HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-17 Public hearing
Publish August 5, 2010
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
FY11 Annual Action Plan Amendment
The City Council will hold a public hearing,
accept comments and consider approval of an
amendment to Iowa City's FY11 Annual Action
Plan on August 17, 2010. The meeting will be
held at City Hall, Emma Harvat Hall, 410 E.
Washington Street at 7:00 p.m.
The FY11 Annual Action Plan is a portion of
Iowa City's 2011-2015 Consolidated Plan
(a.k.a. CITY STEPS). The Annual Action Plan
includes information on the proposed use of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME)
funds for housing, jobs and services for low-
moderate income persons.
The FY11 Amendment proposes to use
$1,700,000 in anticipated CDBG program
income towards the construction of levee on
the west side of the Iowa River to protect
approximately 160 mobile homes and 20
businesses. The CDBG funds will match
additional funds, including I-Jobs, for a total
project cost of $3,950,000.
Copies of the FY11 Annual Action Plan
Amendment are available from the
Department of Planning and Community
Development, 410 East Washington Street,
the Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn
Street or on Iowa City's web site
(www.icgov.org/actionplan).
Additional information is available from the
Department of Planning and Community
Development, 410 East Washington Street,
Iowa City, Iowa, 52240 or by calling 356-
5230.
Comments may also be submitted in writing
to the Planning and Community Development
Department at the address above or by email
to tracy-hightshoe@iowa-city.org. If you
require special accommodations or language
translation please contact Steve Long at 356-
5250 or 356-5493 TTY at least seven (7)
days prior to the meeting.
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Date: August 11, 2010
To: City Council
From: Jeff Davidson, Director of Planning & Community Development
Re: August 17, 2010 City Council meeting agenda: amendment to FY11 Annual Action
Plan to use approximately $1.9 million in CDBG Disaster Recovery Housing Fund
Program income for the West Side Levee
At your July 12 meeting we discussed the I-JOBS II grant application for funds to construct a
levee along the west side of the Iowa River between McCollister Boulevard and the CRANDIC
Railroad. This levee would protect the' Baculis and Thatcher mobile home parks, as well as the
Commercial Court area. You approved the application for I-JOBS II funds.
At the July 12 meeting we also indicated to you our intention to use $1.9 million in anticipated
CDBG Disaster Recovery Housing Fund Program income for the I-JOBS II grant local match.
The amendment to the Annual Action Plan which will allow the use of the CDBG funds is on
your August 17, 2010 meeting agenda.
We indicated to you on July 12 that we have no local funds budgeted for any levee projects.
Since the West Side Levee will help protect low and moderate income people living in Baculis
and Thatcher mobile home parks, CDBG funds may be used as local match. There may also be
low/moderate income impacts to some of the 20 businesses on Commercial Court. CDBG funds
require that the project benefit persons of low to moderate income. The funds we are proposing
to use are part of a $2.9 million payback of CDBG funds from the construction loan for the
Aniston Village project.
Your July 12 meeting packet also included minutes from the Housing and Community
Development Commission consideration of the use of CDBG funds for the local match for the
West Side Levee. The Commission ultimately did not recommend funding for this project,
stating a concern that the mobile home parks may not remain residential in the long term and
expressing interest in what other projects could be addressed with these funds.
To summarize, we are recommending that you approve amending the FY11 Annual Action Plan
so that we can use approximately $1.9 million CDBG Disaster Recovery Program income for the
West Side Levee. If you decide you do not wish to approve the use of CDBG funds for this
purpose, we will request that the I-JOBS II grant application be withdrawn since there is no
other source of local match funding available.
At your August 16 work session, we will have an executive session on property acquisition for
this project, and a public discussion on the use of CDBG funds as local match. Bring any
questions to the August 16 work session.
cc: Dale Helling
Steve Long
David Purdy
Rick Fosse
Ron Knoche
w/p pdd it/mem/Amend FY11 AnnualAction Plan.doc
To: Iowa City Council members
Re: Application for funds for building a levee on the west side, the Commercial Court, Baculis and
Thatcher area.
1. Are you still planning to put a trail on the levee for public use? If not, why is it already on the
Johnson County trails map as a "Proposed" trail?
2. If yes, would there be a fence between the trail and the residences?
3. Exactly how many houses would need to be removed in Baculis for the new levee?
4. Can the public view the new FEMA maps?
5. Can the public view the plans for the levee?
6. How much of the project's budget will go toward tearing out the existing levee at Baculis?
7. Has Carew's Landscaping received a citation for not removing the dirt from the temporary
levee? They spread it out and raised the level of the city's property to the same height as the
present levee.(see photos 1 and 2)
8. Most of the existing levee was built in 1993 and 94. Why was it not cited until 2008?
(see photo 3 )
9. If Mr. Baculis does not give the city permission to build on his property, is the city going to insist
that the existing levee be removed? Obviously that would make the new levee pointless. Or
would his lack of cooperation stall the entire levee project?
10. Work on the new part of the levee was halted by the city's citation in 2008. It has been delayed
from going to court for 2 years. Can the council help get this moved forward? (see photo 4 )
Thank you
Jill Butler, #137 Baculis Mobile Home Park
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Previously distributed IP 11 on 7/8/10.
(Discussion starts pg. 8.)
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION PRELIMINARY
JUNE 30, 2010 - 6:30 PM
EMMA HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Andrew Chappell, Andy Douglas, Jarrod Gatlin, Holly Jane Hart,
Michael McKay, Rebecca McMurray, Brian Richman
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlie Drum, Rachel Zimmermann Smith
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Linda Severson, Kristin Watson
OTHERS PRESENT: Charlie Eastham
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL:
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Brian Richman at 6:30 p.m.
APPROVAL OF THE APRIL 15 2010 MEETING MINUTES:
Chappell motioned to approve the minutes.
McKay seconded.
The motion carried 5-0 (Douglas and McMurray not present at time of vote; Drum and
Zimmermann Smith absent).
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
STAFF/COMMISSION COMMENT:
Long said that the City had purchased four more properties through the flood buyout program,
bringing the number of homes acquired by the City to approximately 50. Richman asked what
would happen to the properties acquired by the City. Long said the properties would become
open space. Long said that out of 137 flooded homes, there were only 39 left that had not been
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 2 of 12
bought out. Long said the long-term goal would be to acquire all of the homes in areas such as
Normandy Drive and dedicate the properties to open space.
