HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-10-17 CorrespondenceFrom: Conley, Madison <madison-conley@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2017 7:10 PM
To: Council
Subject: Single -use Plastic Bag Issue
City Council,
My name is Madison Conley, and I am working on a project for my Introduction to Sustainability course. My
group has decided to choose single -use plastic bags as a sustainability issue going on Iowa City. We would like
to hear your thoughts on the matter. If you could fill out this survey that we have created that would be
greatly appreciated.
Questionnaire
How important is this issue to you in relation to other problems in Iowa City and why?
How willing are you to promote a change?
What do you think will come of plastic bag usage in the future?
From: Mark McCallum <BurfordHouse@outlook.com>
Sent: Monday, October 02, 2017 9:03 AM
To: Council
Cc: Mark McCallum
Subject: Fw: Parking Improvement District
Attachments: Parking Improvement District fol.doc
From: Mark McCallum <BurfordHouse@outlook.com>
Sent: Monday, October 2, 2017 8:34 AM
To: Mark McCallum
Subject: Parking Improvement District
College Green Parking Improvement District Proposal
For your consideration at Council Work Session
Mark McCallum
113 South Johnson Street
Cell 1-319-430-1461
Parking Improvement District for
College Green Park
An innovative proposal to manage the local parking inventory,
generate revenue, reduce carbon footprint and finance community
improvements.
Typical parking conditions in The College Green Park.
1. In 600 block of College and Washington Street where
parking is allowed on both sides of the street there is little
turnover on the street. Parking enforcement rule of moving
your car every 24 hours is not enforced. Little or no parking
is available for park users during the day or evening hours.
The streets function basically as a parking storage lot for
students.
2. In 100 block of Johnson Street where odd/even is enforced.
Parking is generally available at between 5-7p.m in the
evening. By 10 p.m. parking is full on the side parking is
allowed for the next day. Any remaining spaces are taken up
by commuters by 8 a.m. for the entire day. Little or no
parking is available park use during the day. Some park use
parking is available after S p.m. because parking is allowed
on both sides of the street.
3. There is currently no designated "Handicapped "accessible
parking located near the park.
4. During Peak usage time during the year. (First 2 weeks of
classes, football weekends, farmers market, other downtown
events) both sides of the 100 block of Johnson Street is
occupied even though there is a fine for being on the wrong
side of the street.
A new parking paradigm has emerged that emphasizes
management and market solutions to address local parking
problems.
What are some of these management solutions?
Establishing a Parking Improvement District, with metered
parking along the curbside of the park with Permit only parking
for residents of the area along the residential curbsides of the
park.
Metered parking along the park will allow park users and persons
with disabilities better access to the park.
Permit only for resident parking along the residential curbs will
allow better access for residents of the neighborhood.
Regulating time intervals and pricing curb spaces at a level that
discourages meter feeding and all day parking.
What is a Parking Improvement District?
Parking improvement districts are a tool that help a community
manage the metered parking inventory. And, generate revenues to
support local improvement programs and services.
Revenues generated by the district could be used for capitol
improvements to the park or programs to encourage alternative
forms of transportation such bikes or our bus transit system.
How does a Parking Improvement District manage parking?
Parking experts recommend that charging the "right price " will
lead to an 85% occupancy rate.
The "right price "should be high enough to lead to a shift I meter
usage, transportation modes and destinations.
An initial meter rate for the College Green parking district should
mirror image the rates at the Chauncey Swan parking ramp one
block away. Rate increases should be considered when occupancy
in the district exceeds 85%. This will assure that at any given time
a certain number of spaces remain open.
Pricing for a residential parking permit should at least cover the
staff cost for operating the program. After that, they should be
offered at a lower price than what it would cost per month in a city
ramp or private parking lot. Market values for parking spaces in
this neighborhood range from $50-$90.00 per month. A suggested
starting point might be $30.00 per month?
Are there any Parking Improvement Districts in existence?
