Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
2020-05-05 Correspondence
Item Number: 8.a. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Erin Jehle - Thank you for considering Parking Permit Fees Kellie Fruehling From: Erin Jehle <EJehle@midwestone.com> Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2020 12:06 PM To: Council Subject: Thank You for Considering- Parking Permit Fees ASX Good Afternoon, First, as a resident of and employee in Iowa City, I want to thank you all for your hard work during this difficult time. Secondly, I am writing as a permit holder of a parking ramp in downtown Iowa City hoping to get information on your plans to refund or reduce fees for permit holders. I have been working from my home office as recommended and not utilizing my parking permit for the Court Street parking ramp since March 18th. If I am understanding correctly, the fees for the public to utilize the ramp have been waived which allows people to park in any downtown ramp for free. This is a great service to those still traveling into the downtown area, but this is the same ramp that I have paid $255/quarter to park in. I am currently paying this fee to reserve a spot in the ramp that I am not using because I am following the recommendation to stay home, while the general public is allowed to park there for free. I understand that this issue is likely on your radar and a plan may already be in process to be announced at a later time and what I am asking is for communication to keep us informed. It would be my hope that ultimate decision would be to refund or discount the fees associated with the suggested shelter in place period for those holding permits within the downtown area. I appreciate your time and all of the work you are doing to keep our city safe. Thank you, Erin Jehle ERIN JEHLE LEARNING DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Direct: 319-341-2015 102 South Clinton Street Phone: 1-800-247-4418 Iowa City, IA 52240 Fax: 319.356.5896 �T� idWestOne ►�►lr� Bank. MidWestOne.bank IMPORTANT: This message, including any attachments, is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy your copy. Thank you. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Marcia Murphy - For the City Council Item Number: 8.b. Kellie Fruehlin From: Marcia Murphy <murphyma87533@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, April 27, 2020 8:55 AM To: Council Subject: For the city council Ai RIM Hello, City Council of Iowa City: Here is a little tidbit of information you may find interesting about our city transit service: The new COVID 19 system in place for bus riders was that those who use assistive walking devices (ie, handicapped people) were allowed to board the bus in the first door. While the rest were to board in the second door. I am a person who cannot walk (usually) without the aid of crutches. You may find it interesting that the Hispanic/Latino and Black bus drivers (both male and female) allow me to board the bus in the first door while all the white males (above the age of 30), force me to board in the second door. thought you might find the race difference interesting, pax vobis Marcia A. Murphy www.hopeforrecovery.com https://www.hopeforrecovery.com/gifts-mhi-outreach-patient-clothing/ 1 Item Number: 8.c. CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Judith Pfohl - stop Willow Creek Park prairie Judith Pfohl - Iowa City changing parks into prairies Pam Nims - Please stop Willow Creek and Kiwanis Park prairie conversion Kellie Fruehling From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 8:29 PM To: Council; Zac Hall; Marcia Bollinger Subject: stop Willow Creek Park prairie AA RI K One member of my neighborhood just received a letter saying the West side of Willow Creek behind her Cambria Ct. home will be plowed and seeded to be a prairie. She called the city today and was told it was in the overall plan, like many parks across the city. She called me panicked about not knowing previously about the plans. Please stop immediately. Our neighborhood was not consulted. We do not want a prairie there. The city has been unable to take care of the Prairie we put in at Kiwanis park, or the one at the corner of Rohret Rd. and Mormon Trek. The city has not been able to remove wild mustard, wild parsnip, or poison ivy from city lands. Invasive plants and trees take over. We initially asked for a prairie at Kiwanis Park and neighbors helped seed it. We removed noxious weeds and trees for years. The city mowers kept reducing the prairie size each mowing. Neighbors slowly stopped volunteering to help weed. We originally had a demonstration plant area with labeled signs by each plant. That area has been removed. Prairies take more work than just mowing or burning once a year. Who will dig out the poison ivy or pull the wild parsnip and poison ivy? Once poison ivy is in the patch you can't burn due to that smoke making sensitive people sick breathing it. Why are so many trees being cut down too? Judy Pfohl Ty'n Cae Neighborhood President 2229 Abbey Ln. 319-351-1684 319-430-7058 (cell) Kellie Fruehling From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 12:30 PM To: Newsroom KCRG Subject: Iowa City changing parks into prairies Attachments: Prairie Letter from City of Iowa City.pdf, proposed Kiwanis Park prairiejpg; proposed Willow Creek Park priaire jpg; March 11 parks agenda jpg; Parks Willow Creek agendajpg Please interview neighbors across the city about their concerns the Parks department has decided to take climate action irregardless of community wishes and change 100 acres of city parks into prairie. Why was there no communication with neighborhoods? This is why almost 30 years ago the city had started recognizing neighborhood associations for communication where they could respond, not just only after something has started and it is too late! We can do petitions but that will take time and be too late for our park. I have attached the letter someone in my neighborhood received yesterday and maps I was able to download for my area before the site disappeared. Green spaces where kids use to run and play, not some random ditches, are planned to be prairie with a little path to walk through and enjoy them. Contracts have been signed and trees have been taken down in Willow Creek park! Please interview neighbors soon to somehow stop this! The city hasn't taken care of the few prairies it already has ... and neighbor volunteers had put their hearts and souls into those areas to watch them degrade over time. Why not spend the park money and effort removing garlic mustard along the creeks which we know is invasive, or garlic mustard along the roads which we know harms people? This is our tax money with no representation. Judy Pfohl Ty'n Cae Neighborhood President 2229 Abbey Lane Iowa City, IA 52246 319-351-1684 (land line with answering machine) 319430-7058 (cell) 1 Mks iataan Great news for your neighborhood! As part of the Iowa City Climate Action Initiative, beneficial prairie and native plantings will be planted on the City property adjacent to your property. This neighborhood prairie is a part of an initiative to increase prairie acreage throughout the city. This will create a new habitat for a variety of pollinators and animals and reduce pollution from mowing. The Parks and Recreation Department will manage the establishment and maintenance of your neighborhood prairie. Prairie establishment occurs during a 3 to 5 -year period with occasional maintenance of mowing, prescribed burning, over -seeding and invasive species removal. These management techniques may be implemented to help the prairie establish, flourish and outcompete undesirable species. Prairies go through many changes from the initial establishment, during the seasons and throughout decades. The process will begin this spring and fall in preparation for seeding in late fall. What to Expect: Year 1— Brown grass, and bare looking soil. Year 2—The first sprouting of prairie grasses and forbs (prairie flowers). Year 3 to 4 — Transition from early dominant species to varieties with longer-term establishment. Year 5 —A lush mix of grasses, sedges and forbs benefitting many pollinators. The prairie establishment boundaries will take property lines into account and define a buffer of turf - grass between your property line and the prairie area. Kindly remove anything you may have stored, constructed or is encroaching on City property, and be sure to mow only to your property line, and no further. The Parks and Recreation Department is committed to reaching our climate action goals and doing our part to further the sustainability of the community. Prairie is one piece of our contribution and your new neighborhood prairie is important to our efforts. For information on the Iowa City Climate Action Initiatives and prairies visit: • City of Iowa City's Climate Action Initiatives: https://www.icaov.org/project/climate-action • Tallgrass Prairie Center: https://tallgrassprairiecenter.org/ For more information, contact Tyler Baird, Assistant Superintendent of Parks, at Tyler-Baird@iowa- city.org or (319) 356-5100 x2069. CITY OF IOWA CITY k", IN. - 220 South Gilbert St Iowa City, IA 52240 PRAIRIE ADJACENT PROPERTY OWNER 1106 CAMBRIA CT IOWA CITY, IA 52246 S-224GS45-2z ;=OSB SaDe 0' L :IeIO.L alJleJd slueMDI 1 0, '1% W.LN W M sane L-6:IeIOJL opleAd �laaJ:) m011!M Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission (4" Wednesday, March 11, 2020 . .. , 5 P.M. Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center— Meeting Room B AGENDA ITEM 1 CALL TO ORDER ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF FEBRUARY 12, 2020 MEETING MINUTES ITEM 3 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA ITEM 4 CENSUS 2020 INFORMATION — ASHLEY MONROE ITEM 5 DEPARTMENT COMMUNICATION & MARKETING UPDATE — MORGAN GERDES ITEM 6 REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF a) Parks & Recreation Director—Juli Seydeil Johnson b) Recreation Division Superintendent -- Brad Barker c) Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall ITEM 7 CHAIRS REPORT ITEM 8 COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ITEM 9 ADJOURN If you will need disability -related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Tammy Neumann, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department at 3191356-5210 or tommy- neumann@iowo-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 12, 2020 Page 4 of S Learn to Swim Program: Barker explained that one of the department missions is to teach every kid to swim. The aquatics staff, Kate Connell and Sydney Stodola, have been working hard to share this opportunity with those in the community. Recently staff has started coordinating with before and after school programs in the area. One of the biggest challenges has been transportation for the kids to get to and from the Recreation Center. Staff is happy to announce that the department has been able to hire a third -party service to assist in the transportation. With that obstacle removed, 95 kids have signed up for lessons. These kids are from Grant Wood Elementary and Fifth Ward Saints (a before and after school program that is not tied to the Iowa City School District). Wills suggested a similar program be offered for sports programs. Bird asked if Parks and Recreation Foundation funds can be used to help in the cost of transportation. Seydell Johnson explained that the funds for the lessons are run through the Parks and Recreation Foundation which is managed by the Community Foundation of Johnson County. She further explained that the John Geerdes family have set up a memorial fund in John's honor that is designated specifically for transportation costs. Sadly, John Geerdes was fatally injured in a bus accident while attending college in Canada. Wills asked if staff is tracking how many of the kids are progressing through the different levels of swimming. Barker explained that most of these kids have never participated in lessons before. This program will introduce them to the water in a safe environment where an instructor will teach them how to tread water and to paddle their way out of a dangerous situation if ever necessary. Staff is keeping track of rosters and will continue to monitor these year after year. Wills stated that these stats will be important when speaking to potential donors. Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall: © Willow Creek Park: Parks staff is currently working on cleaning up the creek area at Willow Creek as mentioned earlier. There will be 10 -acres of new prairie added to serve as a buffer between the new playground and the creek. The plan is to mow a path through the prairie allowing access to the creek and should provide a new experience for park patrons. He further noted that staff hopes to add over 100 acres of prairie to the parks in the next year. Seydell Johnson said this is all part of the sustainability plan. Not having to mow these areas and creating more prairies provide more habitat for wildlife and will also cut down time spent mowing by staff thereby allowing them to work on other projects. ® Windsor Ridge: Staff is also working in this area near a lift station structure that is near the south end of the pond. Staff is cleaning up already downed trees in this area. This is being done in anticipation of the underpass to the school. Hiring: Staff is gearing up for the hiring season. Positions have been posted and applications are coming in. Interviews will begin soon. Staff will also be participating in a job fair at Kirkwood Community College. Wills asked what the positions entail. Hall explained it is mowing, clean up, and trash pickup for the parks positions. The horticulture positions include plant care at City Hall, downtown, medians and right-of-way's in the city. Two natural areas positions work in tandem with horticulture to do invasive species removal and prairie burns. Several ball field staff wiU be hired for the season as well. All positions start at $11.50 hour, however, those rates will jump to $13.25 an hour on July 1 as part of the councils' initiative to raise the minimum wage. Serenda said that she is very pleased to see so much prairie establishment within the parks. She asked about the diversity of species planned for these areas. Hall said that there are 25 areas that are being established on hillsides so will be working with contractors to determine the species that will help in stabilization. Staff will be looking at various mixes for creek areas. Hall said that diversity will depend on the areas and what will work best for the desired outcome. Kellie Fruehling From: Pam Nims <pamnims@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 12:05 PM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner; Council Subject: Please stop Willow Creek and Kiwanis Park prairie conversion AI RI51t Dear Iowa City Council Members, I am writing today to express my great concern over the plans to convert much of Willow Creek and part of Kiwanis park to prairie. I was alerted to this issue by a neighbor who was also just recently made aware of this. I have lived near both of these parks for 18 years. I have reviewed the maps and am shocked that this has even been considered, let alone is underway. These parks are heavily used parks and the areas planned to be converted (especially those in Willow Creek park) are used from April to October for youth rec league (sponsored by the city itself) sports practice - both soccer and tball. During weeknights in that time period, it is a challenge to even find enough space as it is. I have had girls