Long said that the lottery drawing had been held for the Single Family New Homes Program; a
program funded by flood recovery dollars to replace housing stock eradicated by the floods. He
said that 40 homes have already been built; the lottery was for the additional 37 homes that are
in the process of being built. Long said that staff anticipates that 28 of the homes will be done
this autumn. Hart asked where the homes were located. Long said that the homes are
scattered all throughout the community.
Fair Housing Presentation by the Iowa City Human Rights Department:
Kristin Watson noted that she had spoken to the Commission before, and asked if they wished
to hear her standard presentation on the history of human rights issues and housing, or if they
preferred to be updated on the specific changes to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA} that have recently been passed. The Commission indicated a desire to hear the ADA
updates. Watson noted that she had a handout that would give Commissioners the information
typically contained in her overview presentation.
Watson said that there are no real "rules" yet for the changes to the ADA, as the public
comment period on the legislation had just ended in November 2009. She said that it could take
the federal government another year or so to get the rules out.
The ADA was enacted in 1990. She said that the law was almost immediately reined in by the
courts, which made decisions limiting the scope of the law, thereby limiting its effectiveness.
Watson said that in 2008 the legislature attempted to correct what it saw as unfair
interpretations of courts that were not in keeping with the original intent of the law. As a result,
the legislature passed this updated legislation.
Watson said one of the key questions to be argued in the courts was what actually constituted a
"disability." Watson said it had become increasingly difficult for people to prove that they were
actually disabled. She said the basic definition said that "a disability is a physical or mental
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." She said that while this
might sound like a reasonable definition, there was extensive argument in the courts about what
this actually meant, often resulting in huge obstacles to plaintiffs who felt that they had been
discriminated against due to their disability and were seeking redress through the courts.
Watson said that the amendments to the ADA were intended to lower the threshold for
"disability" and to direct the courts to construe the language in favor of broad coverage.
Another point of argument in the original definition was what constituted "a major life activity."
Congress specified a list of activities and major bodily functions in order to be clear what is
considered a major life activity. Watson said that often there were arguments in the courts
over whether a person was disabled enough to be considered "disabled." In the case of
diabetes, Watson noted, one person might be seriously debilitated by the disease and another
might be less so: same disease, but only one would be considered disabled under the old
reading. Under the new rules, they would both be considered disabled.
Watson said that another point that had been argued in the courts was "mitigating measures."
She said that the courts put people in a terrible position by saying that if there was an assistive
device, technology or medication that made the condition less disabling, then that person might
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 3 of 12
not be considered disabled. Congress said in the new rules that mitigating measures cannot be
counted "against" someone in determining whether or not they are disabled. She said the idea
was that even if, for example, a person's diabetes can be controlled by medication, it still affects
that person's life and can disable them.
Watson said that in the past, courts had disallowed conditions that were "episodic" or in
"remission" from qualifying as a disability. Watson said that under the new rules, if a person has
a condition that is not presently active but would be disabling if it were active, that person
remains disabled even during periods of remission. She said conditions such as diabetes,
asthma, depression, cancer, epilepsy and bi-polar disorder often were argued over in the courts.
Hightshoe asked if these definitions of disability covered all federal programs, or if it was just to
get on disability or for employment discrimination. Watson said the list she was quoting is from
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), so its context is employment. The
ADA itself, she said, covers both. Further, she said, the Fair Housing Act covers disability as a
protected status, so the definitions all cross over. McKay asked if the EEOC list meant that a
given disability would be treated the same way under the Fair Housing Act. Watson said she
would not say that across the board, but that the EEOC is a good guide. She said that the Fair
Housing Act has the same definition of disability as the ADA, so it would make sense if the
analysis also crossed over.
Richman said that the Commission's primary role is in developing new affordable housing
and/or rehabilitating existing affordable housing. He asked how the changes to the ADA are
likely to impact any of that. Watson said there are two prongs of fair housing issues: zoning
issues and landlord/tenant type issues. Watson said that there are often ADA issues that arise
in terms of accessibility and building standards. Watson said that section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act is probably quite pertinent to the Commission's work because it impacts all
federally funded programs. Watson said that frequently when lawsuits happen they are "kitchen
sink" type things, with as many laws cited as possible because one of the grounds might stick
and the others might get thrown out. Watson said that examples of problems the Commission
could run into would be much more subtle than housing discrimination historically, which dealt
with blatantly discriminatory covenants and zoning codes. She said it once was quite common
for subdivisions and developments to have covenants stating that the homes could not be sold
to anyone other than white Christians. Long noted that in the abstract for one of the homes
purchased by the City in the buy-out there was a clause stating that the home could not be sold
to a non-white person. Watson said such covenants were not outlawed until 1948.
McKay asked if any of the ADA changes that just came out would really significantly impact
housing. McKay asked what the affect on access to housing would be for someone that could
now be classified as disabled because of their diabetes. Watson said that it may be an issue of
landlord/renter perception. She said that diabetes may not be a huge impediment to renting, but
it could be to employment. She said that there are lots of disabilities that might be restrictive
from a landlord's point of view. Watson said that her office most commonly hears complaints
about being discriminated against because of a mental disability. Often times, such people will
have been determined not to be disabled enough to live in a group home or institution, but face
discrimination in finding an apartment to rent.
Hightshoe asked what an affordable housing provider would be required to do in a case where
there is an older unit and a potential renter with amobility-impairment. Watson said that the
provider is obligated to make reasonable accommodations for the disability; she acknowledged
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 4 of 12
that the term "reasonable" had led to a lot of legal arguments. Watson said that what is
reasonable depends on the means and needs of both the tenant and the landlord. Watson
said that buildings constructed after 1993 are required to be accessible. The questions arise for
buildings constructed prior to 1993, and what is "reasonable" to do in order to make them
accessible. Watson said that the tenant and landlord have to engage in an interactive process,
wherein the tenant asks for an accommodation and the landlord and tenant determine if the
request is reasonable and feasible. She noted that the landlord does not have to give the
tenant whatever the tenant desires. She also noted that the landlord cannot ask about a
disability prior to an accommodation request. However, once an accommodation request is
made, the tenant can be required to demonstrate why the accommodation is necessary.
Watson said that one area where this comes into play is in service animals. She said that if a
tenant is blind and has a guide dog, the relationship is fairly obvious and straightforward.
