might affect them in a dangerous way. Some of them have to live under bridges and some live in the steam tunnels underneath the University of Iowa Hospital, but not all of the homeless people know about the steam tunnels. I did some research and saw that, there's just one homeless shelter in Iowa City. Downtown Iowa City has a few homeless Veterans holding up signs saying "Help Me". No one is doing anything about it. How does that make our city look? People from out of state could see Iowa in a negative way. I also found out that 40 percent of homeless people are veterans. They suffer mental issues and they're all alone with no to help them. Most homeless Veterans are African American or Hispanic. I believe we can help them. We need more shelters in Johnson County and we can end homelessness in Iowa City. So please, we need to offer the homeless places to stay instead of kicking them off the benches. Sincerely, Darnell Ted Phouapadith West Liberty High School Student Marian Karr From: Jean Littlejohn <jeanlittlejohn@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, January 29, 2016 4:03 PM To: Council Subject: composting Dear City Councillors, Iowa City's Family Folk Machine made a fun music video last year to promote composting: httys://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvsbkFJODbO We respectfully request that you use your influence to help Iowa City establish curbside compost pick-up. Helping more people compost will make life in Iowa City more sustainable and will lower our carbon footprint. Thank you for the good work you do on behalf of our city. With best wishes, Jean Littlejohn familyfolkmachine. org Marian Karr 5f(3) From: Terrence Cook <tcookmedia@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 10:38 AM To: Council; Jim Throgmorton; newsroom@press-citizen.com; orlan.love@thegazette.com; revkin@nytimes.com Subject: Light Pollution in Iowa City Attachments: 1883-Octagonal-Barn.jpg; Iowa-Farm.jpg; House under Stars.jpg As population centers grow, our dark skies are disappearing at an alarming rate. Although LED is hailed as an efficient and aesthetically pleasing type of light, it is much more harmful that the yellow tinted Sodium Vapor lights we all grew up with. http://www.flagstaffdarkskies.org/for-wonks/lamp-spectrum-light-pollution/ As lucrative as LED may seem, it may cause more harm than good in regards to the spectrum of light it emits... Yellow tinted Low Pressure Sodium causes by far the lowest visible sky glow; uses nearly the lowest amount of energy; disturbs the human circadian rhythm the least; and generally disturbs other nocturnal organisms less. If LED is to be considered it needs to be tuned down with consideration to the spectrum of light (especially reducing blue light which has been proven to disturb circadian rhythms). http://www.flagstaffdarkskies.or low-pressure-sodium-li ting_/ As an amateur astronomer and night sky photographer, I see very clearly the value in protecting our dark night sky for generations to come, this problem will not get any better with population growth and the endless development of cities into more rural places. I have created a face book page to focus public support and educate the public on the problem and possible solutions. https://www.facebook.com/lowaCityDarkSkies/ Flagstaff, Arizona is a leader of this revolution and a great role model for any town or city willing to recognize the value in passing Night Sky friendly ordinances to reduce light pollution and protect our most ignored creative resource. http://www.flagstaffdarkskies.org/ Thank you for your time and consideration! Terrence Cook 620-603-3326 cs � T3 �\ � \ '� O 0 U ,` 1� \ � �. �, � �'� �, � � �� ` � � ,� � 1\ � � 1 r � `,� �1�1�,, � �, ''4 i,,, t '� � � ' �''�� d �, � ti, '��; ''� � �'� 1�, ',, � ��ti, � ; ��i �� '� : t �� , I'. �� ; i �� i i �� i� i� � i `! i i I , I'. II ,j� �' II i i I j I m Ma Marian Karr From: Gary & Marcy <gmwolf1 @gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2016 8:54 PM To: Council Subject: Art The Slate of Four is destroying Iowa City!! ! Gary Wolf 5f(4) Marian Karr 5f(5) From: Hamann, Cara J <cara-hamann@uiowa.edu> Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 20161:46 PM To: Geoff Fruin; Council Cc: bob oppliger Subject: Farmer's Market Survey Results Attachments: Move Naturally to the Market Survey Results 2015- Summary.pdf Dear City Council, As part of the May 2015 Move Naturally to the Market campaign, I conducted a survey of farmer's market patrons regarding their views on biking and walking in the community. This was a convenience sample of patrons who approached our campaign table, primarily to receive $2 market bucks for walking or biking to the market. Therefore, the sample is heavily concentrated among