play all of those sports and it's a constant jockeying between coaches and teams for space. These areas are also often used for pick up games of youth and adults playing soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc. These are the things we want our citizens doing - and I smile every time I see a cross cultural group playing these sports together. They are gathering places for the many neighborhoods surrounding the parks and now all that space will be unusable. Park goers will be forced into small areas together. There are so few places in the city to be able to do these things. Why was no neighborhood input sought before making these grave decisions? I implore you to please put a hold on this work until neighborhood input can be provided. I know of no one who was aware of these changes until last night and today. These are major changes. Willow Creek has been without a playground now for an entire year - and it does not appear it will finish any time soon. I am beyond saddened that now users won't even have green space to use. Please reach out to me if you would like any further information or input on this. Thank you, Pam Nims 2241 Abbey Lane Iowa City, IA 52246 319-338-1705 Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: 1 Council Members, 0,c, Pam Nims <pamnims@yahoo.com> Thursday, April 30, 2020 2:47 PM Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor, Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner, Council Re: Please stop Willow Creek and Kiwanis Park prairieonve on sate Randouts Distributed 6--q-2o (Date) I have just spent some time reading through the materials the Council was shown for deciding to convert this area to prairie. It states "Areas chosen are not active use recreation areas but rather, target, low use areas that are difficult to maintain as turf grass." This could not be further from the truth for the areas noted for Willow Creek and Kiwanis. I would like to know how that statement could even be made or how that assessment was done. have looked at the other maps and can see that there are some viable areas to convert to prairie, but these changes two these two parks, Willow Creek in particular, is outrageous. Thank you for your time, Pam On Thursday, April 30, 2020, 12:05:19 PM CDT, Pam Nims <pamnims@yahoo.com> wrote: Dear Iowa City Council Members, I am writing today to express my great concern over the plans to convert much of Willow Creek and part of Kiwanis park to prairie. I was alerted to this issue by a neighbor who was also just recently made aware of this. I have lived near both of these parks for 18 years. I have reviewed the maps and am shocked that this has even been considered, let alone is underway. These parks are heavily used parks and the areas planned to be converted (especially those in Willow Creek park) are used from April to October for youth rec league (sponsored by the city itself) sports practice - both soccer and tball. During weeknights in that time period, it is a challenge to even find enough space as it is. I have had girls play all of those sports and it's a constant jockeying between coaches and teams for space. These areas are also often used for pick up games of youth and adults playing soccer, ultimate frisbee, etc. These are the things we want our citizens doing - and I smile every time I see a cross cultural group playing these sports together. They are gathering places for the many neighborhoods surrounding the parks and now all that space will be unusable. Park goers will be forced into small areas together. There are so few places in the city to be able to do these things. Why was no neighborhood input sought before making these grave decisions? I implore you to please put a hold on this work until neighborhood input can be provided. I know of no one who was aware of these changes until last night and today. These are major changes. Willow Creek has been without a playground now for an entire year - and it does not appear it will finish any time soon. I am beyond saddened that now users won't even have green space to use. Please reach out to me if you would like any further information or input on this. Thank you, Pam Nims 2241 Abbey Lane Iowa City, IA 52246 319-338-1705 �c' Kellie Fruehlina From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 2:50 PM To: Editor Gazette; Editor Press -Citizen; Editor Des Moines Register Subject: Iowa City Park green space to change to 100 acres of prairie Attachments: Parks Willow Creek agenda jpg; proposed Willow Creek Park priaire jpg; Benton Hill.pdf, Hunters Run Park.pdf; Scott Road.pdf Late Handouts Distributed i (Please consider this for a news item not related to COVID-19) (Date) Without consulting the Neighborhood associations or neighbors to see how parks are really being used, we found out yesterday that green spaces where kids use to run, not some random ditch, will be changed into prairie this spring. Trees are already being cut out of the way at Willow Creek Park. Yes, the specific areas team sports are played will survive. But, how will Benton street neighbors play when their only slightly flat green space is now prairie? We used a city grant to add a prairie at Kwanis Park along the sides many years ago, and volunteers put our hearts and souls into weeding it until we could no longer take care of it. The city does not maintain prairies they currently have. Prairies take work removing poison ivy, wild parsnip, and other invasives like non-native thistles. Climate action could be better created by encouraging citizens in their yards. Acreages near larger homes could have some prairie sections without inconveniencing any people needing parks as green space. Judy Pfohl Ty'n Cae Neighborhood President 2229 Abbey Ln Iowa City, IA 52246 319-351-1684 (I have other neighborhood people willing to be interviewed for news if you want. ) PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION February 12, 2020 Page 4 of 6 Learn to Swim Program: Barker explained that one of the department missions is to teach every kid to swim. The aquatics staff, Kate Connell and Sydney Stodola, have been working hard to share this opportunity with those in the community. Recently staff has started coordinating with before and after school programs in the area. One of the biggest challenges has been transportation for the kids to get to and from the Recreation Center. Staff is happy to announce that the department has been able to hire a third -party service to assist in the transportation. With that obstacle removed, 95 kids have signed up for lessons. These kids are from Grant Wood Elementary and Fifth Ward Saints (a before and after school program that is not tied to the Iowa City School District). Wills suggested a similar program be offered for sports programs. Bird asked if Parks and Recreation Foundation funds can be used to help in the cost of transportation. Seydell Johnson explained that the funds for the lessons are run through the Parks and Recreation Foundation which is managed by the Community Foundation of Johnson County. She fiuther explained that the John Geerdes family have set up a memorial fund in John's honor that is designated specifically for transportation costs. Sadly, John Geerdes was fatally injured in a bus accident while attending college in Canada. Wills asked if staff is tracking how many of the kids are progressing through the different levels of swimming. Barker explained that most of these kids have never participated in lessons before. This program will introduce them to the water in a safe environment where an instructor will teach them how to tread water and to paddle their way out of a dangerous situation if ever necessary. Staff is keeping track of rosters and will continue to monitor these year after year. Wills stated that these stats will be important when speaking to potential donors. Parks Division Superintendent — Zac Hall: Willow Creek Park: Parks staff is currently working on cleaning up the creek area at Willow Creek as mentioned earlier. There will be 10 -acres of new prairie added to serve as a buffer between the new playground and the creek The plan is to mow a path through the prairie allowing access to the creek and should provide a new experience for park patrons. He further noted that staff hopes to add over 100 acres of prairie to the parks in the next year. Seydell Johnson said this is all part of the sustainability plan. Not having to mow these areas and creating more prairies provide more habitat for wildlife and will also cut down time spent mowing by staff thereby allowing them to work on other projects. Windsor Ridge: Staff is also working in this area near a lift station structure that is near the south end of the pond. Staff is cleaning up already downed trees in this area. This is being done in anticipation of the underpass to the school. Hiring: Staff is gearing up for the hiring season. Positions have been posted and applications are coming in. Interviews will begin soon. Staff will also be participating in a job fair at Kirkwood Community College. Wills asked what the positions entail. Hall explained it is mowing, clean up, and trash pickup for the parks positions. The horticulture positions include plant care at City Hall, downtown, medians and right-of-way's in the city. Two natural areas positions work in tandem with horticulture to do invasive species removal and prairie buses. Several ball field staff will be hired for the season as well. All positions start at $11.50 hour, however, those rates will jump to $13.25 an hour on July 1 as part of the councils' initiative to raise the minimum wage. Serenda said that she is very pleased to see so much prairie establishment within the parks. She asked about the diversity of species planned for these areas. Hall said that there are 25 areas that are being established on hillsides so will be working with contractors to determine the species that will help in stabilization. Staff will be looking at various mixes for creek areas. Hall said that diversity will depend on the areas and what will work best for the desired outcome. 1r, NJ m i iP& wimikKr, sae L-6:1401 i2lsame au'eJd NBaAD m0111M Laserfiche WebLink Browse Search Metadata Thumbnails Annotations Entry Properties Last modified 4/28/2020 1:34:40 PM Creation date 4/23/2020 2:43:42 PM Metadata Fields Template: Council meeting Meeting date 4/21/2020 Meeting Year 2020 Resolution T Document management portal powered by Laserfiche WebLink 9 © 1998-2015 Laserfiche. All rights reserved. My WebLink I Help I About I Sign Out 2020-04-21 Resolution 312 /388 PDF [U -Il "IT ill fY.�iur Fl.n•4Yyls� rug � L)tJ i'3]K S �� Laserfiche WebLink Browse Search 2020-04-21 Resolution Metadata Thumbnails Annotations ♦ + 316 /388 PDF Entry Properties Last modified 4/28/2020 1:34:40 PM Creation date 4/23/2020 2:43:42 PM Metadata Fields Template: Council meeting Meeting date 4/21/2020 Meeting Year 2020 Resolution T IJul. V "s Hdr. Il Atic T<rL & 1A .1111.1 My WebLink I Help I About I Sign Out �,-r•... Document management portal powered by Laserfiche WebLink 9 '-6 1998-2015 Laserfiche. All rights reserved. Laserfiche WebLink Browse Search Metadata Thumbnails Annotations Entry Properties Last modified 4/28/2020 1:34:40 PM Creation date 4/23/2020 2:43:42 PM AA Metadata Fields Template: Council meeting Meeting date 4/21/2020 Meeting Year 2020 Resolution T Document management portal powered by Laserfiche WebLink 9 0 1998-2015 Laserfiche. All rights reserved. 2020-04-21 Resolution -jr ♦ 321 /388 lin 5rntt Pteirte Total., 20.1 aCtes My WebLink I Help I About I Sign Out PDF JfF3,C, Kellie Fruehling From: Peggy Hausler <peggyehausler@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 8:01 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Prairie Project at Willow Creek Park (Date) Good morning! We would like reach out to the council regarding a project that we understand was recently approved. The map at the bottom of this email indicates that a vast majority of green space will be converted to prairie area. As a family who lives directly across the street from Willow Creek Park, we were shocked to learn of the prairie plan today via a neighbor. This is an extreme change that doesn't seem to have garnered neighborhood support nor fit with the current park use. Was there any input from the neighborhood? Years ago, when they were considering a dog park in this same area, Terry Trueblood sent out notices so the neighborhood could gather and provide feedback. The project provided us with an opportunity to have a very healthy exchange with the Parks and Recreation department and arrive a solution that fit the neighborhood goals. This project seems to be sliding under the radar a bit — especially amid the pandemic shut down when people are focused elsewhere. Can we please delay this and get input from neighbors via an electronic survey (or in person meeting after the pandemic settles down)? The recent tree removal has been startling and the neighbors have been wondering if there was a problem with tree disease. We now learn that stripping the trees out was part of the prairie plan and has destroyed the beautiful (and natural landscape) of the park. The green spaces in the areas are used everyday for athletic practices and games for kids as well as dog -walking. We have also seen other prairie areas installed by the city and they seem to slowly over time fall into disrepair. Prairie DOES take maintenance and poison ivy and such get mixed in over time — while creating an unsightly landscape. The history of Kiwanis Park is proof of such a project as we saw the prairie portion (over time) start to look unsightly over time and have so much poison ivy. In talking with neighbors, this project does not seem to mesh with what citizens are looking for in land use. Can someone please pause this project until we get neighborhood input! Thank you so much! Peggy and Randy Hausler (319) 400-0758 Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Kellie Fruehlina From: mmockaitis@mchsi.com Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 4:09 PM To: Council Cc: Bruce Teague; Janice Weiner; John Thomas; Laura Bergus; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Susan Mims Late Handouts Distributed Subject: Regarding Prairie Seeding in Iowa City Parks Dear Council Members, 5 ' �� (Date) I live near Kiwanis and Willow Creek Park. I have seen the plans, that are well under way, to convert 86 acres of Iowa City Parks into prairie. The prairie seeding that is being initiated by the Parks Department is troubling. The Neighborhood Associations have not been engaged. There are many who use the open green spaces for soccer, frisbee, football, etc... There is also some concern over these prairie areas not being maintained. Also, take note of the possible issues with Lyme Disease and grass prairies https: //protect- us.mimecast.com/s/YQYJCERyoLtgJ4LiNKOUy?domain=gazettenet.com There have been contracts signed and trees have been taken down in Willow Creek park! The people who use the parks should have been consulted. It is all very troublesome. Please reconsider some of these actions. It does not seem like this has been done in a thoughtful way. Sincerely, Mary Mockaitis 2035 Abbey Lane Iowa City, Iowa 52246 mmockaitis@mchsi.com This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: ANDREA ROST <akrost@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 4:22 PM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner, Council Subject: Reconsider Willow Creek and Kiwanis park prairie conversion Late Handouts Distributed c _ L+ - -O AMIX Hi Iowa City Council members, (Date) I