Whereas if a tenant says that they have a mental disability and that their cat is a therapy animal
for emotional assistance, the need for the accommodation might not be so readily apparent to a
landlord, and additional information/documentation may be required.
McKay asked to what extent a housing provider funded by HCDC would have to make a house
they were rehabilitating ADA compliant. He asked if the provider would be required to put in
ramps and widen doorways. Watson said that is where the test for reasonable accommodation
comes into play. She said those types of things would have to be reviewed on a case-by-case
basis. Any new construction would have to meet all federal guidelines.
Long noted a section on page four of Watson's handout that outlined what could not be
discriminated against. Long said that was probably something that the Commission could keep
in mind as they were allocating money. Watson said that federal, state and local laws are
different. Watson said that in our legal system a state law cannot do anything opposing federal
law or contravening its purpose, but it can expand upon it and change the details of it. Watson
said that in this case the federal Fair Housing Act covers race, color, national origin, sex,
religion, family status and disability, Iowa's law adds sexual orientation, gender identity,
retaliation and creed, and Iowa City adds public assistance as a source of income, marital
status, presence or absence of dependents, and age.
Watson said that discrimination in housing sometimes manifests in the following ways: refusing
to rent or sell to a person, representing that a unit is not available, showing people homes in
only certain neighborhoods, not giving information on financial status (such as different types of
bank loans available), and discriminatory advertising (specifying the "type" of renter desired).
She said that marketing to a certain population is within the bounds of the law. She gave the
example of The Lodge which caters to students. She said it is fine to cater to students and
market to them; however, The Lodge could not refuse to rent to a family on the basis that they
have children.
Richman asked if there were any other questions from the Commission; there were none.
Long noted that this briefing had been scheduled long before the City had received a letter from
The Housing Fellowship alleging potential violation of the Fair Housing Act by the City for
refusing to approve a specific site for aloes-income housing project. Long said that the
Commission would be updated on that matter when the City Attorney's Office had finished
reviewing it.
Watson thanked the Commission for their time.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 5 of 12
Discussion of the City of Iowa City Human Services Agency Fundin
Long said that a City Council member had recommended that the Aid to Agencies process be
reviewed. Long said that Linda Severson of the Johnson County Council of Governments
(JCCOG) was present to discuss the matter, and was very familiar with that process.
Long said that Aid to Agencies basically provides operational funding for 13-15non-profit
agencies in Iowa City. Long said that money is pooled from the general fund, CDBG, and some
funds from utilities to provide this funding. Long said that at present, two City Council members
sit down with Severson each year and review the applications for funding and make
recommendations to City Council. One City Council member has suggested taking a look at the
possibility of HCDC absorbing that $425,000 and looking at all of the public service agencies
together and then making a recommendation to the City Council. Long said that Severson
would continue to assist with the process, as she is quite knowledgeable on the subject.
Severson said that Aid to Agencies funds 13-14 agencies each year. The application is a joint-
funding application completed by agencies requesting funds from Iowa City, Coralville, Johnson
County and/or United Way. The joint application is so that each of the funding sources can be
sure to have the same information, and to make the application process easier for the non-profit
agencies. Severson said the application is somewhat more in depth than the CDBG/HOME
application and requests information on the requestor's short-term and long-term goals,
demographic information on their clientele, staffing questions, and collaborative efforts.
Severson said each applicant is asked to provide a balance sheet and a budget, with athree-
year view. Information is requested on the organizational structure of the agency, including
information on its Board of Directors, non-monetary sources of support (such as volunteer time),
and other grants/funding sources. Severson said the application spans approximately 15
pages, and the broader, more in-depth nature of the application is because the support being
provided is also broader and is for operational expenses. Severson pointed out that
CDBG/HOME applications tend to be project-specific, whereas Aid to Agencies is intended to
support the agency as a whole or for a specific program within the agency.
Severson said that if HCDC decides to take the Aid to Agencies process on, then it might gain
some insight and knowledge that would help in its own allocation process, as many of the
applying agencies are the same. Severson said that site visits are a part of the application
process.
Richman asked if the list of agencies that are funded is fairly consistent from year to year;
Severson said that it is. Severson said that the program tends to be pretty flexible as to how the
agencies spend the money because so many other funding sources have specific requirements
for how it is spent. She gave the example of the Free Medical Clinic, which uses Aid to Agency
money to pay its utility bills; they are able to get other funding sources for medications and
medical tests, but they need lights and heat to be able to actually see patients. Severson said
she believed that this flexibility is something the agencies really appreciate about this funding.
Chappell asked what the timing of the application process is. Severson said that applications
are due September 1S' and she tries to get them to the City Council by November. She said the
timeline and start date are similar to that of the CDBG/HOME process. Douglas asked if the
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE6of12
idea would be to discuss four categories during the allocation process, rather than three. Long
said that was a possibility, or Aid to Agencies could be considered separately.
Severson said the funding tends to continue from year to year with Aid to Agencies, whereas
with CDBG, the funding tends to be more project based with a specific start and end. Richman
asked what the City Council rationale was for suggesting this responsibility be moved over to
HCDC. Long and Severson did not know the reason for the request.
Hart noted that in the past there was some discussion on the Council's part of removing the
CDBG/HOME allocation process from HCDC altogether. Hart said that her understanding was
that one of the reasons Aid to Agencies existed was because the agencies relied on it for major
operational expenses, some of which were tied to the need to have guaranteed income for
future years. Long said it was possible, but that there is still no guarantee from year to year.
Hightshoe said that her understanding is that City Council just wants to know if HCDC is
interested in reviewing the process; if HCDC wanted to take it on or to dramatically change the
funding process then they would have to go back to Council to do that.
Chappell asked if the Council member who requested that this be considered is one of the
Council members who currently participates in the review of Aid to Agencies applications. Long
said that he is not sure which Council member made the request, but that his understanding is
that the Council member has reviewed Aid to Agencies applications in the past.
Chappell asked what criteria Severson and the two reviewing Council members used to
evaluate the applications. Severson said that she provides information and finds answers to
questions; the Council members determine dollar amounts. Chappell asked if there was a
ranking system and Severson said there was not.
