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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-17 TranscriptionPage 1 ITEM 2. PROCLAMATIONS. a) Get Moving for Healthy Kids Day -August 29, 2010 Hayek: (reads proclamation) Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Colleen Davis. (applause) Davis: ...couple words here. You pretty much said everything that I wanted to say, so...(laughter). Um, the...the primary goal is just to motivate children and their families to get moving and um, I'm a full-time working, outside the home mom, and we...we're very busy and it's really hard to sometimes get our kids moving and uh, so we're just trying to get...get children and their families to move a little bit more. So...keep...keep it fun and active, and um, so we want this to (mumbled) activity to build, um, to build activity with kids and families by showing them that an active lifestyle is not only critical, but is a lot of fun. So, the other, um, point is just build awareness about the program that's in the Iowa City School District that helps, um, under-insured, uninsurable children and the families get medical attention, and um, also we really want to thank our sponsors that have helped get this event off the ground and to keep the program, um, sustainable. So...that's...that's it, and you can register at the http•//communityfoundationotjohnsoncounty.ors/ um, you can register up to six family members per registration. That way, um, otherwise we've got, um, registrations, um, through the Iowa City School District and at the, um, the Iowa City Rec Center and the Coralville Rec Center and the North Liberty Rec Center and the libraries, the surrounding libraries. So, thank you very much! Hayek: Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 2 ITEM 2. PROCLAMATIONS. b) Social Security - Go Green, Go Online, Going Strong at 75 Day -August 14, 2010 Hayek: We have another proclamation concerning Social Security, uh, they're not here to accept it so 1 will dispense with the `whereases' and go straight to the cut of it. (reads proclamation) And before we move on. It's not exactly on the agenda, uh, want to, uh, we regularly recognize employees of the City who have put a lot of service in, uh, on behalf of the organization and the community, and want to recognize Dale Helling, uh, tonight. Um...we don't usually do this and...but we've got a certificate for him, uh, signed by the entire City Council and it says: City of Iowa City presents this certificate of recognition to Dale Helling in appreciation of 35 years of service with the City of Iowa City. Uh, Dale, you are one of the most respected professionals in the community, both within the building and out in the public, and I speak for everyone I know when I congratulate you on...on this incredible milestone. Helling: Thank you very much! I didn't realize I was that old! (laughter and applause) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 3 ITEM 4. COMMUNITY COMMENT (ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA). Hayek: This is the, uh, time this evening where we provide an opportunity to the public to, uh, address the City Council concerning items that are not on the agenda. If there's something you'd like to bring to our attention, uh, sign up and...and form a queue and stand at the podium, and give you up to five minutes and uh, we'll listen to what you have to say. Is there anyone who would like to address the Council? Clark: Hello. My name is Jimmy Clark. Uh, I'm one of the founders of Stadium Club and we're here to, uh, speak to you on our behalf. Uh, our presence here today is to present the facts as they pertain to the Stadium Club and its application for a temporary use permit and liquor license, and the subsequent denial of both. We would like to clarify the main issues discussed in the work session last night, and we would also point out a few facts that were excluded from the meeting last night. Based on comments made at the work session last night, it is apparent to us that some City officials have confused the Stadium Club as the actual property owners, which is a mistake. We feel that the denial of our permit application was based upon this erroneous portrayal. Here are the pertinent facts in the matter. Number one, the Stadium Club was formed in March of 2010. We initially contacted the City Housing Department to inquire about permits and/or ordinances needed to host an event such as this at the time. We asked the City official what will we have to do in order to hold an event, similar to the Magic Bus, on the same site. Are there any permits required? The response from the City official was, and I quote, "No. It is afree-for-all in that area. Nothing is enforced and is like a carnival in that area on game day." This is also supported from the packet that we presented to you folks last night on several occasions. Uh...point two, uh, Miss Eleanor Dilkes, the City Attorney, attributed all property improvements to the Stadium Club. She cited that the Stadium Club paved the backyard and installed new fencing. She cited these actions by the Stadium Club as the cause for the City to react. That is flat wrong! The property is owned by Outside Properties LLC, not the Stadium Club. Clearly two separate entities! It was at the sole discretion and expense of Outside Properties LLC to pave the backyard and install the new fencing. The improvements were made to make the property safer for the tenants' daily usage and to allow easier access for maintenance vehicles during the winter. The improvements were not made by the Stadium Club, nor, and I reiterate, by the Stadium Club. Number three, the code violation cited in the denial was directed towards Outside Properties LLC, and our understanding...it's our understanding that on Friday, August 13th, Outside Properties LLC and Mr. Boothroy met in person to discuss the violation and have come to an informal resolution. Again, the code violation is an issue for the property owners, not the Stadium Club. Barkalow: Hello, my name is Tracy Barkalow. I just want to take a minute and point out, uh, two main issues, uh, that I had with the denial. Uh, the paved backyard issue, uh, This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 4 paving of your backyard meets all City code requirements. You can, per City code, pave your entire backyard and there are no restrictions per City code stating that you cannot do this. That is a legal use currently in the City code. Also like to point out that the fence issue, um, the fence meets all City codes and standards and requirements, as well, um, we took a disrepaired fence and replaced it on the property, um, and we did that, uh, basically just to better improve the property and make it a little bit nicer to look at. Clark: Okay, moving forward, uh, to uh, point four here. Uh, the events similar nature to what we have proposed at 817 have been occurring for nearly 20 years with police awareness, little or no code enforcement, and in plain public view. The Stadium Club complied with any and all City requirements regarding the temporary use permit and the required liquor license. The same permit and license that we...we were told were not necessary in March. We are one of only two groups required to obtain a temporary use permit amidst the hundreds of various commercial entities on and around Melrose Avenue on game days, such as food and merchandise vendors and private property owners, profiting from tailgate properties on their own property. Number five, unlike the Magic