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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-19 CorrespondenceFrom: Freeman, Lauren <lauren-freeman-1@uiowa.edu> Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 10:09 AM To: Marian Karr Cc: Neal, Nicole S; Simpson, Jacob D Subject: UISG City Council Liaison Hello Marian, I am the incoming Vice President of the University of Iowa Student Government. I wanted to reach out and let you know that Jacob Simpson (cc'd on this email) will be taking over as our new City Council Liaison and that we will be selecting our new Vice City Council Liaison on April 24th and will let you know who that is as soon as we have that information. Looking forward to working with you! All the best, Lauren Freeman Political Science & Economics I University of Iowa'17 Vice President-elect I University of Iowa Student Government 319.210.7664M- Marian Karr From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 3:56 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Meeting From: Reggie Reed[mailto:rreed@thetailwindgroup.com] Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 2:03 PM To: Kingsley Botchway; Rockne Cole; Terry Dickens; Susan Mims; Pauline Taylor; John Thomas; Jim Throgmorton Cc: Geoff Fruin Subject: FW: Meeting Members of the City Council I wanted to clarify a couple of items from my previous email. Our group will be available to meet and discuss issues related to Rose Oaks on Monday, April l la'. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to schedule a meeting. The correct number to reach me is 507-405-2804. Thanks again for taking the time to research this issue. Have a great weekend! Reggie A. Reed Director of Operations T R I L W I N 0 group 530 S. Front St. Suite 100 Mankato, MN 56001 507-405-2804 www.thetailwindggup.com From: Reggie Reed Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 9:54 AM To: 'kingsley-botchway@iowa-city.org' <kingsley-botchway@iowa-city.org>; 'rockne-cole@iowa-city.org' <rockne-tole@iowa-city.org>; 'terry-dickens@iowa-city.org' <terry-dickens@iowa-city.org>; 'susan- mims@iowa-city.org' <susan-mims@iowa-city.org>;'pauline-taylor@iowa-city.org' <pauline-taylor@iowa- city.org>; 'john-thomas@iowa-city.org' <john-thomas@iowa-city.org>; 'jim-throgmorton@iowa-city.org' <jim- throgmorton@iowa-city.org> Cc: 'geoff-ficin@iowa-city.org' <geoff-fruin@iowa-city.org> Subject: Meeting Members of the City Council On behalf of the Rose Oaks Apartments, I would like to express my deepest regret for the negative response to last night's city council meeting. Our group is incredibly disappointed with the number of inaccurate comments made during the meeting and can assure you we are making every effort to accommodate those individuals residing within the complex. To summarize, on March 23`d, our staff sent notice to all units describing the upcoming construction process and offering a voluntary buy-out option, should they desire to vacate the complex prior to their lease -end date. A copy of the letter was delivered to the council by city staff and clearly demonstrates our position of offering an alternative option, as opposed to a mandatory termination of the lease agreement. Last week, in an effort to clarify the contents of the letter and answer any questions, myself and other staff walked door-to-door addressing concerns and offering solutions on an individual basis. The response we received was overwhelmingly positive, as many of the residents feel the complex requires a significant upgrade. On Thursday, March 315`, I spoke via conference call to approximately 70 concerned residents and other community members, discussing the process and reiterating our intentions to be flexible during this transition. The meeting was productive and both groups were satisfied at the outcome of the discussions. This morning, we have directed staff to distribute another memo to all units emphasizing the voluntary nature of our buy-out option and our availability to answer questions and assist where necessary. We understand the council's concern and wish to prove that our actions speak louder than words. As such, please let me share some empirical data that clearly demonstrates our desire for a mutually beneficial solution. During the ownership transition, 4 separate units were served eviction notices due to non-payment of rent. This process made its way through the court system and concluded last week with a ruling in favor of our group, and requiring these units to vacate immediately or face forceful removal by the county sheriff. In an effort to empathize with these groups, we voluntarily canceled the court order and negotiated a more desirable move -out date for these delinquent units. Instead of an April P move -out, we arranged for two groups to move on April 1 lb, one group on April 18a', and the final group on April 30a'. Furthermore, 33 leases expired on March 315`. Despite our legal right to have these units vacated, we have chosen to allow these groups to remain on-site, allowing them time to find alternative housing. As of today, not one of these groups has been forcefully removed or asked to leave. Additional standards have been implemented to