Chappell said that he does not have a problem doing more work if the Council thinks HCDC
should take this on. He said it was an interesting request; however, he is concerned that the
Commission's name, by-laws and the resolution creating it would all have to be amended to
accommodate that request, unless community development was considered in its broadest
sense. Chappell said that if the Aid to Agencies funding cycle did not run directly parallel to the
HCDC funding cycle that would be more convenient, because adding an entirely separate
funding process on at the busiest time of the year is not ideal. He said that if the applying
agencies are largely the same for both funding sources, it may not be realistic to expect entirely
independent reviews.
Richman said that historically the amount that HCDC has available to allocate for Public
Services is on the order of $10,000. He said that if the Commission takes on Aid to Agencies, it
might make more sense to just roll that $10,000 into Aid to Agencies to avoid going through the
same process twice to allocate operating dollars to agencies.
Hightshoe noted that one of HCDC's bylaws states that one of the Commission's duties is to
review and make recommendations to Council regarding the use of public funds to meet the
needs of low-to-moderate income residents. Chappell asked if all of the applying agencies
would serve low-to-moderate income residents. Severson said the vast majority of them do, but
she would have to look into it to be sure. She said that in the past they have looked more
closely at the services the agency provided than at the income level served.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 7 of 12
Severson noted that Aid to Agencies applications are due in September and the CDBG
applications are due in January. Timing-wise, the Commission could look at Aidlcatiogn nrocess
more of an autumn activity rather than running parallel to the CDBG/HOME app ' p
Long pointed out that if that were done then it would still work to estimate $10,000 of Public
Services money is added to the Aid to Agencies funding. Long said that one thing that is nice
about keeping the Public Services amounts small is that it does allow for new, smaller
applicants to come into the funding. He said that $2,500 sometimes makes all the difference for
a start-up. McMurray said that at one point HCDC had discussed the idea of disallowing Public
Services funding for anyone already receiving Aid to Agencies, but that they had never followed
through with the idea. She said that idea was intended to encourage new applicants.
Richman asked if anyone had any specific thoughts about advantages or disadvantages to
HCDC taking on this process. Hart said it interests her to know who made the request. She
wondered if it was the case that the funding process had become too politicized or if the
requesting member simply wanted another set of eyes on the process. Chappell said that there
could be a perception that the two individuals making the recommendations to the rest of the
Council play too big a role in the funding process, noting that this was pure speculation. McKay
said that he felt that the Commission was broad enough and big enough that there are many
different approaches to thinking about these issues, and that might be a healthier way of
allocating the money. To him, it would provide a better chance at objectivity. Chappell said it
may also be that the City Council as a whole might feel more comfortable changing or going
against recommendations that come from an outside body rather than two of its own members.
Hightshoe said she could see both advantages and disadvantages. She said that as she sees it
the advantages are: 1) an appearance of greater objectivity, 2) being able to combine the Public
Services money with the Aid to Agency money, and 3) it could address the criticism that Aid to
Agencies funding does not always match the priorities listed in CITY STEPS. Hightshoe said
the greatest disadvantage is that it is more work and an additional 15-16 applications per year
will be much more time consuming. Severson said that staff does not know what kind of City
Council support there is for making this move; they only know that one person made the request
that the idea be examined. She said that she does not have a good sense for whether or not
this will actually go anywhere.
Severson said that funding amounts vary from approximately $5,000 to $60,000 per year for
agencies. She said that last year a new agency had been funded, and a fairly big agency had
their usual funding reduced. She said the Council members stated the reduction was because
the money amounted to a fairly small percentage of the agency's budget and so would not be
overly painful, and had nothing to do with service delivery or administration. Severson said that
for some agencies Aid to Agencies is a significant percentage of their budget. Douglas asked
what the ratio generally was between funds requested and funds rewarded. Severson said that
there is always much more requested than is rewarded, generally about twice the amount.
Severson said that she believed that at one point in time agencies were directed not to request
more than a 3-5% increase in operational funding from Aid to Agencies. Additionally, agencies
have been asked to request only what they need, with the understanding that full funding is
unlikely.
Richman asked if it was correct that the Commission did not really need to make a motion on
this item one way or the other; that the discussion was intended as a way of gathering
information on the matter. Long said that a recommendation on whether or not HCDC wished to
pursue the idea might be helpful. Chappell said that he does not have any problem with doing
the work if the City Council decides they want the Commission to do it; however, he said he had
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 8 of 12
some problem with the idea of making a recommendation that the Commission wants it or wants
to pursue it because he does not want to give the perception that the Commission is seeking to
expand its area of influence. He said he has no objection to it, and if it comes to pass his
preference would be to front-load the application process to the autumn months to avoid two
parallel allocation processes. McKay said he felt much the same way. Douglas said it seems in
some ways like a natural fit for the Commission and he would not mind taking it on. McMurray
said she would be fine with taking it on, and Hart and Drum indicated that they too were fine
with that.
Richman said his impression of the Commission's feeling on the subject is that if City Council
allocates this responsibility to the Commission, there is a willingness among Commissioners to
do it. Agreement with this statement was indicated. Severson noted that it is her understanding
that she would continue to staff this particular process, and that she felt she and the
Commission could work well together on it.
Discussion of 2.9 Million in Antici ated Pro ram Income to be Allocated for a Levee on
the West Side of the Iowa River and Other Projects:
Long explained that the Aniston Village project, a project of The Housing Fellowship, was
awarded $2.9 million in supplemental disaster CDBG funds in October 2009 for construction
financing of a 22-unit low-income housing tax-credit project. Long said this project is moving
along nicely. Long said this construction loan is to be paid back to the City as administrator of
the loan even though the funds were from the State. When the loan is paid off in May 2011, the
City will receive $2.9 million. Long said the Commission needed to start thinking about how it
wished to spend those funds. He said that there is a whole public process to be gone through
before committing any funds, as well as amending the Action Plan, so this is just the beginning
of the discussion.
Long said that the City had hired a consultant after the 2008 floods to do some future planning
for flood mitigation. Long said that the proposed west levee extends essentially from the
railroad tracks just north of Commercial Court all the way down to the new McCollister Bridge.
Long said that the reason this is coming up right now is because there was a round of I-JOBS
funds that were announced this spring which have an application due date of August 2"d. In
order to apply for those funds, Council approval must first be obtained. Staff is recommending
that a portion of the $2.9 million being returned to the City is set aside to construct a levee to
protect Thatcher Mobile Home Court, Baculis Mobile Home Park and Commercial Court. This
levee would protect approximately hundreds of homes and 23 businesses. The City hired an
engineering firm which estimated the project at $4.4 million; the City hopes to pare that down to
$4 million over the next couple of weeks.