live near Kiwanis Park in Iowa City and have lived in this neighborhood for 16 years. My kids have grown up playing in Kiwanis and Willow Creek parks and we have loved having the green space so close. Before the Willow Creek park started construction on the playground, and long before COVID began, you would see a wide variety of people enjoying the park. There is wide open green space for recreation activities throughout the park. From parents with young kids on the playground, riding bikes, and learning to play sports; high school students with hammocks in the trees or playing freebie; youth soccer groups; families having picnics or gathering together; scouting groups holding meetings or ceremonies; and even adults playing some pretty hard-core soccer. These two parks are loved and used by so many from a wide variety of diverse backgrounds. A friend shared the news today that large portions of both of these parks are going to be converted to prairie. I don't understand how this decision was made or who this benefits. I've seen the maps and the neighborhood needs these big green spaces! The park is packed on weekends with groups trying to share the space. To take these spaces away makes no sense. I went through the meeting documents for the May 5th meeting and the only reasoning I could find was from Parks Superintendent Zac Hall saying parks staff would not need to mow and it would increase habitat for wildlife. love animals and am all for wildlife, but the people need this space!!! The time saved mowing would be spent caring for the prairie, and if the prairie isn't maintained it will be taken over by poison ivy and become unmanageable. Please reconsider this plan for Willow Creek and Kiwanis. Consult with the neighborhoods around the park to understand how we use this park and how important it is to have open spaces for all. Please don't take that away just to decrease mowing time. Sincerely, Andrea Rost 20 Ealing Dr Iowa City, IA 52246 Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: 1 Dear Council Members, Aaron & Kari Gibson <aaronandkarig@yahoo.com> Thursday, April 30, 2020 9:33 PM Council Willow Creek Park Prairie Grass Concern 93, Late Handouts Distributed 5-q-2-0 (Date) Regarding the planned prairie grass plantings in Iowa City parks, please consider NOT planting the flat area west of the creek/sidewalk in Willow Creek Park. This area is heavily used, especially during soccer/flag football seasons when multiple youth teams use the fields for practices on a daily basis. It does not seem to meet the criteria for choosing locations: "Areas chosen are not active use recreation areas but rather, target low use areas that are difficult to maintain as turf grass." just became aware of the plan today and hope I'm not too late for my input to be considered. Thank you, Aaron Gibson 1917 Hafor Dr. Iowa City, IA -tt-0, 6 - Kellie Fruehlina From: Kristin Cannon <cannon.kristin74@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 3:36 PM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner, Council Subject: Kiwanis and Willow Creek Park Prairie Conversion bate Handouts Distributed AS S -'-E - 2C7 (Date) Dear Council Members, I am writing to express my concern over the conversion of several areas to prairie grass. I grew up on Teg Drive from 1974-1993, then moved back into the area from 2007 -present, so my kids could experience the park where I grew up. Additionally I am the principal at Horn Elementary and we utilize this park for school picnics as well.. Throughout the years, the flat grass areas have served as places for people to play soccer for adults, have soccer practice for children, grass volleyball, Frisbee, picnics and various other activities. There is a large population of children and families that live in apartments near this park and this is their only place to get together and enjoy activities. I frequently see my students playing in the park, many wish there was a place to play basketball, but for students who are too old for the playground, these flat areas give them a chance to play organized sports with their friends. I understand that this requires a lot of maintenance for the Parks department, but now more than ever, when social distancing is needed, you are going to take away a mainstay that is utilized by our community, this will have detrimental effects. Please feel free to contact me if you would like any input or further information. Sincerely, Kristin Cannon 1405 Aburdeen Ct. Iowa City, IA 52246 319-466-0480 Kellie Fruehling From: Pam Polman <polman.pam@iowacityschools.org> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 12:27 PM To: Council Late Handouts Distributed Subject: Prairie Concern 1 (Date) I�I�FC Dear Council Members, As a resident of the Kiwanis and Willowcreek Park area I was recently notified of plans to convert much of the Iowa City park land into prairie. I wanted to take this opportunity to express my regret in this decision and am hoping it's not too late to reconsider. I have always had concerns with the existing prairie area in Kiwanis Park as it is not attended to/is overgrown and as a safety concern to me as I often walk alone ... always feeling nervous walking in that far corner of the park out of site. (hidden by the prairie... maybe paranoid but a real concern of mine). Also thinking of the many small children who use the park and the trail staying safe and in -site. There will be even more hidden areas with additional prairies. I am also very concerned as an allergy and asthma sufferer (my son as well) ... as the pollen/prairies can make life very miserable for both of us. I hope you will take into consideration my concerns. Please feel free to respond to me if you have any questions. Thank you, Pam Polman Kellie Fruehling From: Patricia BENSON <JPBENSON2005@msn.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 1:21 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Prairie plans for Willow Creek & Kiwanis Parks S - It (Date) r FilSl't Council members: Thank you for your efforts to keep our citizens safe during the current pandemic. In that regard, I am writing with concerns about a plan I have been made aware of from neighbors to turn large areas of Willow Creek & Kiwanis Parks into prairie. At this stressful time it is so wonderful to wander the grassy expanses of these parks as we social distance from joggers, bikers, skateboarders using the paved trails. Many activities continue to take place in these areas, including picnics, kite flying, frisbee, pickup soccer games, tossing balls, etc, among household members. Prior to the pandemic, even more such activities occurred among local youth sports teams and other community groups. The woods provide native habitat for plants and animals, the grassy areas also provide habitat like violets, dandelions, clover, among others. There is already a small prairie plot in Kiwanis Park, not always well maintained. This is probably sufficient for these 2 park areas. As this plan comes up for any discussion, I urge you to keep our beloved parks as they are, no additional prairie that limits use of the outdoors for people who need that exposure, especially at this critical time. Neighbors were not consulted on this plan except for a very minimal number on a cul du sac that physically borders the park. This is not open communication. I look across Benton St at a green grassy area & woods that I love seeing and exploring. I have only learned about these plans from other neighbors, I can see the park but was not informed by the city of proposed plans. Again, please allow further open discussion on this prairie plan, or rescind it. The situation reminds me of a plan a few years ago for a dog park in Willow Creek Park and neighbors were not informed until someone heard about it and addressed concerns by rallying the neighbors. That plan was rescinded. Patricia Benson Sent from my U.S.Cellular@ Smartphone Get Outlook for Android Kellie Fruehling From: Patricia BENSON <jpbenson2005@msn.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 6:27 PM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Interesting sign A Sent from my U.S.Cellular@ Smartphone Get Outlook for Android From: Patricia BENSON <jpbenson2005@msn.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020, 6:26 PM To: council@iiwa-city.org Subject: Fwd: Interesting sign Sent from my U.S.Cellular@ Smartphone Get Outlook for Android From: Patricia BENSON <JPBENSON2005@msn.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020, 5:23 PM To: City of Iowa City; Zac Hall; Juli Seydell Johnson Subject: Interesting sign W Late Handouts Distributed 5p- —' (Date) Looks like the neighborhood children are not in favor of the prairie grass plan. We saw this on our walk today. Patricia Benson I Kellie Fruehling From: Patricia BENSON <JPBENSON2005@msn.com> Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2020 10:51 AM To: Council Subject: Park prairie plans for Willow Creek Park A City Council members: I want to offer a few additional comments as follow up to a previous email I sent you. MP Late Handouts Distributed S_4 —2-0 (Date) I believe the city planners had good intentions in developing plans for our neighborhood parks, the problem is not enough consultation happened with the shareholders who use these parks. Some areas of prairie may be OK in some of the parks. But for others it is not a good plan, especially under current circumstances. Please talk to the people who use the parks, not just immediate adjoining neighbors, but the surrounding neighborhoods as well. We chose to live across from a green space with grass and woods and a playground/picnic area. If we wanted to live by a prairie we would have moved to the country. People need space in municipalities to roam and walk and run freely, esp during this pandemic. Life won't return to normal for a long time. The green spaces in our parks offer a multitude of sensory experiences and promote a healthy mental and physical lifestyle. A prairie is great habitat, but not necessarily in the middle of a city. Wildlife found in the prarire is not what we want in our yards or invading our homes. We already have a diversity of wildlife with the grass expanses, creek, and woods. We love seeing children and families running, flying kites, playing catch or frisbee. Don't confine this space to areas too small to be beneficial or to allow for social distancing. Patricia Benson Sent from my U.S.Cellular@ Smartphone Get Outlook for Android Kellie Fruehling From: Michael Graham <michaelgraham1@mac.com> Late Handouts Distributed Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 4:01 PM To: Council Subject: Park prairie concerns'� (Date) I'm concerned about learning how much of the green space the city is planning to convert to prairie, specifically in the parks closest to my home: Willow Creek and Kiwanis Park. I know of several people who live in apartments in this area who use the green space in those parks for their kids and family activities. To my knowledge, there was not communication to people who live around the park notifying us of these changes. There is already a section of prairie on the south side of Kiwanis park, and it is not maintained on a regular basis. It seems overrun with weeds more than anything. Is there a plan for improved maintenance while adding ioo acres of prairie to the city park system? I'm also concerned about the construction project in Willow Creek park. From what I understand, it is months behind completion and there has been no activity since the weather has warmed up and allowed for construction projects to resume. Thank you, Michael Graham This email is from an external source. r WE Kellie Fruehling From: Cecilia Norris <uplandmom@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2020 8:26 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Willow Creek Prairie plans 5—L'-2-0 A (Date) Hello everyone, I have just heard about the plans for converting large swaths of land in parks to natural prairie. Although I am in support of lowering maintenance and improving carbon emissions to help the environment, I think that there needs to be more discussion about the impacts of this on the community. I am uncertain why the decision to make the areas in Willow Creek park that are widely used for recreation into prairie was made without input from users of the park. Willow Creek park as it is has been a wonderful place for my children to explore, play, relax in a hammock, fly a kite, play soccer, picnic, ride bikes and skateboards and just be active kids. They have played in and explored every area of that park and appreciated the variety of the habitats. They are now grown but sad to hear of these plans. Turning more than half of the green space that is usable for sports, picnics, sledding will deprive other children of those wonderful experiences. Often during the spring and fall all of the green areas were being used for Kickers soccer practices or flag football. There is really not another area available to kids within walking or biking distance. This will probably not be a reality this fall as the COVID-19 pandemic has cut out most kids' sports and summer camps. This is yet another reason to not take away these green areas right now -- sports and physical activites for kids will likely require more physical space in order to maintain safe distances. We just do not know enough yet how long restrictions will last or what opportunities children will have to take away ones they currently have. I have become especially grateful for the open fields during the COVID-19 pandemic. Willow Creek park is heavily used by bikers, runners, walkers, dogs, children, and others. While attempting to walk my dogs on the path, I encounter too many people who are not following the social distancing recommendations nor wearing masks. I am glad that people are able to get outdoors, especially during this time, but those who are at high risk and essential workers need to be able to get off of the path to provide the recommended distancing in order to stay safe. There is not enough room to accommodate the numbers of people on nice days if those areas are not able to be used as is. Prairie grasses do not allow enough line of sight to be able to get out of the way of on -coming dogs or small children. As a physician, following the infectivity and seriousness of this novel virus, social distancing is going to be necessary for at least a year. I suspect that as this area is cleared, burned and replanted it will be unavailable for use by the public. (There are already large areas unavailable because of delayed playground construction). Please slow down the plans for converting this area which was meant to be used for recreation until we understand the better the impacts. I understand the difficulting of making decisions given conflicting needs but I want to be sure the City Council and Parks and Recreation are considering all of the perspectives involved. I do not feel that has been done yet. Please reconsider implementing this plan until we have more facts and data. Thank you, Cecilia Norris 820 Spencer Drive 0, Kellie Fruehling From: David Scott <koopers.pop@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2020 8:24 AM Late Handouts Distributeu To: Council Subject: Willow Creek Park (Date) A Good morning. Can you let me know if the rumor regarding planting tall grass at this park is true? I live at 2137 Leonard Circle, and we overlook the park from our back deck. My wife, sons and I spend time at the park often, and we are part of a facebook group that plays soccer at the park on the weekends when its warm. If this is true, then we are very disappointed to have to learn of this by word of mouth. It seems as if you are trying to hide the fact from folks who use the park, which seems like a poor decision. We are strongly opposed to this plan if it is true. It is a terrible idea. The park is one of the reasons we bought our house. We see all sorts of folks using the park during the warm weather, so don't know why you would want to ruin such a great gathering spot. I am an attorney, as is my wife. I work in the legal services bureau of the DNR and my wife works at ACT. We love Iowa City. But, this is a really bad idea. Please respond to me as to what the plan is, why its proposed, why we wer not notified, and when it will be discussed at a city council meeting so we can join our neighbors to oppose this. Thank you, Dave Scott Mw- Map-, Kellie Fruehling From: Amie Villarini <amievillarini@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2020 2:43 PM To: Zac Hall; Council Subject: Opposed to Prairie Grasses @ Willow Creek Park and Villa Park/Spencer Dr. Late Handouts Distfluulw;. 