HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-09-25 Info Packetto W
-' `• ®�•� AM:, CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
September 25, 2014
www.icgov.org
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 Article from City Manager: Forty Under 40
IP3 Article from City Manager: Climate Science The Unknowns of Climate Science Is Not Settled
IP4 Memo from Media Services Production Coordinator: Mediacom Changes
IP5 Memo from Neighborhood Services Coordinator and Services Intern: UniverCity
Neighborhood Partnership update
IP6 Press Release from Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA): Iowa City receives
GFOA's Distinguished Budget Award (with attached press release form Finance Dir.)
IP7 Memo from Asst. City Manager: Strategic Plan States Report
IP8 Email from Parks & Rec. Dir: Annual Park Tour
IP9 Community Job & Resource Fair — October 30
IP10 Dubuque Street Open House —September 26
Email from City Attorney: Response to letter from Dept. of Justice re. Curb Ramps
[Distributed as a late handout on 9/26]
1
Affl,--0,04 CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org September 25, 014
IP1 Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
1 MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 Article from City Manager: Fo \Science
IP3 Article from City Manager: Cli The Unknowns of Climate ience
IP4 Memo from Media Services Pordinator: Mediacom C anges
IP5 Memo from Neighborhood Coordinator and rvices Intern
Neighborhood Partnership update
IP6 Press Release from Government Finance Of ei
GFOA's Distinguished Budget Award (with a
IP7 Memo from Asst. City Manager: Strategic Plan
IP8 Email from Parks & Rec. Dir: Annu/Park IP9 Community Job & Resource Fair IP10 Dubuque Street Open House — Se
Is Not Settled
UniverCity
Kation (GFOA): Iowa City receives
press release form Finance Dir.)
Report
AN.+�I'.�
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP1
Subject to change September 25, 2014
Time Meeting
5:00 PM Work Session Meeting
7:00 PM Formal Meeting
Location
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, October 27, 2014
4:30 PM
Joint Meeting /Work Session
North Liberty
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Thursday, November 6, 2014
5:00 PM
Spec. Work Session (Court /Linn RFP)
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Saturday, January 10, 2015
8AM -5PM
Special Budget Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
(Department Presentations)
Monday, January 12, 2015
1:00- 7:OOPM Special Budget Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
(CIP Presentations)
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
5:00 PM
Special Budget Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
5:00 PM
Work Session Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, January 26, 2015
4:30 PM
Joint Meeting / Work Session
TBA
From the City Manager 1P2
Forty Under 40
The annual Forty under 40 awards recognize forty leaders under the age of 40 who are making a
difference in the Corridor. Nominations will be taken in late summer, and honorees will be chosen by
a panel of the previous year's winners. A reception to provide networking opportunities will be
followed by a dinner and awards ceremony.
Date: October 23, 2014
Location: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center
5:30 — 6:30 p.m. cocktail hour
6:30 — 8:30 p.m. dinner & awards presentation
dinner will start promptly at 6:30 p.m.
2014 Honorees:
Carla Andorf
Emmy Ball
Kate Beihl
Nicholas Bergus
Paula Boback
Michele Brock
Katy Brown
Tiffany Chamberlain
Benjamin Clark
Kevin Conlin
Jill Donnewerth
Casey Ealy
Stephanie Ernsting
Kris Fassler
Geoff Fruin
Ryan Giannini
Sara Going
Brad Haverback
Brent Hinson
Katie Imborek
Donald Johnson
Nate Kaeding
Jeff Kellbach
Shea Kelly
David Little
Brian McConnell
Cally Murray
Wendy Nielsen
Stacie Osako
Raj Patel
Andre Perry
Ofer Sivan
Julie Sterling
Joseph Strathman
Deborah Summers
Greg Swartzendruber
Aaron -Marie Thorns
Jennifer Welton
Jill Wilkins
Scott Wilson
Climate Science Is Not Settled - WSJ
Page 1 of 4
From the City Manager
IP3
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THE SATURDAY ESSAY
Climate ScienceThe Unknowns of Climate Science
IsNot Settled
By STEVEN E. KOONIN
Updated Sept. 20, 2014 2:20 a.m. ET
The idea that "Climate science is settled "runs through today's popular and policy discussions.
Unfortunately, that claim is misguided. It has not only distorted our public and policy debates on issues
related to energy, greenhouse -gas emissions and the environment. But it also has inhibited the scientific
and policy discussions that we need to have about our climate future. i My training as a computational
physicist— together with a 40 -year career of scientific research, advising and management in academia,
government and the private sector —has afforded me an extended, up -close perspective on climate
science. Detailed technical discussions during the past
year with leading climate scientists have given me an even better sense of what we know, and don't
know, about climate. I have come to appreciate the daunting scientific challenge of answering the
questions that policy makers and the public are asking.
The crucial scientific question for policy isn't whether the climate is changing. That is a settled matter:
The climate has always changed and always will. Geological and historical records show the occurrence
of major climate shifts, sometimes over only a few decades. We know, for instance, that during the 20th
century the Earth's global average surface temperature rose 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nor is the crucial question whether humans are influencing the climate. That is no hoax: There is little
doubt in the scientific community that continually growing amounts of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere, due largely to carbon - dioxide emissions from the conventional use of fossil fuels, are
influencing the climate. There is also little doubt that the carbon dioxide will persist in the atmosphere for
several centuries. The impact today of human activity appears to be comparable to the intrinsic, natural
variability of the climate system itself.
Rather, the crucial, unsettled scientific question for policy is, "How will the climate change over the next
century under both natural and human influences ?" Answers to that question at the global and regional
levels, as well as to equally complex questions of how ecosystems and human activities will be affected,
should inform our choices about energy and infrastructure.
But — here's the catch —those questions are the hardest ones to answer. They challenge, in a
fundamental way, what science can tell us about future climates.
Even though human influences could have serious consequences for the climate, they are physically
small in relation to the climate system as a whole. For example, human additions to carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere by the middle of the 21st century are expected to directly shift the atmosphere's natural
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Climate Science Is Not Settled - WSJ Page 2 of 4
greenhouse effect by only 1% to 2 %. Since the climate system is highly variable on its own, that
smallness sets a very high bar for confidently projecting the consequences of human influences.
A second challenge to "knowing" future climate is today's poor understanding of the oceans. The oceans,
which change over decades and centuries, hold most of the climate's heat and strongly influence the
atmosphere. Unfortunately, precise, comprehensive observations of the oceans are available only for the
past few decades; the reliable record is still far too short to adequately understand how the oceans will
change and how that will affect climate.
A third fundamental challenge arises from feedbacks that can dramatically amplify or mute the climate's
response to human and natural influences. One important feedback, which is thought to approximately
double the direct heating effect of carbon dioxide, involves water vapor, clouds and temperature.
But feedbacks are uncertain. They depend on the details of processes such as evaporation and the flow
of radiation through clouds. They cannot be determined confidently from the basic laws of physics and
chemistry, so they must be verified by precise, detailed observations that are, in many cases, not yet
available.
Beyond these observational challenges are those posed by the complex computer models used to
project future climate. These massive programs attempt to describe the dynamics and interactions of the
various components of the Earth system —the atmosphere, the oceans, the land, the ice and the
biosphere of living things. While some parts of the models rely on well- tested physical laws, other parts
involve technically informed estimation. Computer modeling of complex systems is as much an art as a
science.
For instance, global climate models describe the Earth on a grid that is currently limited by computer
capabilities to a resolution of no finer than 60 miles. (The distance from New York City to Washington,
D.C., is thus covered by only four grid cells.) But processes such as cloud formation, turbulence and rain
all happen on much smaller scales. These critical processes then appear in the model only through
adjustable assumptions that specify, for example, how the average cloud cover depends on a grid box's
average temperature and humidity. In a given model, dozens of such assumptions must be adjusted
( "tuned," in the jargon of modelers) to reproduce both current observations and imperfectly known
historical records.
We often hear that there is a "scientific consensus" about climate change. But as far as the computer
models go, there isn't a useful consensus at the level of detail relevant to assessing human influences.
