HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-10-02 Correspondencetr
'cmgz�l
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Grant Gibney: Management Project
Item Number: 8.a.
Kellie Fruehling
From: Gibney, Grant J <grant-gibney@uiowa.edu>
Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2018 3:59 PM
To: Council
Subject: Management Project
Good Afternoon,
My name is Grant Gibney and I am a student at the University of Iowa. I am working on a project for my management
class and was hoping you would be able to shed some light onto a few of my questions. The project I am working on is in
relationship to private companies making employment decisions and the influences of local officials. What are the
concerns of local officials who have sought to keep companies from firing employees? How do local officials try and
influence companies to avoid layoffs? If you could answer these questions for me or perhaps point me in the right
direction that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Grant Gibney
Item Number: 8.b.
tr
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
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October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Kade Schemahorn: Improvements to Bus System [Staff response included]
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Darian Nagle -Gamin
Sent:
Monday, September 24, 2018 1:30 PM
To:
citizenkade@gmail.com
Cc:
Council
Subject:
RE: Improvements to Bus System
Hello Mr. Schemahorn,
Thank you for taking the time to reach out regarding the upcoming transit study. We are looking forward to having the
transit system comprehensively reviewed, highlighting ways we can improve service.
To your first and second points, while we strive to be on-time with every trip, we have had some significant challenges
during the recent months due to road construction. This unfortunately has also impacted expected arrival times in the
BONGO app. The predicted arrival times are averaged based off recent history and because our arrival times on
impacted routes have not been consistent, at times our predicted arrival times have been off. As construction projects
begin to wrap up, we expect delays to be reduced and improved accuracy with our predicted arrival times. In the
meantime, a good best practice is to view your selected bus route in the BONGO app —this will indicate the octuol bus
location on that particular route and not an estimate of where the bus should be.
To your last point, I am happy to announce that our route/transit stop data has just published on Google Transit. This
means that you can now choose two locations in Google Maps, click the transit icon, and Google will provide several
different transit route options between the locations. This is a feature that our BONGO app does not currently support.
We are very happy to have this feature available in the widely used and accessible Google Maps platform.
Thanks again for reaching out with your comments. As the transit study progresses there will be multiple opportunities
for public input — I encourage you to stay tuned and provide feedback early and often.
®1VWAa T i
A YNrrtO [ITf OF [tTrRATYlf
WW &WICGOVOR
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000
Darian L. Nagle-Gamm
Director of Transportation Services
1319-356-5156
1200 S. Riverside Drive 1 335 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, IA 52240
darian-nagle-gamin@iowa-city ,org
From: Kade Schemahorn [mailto:citizenkade@gmail.comj
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 5:06 PM
To: Council <Council iowa-citv.ora>
Subject: Improvements to Bus System
Dear members of the Iowa City Council,
I read in some ICC documentation online that the city is doing some evaluation of the public transit system. That's great.
I would like to suggest that some fairly straightforward and simple improvements to the existing bus system could
actually go a long way.
Problems:
Buses are too frequently late, in excess of 10 or 20 minutes. The obvious solution would be to increase
punctuality of the buses, though this may be easier said than done with existing resources and processes.
Status information (time to next bus for a particular stop) is often inaccurate or unavailable. Increasing
accuracy and availability of this data may help address the negative impact of late buses even without changing
their punctuality.
The Bongo app is poorly designed to answer a rider's questions effectively. I have written detailed explanations
in the past of this particular problem with simple suggestions for updating the app to the support email address
associated with the Bongo app and have not received a response. As far as I can tell, the app has not received an
update in years. I can provide these suggestions to the Council if helpful. An alternative solution would be to
abandon the Bongo app in favor of publishing the city's transit data to Google (supposedly free), allowing riders
to use the Google Maps app to access info about stop locations, routes, and wait times.
outcomes of problems:
1. Riders feel anxious while waiting, not knowing if the bus will arrive at all.
2. Riders are late to class, doctor's appointments, job interviews, etc.
3. Riders begin to feel that they cannot rely on the bus, reducing ridership and revenue.
Thank you for your consideration and for addressing the issues around transportation access and quality in and around
Iowa City.