1 RISK Z-0 Dear Zac and City Council Members, (Date) I was born and raised in Iowa City in the Horn School district and currently live at 743 Spencer Dr, Iowa City near the open grassy area that connects to Villa Park. I've just recently learned about the Council's decision to turn this area as well as a popular open play area at Willow Creek Park into prairie grass. I'm not sure how I missed this information as I would have been more involved in this decision process last year. I have 2 elementary age daughters who attend Horn and we use the open grass area across our street frequently to play softball, soccer, fly kites, and have picnics. Currently due to the quarantine, we are using it even MORE regularly and we are also using it as a safe place to socialize safely with our neighbors. I am in support for the prairie grass projects etc, however, I am opposed to the location choices in the area mentioned near Villa park as well as the area at Willow Creek. The Willow Creek open area I often see many people using to play soccer, fly kites, play baseball/softball, play with dogs and have picnics. It's a well used area. Even this past winter I took my kids to that hill just above and we went sledding down into that open area. In addition, I've been a volunteer Iowa City Kickers Coach and have used that area for soccer practices. I just feel like during this time of quarantine and social distancing which shows no sign of going away soon and could last well into next year, is not a good time to TAKE AWAY these valued places many people in our neighborhoods use to play. The openness helps us maintain SAFE SOCIAL DISTANCING. Turning it into prairie would take these valued play areas away from us. In addition, it's my understanding the prairie will attract more critters. I've already had to deal with raccoons, foxes, deer and other "critters" in my yard and neighborhood. The raccoons especially have been a nuisance and I've had to pay for critter control services to help handle it. Perhaps the other reason the council would like to turn these areas into prairie is to cut down the expense to mow?? Please, I urge you all to listen to the people who live in the area and to reconsider this decision, especially during this time of quarantine. We need a place to go and play safely. Thank you for listening! I hope to attend the next meeting this week. Best, Arnie Villarini 743 Spencer Dr. Arnie Villarini Head Coach Girls Tennis Iowa City West High 319-321-9924 Kellie Fruehlina From: jflorman2@aol.com Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2020 9:15 PM To: Council; Kellie Fruehling; Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner Subject: Prairie in Willow Creek Park Late Handouts Distributed ARID (Date) Dear Council Members: I am writing to express my deep concern about the idea of replacing our cherished and actively used Willow Creek Park and Kiwanis Park green -spaces with prairie. This news has spark quite a lot of concern about three main issues: lack of transparency and bad timing on the part of city officials; destruction of the usability of the park; and the consequences of putting prairie in a residential area. On Monday April 27th, I received a letter from the City about the idea of replacing the green -space in the park. So far, I have found only one other person on my block --let alone in the Tye n Cae Neighborhood --who received the letter. Even Judy Pfohl, who is our neighborhood representative, did not receive one. During the last several years, quite a few of us attended long-term planning meetings held by City officials in the park. None of us recalls any discussion about prairie. Let me say that I greatly value prairies and seek them out, including native prairie, when I can find any. In fact, I ordered native prairie plants last week for my own property on Cambria Ct, which abuts the west side of Willow Creek Park. But this park space is used every day for activities that a prairie would make impossible. The west side is a quiet, mostly flat space separated from any roads, where children and adults play sports, have picnics, and sit quietly and read. In the last week alone, I have seen two young men practicing their soccer skills with cones and a parachute (no kidding); three people throwing a Frisbee; a father and his young daughter trying to fly a kite; a woman reading at the picnic table; four different joggers running up and down the sledding hill or through the flats; dozens of children run around and playing; and umpteen people playing with their dogs. Sadly, none of this will happen again on the west side of Willow Creek if the City plows up all the green -space and replaces it with prairie. love what the city has done with Terry Trueblood Park, but it was created specifically to be a prairie landscape, not a neighborhood park. It also is not adjacent to private property, so the surrounding setting makes much more visual sense than putting a prairie in a city setting. And my yard is not large enough for all (or any!) of the Kickers practices, adult league soccer games, model airplane flights, etc. that occur all the time in this part of the park. Willow Creek Park draws all kinds of people from the west side of town, not only from the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the park, but also from miles down Rohret Road (I know several people from there who drive over here to use the park), Pheasant Ridge, and even the east side of town. The mix of people and activities is a a genuine and highly valued benefit of this park --we are proud of the socializing that takes place across many barriers that would simply become more entrenched if no one was able to meet and mingle in this welcoming, open space. In addition to a lack of transparency and the city staff's dismissal of the true nature of this neighborhood park, I would add that the city has never taken good care of the prairie it already has, including the small strip in Kiwanis Park. Nurturing a true prairie requires about ten years to establish and constant care and maintenance to keep out invasive weeds (including poison ivy, to which I am extremely allergic) and to sustain the correct balance of species. Sadly, Kiwanis Park "prairie" is full of invasive species and the pollen flies everywhere. It looks like a huge weed patch and is brown from late October until May 1. 1 encourage you to go look at it and ask yourselves if you would like to walk through or look at that out your windows for six months of the year. To say nothing of dealing with the smoke created by the periodic burns required to maintain a prairie --all within an area surrounded by houses. And a not incidental result of all of this is going to be a significant decrease in the property values of anyone who lives near the park. Again, I love prairie landscapes and think there may well be some parts of town, especially on the periphery that could be transformed into this ecosystem. But those should not be areas where children and adults play pickup sports, sled down the big hill, walk their dogs, and run free. Thank you for reading this lengthy email. A comment from one of my incredulous neighbors is worth pondering, "Well, for Pete's sake, what do they think a park is for?" Best, Jean Florman 354-6312 Kellie Fruehling From: Mary Knudson <mary_knudson@msn.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 11:08 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Prairie proposal and Benton Hill Park Attachments: Benton Hill Park.docx IF —' 4 — 2— - 0 (Date) ARI�X Dear Council, I have now watched the city council meeting from last time where the praire grass proposal was discussed. I have attached a letter about my concern about the prairie grass proposal from Parks, in particular on how it impacts Benton Hill Park. I am also sending you pictures under a separate email from a park party we had. The pictures in particular highlight how that area the parks department called usuable space. Please feel free to contact me if you need me to. Thank you, Mary Knudson 725 West Benton St. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Dear Council Members, I would like to address the proposed prairie grass proposal for Benton Hill Park. l have listened to the council meeting minutes from April 21. 1 have some talking points about this selection of park choice. 1. In the past, the city interacted with neighborhoods in designing their neighborhood park. When we designed the park, the city met with us four times to design it. It was a challenge given the topography of that property. But it was our only choice. We ended up with a very charming park, emphasizing the natural eco -systems of that property. The city had us, neighbors, vote on the aspects of it. In fact, Terry Robinson, former Parks and Recreation employee, liked the park so much he bought a bear statue for it. 2. One item we always worried about with our location was safety. We put in a fence along Benton Street to prevent kids from running across the street to go to the park in the middle of the hill. Plus we thought it would keep kids from running into the street while playing at the park. Tyler Baird spoke of the buffer the prairie grass would provide. In fact, this past winter our neighborhood met with Tyler to talk about some other issues regarding our park. He did not mention this plan at all even though he talked with us for a while and walked the park with one neighbor and told that neighbor trees would be put in as a buffer. There was no mention of this garden. 3. Our open space is only 0.4 acres, and this prairie park takes up 0.2 acres or half of our green space. This space is used by our neighborhood and in particular we use the green space designated for the prairie grass. The picture Ryan showed you of our park did not give you a good idea the impact this has on our park. Drive by the park and you will see how large it is relative to our green space. This area is used, though on a slope. People use it for picnicking, sitting and talking, playing Frisbee. 4. 1 have sent in a separate document pictures of our park opening. Notice the number of people sitting on the slope that Tyler calls unusable. 5. Benton Hill park has more than half of our park in trees, so we already provide a carbon sink and wonderful eco -niche for birds. Furthermore, prairie plantings are already planted along Miller St. within the park. We have a prairie planting already. Because of this forest, the prairie plantings we already have, and it being a natural park, it already provides a good educational spot. 6. 1 will make a plea that for a working class neighborhood that already has contributed green space towards supporting the climate, and only has .4 acres to recreate in this park (and now could lose half of it) we need this green space. We had held numerous neighborhood parties at the park, this will end if this prairie park is put in. We would not have the green space to meet. 7. The urgency of having this space is even more pronounced given we will lose the green space Roosevelt School has provided. It is being sold. 8. In spite of the size of the prairie proposal to Benton Hill Park, it is not a good one for a prairie park. Prairies need a lot of sun and this spot does not have it. 9. Comparing the size of this proposal to Happy Hollow's planting is comparing apples to oranges. Happy Hollow has additional green space such as a baseball diamond and other green space where residents can recreate in addition to this planting. We do not have that option. 10. Parks wrote one email shortly after the city council meeting, but nothing has been set up to meet and talk with us yet. They need to do this. Julie Seydell Johnson said she could take out Benton Hill out of the plan. I would encourage that to happen and to communicate with the neighborhood that is being done. I am happy to talk with council members and walk the park with them. I could not be at the last meeting as I was at another meeting. Thank you for your time. Mary Knudson 725 West Benton St. Kellie Fruehling From: Mary Knudson <mary_knudson@icloud.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 10:55 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Pauline Taylor; Council Subject: Benton Hill Park pictures. (Date) Hi, I am trying to highlight how well the green space that has a slope is used. And how natural this park is. These pictures are from our park opening party. We have had several park parties since this time, with the same number showing up. Regards, Mary Knudson. 725 West Benton Street This email is from an external source. V -<- � IL A,, ' 't, N. p. ��y r � F• �� •+ i • a �Y3�.."