Bus' proposed new location and subsequent public concern for the nearby residents, we have no public resistance to our location. Additionally, our two access points are on public streets. We feel we have equal if not more adequate emergency access to our site as compared to other locations, such as Kinnick Society parking lot, which is directly across the street from the party, or the ped mall downtown. Number six, in our business plan... our business plan submitted to the City during the application process, we stressed that the Stadium Club would be 21-only for the duration of the entire day. We further indicated that security personnel would be on hand to monitor all activities. Beer was to not be freely dispensed, but individually served to better monitor individuals' consumption. In our opinion, these steps would make the Stadium Club a safer and more responsible tailgating event, compared to any other unsupervised ones. Number seven, in our conclusion here, with the facts that we've stated today and the spirit and fairness in equal enforcement of City code, we are asking the City Council to use your authority to approve our temporary use permit and liquor license to allow us to hold our planned event. We further suggest that the City Council impose a moratorium, not allowing any changes on all commercial entities conducting business on game day near Kinnick Stadium for this upcoming football season. It is clear that the City needs to put in an ordinance in effect to address commercialized entities on game day, citywide, and to fairly and equally regulate them to...to everyone. We as members of the Stadium Club would be more than happy to assist the City on any new ordinances that address this issue. It is our understanding that the property owners intend to submit agame-day overlay ordinance to the City shortly, and to address this in a more formalized manner. Thank you for your time and consideration of this matter. We look forward to City Council's guidance and direction, and let us know any way we can help. Thank you. (several talking away from mic) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 5 Dilkes: Um...as you know, we can't have a discussion among Council and...and Mr. Barkalow, uh, and Mr. Clark, but...Mayor Pro Tem who was leading the discussion last night asked that I add a few facts to, um, what you've been told. There are a number of facts that distinguish the Stadium Club, both from the Magic Bus that operated at the former site, and the other temporary game-day uses that occur along, uh, Melrose Avenue. First of all, um, these gentlemen are not conducting a fundraiser for charity. This has been envisioned as afor-profit venture from the start. Um, we have a number of communications with the City that document that. Number two, it's frankly irrelevant who paved the site. Um, 817 Melrose, the former site of the Magic Bus, has been paved. Also, the connection to 5 Triangle Place, the neighboring property, has been paved, fenced, and not simply improved for the tenants of those properties, but rather striped and numbered for 22 parking spaces. I'd also note that Mr. Barkalow, I believe, is not only a member of the Stadium Club, or a partner in the Stadium Club, but is also one of the owners of the property. And indeed, it was Mr. Barkalow and Mr. Clark, not this Mr. Clark, but Mr. Jeff Clark, one of the owners of the property, who had the initial dealings with the City in connection with the Stadium Club. Next thing that I...that I think is important is that parking has been advertised for this site, both on Mr. Barkalow's web site and on Craigslist, commercial parking in a residential zone at this site. In addition, the property...we have the property leases in our file. The Stadium Club is renting 817 Melrose for $5,000 per game and 5 Triangle Place for $3,200 per game. In addition, Mr. Barkalow has advertised cabana rental, including abig-screen TV and wait staff, during the games, for $7,000 per year. As we said earlier, and as I said again last night, the movement of the Magic Bus into the neighborhood, combined with the intensive commercial and for-profit use that is being proposed by the Stadium Club distinguish Stadium Club very significantly from the other uses that occur on Melrose Avenue and required action by the City. Hayek: Anybody else wishing to address... (unable to hear person speaking away from mic). Why don't we wait and see if others...want to address the Council. Is there anyone else wishing to address the Council, uh, on items that are not on the agenda? So, Clark, I'll allow you up to...to address the Council, but this is not a dialogue so there's not going to be a back and forth, and to the extent the Council however wants to take this up in a discussion format, Mr. Barkalow can do the same thing, and we need to schedule that for a work session at an upcoming meeting. Barkalow: Sure. I'll just make some brief...quick comments...to Eleanor's response. As you can see on our business plan, we are a, uh, a charitable organization. We will be donating 100% of the proceeds to charity. That is in our business plan, and that has been on our business plan and expressed to the City since day one. Um, and Ms. Eleanor pointed out its irrelevant who paved the site. I don't think it is. If you look at the articles and the facts, uh, Mr. Boothroy and...and Eleanor have pointed out that the, uh, the paving of the parking lot and the fencing have been the main issues and the main reason for the City citation, uh, in conjunction with This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 6 us leasing parking at that location. Uh, that is not an action that was taken by the Stadium Club, and yes, I am one of the owners of the property, as well as one of the owners of the Stadium Club. Uh, my partners manage the property with me, uh, we have put City parking, or available parking just like the other 100 properties in the area, uh, up. We did put a for lease sign up. We were cited for this. Uh, we have met with Mr. Boothroy and addressed these issues and we have come to a conclusion with Mr. Boothroy, um, on a resolution for that citation, and um, our opinion. He told us on Friday that we had to put some bollards in and a few things, and we have agreed to do that. Uh, and I guess the cabanas and the TV's, it's all about game day so, uh, that's all I have to say. Hayek: Thank you. Dilkes: I can't...I can't help but make one more point, and that is that the Stadium Club has been organized as anLLC, afor-profit LLC, with the Secretary of State, not a not-for-profit entity. Hayek: Anyone from the public on community comment before I move on? Okay, we'll move on. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 7 ITEM 6. ADOPTING AMENDED FYll ANNUAL ACTION PLAN WHICH IS A SUB-PART OF IOWA CITY'S 2011-2015 CONSOLIDATED PLAN (CITY STEPS) AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT SAID AMENDED PLAN TO USE CDBG DISASTER RECOVERY PROGRAM INCOME FOR THE WEST SIDE LEVEE. a) PUBLIC HEARING Hayek: This is a public hearing and resolution regarding an amendment to the FY11 annual action plan to use approximately $1.9 million in anticipated CDBG Disaster Recovery Housing Fund Program income, along with anticipated I-Jobs' funds to construct a levee between McCollister Boulevard and the Crandic Railroad tracks, along the west side of the Iowa River to protect businesses and two mobile home parks. This is a public hearing. (bangs gavel) Public hearing is open. Public hearing is closed. (bangs gavel) b) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION Bailey: Move the resolution. Dickens: Second. Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Roll call. Item carries 6-0. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Wright: So moved. Mims: Second. Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 6-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 8 ITEM 9. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 1, ENTITLED "GENERAL LICENSING PROVISIONS," AND CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED "TAXICABS," TO CLARIFY REVOCATION PROCEDURES, RATE PROVISIONS, AND DRIVER BADGE PROVISIONS TO PLACE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ISSUANCE OF AN IDENTIFICATION CARD AND DRIVER LIABILITY INSURANCE ON THE TAXICAB BUSINESS (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Hayek: Items 8 and 9, we need a motion before we get to them to reverse them. Mims: So moved. Bailey: Second. Hayek: Moved to reverse items 8 and 9 by Mims, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 6-0. Okay. Item 9. Bailey: Move first consideration. Dickens: Second. Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? If there are members of the public who would like to address us on either item 8 or 9, now would be the appropriate time to...to talk to us. Those issues overlap and so we'll just take all the discussion on the front end. Bradley: You answered my question for me, uh, as far as...I'll cover everything I have to say right now. Uh, my name is Roger Bradley. I'm the manager of Yellow Cab of Iowa City. I'm a 20-year resident of Iowa City. Um, first of all, I want to thank you for, uh, considering amending the taxicab code in the City of Iowa City, uh, as you probably know, we feel that it's a necessary thing to do. Um, it takes a lot of work, but certainly appreciate it. Um, the first thing I would like to say, and there's a lot of things in here that we certainly agree with, uh, you have correspondence from me to that effect. Uh, there are a couple of issues I do want to address. The first one being about rates. Um, in my correspondence to you, um, I mention that Iowa City is a unique place, versus other cities and towns in Iowa. Um, under the proposed changes, no other rates other than distance and time, uh, would be allowed. Um, you know, you can have a rate based on distance and/or time, you know, combination of such, but everything else would be disallowed. Uh, we feel that this is a little over-reaching. Um, there are a couple of reasons why. Uh, the first reason would be a... a good segment of our business, um, has to do with, uh, package delivery and some courier services, in which, um, we charge a certain flat fee for. Uh, if we take a package from, and this is both home delivery...delivery and commercial. We have many accounts to This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 9 this effect. Um, what we do is we charge, you know, the distance, which would be the meter, and to simplify it and clarify it and be able to tell our customers this is what you can expect, we just simply for a package delivery we add on $3.00. Um, if we were to do this, you know, on time, um, it would be a little difficult. Uh, let's say we picked up a prescription at a pharmacy and took it to a, uh, assisted living facility. Um, it would be almost impossible to take it out of the car and deliver it to the building and know exactly how much time we're taking doing it, because the driver would want to be paid for what their worth. You could get into that building and wait five minutes before somebody comes down to accept the package. Uh, the meter is out in the car. You can't take the meter with us. Um, so this is why we simply say, you know, we're going to charge $3.00 for a package delivery. Um, you know, this is a significant portion of our business. Um, and this ordinance as written doesn't really allow us to do that. So we would probably be in a little bit of a...we wouldn't know what to do, um, it's very simple just to say $3.00 and uh, you know, it's kind of like we just base it on that and...and you know, if it takes a little bit of time or a lot of time, I mean, we just kind of...you know, it was just a basic rate that we've always dealt with. Um, another thing about rates is...we charge currently a $2.00, uh, charge to make a stop. Now consider if you were, uh, if you didn't have your own vehicle to get around in. A lot of customers...which alot of our customers don't, uh, they take a trip from point A to point B, but they wish to make a stop at say a convenient store. And, they want to pick up something. Uh, right now we just simply charge $2.00 and we give them five minutes to take care of their business. Uh, once again the reason we do this is because $2.00 seems like a nice even rate. The consumer knows what to expect. Uh, if we...we could easily turn on our meters, and do it by time, but if we did it at our current rates, afive-minute stop would be $3.75 instead of $2.00. So right away you would be...we would have to, you know, the consumer would be paying more...as...as the ordinance is amended. Um, you know, that would be a rate increase. We don't feel good about that. We certainly want to avoid doing that, um...and let's keep in mind that, uh, you know, one of the...you know, once again one of the reasons we do this is also so the consumer knows. You know, it's $2.00. Um, really with these stops, you know, we want... in one sense we want to encourage people to take a taxi if they have some business to do and they have to run out and make a quick stop. On the other hand, the reason we give t hem five minutes is because instead of 15 is because if it's going to take them a long time we would just rather have them go do their business and then call a cab again, and we could be there in ten minutes and pick them up and...and that sort of thing. So, the, you know, so we give them five minutes, it's a nice flat rate. This doesn't allow for that. We would like you to reconsider, you know, some sort of language that would include this. This is a, making a stop is a very common event. It is not rare at all! Um...you know, and once again we wish to avoid any price hike to the consumer. Um, another issue with rates...has to do with special event rates. Currently we charge a, Yellow Cab charges a special event rate. It is $4.00 per person. We charge it only for University of Iowa home football games. Um, the reason we do this is because if you were to do something a combination of, uh, you know, time and distance, and This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 10 keep in mind these are days when we get stuck in traffic. Uh, my written correspondence indicates that our expenses go way up, uh, we're burning a lot of fuel waiting in traffic. Uh, we have double dispatching on those days. We have a mechanic on duty to, you know, minor repairs, keep the cars on the road, uh, so our...our expenses go up. Um, if, you know, when you consider the hotels in our area, the greater Iowa City-Coralville area, um, it is far easier for the consumer to know, once again, just like the other thing I was talking about. It's far easier to tell them it's $4.00 per person, you know, and that deals with waiting in traffic and that sort of thing, um, it gives them a much firmer idea of what to expect, as far as, you know, how much is it going to cost me to get from the Marriott to the football game. Um, so we...you know, there's a long history of us charging that rate. Now Yellow Cab only