Long said staff is requesting that $1.9 million of the Aniston Village money be set aside as a
match for the I-JOBS grant. Long said the project seems to have some congressional support.
He said the primary vehicle for the City's flood mitigation has been through the acquisition of
property. Long said that in this case that strategy will not work, as the property owners do not
wish to sell. He noted that a temporary levee built from sandbags was constructed for the area
during the floods and it helped keep the area from being severely damaged. Richman asked if
the mobile home parks were privately owned. Long said they were. Richman asked if they
were owned by the residents of the mobile home parks; Long said the residents pay rent for
their lots. Richman asked if the expectation is that the mobile home parks will continue to
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 9 of 12
operate as mobile home parks, or if the owners intend to develop the property as something
else; he noted that a permanent levee would certainly make the area more developable and
increase its property value. Long said he did not know what the short-term plans for the
property were; he said the City's Comprehensive Plan for long-range planning does not include
mobile home parks at all. Long said that as of today the current owners do not wish to sell their
properties. Chappell asked if an east levee was going to be built. Long said there was no
funding for it at this time.
Douglas asked what it means when the Comprehensive Plan does not "list" a housing type.
Long said that it certainly could continue to exist but that the Comprehensive Plan was along-
range planning document for where and what kind of development the City would like to see
occur. Severson noted that many other communities have used CDBG money to do such
improvements. She said it is an eligible expense; Iowa City just~tends to use the funds for
agencies that provide community services. Long said that what was attractive to staff about this
project is that it is an area where low-to-moderate income people live that is vulnerable to
flooding.
Chappell asked if there have been other projects discussed that might be of better benefit to the
residents, such as moving their mobile homes to a park that is not flood prone. Long said the
last relocation of a mobile home park cost the city $15 million. Chappell said that had been a
forced relocation which paid all costs, whereas this would be strictly voluntary. He asked if the
City had considered any other way of protecting those residents. Long said the owners of the
mobile home courts will not sell. Chappell said he is not talking about buying the entire
property. He said he meant that if there were individual home owners who want to voluntarily
move their mobile home to a mobile home park less prone to flooding, would there be any way
to assist those residents. Long said he did not know where such money would come from. He
noted that most of the mobile homes cannot be moved anyway. Severson said she wished to
mention that mobile homes really are not very mobile these days due to their size. She said
another challenge is that a lot of mobile home courts will not accept used trailers in their lots.
She said that they pretty much want to sell one of their own units to their residents, and that
there is not much moving of manufactured housing units that actually goes on. Long said that
there also not very many mobile home lots available in the city, though there are some in the
county. Hightshoe said that the City had attempted to move these mobile home parks after the
1993 floods, but the plan fell through.
Richman said that it sounds as though CDBG funds have generally not been used to fund
infrastructure improvements in the past. He said he could understand why such a large pot of
money would be looked at for infrastructure purposes. Richman asked where this particular
levee project fell on the list of infrastructure priorities for the city. Long reminded him that they
had to be projects to assist low-to-moderate income people. Long said the project does appear
in the Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) which has been adopted by City Council; however, it is
an unfunded project in the CIP.
Chappell asked why no money had been set aside in the FY11 budget to meet the 50% match
requirement for the I-JOBS grant. Long said the match requirement was new, and was not in
the first I-JOBS grant. Long said that the engineering has been done, so the project is basically
shovel ready.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 10 of 12
Chappell asked if the los id thaawas Correct; the bus nessestare just n ascensuls tact of ow-toe
residences. Hightshoe
moderate-income residences.
Chappell said it seemed to him that the owners of the mobile home parks are the ones to see
enormous benefits from this levee. Long said the businesses in the area will also benefit.
Chappell said that he meant that the owners receive much greater benefit from the levee than
the low-to-moderate income residents of the mobile home park. Long notes that levees are not
guaranteed, so the protection is also not guaranteed. Long explained that the City owns quite a
bit of land surrounding the Baculis and Thatcher mobile home parks.
Douglas noted that the money is coming from the repayment of a construction loan for
affordable housing and asked if any consideration had been give to pouring the money back in
to the construction of affordable housing. Long said that construction is not allowed with CDBG
money, but affordable housing could be supported with the funding in other ways. Long said the
money has to be used quickly as there is a "timeliness" test for CDBG funds. Hightshoe said
the City has about a year to spend it due to expenditure measures used by HUD.
Chappell noted that the Commission has heard complaints that the land the City Council would
like to have used for low-to-moderate income housing is too expensive to purchase; however,
ways were apparently found to pay $2.9 million for that very thing. Long said the possibility of
land banking lots for future development by housing providers is allowable under CDBG rules.
Richman said that the City's Comprehensive Plan seems to be indicating that the ultimate goal
is to have commercial or commercial/industrial development in that area.
Long said that the eastern part of the property is in the 100-year floodplain, with a couple of
homes actually in the floodway.
Chappell asked if the City had any short-term plan for redevelopment of those areas. Long said
with that many people living there the City would not have any plans for redevelopment. He
noted that there is a trail planned for the top of the levee, but that it would be paid for by another
funding source.
Richman said that ultimately it is a $4 million project to protect 160 mobile home residences,
which is about $25,000 per unit. Long pointed out that it would also be protecting businesses.
He said that protecting the tax-base is an important part of the project. Chappell said that
ultimately the tax base is what would really be protected by this levee, considering that the
Comprehensive Plan does not even include residential living in that area. Richman noted that
the levee would make the land more valuable. Chappell added that this could in turn make the
rents higher.
Douglas asked if staff was asking for a recommendation on this issue. Long said that a
recommendation has been requested but is not required. Long said that City Council will be
discussing the project as a whole on July 12~'.
Chappell asked how confident staff is that the money that is due in May will actually be paid.
Long said they are very confident, as there is an agreement in place.
McKay said he is in favor of supporting the request.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 11 of 12
Gatlin said that his position would be not to make a recommendation at all and to let Council
decide how to proceed.
Richman said that without a b stthard for him tohmake a recommendat on at this po ni~y and the
long-term plans for the site, It
McKay moved to support the request that $1.9 million in CDBG funds be set aside for the
levee project on the west side of the river.
Hart seconded.
Richman asked if there was any further discussion.