Since 1990, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, has periodically
surveyed the state of climate science. Each successive report from that endeavor, with contributions from
thousands of scientists around the world, has come to be seen as the definitive assessment of climate
science at the time of its issue.
For the latest IPCC report (September 2013), its Working Group I, which focuses on physical science,
uses an ensemble of some 55 different models. Although most of these models are tuned to reproduce
the gross features of the Earth's climate, the marked differences in their details and projections reflect all
of the limitations that I have described. For example:
• The models differ in their descriptions of the past century's global average surface temperature by more
than three times the entire warming recorded during that time. Such mismatches are also present in
many other basic climate factors, including rainfall, which is fundamental to the atmosphere's energy
balance. As a result, the models give widely varying descriptions of the climate's inner workings. Since
they disagree so markedly, no more than one of them can be right.
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Climate Science Is Not Settled - WSJ
Page 3 of 4
• Although the Earth's average surface temperature rose sharply by 0.9 degree Fahrenheit during the last
quarter of the 20th century, it has increased much more slowly for the past 16 years, even as the human
contribution to atmospheric carbon dioxide has risen by some 25 %. This surprising fact demonstrates
directly that natural influences and variability are powerful enough to counteract the present warming
influence exerted by human activity.
Yet the models famously fail to capture this slowing in the temperature rise. Several dozen different
explanations for this failure have been offered, with ocean variability most likely playing a major role. But
the whole episode continues to highlight the limits of our modeling.
• The models roughly describe the shrinking extent of Arctic sea ice observed over the past two decades,
but they fail to describe the comparable growth of Antarctic sea ice, which is now at a record high.
• The models predict that the lower atmosphere in the tropics will absorb much of the heat of the warming
atmosphere. But that "hot spot" has not been confidently observed, casting doubt on our understanding
of the crucial feedback of water vapor on temperature.
• Even though the human influence on climate was much smaller in the past, the models do not account
for the fact that the rate of global sea -level rise 70 years ago was as large as what we observe
today —about one foot per century.
• A crucial measure of our knowledge of feedbacks is climate sensitivity —that is, the warming induced by
a hypothetical doubling of carbon - dioxide concentration. Today's best estimate of the sensitivity (between
2.7 degrees Fahrenheit and 8.1 degrees Fahrenheit) is no different, and no more certain, than it was 30
years ago. And this is despite an heroic research effort costing billions of dollars.
These and many other open questions are in fact described in the IPCC research reports, although a
detailed and knowledgeable reading is sometimes required to discern them. They are not "minor" issues
to be "cleaned up" by further research. Rather, they are deficiencies that erode confidence in the
computer projections. Work to resolve these shortcomings in climate models should be among the top
priorities for climate research.
Yet a public official reading only the IPCC's "Summary for Policy Makers" would gain little sense of the
extent or implications of these deficiencies. These are fundamental challenges to our understanding of
human impacts on the climate, and they should not be dismissed with the mantra that "climate science is
settled."
While the past two decades have seen progress in climate science, the field is not yet mature enough to
usefully answer the difficult and important questions being asked of it. This decidedly unsettled state
highlights what should be obvious: Understanding climate, at the level of detail relevant to human
influences, is a very, very difficult problem.
We can and should take steps to make climate projections more useful over time. An international
commitment to a sustained global climate observation system would generate an ever - lengthening record
of more precise observations. And increasingly powerful computers can allow a better understanding of
the uncertainties in our models, finer model grids and more sophisticated descriptions of the processes
that occur within them. The science is urgent, since we could be caught flat- footed if our understanding
does not improve more rapidly than the climate itself changes.
A transparent rigor would also be a welcome development, especially given the momentous political and
policy decisions at stake. That could be supported by regular, independent, "red team" reviews to stress-
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Climate Science Is Not Settled - WSJ
Page 4 of 4
test and challenge the projections by focusing on their deficiencies and uncertainties; that would certainly
be the best practice of the scientific method. But because the natural climate changes over decades, it
will take many years to get the data needed to confidently isolate and quantify the effects of human
influences.
Policy makers and the public may wish for the comfort of certainty in their climate science. But I fear that
rigidly promulgating the idea that climate science is "settled" (or is a "hoax ") demeans and chills the
scientific enterprise, retarding its progress in these important matters. Uncertainty is a prime mover and
motivator of science and must be faced head -on. It should not be confined to hushed sidebar
conversations at academic conferences.
Society's choices in the years ahead will necessarily be based on uncertain knowledge of future climates.
That uncertainty need not be an excuse for inaction. There is well - justified prudence in accelerating the
development of low- emissions technologies and in cost - effective energy - efficiency measures.
But climate strategies beyond such "no regrets" efforts carry costs, risks and questions of effectiveness,
so nonscientific factors inevitably enter the decision. These include our tolerance for risk and the priorities
that we assign to economic development, poverty reduction, environmental quality, and i nterg ene rational
and geographical equity.
Individuals and countries can legitimately disagree about these matters, so the discussion should not be
about "believing" or "denying" the science. Despite the statements of numerous scientific societies, the
scientific community cannot claim any special expertise in addressing issues related to humanity's
deepest goals and values. The political and diplomatic spheres are best suited to debating and resolving
such questions, and misrepresenting the current state of climate science does nothing to advance that
effort.
Any serious discussion of the changing climate must begin by acknowledging not only the scientific
certainties but also the uncertainties, especially in projecting the future. Recognizing those limits, rather
than ignoring them, will lead to a more sober and ultimately more productive discussion of climate
change and climate policies. To do otherwise is a great disservice to climate science itself.
Dr. Koonin was undersecretary for science in the Energy Department during President Barack Obama's
first term and is currently director of the Center for Urban Science and Progress at New York University.
His previous positions include professor of theoretical physics and provost at Caltech, as well as chief
scientist of BP, where his work focused on renewable and low- carbon energy technologies.
he idea that "Climate science is settled "runs through today's popular and policy discussions.
Unfortunately, that claim is misguided. It has not only distorted our public and policy debates on issues
related to energy, greenhouse -gas emissions and the environment. But it also has inhibited the scientific
and policy discussions that we need to have about our climate future. i My training as a computational
physicist— together with a 40 -year career of scientific research, advising and management in academia,
government and the private sector —has afforded me an extended, up -close perspective on climate
science. Detailed technical discussions during the past
T
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CITY OF IOWA CITY 1P4
..,�.._ MEMORANDUM
Date: September 25, 2014
To: Geoff Fruin, Assistant City Manager
From: Ty Coleman, Media Services Production Coordinator
Re: Mediacom Changes
Below is a summary of the changes Mediacom is planning to make to channels found in the basic tier
between channels 10 and 22. Some of the affected channels are local access stations, including The
Library Channel and Public Access Television. The changes noted below are being implemented by
Mediacom in order to free up bandwidth needed to offer higher -speed Internet offerings to businesses
and residents in the Iowa City area, similar to its Ultra 305 service released in Cedar Rapids earlier this
year. On September 16, 2014, Mediacom's Senior Manager of Government Relations, Lee Grassley,
sent a letter of notice to the City regarding these changes and noted they will occur on October 29, 2014.
First, all channels found from 10 to 22, which are currently distributed via an analog signal, will cease
analog transmission and commence digital transmission. Iowa City residents who will be affected by this
change include basic tier cable TV subscribers who utilize analog televisions for viewing cable TV
programming, without the use of a digital transport adapter (DTA). As it stands now, these viewers may
watch all channels offered on this tier by direct connection to their analog TVs. When the channels are
converted to a digital platform, affected viewers will no longer be able to view them unless they obtain a
DTA device or a digital -ready television. Channels 2 through 9 will continue to be distributed via an
analog signal, but can still be received by digital adapters and digital -ready TVs. Those who currently
utilize DTAs or digital -ready TVs will not experience a disruption in service as related to this change.