Yes, Parking Improvement Districts are utilized in several cites
throughout the country including San Diego California,
Pasadena California, Portland Oregon and Austin Texas.
Communities have used meter revenues to support:
Parking facilities and improvements
Improved access and circulation
Pedestrian mobility and safety
Marketing materials promoting alternative modes of
transportation
Sanitation services
Beautification programs
Carbon Footprint reduction goals
Conclusion
Parking improvement districts can help neighborhoods address
parking issues.
Parking improvement districts can help generate new revenue for
the City and local neighborhoods.
Parking improvement districts can create an equitable source of
revenue for community improvements.
Parking improvement districts can help a city encourage
alternative forms of transportation.
The College Green Parking Improvement District could be a
model for other potential districts on the north side.
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
To: The Iowa City Council
rdorzweiler@juno.com
Wednesday, October 04, 2017 9:19 PM
Council
Marcia Bollinger
Re: Follow up to Meet and Greet
The Neighborhood Council members would like than Mayor Throgmorton and Councilor Thomas for
participating in the second annual City Council Meet and Greet held last week at City Park. I believe all of us
feel that it is a great opportunity for neighborhood representatives to learn a bit about how councilors feel about
certain topics and also a chance for neighborhoods to share their interests and concerns. Talking through
various topics (including the items listed below) allows us the opportunity to share our interests and concerns
with council members and allows us to learn a bit more about each council person. We also want to thank
Marcia Bollinger for making all the arraignments for a beautiful night in City Park.
The main topics discussed were the following:
Neighborhood Open Space Needs - a member who lives near downtown feels that as the population downtown
gets more dense, more open space and parks were promised and are needed.
Trail Development and merging the trail master plan with the parks master plan. One area of focus is Hickory
Hill Park where trails are soon to be worked on. We hope they can include a very limited hard surface trail to
encourage bikeability for those avoiding the Rochester/Ist Ave hills and some limited trail for wheelchairs.
Public Safety needs - the idea that times seem to becoming more dangerous and expanding our police force
before we see Iowa City become a more dangerous place to live. Jim did point out that we have
"overstaffed?" two officers when several excellent candidates turned up in the hiring pool that helped the city
meet minority goals.
Tax increment Financing - discussion of the most recent TIF approved and the rationale.
Taft Speedway safety concerns - again an area trying to merge goals of bikers, walkers, and cars. Staff were
requested to meet with neighbors to see what options are available to limit cars on Taft.
Proposed changes to housing/rental permits - the city is looking at ways to keep neighborhoods from getting
over -crowded so both renters and house owners can respect each other. The state has recently limited what
options are available.
Noise/barking dog enforcement - why does the noise ordinance require more then one household to complain
about barking dogs? Does the ordinance need to be updated?
Again, thank you for taking the time to attend the Meet and Greet. Whenever I attend such a forum I
have my main issue in mind. Then I am reminded how many issues the council must juggle. Thank you
for your service and for listening to the Neighborhood Council.
Dick Dorzweiler, Bluffwood Neighborhood
For the Iowa City Neighborhood Council
26 Stunning Photos of Abandoned Castles Around the World
travelfacts. info
From: Feather Lacy (Personal) <flacy@pobox.com>
Sent: Monday, October 09, 2017 11:08 AM
To: Jim Throgmorton; John Thomas; Kingsley Botchway; Council; Pauline Taylor; Rockne
Cole; Susan Mims; Terry Dickens; Geoff Fruin; 'Mazahir Salih'; 'Ryan Hall'
Cc: flacy@pobox.com
Subject: Please Ban Wood Burning or Why Your Neighbors Smoke is Killing You
Attachments: Iowa-City-Burn-Ordinance-2017-10-06.doc
"As a society, we made a choice that people must not be exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke against their will.
Given what we now know, it is time to extend this attitude to wood smoke." — Doctors and Scientists Against Wood
Smoke Pollution https://woodsmokepollution.orp/
I meant to present this information while the City Council was debating banning tobacco smoke and electronic cigarettes
in the city parks. The smoke that we Iowa Citizens are forced to breath from late spring until early fall from wood fires is
much more constant and toxic than the little tobacco smoke that we might be exposed to while visiting our parks.
