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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-19 CorrespondenceMarian Karr 2e(1 From: Nancy Ostrognai <nancy.ostrognai @g mail. com> Sent: Friday, March 08, 2013 3:39 PM To: Council Cc: tneuzil @co.johnson.ia.us; Rod Sullivan; Janelle Rittig; pharney @co.johnson.ia.us Subject: SEATS funding ideas This correspondence will become a public record. Dear City Council Members: I ve thought of five ideas to increase revenue to SEATS.. I'm not pushing for any idea.l'm just adding to what is already out there.Please feel free to take them or leave them. 1. Use SEATS to create an airport shuttle. 2. Use SEATS to create a charter service. 3. Use SEATS to create a taxi service. $10.00 immediate service. 4. Maybe churches provide real costs funding for Sunday service instead of the riders. 5. Ask Mark Moen for a donation. He's a nice guy. I'm sure SEATS would name their building after him. It seems like SEATS has unique resources to fill a niche no one else does; each van has a lift. Nancy Ostrognai Iowa City Marian Karr From: Tom Markus Sent: Monday, March 11, 2013 10:22 AM To: Marian Karr Subject: Fwd: SEATS Support Add to agenda with the Klein letter. Sent from my Wad Begin forwarded message: From: Rod Sullivan <rsullivannco johnson.ia.us> Date: March 11, 2013, 9:43:35 AM CDT To: 'Garry Klein' < klein(a�gmail.com >, "tom- markusgiowa- city.org" <tom-markus(2iowa- ci .or > Subject: RE: SEATS Support Hi, Garry. I recently received an e-mail on this topic, in which the writer noted that "governmental funding reflects moral values." That is why I am proud of the fact that Johnson County spends $26.5 million dollars on Health and Human Services — 31% of our budget. Johnson County walks the walk. You should ask the cities of Iowa City and Coralville for those same numbers. Once you have them, you'll see your problem is not with Johnson County. Thanks, - - -Rod From: Garry Klein I-mailtomarrvklein(ftmail.coml Sent: Sunday, March 10, 2013 1:51 PM To: councilCabiowa- city.org; tom- markus@iowa -city org Cc: Rod Sullivan; Patrick Harney; Terrence Neuzil; Janelle Rettig Subject: SEATS Support Dear Mayor Hayek, City Council members, and City Manager Markus, As a frequent bus rider who appreciates the local transit system and as an ally to some of those who use SEATS, I urge you to work with Johnson County to continue to support this collaboration as it is important to many persons with disabilities as well as a significant number of elderly people in our community and the outlying area who come into Iowa City to use services such as The Center, the Iowa City Public Library, area doctors and hospitals, and Community Mental Health services. In addition, many frequent area businesses and avail themselves of local non - profit organizations. Others use the SEATS buses to visit friends, volunteer, and generally live as full a life as possible. The support of SEATS by the cities, as well as the County is imperative. Understanding that local budgets are continually being stretched, it behooves our elected officials and city administrators to prioritize the needs to be sure the least able among us have fair access to those services which are important to their well- being. While many Iowa Citians are able to take advantage of our upgraded city buses over the last few years, SEATS continues to play an important role to those who need more personal assistance. Although I am not able to be present on 2/5/13 for the Council Meeting due to my work at the University of Iowa, please know that I and many other of what Connie Champion recently referred to as "the silent majority" are paying attention to this very important issue that affect our friends and neighbors. Best regards, Garry Klein 628 2nd Ave Iowa City, IA 52245 319 - 354 -2600 This correspondence will become a public record. 03-1 9-Tr, Marian Karr 2e(2) From: Amanda Owen Van Horne <ajowen @g mail. com > Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 2:54 PM To: Council Cc: Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Terry Dickens; Matt Hayek; Susan Mims; Jim Throgmorton Subject: Definition of Workforce Housing - Work Session Tonight Dear Iowa City Council, Trinity Episcopal Church is pleased to see the topic of redefining workforce housing on the city council's work session agenda. As you may know, Trinity has been an advocate for affordable housing over the last 50 years. From Fr. Holzhammer's work in establishing Ecumenical Towers, which provides affordable housing for low - income retirees, to our work with the Shelter House overflow program and the Shelter House Book Sale, we have a long history of involvement in this area. We are writing to encourage you to follow Des Moines' example and use the definition of workforce housing as applying to individuals who make between 60 -120% of the area median income. The definition of workforce housing that was adopted for the RFP for the College and Gilbert St Development, for instance, is quite broad. One would assume that most developers would seek to maximize profits by targeting the upper end of the range allowable as workforce housing. As noted in the memo included in your information packet, an upper limit of 150% of the area median income is $91,650/yr. This would mean that monthly rents or mortgage payments of more than $2,500 would be considered "affordable" using the HUD definition of affordable housing —that is housing costs of 33% of household income. Adopting a range of 60 -120% area median income, as Des Moines has done, as the definition of workforce housing aligns the term with the underlying principle. Households that make $32,100 - $73,320 (monthly rent +utilities = $882 - $2000) would now find housing targeted at their income range. It would allow people who work in close proximity to the downtown to afford to live near their workplace. Downtown workers include waiters, janitors, hotel workers, librarians, secretaries, firefighters, and bus drivers — all of whom should be able to live near downtown and take advantage of the services they help provide. It is only just that those people who make it possible for us to enjoy the amenities of downtown should be able to afford to live there. Retirees living on modest fixed incomes would also find housing within this range to be more acceptable. Many of the city services that make ageing in place possible are most accessible if one lives downtown. The senior center, downtown arts events, and access to the university are all much easier if one lives downtown. Our society should value our elders who have contributed to our community by enabling them to live in clean, decent, and stable housing. Providing housing for individuals with a mix of incomes, occupations, ages, and family compositions has the potential to stabilize neighborhoods and encourage responsible interactions among citizens. Increasing the supply of housing for low /moderate income households is in line with the recommendations made in the 2007 Iowa City Metro Area Affordable Housing Market Analysis. By defining workforce housing as 60 -120% of median income, the city enables itself to advocate for these groups and to develop a stable and vital downtown. We urge you to consider adopting a definition of workforce housing that shifts the income range to more accurately reflect the income of the