assist residents and we will continue to speak with each group on an individual basis to address their specific needs. Despite the harmful and dishonest statements of the few, we continue to be flexible and understanding with the many, as we believe in being a good steward of the community in which one works and lives. We urgently welcome the opportunity to speak with each of you regarding this issue and will be available on Menday, Nlafelu 11 th to answer any questions or address additional concerns. Please feel free to contact me at 61 7 °0 6311 to arrange a time to meet. Cordially, Reggie A. Reed Director of Operations THILWIN0 group 530 S. Front St. Suite 100 Mankato, MN 56001 www.thetailwindgropp.com Marian Karr Late Handouts Distributed 41 I b I It. P� From: Geoff Fruin Date Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 4:53 AM To: Doug Boothroy; John Yapp; Tracy Hightshoe; Marian Karr; Eleanor M. Dilkes; Simon Andrew Subject: Fwd: Counter -Proposal by Rose Oaks Tenant Association Attachments: Rose Oaks Tenants Association Counter -Proposal April 17, 2016.docx; ATT00001.htm; Rose Oaks Transition.pdf; ATT00002.htm Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Charlie Eastham <easthamaa,outlook.com> Date: April 17, 2016 at 11:01:03 PM CDT To:"lim-throemorton(o)iowa-city.orQ"<iim-throarnorton(a)aowa-city.org>, "kinesley- botchway@,iowa-citv.ora"<kingslev-botchwayCa.iowa-city.org>, "rockne-cole(djowa-city.org" <rockne-cole(a,iowa-citv.org>,"Rauline-tavlorna,iowa-city.orQ" <Pauline-taylor(&iowa-ojty.orQ>, "john-thomasna,iowa-city.org" <john-thomas(a)iowa-city.org>, "terry-dickens(&iowa-city.org" <terrv- dickens(&iowa-citv.org>, "susan-mims(&iowa-citv.org" <susan-mims@Iowa-citv.org> Cc: "geoff-fruin(a,iowa-citv.ore" <¢eoff-fruin@,iowa-city.ore> Subject: Counter -Proposal by Rose Oaks Tenant Association Dear members of the Iowa City Council, On Sunday, April 17 the Rose Oaks Tenants' Association met to review a proposal from Reggie Reed describing management intentions at Rose Oaks and to agree on a response to Mr. Reed's recommendations. The proposal from Mr. Reed, entitled "Rose Oaks Transition", was attached to an email message sent to Royceann Porter on April 16. For your reference the document from Mr. Reed is attached to this message. The counter -proposal of the Rose Oaks Tenant's Association, entitled "Rose Oaks Tenants Association", is also attached to this message. The tenant's counter -proposal represents a good faith effort on their part to mitigate the serious barriers and real harm confronting them as they are faced with having to involuntarily relocate to other acceptable affordable homes in the community. The Tenant's Association welcomes any questions or comments from Council members. Charlie Eastham Center for Worker Justice Late Handouts Distributed Rose Oaks Tenants Association 4 l I P 16 (Date) Lack of affordable housing is a serious issue in Johnson County, Iowa. Many low-income workers choose to live in the Southeast side of Iowa City, including Rose Oaks, because they lack transportation and a large number of factories and jobsites are located in this area. While the Rose Oaks Tenants Association is supportive of much needed upgrades to the Rose Oaks complex it is our strong belief that renovations must be done in a way that doesn't exacerbate an already glutted housing market and doesn't leave families on the streets due to the displacement of a large number of low income families over a short period of time. On Sunday, April 17, 2016 the Rose Oaks Tenants' Association held a meeting to review the proposals received from Reggie Reed on April 16. The tenants met and discussed the serious barriers they face to relocation in this community, and submit the following counter -proposal: 1) Give all current residents whose leases are set to expire before then until August 1, 2016 to relocate. The Johnson County housing market in Johnson County revolves around an August 1st turnover when a majority of leases expire. Residents whose leases expire prior to August 1 should be able to stay in Rose Oaks units until August 1. Laundry services should be maintained at the facility as long as there are tenants there. 2) Provide $1000.00 moving expenses to all residents who move or have moved between March 1 and August 1, 2016. Forcing tenants out of affordable housing will compound the housing crisis unless displaced tenants can actually afford to secure new housing. This compensation is a fraction of the cost of unexpected relocation. Because of the high cost of relocation and lack of available housing, some of the residents who moved out in March are still homeless today. 