charges that on home football games. So we are talking six or seven days out of 365. Um, it...it's...we find that our customers, especially our tourists, the people from out of town, you know, they appreciate knowing that it's just going to be a certain amount and, you know, not unpredictable because you know some...sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes you pick somebody up at a hotel, you know, for some reason the lights, you know, you hit everything just right and you can get there a little faster. Other times, you know, it's a 30-minute trip to go two miles, you know, and I think we all have experienced game-day traffic. Um, so you know, we feel that if we didn't have this rate it would hurt our ability to make a firm price, you know, the customers, they wouldn't know. Uh, we feel it actually would hurt tourism a little bit, you know, hurt the out of town visitor, and we, and our industry, we want to protect that as much as we can. Um... since we only charge it six or seven times, you know, times a year based on the home games, uh, perhaps you could eliminate special event rates and simply say `Iowa home football game rate.' That way there's no confusion as to what a special event is. Um, obviously if you say, use the language `special event,' um, you know, anything could be a special event. A gymnastics meet, you know, which traffic-wise just simply does not compare to a home football game. Um... Hayek: You're going to need to wrap it up, Mr. Bradley. Bradley: Okay, uh, one final thing I have, um, is we would, uh, one thing that's not in here, um, is...color scheme issues. Iowa City used to have these. We would like you to consider reinstating that. I handed out, I gave it to Marian, some copies of a photograph from the Cedar Rapids' Gazette in late February. They did an article about cab price gouging. Um, I invite you to look at the top picture, on that...on that, uh, page and if you could tell me what cab company that white van is, um, please do, because it is not clear from that picture. A color scheme idea helps the consumer. It helps us brand our business, and if there's problems, it helps people identify what cab you're getting into, and...and I believe I know which cab company that is, but I'm in the business. So...um...that's all I have. If you have any questions... Hayek: Thanks, Mr. Bradley. Any questions from Council? Okay. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 11 Bradley: Thank you. Hayek: Yes! Karr: Mr. Mayor, if I could just a...a couple of...of things. Um, Mr. Bradley mentioned the proposal that we are talking about, rates will be based on time, distance or a combination thereof, and a rate based on distance include destination rates, so certainly any destination rates would be, uh, available. All other rates, charges, or fees, except for extra rider stipulations and clean-up rates, are prohibited. So the current proposal does allow for some exceptions, extra ride and clean-up rates, and certainly if Council is so inclined, we certainly could discuss, uh, a courier or package rates, but would like to also note that, um, the Yellow Cab rates, delivery is $3.00 plus mileage as...as Roger indicated, and then additional packages are 50-cents each. Um, there is the per-stop indicated on...on his rate card, but the special event rates is quoted on the rate card as $4.00 a person, unless the mileage and passenger is greater, and I think those type of confusion, unless type of statements have been the issue and one of the reasons that, uh, we were looking at taxi meters. Certainly you could take a look at, um, exceptions to that, but the more exceptions, the more interpretation you get to that. But certainly we can talk about that. Hayek: Anyone else on, uh, either item 8 or item 9? (unable to hear person away from mic) Don't worry! You're not the first. Just come up to the podium and (both talking) Prior: I'm Marialyce Prior and the only person I've spoken to about this was Regenia, at length, about a year ago, and um, as far as the colors, that's important to me because before I was involved with Yellow Cab, uh, my daughter being a student here in Iowa City, uh, was kicked out of a cab with a few of her friends because someone had double-called and we were able to identify who did that. They were basically let out a mile out of town and I have no alliance when it comes to this anymore because it was Yellow Cab that did it to us, along with Old Capitol, and I don't feel like things like that should be happening, but the students in this situation knew (noises on mic) who the companies were just because of the colors, and the names on the side. Since I've been involved in this, my daughter and several other students from the University and Kirkwood have come to me with complaints, expecting me to process them and come to you, go to the Police, or go with them, and I can't do all that, and there have been some very serious things that have taken place and I'm going to spare the time, but it has been harassment, threat, price gouging, and being kicked out of the cab inappropriately, and refusing to turn on the meter when asked to by one of the patrons. Um, I feel like when I talked with two of these people, they didn't know what cab they were in. It was one of the `white' cabs. It took a while. We were able to track one down. Personally I feel the colors are important, simply for safety. So that when these students are out drinking and partying and coming in from towns outside of This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 12 Iowa City and coming in with a cab, they need to know whose cab they're in. I feel like the cab companies should be giving a receipt with name and time and price, distance. It should not be asked if you want a receipt. You should automatically give them a receipt. Don't ask them if they want a receipt. It should be the cab company's obligation to get a receipt in their hand, so they have some documentation if they lose their purse, uh, their cell phone, uh, they felt like they've been disrespected, whatever. I feel that the colors and these receipts, something to give these out-of-towners and new students, something to hold onto, and I also feel like having gone through parent-student orientation myself a couple times, they talk about all kinds of things at those. Um, rape, what to do, where to go, how to handle it. I feel like the University should take some responsibility also and educate (coughing) their students as far as how the rules go with the cab industry and what to expect as far as rights and, you know, where to report incidences. This one incident I'm thinking of is very serious, and uh, she really didn't know for three days where to go or how to process it, and I think that should be part of the University's education process, and I guess that's it. That's all I can think of right now, but I'm thinking more safety and, you know, for all the cabs. I don't care if it's Yellow, Marco's, or any of the smaller ones. So, um, that's my point and I don't know what to do with this (laughter). Can I just leave my name up here with this or... Karr: It's a sticky, if you take the back off and stick it right on the...the, uh, book that's there. Prior: I see now! If I wasn't so nervous I probably (several talking and laughing) Well, the pen isn't working anymore. You know who I am. Marialyce Prior so...the pen quit on me so...I'm...I can try it one more time.. Oh! (mumbled) Hayek: Thank you. Anyone else on this, or the other item? Paterno: Um, hello, I'm