� � : _ � � trip r - - _ _ r VC lotOF- �. ." AV 'Aww Ir Q AW.", r g,G, Kellie Fruehlina From: Paula Swygard <pswygard@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 5:18 PM To: Council; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Susan Mims; Pauline Taylor, Mazahir Salih; Janice Weiner, Laura Bergus Cc: Juli Seydell Johnson Late Handouts Distributed Subject: Benton Hill Park Prairie Restoration Project A Dear Council Members, (Date) I appreciate the willingness of members of the City Council and Juli Seydell Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation, to pull Benton Hill Park from the prairie restoration project and I assume that park staff will honor that commitment. (April 21, 2020 City Council meeting, Item 17). Please confirm that is the case. I'd like to take a minute to explain further why I am opposed to converting the open space at Benton Hill park to prairie. First, just a comment about neighborhood outreach. The character of Benton Hill Park has recently been forever altered. The work in the park has taken over two years to complete and has limited park use. All changes were made without reaching out to Miller Orchard Neighborhood. Also, I would have welcomed discussion about the prairie conversion plan when we met in person with park staff in January 2020 regarding our neighborhood application for a PIN grant. I'm disappointed they did not mention the prairie project at our meeting or their plan to convert the open area of the park into a passive area. It's disheartening that they missed this opportunity for education and an open exchange of ideas about the park. While staff has reached out to me via email about the prairie plan per Council's direction following the 4/21/2020 council meeting, it was sent bcc: so that I don't know who else was contacted. This makes it difficult for anyone contacted to jointly have a discussion with staff or among ourselves to come to any kind of consensus since we don't know who to talk to. This is not the transparency I expect from the Clty. Benton Hill Park (3.3 acres) is defined by three distinct areas: 1) Forest Woodland at 2.75 acres, 2) Recreation Area at 0.46 acres 3) Building and Impervious area at 0.11 acres *. The area proposed for planting as prairie, 0.2 acres, consumes all of the open space of the Recreation Area and half of the total acreage of the Recreation Area. Benton Hill Park is the only neighborhood park in the Miller Orchard neighborhood and is within the University Impact Area. This is an area of lower socio-economic status. Having a park that includes open recreation space is essential. All residents deserve equitable access to a local park that provides the opportunity for a variety of physical activities. The area earmarked for prairie conversion is the only open recreational space in the park, and it is usable space. Removing it would create a deficiency and would be inequitable to the people in this neighborhood. The current pandemic has brought to the forefront how important having a park with open space is for mental and physical health during a time of social distancing. Hopefully one day we will be able to return to hosting the Party in the Park where the open space is used for party activities and the numbers who attend. It would be unfair to take this opportunity from our neighborhood. And once a buffer of trees/bushes replaces the fence that was removed along Benton, the lower active area of the park will be safe to use again. Staff has said of the prairie plan and Benton Hill Park that "every neighborhood should play a role in strengthening the entire network of prairies and this is one of the only suitable sites nearby." • Benton Hill Park is the only park in the Miller Orchard neighborhood, is a small pocket park, and is located near the urban center of the city. It is overwhelmingly forest which contributes to the city's urban forest and tree canopy which in turn contributes to the City's climate action plan. • Prairie or similar plantings have already been planted in the park along the east side of the interior sidewalk to the south border of the park, omitted in the report to Council on this topic during the meeting of 4/21/2020. If prairie hasn't been planted in this area, it would be a good location to consider. • There are other opportunities to fulfill the matrix nearby: • Benton Hill Park is about 0.6 of a mile as the crow flies from Riverfront Crossings Park. • Benton Hill Park is about a 1/4 mile from Brookland Park. A While on private land, prairie plantings have been put in at Prairie Hill Co -housing which abuts Benton Hill Park and it might be worth considering their contribution to the prairie matrix in this area. The Natural Areas Inventory and Management Plan, January 2018 discusses at length restoration and management of current natural resources and the enhancement and maintenance of existing Dry-Mesic Forest Woodland which makes up 83% of Benton Hill Park. It would be more helpful if resources devoted to Benton Hill Park were focused on this, replacing the tree canopy that was recently stripped from the park, and overall park maintenance which has been neglected. Invasive species have been allowed to take over in Benton Hill Park, especially poison ivy that has invaded the tree house and slide area. The trail is not maintained, which was noted by several respondents to our survey included with our recent PIN grant application. The arch needs maintenance. Prairies take years and proper maintenance to get established. Given the lack of maintenance currently, I question whether the city's budget has the resources to guarantee prairie would be maintained and kept free of invasive plants at this location. For your convenience, here are the stats for Benton Hill Park from the Natural Areas Master Plan based on the Natural Areas Inventory and Management Plan, January 2018 submitted by Applied Ecological Services, Inc., page 108 —114 Park is 3.3 acres 2.75 acres / 83.1% of the site is Dry-Mesic Forest Woodland 0.46 acres / 13.9% of the site is Recreation Area 0.11 acres / 3.3% of the site is Building, Impervious area The report specifically does not mention "Opportunity for turf to prairie conversion" for this park. From the report, page 110: Issues and Opportunities: • Invasive vegetation (honeysuckles, buckthorn, privet, Oriental bittersweet, dame's rocket, etc.) • Small site • Forest enhancement opportunity Restoration and Management Goals: • Remove invasive vegetation • Increase native vegetation cover and diversity *Link to the Natural Areas Master Plan http://www8.iowa- city.org/weblink/0/edoc/1781877/IA%20City%20NA1%20Final%20Report reducedsize.pdf I'd be happy to talk with any Council member or park staff about the prairie project and would welcome being included in conversations about future plans for Benton Hill Park. Thanks for your time, Paula Swygard Kellie Fruehling From: Meredith Gall <meredith.m.gall@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 8:43 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Concern for Willow Creek Park Plans (Date) 1 RIK Hello City Council: I am writing to express concern over the plan to convert spaces in Willow Creek to prairie. I live across Benton from Willow Creek Park and walk through Willow Creek Park and Kiwanis Park almost daily. This park is well -used for a variety of purposes. The green space that parallels Benton is used for frisbee, kite -flying, sledding (small neighborhood children), tossing football or baseball, high school students play ultimate frisbee almost every Sunday afternoon. In the wooded portion, people lounge in hammocks and have picnics. it is a lovely stand of trees that children can run through and adults can relax under. I enjoy those trees every day and it saddens me that they would be chopped down. Many trees have already been cut down this spring, which has changed the very feeling of my walk already. I am not against prairie development and understand its value. There are a few spaces designated for Willow Creek and Kiwanis that I think could be fine as prairie, but not the huge amount of space specified. This would change the complete atmosphere of a very popular park that is used for a variety of purposes that couldn't happen with prairie in those spaces. FYI: I often watch owls in the park at dusk, which is another reason I worry about the amount of trees coming down. I am asking that you slow down this project and get more community input from the people who actually use these spaces. Also in this time of a need for social distancing and desire to be outside in nature, keeping as much space open for spreading out is important. Thank you for your time. Kind regards, Meredith Meredith Mahy Gall 827 Spencer Drive Iowa City IA 52246 319-930-2773 Kellie Fruehlina From: ChaoRong Wu <wuchaorong@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 10:10 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Questions about West side of Willow Creek Park (Date) fi Hello, I am a resident by Willow Creek park. I heard that Iowa city decides to plow up all the greenspace and replace it with prairie on the west side of Willow Creek Park. What is the difference between the current greenspace and prairie? And when is the virtual zoom meeting on Tuesday? Thanks, Chaorong With them the seed of Wisdom did I sow, And with mine own hand wrought to make it grow; And this was all the Harvest that I reap'd — "I came like Water, and like Wind I go". Kellie Fruehling From: Gayle Bray <gaylebbray@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 10:43 PM To: Council; Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Pauline Taylor, John Thomas; Mazahir Salih; Janice Weiner; Bruce Teague Subject: Prairies in Iowa City Parks Late Handouts Distributed AK Dear City Council: S - (Date) I write to voice my objections to the plan to plant prairie grass in Willow Creek Park. I have been a regular user of the park for all of the 33 years I have lived nearby, and as president of the Willow Creek Subdivision Owners' Association, I have had the opportunity to see how much use residents of Jema Ct make of all parts of the park. The large, grassy area west of Willow Creek is in fact heavily used, contrary to the assertion that the proposed prairie areas are "low -use areas" and "not active -use recreation areas" (April 21, 2020, Council Action Report). Because it is away from the creek and the street, this area is a favorite safe spot for families with young children to run or to play ball and other active games. I regularly climb the hill at the south end for cardio exercise, and I've seen any number of young people running up the hill for the same reason. Prairies are not low -maintenance. Invasive, non-native plants regularly need to be removed. It is not clear that there will be cost savings from installing prairie, but even if there were, the savings would come as a result of denying citizens many uses of the parks. Before implementing this multi -park plan, please consider starting with a small pilot project, perhaps in one park only. Find out what the maintenance challenges are. And please, before going forward, get input from park users. Sincerely yours, Gayle Bray 60 Jema Ct. Iowa City, IA Kellie Fruehling From: Kecia Leary <ksleary@gmail.com> Late Handouts Distributed Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 11:03 PM To: Council Subject: Willow Creek and Kiwanis Park Proposed Changes _ 2,0 (Date) R111K Dear City Council, We as a family are writing to express our concerns with the proposed changes in the management plan for this park from grass areas to prairie areas. I have many concerns. 1. This area is used by the numerous multi -family housing in the area as green space; this includes picnics, children running around, and pick-up sporting events. 2. This is the only green space in walking area that allows for general "play." Other areas that are close do not allow for this including the park in University Heights and off Benton Street. There is not enough space for the activities mentioned above or the park does not allow for these activities. 3. The proposed areas for changes are currently used by the Parks an Recreation for the City of Iowa City for Little League soccer, T -ball, and flag football. 4. The addition of prairie area poses safety risks due to potential "blind" areas. The bicycle/walking paths are used at all hours of the day and night for walking/biking. This also includes children walking home from Horn Elementary School (just a reminder it does get dark early in the winter). 5. The playground in Willow Creek has been closed for over a year and does not appear to be in any shape to open soon. 6. The current prairie area has had signs that it was to go through controlled burning since the fall, and has yet to have the burn completed. This area is in poor condition presently and needs major maintenance. We are not against some changes to prairie, if it is does with thought. However, we feel that it is important to understand the neighborhood use of the park prior to making such drastic changes. Please reconsider your plans to change this park structure. Sincerely, Kecia Leary, Kyle Vogel, Ben & Michaela Vogel 2115 Abbey Lane -At eo6, Kellie Fruehling From: Jared Stiles <jstiles0424@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 6:48 AM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Benton Hill Park s -L-I- - 2-,D (Date) Hello, I am in agreement with the reasons against making part of Benton Hill Park that Mary Knudson provided. Additionally, the current green space is the only area where people can spend some time with their dogs that is away from the play area where children are playing. Thank you for your consideration. Jared Stiles 706 Miller Ave. Kellie Fruehling From: Scott Riek <scott.riek@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, May 3, 2020 5:51 PM To: Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; ohn- Cc: thomas@iowa-city.org; Janice Weiner Kellie Fruehling; Tyler Baird; scott Riek bate Handouts Distributed Subject: Prairie Restoration in Iowa City parks AK Dear Iowa City Council Members, -2Z0 (Date) I am writing to you in response to a letter I received last week from the Iowa City Parks & Recreation Department concerning the plans to convert large portions of city park open space to neighborhood prairies. This was the first time I had heard of this initiative and I received it only because my property is adjacent to Villa Park in west Iowa City. I am very disappointed that the city is taking widely used park open spaces and making them unusable with the planting of prairie plants and tall grass. I don't take advantage of many of the services my city offers but I am a frequent user of Villa Park as well as Willow Creek and Kiwanis Parks just south of my home. I enjoy walking my dog down to Willow Creek and Kiwanis Parks and love seeing the wide variety of Iowa City citizens taking advantage of the park and its open spaces. At any given time you will find children flying kites, participating in youth soccer and football practices, students playing frisbee football or dodgeball, international students enjoying a impromptu soccer match, and even an occasional cricket match. Each of these activities enhances this vibrant neighborhood and enriches the lives of the citizens in the area. As for Villa Park, there isn't a day that goes by during good weather when the neighborhood children join each other just a few steps from their homes and enjoy the open space provided by Villa Park and the water run off field. It is just wonderful for these children to have a safe and close area to kick around a soccer ball, swing a bat, or just roll around in the grass. With the elimination of the open space in Villa Park these children will need to travel and cross a busy Benton Street to get to any open space. Worse yet, they may stop playing outside as frequently. I am also concerned at the nuisances the prairie land will bring. As a sufferer of seasonal allergies I am afraid the location of 3.5 acres of wild plants just behind my property will drive me inside for a good portion of the spring and summer and limit the enjoyment I get from my own property. There is also the additional yard maintenance and chemicals I will need to add to my own yard to keep unwanted weeds from popping up from seeds that blow in from the prairie. And finally, with 3.5 areas of prairie located right behind our properties, it undoubtedly will draw an increase of unwanted animals that will be a danger to both children and pets in the area. urge all of you to reconsider this destruction of valued park open spaces within Iowa City and the impact it has on our citizens' daily lives. Sincerely, Scott J. Riek 738 Spencer Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 scott.riek@gmail.com 319-430-9192 Kellie Fruehling From: Vakkalanka, Priyanka <priyanka-vakkalanka@uiowa.edu> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 11:43 AM To: Council; Laura Bergus; Susan Mims; Mazahir Salih; Pauline Taylor; Bruce Teague; John Thomas; Janice Weiner Subject: Concerns about Willow Creek Park Late Handouts Distributed A Dear City Council Members: 5-L--2-0 (Date) I am writing to you regarding the potential conversion of the Willow Creek Park into prairie land in the near future. I have lived in this neighborhood for four years and have truly loved every moment of it. This park provides such abundant opportunities for recreation for all members of our community, from toddlers to the elderly. Each day I enjoyed looking out behind my house and seeing an array of physical activity such as jogging, biking, roller-blading, and walking. It has also been a social and safe space for little children to play sports and for adult teams to convene for soccer, frisbee, or football. Many people move here because of this nark and the peace, aesthetics, and recreation it offers. Everyone has a personal connection to this park, and I would also like to share mine. I chose my home in this neighborhood without having seen it when I left Virginia several years ago, and though this was a great risk — I could not have been more fortunate to have this park behind my house. My dog and I would go for walks several times a day, and when my family would visit they would also enjoy their walks here as well. This is something they almost never did back in Virginia, but the beautiful and peaceful park made them fall in love with Iowa as a whole and even consider moving here in the near future. To convert this into prairie land would certainly make it unusable for thousands of residents and visitors and bring about significant disruption to everyday life. Finally, as an epidemiologist by training and practice in infectious diseases and occupational health, I am also concerned about the impact that changing this land would have on residents due to vector-borne diseases and smoke inhalation from managed fires. I strongly urge you to take everyone's concerns into consideration about changing our neighborhood and the lasting impact it will have on our overall mental and physical well-being. Thank you for your time, Priyanka Vakkalanka Priyanka Vakkalanka, ScM Doctoral Candidate I Department of Epidemiology Occupational Epidemiology Fellow I I Ieartland Center University of Iowa College of Public Health Graduate Research Assistant I Department of Emergency Medicine University of Iowa I Iospitals and Clinics priyanka-vakkalanka(2(uiowa. edu (703) 659-3076 -4g,C_� Kellie Fruehling From: Townsend, Joseph <townsend jr@pg.