those who are regular bikers and walkers. Attached is a summary of our results, which suggests the campaign had some success in increasing walking/biking and also points out some concerns/barriers related to walking and biking in the area. We have also conducted and have several `in progress' studies related to bike and pedestrian safety at our Injury Center. I have recently shared much of this information with Sarah Walz in the planning division. Please let me know if you have any questions/comments. I hope this information can be of use to you. Best regards, Cara J. Hamann, PhD, MPH Injury Prevention Research Center University of Iowa College of Public Health 200 Newton Rd, 2186 WL Iowa City, IA 52242 K]IL'a1.11,K W! 11 Move Naturally to the Market Survey Results This survey was conducted in conjunction with the Move Naturally to the Market campaign, which took place on Saturdays in May 2015. The goal of the campaign was to encourage more people to bike and walk to the Iowa City Farmer's Market. The aim of the survey was to evaluate the success of this goal and to capture patron perspectives on biking and walking safety in the Iowa City area. Transport Mode to Market Biked 50% Barriers 31.3% Distance 31.3% Too much stuff to carry 12.5% Time 12.5% Safety concerns 6.3% Injured 6.3% Other Yu have never biked/walked to market %first time biking/walking to market A total of 104 adults (30% male, 70% female) farmer's market patrons completed the survey. The age distribution of respondents was slightly older than the general population of Iowa City, but did represent views from all 10 -year age groups from age 18 to 66 plus. The majority (50%) of survey respondents biked to the market, however, we also captured responses from those who walked or drove/rode in a vehicle to the market. Those who drove or rode in a vehicle were asked what their barriers to biking or walking were, and the top barriers included the distance being too far or they too much stuff to carry. Among respondents, 9.4% reported that it was their first time biking or walking to the market, which suggests the campaign was successful in increasing biking and walking. This is especially true given the majority of respondents stopped at our table to redeem $2 in market bucks, which was the campaign incentive for biking and walking and also indicated patron awareness of the campaign. Participants were also asked what Iowa City can do to increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. The most popular answers were to increase the number of bike lanes (not shared lane arrows), paths/trails, and repair and maintain existing streets and bike/ped facilities. What is one thing Iowa City can do to increase safety for bicyclists and pedestrians? Encourage more cycling ■ 1 Improve crossings, lights, and walk lights M2 Better lighting/signage/visibility � 4 Protected bike lanes/ped street/bike boulevards 6 Policy change and increased enforcement 11111111111111116 Increase education and awareness � 10 More paths/trails 15 Repair/maintain/after existing bike lanes and streets - 16 Bike lanes Cara Hamann, MPH, PhD University of Iowa College of Public Health cara-hamann@uiowa.edu 98% thought the Iowa City metro area should have more bike lanes or other bicycle -specific facilities. Specific problem areas listed by respondents included: Summit & Kirkwood, Gilbert & Burlington, and Market Street. 34 THE UNIVEPSrfY OF IOWA I P.E EENTI XN 1 D The majority (57.7%) of On a scale from 1 to 10, how safe do you feel respondents rated safety of bicycling in Iowa City as6or while bicycling in the Iowa City area? higher. Yet, results show there is much room for improvement, given the low number of ratings ' at levels 8 through 10. _ The biggest safety concerns cited were cars and unsafe driving. — ■ , I - , 1 (very 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 (very unsafe) safe) What are some of the safety concerns you Some specific safety concerns cited by have while bicycling or walking? survey respondents: "Turning left on my bike/having to stop in None ■ 1 middle of traffic to do so" Lack of enforcement ■ 1 "Cars not respecting Reckless bicyclists/being hit by a bicyclist 1111111112 cyclists --cutting in front, not giving leeway" YoungMexperienced/student drivers a "Aggressive right on red" Safety/getting hurt, general 5 "Drivers not paying Lack of infrastructure or poor maintenance of infrastructure � 16 attention" "Getting car doored again Driver distraction, driver not seeing bike/ped, or impaimlent X17 in my neighborhood" Road rage/aggressive/impatientdrivers � 18 "Lack of bike lanes" Cars/bercoghit by a car/unsafe driving 36 "Debris in bike lanes" "Bike lanes that suddenly 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 end" "Poorly designated