I strongly urge you to ban wood fires in Iowa City.
Why did you ban leaf burning some years ago? Why now are you concerned about tobacco smoke? Whatever the health
reasons — wood fires are worse. Given the small size of many lots in Iowa City and the close proximity to neighbors there
is the constant smell of smoke in our neighborhoods. Many afternoons and evenings this summer my family and I were
unable to enjoy the outdoors in our own back yard or even open our windows for the cool night air because of the toxic
wood smoke in the air. In addition, many people who have wood files apparently have never even read the burn
ordinance and are in violation. (The Iowa City burn ordinance is attached for reference.) They leave their fires burning
overnight, leave them unattended, burn too close to structures and/or combustible material and burn tree trimmings
and yard waste. The current ordinance is neighbor against neighbor ordinance. (Do you really want to phone the police
when your neighbor's fire violates the city ordinance?)
Many articles have been published about the toxic health effects of wood smoke. I have included a few excerpts below
with these titles:
Why Your Neighbors Smoke is Killing You
Wood Smoke vs. Cigarette Smoke
Wood Smoke and Your Health
Study: Wildfires release toxic brew of pollution
That Cozy Fire Could Be Hazardous to Your Health
Iowa Ban Wood Smoke
City Bons Wood -burning Fireplaces in New Homes
Movement to Ban Fireplaces Sweeping Across America
Wood Smoke and Your Health — Environmental Protection Agency
Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
Doctors and Scientists Against Wood Smoke Pollution
Thanks for your time,
Feather Lacy
flacv@pobox.com
P.S. October 7, 2017 the smoke from the neighbors' chimneys has started.
1. http://www.familiesforcleanair.ora/why-your-neighbors-wood-is-killing-vou/
Why Your Neighbors Smoke is Killing You
"In many locations, wood burning is the largest contributor to wintertime particulate pollution (PM2.5). An
important new study from scientists at the Harvard School of Public Health demonstrates just how harmful this
pollution is to human health... The results both confirm and extend previous research that shows a strong
relationship between particulate pollution, adverse health effects, and increased mortality..."
2. - http://www.familiesforcleanair.org/health/health4/
Wood Smoke vs. Cigarette Smoke
"People who would never dream of smoking a cigarette choose to burn wood. Yet wood smoke contains many
of the same toxic and carcinogenic substances as cigarette smoke, including benzene, benzo(a)pyrene, and
dibenz(a,h)anthracene... And wood smoke produces far more particulate pollution than cigarette smoke does...
Other EPA estimates suggest that a single fireplace operating for an hour and burning 10 pounds of wood will
generate 4,300 times more carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons than 30 cigarettes."
3. - https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health
Wood Smoke and Your Health
"Smoke forms when wood or other organic matter burns. The smoke from wood burning is made up of a
complex mixture of gases and fine particles (also called particle pollution, particulate matter, or PM). These
microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they can cause health problems such
as burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses such as bronchitis. In addition to particle pollution, wood smoke
contains several toxic harmful air pollutants including: benzene, formaldhyde, acrolein and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs)."
4. — Iowa City Press Citizen, USA Today Section, June 16, 2017
Study: Wildfires release toxic brew of pollution
"—wildfires... also release a toxic brew of hazardous pollution, a new study finds. That pollution, often in the form
of microscopic specks known as aerosols, is "a hazard to human health, particularly to the lungs and heart," said
study lead author Greg Huey from the Georgia Institute of Technology... Wildfires belch out methanol, benzene,
ozone precursors and other noxious emissions, scientists said...""
5. hgps://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/12/that-cozy-fire-could-be-hazardous-to-your-health/
That Cory Fire Could Be Hazardous to Your Health
Numerous scientific studies report potentially serious adverse health effects when you breathe in smoke
from wood fires in your home fireplace. That's because smoke from these fires contains small particles
that can get into your eyes and respiratory system. The result can be burning eyes, a runny nose and
illnesses such as bronchitis. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter pose the greatest health
problems, because they can get deep into the lungs, and some may even get into the bloodstream.