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 1:54 PM To: Council Late Handouts Distributed Subject: Willow Creek Park Concerns (Date) RISK Iowa City Council Members I am writing you in regards to the discussion to change Willow Creek Park from a multi -use site into a prairie. As a home owner in the area I have reservations about the change and I am seeking to understand more. I have spent many years in the area and have enjoyed my time in the park, observing kids games, sitting on my deck hearing the laughter of kids playing, and am disappointed to hear of the request to make the change. The investment made in the area to improve the playground facilities and the shelters have been great and would be disappointed to see the installation of the prairie and loss of the large common space. Not to mention the best sledding hill in Iowa City! Some of my concerns and questions are captured below: Rationale for the change — why is this being looked at? Is it a cost savings, request of others in the neighborhood? How will the prairie be maintained? I am assuming it would be low maintenance, but if not managed this can get out of control quickly? Will this negatively impact my property value — I know not keeping up an area can lead to rodents, snakes... other unwanted items/animals In a summary I am NOT in favor of making the change and ask that all of you take into consideration that if someone made this significant change adjoining your property how would you feel or react. Please share my desire to maintain the use of Willow Creek Park as it is today and not vote to change the park into a prairie. Thank you for your time and consideration. Cheers Joe Townsend Home Owner -1003 Cambria Ct Cell: 319-560-4639 Kellie Fruehling From: Janet Skiff <janetskiff@msn.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 2:30 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council; Marcia Bollinger; Zac Hall Subject: Concerns re. Willow Creek/Kiwanis Park Prairie Conversion S -4 -20 (Date) fi Dear Iowa City Council Members, Zac Hall and Marcia Bollinger, I recently learned about the plans the city has to convert portions of our parks into prairie. I see possible benefits of incorporating prairie into our parks, but I have concerns about how this is being done and its impact on us. We came to Iowa City twenty years ago with children. Reasons for buying a house near Willow Creek Park were the accessibility to the playground, open space for play, and the natural beauty of the creek. Our children used the park for Kickers soccer, sledding, ultimate frisbee, etc. Over the years, I have taken frequent walks through Willow Creek and have seen how it has continued to be well -used, mostly on the grass -covered areas. In this difficult time of Covid-19, I find that I so much appreciate seeing the lovely, life-giving brightness of its large green lawn as I approach it from my home on foot. I am grateful for the park and those who care for it. I've wondered what happened to the prairie in Kiwanis Park and recently learned how neighbors cared for it, but the city didn't. There's a small remaining part that looks as if it has not been managed well for a while. It's so ugly that I don't often walk there. When the city was making plans for the playground, there was heavy solicitation from the community for input on what equipment to include. That was wonderful. As well, there was a broad appeal to residents to advise the city on how to incorporate art into our neighborhoods. I am grateful for that concern and respect for us, as well. Why wasn't our input broadly sought on this? We have neighborhood associations. Were they consulted? We have Next Door. Why didn't the city energetically seek input there? This will affect more people in more profound ways than the other initiatives. Does the community want the smoke of prairie burns? Do neighbors surrounding the park want to deal with the additional wildlife that the prairie would bring? This should be a long and careful discussion with the residents of Iowa City. Right now it feels as if this project is being foisted on us in a very strong-armed manner. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Janet F. Skiff e Kellie Fruehling From: Craig Mosher <craig.r.mosher@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 3:06 PM To: Council Cc: John Thomas; Tyler Baird; Marcia Bollinger, Nextdoor - Miller Orchard; Mary Knudson; Nan Fawcett; Marcia Shaffer Subject: Prairie planting in Benton Hill Park Late Handouts Distributed AI 5 q - 2L0 Rll�K (Date) Iowa City Council Members, I appreciate that you have all been receptive to community input on the prairie matrix and planting plans for Benton Hill Park. I am generally a big supporter of prairie plantings in the city and here at Prairie Hill Cohousing where most of our almost 8 -acre site next to the park is gradually being planted in prairie. We are working hard to weed and nurture our prairie plantings. Tyler said private prairie plots are not included on the matrix but if you did include them in your thinking you would see there is a lot of prairie next to the park. I strongly urge you to drive by Benton Hill Park and look at the white lines and flags that staff put there to show the boundaries of the prairie plot they are proposing. It uses up almost all of the open play area left in the park, which is over half wooded. I assume the City planted prairie on the east hillside above the new retaining wall so that half acre or so is already prairie. This proposed 0.2 Acre plot would add very little to the City's total prairie on the matrix, but it would seriously limit the play area for kids and adults in this park where there is little open area left. I read and appreciate Tyler Baird's message to our Neighborhood Association. He refers to the steepness of the area proposed for prairie (difficult to mow, I assume) but, in fact, most of the proposed area is NOT steep—if you look at it. Only the small part of the proposed plot directly below the shelter is steep. Tyler also refers to the need for a buffer to separate the play area from the busy traffic on Benton St. hill. There WAS an effective buffer there. Perhaps the City could just replace the fence that was removed recently. That would make a much safer buffer than the proposed tree plantings, even if it might make mowing a little more work. I hope the mowing considerations are not driving policy here. Thanks again for your consideration. While I'm loathe to speak against planting more prairie, I think in this case that this small plot in this small park with so little open play area left should be taken out of the plan. Cordially, Craig Craig R. Mosher, Ph.D., LMSW Resilient Sustainable Community Developer 115 Prairie Hill Lane, Iowa City CoHousing Iowa City IA 52246 Mobile: 563-380-5854 ::ifC9. it , Kellie Fruehlin From: Bruce Teague Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 10:11 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Kellie Fruehling Subject: Please include in late handouts From: Thomas, Barbara G <barbara-thomas-2@uiowa.edu> (Date) Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 8:15 PM To: Laura Bergus <Ibergus@hmsblaw.com>; Bruce Teague<bruce.teai;ue@caringhandsandmore. com> Subject: Willow Creek/Kiwanis prairie EXTERNAL EMAIL:This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links, open attachments, or comply with requests unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Laura and Bruce, As I know the two of you better than any other city council members, I am reaching out regarding the proposed prairie at Willow Creek and Kiwanis parks. If I need to submit these comments through an official city form, let me know. I will try to attend the zoom meeting tomorrow but my work has been quite hectic so am not sure if I will be able to. I live off of Teg Drive on Woodberry Court. My husband shared the plans with me showing all of the areas of the park that are set to become prairie and it's disturbing. The sledding hill — gone! (and this is a VERY popular sledding hill for kids). Who wants to sled down something that has a bunch of sticks sticking up from the untended prairie? (and yes, they do sometimes sled when there is very little snow). And what about the men from our community that have played soccer in that park for YEARS every Saturday morning? They lost their soccer field with the Willow Creek playground expansion and I haven't seen where it's been replaced. These men (who, I am guessing are possibly Muslim, from either the Teg Drive or Pheasant Run areas) frankly will never participate in a city/park-led "listening post." They were some of the biggest users of our park. We should be building them a permanent goal structure (they set up their own every week) instead of taking away their field. And can I mention what a disappointment it has been that the Willow Creek playground and structure has taken OVER A YEAR to complete. It has been fenced off since Fall of 2018 (yes, I said 2018 not 2019). Thank God I don't have little kids as it would kill them to have that park fenced off for so long. What is the story there? I get that a prairie is easier to care for. I get that there is a lot of area to mow. I get the climate change issue. But when I walked through that park this weekend, there were families everywhere — social distanced from each other but walking the trails, gardening, picnicking while NOT playing on the playground equipment. It would be a shame to lose so much of it to prairie. Where will those men play soccer? Where will the tiny tot soccer take place (my sons took soccer in the back area (away from Teg) that is slated for prairie). Looking ahead to the next few months, we potentially will be finding our solace in parks like this. Summer festivals are cancelled, summer vacations gone. Given the discussions that I am in, this will be a very different summer AND fall for everyone. We deserve to have a park to sit in, walk through, and find our solace. I am quite aware of the issue of "donor intent." It's been in the news here and there as Iowa State donors have sued the institution for not following donor intent. I know that John Dane gave the city this land (at least the portion that is Kiwanis) to be a park for all to enjoy. Does making all of this land a prairie follow his donor intent? His descendants are important people in our neighborhood (who doesn't love a twister from Dane's Dairy?) and donor intent is an obligation that should not be taken lightly. Ok, I hate to think that this email is my tirade and you are the unlucky ones to get it, but I needed to share my thoughts. I truly appreciate what the two of you have done — you are giving of your time and energy to make our community a better place and I appreciate that so much. Keep up the good work and keep serving our people. I am so glad that we have people like you taking care of our community. Thanks for listening. Barb Thomas Barbara Thomas Executive Director Communications, External, and Alumni Relations The University of Iowa 2 Tippie College of Business 108 Pappajohn Business Building, C120B Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1994 319-335-2188 1 barbara-thomas-2@uiowa.edu Mayor Bruce Teague (He/Him/His) Iowa City City Council Member - At Large 1-319-536-1200 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 WWW.ICGOV.ORG 1011'IfA C.TY A UM11FIC0 C91V Of n1fERAfU1t Notice: Please be advised this email communication may be public information. Kellie Fruehlin From: David Kearns <dkearns88@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 5:55 PM Late Handouts Distributed To: Council Subject: Prairie project, Willow Creek Park Dear Council Members: (Date) I own a home adjacent to west Willow Creek Park. I'm unable to attend the 5/5/202o remote meeting. However, I want to take this opportunity to voice my opposition to the proposed prairie project. I moved to my current home in 2014. Proximity to the green space in west Willow Creek Park strongly influenced my property selection. I use it a lot, as do many others. That area is used regularly for all sorts of activities, by young and old, in all seasons. It would be a shame to lose it. I hope this valuable asset in our neighborhood can be preserved. Respectfully submitted, David L Kearns Sent from my iPhone This email is from an external source. Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: RIK Dear Councilors, Linda Quinn <quinnhenry@msn.com> Tuesday, May 5, 2020 8:36 AM Council Prairie in our city Late Handouts Distributed S-5-2-0 (Date) Thank you for halting prairie park removal at Waterworks Prairie Park. Even at the expense of something needed like green energy, it's important to take to the time to figure out how to do both good things. I'd also like to applaud your plans to increase prairie at many city parks. Not only good for combating climate change, but also good for the serious problem of global decline of insects. https://www.xerces.ore/press/insect-declines-act-now Invertebrates play an important role in a healthy environment, and building habitat is a big step. Consider it a second step! Because you've already got in place the practice of pesticide -free lawn care. About four years now? Good for Iowa City! Conversion of pollinator habitat on public lands (400 acres) has been an initiative in our neighboring city of Cedar Rapids. A source of envy! Now we've got that good thing going here in our fair city. Three cheers to the council! Thanks for your time, Linda Quinn 2949 Creighton St, Iowa City Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: Giovanni Zimotti <giovannizimotti@gmail.com> Tuesday, May 5, 2020 1:23 PM Late Handouts Distributed Council Willow Creek Park + sidewalk old Rochester Avenue (Date) 1 RIK Hi, 1 am an Iowa City resident and I am writing to you about two things. I heard that you are planning on planting prairie grasses over large portions of Willow Creek park. Is that true? I hope not, we use that park every Saturday morning to play soccer. I am talking about a group of about 40 people each Saturday. I can estimate that during each year hundreds of Iowa City residents take advantage of that park to play soccer. It would be so sad to not have this space available for soccer. Just a few words about the group of people playing soccer there. We are a multicultural group with people coming from all over the world and from all ages. A group that includes young and old people, coming from a variety of professional and academic settings. Please, do not do it. There are not that many places in Iowa City that are available for this type of event. A second question, I read a few months ago that you were working on building a sidewalk on Rochester Avenue. Do you have any updates on that? It would be so useful for the residents of this neighborhood. A sidewalk will also reduce the risk of crossing on such a busy road. Thank you, Giovanni Giovanni Zimotti - giovannizimotti@gmail.com STAFF PRESENTATION TO FOLLOW: Se rch GyparcelnumG r(etm1c. STAFF PRESENTATION CONCLUDED CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Donna Hirst: COVI D-19 Item Number: 8.d. Kellie Fruehling From: Donna Hirst <outlook_E79F8A08F594C7A3@outlook.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 7:09 AM To: Council This is not a personal experience, but relayed from a friend I trust. Earlier this week a friend of mine had to go to Lowe's for a priority item for their home. She stayed in the car, her husband went in wearing a mask. The parking lot was full; there were crowds in the store - folks packed together. They only saw one other person with a mask. It sounded like a marti gras event. Johnson County is still under full "shelter in place" although our governor has lifted the restrictions on 77 of the 99 counties. It's likely that quite a few of the hardware folks were coming in from around eastern Iowa since we have the big stores/extensive stocks. I'm anticipating a significant second wave of COVID in the coming month. Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Kellie Fruehling From: Sent: To: Subject: fi �us� Dear Council members, Sarah Averill <sarah.averill@gmail.com> Sunday, May 3, 2020 9:49 AM Council COVID and Teens Late Handouts Distributed 5—L --Z0 (Date) I am sure you share my observations that there is extremely uneven handling of sanitation at the "essential businesses" that have been open through April. As things have opened up at the peak of the pandemic this week, I see continued extremely uneven handling of sanitation at grocery and hardware and supply stores. I am very concerned that there is not strong guidance on wearing masks in public, a requirement to sanitize carts and the delivery belts between customer checkouts, or the total density of people in stores. Some businesses like Best Buy doing only curbside pick up and Trader Joes are doing an outstanding job. In addition, the public at large is not taking this seriously enough. I don't see people wearing masks consistently when they enter stores. I also see groups back on the school basketball courts and on the playing fields. Conveniece stores are crowded with people I know people need recreation, but soccer, basketball and other close contrast sports should not be condoned at this time. Third, our teens are going to be an achilles heel. I know families who have their teens out in the workforce and who are letting them socialize with their friends at home. I know some teens are important contributors to the family income, but many have no need to be working. Teens as is expected of their developmental stage, lack the judgement to understand the consequences of their behaviors. We need to limit teens working and congregating at this time and that requires a consistent public health message to parents and orders from the state. I urge you to put stronger requirements in place to protect the public, including requiring masks in stores, requiring consistent sanitation practices in all open businesses, keeping play courts closed, including taking down hoops and nets and other items that facilitate/encourage close contact sports at this time.) also think young people who do not need income for their families should not be working in these places. They do not have the maturity to understand the consequences of their behavior for the larger public. I believe we are going to be in a dramatically worse situation in two weeks as a result of the way the pandemic is being handled in our community and across this state, as well as the poor personal choices people are making. Sincerely, Sarah Averill *"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Item Number: 8.e. Description University of Iowa Student Government: Letter from U I S G Regarding Utilities Relief Kellie Fruehling From: Longenecker, Ryan J <ryan-longenecker@uiowa.edu> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 12:56 AM To: Council Cc: Wooff, Connor T; Burghduff, Adam K; Van Heukelom, Anna W Subject: Letter from UISG Regarding Utilities Relief Attachments: UISG Letter to IC City Council on Utilities Relief.docx AI. nIK Dear Mr. Fruin and Council Members, Attached is a letter from the University of Iowa Student Government, including both the Undergraduate Student Government and the Graduate and Professional Student Government, in support of utilities relief for students and others financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Thank you, Ryan Longenecker Ryan Longenecker he/him/his L BA Political Science & Economics — University of Iowa `23 kUISG City Liaison —USG ,ryan-longenecker@uiowa.edu 54 A University Student Government IOW Division of Student Life Iowa Memorial Union, Rm 2606 Iowa City, IA 52242 319-335-3860 uisg@uiowa.edu 29 April 2020 Geoff Fruin City Manager and Iowa City City Council 410 E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 Dear Mr. Fruin and Council Members: Many Iowa City Residents, including a significant population of students, are unemployed due to COVID-19 and unable to pay rent and utility costs. Students have already been left out of recent state and federal aid efforts. The federal CARES Act excludes those who are over the age of 16 and claim dependency, which eliminates many college students from receiving any aid. Many students rely on an off -campus job to supplement their rent and utility payments. Due to COVID-19, business closures have rendered these students unable to work. Concerns are deepened as some students may not even qualify for state unemployment benefits depending on how long and how many hours they were able to work prior to the pandemic. As the provider for many utilities, City Council holds the unique ability to ease the burden on recently and temporarily unemployed households. We ask the City Council to heed the advice the Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition (AHC) communicated in a letter dated April 15, 2020. This letter advocated for the Council to consider "forgiving water/sewage/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 bills directly to the City (as opposed to households where the utilities are included in a recurring rent payment to a landlord)." We also support the AHC in their recommendation to "accept documentation of unemployment that includes proof of unemployment benefit filing OR a letter from a previous employer documenting the termination/layoff." These are trying times for all Iowans, and a reduction in utility bills presents a simple yet impactful solution to ease economic burdens for those who need it most. As an example of the clear and pressing need many students are facing, the University of Iowa's Student Emergency Relief Fund (funded in large part by the University of Iowa Student Government) has already dispensed over $100,000 with more applications for assistance still pending. As a compassionate community, it is in all our best interests to work together to ensure we are providing economic relief to our neighbors in desperate need. We appreciate your time, consideration, and attention to this important matter. Sincerely, University of Iowa Student Government (UISG) Connor Wooff (connor-wooff@uiowa.edu), President, University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government Ryan Longenecker (ryan-longenecker@uiowa.edu), City Liaison, University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government Mackensie Graham (mackensie-graham@uiowa.edu), President, University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Government Paul Esker (paul-esker@uiowa.edu), Government Relations Chair, University of Iowa Graduate and Professional Student Government CITY OIF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org May 5, 2020 ATTACHMENTS: Description Mary Kirkpatrick - Thank you Item Number: 8.f. Kellie Fruehling From: MARY Kirkpatrick <PATCHWORKMARYJ@msn.com> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 1:49 PM To: Council Subject: Thank youth To Members of the Iowa City Council, I want to express my gratitude to you for your support of the planting of fruit trees and other edibles in Iowa City parks. I recently walked through Creekside Park and was so delighted to see the newly planted peach, apple and pear trees, rhubarb, and other food -bearing plants. We are currently seeing how fragile our industrial food system is. Local food is so vital to our well-being and food security. I love foraging for mulberries, serviceberries and other fruit along public trails and other public spaces. Thank you for all you do to support the growing of food on public land!! Sincerely, Mary Kirkpatrick 431 Elmridge Avenue, Iowa City 319 430-0861 � r �i i�� CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa S2240-1826 (319) 3S6-5000 (319) 356-5009 FAX wvvw.icgov.org City Council Agenda — May 5, 2020 Information submitted between distribution of packet on Thursday and close of business on Monday. Late Addition(s): Consent Calendar Item 8 Correspondence: Item 8.g. Letter Re Solar Project at Water Works Parks: Tom Carsner Item 8.h. "FY2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program" (TIP) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area: Judith Pfohl Late Handout(s): Consent Calendar Item 8 Correspondence: Item 8.c. Prairie Restoration: Pam Nims, Judy Pfohl, Peggy and Randy Hausler, Mary Mockaitis, Andrea Rost, Aaron Gibson, Kristin Cannon, Pam Polman, Patricia Benson (x3), Michael Graham, Cecilia Norris, Dave Scott, Amie Villarini, Jean Florman, Mary Knudson (X2), Paula Swygard, Meredith Mahy Gall, Chaorong Wu, Gayle Bray, Kecia Leary — Kyle Vogel — Ben & Michaela Vogel, Jared Stiles, Scott Riek, Priyanka Vakkalanka, Joseph Townsend, Janet Skiff, Craig Mosher Item 8.d. COVID-19: Sarah Averill �r Kellie Fruehlin From: Tom Carsner <carsner@mchsi.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 10:20 AM To: Council Subject: Letter Re Solar Project at Water Works Parks Attachments: SolarMidAmWaterworksParkLettertoCouncil42220.docx Please add this letter to the packet for the 5/5/2020 meeting. Thank you. Tom Carsner 1627 College Court Place Iowa City,Iowa 52245 This email is from an external source. Late Handouts Distributed (Date) E --q-2-0 TO: Iowa City Council FROM: Tom Carsner RE: Mid -American Solar Array at Water Works Park DATE: May 4, 2000 encourage the Council to reconsider its vote of April 7, 2020 and approve a revised plan to partner with Mid -American Energy to install solar panels at Water Works Park. Since 2007 1 have advocated that Iowa City government install solar panels at ANY location in the city as a sign of support for renewable energy. It would be a significant and symbolic action to combat the rising amounts of carbon emissions. I was glad to see the City declare a Climate Crisis, adopt its latest Climate Action Plan, and align its goals for reduction of carbon emission with the IPCC guidelines. However, it is frustrating to still see no significant action taken by Iowa City to implement its plan. I see the Mid -American project at Water Works Park as a great proposal to take that first step. As this project had been planned for a couple years, and had staff recommendation, I did not communicate my support to the Council because I thought the project would sail through. The bargain price and the great publicity from taking a big first step on the Climate Action Plan would speak for itself, I thought. I was surprised and frustrated when the Council defeated the proposal and yet again postponed action on renewable energy. At this 50 year anniversary of Earth Day, 1 see an evolving environmental ethic. In 1970, clean water, clean air, wildlife and land preservation were the central tenets of the environmental ethic. However, with the expanding challenge of climate change, the central environmental ethic has shifted to reducing carbon emission and making a livable planet viable. The letters from citizens on the project express important public opinion. They voice legitimate concerns that can be addressed in a revised proposal. I do not sense that those letters took account of the evolving environmental ethic of stopping climate change, which Iowa City and all communities must base their actions upon. We need a "both and" or "all of the above" approach to climate change that embraces all reasonable proposals to fight this crisis. Iowa City has not taken ANY significant action to promote renewable energy. We, as a community, need to show we seriously embrace it. This Mid -American project should be an easy "YES" to get us started. It is ironic that Mid -American Energy is the partner in this proposal. I do not need to recite the checkered history of this monopolistic corporate giant to you regarding coal plants, nuclear energy, and terrible state legislative proposals. It has, however, made significant investment in wind power (even if much of that power is sold to out of state power distributors for renewable energy credits). Now it is making its first venture into solar power production, and Iowa City, of all places, should be receptive to it. There is no doubt that Mid -American wants the project to abut Interstate 80 as an advertisement of their commitment to solar energy. That's okay with me. Most of the tens of thousands of travelers passing the site daily will also note that Iowa City is a promoter of renewable energy. We should own that as a community and make it beneficial to both parties. The city may be able to re -negotiate more beneficial terms on the details of this project with Mid -American. The city may get more concessions for its energy consumers, but the fact that the power from the solar panels will flow directly into the city's power supply is significant. Iowa City would have to spend $8M on its own to create an equivalent amount of renewable energy. It is a financial bargain when Iowa City has limited options to complete such a project. It is one of few opportunities like this the city will have come before it. We do not want to scare away other groups who may make similar partnership agreements. Certainly distributive (residential) production is better than utility produced solar power—but let's respond positively, and start now with what is offered. The location