downtown workforce and to make housing in developments supported by the city accessible to those most in need. 1 Sincerely, Amanda Owen Van Horne aiowen@gmail.com 5 N 7th Ave Iowa City, IA Jr. Warden Trinity Episcopal Church Amanda J. Owen Van Horne ajowen ,gmail.com Marian Karr 2e(3) From: Hauserman, Nancy R <nancy- hauserman @uiowa.edu> Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 4:28 PM To: Council Subject: In Support of Traffic /Stoplight Cameras Dear Council members: While I am rarely considered to be a shy or uninvolved person, this is possibly my first time writing to the Council (it may be my second but I am old enough not to remember). I am moved now to write after reading a front page story in the Daily Iowan about a group protesting the possible installation of traffic cameras in Iowa City and my concern that you will finally vote against the cameras if only one position is heard. I fully support the installation of such cameras. My support is based on continuing personal experience. I live on the north side of Iowa City and I walk to work in the College of Business. At least two times a day I cross Dubuque Street at the intersection of Church and Dubuque Streets. I do not think there has been a single occasion, regardless of time of day, when I was waiting for the pedestrian light to cross Dubuque Street (a very long wait I might add), when I have not seen at least one car running the red light on Dubuque Street. In general these are cars heading north. They go through the light when it has already turned red — not even in the moments of yellow to red. I have learned to never cross the street (heading East or West across Church) until all cars are stopped, regardless of my having the walk sign. Seriously, every single day. That there has not been a major accident involving a pedestrian or a bicycle or another car is astounding to me. And lucky. Short of standing there with a video camera myself, I am not sure what I can possibly do to stop this — except write to you in support of this action. So here I am urging you to vote to at least try traffic cameras. I am a person who teaches ethics and I have law training. I am fully aware and appreciative of issues of privacy. But I also appreciate critical thinking that identifies all of the various stakeholders and all of the values at stake. While privacy is clearly an important value, frankly, safety should trump whatever minimal privacy issues are at risk here. Thanks for reading this. Please don't back down from this vote. Nancy Hauserman 729 N. Linn Iowa City, Iowa 52245 (319)321 -9815 Marian Karr 03 -19 -13 2e(4) From: thejasontlewis @gmail.com on behalf of Jason T. Lewis <jason @sadiron music. com> Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2013 11:05 AM To: Council Subject: Thank you, council members Council members, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for your attention and enthusiasm in regard to my proposal regarding the Twain Elementary area. It was really heartening to hear your thoughts about exploring the proj ect. Thank you again and please let me know what next steps we can move toward making the project a reality. Sincerely, Jason T. Lewis This correspondence will become a public record. Marian Karr 2e(5) From: Tom Markus Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:22 PM To: Marian Karr Subject: FW: Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program For attachment to the agenda item of correspondence. From: Jeff Davidson Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 12:15 PM To: Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin Subject: FW: Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program As you requested, a response to City Council Correspondence. 1D From: Jeff Vanatter _,.__._ .___.______._.m__...m ........ _.. Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:57 AM To: 'kathleenthornt @aol.com' Cc: Steve Long; Jeff Davidson Subject: RE: Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program Hi Kathy, At this time, I have an application going through the annual funding allocation process with the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC) that is targeting the same four areas as last year, with the addition of the Twain neighborhood. The application was awarded full funding from HCDC on March 7, 2013, and this recommendation will be forwarded to City Council. The City Council will look at this recommendation at its May meeting and will likely make a decision on funding at that time. Also please keep in mind that homeowners that live in the Twain neighborhood or any other neighborhood in Iowa City are eligible to apply to our other existing housing rehabilitation programs. In many instances these programs are just as good of a deal as the targeted program. If you have any further questions, I can be reached by phone at 319 - 356 -5128, or by e-mail at ieff- vanatter(c _ iowa- citv.ora . Jeff Vanatter Housing Rehabilitation Specialist Iowa City Housing Rehabilitation Office From: kathleenthornt @aol.com [mailto:kathleenthornt @aol.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 05, 2013 10:37 PM To: council @iowa - city.org. Subject: Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program To City Council- After watching the City Council meeting tonight, Tuesday, March 5, 2013 1 would like to share some thoughts related to the presentation about improvements at Mark Twain School and the surrounding area. Council feedback after this presentation included comments such as, " an area that's been overlooked ", "an area worth investing in" and "an area whose housing could use upgrading." I couldn't agree more with these comments. They are right on target and would support the Council goal of Neighborhood Stabilization. Last summer the Planning and Community Development Dept. announced a new housing rehabilitation program called the Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program. (I have attached a screen shot of this from the City's website.) Various areas of the City were identified for this program. One area not identified was the Mark Twain School area. This was very discouraging especially since some of the housing stock in the Twain area was built in the 1940's and 1950's. It did not make sense that homes in the Wetherby and Grantwood area, particularily those on Terrapin Drive, Dickenson Lane, Hemingway Lane, Russell Drive and Langenberg Avenue should be included in an improvement program. These home were built in 2000 or newer. I would like to ask the Council, should it begin giving serious thought to neighborhood stabilization in the Mark Twain area, to please look further into how this area could become part of a Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program. I appreciate your time and consideration- Thank you! Kathy Thornton Resident - Mark Twain School neighborhood Marian Karr 2e(6) From: Carol deProsse <lonetreefox @mac.com> Sent: Thursday, March 07, 2013 2:26 PM To: Council; Council Cc: Jeff Davidson; tom - marcus @iowa - city.org Subject: Blog: It was the issues http:// twoatthefringe .blogspot.coml20l3 /03lhey- dems -it- really -was- issues html Two At the Fringe Everyone looks at the issues from a different perspective. This is ours, sometimes individually, sometimes as a duet. "Hey, Dems, it really was the issues." Don fund John Etheredge, who is the