Second, Iowa City's Library Channel, currently located at channel 10, will be relocated to channel 20. My
understanding is that this comes as a result of Mediacom's efforts to work with other commercial stations
found in the affected channel range, wherein Mediacom has agreed to move the station currently located
at channel 20 to channel 10, as part of the digital conversion process. All Mediacom cable TV
subscribers in Iowa City will experience this change in their channel lineup.
Mediacom, in its September 16th letter, has indicated its intent to notify subscribers of the aforementioned
changes by placing an ad in the local paper and by placing an informational crawl on the Weather
Channel for the 30 days leading up to October 29tH. Mediacom has also stated it will offer DTA devices to
subscribers at no charge for one year, and at the rate of $0.99 per month per adapter after that. After
obtaining additional clarification and details, I have learned that subscribers may obtain up to two DTAs at
the promotional rate and may do so up to six months beyond October 29tH
Working with the City's Communications Office, representatives of Iowa City's public, educational, and
government (PEG) access stations, Library staff, and the Iowa City Telecommunications Commission, we
have recognized the need for informing our residents of the forthcoming changes and their potential need
for obtaining a digital transport adapter to maintain access to Iowa City's valuable PEG channels.
A meeting, which included access channel representatives, Communications Coordinator Shannon
McMahon, and myself was held on September 17, 2014 to discuss potential avenues for informing
residents. Below, I have listed the communication methods we plan to use for accomplishing this task
leading up to October 29th. *Those marked with an asterisk are options still being investigated with
regard to feasibility as related to cost and practicality.
September 25, 2014
Page 2
1. A video public service announcement (PSA) to be played on local access channels as well as
submitted to Mediacom for playback on its Iowa City cable TV system.
2. Information posted on access channel community bulletin boards (on TV), websites, and social
media outlets.
3. An early press release, issued by the City's Communications Office.
4. A follow -up release to serve as a reminder as the date of the changes nears.
5. Various posts throughout the month, made through the City's social media outlets.
6. Information included in neighborhood association newsletters.
7. Information distributed by the Iowa City Community School District.
8. A centralized web page, allowing other communication methods to direct residents to a complete
listing of information.
9. A display in the Iowa City Public Library, to include small, informational handouts.
10. Posters displayed at the Library.
11. Posters on City buses.
12. Posters in downtown kiosks.
13. Information mentioned within a local radio program featuring Library staff.
14. *Informational inserts within utility bills.
15. *Advertisements placed in local publications.
16. *Printing information on cable TV subscriber bills.
Please let me know if you have any questions, concerns, or recommendations as we work to carry out
this plan for informing our citizens.
Mediacom
September 15, 2014
Mr. Ty Coleman
Mediacom Production Services Coordinator
City of Iowa City
Cable TV Office
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Dear Mr. Coleman,
I am writing in response to your letter to me dated August 7, 2014. First, let me thank you for recognizing
that, as technology expands and grows, it is important for Mediacom to prepare its network to make even
faster Internet offerings available to the businesses and residents of Iowa City (the "City").
As you know, Mediacom, until recently, operated in the City pursuant to a local franchise. Mediacom
approached the City in 2008 to discuss the possibility of transitioning some of the City's PEG channels to
digital in order to free up bandwidth for faster Internet services. We ultimately abandoned those plans
because it would have required a revision of the local franchise.
In 2013, Mediacom converted from a local franchise to a state issued franchise. While Mediacom is required
to maintain a comparable number of PEG channels under the state franchise as it was under the local
franchise, there is no requirement that Mediacom maintain those PEG channels in any particular format
(e.g. analog v. digital) or on any particular channel location.
In essence, the state franchise gives Mediacom the freedom to transition PEG channels to digital. Because
we want to begin making room on our network to offer even faster Internet speeds to residents and
businesses in the City, Mediacom will make the below changes to the City's PEG channels on or about
October 29`h :
Channel Name
From Location
To Location
Current Availability
Future Availability
IC Public Library
10
20
Analog /Digital
Digital
Kirkwood CC
11
11
Analog /Digital
Digital
U of 1
17
17
Analog /Digital
Digital
Public Access
18
18
Analog /Digital
Digital
Iowa City Schools
21
21
Analog /Digital
Digital
Mediacom Communications Corporation
6300 Council St. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 • 319- 395 -7801 • Fax 319 - 393 -7017
Mediacom
All of the above listed PEG channels will continue to be available on the broadcast basic tier of service, just
in a digital only format.
In advance of these changes, Mediacom will place an ad in the local newspaper notifying City residents of
the upcoming changes. On or before September 29th, we also plan to run a crawl for 30 days on the
Weather Channel informing customers of the upcoming changes.
If the City would like to produce a :30 PSA giving local residents additional information about the upcoming
changes, Mediacom would offer to run the PSA on various cable channels during the 30 days prior to
October 29th.
Since Mediacom has been gradually transitioning its channels to digital over the past couple years, most of
our customers in the City already have digital reception device, be it a digital -ready television, digital
converter box, or digital transport adapter ( "DTA "). For those customers that still rely on analog only
televisions, Mediacom will offer DTAs at no cost for one year and for lease at $0.99 per month after that.
DTA's can be picked up at the local office or shipped directly to the customer for self - install. If a customer
requires Mediacom to come to their home to install a DTA, then a $49.99 service charge will be applied to
their account.
In conjunction with the October 29th channel changes we are making, Mediacom has raised the top
residential Internet download speed in the City from 105 Mbps to 150 Mbps. We anticipate announcing
even faster speeds at a future date.
In closing, I wanted to take a minute to explain that as Mediacom is moving away from local franchises
towards state issued franchises, we are also moving away from individualized agreements that give certain
cities significantly more privileges or benefits than others cities. As a result, Mediacom will not be providing
the City with the special requests set forth in your letter to me.
Thank you again for recognizing the importance of preparing our network to bring the next generation of
Internet services to the residents of Iowa City. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
064 40jr
Lee Grassley
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Mediacom Communications Corporation
6300 Council St. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 • 319 - 395 -7801 • Fax 319- 393 -7017
Medacom
ftft
September 18, 2014
Ms. Marian Karr
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240 -1826
Dear: Ms. Karr
2C 14 .3 2 3
Because we want to begin making room on our network to offer even faster Internet
speeds to residents and businesses in your city, Mediacom will make the below changes
to your channel on or about October 29th, 2014:
Service
Current Channel
New Channel
Current Tier
New Tier
WGN America
96
78
Local Plus TV
Local Plus TV
Oxygen
78
55
Digital Family TV
Digital Family TV
KFXB (CTN 40) Dubuque
19
3
Local Plus TV
Local Plus TV
KWKB (CW 20) HD Iowa
City
820
810
HD Local Plus TV
HD Local Plus TV
ICPL
10
20
Local Plus TV
Local Plus TV
KWKB (CW 20) Iowa City
20
10
Local Plus TV
Local Plus TV
Public Access
18
18
Local Plus TV
Digital Local Plus
KTS (Educational Access)
11
11
Local Plus TV
Digital Local Plus
University of Iowa TV
17
17
Local Plus TV
Digital Local Plus
Iowa City Schools
21
21
Local Plus TV
Digital Local Plus
It is important that we prepare our network to bring the next generation of Internet
services to the residents of your city. These changes are the first step in the preparation
process.
If you have any questions please call me at 319 - 395 -9699 ext. 3461 or e-mail
Igrassley @mediacomcc.com .
Sincerely,
Lee Grassley
Senior Manager, Government Relations
Mediacom Communications Corporation
6300 Council St. NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 •
319 - 395 -7801 • Fax 319 - 393 -7017
IP5
CITY OF IOWA CITY
..;.� MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 25, 2014
TO: Tom Markus, City Manager
FROM: Steve Long, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Kirk Lehmann, Neighborhood Services Intern
RE: UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership update
This memo addresses the questions that arose at the September 16, 2014 City Council meeting about the
UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership. The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership program is dedicated to
ensuring that neighborhoods surrounding downtown and the University of Iowa campus remain safe, vital,
affordable and attractive places to live and work for renters and homeowners. Using various sources of
funding, the program purchases rental properties, then renovates and sells them as owner - occupied
properties to income - qualifying buyers. The properties are selected and acquired after recommendations
are made by a committee made up of representatives of the UniverCity neighborhoods, local lenders,
Housing Trust Fund of Johnson County, previous UniverCity homebuyers, the University of Iowa and City
staff. The committee looks at the location of the prospective home to determine the impact to the block,
looks at the size and condition of the home and looks at the price of the home to ensure that households
within our income guidelines can afford the home. There are not set guidelines for acquisition prices, but
the committee strives to have a wide variety of housing options. To date, acquisition prices have ranged
from $60,000 to $230,000.