-Kade Schemahorn
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Lula Palmer: Minimum Wage
Item Number: 8.c.
Kellie Fruehlin
From:
Lula Palmer <lula@brentopalmer.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 5:20 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
Minimum wage
Vde are in favor of a $15 minimum wage payment to all et, employee
Sent from the Palmers
tr
'cmgz�l
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Item Number: 8.d.
Description
James White, Sr.: The proposed "tunnel' to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road
Kellie Fruehling
From: JJWHITE <jjwhite499@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 3:13 PM
To: Council
Subject: Fw: RE: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road
Dear Council:
I write in opposition to another proposal to fix the Idyllwild problem.
In my opinion there are better and safer means to solve some of
these problems without destroying the property of residents on Taft
Speedway.
[A street that has not been paved in years. A street without curb
and gutter or a storm water drainage system (which we pay
monthly for yet do not have). A street with 8 homes on it --some
since the early 1900's.
Some, like mine, with an annual property tax of $5,442.00 --and
rising.]
Please read my attached correspondence on this topic.
Thank You.
James J. White, Sr.
121 Taft Speedway Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319-321-1643
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: JJWHITE<jjwhite499@yahoo.corn>
To: Jason Reichart <jason-reichart@iowa-city.org>
Sent: Thursday, September 20, 2018 2:01 PM
Subject: Fw: RE: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off' water north of Foster Road
Jason, I have written to you before with my thoughts on this
topic. These are still my thoughts and concerns on this topic and
thought the matter was put to rest long ago --especially after the
council and former City Manager proposed raising Foster Road.
By its very nature and title ("Idyllwild Stormwater Drainage
Diversion Project") this is really a project for a PRIVATE
development. Once again we are compounding a problem that was
created when this development was allowed to happen in
1992. Should the taxpayers of Iowa City be constantly responsible
for "fixing" this mistake and the mistakes made in the planning and
construction of this development?
Should the current City Council become part and parcel of this
mistake all over again? Does the current City Council accept the
"last minute, pie in the sky" attempt by a previous City Council to
"save face?"
Before a lot of time and money is spent by you and outside
consultants to plot and plan this "Diversion" (pun intended) project,
maybe the Current City Council should approve and "buy into" this
project.
Jim White, Sr.
121 Taft Speedway St
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
319-321-1643
— On Fri, 12/7/12, Rick Fosse <Rkk-Fosse@iowa-citv.ora> wrote:
From: Rick Fosse <Rick- Fosse @iowa-citv.ore>
Subject: RE: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off" water north of Foster Road
To: "'1JWHITE"' <liwhite499@Vahoo.com>
2
Cc: "Ron Knoche" <Ron-Knoche@iowa-city.ora>, "Jason Reichart" Jason-Reichart(diowa-citv.ore>, "Melissa Clow"
<Me I issa-Clow(@ Iowa-city.ore>
Date: Friday, December 7, 2012, 2:19 PM
Thanks for your e-mail. We are just beginning to evaluate options and considerations. I am sharing your comments with
the engineers involved.
Thanks,
Rick
From: JJWHITE [mailto:jjwhite499@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2012 11:33 AM
To: Rick Fosse
Subject: The proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off" water north of Foster Road
Rick,
Regarding the proposed "tunnel" to drain "run off" water north of Foster Road: I would first like to see the City
engineers and consultants take a hard look at increasing the size of existing culverts/tubes/pipes that cross under Foster
Road near the No Name Road intersection.
Also, IF it is determined that the outlet pipe/tunnel from the two Idyllwild holding ponds to the Iowa River (through the
former Miller property) is too small then increase the size of the outlet pipe/tunnel as well.