Chappell said he is not supportive of the project as it has been presented. He said that he
understands why staff is making the request now, but that he does not know enough about what
kinds of requests will come in for this money to know if it is the best idea. Chappell said there is
potential for untold creativity for applicants with this size of pot available to them. He said there
are too many important questions unanswered about the project and he cannot support it at this
point.
A vote was taken and the motion failed 4-1 (Chappell, Gatlin, Douglas and Richman
opposed; McKay in favor; Hart and McMurray abstained).
Long noted that City Council would discuss this issue on July 12cn
Subcommittee Report• Community Development Celebration:
Hightshoe said the celebration will be held at First Mennonite Church, which houses the Home
Ties program. Home Ties provides free daycare to homeless children while their
parents/guardians look for housing and /or employment. Hightshoe said that the celebration will
be held Thursday, August 19`n, from 4:30-6 p.m., with an awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
Hightshoe said the speakers have not yet been confirmed, but the mayor will be present. She
noted that Richman would not be available to make the closing remarks and she wondered if
any HCDC member would be interested in giving 2-3 minutes of closing remarks. McKay
offered to do give the closing remarks.
MONITORING REPORTS:
FY07 & FY08 Habitat for Humanity -Homeownership (Chappell): Chappell said that all
funds had been expended, with 90% being spent within 6 months of the funds being released.
All of the FY07 homes will be completed by the end of this year and the FY08 homes by next
summer.
IC Housing Rehabilitation (staff): Long said that the housing rehab staff is still handling flood
recovery projects. Generally, they administer federal programs and use local geo-bonds to fund
rehab programs. He said there are six different programs through this office. Long said it was a
very busy year in which over a million dollars in flood recovery and CDBG money was spent.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 30, 2010
PAGE 12 of 12
This office helps out with the UniverCity Program, funded through I-JOBS. Long said the City
will have acquired eight homes through this project as of August 1sc
IC Economic Development sta :Hightshoe said that at the beginning of the year there was
$120,000 in funds. She said that over the course of the year three applications have been
received. Corridor Drywall was funded at $35,000. She said the purpose of the fund is not to
compete with private lenders. One application was denied due to lack of applicant contribution,
and one was denied because they were eligible for private financing. One business funded in a
prior year, Atlas Home Services, defaulted, and the Attorney's Office will be representing the
City's interests in the resulting bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings.
Hightshoe said that another $108,000 will be set aside as of July 1S', giving the program
$193,000 to work with. Staff has been looking at ways to promote economic development
activities in the Towncrest, Riverfront Crossings, and the St. Pat's development area with limited
staff/planning time. On July 12'h City Council will be looking at a proposed agreement between
the City and the National Development Council, an agency providing technical and planning
assistance to cities.
Richman asked if there were any changes that staff would recommend that would preclude a
default like Atlas' from occurring in the future. Hightshoe said she did not think so. She said
that Atlas had a much larger loan from a local lender and the economic development funding
was more of a gap financing. The bank also reviewed the business through their underwriting
criteria and made a large loan to the business. She said the business was owned and managed
by a married couple. The last update from the business was that the business owners were
living in separate residences and were going through adivorce/separation. It appears that this
precipitated the collapse of the business. Long said that he believes there has only been one
other instance of default in the last ten years.
Aid to Agencies -United Action for Youth (Douplasl: Douglas said he had a call into the
director but had not yet connected with him. Hightshoe said UAY spends out its allocation every
month. The money was spent for counseling, at-risk youth, and teen moms.
Long thanked McKay for speaking at the dedication of the Wetherby Splash pad as a
representative of HCDC. Long said that has been a wildly popular CDBG funded project.
ADJOURNMENT:
McKay motioned to adjourn.
Hart seconded.
The motion carried 7-0 (Drum and Zimmermann Smith absent).
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
~~
THATCHER MOBILE HOME PARK
2254 S. RIVERSIDE DRIVE
IOWA CITY, IA 52246
July 27, 2010 AUG 16 2010
Ciry Clerk
Iowa Cin~, lowa
Chairperson, I-Jobs Board of Directors J~: oo ~
c/o Joseph Jones, Director of Governmental Affairs in. K K
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Dear Chairperson,
It is our pleasure to write a letter in support of the West Side Levee which the
City of Iowa City is seeking funding from I-Jobs II. The $3.95 million project which
will create a levee along the west bank of the Iowa River will be welcome relief
for the flood prone businesses and residences in the area.
We own Thatcher Mobile Home Park which has 60 homes and about 200
residents. In addition to protecting the 60 homes in our park, the levee would
also protect the adjacent mobile home park with approximately 130 home sites
and the commercial area in the nearby Commercial Court area. A number of
Thatcher Mobile Home Park residents work in the nearby businesses that would
be protected by the proposed levee.
When the levee is completed, we will be able to invest over $1,000,000 in our
business and add 45 to 50 additional sites for manufactured homes. This
investment will not only add to the affordable housing stock in Iowa City, but it will
also add to the City's tax base.
We have reviewed the City's engineering plans and have met with City staff
numerous times to discuss the proposed project. We are excited about the
opportunity to protect the residents from future flooding.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this vital request for disaster
prevention project funding.
Sincerely,
.~'r`,~~
~'1 ~-~-R.vr.vh~c
Jim and Mary Beth Hammes
July 27, 2010
Chairperson, I Jobs Board of Directors
c/o Joseph Jones, Director of Governmental Affairs
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
I AREA CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
/~
~L~~
~~~~ 16 X010
City Clerk
Iowa Ciry, Iowa
~l : ~ ~"
Dear Mr. Jones, ~K~L
On behalf of the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, please accept my enthusiastic
support for the City of Iowa City's I Jobs II application for the West Side Levee project. The
$3.8 million project will protect businesses and residences in the flood-prone area along the
Iowa River between the CRANDIC Rail Road Bridge and the McCollister Boulevard Bridge.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by the
flood of 2008. These include representatives of the construction, furniture, and auto
industries, along with contractors serving regional and national clients. This project will
provide necessary security from the threat of flooding for these businesses who contribute
to our area's vibrant and diverse business environment.
Commercial Court is currently home to more than 400 individuals in 160 mobile residences.
This disaster prevention funding is of utmost importance in ensuring the safety of
community members who reside in this susceptible area.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with the City of Iowa City
on this vital project, and welcome any questions regarding our support.
