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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)
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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.
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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
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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
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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.
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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.
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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!
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City Council meeting of February 2, 2010.
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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.
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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.