The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2020-04-21 CorrespondenceCITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Judith Pfohl: fireworks Item Number: 7.a. Kellie Fruehling From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 3:20 PM To: Council Subject: fireworks AA RI K Last year Iowa City said no fireworks selling, but Coralville allowed sales on an empty lot near Randy's Carpet. I checked the mail at church and there was an ad asking if we wanted to sponsor fireworks there this year. If we are still distancing ourselves can we prevent fireworks for the city again? Also, it causes discomfort for veterans and dogs. Until we get a vaccine we probably should have to plan on Covid-19 around for 12-15 months. Judy Pfohl Item Number: 7.b. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Mary Ann Rasmussen - Wood burning fire pits in residential neighborhoods Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: AA RI K Dear Iowa City Council Members: Rasmussen, Maryann <maryann-rasmussen@uiowa.edu> Tuesday, April 7, 2020 3:34 PM Council Wood burning fire pits in residential neighborhoods I'm writing to ask you to reconsider the city ordinance which allows wood burning fire pits in Iowa City residential neighborhoods because of the serious health risks this practice can pose to neighbors. In this global moment of intense worry about respiratory disease, the health risks that wood burning fire pits are worth considering. The current Iowa City ordinance allows for this: 1. 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) 2. Open burning in portable, outdoor fireplaces is permitted. (Ord. 02-4034, 8-20-2002) Data from the American Lung Association suggests that our current ordinance creates a public health risk for many in the community. This article asserts that residential wood burning can coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, heart attacks, lung cancer, and premature death, among other health effects that emissions from wood smoke can cause. https://www.luniz.orp/clean-air/at-home/indoor-air-pollutants/residential-wood-burnine A mere twenty-five foot space between a firepit and a sensitive -to -smoke neighbor's residence is not enough to prevent these health consequences. This document (https://www.lincoin.ne.goy/city/health/environ/Air/forms/OutdoorBurningFactSheet odf) from the City of Lincoln, NE, explains why smoke from wood burning fire pits is a health concern for many: The smoke created from wood burning creates air pollution and public health problems. By definition, smoke is toxic, since it contains hazardous air pollutants, fine particle pollution, and volatile organic compounds (VOC) all of which can harm people's health and may cause cancer. Fine particle pollution in smoke can damage lung tissue and lead to serious respiratory problems when breathed in high concentrations. In low concentrations, particle pollution in wood smoke can harm the health of children, the elderly, and those with asthma, allergies, heart problems or existing respiratory diseases, such as emphysema or COPD. This statement from the Minnesota Department of Public Health (https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air/wood-smoke-and- your-health) explains who is at risk and describes the impact on neighborhoods of wood burning: Wood smoke can worsen asthma and other respiratory illnesses. When burning wood, it is not only your family and those near the fire who may be exposed, but also neighbors in the surrounding area, some of whom may have underlying health problems. Wood smoke particles are so tiny that they remain suspended for long periods of time and easily penetrate into buildings with incoming cold air. Young children, the elderly, and people with asthma, lung, or heart disease are especially vulnerable to wood smoke in the air. Stagnant conditions and winter temperature inversions result in wood smoke staying close to the ground, where it can enter neighbors' homes through tiny cracks, open windows, and vents. Wood smoke often settles into low-lying areas, and can become trapped and build up to unusually high concentrations. I realize that for folks without respiratory problems, a distance of 25 feet can seem adequate. But for those of us with asthma and COPD, this isn't the case. Fifty even 100 feet can be too close. Would it be possible to change the nuisance ordinance so that people with statements from their pulmonary physicians can have some kind of recourse to wood burning firepits used by their neighborhoods if the smoke is interfering with the health and enjoyment of their property? Are there other solutions we can come up with that respect everyone's private property rights and right to health? I look forward to hearing from you. As someone with asthma and COPD and with a granddaughter with asthma, this issue is very important to me. All best, Mary Ann Rasmussen 1346 E. Bloomington Street Iowa City, IA Kellie Fruehling From: Joe Svec <joesvec3@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, April 18, 2020 9:45 PM To: Council Subject: Please consider comming up with a law banning fire pits and burning anything (fireplaces when outdoor temp is > 32 degrees perhaps) within city limits - for the health of the community, Late Handouts Distributed ARI�K (Date) It is unnecessary and frankltly inconsiderate for a handful of people to burn wood on their property and produce smoke and odor that causes and entire neighborhood to have shut their windows and turn on the air conditioning when it is 65 degrees outside. This is a health concern for people with asthma, and other conditions and for those who would like to have FRESH AIR coming through their windows instead of smoke and for those who would like to to be able to take the dog for a walk without going through a hazerdous smoke filled city block or two and emerge with irritated lungs and clothes that smell like smoke. Thanks. Item Number: 7.c. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Peter Yohe - Regarding April 7th Zoombombed meeting Kellie Fruehling From: Peter Yohe <peter.yohe@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 9:50 AM To: Council Subject: Regarding April 7th Zoombombed meeting A RISK Dear Councilors, Thank you for a great online meeting in this time of social distancing. It's unfortunate that the meeting was "Zoombombed" despite the fact this issue has been widely reported in the media. The University of Iowa's IT Security & Policy Office has a good resource on Zoom Security and Privacy. Would you share this resource with your technical team? https:Hitsecurity.uiowa.edu/resources/everyone/zoom-security-and-privacy I look forward to attending future meetings virtually and in person one day, too. My regards, Peter Yohe google voice: 1.319.535.0303 Item Number: 7.d. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Dave Moore - Camera systems for large apartment complexes Kellie Fruehling From: hawkbeerfan@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 2:38 PM To: Council Subject: Camera systems for large apartment complexes I ISSK To Iowa City Council: was just wondering why the council can't pass an ordinance requiring any large apartment complexes (like Town and Campus, The Lodge, etc.) to have camera systems installed outside so when we have shootings we can maybe get a look at the people and /or vehicles involved? It seems like a no brainer. I think Cedar Rap[ids requires this for connivence stores. Ylu could fashion it after that, but for large apartment complexes. Dave Moore Iowa City CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Carol deProsse - Pile of tires Item Number: 7.e. Kellie Fruehlin From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox@mac.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 4:21 PM To: Geoff Fruin; Council Subject: Pile of tires t Geoff, Council, These things are collecting rain water and thus providing breeding grounds for mosquitos. They are located at the moped place on Maiden Lane, close to the Kennedy Plaza. Firestone has a truck come once a month and pick theirs up, this place needs to be as responsible. Thank you. Nip - 4hY:; •F ILrI00 Wo'ea "'0000 fl � 1 �W + r f "AMINO. AAA... ell o\ RPM Carol 1 CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 7.f. Description Regi Smith - Solar panel park Joan Crowe & Matthew Witter - Plan to remove trees and prairie for solar panels Joan Crowe - solar panels Ian Smith - Proposed Waterworks Park project Amy & Paul Kretkowski - Solar Laurence & Sue Fuortes - Save Waterworks Prairie Park Audrey Eastin - Solar panels Peter Yohe - Comments for 2020-04-07 council meeting item 10 Lore Baur - Please preserve the prairie at the Waterworks park Lynette Marshall - Thank you Judy Allen - please note Jackie Westhoff - Urgent Asa Crowe - Thank you Lydia Crowe - solar farm [Staff response included] Rich Bailie - solar panels Martha Norbeck - Climate Action Kellie Fruehling From: Regi Smith <witwics20@gmaii.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 5:26 PM To: Council Subject: Solar panel park AI i Wr K I am very happy to hear that Iowa City is going to have a solar panel park. Please reconsider where this park is planning to be put. I don't think we should destroy area wetlands and natural animal habitats to build our solar park. I think it is ironic that the council would consider the current area. Thank you for considering alternative sites. Kellie Fruehling From: Joan Crowe <joanecrowe@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 5:29 PM To: Council Subject: Plan to remove trees and prairie for solar panels I understand there is an area by the airport that would be better used. If you want Iowa City to look good, leave the trees and trails and prairie. And these things will mitigate climate change in ways you cannot quantify. Don't let them tear out the trees, please. Sincerely, Joan Crowe and Andrew Witter 319-835-396o 2056 255 Street Donnellson, Iowa 52625 U I Alums and former residents of Iowa City (me 20 years, he 1o) This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: Joan Crowe <joanecrowe@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2020 7:48 AM To: Council Subject: Re: Auto Response from City Council of Iowa City mailbox Attachments: solar panels jpg Thank you very much for your vote yesterday to keep the trees and prairie and find a different location. We appreciate you very much. I see this morning on the Internet that will be Burcham Solar Park in East Lansing Michigan on top of a landfill. " Built on a capped landfill,1,000 