Thirty houses were part of the program's first two phases and seventeen were in its third, nine of which are
already sold. UniverCity homes tend to be more affordable, with an average final sale price of
approximately $157,000 as compared to the city's median sale price of homes of approximately $185,000.
According to Zillow, the median price of homes currently listed in Iowa City is $224,900. The sale of the
home at 1111 E. Burlington Street that was
approved at the September 16 Council
meeting is selling at a price that is at the
upper end of the program because of the
tremendous amount of rehabilitation
required; however, it still fits within the
parameters of the program. The home will
be sold for $193,000, plus carrying costs of
$40,000 and the homebuyer will receive
$10,000 in downpayment assistance.
Phase 4 began this year with the intent to
renovate nine additional homes using City
funds (pages 3 &4). Located in several
neighborhoods, including the College Green,
Longfellow, Northside, Miller- Orchard and Goosetown, acquisition costs ranged from $102,000 to
$220,000. The large range provides housing that is affordable for a variety of buyers.
Ah
neighborhoods, including the College Green,
Longfellow, Northside, Miller- Orchard and Goosetown, acquisition costs ranged from $102,000 to
$220,000. The large range provides housing that is affordable for a variety of buyers.
September 25, 2014
Page 2
Applicants to the program must provide a prequalification letter from a lender when they submit the
UniverCity application to the City. This ensures that they are able to secure a mortgage. In addition, staff
verifies income, assets and employment status prior to approving the application for the UniverCity
program and placing them on the prospective buyer wait list. The wait list currently has over 50 approved
applicants. Once a home is ready to sell, an email is sent to every approved applicant inviting them to
make an offer. The household who is highest on the applicant list who is interested in the home is invited
to make an offer. At that time, they work with a lender to finalize the mortgage process and the City Legal
Department prepares the necessary paperwork for the sale. To date, the average income of a UniverCity
household is about $49,400, with a range from $26,000 to $105,000.
The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership has also helped stabilize neighborhoods by promoting a healthy
balance of rental and owner- occupied properties. Many of the UniverCity homebuyers have continued to
improve their home and neighborhood after their purchase. Through their efforts and the program's
renovations (the price of which is forgiven after five years), UniverCity house values have increased an
average of $15,000 per home.
The UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership is also maintaining its marketing efforts with its social media
campaign. The program's Facebook following has grown to an active fan base of just over 1,000, and
Twitter updates can be found @UniverCitylC. For the most up -to -date UniverCity news, follow the
Facebook page at facebook.com /UniverCitylA. Program information and applications are available at
is ,gov.org /U niverCity.
September 25, 2014
Page 3
Phase 4 UniverCity Homes Available in Winter 2014 through Spring 2015
621 North Johnson Street
606 North Gilbert Street
1128 Muscatine Avenue
403 Douglass Court
429 Ronalds Street
-
1025 East Burlington Street
September 25, 2014
Page 4
828 North Johnson Street
711 North Gilbert Street
924 East Bloomington Street
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership?
The City purchases homes in select areas around campus and downtown using low- interest loans
provided by several local lenders. The homes are then renovated and sold to eligible homebuyers. The
program is dedicated to ensuring that the University of Iowa Campus and surrounding neighborhoods
remain vital, safe, affordable, and attractive places to live and work for both renters and homeowners.
To date, 38 homes have been renovated and sold as owner- occupied homes. The renovations on the
next 17 homes will be completed by spring 2015.
How does the program work?
Just as any homebuyer considers the assessed value, location, and condition of the home, these things
are taken into account when purchasing properties in the program. Staff evaluates necessary and
desirable improvements that convert the home back to single - family owner occupancy. The renovation
work is bid out to local contractors, who get to work quickly on renovating the house. The homes will
receive up to $50,000 in renovations. Once renovated, the homes are available for sale to income -
qualified buyers. The $50,000 is not included in the sale price and forgiven once the home has been
owner- occupied for five years. A deed restriction is placed on all homes ensuring that they remain
owner- occupied for 20 years.
The home is sold to the selected purchaser at the original purchase price plus carrying costs (such as
interest on the City's mortgage while owning the home, any utilities or fees, and charges for general
upkeep such as shoveling or mowing). Carrying costs are typically $5,000 to $7,000.
Who qualifies to purchase these homes?
To participate in the program, you must be pre - qualified for a mortgage and your gross household
income must fall within specific income limits, depending on the house (this is due to the type of funds
used for the rehabilitation). The chart below displays all three categories of income requirements; these
are maximum incomes. Household income is defined as the total gross income for all adult household
members, except those under 24 years of age who are enrolled in college.
Household Size
318 S. Lucas St.
917 N. Dodge St.
All Other Homes
1
$
44,550
$
77,980*
2
$
50,900
$
89,040*
3
$
57,250
$
100,240*
4
$
63,600
$
111,300*
5
$
68,700
$
120,260*
6
$
73,800
$
129,220*
*If the sale price is over $190,000, households with gross income above 140% of the area median income (AMI),
but below 160% AMI may qualify for the program if the household has certain substantial and ongoing monthly
debt obligations such as student loans, medical bills, and child care.
Updated 08/5/14 — S:\PCD\UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership \Website Info \City Website \Home Page Files \FAQ Documents
How were the homes selected?
Homes were selected based on certain criteria. First, the house must be located in one of the designated
neighborhood districts (see maps on homepage). Because the goal of the program is to balance owner
occupancy with rentals, we looked for areas that are not clearly tipped in one direction —not solidly
owner - occupied and not solidly rental. Staff also identified homes in areas where the condition of the
housing and the underlying zoning support single - family dwellings. Finally, qualified inspectors assessed
the homes to see if they could be renovated to good condition within our budget. The City was assisted
in the selection process by a committee that includes neighborhood representatives, University and City
staff, a local realtor, a banker, and advocates for historic preservation and affordable housing.
When can I tour a home?
Once your application is submitted and you are deemed eligible to purchase a home through the
UniverCity Program, you can schedule a tour with staff. In addition, open house events for the general
public are held periodically.
How does the application process work?
Applications for homeownership are accepted continuously. Once applications are completed and
submitted, including a mortgage preapproval letter from a lender and signed copies of 2013 tax returns
for all adults in the household, we will contact you by email or phone to let you know we have received
the documents. Next, your income and application information are verified. Once the verification
process is complete we will contact you to find out your initial housing preferences and allow you to
tour any homes with finished renovations.
How do I make an offer on a home?
The opportunity for an applicant to purchase a home will be determined by the date of submission of a
completed application on a first come, first serve basis. Once renovations are substantially completed
for a home, all applicants will be notified and asked to express their interest in the home by a given
deadline. The first interested applicant on the list (based on application date) will then be given the
opportunity to make an offer on the home within three calendar days. If this person chooses not to
make an offer, we will give the second interested applicant on the list an opportunity to make an offer,
and so on down the list.
If I decide to purchase the home, can I have it inspected?
Yes, you can have the home inspected to ensure that it is in good condition. However, there is no
bargaining on the price —the house is sold at the set price, as is.