crosswalks" "Sensor tripped stoplights" 111 gg M�o\vel Naaturally11toth�the � 1 L 121 WSJ Saturdays In May @ Iowa City Farmers Markel Overall, survey results indicated campaign success in increasing biking and walking. Results also show the desire for more bicycle and pedestrian -specific facilities, as well as maintenance of existing facilities. However, it should be noted that this was a small convenience sample, primarily comprised of people who are already biking and walking regularly. Therefore, results should be interpreted with that in mind. Cara Hamann, MPH, PhD THE UNIVERS11Y OF IOWA University of Iowa College of Public Health INJURY cara-hamann@uiowa.edu �RRESESEARCHE RCH 'PR CENTER Marian Karr 5f(6) From: Tom Markus Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2016 12:17 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: Fwd: Highland Avenue safety issue Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Kent Ralston <Kent-Ralston66owa-ci1y�org> Date: February 3, 2016 at 12:12:50 PM CST To: "'b1076(&aol.com"' <'blt376aaol.com'>, "'BoardAiowacityschools.org"' <Boarda,iowacityschools.org>,"'marktwainelemtarypto(&gmail.com"' <marktwainelemtmTto(a,gmail.com>, Rockne Cole <Rockne-Cole(a,iowa-city.org>, Terry Dickens <Terry-Dickens(&iowa-city.org>, Kingsley Botchway <Kingsley-Botchway(a iowa- city.org>, `susan-mins(a,iowa-city.org"' <susan-mins(a,iowa-cit y�org>, John Thomas <John- Thomas(&iowa-city.org>, Pauline Taylor <Pauline-Taylor(&iowa-city.org>, Jim Throgmorton <Jim-Throgmorton(oDiowa-cit .ororg>, "'ion-vesler(a,iowa-city.org"' <jon-vesler(&iowa-city.org>, Tom Markus <Tom-Markus(a,iowa-city.org>, Sam Hargadine <Sam -Har a�(&iowa- citv.or�>, Troy Kelsay <Troy-KelsayAiowa-city.org>, Darian Nagle -Gamin <Darian-Nagle- Gamm(a,iowa-city.org>, "'bontra eg r.mm(a)iowacityschools.org"' <bontra eg r.mgaa,iowacityschools.org>, "'sQrubermil(&yress-citizen.com"' <sgrubermil(&nress- citizen.com>, Geoff Fruin <Geoff-Fruin(a),iowa-city.org>, Chris O'Brien <Chris-OBrienaiowa- citYor > Subject: FW: Highland Avenue safety issue Hello Mr. Temple —Your correspondence was forwarded tome for response. You are correct that there is an existing marked crosswalk at the intersection of Franklin/Highland to alert motorists to the presence of children crossing Highland. The existing crossing is at the most practical location to assist children living north of Highland to walk to school - both from the east and west. Having said that, we're happy to re-evaluate the intersection of Yewell/Highland and see if another marked crossing would be appropriate. You can expect the re-evaluation to occur this spring when the presence of children would be the greatest. Thank you very much for your correspondence. Feel free to contact me directly should you have any further questions or concerns. Sincerely, Kent Ralston, AICP Executive Director I Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County Transportation Planner I City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 319.356.5253 From: Tom Markus Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 3:48 PM To: Kent Ralston; Geoff Fruin; Sam Hargadine Cc: Chris O'Brien Subject: FW: Highland Avenue safety issue fyi From: Chris O'Brien Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 3:00 PM To: V076@aol.com'; Board@ iowacityschools.org; marktwainelemtaryptoCnbgmail.com; Rockne Cole; Terry Dickens; Kingsley Botchway; susan-mins@iowa-city.org; John Thomas; Pauline Taylor; Jim Throgmorton; jon-vesier@iowa-city.org; Tom Markus; Sam Hargadine; Troy Kelsay; Darian Nagle-Gamm; bontrager.mary@iowacityschools.org; sorubermilOpress-citizen.com Subject: RE: Highland Avenue safety issue Mr. Temple, Thank you for your email. I forwarded your email to our Training and Safety Supervisor for review. Following concerns expressed to us in prior communications we have implemented processes to address this issue. We continue to post memos to our drivers reminding the drivers to be cautious while travelling along Highland. In addition, our supervisory staff has conducted random observations of buses travelling on Highland and conducted reviews of our AVI_ replay maps and videos which show speed limit information to make sure we are not travelling over the posted speed limit. Upon reviewing video from the buses that travelled Highland during the time that you observed them, their speed limits were in the 18 — 20 mph range. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you have additional questions or wish to discuss this further. Once again, I want to thank you for taking the time to inform us of your concerns. Regards, Chris O'Brien Director of Transportation and Resource Management City of Iowa City (319)356-5156 Chris-obrien@iowa-city.org From: W376@aol.com [mailto:blt3760aol.coml Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2016 11:30 AM To: Board@iowacityschools.org; marktwainelemtarypto gmaii.com; Rockne Cole; Terry Dickens; Kingsley Botchway; susan-mins@iowa-city.org; John Thomas; Pauline Taylor; Jim Throgmorton;L vesler@iowa-city.org; Chris O'Brien; Tom Markus; Sam Hargadine; Troy Kelsay; Darian Nagle-Gamm; bontrager.mary@iowacityschools.org; sorubermil@press-citizen.com Subject: Highland Avenue safety issue I have long been an out -spoken advocate of slowing the speed on Highland Avenue. So, I have a habit of observing traffic flow and safety concerns. I'd like to share a concern that occurred on Friday, January 29th around the time that Twain Elementary dismissed their children. I observed a group of children walking along Yewell Street in front of my home. The children often stop and look into my "Little Library". A group of about 5 children approached the crossing area at the intersection of Yewell and Highland Avenue. These children were attempting to cross in a south -north direction which would require them to move across Highland Avenue. This intersection has no crosswalk markings. The City has previously indicated to me that they want the children to utilize the crossing area at Franklin and Highland. Unfortunately, these are children and they will cross at the most convenient crossing. And one that their parents have most likely instructed them to use. Two of the children proceeded to enter the intersection. They had stepped off the curb and into the area where there should be crosswalk markings. These children were very clearly off the cub and moving into the intersection. A City bus that was traveling west along Highland Avenue proceeded through the intersection despite the fact these children were in the street. The driver made no attempt to slow or stop. I believe state law in Iowa requires that drivers yield to any pedestrian in a crossing area. Regardless of the law, any driver should have stopped immediately. This is not the first time that a driver, bus or automobile, has failed to slow or stop when pedestrians, children or adults, have been in this intersection. A group of concerned Highland Avenue residents has previously requested increased enforcement and traffic calming measures. A petition was submitted, a traffic study was completed showing that speeds exceed the established mean, traffic calming measures were suggested, and the neighborhood had an opportunity to vote on these suggestions. Unfortunately, the neighborhood voted against the recommended "speed humps". The return rate on the ballots was extremely low. Is it not time that the City of Iowa City and/or the City Council take the necessary actions to improve the traffic calming program? Is it not the responsibility of the City to enforce its laws? If one child is injured on Highland Avenue and it is a City bus that causes the injury will the City not face a serious lawsuit? Especially in light of the fact this street has had two traffic studies showing that speeds exceed the mean? And that some of its neighbors have asked for City intervention after both of these studies? I am writing to ask that City bus drivers be reminded of the speed limit on Highland Avenue. I further ask that the obvious be observed - no City bus should be accelerating or passing through an intersection with a pedestrian clearly in the crossing. And further, I ask that members of the City Council review the traffic calming program and its management. Maybe its time for a change for the better. Maybe its time for the City to recognize that enforcement of the law and the safety of its inhabitants is not something to be placed in the hands of the neighbors. But rather, improvements be made when a traffic study clearly indicates a problem. Sincerely, Robert L. Temple 1402 Yewell Street Iowa City 02-16-16 Marian Karr From: Marian Karr Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 7:00 AM Subject: FW: IMMEDIATE EVENT ALERT for IC City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Members I am forwarding this to you due to the time sensitivity of the event. You will be officially receiving this correspondence on your February 16 Consent Calendar. Marian Greetings friends, Since July my hands have been seriously compromised by carpal tunnel. The surgeries that I had right before Christmas went well, but the recovery process is slow. So for the next while I will still be checking my emails little if at all. So, if you'd like to reach me during the next few weeks, the best (only reliable way) is to call me on my cell phone, 319-383-9707. Please, forgive me for being so out of touch. Blessings, Jan From: Jan Palmer[mailto:jan.palmer.janpalmer@gmaii.