first Republican to win a seat on the Board of Supervisors since 1958, beat Democrat Terry Dahms 51 -48% (192 votes) in what many are referring to as an upset. Many seem to believe that it was low voter turnout that was the cause of the unexpected outcome. While it is true that registered Democrats outnumber register Republicans by a greater than 2:1 margin, we believe there was more behind Etheredge's win than the fact that less than 7% of possible votes were cast; the candidates' positions on two major issues also had a major influence: the proposed new 195 bed, $43.6 million jail and the rezoning and subdividing of the Dooley property in Newport Township; Etheredge opposes both. Terry Dahms was on the 'wrong' side of the two local issues about which voters currently feel most strongly: he favors approval of the Newport subdivision and supports the proposed new jail plan, having, as the Press Citizen put it in their March 7 editorial, "come around" on this issue. One wonders if Dahms came around because he planned to run for Stutsman's seat on the Board and wanted the support of the other Johnson County Democratic office holders, or whether he came around because he was truly convinced that the county needs a $43.6 million new facility. As recently as last October he privately expressed disapproval of the plan as it then stood, with Court House renovation being part of the same package as jail construction. One must support a candidate strongly to want to put a sign up on one's property. Seeing so few signs for Terry means that some people who usually take Democrats' signs were conflicted about this election. At the public hearing on the jail held at the Court House a few weeks ago, farmers in the audience were 'doing the math' when they heard about the dollars per acre the jail bond issue would add to their property taxes. Dahms didn't win a single rural precinct; a tie in Solon (42 votes - 42 votes) was the closest he got. Etheredge carried most of them with margins from the 60 %'s to a high of 87% (Washington Township). Get - out - the -vote efforts can't do much in the face of margins like that. Look at the returns for Newport Township: 70% for Etheredge; Dahms was out of step with his own neighbors on the rezoning/subdividing question. The Dooley rezoning was clearly opposed by Etheredge while Dahms was absurdly timid on the matter. Dahms is chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission and recused himself when the Commission was voting on the rezoning application, apparently because he was running for Stutsman's Supervisor seat. There's no conflict of interest in his being on P &Z and taking a vote on a matter he would have to vote on if he were to become a Supervisor. It appeared to many of us that Dahms favored the rezoning but didn't say so until late in the campaign for fear of losing votes, not only in Newport Township but in the urban areas where urban sprawl matters to an educated populace. Democratic candidates should follow the Democratic County platform. We can't even find the 2012 edition on the JC Dems web site (possibly an indicator of party leaders' indifference toward it ?), but the county platform is quite stable and the 2008 one is pretty specific about preserving farmland and stopping urban sprawl. http://www.jcdems.org/resources/JCPlatform2008Final_a.pdf (See points 19 & 32) The voters have been hearing about nothing but elections and voting for months. They were surely aware of this one. In our case one of us was swayed to vote Republican for the first time in her life (and with little intention of ever doing so again) because of the two candidates' very different stands. The other voted Democrat only out of friendship and loyalty — despite disagreeing on the issues. Many people who ordinarily vote Democratic were probably sufficiently conflicted — feeling a duty to vote for the Democrat but agreeing with the Republican's positions —that they probably simply decided to stay out of it altogether by not voting. Making calls to remind people to vote (the JC Dems robocalling was in full swing) and mailing out ballot request forms for early voting aren't going to do any good if the candidate's positions on the issues people care about don't match their wishes. Some of the people to whom you're giving ballot request forms just might use them to vote for 'the other guy'. Happy Johnson County Elephant Sad Johnson County Donkey Housing Trust fund Iohnsoffcounty Board ofDirectors Bob Dvorsky, President State Senator, 15`h District Steve Long, Co- President -elect Iowa City Planning & Community Development Bob Burns, Co- President -elect Burns & Burns, LC Ron Mavrias, Secretary Private Citizen John Warren, Treasurer Bergan Paulsen Jerry Anthony, University of Iowa, Urban & Regional Planning Robert Brooks, University of Iowa Building and Landscape Services Crissy Canganelh, Shelter House Maryann Dennis, Ex-officio The Housing Fellowship Kirsten Frey, Kennedy, Cruise, Frey and Gelner Steve Gordon, AM Management Ellen Habel, City of Coralville Chris LeFever, US Bank Tracey Mulcahey, City of North Liberty Phil O'Brien, Lepic- Kroeger Realtors Date: March 11, 2013 --03-19-13 2e(7) Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County 322 East Second Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Email: tachcnbach @htfjc.org Website: www.htfjc.org Office: 319.358.0212 Fax: 319.358.0053 To: Honorable Mayor Hayek and City Council Members From: Tracey Achenbach, Executive Director Re: Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, we would like to thank the City of Iowa City for investing in the Trust Fund for the past several years. Your investment has been crucial to the success of our organization. Enclosed with this memo is a brief report highlighting our activities for the last fiscal year. None of these would have been possible without your participation in our organization. Every dollar the City provides to HTFJC gives us the opportunity to leverage four times that amount at the state level. The state funding combined with local private and public funding is critical to our ability to provide loan funds to agencies and businesses who serve lower income households. Without your support, it would be impossible for us to request a grant from the State Housing Trust Fund. As you are aware, this annual grant provides a portion of the capital used for our revolving loan fund. Our revolving loan fund continues to address the growing housing needs in Iowa City and throughout the County. Since we began in 2004, we have awarded nearly $2.7 million in grant and loan funds for projects in Johnson County, and many of them have been located in Iowa City. In addition, projects using HTFJC funds are accomplished by using a variety of other private and public funding sources, such as City CDBG, City and State HOME funds, and low income housing tax credits. Scott Schroeder, MidWestOne We cannot convey in this memo how much your commitment to the Housing Trust Bank Fund has been critical to our success and your annual investment of $8,000 is much Rod Sullivan, Johnson County appreciated. We recognize that local governmental entities continue to be challenged to Board of Supervisors provide more services with fewer resources. Thank you again for your continued support, and we look forward to partnership opportunities on projects in