For more information, contact:
Steve Long
Neighborhood Services Coordinator
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.356.5250
steve-long@iowa-city.org
David Powers
Housing Rehabilitation Specialist
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
319.356.5233
david-powers@iowa-city.org
Updated 08/5/14 — 5: \PCD \UniverCity Neighborhood Partnership \Website Info \City Website \Home Page Files \FAQ Documents
Government Finance Officers Association
203 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2700
Chicago, Illinois 60601 -1210
312.977.9700 fax: 312.977.4806
September 5, 2014
PRESS RELEASE
For Further Information Contact
Stephen J. Gauthier (312) 977 -9700
Chicago - -The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA)
is pleased to announce that City of Iowa City, Iowa has received the GFOA's Distinguished
Budget Presentation Award for its budget.
The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the
governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to
receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective
budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:
• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory
criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition
for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual or department designated as being
primarily responsible for its having achieved the award. This has been presented to Finance
Department
For budgets beginning in 2013, 1,425 participants received the Award. Award recipients have
pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other
governments throughout North America.
The Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association servicing the needs
of more than 18,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial -level government officials and
other finance practitioners. It provides top quality publications, training programs, services, and
products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for government finance
policy and management. The association is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with offices in
Washington D.C. The GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only
national awards program in governmental budgeting.
Washington, DC Office
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 309 • Washington, DC 20004 • 202.393.8020 • fax: 202.393.0780
www.gfoa.org
Marian Karr
From: City of Iowa City <webmaster @iowa - city.org>
Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2014 3:21 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: City again receives national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
2
Contact: Dennis Bockenstedt
Contact Phone: 319 - 356 -5053
City again receives national Distinguished Budget Presentation
Award
Issued by: Communications Office
Mailing List(s): General City News
Originally Posted 9/23/2014 3:20:20 PM
City of Iowa City Finance Director Dennis Bockenstedt has been notified that for the third consecutive year, the
City's Finance Department has been awarded the national Distinguished Budget Presentation Award by the
Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). The award, which is the highest form of recognition in
governmental budgeting, recognizes the City's FY2015 budget, which took effect July 1, 2014. The City also
won the award in 2012 and 2013, after a nearly 20 -year hiatus in which a budget document was not submitted
for consideration.
The GFOA notes that this award represents significant achievement and a commitment to meeting the highest
principles of governmental budgeting. To receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally
recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation which assessed the budget's effectiveness in four
categories. as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide and communications device. As part of the
review, budget documents must be rated highly in all four of these categories, as well as the 14 mandatory
criteria within those categories. The City's budget was scored by three different reviewers, and in each area of
consideration received one of the two highest rankings: "outstanding" or "proficient."
The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association serving more than 17,500
government finance professionals throughout North America. For the last fiscal period, 1,425 entities were
expected to receive the Distinguished Budget Presentation award.
To view a copy of the City's FY2015 budget, visit www.icaov.org/budg . For more information, contact
Dennis Bockenstedt at 319 - 356 -5053 or dennis- bockenstedtgiowa- city.org.
View this article on the ICGov Web Site: http://www.icgov.org/gpps/news/?newslD=9980
=0 CITY CITY OF IOWA CITY
��� iP7
��' ='�*&N MEMORANDUM
Date: September 22, 2014
To: Tom Markus, City Manager
From: Geoff Fruin, Assistant City Manager
Re: Strategic Plan Status Report
Included in this week's information packet is the September 2014 Strategic Plan Status Report.
The purpose of this report is to provide the reader with information on the strategic planning
process and the City's efforts to achieve the adopted goals. The document also contains an
update on various other significant projects and initiatives, including those directly related to the
inclusive and sustainable goals of the City Council.
As a reminder, we reformatted the report earlier this year to incorporate imagery and make it
more concise and readable. Also, while a number of the objectives were unchanged from the
2012 -13 Strategic Plan, we have removed the vast majority of the accomplishments from that
timeframe. This was done primarily to keep the report concise and focus the content on the
more recent accomplishments and future plans. The 2012 -13 Strategic Plan, as well as this
current update is temporarily available on our website at www.ic- gov.org /strategicplan. Archived
versions are maintained in the City Clerk's Office.
Due to the number of items on the City Council's pending work session list, I am recommending
that we do not schedule a formal presentation of this report to the City Council unless they
specifically request such a forum.
I
Contents
City of Iowa City Organizational Profile ............................................................................................................... ..............................2
StrategicPlan Process .......................................................................................................................................... ..............................3
2014 -2015 Strategic Planning Calendar ............................................................................................................ ..............................3
CoreValues for City Employees* ...................................................................................................................... ..............................4
StrategicPlan Priorities ..................................................................................................................................... ..............................4
Strategic Economic Development Activities ........................................................................................................ ..............................5
AStrong Urban Core ............................................................................................................................................ ..............................8
HealthyNeighborhoods ...................................................................................................................................... .............................11
ASolid Financial Foundation .............................................................................................................................. .............................16
Enhanced Communication and Marketing ......................................................................................................... .............................17
Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values ........................................ .............................19
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives ........................................................................................................... .............................21
City of Iowa City Organizational Profile
Iowa City is governed by an elected city council of seven members: four council members at -large and three district members. The council is responsible for appointing the city manager, city
attorney, and city clerk. The city manager serves as the chief administrative officer for the organization. The city manager implements the policy decisions of the city council, enforces city
ordinances, and appoints city officials, as well as supervises the directors of the city's operating departments.
Iowa City employs approximately 600 full -time staff members to execute the city council's policies and provide public services to over 70,000 citizens. The City provides numerous utilities to its
citizens including water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage and recycling services. In addition, the city provides many other services including public safety, building and housing inspections,
parks and recreation, street maintenance, engineering, development services, transportation, and senior services.
In 2008, Iowa City was designated as a City of Literature by UNESCO becoming the third city recognized internationally and the first and only U.S. city to date. Since 2012, the city has been
recognized in over twenty "Best Of' publications including as "One of America's Best Small Cities," by Money Magazine, the "4th Best U.S. College Destination," by the American Institute for
Economic Research, 8th "Best Performing Small City," by the Milken Institute, "A Top Literary City," by Highbrow Magazine and the 13th "Best Small City for Business and Careers," by Forbes.
City Council Members
Matt Hayek, Mayor
Susan Mims, Mayor Pro Tem
Rick Dobyns, District A
Terry Dickens, District B
Jim Throgmorton, District C
Michelle Payne, At -large
Kingsley Botchway II, At -large
Strategic Plan Process
The strategic planning process involves multiple steps, including gathering input from the general public, City staff, and the City Council. The planning process focused on 1) Issues, Concerns,
Trends and Opportunities 2) On -Going or Committed Projects 3) Significant and New Projects, Programs, Policies and Initiatives and 4) Organizational Effectiveness.
The 2014 -2015 Strategic Plan outlines the primary areas of focus for the community. Numerous additional projects, initiatives and policy matters that are not specifically mentioned in this
document have been carried out or will also be addressed as appropriate.
The City staff continues to coordinate various actions that contribute to successful outcomes in each of the identified focus areas. This Status Report notes each of the focus areas, explains the
major accomplishments to date, and presents a sample of future plans to further these goals.