Among these particles are "fine particles," which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These
fine particles can affect your lungs, says allergist and immunologist Sheila Armogida, MD. Wood
smoke also can contain several toxic substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acrolein and methane,
Dr. Armogida says.
6. Iowa Ban Wood Smoke
hgps://www.facebook.com/Iowa-Ban-Wood-Smoke-147859755253518/
"Iowa needs to ban wood smoke in the ALL RESIDENTIAL communities. This includes outdoor wood
burning fire pits, fireplaces, fire bowls, chimeneas, or any similar device that produces smoke for longer
than 1 hour. NO exemptions for smoking food for 5 hours. When homes are so close to each other in a
residential setting, there is no way to escape it. If you are banning smokers for the toxicity of second
hand smoke, these are no different in effecting our children who play outside."
7. City Bans Wood -burning Fireplaces in New Homes
http://www.hearthandhome.com/news/2017-09-25/city bans wood-
burning_fireplaces in new homes.html
(From Del Mar, California. This a good article – but it would not let me copy.)
8. Movement to Ban Fireplaces Sweeping Across America
hU://www.offthega-idnews.com/current-events/movement-to-ban-fireplaces-sweeping-across-north-
america/
"Wood smoke is an extremely toxic, public health hazard," Brian Moench, the president of Utah
Physicians for a Healthy Environment; told The Deseret News. Moench's group has petitioned Utah's
Air Quality Board to ban wood burning in Salt Lake City and other urban areas of Utah."
9. Wood Smoke and Your Health- Environmental Protection Agency
httys://www.ei)a.gov/bumwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health
"Short-term exposures to particles (hours or days) can aggravate lung disease, causing asthma attacks
and acute bronchitis, and may also increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. Long-term exposures
(months or years) have been associated with problems such as reduced lung function and the
development of chronic bronchitis—and even premature death. Some studies also suggest that long-term
PM 2.5 exposures may be linked to cancer and to harmful developmental and reproductive effects, such
as infant mortality and low birth weight."
10. Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment
hLtp://www.Whe.org/?s=wood+smoke
"The evidence is clear. The warm ambiance and sweet smell that emanates from that fireplace during
those cold winter days has a sinister side. It's causing sickness to your family and your neighbors."
11. Doctors and Scientists Against Wood Smoke Pollution
https://woodsmokepollution.org/
"When wood is burned, even in newer certified wood stoves, it creates localized particulate pollution hot
spots and releases surprisingly high levels of harmful toxins such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), benzene and dioxins into our environment. Wood smoke shares many of the same toxic
chemical compounds as tobacco smoke, but evidence suggests it may be even more harmful."
httys://www.icgov.orelcity-eovernmenVdepartments-and-divisionslftre-departmenttresources-and-
documents
Open burning
Iowa City Code Section 6-6-1: Open burning prohibited
No person shall ignite, cause to be ignited, permit to be ignited, allow or maintain any open fire. (1978 Code
§24-170)
Iowa City Code Section 6-6-2: Exceptions
1. Open burning of the following types may be permitted, in compliance with fire department guidelines,
with a valid open burning permit from the fire marshal:
1. Ceremonial Or Controlled Bonfires: Ceremonial or controlled bonfires may be permitted.
2. Disaster Rubbish: The open burning of rubbish, including landscape waste, may be permitted for
the duration of the disaster in cases where an officially declared emergency exists.
3. Prescribed Agricultural Burns: The open burning of fields may be permitted, if necessary for the
maintenance of native prairie grass. "Fields," for the purpose of this chapter, means an open land
area more than fifty feet (50) from a building or wooded areas.
4. Training Fires: Fires set for the purpose of bona fide instruction and training of public,
institutional, or industrial employees in the methods of firefighting.