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2016 8:50 PM To: Council Subject: IMMEDIATE EVENT ALERT for IC City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission Members Greetings friends in key C of I C leadership positions, I have long been an advocate of local food security and urban/community agriculture. Perhaps IC is ready to follow Johnson County's lead to take a proactive stand on this. There is an event on Thursday evening, February 0, which I am hoping as many members of Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission will attend. One of the city staff persons for the City of Milwaukee's "HOME GROWN" initiative will be presenting here in Iowa City at Phillips Hall this Thursday evening! The Mayor and city government have found that cultivating urban ag enhances property values and supports community development and community participation, particularly in economically challenged areas of the city. Please, do your best to be present for Tim McCollow's presentation. I have provided links to the UI calendar announcement and the "HOME GROWN" on the official website of the City of Milwaukee. Thank you, Jan Palmer UI Events Calendar Posting http://events.uiowa.edu/event/home grown milwaukees social justice challenges and the role for urban ga rdens#.VrKzhVL 091 City of Milwaukee "HOME GROWN" Website ft:Hevents.uiowa.edu/event/home gown milwaukees social justice challenges and the role for urban ea rdens#.j rKMFFLy090 HOME GROWN: Milwaukee's Social Justice Challenges and the Role for Urban Gardens Thursday, February 4 at 7:00pm UI Campus, Phillips Hall Marian Karr 5f= From: Barbara Vinograde <BVinograde@freemedicalclinic.org> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 1:23 PM To: Council Subject: hello from the Free Clinic! Dear Members of the City of Iowa City Council, I am writing to extend an open invitation to visit the Iowa City Free Medical and Dental Clinic! I know there are several new Council members who may be interested in a visit, and perhaps there are others who have not been to the Clinic for some time. I would welcome the opportunity to give any or all of you a brief tour, share information about our services, and answer your questions. At your convenience, please let me know if you are interested, and many thanks for your work! Sincerely, Barbara Vinograde Executive Director 319-337-9727 Jeffy Moore 320"S.' Dubugp- -- St. Apt. I I I Iowa City, IA 52240 319-351-3742 Yeb&" Is 2016 Oecvt Citq CowwU & Maqo4, i 2016 FED -4 A" 'l I I* 01� A :.:I I W4 duqq44twa Y a& makiw .* mij& exte4ta4 4 you f ot awhite. 5hat i4, putting a nicket croz 4edeeKab4 place downtown. /Vea4. Chaunceq swan pa4*Z* gyp, ot acme 4uch place. 9t 4,& a ai& to anothvt can tcd4emptw4 place. Oa44 , &ememb" the puppetz, Moow, p. a. 9 4tiU thLA t4acto&,a. a&a bettet thc,-z pick-up.& fo& *ovimf ,sww 02- 5f(g) Marian Karr 5f_ From: Oscar Beasley <oscarcbeasley@msn.com> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2016 2:22 PM To: Council Cc: 'Bernitta Howe; 'Beth Beasley; 'Bruce & Melanie Haupert'; 'Cabe) Gray; 'Caroline & Bob Polman; 'Chuck Hawtrey & Joanne; 'Colleen & Wayne Hogan; 'Doug Ruppert'; 'Edward J. Rolenc'; 'Edward Kottick; 'Ekhard Ziegler; 'Fritz & Elizabeth Viner'; 'Gary & Carol Beckman'; 'Gary Schmit'; 'Gary Watts'; 'Gene Fisher'; 'Gloria Kottick'; 'Gordy Goldsmith; 'Greg Mahaffa (At Work'; 'Jack Nothnagle; 'Jan Stier'; 'Jerry Vanni'; 'Jim & Laura Tucker'; 'Jim & Margie Hawtrey; 'Jim Hayes; 'John & Charlotte Gavin'; 'John Beasley; 'John Fingert; 'Judy & Bill Stebral'; 'Julia Elizabeth Beasley; 'Julie non -work; 'Kazi & Lee Alward; 'Ken Hubei'; 'Ken Kadlec; 'Kerry Finley; 'Lauren Lind Lawrence; 'Lori Kimura'; 'Louise Gisolfi & Warrren Jensen; 'Lowell Luhman; 'Mary Ellen Stamp; 'Mary Lou McCrreedy; 'Mary Mahaffa; 'Mary Palmberg; 'Nancy Allendorf; 'Pam Tiedt; 'Patti Mitchell'; 'Roger & Mary Simpson'; 'Scott & Tina Clair; 'Sharon Oglesby'; 'Steve Anderson'; 'Steve Cooper; 'Tina Sheldrup'; 'Tom Simpson'; 'Uli Goerlich Cox; 'Vicki Curran'; 'Warren Jensen' Subject: FW: Mediacom TV charges double the rate of inflation Attachments: 2016-02-05 mediacom tv bill up 4.2%.jpg Please excuse my typo. The Mediacom increase is 4.2%. I erroneously typed it as 0.2% in my earlier email. Oscar Beasley From: Oscar C. Beasley [mailto:oscarcbeasley@msn.com] Sent: Friday, February 05, 2016 2:01 PM To: council@iowa-city.org Cc: Bernitta Howe <gerberhowe@yahoo.com>; Beth Beasley <efbeasley@mac.com>; Bruce & Melanie Haupert <brucehaupert22@gmail.com>; Cabel Gray <cgray@keystoneproperty.net>; Caroline & Bob Polman <bmanpol@mchsi.com>; Chuck Hawtrey & Joanne <charles-hawtrey@uiowa.edu>; Colleen & Wayne Hogan <Cahogan@msn.com>; Doug Ruppert <douglasr@meardonlaw.com>; Edward J. Rolenc <ejrolenc@q.com>; Edward Kottick <Edward-Kottick@uiowa.edu>; Ekhard