solar panels are now producing power for homes, businesses, and city buildings in East Lansing and Lansing. The project also involves planting native plants for pollinators! An aerial view of the Burcham Park solar array, located on the south side of Burcham Drive between Timberlane Street and the Park Lake Road roundabout. (Photos by Gary Caldwell) https://protect- us.mimecast. com/s/ HeOXCV2w46tRvxYcQQ1d-?domain=eastlansinginfo. org Burcham Solar Park Blooming Soon I East Lansing Info An aerial view of the Burcham Park solar array, located on the south side... An aerial view of the Burcham Park solar array, located on the south side of Burcham Drive between Timberlane Street and the Park Lake Road roundabout. (Photos by Gary Caldwell)" Sincerely, Joan Crowe This email is from an external source. 5ijp Kellie Fruehlin From: Ian Smith <iansmith1781@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 6:09 PM To: Council Subject: Proposed Waterworks Park Project AA ffliK Please consider the location of the proposed solar farm. Maybe somewhere South of town near the airport or to the east would be better? Let's not sacrifice park land for 30 years. Thanks Ian Kellie Fruehling From: Amy Kretkowski <amy.kretkowski@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 6:55 PM To: Council Subject: Solar? As a resident of Iowa City, I make frequent use of the Waterworks Prairie Park. I go there to run and walk my do at least 4-5 times per week. Please do not turn a large portion into a solar farm! There are other more suitable locations for this - and, really, a solar farm? If you must put a questionable worthwhile solar farm in Iowa City, there's no need to ruin the Waterworks Prairie Park. Thank you, Amy & Paul Kretkowski 714 N. Johnson St. Iowa City, IA 52245 Sent from my iPhone This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: Fuortes <fuortes@mchsi.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 7:38 PM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Save Waterworks Prairie Park! Dear friends & neighbors on City Council,PLEASE save Waterworks Prairie Park. Put the solar panels at the IC Airport NOT at Waterworks Prairie Park! Save our beautiful wetlands and natural habitat for birds. Future generations of Iowa City will be grateful. Laurence and Sue Fuortes This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: audrey eastin <audrey_eastin@yahoo.com> Sent:. Tuesday, April 7, 2020 7:42 PM To: Council Subject: Solar panels AI RI K Please put the solar panels at the airport, not the waterworks prairie park.. Thank you, Audrey Eastin, IC resident Kellie Fruehling From: Peter Yohe <peter.yohe@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 8:01 PM To: Council Subject: Comments for 2020-04-07 council meeting item 10 A RISK Was the airport's 100 year flood plane impacted during the 1993 100 year flood or the more severe 500 year flood of 2008? Could the solar array be installed in the off limits are to the north of the waterworks plant? If we have to go all in on solar, why not start with the least fragile areas - parking lots for example - first. Save established ha habitats for last . By the way, I'd love solar in my literal backyard. No NIMBY here! :) Thank you, Peter Yohe -Peter Kellie Fruehling From: Lore Baur <lorebaur@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 8:52 PM To: Council Subject: Please, preserve the prairie at the Waterworks park! A RISK Dear City of Iowa City Council,Please put the solar panels at the airport, not Waterworks Prairie Park. This is one of the few wheelchair accessible parks. I walk it while pushing my son in his wheelchair at least 5 times a week. We love seeing the wildlife, birds and deer. Please do not change the beautiful prairie that is habitat for wildlife. Lore Baur712 Kimball Roadlowa City 52245 Kellie Fruehling From: Lynette Marshall <lynettelmarshall@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 10:02 PM To: Council Subject: Thank you A heartfelt thank you to members of the City Council for voting this evening to support the preservation of the Waterworks Prairie Park. We are grateful for your service and we appreciate the attention being given to solar power AND the preservation of existing parkland. With appreciation, Lynette Marshall Lynette L. Marshall This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: Judy Allen <allenjudy@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 11:12 PM To: Council Subject: please note A RISK Please put the solar panels at the airport, not Waterworks Prairie Park. Do not disgrace this wonderful city! Kellie Fruehling From: Jackie Westhoff <jackie.mysavanna@fmtcs.