the future. Larry Wilson, University Heights Citi -zen Staff Tracey Achenbach, Executive Director Kelly Wenman Operations Coordinator Housing Trust Fund Johnson County Board ofDirectors Bob Dvorsky, President State Senator, I r District Steve Long, Co- President -elect Iowa City Planning & Community Development Bob Burns, Co- President -elect Burns &Burns, L. C... Ron Mavrias, Secretary Private Citizen John Warren, Treasurer Bergan Paulsen Jerry Anthony, University of Iowa, Urban & Regional Planning Robert Brooks, University of Iowa Building and Landscape Serrrices Crissy Canganelli, Shelter House Maryann Dennis, Ex -ofcio The Housing Fellowship Kirsten Frey, Kennedy, Cruise, Frey and Gelner Steve Gordon, AM Management Ellen Habel, City of Coralville Chris LeFever, US Bank Tracey Mulcahey, City of North Iiber y Scott Schroeder, MidWestOne Bank Rod Sullivan,, Johnson County Board of Supenisors Phil. O'Brien, Lepic- Kroeger Realtors Larry Wilson, University Heights Citizen Staff Tracey Achenbach, Executive Director Kelly Wenman, Operations Coordinator Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County 322 East Second Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Email: tchenbach@htfjc.org Website: www.htfjc.org Office: 319.358.0212 Fax: 319.358.0053 FY12 Annual Report September 28, 2012 Resources FY12: $512,231 • State Housing Trust Fund • Realtors Project • FHLB • Government Contribution • TBRA ECICOG HTF Admin ■ Interest Income ECICOG New Home Construction IC Single Family New Construction FY12 HTFJC Awards Totaled $365,800 $ 25,000 — Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Prairie du Chien project Rehabilitation of 1 single - family home $ 40,800 — Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Women Build III project Initial payment for microloan $165,000 — Shelter House Amhurst Lodge Development of permanent supportive rental housing $ 19,000 — Successful Living Lodge Added to previous $40,000 award for rehab of rental homes for 37 persons $ 31,000 — The Housing Fellowship Esther Court project Rehabilitation of rental home for one household $ 35,000 — Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Net -Zero Home Construction of 1 owner- occupied, energy efficient home $ 30,000 — Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity Women Build IV project Development of 1 owner- occupied home $ 20,000 — Federal Home Loan Bank 4 owner- occupied homes FY12 Other Activities: ■ Closed out TBRA Grant, United Way Priorities Grant, Iowa City Single Family New Construction and ECICOG Single Family New Construction ■ Made first IVHH Dottie Ray Women Build microloan payments • Began administration duties for HFfLC and ECIHTF • Created new part-time staff position: Operations Coordinator • Instituted new system for gathering documents for future IFA monitoring • Implemented new income - verification for all new and existing projects to ensure that all projects comply with HTFJC affordability requirements ■ Increased awareness of HTFJC: spoke at the 2011 Housing Summit, attended Lobby Day at the state capitol, actively participated in Local Homeless Coordinating Board and participated in the Chamber Leadership Program ■ Began redesigning a new HTFJC brochure 5-19_). Marian Karr I ZE From: Jennifer Kardos <jennifer drez @hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 12, 2013 10:05 PM To: Council Subject: Just because we can does not mean we should Hi City Council Members, I am not one to usually write your the city council, as usually I feel quite blessed to live in a small city of such vision and I know much of your hard work is behind this. Plus I have three small children, which leaves limited time for involvement in things such as downtown development. I love walking downtown and watching how it has changed in small ways (like the art on the benches and trees) and the bigger ways, too. I love the open, friendly pedestrian feel. Lately, though, I feel unsually uncomfortable about the approved 20 -story building at Gilbert - College. Even in the artists renderings, which I am guessing are suppose to make it look attractive, it just looks so out of place. I like the idea of the bowling alley and the theater. I am disappointed that such a goodwill business like the New Pi Coop has not been integrated. But mostly I am concerned, it will just look badly disproportioned and out of place. Just because we can build and finance a 20 -story building on the outskirts of downtown doesn't mean we should. I urge you to take a step back before moving forward and allow a more appropriate and creative answer to emerge. We want something beautiful in that precious spot. There is limited land opportunities to do something this 'big'... let's take the time to get it right. Best Regards, Jennifer Kardos Iowa City Marian Karr From: Jeanette Carter <carterpatton @mchsi.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 9:15 AM To: Sarah Walz Cc: Council Subject: citizen input I would like to add my objections to the accepted building at the corner of Gilbert and College. This building has no environmental sustainability included, is out of the scope of the Comprehensive plan and requires a TIF, which is not necessary and is harmful to other taxing bodies in the county. Please reconsider this choice! Jeanette Carter, 424 Oakland ave., Iowa City, 52240 Marian Karr From: Maureen Arensdorf <maureenarensdorf@me.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 13, 2013 10:45 AM To: Sarah Walz Cc: Council Subject: Building proposal for the Corner of Gilbert and College Dear Iowa City Council, I love the New Pioneer Coop! I was so looking forward to its new location on the corner of College and Gilbert. Please Return to that plan. If you are trying to get a "Destination" I think the Coop is right under you noses. I have traveled a bit and I have never found anything like it. People from all over the city, visitors from other places and our rural citizens all come to that as a destination. It is one of the things that makes Iowa City unique. New Pi is a good employer, uses local produce, makes its own wonderful inbeatable bread. Please put New Pi back into whatever you build on the corner of College and Gilbert. I also think that a much shorter building would be more in keeping with Iowa City landscape. The idea, in my view is to upgrade, not to dwarf. Maureen Arensdorf maureenarensdorf@me. com R 4; -z- (9) Marian Karr From: Elizabeth Cummings <idea @mchsi.com> Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 2:05 PM To: Council Subject: Fwd: Concern about Police Blotter content on City website Attachments: APPROX_50_BLACK PEOPLE.jpg I neglected to attach the image in the first message; it is attached in this message. - - - -- Forwarded Message - - - -- From: "Elizabeth Cummings" <idea @mchsi.com> To: council @iowa - city.org Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2013 2:02:08 PM GMT -06:00 US /Canada Central Subject: Concern about Police Blotter content on City website Dear Council Members: Today, my husband noticed unsettling content on the icgov.org website; it might still appear at http• / /www iowa -citx org /icgov /apps /police /activityLog aspzdis= 13038542 &date= but we wanted to make sure we captured the content in the event it was edited, later, so it can be viewed in the attached image. Everyone knows that there is tension