Ziegler <ekhard-ziegler@uiowa.edu>; Fritz & Elizabeth Viner <tviner4@mchsi.com>; Gary & Carol Beckman <firehousel932@hotmail.com>; Gary Schmit <Schmit@ptmlaw.com>; Gary Watts <garydwatts@yahoo.com>; Gene Fisher <gfisher@keystoneproperty.net>; Gloria Kottick <kottickgloria@gmail.com>; Gordy Goldsmith <shenryson@aol.com>; Greg Mahaffa (At Work) <gregory-mahaffa@uiowa.edu>; Jack Nothnagle <lquatorze52@yahoo.com>; Jan Stier <jjstier@mchsi.com>; Jerry Vanni <JVanni@midwestone.com>; Jim & Laura Tucker <jim@iercomputer.com>; Jim & Margie Hawtrey <longley52@msn.com>; Jim Hayes <jhayes@hlplc.com>; John & Charlotte Gavin <info@historicalbricks.com>; John Beasley <beasley@ptmlaw.com>; John Fingert <john-fingert@uiowa.edu>; Judy & Bill Stebral <jbstebral@peoplepc.com>; Julia Elizabeth Beasley <beasley.julial5@yahoo.com>; Julie non -work <juliesbeasley@gmail.com>; Kazi & Lee Alward <kalward@mac.com>; Ken Hubel <khubel 11 @gmail.com>; Ken Kadlec <kkadlec@keystoneproperty.net>; Kerry Finley <KAF@ShuttleworthLaw.com>; Lauren Lind Lawrence <laurenslawrence@gmail.com>; Lori Kimura <LKimura@keystoneproperty.net>; Louise Gisolfi & Warrren Jensen <l.charls@mchsi.com>; Lowell Luhman <Luhman2@outlook.com>; Mary Ellen Stamp <MARY.ELLEN.STAMP@usbank.com>; Mary Lou McCrreedy <rmmccreedy@yahoo.com>; Mary Mahaffa <mlmahaffa@yahoo.com>; Mary Palmberg <mary.palmberg@gmail.com>; Nancy Allendorf <nancy.allendorf@usbank.com>; Pam Tiedt <pam@pipic.com>; Patti Mitchell <pjmitch782003@msn.com>; Roger & Mary Simpson <rasbmw@aol.com>; Scott & Tina Clair <tinaclair@gmail.com>; Sharon Oglesby <sharon-oglesby@mchsi.com>; Steve Anderson <steve@scalaw.net>; Steve Cooper <Steven.Cooper@Mercyic.org>; Tina Sheldrup <tinagrifliths15@yahoo.com>; Tom Simpson <tom.simpson@mercyic.org>; Uli Goerlich Cox <uli.goerlich@gmail.com>; Vicki Curran <curranl717@gmail.com>; Warren Jensen <Wejensenl23@outlook.com> Subject: Mediacom TV charges double the rate of inflation Dear Council Members, The latest inflation rate for the United States is 0.7% through the 12 months ended December 2015 as published by the US government on January 20, 2016. The next update is scheduled for release on February 19, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Attached is a copy of my cable television bill from Mediacom for Jan. 28, 2016. Over the previous several months my bill was $87.14. For Feb. it has risen to $90.80, an increase of .2%. As all of you are well aware our community has always suffered at the hands of a monopoly for this public service. Competition is needed. I urge that you do whatever you can to promote competition so as to protect our citizens from this monopolistic burden. Oscar C. Beasley 211 N. 1" Avenue, Apt 1 Iowa City, IA 52245-3643 MEDIACOM 546 SOUTHGATE AVE IOWA CITY IA 52240-4453 8383 9400 01 RP 28 01292016 YNNNNYNN 01 001182 0005 OSCAR BEASLEY 211 N 1 STAVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3643 II�IIIIlllll�lll�ll�ll�lllll�'llll'��I'��Illlllllll�l��lll��l�� Account Summary This statement reflects current charges as of the date the statement was printed. Please see reverse side for account details. For Your Information Billing Date: January 28, 2016 Account Number: 8383 94 032 0931345 How to reach us .... Customer Support call 1-855-MEDIACOM, 1-855-633-4226, or on the web at www. mediacomcable. com For Service At... 211 N 1 ST AVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3642 Previous Balance $ 87.14 Payments - -87.14 Monthly Charges 80.93 Taxes2 Fees & Surcharges 9.87 Balance Due 90.80 Payment Due Date AUTOPAY AUTO -BANK PAYMENT WILL BE MADE ON 02/16/16 Pin Number Save time, paper and postage by paying your Mediacom bill online directly from your checking account and by signing up for an electronic statement. Please visit www.mediacomcc.com for additional details. A copy of this bill is needed to register. Mediacom requires a minimum of 7 days advanced notification to terminate service and arrange for the return of all equipment. Failure to return our equipment will result in the following charges: Non -addressable converter up to $125.00; addressable converter up to $300.00; modem up to $139.99; digital converter up to $500.00; remote control up to $85.00. Payment Coupon Please detach and enclose this portion with your payment. Please do not send cash. Make checks payable to MEDIACOM 8649 Billing Date: January 28, 2016 Account Number: 8383 94 032 0931345 Name: OSCAR BEASLEY 211 N 1 STAVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3643 Balance Due $ 90.80 Payment Due Date AUTOPAY Amount Enclosed $ MEDIACOM PO BOX 5744 CAROL STREAM IL 60197-5744 ... .. . ..... ..i I till 1 11.11....1..1.11..11....1.111. Marian Karr From: Oscar Beasley <oscarcbeasley@msn.com> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2016 