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 1:10 AM To: Council Subject: URGENT! I RIn Dear Council Members, Waterworks Prairie Park was established as a prairie, to provide habitat for wildlife and songbirds. To destroy it is a bad idea for many reasons - removal of prairie, removal of woods, removal of wildlife habitat - driving more deer into the city where they will be killed. Solar panels kill wetland/song birds who land on them thinking they are bodies of water. Please put the solar panels at the airport, not Waterworks Prairie Park"l l! Kellie Fruehling From: Asa Crowe <whompachomp@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 8:16 PM To: Council Subject: Thank you! A RI Thank you so much for your thoughtful questions, comments, and decision on Waterworks Prairie Park last night! Kellie Fruehling From: Geoff Fruin Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2020 2:25 PM To: 'Lydia Crowe'; Council Subject: RE: Solar farm Ms. Crowe, At this time there are no alternatives actively being pursued. We do hope to identify similar opportunities in the future. Thank you, Geoff Fruin City Manager From: Lydia Crowe [mailto:lydiacrowe@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2020 11:10 AM To: Council <Council@iowa-city.org> Subject: Solar farm i To the Iowa City Council: I would like to know if alternative locations are being considered for the solar farm slated for Waterworks Prairie Park. I am interested in this project and I hope that it is not completely scrapped due to the public opposition regarding its location. Thank you for your time. Lydia Crowe Kellie Fruehlin From: rmbailie@mediacombb.net Sent: Thursday, April 9, 2020 4:27 PM To: Council Subject: Re: Auto Response from City Council of Iowa City mailbox A To Council Members. Thanks for your decision to discontinue negotiation for solar panels in Waterworks Park. Rich Bailie 1730 Louis Place, Iowa City From: "council" <Council@iowa-city.org> To: rmbailie@mediacombb.net Sent: Tuesday, April 7, 2020 4:59:43 PM Subject: Auto Response from City Council of Iowa City mailbox Thank you for your correspondence to the Iowa City City Council. All correspondence addressed to the City Council becomes a permanent public record that appears in the Council packet, is archived by the City, and will be distributed in the next formal council meeting packet. To contact an individual council member directly, email the member. • Laura Bergus, At -Large • Susan Mims, District B • Mazahir Salih, At -Large, Mayor Pro Tem • Pauline Taylor, District A • Bruce Teague, At -Large, Mayor • John Thomas, District C • Janice Weiner, At -Large Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. It is intended solely for use by the recipient and others authorized to receive it. If you are not the recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking action in relation of the contents of this information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. 1 Kellie Fruehling From: Martha Norbeck <martha_norbeck@hotmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020 10:25 AM To: Council Subject: Climate Action Climate Change is not subjective. • Climate Change is an urgent unfolding crisis that presents a serious threat to global stability and human existence; • The City Council hereby declares a state of climate crisis, given that the crises poses a serious and urgent threat to the well-being of Iowa City, its inhabitants, and its environment; • Further Resolved, Iowa City will continue...to accelerate actions to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions... o (City of Iowa City Resolution 19- 218) Beauty is subjective. I find this beautiful. 1) Fresh Enew 2) Audubon.orc 31 Environmental law and Pulicv Center 4) Earth9llcom Methodology of individual research studies could be picked apart, however supportive. A 2015 study of solar farms and control plots (under the same management) found: https://www.solar- trade.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/The-effects-of-solar-farms-on-local-biodiversity-study pdf "Overall, when looking at the number of plant species found on all solar plots compared with control plots, there were significantly more species on solar plots.... the number of butterflies observed per survey in all solar plots was statistically higher than in control plots, with the difference being highly significant... when looking at abundance of birds of conservation concern, with species recorded weighted pending on their conservation interest, overall, solar plots scored significantly higher when compared with control plots." This difference is attributed to the diversity of microclimates created by the presence of the panels. Climate Change is not subjective. I ask you to sift through the noise and discern what is subjective and objective to make the choice the is in the best long- term interest of our city. The street value of the Solar Array proposed at Waterworks is $8 MILLION. • If the City of Iowa City were to fund 3 megawatts of solar on homes and businesses it would cost about $2.50 per watt, or $7,5000,000 (MidAmerican's costs will probably be $1.00 per watt due to the economy of scale). • A typical home only has enough roof area to accommodate enough panels to offset about 25% of their demand. • To deploy an equivalent amount of GHG reductions in Iowa City, the city would need to come up with $7.5 million and persuade over 2,000 homeowners to act now to get solar installed in 2020. And STILL only offset 580 households. • Plus: the 30 -year lease value of $639,414, $30,000 for trees, and property taxes. I am scared. I am scared that if you do not act on the courage of your convictions now, when the data is on your side and MidAmerican will literally pay you to act — I am scared that if you bend now, what will you do when the choice is more complex. Kellie Fruehlin From: Jerry Wetlaufer <gbwetlaufer@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 17, 2020 4:01 PM To: Council; Bruce Teague; Janice Weiner, John Thomas; Laura Bergus; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor, Susan Mims Cc: Gerald Wetlaufer Subject: Thanks for supporting preserving Waterworks Prairie Park Late Handouts Distributed ARIK Dear Mayor Teague and members of the City Council, (Date) All of us who use and love the Waterworks Prairie Park are deeply grateful to you for your unanimous vote to preserve the prairie parkland. You have given us yet another reason to be proud of Iowa City. Very sincerely, Jerry Wetlaufer Gerald B. Wetlaufer gbwetlaufer(agmail.com Professor Emeritus University of Iowa College of Law 51 Lakeview Place NE Iowa City, Iowa 52242 319 541 1648 Professor Emeritus University of Iowa College of Law I Kellie Fruehling From: Alisa <alisameggitt@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed Sent: Sunday, April 12, 2020 8:20 PM To: Council Subject: Please put the solar panels at the airport, not Waterworks Prairie Park L4 - a0 = (Date) i RISK I love the solar panel idea, and will love it even MORE at the airport (which is intentionally located away from birding areas) Thank you for your consideration! Alisa Meggitt Kellie Fruehling From: Megan Alter <mearlyalter@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 10:55 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Solar Park comment L4 -2I - ARIK (Date) I am writing to support the solar farm at Waterworks Prairie Park and urge you to look at the research surrounding solar farms and prairies. Based on the swell of public input at last Council meeting, I completely understand the pressure to vote no on building the farm at the park. However, I believe that it is misguided for the public and Council alike to frame the goals of climate action and community expectations in opposition to one another, and to rely on "data" based on opinion rather than research. And, while there were very compelling values -based arguments from the speakers, in particular Mayor Bailey's perspective about community expectations, the idea that the content of community comments became a stopping point rather than an opening for more discussion is concerning. I am puzzled, in fact, that before the pandemic the entire community was fiercely and strongly in favor of action. This was a refrain I heard often and from many voters during my campaign for City Council. What has changed? We are still in a climate crisis, and we have an opportunity to combine two high priority goals. Building this farm would not be "tearing down" or "giving away land"—it would be putting the combined efforts to use this land in a way that will HELP our environment, not harm it while maintaining the prairie—truly, would Martha Norbeck be on board with this project if it harmed our ecosystems? I have spoken with her at length and she has scads of research which she has shared with me that address ecological and community concerns. Will the park be exactly the same? No. But I am concerned that in the last meeting there weren't more questions from Council to seek clarification and aid further deliberations, questions such as: what species would be impacted, how might fencing concerns be mitigated, how can birds and butterflies be protected? Ironically, looking for land by the airport (as was suggested) has already been ruled out by past inaction on climate change: the land is in a flood plane, and as Mayor Throgmorton commented on land use in low-lying areas, we cannot think about "if' it happens again, it is a matter of "when." So, how much more time will be spent in sending staff back to the drawing board? By all means have the Climate Action Commission weigh in, but I believe they already did, as Councillor Bergus noted. Go back and talk with them about why, as experts, they initially approved this plan. And, for yourselves, look at the research on Pollinator Friendly Solar Sites. As elected officials, it is absolutely your duty to listen to the concerns of the public, and it is also your duty to make informed decisions that will better the future of the City, the community, and its many members. In some cases, the public does not have all the data, and while their voices should be taken into account, you must also balance those impassioned voices with evidence, data, and strategic questions to further your understanding. We do not need to pit values against good land use. I ask that Council dig deeper into the specifics of the project, especially to ask questions raised by community concerns, but not to take community concerns as the answers to the very questions they raise. I believe the data will provide sound guidance to allow for the project to move forward in a way that demonstrates Iowa City's leadership on solar energy and helping its residents with energy bills and conservation --and which also takes into account its deep regard for its residents' concerns. I am reminded of the deep discord that the Forest View project first encountered, and the innovative, collaborative way Council and the community worked together. This can also be such a project. Thank you for your consideration, Megan Alter 936 Aspen Court Item Number: 7.g. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Abbie Weipert - I C West High - National Competition Student Qualifiers Kellie Fruehling From: Abbie Weipert <weipert.abbie@iowacityschools.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2020 2:50 PM To: Council Subject: Iowa City West High - National Competition Student Qualifiers Attachments: IC West High National Qualifiers 2020 (1).pdf A Hi Mayor Teague and Iowa City Council, I'm a business and economics teacher at West High School writing on behalf of some very talented and ambitious high school students that would be honored to hear from you. Mayor Pro Tem Salih's daughter, Luma, is among our talented team! I'm writing to you with an opportunity to recognize student constituents that qualified for a national academic competition but were extremely disappointed when the national conference was canceled due to COVID-19 protections. These students are members of Business Professionals of America for aspiring technology, management, financial, and marketing professionals. They competed in Des Moines this past February and placed in the top three in the state, qualifying them for the prestigious national convention. The conference was to be held in Washington DC so we have been discussing our fantastic political leadership at length as part of our travel plans, which is why I'm making this request of you and your office. It would mean so much to them to receive your recognition for their efforts and national qualifier status. I understand the immense workload you are currently facing with advocating for our community in this unprecedented time and that this may not be possible. If it is, however, I'm attaching the student names and competitive events for your review. I can coordinate getting any notes of recognition or honorary certificates back to them individually. Thank you for considering this request and for all you do for our community. Take care, Abbie Abbie Weipert Business Ft Economics Business Professionals of America - Advisor Iowa City West High School BUSINESS Giving Purpose PROFESSIONALS to Potentia! of AMERICA West High National Qualifiers & Newly Elected State Officers 2,020 BPA National Leadership Conference Washington D.C.- May 4-10 2020 Schuyler Houston - President Sophia Davis - Historian/reporter Congratulations to All West High Competitorsl Many of our members medaled and were recognized on stage for their work at the State Leadership Conference. The following represents current qualifiers for Nationals. Economic Research Team #1- Matt Karwal Zhihui Chen Luma Makawi Marcos Cheng Presentation Management Team #1- Margaret Liu Kevin Lu Silvia Tinneli Alexandra Curtu Advanced Interview Skills #1- Schuyler Houston Presentation Management Individual #1- John Woodward Digital Media Production #1- Sara Baroncini Broadcast News Team #2 - Sara Baroncini Camille Gretter John Woodward Graphic Design Promotion #3 - Abby McKeone Economic Research Team #3 - Connor Hayes Damien Sanchez Roberto Perez Entrepreneurship #1- Sophia Davis #2 - Zhihui Chen #3 - Olivia Boeglin Fundamentals of Web Design #1- Isabelle Paulsen Global Marketing Team #1- Taylor Steggall Sophia Davis Jada Dachtler Computer Security #1- Andrew Yu Fundamentals of Web Design #1- Isabelle Paulsen #3 - Abby McKeone Extemporaneous Speaking #3 - Margaret Liu Economic Research Individual #1- Matt Karwal #3 - Alex Carlon Meeting Mgmt Concepts #2 - Mary Woodward #4 - Sophia Davis Interview Skills #2 - Mary Woodward Global Marketing Team #2 - Schuyler Houston Chloe Gretter Nate Nelson Website Design Team #2 - Isabelle Paulsen Abby McKeone Java Programming #2 - Isabelle Paulsen #4 - Andrew Yu Banking & Finance #3- Matt Karwal CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 21, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 7.h. Description Sara Barron, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition: Utility Relief for out -of -work Iowa Citians Kellie Fruehling From: sara@jcaffordablehousing.org Sent: Thursday, April 16, 2020 1:06 PM To: Geoff Fruin; Council Cc: JOHN MCKINSTRY; Rafael Morataya; Greg Hearns Subject: Utility relief for out -of -work Iowa Citians Attachments: 20200416 Letter to City Council re Utility Relief.docx AI RISn Dear Mr. Fruin and Council Members, Attached, please find a letter from the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition, the Iowa City Federation of Labor, and the Center for Worker Justice requesting utility relief for out -of -work Iowa Citians. Thank you for your consideration of this important intervention. Take care, Sara Barron A-Sir- %_q4m JOHNSON COUNTY Affordable Housing Coalition Sara Barron I she/her/hers Executive Director www.Ocaffordablehousine.org www.facebook.com/ocaffordablehousine JCAHC is currently following CDC recommendations for mitigating transmission of COVID-19. Learn more at https://www.cdc.eov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strateev pdf .