325 E. Washington
Suite 100
Iowa City, IA 52240
Telephone:(319-337-9637
Fax:~319-338-9958
www.iowacitya rea.com
ROBERT E. DVORSKY
STATE. SENATOR
Fifteenth District
Parts of Johnson and Linn Counties
Statehouse: (515) 281-3371
HOME ADDRESS
412 Sixth Street
Coralville, Iowa 52241
H:(319)35I-0988
robert.dvorsky@legis state. ia.us
COMMITTEES
Appropriations, Chair
Education
Rebuild Iowa
Rules & Administration
~~~~
AUG 16 X010
July 29, 2010
Jeff Pomeranz, Chair
I-Jobs Board of Directors
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Dear Mr. Pomeranz:
city Clerk
Iowa City, Iowa
// :~Oo if'H'~-
rktCK
It is my pleasure to write a letter in support of the West Side Levee for which the City of Iowa
City is seeking funding from I-Jobs II. The $3.95 million project, which will create a levee along
the west bank of the Iowa River, will be a welcome relief for the flood prone businesses and
residences in the immediate area.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court Neighborhood were deeply affected by the flood
of 2008. The businesses in the area include a range of employers serving the entire community.
There are contractors with regional and national clients, several businesses supporting the
construction industry, along with cabinet makers, furniture refinishers and several in the auto
parts and repair business.
Equally important are the two mobile home parks adjacent to the Iowa River with over 160
homes, housing upwards of 400 residents who find employment nearby in the Commercial Court
Neighborhood and other areas of the community. The owner of one of the mobile home parks
has indicated that they will invest over $1,000,000 in the park to improve and dramatically
increase the number of affordable home sites if the levee is approved. This investment will not
only add to the affordable housing stock in Iowa City, but it will also add to the City's tax base.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this request for disaster prevention project funding.
Sincerely,
~~~
Senator Robert E. Dworsky
a~12
Z~I~P ~EItFt~E
State of Iowa
Eiglaty-third Genernl Assembly
STATEHOUSE
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
P lu mb ets 72 Commercial Drive, Iowa City, IA 52246
SUPPLY C O M P R H Y ~ Ph 319-338-3601 ~ Fax 319-337-7937
Chairperson, I-Jobs Board of Directors
c/o Joseph Jones, Director of Governmental Affairs
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
July 20, 2010
Dear Mr. Jones,
~~~~D
AUG 16 201Q
City Clctk
Iowa Cuy , loW a
ll •'~° ~-
~~~
As a small family owned business that resides in the Riverside Drive and Commercial
Drive area since 1951, I would like to add our vote in support of the funding from I-Jobs II for
the West Side Levee Project. The $3.8 million project, which will create a levee along the west
bank of the Iowa River between the CRANDIC Rail Road Bridge and the McCollister Boulevard
Bridge, will be welcome relief for the flood prone businesses and residences in the area.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by the
flood of 2008. The businesses in the area include a range of employers serving the entire
community. Three are contractors with regional and national clients, several businesses
supporting the construction industry, along with cabinet makers, furniture refinishers and several
in the auto parts and repair business.
Equally important are the 160 mobile homes in the same neighborhood, housing upwards
of 400 residents who find employment nearby in the Commercial Court neighborhood and other
areas of the community.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this vital request for disaster prevention
project funding.
~Sineerely, ,,
John Balmer
CEO, Plumbers Supply Company
~ ~~~ ~~~~M~~~ 77
i P C ' % ~ I C C( 'lf ~~~.~ t~: f~ ~,1 cl i (? ~ 1" l 5 ~ ~ L/~
Chairperson. I-.lobs 1.3;~;ircl of Directors AUG 16 2010
c1o .loseplt ,loves, Director of Governmental Affairs cry cte:k
Iowa 1 inancc Atrthor•ii~, iowaCit}, Iowa
20]5 Grand even,le f~;Ap ~-
Des Moines. lA Si)3l :'_
KKK
July 29, 20 ] 0
Dear Mr. ,roves,
It !s Illy pleasure t,> ~~ ~ i tr <~ letter in support of the West Side Levee for which you seek
funding from I-.robs 11. "I`he $3.8 Million project, which will create a levee along the west
bank oi~the Iowa Diver between the CRANDIC Rail Road Bridge and the McCollister
Boulevard Bridge. ~~~il! he welcome relief for the i7ood prone businesses and residences in
the area.
Nearly 50 busineses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by the
flood of 200. "1•h~.~ bri~,inesses in the area include a range of employers servin;~ the entire
community. '1'hrcc arc contractors with regional and national clients, several businesses
supportin;; the constrt~~~tion industry, along y~'ith cabinet makers, furniture reiinishers and
several in the ante- part,, Qlld repalP bllSlneSS.
Equally important are the. 160 mobile homes in the same neighborhood, housing upwards
of 400 residents ~a ho . ; nd employment nearby in the Commercial Court neighborhood
and other areas of the ,~•i~nu»unity.
My personal business Iris - employees, one of which owns a home and lives in the
nearby flooc.l prone m;~~ilc home neighborhood.
Thant: you t~~r your str,ui`t consideration of this vital request for disaster prevention
project fundin;~.
Sincere(v.
Blake I-Iendriclaon
Owner of V\\~l'arts4s,r~.com
26 Commercial Dr, St ~: A -Iowa City, IA 52246 - 319-358-6640 - icdubparts@gmail.com
DAVID LOEBSACK
2N0 ~ISTflICT, IOWA
COMMITTEES:
ARMED SERVICES
SUBCOMMITTEES: (•J~DYC~1rP~~ Df t.~'E ~1tt~P~ tt1P~
MILITARY PERSONNEL
READINESS ~~,~M{~• pp ~}a p~ ,y~y}j
.f1,IIUBi IIf ~l[~l'BPtil':lt#iUPB
EDUCATION AND LABOR ]Itlt~~(~i~~#~~~ 7pltf ~rt~ t ~_1 ~~hl
SUBCOMMITTEES: 77T ~ ••w P 3C1'J, i.~ i G.