in this town that stems from "race relations ", whether they want to admit it or not. Many people who live here like to fancy themselves open minded, and the town, itself, progressive - -but when something like this is posted on the municipal website's police blotter, it's clear there is work to do. It should be clear what I'm getting at - -but in case it isn't: Why did the person documenting the incident- - whether it was dispatch documenting what a citizen called in, or an officer documenting the scene he or she came to - -need to note the color of the skin of the people who had gathered? Why not simply, "About 50 people "? Particularly since someone relayed an approximation of the size of the crowd, can we be sure than no people who have white skin or another color of skin were involved? Please address this publicly -- hopefully in terms of an explanation, an apology, and sensitivity training. Sincerely, Elizabeth Cummings and Tom Glorfield, Iowa City City of Iowa City I Daily Activity Log Citizen Service Center I Transit Routes I News I ESubscdptions I � Search lCpoeorgf— 1 Iowa assal A-Z Index Residents Business Government visitors �� IowaCryPd¢e Deptamnent g Dally A /1divi y Lo �. 1.1 ° y _ ICgov.org Home Udl� LO Detail Y 9 Contact Information Police Department Transit Routes Web Policies Past Articles Dispatch# 13038542 Chiefs Welcome Incident# 2013002940 Under 21 FAQ - PDF Dispatch Time 3/17/20131:17:00 AM Police Substation Activity DIST /FIGHT IN PROGRESS Community Policing Disposition ARREST MADE Crime Prevention Contact Us Location Address 3018 MUSCATINE AVE The Organization Lccatlon Apt.# Employment Details APPROX 50 BLACK PEOPLE FAQ ,a Back to Daily Loa Other Links Child Restraint Law BAG Calculator Speed Survey Reports Most Wanted Missing Persons Ongoing Investigations Annual Report General Orders Bar Check Reports Radar Sites Top Crash Locations Arrest Blotter Arrest Statistics Daily Activity Log Online Reporting Page I of 1 Jobs I Calendar I Store Search -Z Indez Cgzen Service Center Contact Information Residents Transit Routes Web Policies Business News City Employee Resources Government E- Subscriptions Visitors Jos alendar Copyright Q 20062012 City of Iowa City ore 410 E Washington St., Ivva City, IA 52240 Phone (319)35 6-5000 http: / /www.iowa- city.org /icgov/ apps /police /activityLog.asp ?dis= 13038542 &date 3/18/2013 Marian Karr From: Rick Wyss Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2013 12:02 PM To: 'idea @mchsi.com' Cc: Tom Markus; Marian Karr Subject: RE: Concern about Police Blotter content on City website Attachments: Concern about Police Blotter content 3- 19- 13.pdf Elizabeth Cummings and Tom Glorfield; I have received the email expressing your concerns regarding the Police Blotter content on the City website. The point is taken and I understand your concern. I have attached my response that will go to the City Council. I would like to make myself available to you to discuss this further if you wish, please feel free to contact me. If you would like to discuss this with Tom Jones, the Director of the Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center, he can be reached at 356 -6800. Capt. Richard D. Wyss Iowa City Police Department 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 (319) 356 -5272 `:.p r CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: March 19, 2013 To: Thomas Markus, City Manager From: Capt. Richard Wyss Re: Police Blotter content on City Website On March 113 "', 2013 the Iowa City Council and City of Iowa City received a concern regarding information that was posted on the Police activity log. Specifically they questioned `iivhy the person documenting the incident—whether it was dispatch documenting what a citizen called in, or an officer documenting the scene he or she came to --need to note the color of the skin of the people who had gathered? Why not simply, `About 50 people "? Particularly since someone relayed an approximation of the size of the crowd, can we be sure than no people who have white skin or another color of skin were involved ?" The call was reviewed and the concern was also submitted to Tom Jones, the Director of the Johnson County Joint Communications Center for review. The call was entered into the system and dispatched as a result of a 9-1 -1 call that was received and documented by a dispatcher at the Johnson County Joint Communications Center. Although delayed, the calls are automatically rolled into our website without review or edit as a public service. As a rule, dispatchers are directed to enter the information into the call for service as it is relayed to them by the caller. This ensures that the information is as accurate and complete as possible. It provides the Officers responding to the scene with as much information as possible to allow them to assess the situation from the caller's perspective prior to arriving at the scene. It is not unusual for people calling the 9 -1 -1 Center to provide very generic and basic descriptions, which was what the dispatcher entered into the call for service. In this circumstance, background noise and commotion caused difficulty in communication between the dispatcher and caller, limiting the gathering of further information. March 19, 2013 Terry Dahms, Chairperson Johnson County Planning and Zoning Commission 913 S Dubuque Street Iowa City, IA 52240 CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826 (319) 356 -5000 (319) 356 -5009 FAX www.icgov.org Re: S & G Materials Rezoning and Final Plat Application for land located at 4059 Izaak Walton Rd SE Dear Terry: The Iowa City City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission have reviewed the request of S & G Materials to rezone land in unincorporated Johnson County south of Izaak Walton League Road from County Agricultural to County Light Industrial. S & G Materials operates a concrete and asphalt recycling operation on this property. The Iowa City and Johnson County Fringe Area Agreement provides for City review and comment on rezonings in the fringe area. In a staff report to the City Planning and Zoning Commission, City Staff noted the location of the property in a floodway and within an area regulated by the Johnson County Sensitive Areas Ordinance. There are limits on the structures and uses permitted on the property and it is unlikely that any industrial uses beyond the current concrete processing plant will be allowed in the future. At its March 7"' meeting the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the Iowa City City Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Planning and Zoning..Commission recommending that the rezoning to Light Industrial be approved. The City Council concurs with the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation and recommends the rezoning and final plat application submitted by S & G Materials be approved. Thank you for your consideration of our comments on this application. Sincerely, Matthew Hayek Mayor r o"gat$ CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM DATE: MARCH 13, 2013 TO: CITY COUNCIL FROM: JANN REAM, CODE ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANT RE: APPEAL OF MOBILE VENDING PERMIT DENIAL 03 -19-13 6 Under Section 10 -3 -5 of the City Code, the City Manager, or designee, is authorized to grant six mobile vending permits. For the three -year period beginning 2013, the City received nine applications. After reviewing the applications, staff denied three and granted six consistent with the Administrative Rules Governing Mobile Vendors. Mohamed Abbas submitted an application, along with his business partner Alsaddig Elsemeigh, to operate their cart, Alladin Pita Cart. In a letter dated March 5, 2013 staff denied their application. In accordance with the City Code, Mr. Abbas and Mr. Elsemeih filed an appeal to the City Council. Attached to this Memorandum are copies of: 1. The application; 2. The denial letter; 3. The appeal; 4. The letter notifying Mr. Abbas and Mr. Elsemeih of the City Council hearing; and 5. Administrative Rules Governing Mobile Vendors. I will be at the City Council meeting on March 19. If the applicant is not a natural person (for complete the addendum. 