- JOHNSON COUNTY Affordable Housing Coalition April 15, 2020 Geoff Frain City Manager and Iowa City City Council City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mr. Frain and Council Members, Iowa Citians are out of work and unable to pay their bills because of COVID-19. As the provider of water, sewer, and refuse service, the City of Iowa City has the opportunity to significantly reduce the mounting economic burden for these households. We are asking the City of Iowa City to forgive water/sewer/refuse bills for households where one or more adults are unemployed. We recommend that the forgiveness period start immediately and include any outstanding balances. This relief should be offered to any household that pays its utility bill directly to the City (as opposed to households where the utilities are included in a recurring rent payment to a landlord). In order to reach the most equitable cross-section of households, we further ask that the City accept documentation of unemployment that includes (but is not necessarily limited to) proof of unemployment benefit filing OR a letter from the previous employer documenting the termination/layoff. JUSTIFICATION Housing costs are the single biggest monthly expense for the majority of households. The City cannot legislate rent relief or rent control. In contrast, the City is the provider of water/sewer/refuse and can therefore reduce housing costs through this action. The City has general fund dollars and reserves that can be allocated to utility relief. While there are many competing economic needs right now, a utility relief program will directly provide aid to households with the greatest economic need. For this reason, funds allocated to this program will allow households to spend their limited income on other goods and services throughout the community, returning the City's investment into the overall economy. • Other economic supports, such as unemployment benefits or rental assistance, will not be available to all members of our community, some of whom will lack the documentation needed for eligibility. Utility relief can be equitably offered to every eligible household. • This program will require City staff to manage applications for relief. On the other hand, it will reduce the need for staff to juggle overdue bill collection, potential shutoffs, and arranging alternate payment options. Providing utility relief will reduce stress on households and provide a clear directive for City staff. This direct benefit to Iowa City households will be a powerful intervention from our local government, demonstrating that we are a community standing strong together during the COVID- 19 crisis. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Sara Barron, Executive Director Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition Greg Hearns, President Iowa City Federation of Labor Rafael Morataya, Executive Director Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa Kellie Fruehling From: Alison Oliver <iasw.alisonoliver@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 20, 2020 11:03 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Strategies for utility bill relief 4— 2( -2_0 AK (Date) I have been following some of the community conversations on what Iowa City could do to support our residents who were already stretched thin from paycheck to paycheck and now find themselves unemployed or underemployed due to the pandemic. My father was a breakfast attendant at a hotel and lost his job in mid-March. He just turned 65 last year and is gratefully eligible for Social Security, but I think about the lack of safety net for those without supplemental income, especially those who might also be vulnerable to health complications from COVID-19. These are moments that challenge our creativity and community spirit, and I wonder what we can do as a community to offer utility bill relief for those who need it. I am eager to support any measures that can support my neighbors in need. Thank you for your leadership and efforts during this time. Sincerely, Alison Oliver 1802 7th Avenue Ct Iowa City, IA Kellie Fruehling From: Michael Shaw <jwjshaw1 @yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 12:14 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Utility Bill Relief '-21 -2-C) ARIK (Date) Dear Councilors: Please consider offering utility bill relief for unemployed families. We are in the middle of a pandemic that is causing a cascade of negative effects on our families which is draining community resources. Please help relieve the burden to our families created by this pandemic by providing short term utility bill relief. Thank you for your consideration. Stay safe and healthy, Michael Shaw Iowa City 19, -97,1 Kellie Fruehling From: Steve Stimmel <stevestimme122@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2020 8:18 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: landfill �'- 2-0 -� AI (Date) RIK I am a resident of rural Johnson County, about a mile and a half outside the city limits of Iowa City. This morning I found a big pile of junk in the ditch of the gravel road I live on. I am writing to ask you to re -open the landfill for City residents to use. Without a place for them to get rid of their junk, they haul it out in the county and dump it in the ditches (our front yards). I am confident the procedure in place at the landfill ensures social distancing while people throw their junk into the roll -off dumpsters. If you are worried about the scale operator coming into contact with the public, let them dump their trash without scaling them during the emergency. Thank you Steve Stimmel 4337 Maier Ave SW Iowa City, IA 52240