HEAl7N,EMPLOYMENT. LABOR,
AND PENBIONS
EARLY CHILDHOOD, ELEMENTARY
ANO SECONDARY EDUCATION
July 30, 2010
Jeff Pomeranz, Chairperson
I-Jobs Board of Directors
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Dear Mr. Pomeranz,
WASHINGTON OfF1CE:
1221 LONGWORTH HOUSE DFfICE BUILD/NG
WASHINGTDN• ~C 2D515
(2021225-8578
DIS7RIC70fFICES:
125 SOUTH DUHUGUE STREET
Iowa Clrv, IA 52240
{3191351-0789
150 lsr AvexuE NE
$URE 375
CEDAR RAPIDS, A 52401
(3191384-2268
1 (866}914-IOWA
FILED
AUG 16 2010
City Clerk
Iotira City, lo•Iva
l/ ~ oo R~
~,K~
I write to express my support for consideration of an IJOBS grant application for flood
protection along the west bank of the Iowa River in Iowa City, IA. The application is
specifically for $3.95 million to assist the city in constructing a levee that is needed to protect
nearly 50 small business, 190 mobile homes and over 400 residents from future floodmg similar
to the flooding that occurred in 2008.
I understand, and have witnessed firsthand on numerous occasions, the amount of damage the
City of Iowa City suffered as a result of the Floods of 2008. As the city works to repair and
rebuild homes, businesses, and infrastructure that were all damaged, grant funding through the
IJOBS program will be an important piece in overall recovery.
The proposed levee in the grant application will provide increased security for the residents and
small businesses in this flood prone area. Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court
neighborhood were impacted by the Floods of 2008. The levee has the potential to solidify
further investments in the business park and allow the mobile home parks to expand and increase
affordable home options in Iowa City which will add to the City's tax base.
According to the Crty of Iowa City, the owner of one of the mobile home parks has indicated that
they will invest aver $1,000,000 in their park to make improvements and to add 45 to 50
affordable home sites if the levee is approved. This investment will not only add to the
affordable housing stock in Iowa City, it will also add to the City's tax base. I respectfully urge
timely consideration of this application and thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sin ,
ave Loebsack
lowa's Second District
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
~~LE~
AUG 16 2010
July 26, 2010 City Clerk
Iowa Cit}~, lowa
Iowa City Area Chairperson, I-Jobs Board of Directors
ff f~:~ ~,•~
airs
c/o Joseph Jones, Director of Governmental A
t Grou
l
D
~
p
opmen
eve
Iowa Finance Authority ~
`
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
It is my pleasure to write a letter in support of the West Side Levee for which the City
of Iowa City is seek funding from I-Jobs II. The $3.8 million project, which will create a
levee along the west bank of the Iowa River between the CRANDIC Rail Road Bridge
and the McCollister Boulevard Bridge, will be welcome relief for the flood prone
businesses and residences in the area.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by
the flood of 2008. The businesses in the area include a range of employers serving the
entire community. Three are contractors with regional and national clients, several
businesses supporting the construction industry, along with cabinet makers, furniture
refinishers and several in the auto parts and repair business.
Equally important are the160 mobile homes in the same neighborhood, housing
upwards of 400 residents who end employment nearby in the Commercial Court
neighborhood and other areas of the community.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this vital request for disaster prevention
project funding.
Sincerely,
J
Joseph Raso, President
Iowa City Area Development Group
325 E Washington St
Suite 707
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
(319) 354-3939
Extraordinary Opportunities
in Unexpected Places
IC D
~ILEI~
AUG Y 6 2010
JUIy 27, 2010 City Clerk
Iowa Cih~, Iowa
Jeff Pomeranz, Chairperson J/:00 s+'~'''~
I-Jobs Board of Directors
Iowa Finance Authority m. ~ ~
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Dear Mr. Pomeranz:
The West Side Levee project in Iowa City is deserving of state support and will have an
enormous impact on the well being a many businesses in the Iowa City region. I am
asking you to consider this project in your next round of funding for I-Jobs projects. The
$3.95 million project, which will create a levee along the west bank of the Iowa River, will
be welcome relief for the flood prone businesses and residences in the immediate area.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by
the flood of 2008. The businesses in the area include a range of employers serving the
entire community. There are contractors with regional and national clients, several
businesses supporting the construction industry, along with cabinet makers, furniture
refinishers and several in the auto parts and repair business.
Equally important are the two mobile home parks adjacent to the Iowa River with over
160 homes, housing upwards of 400 residents who find employment nearby in the
Commercial Court neighborhood and other areas of the community. The owner of one
of the mobile home parks has indicated that they will invest over $1,000,000 in their park
to improve and dramatically increase the number of affordable home sites if the levee is
approved. This investment will not only add to the affordable housing stock in Iowa City,
but it will also add to the City's tax base.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this request for disaster prevention project
funding.
Sincerely,
State Representative Mary Mascher
JOE BOLKCOM
STATE SENATOR
Thirty-ninth District
Statehouse: (515)281-3371
HOME ADDRESS
728 2nd Avenue
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Phone:(3l9)337-6280
joeQjoebolkcom.org
www.jcebolkcom.org
July 29, 2010
Jeff Pomeranz, Chairperson
I-Jobs Board of Directors
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
Dear Mr. Pomeranz:
State of Iowa
Eighty-third General Assembly
STATEHOUSE
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
ASSISTANT MAJORITY LEADER
COMMITTEES
Appropriations
Commerce
Environmental & Energy Independence
Human Resources
Natural Resources & Environment
Ways & Means, Chair
AUG 16 201
City Clerk
Iowa City, Iowa
/(•iG~ s~
ih.K,~
It is my pleasure to write a letter in support of the West Side Levee for which the City of
Iowa City is seeking funding from I-Jobs II. The $3.95 million project will create a levee
along the west bank of the Iowa River.
Nearly 50 businesses in the Commercial Court neighborhood were deeply affected by
the flood of 2008. The businesses in the area include a range of employers serving the
entire community.
Equally important are the two mobile home parks adjacent to the Iowa River with over
190 homes, housing upwards of 400 residents who find employment nearby in the
Commercial Court neighborhood and other areas of the community
It will also protect McCollister Boulevard, an important east-west link in Iowa City, from
future flood events.
This project is a great example of smart planning principles. It protects existing
businesses, housing, and infrastructure along with creating new opportunities for
expansion in the area. It will allow for a possible bike trail to be created on the top of the
levee that would connect with the Iowa River Corridor Bike Trail. The area is already
served by public transportation and is near the Terry Trueblood Recreation area.
Thank you for your strong consideration of this request for disaster prevention project
funding.
Sincerely,
ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE
Senator Joe Bolkcom
J Pie Serur~e