3) 20% of renovated units should remain affordable with current tenants having first option of rental. In order to not completely diminish affordable housing on the Southeast side, the remodeled complex should maintain a certain percentage of units with rents comparable to current costs. We support the company's efforts to research available financial assistance programs that can be used toward this end. Late Handouts Distributed `t1 i���b Rose Oaks Transition (Date) On Monday, April 11", Rose Oaks management conducted a meeting with concerned members of the Rose Oaks apartment complex to address the pending construction process and clarify the transition policies set forth by the ownership group. At that time, Rose Oaks residents examined 3 specific areas of concern and respectfully requested clarification of management intentions. The ownership team has reviewed these issues, along with resident recommendations, and have come to the following determinations that will be implemented moving forward: 1. Are residents being evicted and when will they be asked to vacate the property? The State of Iowa requires a landlord and/or tenant to provide at least a 30 day notice to cancel a lease agreement. In an effort to assist outgoing residents, our group has been understanding and is willing to provide additional flexibility for those tenants requiring additional time. At this time, we agree not to force or evict a unit to vacate the property prior to the following dates: Lease Agreements expiring in March or April 2016 — residents have until July 1, 2016 to find alternative housing and vacate the property Lease Agreements expiring in May, June, or July 2016— residents have until August 1, 2016 to find alternative housing and vacate the property Lease Agreements expiring August 2016 thru March 2017 — resident lease agreements will not be extended beyond the original expiration date and will need to find alternative housing and vacate the property at time of lease expiration As an exception to the agreement above, Rose Oaks does reserve the right to forcefully remove or evict any unit having a delinquent balance, or in violation of the terms of the lease agreement. 2. What flnancial incentives are available to residents vacating the property? Upon submittal of apartment keys to management, all residents will be given a full refund of their security deposit and any pet deposit(s), regardless of unit condition. Units having a lease expiration date of June 2016 or after, will be provided an additional $500 for vacating the property prior to their lease expiration date. Additionally, Rose Oaks has donated $10,000 to the Shelter House and agrees to donate another $15,000 to the Center for Worker Justice. This donation is intended to provide each organization the resources available to assist those individuals in need. 3. Following construction, will a portion of the fully renovated units be available at the current rent rate? Based on the current construction plans, the financial model will require an increased rent rate to sustain the projects viability. However, management is working on 2 potential options that may assist in creating more affordable housing at rates similar to what is currently active at Rose Oaks. • Management is researching the availability of any financial assistance programs that may be used toward the current construction project and would allow for the current site to have rates consistent with what is current active Management is researching alternative locations within Iowa City for potential development of a secondary apartment complex that would provide residents with rental rates consistent with what is currently active at Rose Oaks Marian Karr 4 From: Ron Knoche Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 4:02 PM To: 'jenny.andrews4@gmail.com' Cc: Council; Jason Havel; Jon Resler; Darian Nagle-Gamm Subject: RE: Talking Crosswalk System Ms. Andrews: Thank you for your email to Council. It has been directed to me for response The City is in the process of evaluating and developing a policy for the upgrade of existing and the installation of new signals with accessible pedestrian signals and audible push buttons. We will also develop a plan for the installations. Based on an inventory and prioritization, this intersection ranked in the top ten. Currently, the City has only installed the accessible pedestrian signals at the intersection of First Avenue and Muscatine Avenue. We also have installations that will occur with the Downtown Streetscape Project in the Washington Street corridor. We plan to have the policy and plan in place to help with the budget process for the Fiscal Year 2018 budget. This process will begin in October of this year and the budget year begins on July 1, 2017. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Ron Knoche Ronald R. Knoche, PE Public Works Director City of Iowa City 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa Email: ron-knoche@iowa-citv.orQ Phone: (319) 356-5138 Cell: (319) 430-3625 Fax: (319) 356-5007 From: Jenny Andrews [mailto:jenny.andrews4@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, April 08, 2016 4:00 PM To: Council Subject: Talking Crosswalk System Dear Iowa City City Council, I would like you to consider putting in a talking crosswalk system at the intersection of Burlington and Linn St. Burlington street is one of the busiest street in Iowa City. As a visually impaired pedestrian it is difficult for me to tell when it is safe to cross the sreet. This put my safety at risk. Having something that would tell me when to cross would help me cross safely and improve my ability to get around independently. I know a talking crosswalk system would help many others cross