Mark Paterno with Marco's Taxi. Um, just quickly, I think a lot of the motivation behind even bringing up taxi ordinances again is, um, we've all heard about the, some severe cases of price gouging over the last year or two, um, I think a lot of it comes to...comes down to, one of our drivers called it a hobby, kind of like a hobbyist taxi driver or hobbyist taxi company. I think it's too easy to open a taxi company or even, you know, just have the financial motivation of going out late nights only or the weekends or the games or what have you, that they don't take the pride, care... and pride that most of the, you know, most of us, you know, nine out often of the companies are doing a great job and...and following all the rules. It's just that...that little bit that's giving a bad rap to everybody, um, for example, the color scheme. I just can't think of a good reason why all the cars wouldn't be required to have the same color. I mean, I just I really...if you're going to operate a professional company in the city like that, especially taxis, they should be, you know, the same, um, repercussions. I don't know the specifics, but there's no...there's no repercussions it seems like. I think that the, you know, somebody can be proven of price gouging, the company This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 13 should bear a huge financial burden and that driver too. You know, um, I don't see why not. There'd be a lot more motivation hit the pocketbook, get them to follow the rules, um, let's see...four cars minimum, I mean, I don't think that...you know, I think it should be five or six actually, um, so I mean I support that. I guess just make it a little hazder, uh, to open this type of company. The numbers, I don't know the exacts, but the number of companies and number of cars in the city has doubled, at least in the last ten years. I could be off on that. Um, there's just too many cabs. I mean, there's just a lot...there's a lot of cab companies. There's no limit in sight, um...it's just too much for this market. When you have that many people competing over a limited amount of money, you know, they'll do what they have to do to maximize that. That's very unfortunate for a lot of people. Thank you for your time. Hayek: Thank you. Anyone else? Stoddard: My name's Dave Stoddard. I own Yellow Cab of Iowa City. I'd like to follow up with what Mazco said there. Um, the color scheme was taken away a few yeazs ago, and I think that added to why we have so many cab companies started up. The, uh, cost barrier to get into this industry has been lowered so much that anybody living on Barlett Road can jump in with a car or two, put stickers on it, put bubbles on it, and run as a company. Um, if you go up on Barlett Road and drive azound during the week, you'll see six, eight of the companies sitting right there, living in government subsidized housing, competing with actual companies that aze trying to make ends meet. The other thing I'd like to bring up is, um, the events rate. I would like the...the homecoming games, traffic gets horrendous, as you guys all know when you go to `em. We would like to see not a special events' rate, but at least a home game rate that we can charge to cover our costs. Just like hotels raise their rates, airlines raise their rates during, uh, holidays, Greyhound raised their rates -they're all transportation and they're all in competition. They're all regulated and we need to have the same thing. Thank you. Hayek: Anyone else? Council? Champion: I just want to clarify something, Marian. You can have a destination rate, isn't that correct? Karr: Absolutely! Champion: Like you say an airport, it'll cost you $40. Karr: Yes. Champion: Or $50, whatever. So, would the football game be a destination? This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 14 Karr: Yes. I believe the question would be, um, for instance, would it be downtown to Kinnick Stadium. That could be a destination. The Marriott, you'd have to have a beginning and an end for a destination. Champion: Oh. You couldn't just say from Iowa City to the Airport, or from...Coralville to the Airport. Karr: Sure, you could. Yes. Champion: So, I mean, cause you couldn't use my address on (both talking) Karr: No, you could not. Sure, you could do that. Champion: But you could do from Coralville to Kinnick Stadium is $4.00 per person on home football games. Karr: Yes. Champion: So that... Mims: But could that rate be different on a home football game day than it is on any other day? Karr: As long as the rate card makes that distinction, yes. Champion: Yes it could. Karr: But again I go back to what we...I thought the intention was utilization of the taxi meters, but we did allow for destinations like the Airport, um, any destination that they wish to include on their rate card is authorized by this res...by this ordinance. Stoddard: And then (mumbled) going to the game, but once the game's over, everybody's going in different directions. So then you lose the destination. Some people are coming downtown, some are going to the Marriott, some (both talking) Karr: It doesn't work in reverse. From Kinnick Stadium (both talking) well, but then, Connie would say then from Kinnick Stadium back to Iowa City. If you don't have anything going out, then why doesn't it work coming back? Stoddard: But going out you don't have a destination. It could be somebody's house. Karr: But you're picking them up at the house to begin with to Kinnick. Stoddard: But we may not get the same person there (both talking) going back. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 15 Karr: Yes. Correct. Champion: But it could be from Kinnick to Coralville, Kinnick to Iowa City, Kinnick to North...I mean, it sounds more complicated. We can talk more about it, but...um, I just wanted to clarify that, because I thought that we could have a destination rate and that...we could, I don't know. Karr: Again, I go back to what their rate card says now, and perhaps Dave or Roger, you'd be saying something different. Right now it's athletic and special event rates $4.00 a person, unless mileage and passengers is greater. Stoddard: And the reason for that is, um, you pick somebody up way in North Liberty, you only charge them $4.00 a head, one person, they go to Kinnick Stadium. So then the mileage would be greater. Karr: And see, that's the problem with destination rates (both talking) Stoddard: ...we're going over multiple communities too. Karr: Oh, I understand that that's what happens with people being confused about the rates. You charged him $4.00 but you charged me $6.00. Stoddard: Right. Karr: And that's...I understand! Wright: That's where we'll need some discussion about the destination, or the special events rate, that the whole thing started to implode on itself. Stoddard: And really what we're asking is six or seven days out of 365. It's...that's the only time this town really gets confusing and the traffic jams us up. You know. Hayek: Okay. At this point let's just restrict the conversation to Council. We've got to make some decisions on this and...and move forward. What would you guys like to do? Champion: I also like the idea of, um, the package delivery having a separate rate. I don't have any objection (several talking) as long as there's not a person involved. Karr: And I think again that's no problem working that language into the current proposal at all. Adding a stipulation for...packages. Mims: And stops. How do people feel about that? I mean, I don't have a