My concern is that with all the levees being built up stream and all the pumping stations being built up stream, the Iowa
River will experience a tremendous increase in water volume and flow in the future.
I would prefer the City not increase this flow West of the Taft Speedway homes. Therefore, improving the current
method/procedure of dealing with "run off" north of Foster Road seems preferable.
The City Manager, Tuesday evening, seemed to imply that raising Foster Road was the next option so I assume what I
suggest could be done at the same time.
still do not see a need for a Taft Speedway and Dubuque Street intersection. This would be a major cost saving
measure for the Gateway Project. An abandoned Taft Speedway Street south of Parkview Church would greatly
enhance the appearance and aesthetics of the Church, the wooded area south of the church, the Iowa Boat House etc.,
etc. I know we could play the "what if there was an accident game" at Dubuque and Foster Road, Dubuque and Ridge
Road, Dubuque and Kimball Road, Dubuque and Brown Street, Dubuque and Ronald's Street, Dubuque and Church
Street, the 1-80 Dubuque Street exit,
1-80 Dodge Street exit, etc., etc. For all we know there could be "an accident" in front of the central firehouse doors....
Laura Drive and the Ed Cole property present a second and a third access to the west end of the peninsula. It is my
understanding that access to the Ed Cole project will be north of the Dubuque Street/Foster Road intersection. I am
sure the Mid-America service area under their power lines that parallel 1-80 could be used in case of an emereencv as
well
In summary, I think my above suggestions would represent tremendous cost saving measures to the City,
James J. White
121 Taft Speedway St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Item Number: 8.e.
Description
Diane Duncan -Goldsmith: Thank you - Work Session to Address 101 Lusk Ave Build
Kellie Fruehling
From: Diane Duncan -Goldsmith <ddgoldsmith.icia@gmaiLcom>
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2018 9:18 PM
To: Council
Subject: Thank You - Work Session to Address 101 Lusk Ave. Build
Dear Members of the Iowa City City Council,
I was one of the neighbors who had the opportunity to speak with Councilor Cole when he met with us
regarding concerns of how issues raised over construction of the building at 101 Lusk Avenue were
handled. During the meeting, solutions to prevent similar issues arising from construction in other Iowa City
neighborhoods were also discussed. I believe Rockne's suggestion of a Council work session to address issues
of concern and to develop strategies to address future building projects in Iowa City is a great first step. As
Rockne mentioned in his request, there are three primary proposals to address, these are the issues which the
Neighborhood feels are most important. They are as follows:
1. Create an evaluative process specific to all residential infill development. Build specified triggers mandating
notification of neighbors when the proposed size of the new home -to -surrounding -property scale, based on
footprint and possibly height, deviates by a certain percentage.
2. Create a separate building classification for large entertainment venues. For example, at a minimum, the
presence of regular and anticipated crowd sizes should "trigger" commercial type safety features (sprinklers,
exit door design, etc.).
3. The City's quasi-judicial Boards should function independently of NDS/Legal/City Manager. The City
attorney should not advise and represent the actions of those under scrutiny (by the appeal process) while also
selecting and advising the legal representation of the "independent" Board. This is a conflict. In addition, the
same appointed/hired attorney should not represent multiple Boards (e.g. Adjustment and Appeals) when there
is more than one hearing brought by the same plaintiff(s).
Hopefully, the work session will result in Council direction to City Staff to draft policies or recommend
ordinance changes to implement these policies which will address the issues and concerns resulting from the
101 Lusk build.
Thank you for your attention to these issues.
Sincerely,
Diane Duncan -Goldsmith
329 Beldon Avenue
Diane Duncan -Goldsmith, MS, RDN, LD
ddgoldsmith.icia@gmaii.com
319-594-2151 (c)
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Item Number: 8.f.