2014 -2015 Strategic Planning Calendar
Fall 2013
Public and City staff input presented to the City Council
Strategic planning work session with the City Council
Winter 2013
Adoption of the Strategic Plan
2014 -2015
Implementation of action items
Periodic status updates
Fall 2015
Final action steps completed
Creation of a new 2016 -17 Strategic Plan
Core Values for
City Employees*
Strategic Plan Priorities
Integrity
Inspiration
Mean what you say
Encourage others
Do as you say
Help set the pace
Fostering a more INCLUSIVE and SUSTAINABLE Iowa City through
Be honest
Be excited about the future
a Commitment to:
Be ethical
Show faith in your team
Be consistent
Be visionary
Be committed
Embrace new concepts
Strategic Economic Development Activities
Don't quit before you start
Communication
Be expressive
Life -Long Learning
Provide feedback
Be self- directed
A Strong Urban Core
Be friendly /open
Show creativity
Be clear
Find solutions from multiple sources
Be authentic
Seek to learn
Be reflective
Evaluate and adjust when needed
Healthy Neighborhoods
Listen
Share knowledge
Practice what you learn
Leadership
A Solid Financial Foundation
See the whole picture
Take risks
Show passion
Be respectful
Be tactful
*Core
Core values were developed by Iowa City staff
Communication and Marketing
J
Engage
during the 2012 -13 strategic plan year
Empower others
Celebrate others
Note: The City Council has expressed that inclusivity and sustainability are guiding
Be collaborative
principles that should be considered when working within each of the stated
Be supportive
priorities
Strategic Economic Development Activities
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas
that have established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Completed the Williams Street streetscape improvements in conjunction
• Continue to market the Kerr -McGee property for
with the new commercial buildings on Muscatine and Williams
redevelopment
• Awarded the second fa4ade grant in the district to Iowa City Hospice
• Identify further redevelopment options in the district
(completed)
. Continue to offer fa4ade improvement opportunities
Towncrest
• Supported multiple state grant applications for new senior housing
to existing businesses
redevelopment on Williams Street
. Expand streetscape enhancements as redevelopment
• Improved appearance of the Kerr -McGee property
occurs
• Approved plans for a new apartment building to replace a blighted
• Work with the private sector on redevelopment
parcel immediately west of Memory Gardens Cemetery
strategies for the Town and Campus apartments
• Completed significant public improvement projects on Lower Muscatine,
• Initiate the First Avenue grade separation project
Iowa City Marketplace
y p
Sycamore and First Avenue to improve storm water management, traffic
(2015 -2016)
flow, bicycle /pedestrian accommodations and aesthetic appeal of the
. Continue to work with the Iowa City Marketplace
and First Avenue
corridor
ownership group to revitalize the property and fill
• Launched a farmers market at the Iowa City Marketplace
vacant spaces
Retail Corridor
• Mall ownership announced Lucky's Market as new anchor tenant (to
open in 2015)
Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Completed environmental assessments on city owned land at Riverside and
• Continue to relocate public facilities and market the property at
Highway 6
Riverside and Highway 6 for redevelopment
• Began relocating public facilities from the Riverside and Highway 6 property
• Continue to market the remaining airport parcels for redevelopment
Highway 6 /
• Facilitated the sale of multiple airport properties in Aviation Commerce Park
• Facilitate redevelopment of vacant or underutilized properties along
for private redevelopment
the corridor
Highway 1
• Completed work on the Highway 1 pedestrian trail project
• Work with the Airport Commission on the development of unused
• USPS announced relocation to Pepperwood Plaza with Tuesday Morning
south airport property
taking the vacated former Goodwill property
• Completed the public infrastructure improvements and achieved shovel
• Continue to market the property in coordination with Binswanger
420th Street
ready status from ICAD and the State of Iowa
and ICAD
• Engaged Binswanger for real estate brokerage services
Industrial Park
4P Ir
it Y,c'
Strategic Economic Development Activities (continued)
Goal: The City strives to expand and diversify the economic base of the community, particularly in existing planned commercial and industrial areas that have
established supporting infrastructure.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Worked with Moss Ridge Campus and Pearson to negotiate an access road to
• Complete the platting of Moss Ridge Campus development
Moss Ridge Campus
the property and secured a secured a $1.9 million RISE grant for the project
lots
• Completed property acquisition and accepted bids for the new Moss Ridge
• Assist with private development issues as needed
and Northgate
Road
• Complete construction of Moss Ridge Road
• Finalized a land trade with Hy -Vee to facilitate their relocation and expansion
• Continue to explore a 'Corridor Compact' with neighboring
on the former Robert's Dairy property on North Dodge Street.
communities
• Executed an agreement with ALPLA to expand their Iowa City operations and
• Expand city presence at the CAD Co -Lab and encourage
bring high quality jobs into the community
young entrepreneurs to grow their business in the local
• Cooperation with significant UI projects including the School of Music, Art
community
Other Economic
Building West, Hancher, and the Children's Hospital
• Evaluate expanded Co -Lab facilities
• Awarded CDBG small business assistance to Butter and included an additional
• Work to retain Entre Fest in Iowa City
Development Efforts
$75,000 for expanded micro - enterprise assistance in FY 2015
• Achieved a 6.3% reduction in the City property tax rate over the last three
years
• Sponsored Mission Creek and the 2014 Entre Fest, a three -day educational
conference for entrepreneurs & innovators, in downtown Iowa City
• Revised the City's economic development policies to better match strategic
plan objectives
'W
I jai
A Strong Urban Core
Goal: It is the City's goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Notable continued partnerships with the ICDD including BenchMarks, TreeHuggers, advertising, power
• Continue to work with the private sector to
washing, expanded WiFi, coffee with a cop, support of their 'friends'fundraising effort, retail
strengthen and diversify the economic base
assessment, Northside Marketplace lighting and a dedicated police officer position in the district
. Implementation of the downtown streetscape plan
• Successfully completed the first full year of the "first hour free" parking initiative and expanded
• Consider additional policy changes that can assist in
Downtown
parking for automobiles and mopeds on Washington and Dubuque streets.
meeting the shared goals of the City and ICDD
Iowa City and
• New and expanded special events including One Book Two Book, Soul Fest, Oktoberfest, and
(signage, dumpster /alleys, cafe regulations)
Hometown Huddle
. Work with the ICDD on targeted business
Northside
• Executed an agreement with Meta Communications to expand their business to the Park at 201 and
recruitment
added high quality jobs in the community
. Continue to strengthen the Downtown Ambassador
Marketplace
• Facilitated significant private redevelopment efforts including the MidwestOne historic building,
and coffee with a cop programs
Grossix building, and the Northside Commons project
. Consider a development agreement for the
• Completed the first round Building Change fa4ade grant projects and expanded the program with local
Chauncey project at Gilbert and College
banks for a second round, which is currently underway
. Evaluate multi -use building with New Pioneer Co-
• Adopted the Downtown and Pedestrian Mall Streetscape Plan and commenced work on phase one
op on the Recreation Center parking lot
design
F"
IL UIMNM)N4h
ARCHITEC15 Northside Commons
lowa , lowa
A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City's goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the region, serves
persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Resurfaced the playground area as one of many master plan quickstart projects
• Explore more partnerships with the Shelter House
Downtown
• Contracted with Shelter House for supplemental cleaning efforts before, during and after home
to expand maintenance operations
Iowa City and
football games
• Create a multi -modal traffic model to better
• Started 'WhankYouIowaCity ", which is a card that Officer Schwindt, or other officers working in the
evaluate street designs
Norths ide
downtown area, can hand out to someone for doing something to make downtown a great place. A
• Evaluate Jefferson Hotel repurposing with the UI
Marketplace
number of downtown businesses have signed on to sponsor the project and offer thank you rewards
. Launch a mobile payment application for parking
. The Library will develop a multi- faceted program
(continued)
for all ages centered around the theme of music
and utilizing a variety of downtown venues
A Strong Urban Core (continued)
Goal: It is the City's goal to promote growth of the Downtown and Near Downtown areas in a manner that builds upon the existing vibrancy of the
region, serves persons of all ages and backgrounds, and complements the surrounding neighborhoods and University community.