2:01 PM To: Council Cc: Bernitta Howe; Beth Beasley; Bruce & Melanie Haupert; Cabel Gray; Caroline & Bob Polman; Chuck Hawtrey & Joanne; Colleen & Wayne Hogan; Doug Ruppert; Edward J. Rolenc; EdXvard Kottick; Ekhard Ziegler; Fritz & Elizabeth Viner; Gary & Carol Beckman; Gary Schmit; Ga Watts; Gene Fisher; Gloria Kottick; Gordy Goldsmith; Greg Mahaffa (At Work); Jack Not h agle; Jan Stier; Jerry Vanni; Jim & Laura Tucker; Jim & Margie Hawtrey; Jim Hayes; JohnCharlotte Gavin; John Beasley; John Fingert; Judy &Bill Stebral; Julia Elizabeth Beasle Julie non -work; Kazi &Lee Alward; Ken Hub ;Ken Kadlec; Kerry Finley; Lauren Lind Lawrenc Lori Kimura; Louise Gisolfi & Warrren Je sen; Lowell Luhman; Mary Ellen Stamp; Mary Lou cCrreedy; Mary Mahaffa; Mary Palmb g; Nancy Allendorf; Pam Tiedt; Patti Mitchell; Ro er & Mary Simpson; Scott & Tina CSI ir; Sharon Oglesby; Steve Anderson; Steve Cooper; Tina heldrup; Tom Simpson; Uli Go rlich Cox; Vicki Curran; Warren Jensen Subject: Mediacom TV arges double the rate of in if 6tion Attachments: 2016-02-05 med com tv bill up 4.2%Jpg Dear Council Members, / The latest inflation rate for the United States is 0.7°/ohrough the 12 months ended December 2015 as published by the US government on January 20, 2016. The next pdate is scheduled for release on February 19, 2016 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Attached is a copy of my cable television bill from Mediacom for Jan. 28, 2016. Over the previous several months my bill was $87.14. For Feb. it�'as risen to $90.80, an\increase of .2%. As all of you are well aware our con'inunity has always suffered \at the hands of a monopoly for this public service. Competition is needed. I urge that you do whatever you can to promote competition so as to protect our citizens from this monopolistic byt'rden. \\ Oscar C. Beasley 211 N. 1St Avenue, Apt 1 Iowa City, IA 52245-364 MEDIACOM 546 SOUTHGATE AVE IOWA CITY IA 52240-4453 6383 9400 01 RP 2801292016 YNNNNYNN 01 001182 0005 OSCAR BEASLEY 211 N 1 STAVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3643 "I 11111 00-11-1 Account Summary This statement reflects current charges as of the date statement was printed. Please see reverse side for account det; For Your Information Billing Date: January 28, 2016 Account Number: 8383 94 032 0931345 How to reach us .... Customer Support call 1-855-MEDIACOM, 1-855-633-4226, or on the web at www. mediacomcable.00m For Service At... 211 N 1 ST AVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3642 Previous Balance $ 87.14h 91A Payments -87.14 li Monthly Charges 80.93 Taxes Fees & Surchar es 9.87 Balance Due 90•� Payment Due Date AUTOPAY AU O -BANK PAYMENT WILL BE MADE ON 02118/16 Pill 8649 Save time, paper and postage by paying your M diabvm bill online directly from your checking account and by signing up for an electronic statement. Please visit www.mediaoomoc.00m for additional details. A ooO of this bill is needed to register. Mediaoom requires a minimum of 7 days arrange for the return of all equipment. F following charges: Non -addressable conv $300.00; modem up to $139.99; digital cc anted r otification to terminate service and redo retuour equipment will result in the up to $1 5.00; addressable converter up to titer up to $500.00; remote control up to $85.00. Payment Coupon Please detach and enclose this portion #ity your payment. Please do not send cash.ak checks payable to MEDIACOM VIA Billing Date: January 28, 2016 Account Number: 83 3 94 032 0931345 Name: OSCAR BEASLEY 211 N i ST AVE APT 1 IOWA CITY IA 52245-3643 Balance Due $ 90.80 Payment Due Date AUTOPAY Amount Enclosed $ MEDIACOM PO BOX 5744 CAROL STREAM IL 60197-5744 ... ... ..... ..I 1 1111 1 11 tt....t..1.t1..11....l.11l. Marian Karr From: Susan Craig <susan-craig@icpl.org> Sent: Friday, February 05, 2016 4:12 PM To: Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Dennis Bockenstedt; Marian Karr Subject: Memo to Council Attachments: bookmobilecounci1020516.docx Attached is a memo to council members that the Library Board President sent this afternoon. FYI. Susan Craig Library Director 319-356-5241 WWW.icpl.org a .