Description
Barbara Haring: Possible use of the former Unitarian building [Staff response included]
Kellie Fruehling
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2018 11:53 AM
To: 'Barbara Haring'; Council
Subject: RE: Possible use of the former Unitarian building
Ms. Haring,
Thank you for the email and suggestions for the former Unitarian Church building. We are excited to see that historic
property being restored with the Augusta Place project. The developer is obligated under our Tax Increment Financing
agreement to repurpose the building for a commercial use.
Again thank you for your suggestions and for your interest in the successful renovation of the property.
Best,
Geoff Fruin
City Manager
From: Barbara Haring [mailto:b.haring@mchsi.com]
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2018 10:10 AM
To: Council <Council@iowa-city.org>
Subject: Possible use of the former Unitarian building
Hello, Our City and the developer have a join interest in the future use of the former UUSIC building.
I was wondering if it could be an office for the Historic Preservation office? Or some of the other Urban Planning
offices?
Perhaps on a lease arrangement?
I understand other uses, such as a coffee shop or art gallery have also been mentioned.
Barbara Haring
2902 Eastwood DR
IC
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Item Number: 8.g.
Description
Megan Lyons: School Crossing Scott Blvd and Washington St [Staff response included]
Kellie Fruehling
From: Derek Frank
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 1:57 PM
To: mlyonsl@gmail.com
Cc: Council; Jody Matherly
Subject: RE: School Crossing Scott Blvd and Washington St.
Megan -
Thank you for letting us know of your concerns. Children and pedestrian safety is of great importance to us.
Your email was forwarded to me, as the Police Department oversees the crossing guards in the city. Unfortunately,
limited resources do not allow us to place crossing guards at each intersection along potential routes between homes
and elementary schools. We do staff a guard at the Scott Blvd./Court St. intersection, which is the safest location for
pedestrians to cross Scott Blvd. due to the presence of the traffic light.
We will study these two intersections during the pre- and post -school travel times to see if any adjustments should be
made to the guard locations. Additionally, we will communicate with the school district and parents concerning any
changes and to encourage them to have their children follow a route that allows for the safest crossing of Court St.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
61 Sgt, Derek Frank #i97
Planning&Research ( NO
319-356-5275
Fair
Re*Drww
Profe"orta
From: Megan Lyons [mailto:mlvonsl@email.com]
Sent: Monday, September 24, 2018 10:48 AM
To: Council <Council@iowa-citv.ore>
Subject: School Crossing Scott Blvd and Washington St.
Good Morning,
I am writing with great concern for children from Lemme Elementary and their families who cross Scott Blvd at
Washington St (which turns into Scott Park Dr east of Scott Blvd). This is a significant crossing area for children who
attend Lemme and live on the east side of Scott Blvd. As someone who has a child at Lemme and drives on Scott Blvd
nearly everyday, I know that Scott has high amounts traffic at times and drivers go well above the posted speed
limit. Everyday I see children standing at the corner waiting, looking, waiting, looking and then running across Scott to
beat traffic. This is not due to children's poor choices. Rather, it's the nature of the intersection. Additionally, drivers
turning left onto Scott are vying for their turn while also needing to be aware of children who are present.
Currently, there is one 'children crossing' sign RIGHT ON the corner of the intersection. This does nothing to create
caution in drivers ahead of time. Particularly when cars are driving 40 mph.
I am asking that this intersection be studied to better understand how the City can create a safer crossing situation for
students and drivers, particularly right before and after school.
Link to intersection: https://goo.pl/maps/UvSFoQmluLA2
Sincerely,
Megan Lyons
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Ervin Stutzman: Gratefulness
Item Number: 8.h.
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Ervin_Stutzman@comcast.net
Sent:
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 9:37 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Gratefulness
To whomever should get the credit:
For the last couple of weeks, I've been a guest of family and friends in Iowa City. Each day, I've taken some
time to bike the trails in the area, including the trails in Coralville and beyond. On a couple of days, my wife
joined me with her bike. I simply wish to convey my deep appreciation for these trails, which have contributed
to my physical and emotional well-being. Thanks for all you do to develop and maintain them.