for Actions
Riverfront Crossings
• Working to finalize the Burlington Street Dam and
Iowa River Restoration study, as well as initial park
planning for the north waste water plant site
• Developed the form based code and introduced
changes to parking regulations in the RFC and
downtown areas
• Partnered with MidwestOne Bank on their new
facility that is under construction
• Secured an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant to
demolish the North Wastewater Plant, stabilize some
creek and river banks, and establish an urban wetland
• Received 6 proposals for the City's Court and Linn
property
• City has initiated rezoning of several properties in the
South Downtown sub - district
1
Future Plans
• Enter into a development agreement for the Court
and Linn property
• Continue to develop plans for a 640 space parking
facility and 28 unit townhouse project near the
MidwestOne office building
• Finalize the riverfront park master plan process
• Consider land acquisition strategies to return
properties in the 100 year flood plain to open space
and secure ROW needed for road reconfigurations
• Demolish the North Wastewater Plant
• Plan public improvements for Riverside Drive
• Continue to work with the private sector on multiple
redevelopment projects, including the Kinseth Hotel
on Clinton and Burlington and a multi - family building
on Riverside (Hartwig Motors site)
• Work with the University of Iowa on the School of
Music and Art Museum projects
• Implement the Clinton / Burlington intersection
improvements
• Consider affordable housine policies
10
Healthy Neighborhoods
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Completed annexations for two new elementary
• Consider recommendations from the South District
schools in Iowa City
Plan update
• Created a new Horace Mann Conservation District
Land Use Regulations
• Amended the City Code to allow for Outdoor Service
Areas in residential and mixed -use zones associated
with restaurants
• Initiated the South District planning effort
®lemname
South Iowa City
Community
Planning Workshop
Monday, October 6
7:00 -9:00 pm
Grant Wood Elementary
Gymnasium
1930 Lakeside Drive
IOWA CITY
COMMUNITY
SCHOOL UISTRIC i`
CU0114sihrnd : Fulwo-rocnnsrrd
11
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended
character while facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions I Accomulishments Future Plans
Public Infrastructure
• Enhanced CIP funding for neighborhood parks
• Installed the Sycamore Greenway trail head public
artwork in the Grant Wood neighborhood
• Selected a consultant to complete park planning
services for Willow Creek and Kiwanis parks
• Negotiated an agreement for the Chadek property,
which will be converted to infill parkland
• Secured future infill parkland through the Palisades
development on North Dubuque Road
• Working with the ICCSD to create a community
center partnership at the new south elementary
• Developed new park signage at multiple locations
• Began planning for neighborhood park
improvements at Court Hill Park, Tower Court and
Highland Park
• Converted South Governor Street (Bowery to
Burlington) from one -way to two -way traffic
• Ensure that future CIP funding is sufficiently provided
for core neighborhood improvements
• Continue to promote the Neighborhood Traffic
Calming Program
• Continue the Program for Improving Neighborhoods
(PIN) grant program
• Install a new playground feature at Mercer Park
• Implement plan for improvements to Willow Creek
and Kiwanis parks
• Continue to rollout the new park signage
• Developing an RFP for planning services related to
City Park
• Y^
12
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Accomplishments
Future Plans
Actions
• Completed phases one (26 homes) and two (4 homes) of the UniverCity program.
• Continue to obtain funding resources to continue the
Completed 10 of 17 homes in phase three and commenced work on phase four (10 homes)
UniverCity, GRIP and Targeted Neighborhood Improvement
Private
• Continued the GRIP rehab program and assisted 19 existing homeowners over the last two
programs
years with 5 more pending
Building Stock
' Used CDBG and HOME funds to rehab 24 homes with 5 more pending
• The new Targeted Neighborhood Improvement Program assisted 18 homes over the last
year with 6 more pending
• Implementing a Green Building pilot program
y
0
13
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for
Accomplishments
Future Plans
Actions
• Updated the rental disclosure forms to better inform tenants of local ordinances and increased the
• Continue outreach to neighborhoods to promote
fine for non - compliance with the form requirement
ICgovXpress and the Neighborhood Liaison Police
• Increasingly used existing code provisions to require annual property inspections when nuisance or
Officer program
criminal complaints are received
• Added more City departments to ICgovXpress to be more responsive to neighbor issues, including
the Police Department, which is able to respond 24/7.
Nuisance
• Continue to utilize the new neighborhood liaison position in the ICPD to work with Neighborhood
Mitigation
Services, Housing & Inspection Services, Landlords, Tenants, and Associations on nuisance related
matters
• Restructured staff in Neighborhood and Development Services to better be able to respond to
nuisance issues
• Provided training to local Board of Realtors on issues related to property management, specifically
relating to occupancy and tenant behavior.
113 Iowa City Area
Association of REALTORS `a'
REALTOR'
m \' 1,)F _
govxpress
14
Healthy Neighborhoods (continued)
Goal: The City aims to invest in and deliver core services to neighborhoods in a manner that enhances overall stability and maintains the intended character while
facilitating new opportunities to improve the quality of life.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Assisted neighborhood associations in reestablishing a more active
• Continue to expand ICgovXpress to other parts of the organization
Neighborhood Council and provided necessary resources to respond
• Continue to work with the ICCSD on facility issues, including exploring
to the interests as determined by the membership.
partnerships to enhance facilities and offer before and after school
• Formed new neighborhood associations in the Mercer Park/ Dover
programming, and increasing participation in the Library Summer
Street neighborhood and in the Mark Twain neighborhood (Lucas
Reading Program
Farms)
• Continue to work with the Neighborhood Council to provide resources
• Helped establish a business association in the Gilbert Court area to
and guidance to address their interests.
Open Stakeholder
address growing public safety concerns
• Consolidated the HIS and Planning Departments to streamline
Communication
communication with residents and businesses
• Initiated a "Coffee with a Cop" program with the Iowa City Downtown
District
• Continued staff outreach to various neighborhood associations and
assisted with communications as appropriate
• Weekly visits by Library staff to Neighborhood Centers established
relationships with children who participated in the Summer Reading
Program.
• Initiated a new south district planning effort anticipating the new
• Complete South District Plan update
Updated Planning
Alexander Elementary School opening in 2015.
Documents
15
A Solid Financial Foundation
Goal: The City aim to create a strong and sustainable financial foundation that will provide needed stability and flexibility while utilizing taxpayer dollars in the most
efficient and responsible manner.
Targets for Actions Accomplishments Future Plans
• Adopted economic development policies to help guide the use of
• Take steps to deal with the impacts projected from the State
public incentives
of Iowa's property tax relief legislation
• Reduced the municipal property tax rate in each of the last three
• Continue to reduce the property tax rate and explore options
years (6.3% decline)
for diversification of our revenue sources
Financial Policies
• Reduced debt service payments by nearly 28% since 2013
• Continue to review service charges to ensure that rates are
• Created an emergency reserve fund to protect against rapid revenue
sustainable and sufficiently recover costs
loss or assist with disaster mitigation needs
• Present informational materials on LOST to various
• Evaluated fee structures of various services and established new
organizations and the general public. LOST will be considered
revenue benchmarks to reduce property tax dependency
on the November 2014 ballot.
• Participated in the LOST Exploratory Committee
• Maintained the City's AAA bond rating from Moody's
• Continue to enhance the budget document and associated
Financial Analysis and
• Received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation award for the
financial reporting
first time in over twenty years in 2012 and received a second award
• Incorporate performance measures that are linked to the
Communication to the Public
again in 2013
City Council's strategic plan
• Received the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting for the 28th consecutive year
Iowa City Property Tax Rate Trend
$20.00
$19.00
$19.00
$17.00
$16.00
$15.00
$14.00
$13.04 Distinguished
$i2.00
Budget
$11.00
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16
Enhanced Communication and Marketing
Goal: The City strives to be a high- functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through
clear, open and innovative communication methods.
Targets for Actions
Accomplishments
Future Plans
• Established a growing social media
• Continue efforts to better coordinate messages coming from various city
presence through multiple platforms
departments
• Initiated a website redesign process in
• Continue to implement the Munis centralized computer software program
partnership with the University of
. Further integrate the use of social media into the organization and introduce more
Iowa
interactive efforts that engage key staff and elected officials in social media
• Began to participate in new student
. Explore a refined city brand to help marketing and communication efforts
Coordinated
orientations at the University of Iowa
. Develop select materials in multiple languages including library registration and
Communications
• Received a top score from the
summer reading program materials
Sunshine Review for excellence in
. Plan for electronic newsletter options for Library users
website transparency
. Senior Center to explore shift to more electronic communications
• Library card registration and Summer
Reading Program materials available
in Spanish. Door to door solicitation
and school visits increased number of
Spanish speaking families with library
cards.
Olt
WELCOME
•
munis-
budgeting.
17
Enhanced Communication and Marketing (continued)
Goal: The City strives to be a high- functioning, customer service orientated organization that actively supports and engages stakeholders through clear, open and
innovative communication methods.
