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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-02 TranscriptionPage 1 ITEM 2. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Hoover Elementary School Hayek: Normally we have two or three students from each school, but as I understand it, uh, one of your students, uh, one of the students is sick and another one has an extracurricular activity, so it's just you and me up here! Anyway, this is Fanta Traore, and you are from Hoover Elementary, and uh, appreciate you being here. I'm the Mayor, and this is the City Council, and we're very proud of you, but we'd like to hear you, uh, address the crowd here with your work. Do you want to hold this, or would you like me to? Traore: Good evening. My name is Fanta Traore, and I am a student at Hoover Elementary. I would like to thank my teachers and the City Council for selecting me for this award. At Hoover School we follow the five points of the star, which are caring, respect, honesty, courage, and responsibility. For me, an outstanding student citizen means trying to be a good role model to others. It means showing respect to others, and being responsible for my actions. I try to show...I try to show courage by trying my best in all things. I (mumbled) most of all I try to be caring about people, helping out wherever I can. I think the Hoover star characteristics are the ways of becoming a good leader. I believe these traits also help us be kinder to each other in all things. I wish all children could follow our Hoover star. Thank you again for this award. I am proud to accept it. (applause) Hayek: Before I read your award to you I want to acknowledge your teacher, uh, Lorraine Whittington who is in the crowd. Thank you for coming! This is a Citizenship Award that reads as follows: For her outstanding qualities of leadership within Hoover Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an Outstanding Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City City Council, February 2, 2010. (applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 2 ITEM 3. PROCLAMATION. - Sertoma's Freedom Week -February 7, 2010 Hayek: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Sertoma Club President Ted Halm. (applause) Halm: Just briefly, I'd like on the part of Sertoma to thank Mayor Hayek and the Council for this proclamation award. We had five schools participate in our contest, um, at this point we have picked a winner. The topic was pretty current, we figured, because it was on health care, and I know that's a big issue right now with our government so...um, I know I can't speak as well as this young lady that was just here, because she did a great job, but again, I want to thank you all for...for giving the proclamation to us. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 3 ITEM 5. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Hayek: This is an opportunity for members of the public to address the Council on items that are not on our agenda. If you wish to speak, please step to the podium, sign in and state your name, and please keep your comments to five minutes or less. Pelds: Good evening, Honorable Mayor, Members of the Council. My name is Wally Pelds, with Pelds Engineering and ECO-4 Partners. Um, you met my partner previously, Jerry Vincent, who's in the crowd, as well as, uh, my employer, who is Steve Moss, from Moss Green Development Corporation. Uh, it's a pleasure to appear before you tonight and give you an update on our Moss Green Urban Village, which we said we'd do. We try to just give you these little brief stints so you know what's going on with our exciting project. Um, the first topic is a housekeeping item, however. Um, in a recent article in the Press-Citizen regarding the City Manager's letter addressed to us, and that urban renewal district creation, uh, they mentioned that Equifore Partners was the developer, and that we're out of Des Moines, which is contrary (laughter) that is...that is not true. It is actually Steven, um, Steven Moss and his family created a corporation known as Moss Green Development Corporation who are the developers, and they're locally here in Iowa City, so we didn't want people to think that somebody out of Des Moines' coming to develop in Iowa City, not that that's a bad thing. But we are directly consultants to them, so we would ask that all items be addressed to Moss Green Development Corporation. Um, in that letter, which I believe we cc'd in the...in an email responding to Mr. Helling, um, there was some questions about financials; we were working on those with our financial institutions to show that this is a feasible project. Uh, we also agreed that we don't want the City to have to put any upfront funding into it, because of the budget stresses that the City is under right now. Um, we also agreed that the plan, specifications, and everything, we met with the City Engineer and Public Works this week about some exciting ideas we have on how to put some new very sustainable infrastructure in, so the project is coming to fruition, and we're very excited to be here. So, um, we also agreed that the limit of the TIF would be 50%; therefore, the City generating funds is (mumbled) so we're excited to be here, and then finally, the financial projections which, uh, we're always excited to give you good numbers, it showed that if we don't do anything, uh, about $60,000 is what the City would see off of this property over the next 20 years...in taxes, because it's farm ground, and then if it projects anywhere near what we project, and they're very conservative numbers, um, $85 million with net present value of a 6% discount, which that means over 20 years, if you took today's dollars and put it all in one big basket it'd be $85 million for the City. And that made us really excited, because we sat here through a meeting, and we watched, uh, the Council struggle with funding a fire station, and you know, talking about laying people