With deep appreciation,
Ervin R. Stutzman
Harrisonburg, VA
Item Number: 81
tr
'cmgz�,
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Staff response - Street Trees - North Dodge - late handout 10/1
Allison Donnell: Street Trees - North Dodge
61
Kellie Fruehling
From: Zac Hall
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2018 3:36 PM Late Handouts Distributed
To: 'andonnell@gmail.com'
Cc: Council; 'leeburress@gmai l.com'
Subject: Street Trees - North Dodge 11 `1 c6
(Date)
Allison,
Thank you for contacting us. I've been asked to respond to your email regarding streets trees along the North Dodge
corridor. We are fortunate this corridor has great mature tree canopy coverage from Hickory Hill Park and other private
properties. This corridor could be a candidate for a large scale planting project. Such projects are coordinated with the
Public Works Department. From an urban forestry perspective our industry motto is "The right tree in the right
place". We want to ensure that any tree we plant has an opportunity to grow and sustain itself. We can certainly
explore what is possible for this area. I'd be happy to follow up with you individually. I am out of the office tomorrow,
so if you do not hear back from me by next week please feel free to contact me personally. Thank you for your interest
and support.
I look forward to talking soon,
CITY OF IOWA CITY Zachary Hall
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE Superintendent of Parks
319-356-5093
WWW.ICGOV.ORG
410 E Washington St
0000 Iowa City, IA 52240
Kellie Fruehling
From: Allison Donnell <andonnell@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2018 12:20 PM
To: Council
Cc: Lee Burress
Subject: Street Trees - North Dodge
Hello,
As I was showing my parents around a weekend or so again I had the chance to see my neighborhood through fresh
eyes. I noticed that there are very few if any trees in the parkway along North Dodge Street between Scott Blvd and
Prairie Du Chien. As this is a main entrance to Iowa City I think it would be nice to have a tree lined street to welcome
visitors others coming in along North Dodge.
Thanks,
Allison
Item Number: 8.j.
tr
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
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October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Matthew Lage: Kiosk at Iowa and Clinton
Kellie Fruehling
From:
Matthew Lage <mlage.iowabook@gmail.com>
Sent:
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 9:04 AM
To:
Council
Subject:
Kiosk at Iowa and Clinton
Attachments:
Resized_20180924_171340.jpeg; Resized_20180924_171116jpeg
on
Attached are two candid pics taken of the kiosk at Iowa and Clinton Streets, and we here at Iowa Book were wondering
how long this punch -line will run. Can you mull over considering a replacement/extraction for a future budget? That
would be nice.
On a completely, utterly off -topic question, I had the opportunity to walk down to the Park Road bridge last night to
figure out what everyone is laughing about. Kudos to the City Manager's sense of irony in allowing the specs to be
approved, but the question is why the surface material on the arch is rather rough as opposed to slick, thus
guaranteeing traction and raising the spirits of personal injury lawyers.
Best,
Matthew Lage, Book Department Manager
Iowa Book
- I I
tr
'cmgz�l
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
October 2, 2018
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Laurie Crawford: wildlife crossing - deer
Item Number: 8.k.
Kellie Fruehling
From: laurie crawford <lauriecrawforc1517@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2018 3:36 PM
To: Council
Subject: wildlife crossings - deer
Dear Mayor Throgmorton and Council Members,
Here is just one example of the wildlife crossings built and being built across the United States.
There are 2 pedestrian/bike paths near N. Dubuque Street and 1-80. Perhaps one of these could be converted to a
wildlife crossing. I believe all or most of these are state funded.
https://www.seattletimes.comiseattle-newslits-a-long-time-coming-6-2-million-wildlife bridge over i 90 nears
completion/
Thanks for your consideration,
Laurie Crawford
9/27/2018 'It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over 1-90 nears completion I The Seattle Times
PSearch
Local News
As we explore the plight of local orcas, we want you to be part of the conversation. Text the word ORCA
to 2o6-429-4613 to receive the latest orca news right to your phone.