problem (several talking) Dickens: I guess we're just looking for some consistency (several talking) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 16 Bailey: ...problem with the meters though. I mean, so do...if we stop and there's a stop rate, do you stop the meter, and then (both talking) Champion: Yes. They restart it when they come back. I think. Dickens: With a $2.00 charge. Karr: That...that would be the question. Bailey: Then I'd say don't accommodate that. Just go with the meter rate. Hayek: We can't be all things to all people here, and the intent of this was to impose some structure that was lacking before, at the request of...of the industry, and I think this goes a very long way toward addressing that. Um...it sounds like some of the things that have been voiced tonight are actually, uh, permissible under... as written, but once we get too far beyond that, then we're entering into sort of (several talking) Bailey: ...meters and then once again we're coming back, well, he didn't start it or...or actually started it before I got out of the store, you know. Then we're going back to the gouging and the complaint, the difficulty. I mean, that's my concern is...is consistency. That's what got us here. Champion: Okay, so we all agree though there could be a package charge or...courier. Okay. Bailey: Do we have to define package? Champion: (several talking) not a person delivery! Drugs from the drug store? Dickens: Why was the color scheme taken out, or is there... Karr: There's a long history to that. Um, couple...couple of stories. Uh, primarily there...there was no problem with Police or my office or equipment, uh, that I'm aware of, with the theory behind and the advantages of a color scheme. What came to pass, however, was when we had a number of companies...we literally ran out of colors, and we had companies who thought they owned the color. So if it was red and white, nobody else could use red, and nobody else could use white. And nobody else could use the same combination of colors. What we really ran into, however, was originally when...when some of the smaller companies started, it's expense to paint a car. And, often they would try and buy cars that were the same color, so they could buy a different shade of red, but it would be red. And, then they would put white lettering on it and then you were coming back to, is it your red or his orange, or and it became very, very...then we got some very poor paint jobs (laughter) that I think may have washed off in a rain storm (laughter) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 17 Champion: Call them magic marker! Karr: And so, um, the other thing we found is that even car companies, even the car, the companies that had the very good vehicles and kept them up-to-date, the companies weren't making the same colors. So even when they ordered newer vehicles, say every two years, they were unable to match the vehicles. So they came up with a different variation of colors. So it does require, and I think probably all of the individuals who spoke this evening regarding would know it does require them maintaining and painting it, in order to keep that uniform color scheme. So based on that a number of years ago it was abandoned for the sake of...more cabs on the street. Hayek: It seems to me that...that the identification and the signage additions to this proposed ordinance go a long way toward... Karr: Well, I'd like to note that the current ordinance hasn't changed as far as the requirement. The lettering is required on each side of the vehicle. All four sides of the vehicle, at least two inches in height. Now, I can't attest to the vehicle in the picture, except the side door is open. One can only guess that if the side door were closed, the lettering would be on the side of the door. It's just not on the door, on the outside, it's on the inside door. Hayek: Right. Karr: Um...they are required...we added a requirement for a lighted dome, and that's the light you see at the top that identifies it as a taxi. Um, we also had a time where individuals who are color blind, the colors make little or no difference to them. It's the visibility of the signage. Uh, the rate card must be prominently displayed in the vehicle, and the name of the company is on the rate card. Mims: Well, and I think also our increase in the number of vehicles to start a business goes towards that as well, as well as the signage issue. Champion: You have to have four (several talking) Mims: I mean, I like the idea of the color scheme, but I see where the issues are too with that, so... Champion: And isn't part of the new requirement, they have to be available 24-hours a day, seven days a week? Karr: At least one of the four vehicles must be is the proposal. Wright: And office dispatched. So I think that's going to go a long ways to take care of some of the fly-by-night operations that we've got going. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 18 Karr: I know that will help a great deal in our enforcement, as well, to locate the...the owner in a timely fashion, as well. Hayek: Okay. So, what do we do? We've got this discussion of (both talking) Karr: You have the proposal before you on two ordinances, one of them goes into effect, um, as quickly as possible with publication. It'll be at least two Council meetings. Um, the other one would go into effect with the next licensing year, March 1 of 11, um, the first one you'll be voting on, item 9, makes some changes regarding, um, driver, um, requirements and basically rates is the primary function of the first one you'll be voting on. The second one is more of what we talked about, the dispatching, the office, the 24/7, the four vehicles, the taxi meter, and that would be your second vote, and that would go into effect March 1. Champion: Okay. What about, um, can we add, can we still vote on 9 if we add' the possibility of a courier fee. That's not a major change, is it? Karr: Um, I think we can amend it on the floor tonight and make the necessary language change, so you could go ahead with first consideration and then we'll provide you with a revised ordinance for your second consideration. And that is on the floor right now. We have a motion, so we could entertain any motions to amend that you would wish to do, for item 9 at this time. Wright: I move to amend item 9 to, uh, include the possibility of a package delivery fee. Champion: I second that. Hayek: Moved by Wright and seconded by .Champion. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. I believe that was a 7-0 vote. Okay. Any other amendments? Any further discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 19 ITEM S. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 5, ENTITLED "BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 2, ENTITLED "TAXICABS," BY REPEALING SUBSECTIONS 5-2-2, "TAXICAB BUSINESS LICENSE; VEHICLE DECALS," AND 5-2-4, "VEHICLE INSPECTION REQUIRED," IN THEIR ENTIRETY AND REPLACING THEM WITH NEW SUBSECTIONS; AND AMENDING 5-2-7 TO PROVIDE PROVISIONS FOR RATE CHANGES (FIRST CONSIDERATION) Bailey: Move first consideration. Dickens: Second. Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0. Karr: Motion to accept correspondence. Wilburn: So moved. Wright: Second. Hayek: Moved by... Wilburn: Wilburn! Hayek: Wilburn, seconded by Wright. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 20 ITEM 16. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Hayek: Uh, the Engineer's estimate was $110,500. Uh, Public Works and Engineering recommends awarding the contract to Apex Construction of Iowa City. They came in at $136,000. Wright: That broke our trend of (both talking) bids coming in below the estimates. And I'll move adoption! Dickens: Second. Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Bailey: Do we have any sense of why...the bids are not particularly close to the estimate? Helling: Yeah, Mike checked on (several talking) Moran: It's a remodel of the Park Maintenance building and so what the, uh, they thought was that the cost got away from them a little bit because they were unsure of what they were going to find when they tear the ceiling out, reput the rafters in, and put the ceiling back in. So, that...that's what they're attributing the higher prices to. Bailey: Cautious bids. Moran: Yeah. Bailey: Yeah, thanks, Mike. Helling: Generally when bids come in high too, if you look at them and they're consistent, then that's a fair indication that we estimated low, and on these the top three bids are within, you know, um, what...$8,000, yeah, $8,000. (several talking) Hayek: Further discussion? Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 21 ITEM 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN ASSESSMENT SCHEDULE OF UNPAID MOWING, CLEAN-UP OF PROPERTY, SNOW REMOVAL, SIDEWALK REPAIR, AND STOP BOX REPAIR CHARGES AND DIRECTING THE CLERK TO CERTIFY THE SAME TO THE JOHNSON COUNTY TREASURER FOR COLLECTION IN THE SAME MANNER AS PROPERTY TAXES. Bailey: Move the resolution. Wright: Second. Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Wright. Discussion? Yeah, there are two items before us, as we know, and we'll take up the first one now. Ford: Good evening. Mayor Hayek and Members of the City Council, my name is Don Ford and I'm here tonight representing the Willowbrooke Pointe Condominium Association located at the corner of Mormon Trek and Benton Street. I am the Association Secretary and I'm here tonight with Sharon Pickens, our Vice President, and Fern Davis, our Treasurer. You have correspondence from the Association President Mark Meary, who regrets that he can't join us tonight because of prior out-of--town commitments. The Association is contesting a sidewalk snow removal bill of $475 from this past winter. The sidewalk in question is on the north side of Benton Street. According to the City's complaint log, a complaint was made on January 29th. We've attached weather reports showing that there were no snow storms during this time and in fact the City law states that the snow in question was blown snow not storm snow. However, the Association questions how a City subcontractor can claim that it took six hours of work and 22 bags of ice melt, totaling $475, to clear the sidewalk. Our own contractor can do this for $95 per cleaning, and that includes the snow...the removal of storm snow, not just blown snow. In addition, the majority of our Association consists of retirees who are very observant, and none of them recalls any persons, other than our regular snow removal service, working on the Benton Street sidewalk. Therefore, we respectfully submit that the City should question its subcontractor on the legitimacy of this work and on these charges. We also respectfully request that the Association not be charged for this work, but if we absolutely must be charged, then we respectfully submit that the charges should be $95, which is what our own contractor would have charged, rather than the $475 charged by the City's subcontractor. We thank the City Council for its time and now I will answer any of your questions. Hayek: Any questions for the representative? Champion: No, I don't have any questions for you. Thank you. Ford: All right. Thank you. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 22 Hayek: Staff is here and can present their side of the story, so to speak. Who would like to hear from Jann? Ream: I'm Jann Ream. I'm the Code Enforcement Assistant and I work in Housing and Inspection Services. And I help basically coordinate all of the, uh, snow removal enforcement that the City does on private sidewalks during the winter. Um, in this particular instance, um, this property had been cited earlier in the season, um, for not shoveling that sidewalk. Um, and our policy is...is, in that particular case, um, even though it wasn't noted in the log, um, you know, we do hundreds of these, our inspectors get lost sometimes. But, obviously he went back and it had been shoveled. They were in compliance. So nothing more was done. Um, we got a second complaint, and I will say that this is a heavily walked sidewalk and um, this is definitely a sidewalk that we get complaints about, um, if it's not cleaner. We got a second complaint. Our inspector went out, and noted that it looked like it had been cleared, but it had drifted back in. Um, we...made the determination that this was natural accumulation and because it was the second verifiable offense for the season, we ordered that... sent a work order out to our contractor to clear it. Um, in terms of the expense, um...I'm not sure what I can do to address that. It's 600-feet of sidewalk. It's a lot of sidewalk. Um, their contractor obviously has given them a very good price, um, I... can't speak to the condition of the sidewalk when our contractor got out there. They do use a lot of ice melt, um, simply, um, to make the clearing of the (mumbled) as it can possibly be. So that's really all the information I have (mumbled) Bailey: And we do know that our subcontractor cleared the walk, correct? Ream: Yes. We do have a photograph that the subcontractor took, after they cleared it. As I explained in the memo, this was the first season we've experimented with having our contractor take a picture before and after. We have several crews that go out. Others who are, I would say for 90% of the places that were cleared, we did get before and after pictures, but occasionally they just forgot, and they didn't take a before picture. But we do have our inspector's, uh, written notes that it was drifted in. Bailey: Okay. Thank you. Champion: So the Association was not given an opportunity to have this done by their own contractor? Is that what you were saying? Ream: It was the second violation of the season, so no. If we go out and we verify a second violation, we just simply work order it. They received a notice in December reminding them of what the ordinance requires and that letter that's sent out to them, um, also emphasizes that that is the only notice that they will get for the winter. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 23 Hayek: And that...that's policy? Ream: That is policy that has been adopted by Council. Champion: (mumbled) Mims: And so snow has blown back in, that is considered natural and the property owner's responsible, but if it's...