the street safely too! Jenny Andrews 320 S Dubuque St Apt 302 Iowa City, IA 52240 319-930-6359 Marian Karr 4f(3) From: Jeff Biggers <jrbiggers@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, April 10, 2016 3:17 PM To: Council; Geoff Fruin; Jim Throgmorton; John Thomas; Pauline Taylor; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Rockne Cole; Kingsley Botchway Cc: Ann Christenson; jan stephan; dross4g; Geoffrey Lauer; Carla Paciotto; Finster, Sophia E L; Shanti Roundtree; Elizabeth Rapson; J. Elizabeth Maas Subject: Constituent Letter on Solar RFP and City Dear Mayor Throgmorton and City Council, We are writing to encourage the City of Iowa City to consider the release of a Request for Proposals for a power purchase agreement for a pilot solar energy project on City Hall or other city -owned buildings, as a follow-uo to your Strategic Plan goals and recent commitment to the Compact of Mayor's Climate Agreement. Assessments by private solar providers from a non-binding Request for Proposals are the best way for the City of Iowa City to make an informed decision on the feasibility of solar energy on city -owned properties. Thanks to a breakthrough Iowa Supreme Court decision in the summer of 2014, which upheld the city of Dubuque's right to install solar panels on municipal, school and non -taxed entities, third -party power purchase agreements for rooftop solar are spreading across Iowa. Thanks for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Ann Christenson Janet Stephan Becky Ross on behalf of 100Grannies Shanti Roundtree Geoff Lauer J. Elizabeth Maas Beth Rapson Carla Paciotto Sophia Finister Jeff Biggers Jeff Biggers www.ieftbiggers.com From: Weismann, Amy <amy-weismann@uiowa.edu> Sent: Tuesday, April 12, 2016 12:47 PM To: jason.burns@iowacourts.gov; dorothy.whiston@gmail.com; insideoutreentry@gmail.com; robcrader@gmail.com; crissy@shelterhouseiowa.org; nancy@iowacityarea.com; vanhousen.stephanie@gmail.com; dbeardsley@co.johnson.ia.us; Ipulkrab@co.johnson.ia.us; Sam Hargadine; jlyness@co.johnson.ia.us; HumanRights; Council; Jim Throgmorton; botchway.kingsley@iowacityschools.org; board@iowacityschools.org; latasha.deloach@iowacityschools.org; amy.nielsen@northlibertyiowa.org; Frederick.newell@thedreamcenter.org; icblackvoices@gmail.com; royceannporter@msn.com; salwah.scott@gmail.com; @icha; info@cwjiowa.org; Clark -Bennett, Robin; pharney@co.johnson.ia.us; jrettig@co.johnson.ia.us; mcarberry@co.johnson.ia.us; rsullivan@co.johnson.ia.us; Igreendouglass@co.johnson.ia.us; Helmer, Karen; Hartley, Carolyn; coalition.racial.justice@gmail.com; Finnerty, Diane L; Trefz, Stephen E; Cohen, Mary L Cc: kevin.kinney@legis.iowa.gov; robert.dvorsky@legis.iowa.gov; joe.bolkcom@legis.iowa.gov; vicki.lensing@legis.iowa.gov; mary.mascher@legis.iowa.gov; david.jacoby@legis.iowa.gov Subject: Invitation to participate in April 22 criminal justice reform event at Ulowa Dear Esteemed Community Members: On behalf of the UI Center for Human Rights, it is my pleasure to invite you to join in an initial, solutions oriented discussion about efforts to effect criminal justice reform at the local level through individual, organizational and community action. The priorities and ideas shared at this event will inform plans for a larger forum in 2017. On April 22, We invite you to join in a series of moderated roundtable discussions to share the priorities you have identified in your work for criminal justice reform, and/or in the criminal justice system, and to discuss with diverse stakeholders the possibilities for effectuating positive change here in Johnson County. Please join us! And please feel free to invite others in your respective networks with an interest in criminal justice reform who need to be at the table, too! For more information, contact Amy Weismann (amy-weismarm6uiowa.edu) Building a Foundation for Criminal Justice Reform in Iowa April 22 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm W207 PBB (Pappajohn Business Building on the University of Iowa campus) Tentative schedule: 1:00-1:15 Welcome, Introductions, Framing Remarks Professor Adrien Wing, UI College of Law, and Representative Helen Miller (D) (Ft. Dodge/ House District 9) 1:15-2:00 Social Determinants and Criminal Justice— roundtable discussion to identify key issues/stakeholders for local action Moderator: Stephen Trefz, Abbe Center 2:00-2:45 Policing, Courts & Sentencing — roundtable discussion to identify key issues/stakeholders for local action Moderator: Professor Carolyn Hartley, UI School of Social Work 2:45-3:00 Networking/discussion break 3:00-3:45 Corrections, Reintegration and Life After Prison — roundtable discussion to identify key issues/stakeholders for local action Moderator: Professor Mary Cohen, UI College of Education 3:45-4:00 Concluding Remarks and Next Steps Amy Weismann Assistant Director University of Iowa Center for Human Rights University of Iowa College of Law 319-335-0483 amv-weismannna uiowa.edu www.uichr.ore Marian Karr Late Handouts Distribute From: Marc Manganello <marc.manganello@gmail.com> 4 I Sent: Friday, April 15, 2016 9:01 AM I 1 To: Chris O'Brien; Mark Rummel; Council Subject: Iowa City Transit 8121 stop skipped