`It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over
I-90 nears completion
Originally published September 25, 2018 at 6:00 am Updated September26, 2018 at 11.40 am
I of 4 Construction continues on the wildlife crossing over Interstate go near Snoqualmie Pass. (Steve Ringman 1
The Seattle Times)
https:ltwww.seattletimes.comiseante ewslit"-long-time-coming-6-2-million-wildlife-bddge-over-i-90-neams mpletioni 117
9/27/2018 'It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over 1-90 nears completion I The Seattle Times
The wildlife bridge better connects north and south Cascades habitat. Traffic on
Interstate go has been a barrier to wildlife.
By Evan Bush v
Seattle Times staff reporter
It's just a patch of barren earth not much wider than a basketball court, but
conservationists, government workers and construction managers are pretty fired up
about it.
"This is going to be really amazing," said Patty Garvey-Darda, a wildlife biologist in the
Okanogan -Wenatchee National Forest. "It's a long time coming."
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/its-a-long-time-coming-6-2-million-wildlife-bridge-over-i-90-nears-completion/ 2/7
9/27/2018 'It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over 1-90 nears completion I The Seattle Times
The dirt surface spans a bridge structure across Interstate go near milepost 61 called an
animal overcrossing. For decades, animals have had to contend with heavy traffic on I-
go that has squashed plenty of creatures and cleaved entire populations in two. No
longer.
The new $6.2 million overcrossing, which is still under construction near Price Creek,
will soon provide safe passage for elk, bears and maybe even mountain goats, as part of
an ambitious overhaul of I-90 to reconnect wildlife habitats in the north and south
Cascades. Cars pass through two concrete archways underneath.
Construction crews completed those archway tubes last year. Workers this summer
began placing 5 -square -foot panels of concrete and re -bar on the bridge's two sides and
slowly filling it up with dirt. They were careful to distribute the fill evenly, to avoid
pressuring the arch and risking collapse.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/its-a-long-time-coming-6-2-million-wildlife-bridgevver-i-90-nears-completion/ 3R
9/27/2018 'It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over 1-90 nears completion I The Seattle Times
WSDOT construction begins in 2016 on two arches for a bridge for wildlife to cross 1 -go. The Keechelus Wildlife
Overpass east of Snoqualmie Pass will be completed in 2018. (Steve Ringman / The Seattle Times; renderings
courtesy of WSDOT)
Soon, the workers will raise 8 -foot walls on both sides of the 66 -foot wide bridge, which
should block much of the traffic noise and also prevent snow from sloughing onto the
roadway.
By fall's end, the crews will have spread 115,000 cubic yards of dirt over the structure,
according to Washington Department of Transportation spokeswoman Meagan Lott.
You know those bags of mulch or soil you can buy at hardware stores? That figure is
equivalent to more than 1.5 million of them.
Next spring, conservationists and volunteers will plant native flora across the span,
hoping the plants will make for an inviting destination. They hope to attract smaller
creatures like shrews, pocket gophers and terrestrial salamanders to the crossing, too.
"You're building a crossing structure for some species and a home for others," said Jen
Watkins, of Conservation Northwest, a nonprofit that has championed the project.
The project is one of more than two dozen wildlife crossings planned or completed as
WSDOT manages a more than $goo million overhaul of a 15 -mile stretch of highway
between Hyak and Easton. So far, the work is about halfway complete. The agency so far
has constructed two new avalanche bridges, stabilized rock slopes, replaced several
other bridges and widened I -go from four to six lanes from Hyak to Stampede Pass.