of the project at Water Works Park causes discomfort for some, but I think that is based in the original environmental ethic, not the evolving ethic. The site of Water Works Park was chosen in the 1990s for a public utility first, and a public park only secondarily. The Water Treatment Plant is the second greatest emitter of carbon of all city -owned structures. The park already has 8 waste lagoons. Locating a second utility there is not a stretch of the imagination. The park is not historically significant or geographically significant to the point that it needs protection from additional uses. As recently as 17 years ago the land was in row crops and woodland. This is not pristine prairie. There will be future opportunities to purchase park land and to create prairies. (Today 111 additional acres of prairie are already planned by Iowa City.) Our opportunities to show commitment to renewable energy and fight climate change are few, and passing Iowa City by every day. Other city and area parks have utilitarian origins and have significant built structures within them. Solar panels are utilitarian but do not generate harm like an industrial use would. Trueblood Park was a sand pit before it was established and has two large buildings on it. Hickory Hill Park was a combination of row crop and woodland. The University of Iowa has a bird watch platform among the wetlands that also host a softball stadium and track facility within an area that used to be a golf course along Highway 6. City Park includes a theater, swimming pool, and baseball diamonds. Our area parks have a broad definition of what they can contain. The history of Iowa City parks is not convincing enough to deem the created prairie at Water Works Park as so valuable it cannot be modified if a greater use arises. The citizen concerns about the disruption to the 19 acres can be lessened with a modified plan. The fence can be made to better blend with its surrounding. The panels can be moved further back from the existing trails. There are varieties of prairie seed that grow well in shade and prosper under the solar panels. There are several examples across America of the co -location of solar panels and prairie plots. This creative cooperation is essential, and a relatively small price to pay for taking significant steps to start Iowa City's Climate Action Plan. The visualization of city action on our Climate Action Plan will be an inspiration to others to continue personal, residential, business, and industrial action to reduce carbon emissions. The revised Mid -American plan might have some drawbacks with consequences. These should be balanced against other concerns. However, the urgency of the Climate Change crisis; the lack of action on the Climate Action Plan; the likely 2 -year delay before another proposal can be enacted; ALL lead to the conclusion that NOW is the time to act with bold political courage. It is easy to postpone action or to take votes that seem popular, even if they are not the best choice for public health or for fighting climate change. Now is the time to place public health and climate action above the original environmental ethic. Now is the time to embrace the new environmental ethic that takes EVERY opportunity to produce renewable energy. Now is the time to take the Climate Action Plan seriously. The best political leaders do what is best for its citizens, not only what is popular or convenient. We need only look at the present coronavirus pandemic for an example. Time will show that the best leaders took the actions of closing schools, businesses, and disrupting daily life through stay-at-home orders. The best leaders did the right thing by following the advice of public health experts. They balanced competing concerns and doing the right thing won. They are, and will, be praised for their courageous leadership. Climate experts tell us we need to embrace ALL options that reduce carbon emissions. In our surrounding area, every other level of government has shown political courage and started taking significant actions to fight climate change and promote renewable energy—federal, state, and county—through tax breaks and actual wind and solar projects. Now is the time for Iowa City to say YES to the project before it and stand with them in the courage take bold action to fight climate change. Tom Carsner 1627 College Court Place Iowa City, Iowa 52245 Kellie Fruehling From: Judith Pfohl <judypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 4, 2020 10:34 AM To: Brad Neumann; Council Subject: Re: "FY2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program" (TIP) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area Attachments: a Letter in IowaCityPressCitizen_20200504_A01_2.pdf Late Handouts Distributed RISK (Date) Thanks for the further information. In the Press Citizen today the climate article shows other discussions too including changing farm land into residential. Ironic. And giving TIP money for adding waterlines creating more residential sprawl into the county farmland? Why doesn't the city spend the approximately $244,000 approved to create little prairies in neighborhood parks and change it to buying some of the farmland and putting a large real prairie there? Judy Pfohl On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 9:30 AM Brad Neumann <Brad-Neumann0iowa-city.orR> wrote: Judy, The IWV Improvement Project received Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) funding in 2015 from the MPOJC Urbanized Area Policy Board. Iowa City received $930,000 in STBG funding to go toward the $3,382,000 project. The project upgrades the IWV Road between Hwy 218 and Hebl Avenue and is a joint effort with Johnson County. The proposed amendment adds a water main line along Hebl Avenue from IWV Road to the Iowa City Landfill. The water main was added to this project so Iowa City/Johnson County could have both projects under one contract with Iowa DOT and will save money. For more specific information regarding the project, please contact the Iowa City City Engineer, Jason Havel at Lason-havel@iowa-city.org. Jason can provide information regarding how the Coronavirus may affect the project as well. Let me know if you have any further question. Thanks. From: Judith Pfohl <iudypfohl@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, May 2, 2020 12:55:02 PM To: Brad Neumann Subject: Re: "FY2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program" (TIP) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area Could you connect me with the information about the plan? I tried to find it on the city site. Also, if the virus effect goes 2 years until there is herd immunity according to medical disaster experts, how will that effect your plans? Thank you, Judy Pfohl On Thu, Apr 30, 2020 at 11:08 AM Brad Neumann <Brad-Neuman n Iowa-city.org> wrote: Judy, feel free to give me a call or send an email with your concerns regarding the proposed TIP amendments. We can discuss prior to the meeting and/or we can provide remote access information (if necessary) to you prior to the meeting on May 27. I can be reached at 319-356-5235. Thank you. From: Judith Pfohl [mailto:judypfohl@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 10:56 AM To: Brad Neumann <Brad -Neumann Iowa-city.ore> Subject: "FY2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program" (TIP) for the Iowa City Urbanized Area Yes I am older but would like to be in the meeting done safely. Judy Pfohl Ty'n Cae Neighborhood President Iowa City Press -Citizen - 05/04/2020 Copy Reduced to 89% from original to fit letter page Page : A01 City council takes on climate change issue Zachary Oren Smith Iowa City Press -Citizen USA TODAY NETWORK Last month, the Iowa City City Council passed on a utility -scale solar panel project with MidAmerican Ener- gy at Waterworks Prairie Park. The project, which was directly mentioned in the city's Climate Action Plan, could have produced enough energy to pow- er approximately 580 average -sized Iowan homes, greatly increasing Mi- dAmerican's renewable energy portfo- lio. But a number of letters convinced the council that the damage done to the existing prairie wasn't worth it. In the following meeting, the coun- cil agreed to a $244,019 contract with Applied Ecological Services, Inc. to re- store prairie at a number of city -owned areas. But based on correspondence, this also is facing opposition. Judy Pfohl, the president of the Ty'n Cae Neighborhood Association, wrote in, saying the neighborhood has not been consulted about these plantings. "Please interview neighbors across the city about their concerns the Parks department has decided to take cli- mate action irregardless of community wishes and change 100 acres of city parks into prairie," Pfohl wrote. Ac- cording to her letter, Pfohl is particu- larly writing about the 10 acres of planting approved for Willow Creek Park, which represents a fraction of the 86 -acre restoration project. Iowa City has declared a climate cri- sis. The city has committed to reduc- ing carbon dioxide emissions by 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and net -zero by 2050. To do so, it is using a multi- part plan that includes a campaign to educate private properties about na- tive plantings like prairie, which once covered an estimated 75% to 80% of Iowa. Today, less than 0.10% of that original prairie remains, according to the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, a conservation organization that works with private landowners and public agencies to protect and restore Iowa's land, water and wildlife. Here are the locations and acres of prairie to be established: Benton Hill Park — 0 .2 acres See COUNCIL, Page 3A Copyright ® 2020 Gannett Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved 05/04/2020 May 4. 2020 5:55 am (GMT +5:00) Powered by TECNAVIA Iowa City Press -Citizen - 05/04/2020 Copy Reduced to 67% from original to fit letter page Council Continued from Page to Bloomington Prairie - 2.7 acres 1 Crandic Park -1.9 acres 1 Happy Hollow Park - 0.2 acres 1 Hunter's Run Park - 5.8 acres 1 Kiwanis Park -1 acre 1 McCollister Prairie - L8 acres 1 Oakland Cemetery - 0.5 acres 1 Park Road Prairie -13.0 acres 1 Scott Park - 201 acres 1 Sturgis Ferry Park - 6.7 acres 1 Taft Speedway Prairie - 8 acres 1 Terrell Mill Park - 4.2 acres 1 Villa Park - 3.5 acres 1 Walden Prairie -1 acre 1 Waterworks Prairie - 3 acres 1 Willow Creek Park - 9.7 acres 1 Wolfbrook Prairie - 2.6 acres Also coming to Council Aid to Agency Funding - The Iowa City Housing and Community Devel- opment Commission submitted their finding recommendation for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021). City Council will consider the following allocation. For Legacy Aid to Agencies, HCDC recommended: 1 4 C's Community Coord. Child Care - $24,923 1 Arc of Southeast Iowa - $19,938 1 Big Brothers / Big Sisters - $24,923 1 Crisis Center of Johnson County - $69,086 1 Domestic Violence Intervention Program - $49,846 1 Free Lunch Program - $17,944 1 HACAP - $24,923 1 Horizons, A Family Service Alli- ance - $43,863 1 Inside Out Reentry Community - $39,877 1 Iowa City Free Medical/Dental Clinic - $24,923 1 Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity -$24,923 1 Neighborhood Centers of JC - $54,830 1 Pathways Adult Day Health Cen- ter - $24,923 1 Prelude Behavioral Services - $39,877 1 Rape Victim Advocacy Program - $24,923 1 Shelter House - $84,738 1 Table to Table - $30,904 1 United Action for Youth -$32,898 1 Total Request - $658,262 For Emerging Aid to Agencies, HCDC recommended: 1 Grow Johnson County - FY21 Sea- son - $0 1 Houses into Homes - Inventory Management - $5,438 1 Successful Living - Snow/Mew - $0 1 Successful Living -Software -$0 1 Unlimited Abilities -Operations - $11,300 1 Total Request - $16,738 Rezoning Eastbrook Street and American Legion Road - Iowa City Council will consider rezoning approx- imately 35 acres on Eastbrook Street and American Legion Road. American Legion Road is set for an upgrade with wide sidewalks and utility infrastruc- ture. "These factors make the property ripe for development;' the developer wrote in a letter submitted in the P&Z packet. Currently used as farmland, the property is bordered to the cast and west with low-density residential uses. The land is currently Interim De- velopment Single -Family. The appli- cation asks to rezone 10.14 acres to Low -Density Multi -Family Residen- tial, 214 acres to Neighborhood Public and 22.51acres to Low -Density Single - Family Residential. The project came to Iowa City Plan- ning and Zoning on April 2 and re- ceived a 7-0 approval subject to condi- tions ranging from affordable housing to traffic calming. Triple -A bond rating -Moody's In- vestors Service gave Iowa City's $12.1 million 2020 General Obligation Bonds a triple-A rating, calling their outlook "stable." A triple-A, or AAA, is the strongest investment-grade bond rating offered byMoody's. The ratings are an assess- ment of the issuer's financial ability to make interest payments and repay the loan in full at maturity. The coronavirus pandemic did not impact Moody's rating. The report notes that a reduction in reserves or liquidity or growth in pension or debt burden could lead to a downgrade of the city's credit rating. Moody's analysts assigned AAA based on the city's large tax base an- chored by the University of Iowa and the UI Hospitals & Clinics. Further, it's a reflection of the city's "liquidity and fund balance," as well as its "ample revenue raising flexibility." Both the tax base and budget offset the city's "heightened leverage" ($64.6 million debt outstanding) and its participa- tion in statewide retirement plans. The coronavirus pandemic did not impact Moody's rating. The report notes that a reduction in reserves or li- quidity or growth in pension or debt burden could lead to a downgrade of the city's credit rating. Letter to the governor - Iowa City City Council is sending a letter to Gov Kim Reynolds asking her to issue a shetter-in-place order. The letter ar- gues that such an order would be a strong message to residents about the danger of spread. Reynolds has in- stead opted to begin loosening pan- demic mitigation measures. The John- son County Board of Supervisors sent a similar letter at the end of March. Infrastructure Projects - During each meeting, there are several city in- frastructure projects at varying stages of the process. City Council will con- sider the following projects: 1 Iowa Avenue Bridge Repair Pro- ject - The West Iowa Avenue Bridge needs some replaced joints, floor and edge repair and sidewalk and curb re- pair. The final completion date is Au- gust 14, 2020. The project manual esti- mate was $100,000. There was only one responsive bidder, Mintum, Inc. of Brooklyn, Iowa who submitted the low bid for $128,025. 1 Prentiss Street Bridge Replace- ment Project - The Prentiss Street Bridge needs replacing and the sur- rounding roadway will also need re- pairs. This project includes ADA side- walk ramps, public utility and water main work and storm sewer replace- ment. The start date is June 1, 2020. The project manual estimate was $1.3 million. There were four bids. Portzen Construction, Inc. of Dubuque, Iowa was the low bidder for $1,398,708.11. Zachary Oren Smith writes about government, growth and development for the Press -Citizen. Reach him at zsmith@press-citizen.com or 319 -339- 7354, and follow him on Twitter via @zacharyos. Page: A03 Copyright O 2020 Gannett Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved 05/04/2020 May 4, 2020 5:55 am (GMT +5:00) Powered by TECNAVIA