off, and we think, actually we know...we know we're the solution, uh, in this project is, so we're excited to be here and as we said, you'll probably get sick of seeing us, so This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 4 we're going to alternate back and forth so it's not the same face every time, uh, but if you would have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them. Otherwise I just wanted to give you a quick progress report and keep you informed of...of where our project is. Champion: It's a very exciting project. Bradley: Hello, my name is Roger Bradley, um, I've been a... in a few months I will have been a resident of Iowa City for 20 years. I'm currently the manager of Yellow Cab of Iowa City. I'm here not to speak about what you have later on your agenda tonight, but I, uh, recently sent a letter to the Council. I don't know if...I don't believe you have it yet, uh, however, I just want to...I just appear tonight to invite you to seriously consider what is in that letter, and which is basically, we would like to see the Council put on its agenda, um, as soon as possible, um, a reexamination of the entire taxicab ordinance. Um, I have had the opportunity to speak to a couple of you already, um, about this problem, but there are several problems actually, but one...in brief, I don't want to take up too much of your time. One problem in brief has been, we have been experiencing a lot of, um, instances of overcharging by taxicabs, uh, with our taxicab business we often get customers who get into our cabs. They, you know, we take them where they want to go. We use our meters. We charge them, and they ask why is it, for example, $11 when the last cab I took it was $30. Um, now all of the rates for taxicabs, uh, are on file with the City Clerk's office, um, you can examine them and find out that where the customer said they went from and to, the numbers just don't add up. They were basically taken. Um, the problem being, uh, that a lot of these problems happen on weekends when there are a lot of tourists in town, football weekends, graduations, uh, that's when we get the complaints about other taxicab companies, uh, we are beginning to feel that part of the problem just might simply be, there has been a large proliferation of taxicab companies, and taxicabs, in Iowa City since the ordinance was last revisited. Um, and we think that somehow the ordinance should be strengthened to encourage, you know, more professional taxicab companies, to try to stop some of these problems like overcharging. We, uh, we don't feel it's fair to be ripping off our tourists by any means. Um, and you know, we...we've gotten to the point where we're afraid that...it's possible that some of these companies see the taxicab business in this city as being, uh, a more of, uh, some way to make a quick buck instead of being a professional organization. So, uh, you know, I have plenty of ideas, so if you decide to put this on your agenda, uh, I'm at your disposal. I can answer any questions, when that time comes. Um, but there is...there are problems. Other than overcharging, there's also some safety problems, um, many taxicab companies do not have centralized dispatching. They do all their dispatching by cell phones, and they do that while they're roaming down our streets, um, and it's really not safe, especially at certain hours of the night, as you can imagine! So, really my letter spells out a few problems. I encourage you to take a look at it, um, please you know I encourage you to put this on your agenda, uh, to take a good look at this, and you know by all means I have compiled a lot of information, a lot of statistics, you This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 5 know, and I can be of, you know, I have them readily available, whenever you need them, and of course you can always contact me and...and if you put this on your agenda, I also will be attending those meetings. So, uh, that is basically it. Thank you very much. Hayek: Mr. Bradley, we...we did get your correspondence. It hasn't been, uh, submitted to Council yet, and I'm sure it will in the next order of business (mumbled) to discuss that. Bradley: Okay, thank you. Roberts: Good evening, Mayor Hayek, Council Members. I just have a question, and I realize my question may be somewhat premature, since a lot of your work sessions and regular sessions have been very, uh, full with budget planning. Hayek: Let me interrupt. We know you, the public doesn't. Roberts: Oh, I'm sorry. Cindy Roberts, southeast resident, Iowa City. Sorry about that. So, my question has to...what, is there something in the planning stages for us revisiting the scattered site housing taskforce work that was done in 2005? I knew that was on your preliminary February agenda, um...is that something that is coming up for public discussion in the near future or is that still undecided? Hayek: I can tell you we...last night we...we pushed that item out from mid-February because we didn't have enough time at that meeting to take up a topic of that magnitude, but it is on our pending list. Roberts: Okay. Just wanted to check on that. Thank you. Hayek: Anybody else wishing to address the Council? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 6 ITEM 10. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS," TO PROHIBIT ELECTRONIC SIGNS ON TAXICABS AND TO CLARIFY VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS (FIRST CONSIDERATION). Champion: Move first consideration. Mims: Second. Hayek: First consideration moved by Champion, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Is there anyone who wishes to address the Council on this? Gaber: ...good speaker, but uh... Hayek: Could... Gaber: My name is Yasser Gaber. I am one of the owners for Five Star Taxi LLC, and uh, we've been struggling with the economy, as everybody knows, and we're trying to help ourselves with, uh, this digital signs on the cab. I believe it's a great idea. We've been seeing that on, uh, big cities, like New York, Chicago, and uh, that definitely will help us to work through this bad time because that will, uh, make us like at least a big part of the huge amount of money we're paying for the insurance, which is another issue we should talk about (mumbled), uh, we've been asking, we've been doing (mumbled) discussing this with, uh, the attorney's office. It's been almost a couple months and we never get an answer. The answer at the beginning was 'no' you cannot (mumbled) digital sign, and finally we get the chance to talk today so we would like to know if there's any chance to have it. We have almost 12, 13 cabs and we'll start with like two or three and that might, uh, be the beginning. If it goes well we might add more in the future, and uh, I see for years in the New York City. I was there, and uh, I never hear any complaint or get any, uh, negative signs about having that, uh, advertising sign. It could be for any... it's a good actually for a city like Iowa City with a lot of tourists, a lot of, uh, foreigners, uh, home games, we got too many people from everywhere visiting their kids, student, and the University, and uh, we would like us to get started, and the second issue, if we can just mention it today and we'll talk about it another day, another time, is the liability insurance. It's a million dollar in Iowa City to have a cab insured. Liability is a million dollars, which is never been anywhere else. New York City it's a lot less than that. Chicago (mumbled) than that, and that's really hurting us, and please, we need to do something. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 7 Hayek: Uh, that's not on the agenda for tonight (both talking) that's fine. Would you mind signing in so we can get the spelling of your name, or at least provide your name for... Gaber: Sure. My name is Yasser Gaber. It's Y-a-s-s-e-r, and uh, like what I said, Five Star Taxi, any time I will be more than happy to...thank you. Hayek: Thank you, sir. Anyone else wishing to address the Council on this agenda item? Okay, any discussion on the Council level? Champion: Well, I'd like to have Eleanor go over again what she told us last night about the State law. I think that's going to make our decision. Dilkes: We've talked about this in my office for a long time, um, the State code has a number of provisions about what types of lights can be on what types of vehicles, and there's a provision in the State code that prohibits flashing lights on vehicles that would include taxicabs. Um, we...there's no definition of what flashing means in the State code. Um, and...so we consulted with the County Attorney since she enforces the State law, and it was her opinion, although she said a judge might not agree with her, um, it was her opinion that the lights that were being proposed were flashing lights. Um, the current City code implies, but is not clear, that um, the vehicle...during the vehicle inspections there must be compliance with all, um, State code provisions. Uh, we wanted to clear that up. We didn't want people going through our inspections and then putting lights on their cars that...it's a major investment. Putting lights on their cars that then were not going to be compliant with the State code, and so that's why we're amending the ordinance to make it clear that the vehicles have to comply with the State code requirements, and then also to specifically prohibit the electronic signs. Hayek: Would you like to address us? Why don't you...we're going to have to get you on the microphone, so if you could state your name please and just tell us what you want to give us. Moustafa: Yeah (mumbled) in Five Star Taxi here, and I'm the (mumbled). First thing when I went, I don't like to repeat whatever he said again, but just very much what we need to do, you know? Like just a sign, and it's a digital sign, and I don't know if you have a copy from it or not but... Hayek: You may submit the copy to our Clerk and we will receive it. Moustafa: Yeah, I can just leave it. Hayek: Okay. Karr: This was reviewed by the City Attorney's office as part of their request initially. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 8 Hayek: Okay. Thank you. Moustafa: Thank you. Hayek: Thank you very much. Further discussion? Wright: Seems to me the problem with this is really at the State level, since the State code is not particularly clear, and I kind of hesitate to be second-guessing the State code locally, and uh, I a1so...I've seen electronic signs on taxicabs in other cities, and I certainly don't find them distracting or confusing. Um, but I'm inclined to think an outright prohibition is a bit heavy-handed. Hayek: Others? Wilburn: Laws vary from state to state, and in Iowa it's pretty clear in many instances, uh, state law trumps local jurisdiction, so we would make laws that are consistent; when we have, uh, discretion that's another story, but... Bailey: Well, I think the significance, um, consideration here is, um, having code that complies with, um, State law so people don't go to the expense and later find themselves in difficulty with the State law. So I mean in many ways we are looking out for our business owners here by doing this, and you're right -the problem is at the State level. It needs to be clarified and uh, but for now it seems like if the County Attorney believes that this could be a concern, then I think this is the most prudent way to go with our taxicabs. Hayek: I tend to agree with Regenia. I think this is an interesting situation which we're trying to divine what the State law is, but we've turned to the County Attorney, whose opinions I trust, uh, and...and they've given their opinion, which puts us as the City in the position of being the entity that actually grants the licenses, uh, and certifies that, or confirms that, that the cab is in compliance, um, and I don't think we can do that, and I think there's some risk to the City about that, um, and uh, I'm a little reluctant to add any distractions with a downtown student population that, um, doesn't always use the best judgment when crossing streets. Any further discussion? Bailey: Well, I would just encourage those who are concerned actually to talk to our legislative delegation about this, so, um, and address it at the State level. Champion: There is going to be a legislative forum at the Coralville Library soon, isn't (mumbled) that is? Bailey: Those typically are the last Saturday of the month. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 9 Champion: Yeah, yeah, so it would be a good opportunity for taxicabs that are interested in changing the State code to attend that legislative forum. Wright: Good point. Champion: Held by the League of Women Voters. The next one is in Coralville. Hayek: Any further discussion? Role call, please. Item passes 6-l, uh, Wright in the negative. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 10 ITEM 14. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Hayek: Start with your end there, Mr. Dickens. Bailey: I did want to note that it's really exciting to see Fire Station #4 moving ahead, and um, I'm delighted that that's an I-Jobs project, and really proud that it's going to be a LEED-certified building, so I'm really happy that we are moving on that. Um, it's finally, I guess. I also want to note that we set the public budget public hearing tonight for February 16th, uh, we hear a lot about the budget and if you have concerns, interests, comments, compliments about the budget, that's the time to really come and talk to us. We talk a lot about it all year round, but now is the time when we can really actually, um, take action on your comments. So, the budget public hearing is February 16th in this hall. Wilburn: Um, no comments, but uh, I...the Trinity Episcopal Church, I know they were looking for someone to be at their building rededication. I know that you can't make it. I will be gone. I think it's 3:00 on...on Sunday. Um, which I believe that, uh, I think that's LEED-certified (several talking) and uh, if a Council Member can make it, I think they'd appreciate the presence and (both talking) Champion: ...going to that. Wilburn: Oh, okay, good. A lot of our churches do significant work in the community with human service agencies and their outreach, and Trinity's one of those that is very helpful to the Crisis Center and...Shelter House and...Free Lunch and all of'em. Bailey: And they made a point to stay downtown with their renovation, which I think is great. Hayek: Thanks for pointing that out. Wright: Speaking of Trinity Church, uh, they have on the 27th of February, I'll just start lobbying for this now, they have their annual book sale to benefit Shelter House. That's a terrific event, and uh, a fundraiser for a worthy cause. And uh, also on a more mundane note, I just want to make a plea for everybody to keep your sidewalks clear. Winter's starting to wear on us all, but uh, the snows still come and uh, the pedestrians really appreciate clear sidewalks, so uh, just bear that in mind. If nothing else it's a good chance to get outside and get a little bit of exercise. (several talking and laughing) Champion: I don't have anything. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 11 Mims: Um, this last week attend my first ECICOG meeting and so as I get a little more up to speed on that committee and what they're doing and how that relates to us, I will have more to report back. Hayek: I just want to give, uh, congratulations to Detective Mike Smithey of the Police Department, uh, voted or selected as the 2009 Officer of the Year for the department. Congratulations, Detective! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 12 ITEM 16. ADJOURNMENT. Hayek: Entertain a motion to adjourn. Wilburn: Move to adjourn. Hayek: Oh, okay (unable to hear person away from mic) um... Wilburn: Withdraw the motion. Hayek: Yeah, we can...we can pick that up. Would you like to approach us, sir? Knapp: James Knapp. Thank you. Congratulations, Matt. Hayek: Thank you. Knapp: I don't know if you could indulge me just a little bit longer than five minutes. Hayek: We're not able to do that, and... Knapp: The reason I ask is maybe I thought it was my seven days of sandbagging out at the City Water Plant, and down at the Park too. This concerns flood and it's the last opportunity I'll have to address the subject. Hayek: Well, sir, we appreciate that work, uh, and...and but nevertheless, you'll have to keep your comments to five minutes. Knapp: Okay, well, let me get started then. (reads letter) Hayek: Mr. Knapp, your five minutes are up, and I would ask you to please conclude your comments quickly. Knapp: Would somebody else defer to me and give me five minutes? Hayek: That's not how it works. And...and... Knapp: That's how it's worked in the past, Matt. Hayek: Well, sir, we have to be fair to everyone and I will ask (both talking) okay, I will ask staff to follow up on this issue and...and give (both talking) that would be even better. Thank you. Wilburn: Move to adjourn. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010. Page 13 Hayek: Motion by Wilburn to adjourn. Is it seconded? Champion: Second. Hayek: Seconded by Champion. Discussion? All those in favor of adjournment say aye. Opposed same sign. Karr: Mr. Mayor, do you wish...do you wish to accept these as correspondence or is this the same thing you gave electronically for the next packet? (unable to hear response) Motion to accept correspondence. Wright: So moved. Dickens: Second. Karr: All those in favor. Hayek: Moved by, uh, Wright, seconded by Dickens to accept correspondence. All those in favor say aye. Opposed. Motion carries unanimously. Karr: There's a motion on the floor to adjourn. Hayek: Okay, let's take another voice vote on adjournment. All those in favor of adjournment say aye. Opposed same sign. We are adjourned. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.