1. APPLICANT'S NAME: 116 ka 2. ADDRESS: /6/-7 0�� RVot FIRST pa�fn13 LC, VG & INSPEGTIGN,'�13 ttFIF/LA'' ,.sue./. _—'— ..!_.0 - IT rporation), please STREET APT4 CITY Slate ZIP WDE 3. EMAIL ADDRESS: 8seyah R tvail - ro -n 4. PHONE NUMBER: 'AIR U-11 S1 51 _ 5. HAVE YOU HELD A MOBILE VENDING PERMIT BEFORE? (9k-- NO 6. IF YES, NAME OF CARTA lid I n 1" ..__ Coy-� LL NUMBER OF YEARS WAS CART OPERATED IN 2012 FOR THE FULL SEASON (MAY 1 - OCTOBER 1) ?O NO IF NO, REASON WHY NOT: 7. REQUESTED LOCATION(S) OF OPERATION: 8. If I am selling food or drinks, I acknowledge that I have contacted the Johnson County Department of Health and have reviewed and will comply with the applicable health code requirements. 9. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE(S) TO BE USED: (including portable radio and lights, if applicable). 110 volts available - 20 amp circuits. 9a: Estimated amperage draw: 10. WILL FUEL BE USED TO POWER EQUIPMENT? 11. ARE YOU USING A CHARCOAL GRILL? YES � YES (NZ) 12. IF ANY, MONTHS OF OPERATION IN ADDITION TO THE MINIMUM: (Minimum is May 1 to October 1) 13. LOCATION OF OVERNIGHT CART STORAGE: /61/1 090 N AVe. C9MWIle , l A Ta2:q( 14. DESCRIPTION OF CART: Attach a photo of your cart as it appears today, or a color drawing of the proposed cart. Also, please provide dimensions of cart (length, width, height of counter, height of entire cart including any awnings or umbrellas) in addition to materials to be used. Dimensions of the vending cart shall not exceed a size of four feet wide by nine feet long by eight feet high (4' x 9' x 8'). Details of proposed signage must also be submitted. All carts must be equipped with a 5# multi - purpose fire extinguisher. 15. INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT The applicant agrees to: Pay on behalf of the City all sums which the City shall be obligated to pay by reason of any liability imposed upon the City for damages of any kind resulting from use of public property and the public right of way, whether sustained by any person or persons, caused by accident or otherwise and shall defend at its own expense and on behalf of the City any claim against the City arising out of the use of public property and the public right of way. Applicant agrees to provide the certificate of insurance to the City by the last working day prior to the first day of vending operation. If the applicant is not an individual, the person signing this application acknowledges that he or she has the authority to act on behalf of the group that is requesting the permit. Wpdatallegal /mobile vending- App2008.doc 11/27/2012 Applicant Return c;csrY;f,i ,i£.tt application ;v Housing & Inspection Services Office City of Iowa City 410 E. Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Any questions can be directed to the Housing & Inspection Services office at 319- 356 -5120. o 1 /oaa 13 Signat e of Applicant Date APPEAL RIGHTS Any party aggrieved by the City Manager's or designee's decision to grant or deny a permit under this Chapter may appeal the determination to the City Council if, within five (5) working days after the decision, the party files a written notice of appeal with the City Clerk. In such event, a hearing shall be held by the City Council no later than the next regularly scheduled meeting, assuming the appeal is filed in time to allow notice of said appeal in accordance with Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code. FOR CITY USE ONLY: NOTICE OF DECISION GRANTING OR DENYING THE APPLICATION The application is approved. / The application is denied because City ManaW or Designee Date WpdataflegaUmobile vending•App2008.doc 11/27/2012 111!11 jq��11111 111 111 liql1i III III qiii To be completed only if applicant is not a natural person (for example, a partnership, are LLC, or a corporation). 1 If the applicant is a partnership, list all partners and the share of partnership distribution. A_L5.q,AA_%_A"eMe_A 50 7'_ Name of Par ner % share in partnership distribution Mo ho, m A bLIY s 5o'! Name of Partner % share in partnership distribution Name of Partner % share in partnership distribution 2 if the applicant is a corporation, list all shareholders and their percentage ownership. Name of Shareholder % of stock owned Name of Shareholder % of stock owned Name of Shareholder % of stock owned 3. If applicant is a limited liability company, list all members and their membership interest. Name of Member Membership interest Name of Member Membership interest Name of Member Membership interest 4. If the applicant has had a permit previously, has the information on the Addendum changed, and if so, how (e.g., new partner, change in how much stock a shareholder owns)? wpdata/legal /mobile vend ing- App2008.doc 11/27/2012 CITY OF IOWA CITY Department of Housing and Inspection Services 410 Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 March 5, 2013 Mohamed Abbas Alsaddig Elsemeih 1017 200' Avenue Coralville, IA 52241 Dear Mr. Abbas and Mr. Elsemeih, City staff has finished the review of current applications for the City Plaza vending carts for the 2013 -2015 permit period. We regret to inform you that your cart, Alladin Pita Cart, has not been selected for a permit. Staff's decision to deny the application was based on Section 10 -3 -5 of the City Code and Administrative Rules. The reasons are prior unsatisfactory operation (i.e.; over loading of City electrical circuits on a regular basis) and the lack of a consistent presence on City Plaza. Since there are only six (6) permits available for issuance, City staff feels it is important for each permit to be utilized effectively so that every cart contributes to the character of City Plaza and serves all of the people who use City Plaza on a regular basis. Your application will be kept on file and, if another vendor relinquishes their permit or that permit is revoked, your application may be reconsidered. However, the City may elect to permit fewer than six (6) vendors to operate and, therefore, not assign a replacement. Thank you for your interest in a City Plaza vending cart and good luck in the future. Thank you, Jann Ream Code Enforcement Assistant City of Iowa City 319- 356 -5120 CNL am' y 101720 th Street Coralville, IA 52241 March 12, 2013 Dear City Clerk, City of Iowa City 1.;, 410 Washington Street Iowa City, IA 52240 f ' Subject: RE Appeal I am the owner of the vending cart Alladin Pita that operates on the City Plaza, and I am writing to you to appeal the decision made by the Department of Housing and Inspection Services