�t IOWA CITY 4Wh- PUBLIC LIBRARY Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature 02-16-16 5W 1) QW4 IOWA CITY r4wPUBLIC LIBRARY 123 S. Linn St. Iowa City, IA 52240 oincim Susan Craig • vraar 319-356-5200 • rex 319-356-5494 • www.icpl.org DATE: February 5, 2016 TO: Iowa City City Council FROM: Robin Paetzold Library Board President RE: FY17 Funding Support for Proposed Bookmobile Service I was dismayed to hear that during your informal meeting February 2, 2016, it was decided to direct staff to remove the requested FY17 operational support for the bookmobile service that had been added during your budget discussion on January 21, 2016. I was not at the meeting, but a concern seems to be on the overall FY17 budget impact. We have tried to be upfront in our budget discussions that the annual ongoing operational support for the bookmobile, including one full time staff person, was estimated at just under $100,000 and that is the number that has been used during discussions. We have tried to explain the challenge involved with funding the acquisition of the bookmobile without the commitment of operations funding. And as community members we understand the objective of being fiscally responsible, however, fiscal responsibility is not only the limiting of dollars spent but the assessment of value to our community. And, as we have stated, our Foundation has made the commitment to share the cost of this service to the community by raising funds up to $150,000 to assist with this project. Public libraries are described as the heart of a community. Our services allow diverse community members to explore ideas in a safe and well respected environment. We must prioritize access to full level professional library services by supporting our community members facing the greatest barriers in getting to us. The ICPL bookmobile will reach out to adults with mobility and parking concerns, families with young children committing to our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten early literacy campaign, school age children seeking assistance with their studies by supporting access to our full inventory (both through books shelved on the bookmobile and our ability to take holds and deliver books the following visit), guidance and support from our professional library staff, a way to apply for a library cards and become familiar with the additional services and opportunities offered through a full service public library (which is not to be assumed with new community members who have not used a public library before ours) and more. I strongly believe that as citizens, our most vulnerable should receive preferential services. I have heard the argument that the local Little Free Library corner stands and nonprofits can address these needs through free and donated used books. Our proposed bookmobile services are not the same as saying to a child who asks to read the popular new book that their classmate has that it hasn't been donated or to a neighbor without a car that their interests are not a priority. Please do not allow those who cannot get to the library to not have full access to the services that others do. Commit to providing access to materials to all of our community members. As we have mentioned before, the other alternative to provide service to these communities is through a standing branch library which we believe is not the most cost effective manner to serve multiple communities in a responsible manner. With your financial concerns in mind, we want to restate that we do not need a full year of funding in FY17 because of the lead time to order and build the vehicle. Our plans had been to introduce the service in the spring of 2017. The memo you received on January 9, 2016, requests $41,429 in annual operational costs and $12,000 in one-time start-up costs for FY17. The funding requested for FY17 is $53,429, not $100,000. If we delayed the start of the service to the beginning of summer (which we would prefer not to do) so we can still provide the service to children eager to read over the summer months and retain progress made during the school year, we could reduce the amount even further to $28,600. We understand how difficult it is to find funding in a tight budget, but we hope with clarification of actual FY17 costs, you will reconsider and begin funding for bookmobile operations in FY17. I and the Library Director are available to attend the informal meeting on February 16, 2016, and request we have some time to answer any further questions you may have. We understand that the public hearing on the FY17 budget will be later that evening at the formal City Council meeting. Date: February 5th, 2016 To: City Clerk CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM 5 - From: Darian Nagle-Gamm, Sr. Transportation Engineering Planner Re: Item for February 16th, 2016 City Council meeting: Installation of two (2) CITY HALL USE ONLY 30 MINUTE LIMIT parking spaces, replacing two (2) NO PARKING POLICE CARS ONLY spaces on the north side of the 400 block of East Washington 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 (10); Replace two (2) NO PARKING POLICE CARS ONLY spaces with two (2) CITY HALL USE ONLY 30 MINUTE LIMIT parking spaces on the north side of the 400 block of East Washington Street. Comment: This action is being taken to provide two free short-term parking spaces in front of City Hall. cc: Kumi Morris Mark Rummel