at 8:15 AM on April 15 (Date) What is going on with stop 8121? Has it been affected by construction in some new way not accounted for earlier in the week? Two buses drove past the Benton and Greenwood stop 8121 at around 8:15 AM today. One said Oakcrest, the other said "Special". Zero buses actually came to stop 8121. A bongo query at 8:21 AM claimed that the next bus was due in 24 minutes at the time? What is going on? Should people stop using that stop? I had to walk and was late to work. 1 Late Handouts 1Distribute" //61 Marian Karr � l,5 l (-o ` J From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear Council Members, mg9425@mchsi.com Monday, April 18, 2016 11:35 AM Council Gateway, Subsidizing Homeownership, (Date) Transparency, and Focus on Job Development 1. 1 am writing to object to issuing general obligation bonds for the Gateway Project. The costs of this project has grown exponentially and should be revisited. 2. 1 also object to subsidizing home ownership up to 110% of area median income in exchange for a TIF. This is too high and means that over half of Iowa City households could potentially be eligible. Further, families who are homeless or have unstable housing and elderly folks living on a fixed income could swapped out for a young single high earner with the ability to grow his or her income who might end up using the taxpayer subsidized second bedroom as a business on VRBO, Home Way from Home, etc. Please instead help Iowa City's most vulnerable population. Also note, that Iowa City taxpayers could end up subsidizing a person who earns $63,387.50 (110% of median income for household size of 1) or a two person household of up to $72,393.75. 3. If Iowa City continues to use the third party NDC to vet TIF applications, its work should be transparent and any gap analysis prepared should be on the city's website for all to view. 3. 1 read in your information packet that the Johnson County Hunger Task Force Report had identified Manville Heights as a "food desert." This is ludicrous and detracts from the credibility of the measurement. 4. The Economic Development committee minutes for February 4, 2016, show that under the last council the focus of IC's Economic Development had switched from "bringing new jobs into the area" to "more on creating a community that is attractive to prospective employees in order to build the workforce in the area." Surely Iowa City has another department that can focus on making Iowa City attractive to live in? I support making recruitment and retention of companies and jobs in Iowa City the top focus of Economic Development. Thanks. Mary Mary Murphy 890 Park PI. Iowa City, IA 52246 319/354-2375 J- I ry) \< N F1 TT 3 a5 r) -'l " 3 I will be brief with my questions and please seek the answers that I have failed to get; 1. Is there an ordinance regarding the illegality of individuals being allowed to have parking lots in the central business district? This is what I have been told by city employees. 2. If so then why is Marc Moen allowed to have one? As I understand it this goes back to the time of Karin Franklin and Monica Moen working together in the same office for 20 year. Most likely when Lehman, Wilburn O'Donnell and Champion were on the City Council. Would that be fair to say? 3. Do you not think that the City is in competition with Moen with a ramp right across the street? Would that be fair to say? 4. Do you think the Moen covets the parking lot between the Mill and his corner lot? And would you think that since he has a lot in the CBD (Central Business District) that he should be developing that lot rather than the one the previous council wanted to give him? 5. Would the lot now being given to him not is better as a location for low cost housing and if another developer had been chosen the building may also be completed and providing affordable housing for the people that will be homeless if the Lakeside Apartments are torn down in the near future. 6. Would not Hooverv%404ay be closed be a prime location for affordable housing? I could even convert the existing building going upward into several units of affordable housing at a price far below the $250,000 per unit the city wants to buy from Moen at a total of $100,000.00? 7. When Moen was chosen as the developer of Plaza Towers why was he sold the land for $250,000 when the City had a bonafide offer of $1,740,000 which matched the appraised value of the land 8. Moen said "I will try to pay the difference someday. When will that day arrive? 9. When Ross Wilburn had recused himself on all issues that involved CDBG funding why did he not recuse himself on this one? 10. Why were the negotiations for this project allowed to be held behind closed doors? Marc has admitted that already. 11. Do you think considering the dastardly deed that has been perpetrated on the tax payers of Iowa City that the entire project should be put on the November ballot? 12. 1 read the City will be stopping the TIF program in the future. Why not make it retroactive? 13. Lastly the City has put the Cold Case of the murder of Ron Lipsius May of 1966 on the shelf. Don't you think that his family deserves to know what has happened to their father?