that denied my application to the City Plaza vending cart for the 2013 — 2015 permit period. I believe that the Department of Housing and Inspection Services did not give my application the proper evaluation. Based on the denial letter 1 received from the department on March 5th, 2013, the department relied on two reasons to revoke my permit. L Loading of City Electrical Circuit on Regular basis: This goes back to the previous year when I had been having issues with the electric circuit feeding my cart. At first, I notified the city of the issue and I was told that the vending cart may have been overloading the circuit. However, the problem turned out to be a bad electric outlet and the city changed it immediately. One thing to mention is that when I talked to Jann Ream, the Code Enforcement Assistant, on Thursday March 7, 2013, she mentioned that the electric circuit was overloaded (tripped) the day before, even though my cart did not operate that day. Lastly, the only appliances used in my cart are the refrigerator, lights and food heater and I do not believe that they are draining more current than the electric circuit output. N. Lack of Consistent Presence on City Plaza: When I first started operating the vending cart, I was not the fully managing the cart on the City Plaza. However, after assuming full management of the cart I was regularly present on the City Plaza working every Friday and Saturday night, and in some occasions, Sunday night as well. Also, since I am new to this business, it took me sometime to gain the proper experience to operate the vending cart efficiently. The vending cart was not in good physical condition when I first assumed its full management. Nonetheless, since I was new to this business I was not able to invest to renovate the cart. After a year of operation I felt more confident operating the cart, gained a valuable experience, and made new customers; and business started to grow rapidly. Recently, I evaluated the physical condition of the cart and I decided to renovate it so it may look more appealing to customers and more efficient to operate. This renovation was anticipated to take between one to two weeks; however, during renovation it was highly recommended and more cost effective that the cart needed to be taken apart for a total rebuild. This caused the vending cart to be absent from the City Plaza for a total of four weeks (from December 18, 2012 to January 19, 2013). I truly wish the justifications above are reasonably sound and that you may reconsider you decision for not considering Alladin Pita vending cart for 2013 -2015 permit period. Now that the issues preventing Alladin Pita vending cart from operating regularly are no longer imminent, I am sure Alladin Pita will be a contributor to the character of City Plaza by brining Middle Eastern and African food to Iowan. Respectfully, Signature . .� >- �_:a k ��. ¥�ACT CITY OF IOWA CITY Department of Housing and Inspection Services 410 Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 March 13, 2013 Mohamed Abbas Alsaddig Elsemeih 1017 206' Avenue Coralville, IA 52241 Dear Mr. Abbas and Mr. Elsemeih, This is to notify you that your appeal of the denial of your application for a mobile vending permit will be heard by the City Council at the City Council meeting on March 19, 2013. The meeting begins at 7:00 pm at Emma Harvat Hall, City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City. The agenda for the City Council meeting is available at the City website www.icgov.org after 3:00 pm on March 14. You can also pick up a hard copy of the agenda at City Hall after 3:00 pm on March 14. I am enclosing a copy of the Memorandum and the attachments that I am providing to City Council. You have the right to address the City Council at the meeting. Additionally, you may submitwritten documentation to City Council. You can bring the documentation to the City Council meeting on March 19 or you can deliver the documentation to the City Clerk before the City Council meeting. Tha you, n Ream ode Enforcement Assistant City of Iowa City 319 -356 -5120 ADMINISTRATIVE O. !O" E Section 10 -3 -5 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Iowa City governs the operation of mobile vendors. Section 10 -3 -5G provides that the City Manager may establish administrative rules for mobile vending to carry out the provisions of Section 10 -3 -5. Reference to the "City" in the following administrative rules shall mean the City Manager or his /her appointed designee. Six (6) permits may be issued for the City Plaza and /or Iowa Avenue. 1. Length of Permit and Approval Criteria Permit shall be issued for a period of 3 years and shall be valid for 3 years providing the vendor meets all requirements, operational policies and pays fees in a timely manner. The permit may be revoked using the criteria found in Section 7 at any time during the 3 year period. At the end of each 3 year period, all current permit holders will be subject to an open application process. Seniority will not be a criteria for renewal. Criteria for the selection of vendors shall include but not be limited to the following: a. Prior satisfactory operation, including problems, if any, occurring during past operations. b. The appearance and maintenance of the vending cart. Cart must maintain same appearance for the entire vending season as that submitted at the time of application. c. Consistent and available hours of operation. While there are no required hours of operation, a mobile vendor who does not have a predictable presence on City Plaza jeopardizes renewal or faces possible revocation of his /her permit. d. For a new applicant who has not previously had a permit for mobile vending, the City will consider past experience in other jurisdictions, a submitted business plan or any other information the applicant feels is pertinent to the application. e. In instances where the number of applications for a mobile vending permit exceeds the limit of six permits allowed by ordinance and all of the applicants meet the requirements listed in Section 3, the City shall use these approval criteria to discern which vendors shall be awarded a permit. 2. Application The first open application period will begin January 1, 2013 and all applications must be received by 5:00 PM, January 31, 2013. Subsequently, every three years the application process opens again January 1 st of that year and closes at 5:00 PM on January 31 st. Applications for Mobile Vending Permits must be submitted on the form provided by the City that can be obtained from Housing and Inspection Services or on the City web site at icgov.org. Applications received after the January 31" deadline will be kept on file and may be considered in the event a current vendor elects not operate or has his /her permit revoked, However, the City may elect to permit fewer than six (6) vendors to operate and therefore not assign a replacement. Applicants must contact the Johnson County Health Department prior to submission of the City application to review health code compliance requirements. The Health Department is located at 855 S. Dubuque Street, Iowa City. Phone is 319- 356 -6040. 