5. Flare Stacks: Open burning or flaring of waste gas may be permitted.
2. Open burning for campfires and outdoor cooking is permitted without a burning permit if performed in
an approved container constructed of steel, brick, or masonry. (1978 Code §24-171; amd. 1994 Code)
3. Open burning in portable, outdoor fireplaces is permitted. (Ord. 02-4034, 8-20-2002)
Iowa City Code Section 6-6-3: Penalties
Any violation of this chapter shall be considered a simple misdemeanor or municipal infraction as provided for
in Title 1, Chapter 4 of city code. (1994 Code)
Fire pit regulations
Open burning for campfires and outdoor cooking is permitted without any burning permit if performed in an
approved container constructed of steel, brick, or masonry. (1978 Code §24-171; amd. 1994 Code)
Open burning in portable, outdoor fireplaces is permitted. (Ord. 02-4034, 8-20-2002)
International Fire Code (2015)—Locally Adopted Amendments
307.1.1 Prohibited Burning
Burning that is offensive or objectionable because of smoke or odor emissions, or when atmospheric conditions
or local circumstances make such fires hazardous, shall be prohibited.
307.1.2 Hours of Operation
A person shall not maintain any outdoor burning from 11 PM to 7 AM, unless permitted and approved by the
fire code official.
307.3 Extinguishment Authority
The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment by the responsible person, or the fire department,
of any burning that creates or adds to a hazardous or objectionable situation.
More information
For clarity, a "fine pit" includes below -ground pits, freestanding fireplaces, and portable devices intended to
contain and control outdoor fires.
All belowground fire pits shall be at least four inches in depth and shall be surrounded on the outside,
aboveground, by a non-combustible material such as steel, brick, or masonry. The fire pit cannot exceed three
feet in diameter, nor may the fire pile exceed two feet in height.
Fire pits may be used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications and these regulations:
Only natural firewood/commercial logs may be burned.
Burning of lumber, pallets, scrap wood, tree trimmings, leaves, yard waste, paper, cardboard,
garbage and similar items is not permitted.
All fire pits must be located away from any structure or combustible material.
o Belowground fire pits and freestanding fireplaces must be located a minimum of 25 feet away
from any structure or combustible material.
Portable fire pits must be located a minimum of 15 feet away from any structure or combustible
material.
The fire must be constantly attended and supervised until the fire has been completely extinguished.
A portable fire extinguisher or other approved extinguishing equipment, such as a garden hose, must be
readily available.
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Dear Council Members:
Clay Claussen <clayclaussen@gmail.com>
Monday, October 09, 2017 6:43 PM
Council
Juli Seydell Johnson; Geoff Fruin
Parks & Recreation Commission Appointment
My term expires at the end of this year and I would very much like to continue for another term. I have had the
privilege and honor to have served as Chair for the past seven years and have been involved in the planning of
the current and future services and facilities for our fellow citizens. The department has a lot of irons in the fire
and I will appreciate your consideration to continue to provide the very best support and guidance I can.
Best regards,
Cloy
Clayton M Claussen
27 Green Mountain Drive
Iowa City, IA 52245-3812
Cell: 319-331-9911
Home: 319-351-HAWK(4295)
clayclaussen@Rmai l.com
From: David Tiffany <davtif@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 11:17 AM
To: Council
Subject: Deer overpopulation
It is far past time to cull the herd here in Iowa City.
Dave Tiffany
2644 Hillside Drive
Kellie Fruehlin
From: David Tiffany <davtif@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 11:16 AM
To: Council
Subject: Oh, Deer: Four -Legged Foes Put Iowa Drivers Fourth In Nation For Likelihood Of Large -
Animal Collisions
Oh, Deer: Four -Legged Foes Put Iowa Drivers Fourth In Nation For Likelihood Of Large -Animal Collisions
October through December are the likeliest times to hit a deer and the average cost of those insurance claims
is on the rise.