(both talking) Ream: Snow plow snow it is not. Mims: ...it is not. Ream: Right. And that is, um, State code, I believe. Dilkes: State code only allows us to require removal of natural accumulation. So blown snow is blown naturally by the wind, whereas snow plowed snow is a machine that (mumbled) distinction. Wright: And this was probably some snow plow snow, as well as drifting. Ream: Our, um, inspector's notes stated that it looked like they had cleared the sidewalk and some of what they had cleared was probably snow plow snow. So his observation was that it was a cleared sidewalk that had drifted back in. Dilkes: And I can add that I think that Housing and Inspection Department does a pretty good job with not enforcing when it's snow plowed snow, because we get complaints from walkers who want us to require people to remove the snow plowed snow and...and we tell them we can't do that. Ream: We do try to be very aware of that. All of the inspectors that go out know to look for that. Because I've been doing this for 12 years, I know the sidewalks that every year I know all the sidewalks in town that will typically be snow plow snow, and we do have sidewalks that run right along the street, um, Kimball Road is a good example of that. Uh, so if I get a complaint about Kimball Road, when I send the inspector out this is what you need to look for. If it's snow plow snow we need to note that and we cannot (mumbled) Hayek: What would the Council like to do on this? Champion: Seems like a lot of money to me! Wright: (mumbled) standard charge. We didn't...it's a huge section of sidewalk (several talking) Hayek: Two football fields long. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 24 Bailey: Yeah, it's a lot of sidewalk. Champion: That is a lot of sidewalk! Wright: Actually I have a...I'm sorry, Jann. Go ahead. Ream: Well, one suggestion is, I mean, there was....it's not the Association hadn't been making an effort to try to keep the sidewalk clear. Um, at the very least perhaps we could, um, relieve them of the $75 administrative fee. Dickens: I guess I would go for that. I just know I live on north Dodge Street and I'm battling the State plows on a regular basis, and I try to (both talking) yes, and I try to do the park land on both sides of me to help out the City and it's a constant battle. The State plows don't go the speed limit and they're blowing it. As much as I work...I know it's a constant battle, so it's very tough, but I would...I would go for the reducing the $75 administrative fee. (several talking) Champion: Well, I think the organization does try to keep the sidewalks clean (mumbled) very detailed letter, um...I think there are sidewalks that are used in town, probably get more complaints than other sidewalks. Ream: Yes. Champion: Um, but I'm not going to say we should change the policy, but at least a phone call to say you have until tomorrow morning to clear the sidewalk. No? It just doesn't seem... Ream: The difficulty, Connie, is that... especially after several snow storms, we're literally dealing with hundreds of complaints. And, the...we get that a lot, you know, you've got my number. Why can't you call me? Well...there's only so many of us, and if we...if we do it for one then we should do it for everybody. Champion: Right, right. I know. Okay. Hayek: You're talking about a change to policy. Tonight we've got to decide this case as applied to our existing policy. Champion: I know. I just like to change things now! (laughter) Wright: Some day we'll get you the magic wand! Champion: I may (both talking) Bailey: Use that magic wand on, um, sidewalks and get them all plowed! (laughter) For all of us! This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 25 Champion: All right. Well, I'd like to not charge them the administrative fee. Hayek: Sounds like there's interest in that. (several talking) Okay, but otherwise...assess it? (several talking) Karr: So we're going to amend Willowbrooke Lane by removing the administrative fee. Bailey: So moved. Mims: Second. Karr: Well do we want to wait for the other one (several talking) Hayek: Yeah. Karr: Is there anyone here for the other property? Hayek: There's a second item, 808 E. Davenport Street. Is anyone here, uh, for that item? Okay. All right. So, at this time we could entertain a motion to amend. Champion: So moved...to amend, to remove the $75 administrative fee from the Association...Willowbrooke Pointe...fees. Bailey: Second. Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries 7-0. Any further discussion on the underlying resolution? Okay. Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0. Karr: I'm sorry, could I have a motion to accept correspondence? Wilburn: So moved. Champion: Second. Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Champion. Discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal. Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 26 ITEM 21. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION. Hayek: Start with Ms. Mims. Mims: Nothing. Champion: Um, I don't have anything special. I just wanted to ask and find out by the next work session when the elevators in the ramp on Dubuque Street are going to...I know they're scheduled for new elevators, cause those elevators are really slow and creaky, frequently will not open on the...a floor, and the floors in terrible shape, and it's kind of an embarrassment. I'm embarrassed to use it, but I use it anyway! Helling: Let me find out what the scheduling is on that. Champion: Yeah, I know they're going to be replaced (both talking) Helling: ...and doing some other work. Wright: Sand in the City this weekend. (several talking) One more event for downtown. It's a lot of fun. Champion: I know! I won't be here and it's so great. (several talking) Wright: And uh, if you're...even if you're not going to come down to play in the sand, it's fun to just come down and watch. Hayek: Mr. Wilburn? Wilburn: This Thursday, August 19th, will be the start of the 2010-2011 Iowa City Community School District, as well as Regina, and please exercise caution when you're travelling. Watch out for the kiddos as they're walking around, and please exercise patience with all the construction and the buses that are going on. Want to make sure everybody's safe for that first day of school. Bailey: In addition to the first day of school, we know that we have a lot of new people moving to the community and I have noticed the traffic is moving a little bit slower, so I want to underline what Ross said about exercising a little bit of patience as we drive throughout community. It's a nice time of year, but it can be a challenge to all of us. And I do want to sort of underscore what we did at the beginning of the meeting and thank Dale for his tremendous service to the City. It's great to work with you, Dale! Somebody so committed to this community. This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 27 Dickens: I just want to welcome all the new students to Iowa City, the big kids. They're the ones you have to watch out for cause they'll walk out in front of you in the streets. Um, and (laughter) all the teachers get ready. It's another year! Hayek: Only thing I have is that a little birdie told me today that it's uh, Connie Champion's birthday! And uh, in lieu of leading the entire crowd in a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday I'll just say "Happy Birthday".....(several talking) Champion: Thank you, thank you! Hayek: 49! (laughter) Champion: How `bout 149? Then they'll say "She looks great!" (laughter) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010. Page 28 ITEM 22. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF. a) City Manager Hayek: City Manager? Helling: Yeah, kind of caught me by surprise at the beginning of the meeting, but I just want to say that the recognition that you gave me is certainly a source of pride for me, and will continue to be all my life working in this community and for city councils and staff and every...everybody else that I've had the opportunity to work for and work with, and let the record show that I was 12 years old when I started (laughter) This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the regular formal Iowa City City Council meeting of August 17, 2010.