3. Requirements The City Manager or designee shall issue a permit if the following conditions have met: a. A mobile vending location is available which will not interfere with free movement within the emergency services lane and will not interfere with an existing or new outdoor service area or sidewalk cafe. b. The applicant's proposed mode of operation will not impede the free flow of pedestrian traffic along the public right of way or in or out of adjacent properties. Any cords /wiring must be securely fastened to the ground and covered by a cord protector. c. The applicant agrees to operate the cart only at the assigned mobile vending location. d. The dimensions of the applicant's vending cart shall not exceed a size of four (4) feet wide by nine (9) feet long by eight (8) feet high. e. The applicant has adequate storage for the mobile vending cart off of the City Plaza or public right of way. f. The applicant has obtained all necessary permits required by the Johnson County Health Department. g. All applicable fees have been paid. h. The application is fully completed and executed. i. The indemnification agreement has been signed. j. A Certificate of Liability insurance showing the City of Iowa City as "Additional Insured" has been provided and showing compliance with Section 10 -3 -5 and Paragraph 8 below. k. The application contains no material falsehood or misrepresentation. I. The applicant has not damaged City property, and, if the applicant has, the damage has been paid in full and the applicant has paid all other outstanding debts to the City. m. The applicant has complied with all applicable laws concerning the sale or offering for sale any food related items. n. The use or activity intended by the applicant is not prohibited by law. o. Mobile vendor may sell any type of food or non - alcoholic beverage. � 4 Fees for all permits are established by resolution of the City Council and must be paid promptly and prior to the specified deadlines. No permit holder shall be allowed to operate until the appropriate fee has been paid to the City. Mobile vending permit fee is $1,000 per year and the entire amount must be paid by May 1 of each year of the permit. The use of an electrical hook up must be requested on the application and be approved by the City. The fee is $15.00 per month and must be paid for the whole year — total cost $180.00 — payable by May 1 of each year of the permit. (Prior to May 1, 2012, the fee is $15.00 per month payable each month.) All fees must be paid within ten (10) days of the due date or the permit will be revoked. Any vendor who operates his /her vending business on the City Plaza or Iowa Avenue before all required fees or charges have been received by the City or who operates while under order from the City to cease operation for lack of payment or any other valid reason, shall have his or her permit revoked. A replacement permit may be considered for the remainder of three year permit period but the City, in its discretion, may choose to wait until the next open application process before filling any vacant permit locations. 5. Operational Policies Mobile vending carts may operate seasonally or all year round Mobile Vending Carts must be entirely self- contained with no storage of items on the ground or on benches, planters, or other fixtures. This includes no external ice storage containers. Vendors must take proper care to ensure that no grease or other substances are spilled or allowed to drip on the ground and, if this accidentally occurs, ensure prompt and complete clean up. All carts must be equipped with a 51b multi- purpose fire extinguisher. Operators of vending carts must privately dispose of all waste paper and other waste materials. The City owned trash receptacles are for the general public and patrons of the vending carts. Waste from carts must be disposed of by private means and not in any publicly- provided waste receptacles. At no time shall a cart in operational mode be left unattended on City Plaza Specific locations have been designated within the boundaries of City Plaza and/or Iowa Avenue for the operation of mobile vending carts. Each mobile vending permit shall carry with it the authorization to operate from one (1) designated location. Any deviation during special events must be requested by the vendor and approved in advance by the City. The vendor may sell in transit if a customer request is made provided the primary trade shall be conducted at the designated location. All carts must be removed from their vending locations at the end of each vending day to a location off of City Plaza and /or city right of way. Provisions for storage must be described in the permit application. The applicant will supply to the City a copy of the Johnson County Health Department permit and said permit shalt be displayed at the vending location. The sale, transfer or assignment of a mobile vending permit is expressly prohibited. If the permitted vendor is not a natural person (for example a partnership, LLC or corporation) and there is a substantial change, as determined by the City, in the stock ownership, membership interest or partnership distribution, this will be considered a sale, transfer or re- assignment of the permit and will not be permitted. The permit will be revoked. No single cart owner or business entity shall own more than 50% of the total permits available for mobile vending. 7. Revocation of a Permit The City Manager or designee, or City Council if issued after an appeal may revoke a mobile vending permit based on the following criteria: a. It is determined by the Chief of Police or Fire Chief that, by reason of disaster, public calamity, riot or other emergency, the public safety requires such revocation. b. The vendor has misstated any material fact in the application. c. There is a substantial and material variance between the information in the application and the actual facts or those facts which appear reasonably to have occurred. d. The vendor is operating a mobile vending cart in violation of the terms of the permit. e. The vendor's insurance has been cancelled. f. The vendor violates any of the previously stated administrative rules and requirements. g. The vendor fails to pay any fees in the required time frame. A vendor may appeal the revocation in the same manner as appealing the issuance or denial of a permit. Upon revocation of any vending permit, a pro-rated portion of the permit fee based on the time of revocation, less 20% of the annual fee will be returned to the vendor. Any amount owed to the City at the time of revocation shall be withheld in addition to the above mentioned 20% of the annual fee. 8. Minimum Insurance Requirements The applicant shall agree to indemnify, defend, and save harmless the City of Iowa City, its agents, officers, and employees, from and against all claims, damages, losses and expenses in a manner resulting from, arising out of or connected with, the construction, use, maintenance, or removal of any structure, cart or use. The applicant shall at all times, maintain a policy of liability insurance in the minimum amount of $500,000 for personal injuries and $50,000 for property damage arising out of the permitted operation. The applicant shall submit to Housing and Inspection Services, prior to vending, a copy of all the liability insurance policies executed by a company authorized to do insurance business in the State of Iowa on a form approved by the City Clerk. Such cancellation or change without written approval shall revoke the permit,