https://Patch.com/iowa/des-moines/oh-deer-four-legged-foes-put-iowa-drivers-fourth-nation-Iikelihood-
large-animal
From: Ron Knoche
Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 11:10 AM
To: ' Rick_kaster@ya hoo.com'
Cc: Council; Jason Havel
Subject: Iowa City Welcome Sign
Mr. Kaster:
Thank you for your correspondence with Council regarding a Welcome Sign at Highway 6 and Hawkins Drive. A sign in
this location would be a challenge from a permitting standpoint as this area is controlled by the DOT. We would also
need to coordinate with the DOT and the University of Iowa. We meet with the DOT quarterly and the University every
other month. We will discuss the concept at our next meeting.
Thanks,
Ron
Ronald R. Knoche, PE
Public Works Director
City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa
Email: ron-knoche@iowa-citY.org
Phone: (319) 356-5138
Cell: (319) 430-3625
Fax: (319) 356-5007
`-'►�"`
CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF UTWTURE
Website: www.icgov.org
`7 BE GREEN - Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.
October 7, 2017
City Council
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear City Council members:
I have an idea for a welcome sign that could be placed at the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 & Hawkins Drive. It could
welcome visitors approaching from the west. The sign could be placed in the grassy triangle there (see print-out).
I think it would be a nice touch for people coming into Iowa City from this direction. Thanks for your consideration.
RXar,
Rick Kaster
1532 McKinley Place
Iowa City, IA 52246
rick_kaster@yahoo.com
c-�
�rri
-�
.rv�
FILED
21111 OCT 10 I'll 1: 1,n
CITY CLERK
lu
CIT .�rrt r •;?a v .
dM01 30 alLIS213AlNn 3Hi is
hl/J t!/Il0/ 0131U0m)
10(7/2017
Google Maps
Google Maps
5,ja- 1 oC-CA 1 oo-
https://w .google.com/mapst@41.6658865,-91.5583506,85m/data=!3ml!le3 1/1
-cam
R
o
https://w .google.com/mapst@41.6658865,-91.5583506,85m/data=!3ml!le3 1/1
'r 1 CITY OF IOWA C 16-17-17
I
-r� COUNCIL ACTION REPO 5f(8)
October 17, 2017
Install (2) "Yield" signs on the northeast and southwest corners of the
Tulane Avenue/Tulane Court and Oberlin Street intersection.
Prepared By:
Karl Mueller; Transportation Planning Intern
Reviewed By:
Kent Ralston, Transportation Planner
Darian Nagle-Gamm, Senior Transportation Engineering Planner
Tracy Hightshoe; Interim Neighborhood and Development Services
Director
Fiscal Impact:
No impact
Recommendations:
Staff: Approval
Commission: N/A
Attachments:
None
Executive Summary:
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 36 of the City Code, this is to advise City Council of
the following action.
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (5); Install (2) "Yield" signs on the northeast and southwest corners
of the Tulane AvenuefTulane Court and Oberlin Street intersection.
This action is being taken to assign the right-of-way for drivers at an uncontrolled four-way
intersection.
1 r �
`mRft
`t
CITY OF IOWA CI7-17
COUNCIL ACTION REPO 5f(9)
October 17, 2017
Install (1) "No Parking Corner To Here" sign on the southwest corner of the
north intersection of Sunset Street and Arbury Drive.
Prepared By: Karl Mueller, Transportation Planning Intern
Reviewed By: Darian Nagle-Gamm, Senior Transportation Engineering Planner
Kent Ralston, Transportation Planner
Tracy Hightshoe, Interim Neighborhood and Development Services
Director
Fiscal Impact: No impact
Recommendations: Staff: Approval
Commission: N/A
Attachments: None
Executive Summary:
As directed by Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 3B of the City Code, this is to advise City Council of
the following action.
Pursuant to Section 9-1-3A (10); Install (1) "No Parking Corner To Here" sign on the southwest
corner of the north intersection of Sunset Street and Arbury Drive.
This action is being taken to improve visibility for motorists exiting Arbury Drive onto Sunset
Street.