By revamping the highway with wildlife's needs in mind, officials were able to broker an
easement with the U.S. Forest Service to add the additional lanes.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/its-a-long-time-coming-6-2-million-wildlife-bridg"ver-i-90-nears-completion/ 417
9/27/2018
'It's a long time coming': $6.2 million wildlife bridge over 1-90 nears completion I The Seattle Times
"It's a win-win. We could improve transportation. We did lose some national forest,"
said Garvey-Darda referring to construction of additional highway lanes. "But we can
connect the North Cascades and the South Cascades."
Three undercrossings can be seen from the animal bridge. For much of the summer,
construction workers have been watching two does with fawns cross back and forth
beneath the highway. "The crews always take pride in that," said Phil Larson, a project
manager for contractor Atkinson Construction.
For the animals, to cross or not is no longer the question. It's whether to go high or stay
low.
Evan Bush: 2o6-464-2253 or ebush@seattletimes.com; on Twitter. @EvanBush.
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CoSign Program 2017
In 2017, CoSign called for a national launch of the turn -key program and Downtown Iowa City was
one of six chosen communities. Upon the completion of the program, Downtown Iowa City
unveiled 12 new pedestrian oriented projecting blade signs that were locally designed and
fabricated custom for the downtown businesses
Lessons Learned:
• Well designed and artistic led signs are costly: incentives need to be higher to
encourage illumination and continued work with local artists
• Other opportunities for storefront enhances can be encouraged based on design
guidelines
• ICDD should be more intimately involved in communication between artist,
business and fabricators
Cosign+
Mission:
To provide meaningful and original pedestrian -oriented wayfinding enhancements to support improved navigation of
the downtown and Northside environment, as well as improve direct sales through enhanced retail "theater."
Goals:
• Create a program that supports creative enhancements that foster a stronger sense of authentic place
• Enhance business by encouraging further attention to individual storefronts
• Allow for the character of each business to create theater on the sidewalk and enhance the collective experience of
visitors downtown
• Allow a more diverse group of businesses to participate in incentivized programs
• Encourage continued creative enhancements, year after year for businesses
Cosign+
Overview of program
A multi -tiered approach towards investing in two main categories for business enhancements
CoSign : Bring Back Creative Signage
0 Continue the CoSign program with a more tailored method
0 Goal of 7 participating businesses
0 50/50 match for dollars, up to S3,000
+ Foster Creative Storefront Improvements
0 Targeted storefront improvements, incentivized as outlined by the Kiku Obata Design Guidelines and
Downtown Works Retail Strategy could include: painting, new doors, window enhancements, exterior
lighting, doorway enhancements, design services etc. (all developed from existing studies)
0 Goal of 14 participating businesses
0 50/50 match for dollars, up to S1,000
Direct Recommendations
'u r'
from Kiku Obata Design
Guidelines
Incentives to be developed to allow s
small, incremental improvements
including: artistic door plates, door
entries, blade signs, canopy
signage, painted doorways,
restoring glass windows, outdoor
merchandising
n�
0
�JLLii �Nl�'W Y'<�ti, I
�R
a
Step 1 & 2
Sept.
�1 I III
Seeure
Funding
CoSign+ Timeline
Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 & 6
Oct. Nov. Jan -March
Define Program
and Name
Applications,
submission
forms
Establish
Rules/Regulations
itep 8
April May -October
II I I I I 1 1
1111
Close
Committee
Applications for
Chooses
CoSign & 1st
Approved
Tier 2
Applications
application
round
Business Outreach &
Workshop
I
2nd Round
of Tier 2
applications
& awards
CoSign & +
underway
Building Change & CoSign
Marketing & Outreach to Businesses to apply for:
• Building Change Grant Program - City of Iowa City
• Building Change Loan Program- City of Iowa City
• CoSign - ICDD
• + - ICDD
Summary
Key Takeaways
• Expands the impact of the CoSign program for years to come
• Offers scaled levels of participation for businesses looking for
enhancement opportunities
Provides creative and long lasting enhancements for businesses and
the Downtown District
Thank you
Thomas Agran- Director of Public Art
Betsy Potter- Director of Operations