Far ecs ror ACtIons ACcomprrsnmenrs rucure Frans
• Finalizing design on a City Hall front lobby remodel and way finding upgrade to provide a • Continue to examine ways to streamline
more welcoming environment for the public. interactions between the city and public
• Expanding the electronic development plan submission process that was initiated in • Expand instantaneous email alert to housing
2013 inspections
• Initiated an instantaneous email alert to contractors after building inspections have been • Install Iowa DOT self -serve kiosk at the Library
Customer Service completed
Orientation • In coordination with the University of Iowa and Coralville, launched a transit trip planner
application http: / /planner.ebongo.org
• Launched ParkMe smart phone application
• Installed accessible door openers on second floor restroom doors of the Library
• Library circulation policies reviewed from customer point of view; fine structure
simplified, number of holds increased.
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IIE
Notable Projects and Initiatives Incorporating the Inclusive and Sustainable Values
Category
Project
Status
Inclusive
City Park Pool ADA
The project was substantially completed prior to the 2014 summer swimming season.
Improvements
Curb Ramp Program
An inventory has been completed and a work plan is being developed. The City Council doubled the funding for repairs in FY 2015.
1105 Challenge Grant
The 1105 Project continues has been completed.
Fast Trac Funding
Work continues through the Diversity Focus organization. ,
Ad Hoc Diversity
The recommendations have been received and staff is actively working on implementation. The "DIP' report provides significant detail on
Recommendations
actions the Police Department has taken related to these recommendations. There are numerous outreach initiatives that have been
started or expanded in the last two years.
Welcoming City Initiative
The City has officially signed up for this program and has joined a network of other cities aiming to create a more welcoming, immigrant -
friendly community.
Mayors for the Freedom
Mayor Hayek has joined nearly 400 other Mayors in this effort to su pp ort equal marriage rights for all people.
to Mary Coalition
Municipal Equality Index
Received the top score in the State of Iowa on the Municipal Equality Index rating from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.
The City partnered with ICAD, CVB, ICDD and the University of Iowa to install new banners that feature a diverse mix of local residents
Downtown Banners
and several languages. The banners are meant to extend a welcome to new students and all residents and express the City's inclusive
values.
Fair Lending Training
The Human Rights Commission and staff are coordinating this training for area realtors and lenders. The program will be administered by
staff from the John Marshall Law School and stems from a recommendation in the recently released Impediments to Fair Housing report.
Court Hill ADA
This sidewalk infill project creates an accessible path from Court Street to Friendship Street through Court Hill Park. Currently, no
Improvements
accessible route exists at this location.
In 2014, staff responsible for frequent interactions with the public undertook cultural competency training from Culture Friendly
Staff Training
Consulting. Transportation Services staff participated in a training session titled "Building Diversity Skills in the Transit Workplace ", which
was offered by the National Transit Institute.
19
Category
Project
Status
Inclusive
International Student
Staff worked with the University of Iowa and now participates in the international student orientations and other related events
(cont.)
Orientation
throughout the year. This gives the City a chance to welcome new international students and break down communication barriers for
these new residents of our community.
Senior Center Training
Promoted multiculturalism and inclusiveness by hosting a professionally facilitated diversity training session during the Senior Center's
annual members meeting.
Police Department
The Police Department has initiated several new outreach programs including a basketball program at South East Junior High, a youth
Community Outreach
police academy and participation in events such as national Night Out, Juneteenth and others.
Fire Department Cadet
Working with the school district, the FD developed and held its first "Fire Cadet" program. The department also continued involvement
Program
with promoting fire safety with UI Housing through the annual RA Academy.
Sustainable
707::
ff
University of Iowa IISC
Iowa City was selected as a partner and the City Council has executed the agreement. Work will commence in the spring of 2014.
Partnership
New Sustainability Office
Shifted the focus of the Environmental Coordinator in Public Works to a Sustainability Coordinator in Neighborhood and Development
Services.
Edible Forest Project
The City partnered with Backyard Abundance to receive a $23k grant for public orchard project that expands the Edible Forest Maze in
Weatherby Park.
Heartland Network
Iowa City has joined with several other Midwestern communities and received a grant to workwith climatologists to better understand
Climate Adaptation
and prepare for challenges associated with climate changes.
Initiative
Animal Shelter
Committed to adding a geo- thermal component to the Animal Shelter project.
LED Streetlight
Staff is actively converting city owned streetlights to LED. Similarly, we are attempting to work with Mid - American Energy on a plan to
Conversions
convert their lights to LED over the next few years.
Prescription Drug
The Police Department sought and was awarded a grant from CVS to install a prescription drug container in their lobby. This program
Program
provides the public a 24/7 option to keep old prescriptions out of the waste stream and our waterways.
Awareness and Discount
Staff continues to work with local retailers to offer discounted rain barrels and compost bins to the community. As part of Earth Day
Programs
events staff also hosted educational programs on gardening, composting, bike maintenance and othertopics at the East Side Recycling
Center.
Electric Vehicle Purchase
Purchased the City's first electric vehicle for use at the South Wastewater Plant
Earthbox Project
The Senior Center started this program which saw members plant and maintain vegetable gardens at senior assisted living and day -care
facilities targeting low- income and frail seniors.
20
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives
Category
Project
Status
Public
Facilities
Animal Shelter
Construction is underway
City Hall Lobby Upgrade
Design documents are being completed with work planned for early 2015.
South Wastewater Plant
The project has been awarded to J.J. Henderson. Construction is nearly complete.
Expansion
Police Storage and Fire
Training
The departments are evaluating options anticipating the loss of storage and training facilities at the North Wastewater Plant.
Riverfront Crossings
Parking Facility
Working with Midwest One Bank on a new facility to be located on Harrison Street in the Riverfront Crossings district.
21
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category
Project
Status
Flood
Recovery
Gateway Project
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Review Process has been completed. Design and engineering has commenced.
West Side Levee
Construction is underway with final completion expected in 2015.
Rocky Shore Flood
Gate /Lift Station
The project has been awarded and construction is underway.
North Wastewater Plant
The plant has been decommissioned and an $8.5 million state flood mitigation grant has been secured. Work is expected to commence
Demolition
0 0 in winter of 2014 -2015.
Peninsula Secondary
Access
The City is coordinating with a private property owner on the extension of Laura Drive to the Mackinaw subdivision.
22
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a
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n
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category
Project
Status
Public
Infrastructure
Burlington /Clinton
This project is being designed. Construction is planned for 2015.
Intersection
Burlington /Madison
Intersection
Staff is currently pursuing additional funding opportunities. Plans will be completed afterfinal funding is secured.
Downtown Streetscape
The plan has been adopted and implementation activities have commenced. Ped Mall improvements are being designed in 2014.
Dubuque Street
Pedestrian Bridge 1 -80
Preliminary concept has been developed. Planned for construction in 2015.
23
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category
Project
Status
Public
Infrastructure
cont.
First Avenue Railroad
Final design is near completion. Property acquisition is currently underway. Construction to begin in 2015.
Grade Separation
First Avenue Storm Sewer
The project has been completed.
Phase 2
Moss Ridge Road
Property acquisition and design are completed. Construction is underway.
Lower Muscatine Road
Construction is complete.
Reconstruction
Park Road 3rd Lane
The design is being done as part of the Gateway Project and will be constructed with that project.
Harrison Street
The project is currently under design and is being coordinated with the MidwestOne office building.
Reconstruction
24
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category
Project
Status
Parkland
Development
Kiwanis /Willow Park
Master planning and design is underway. Construction expected in 2014 -2015.
Improvements
Ned Ashton House
The facility is open for rentals and final grounds improvements are nearly complete.
Lower City Park
Project will create an emergency access to only be used for emergencies and access to City Park if the Park Road access becomes
Emergency Access
unusable during construction associated with the Gateway project
Mercer Park Playground
The project will be pursued in 2015.
Normandy Drive
Phase one has been completed. Phase two is pending design and award.
Restoration
25
Other Significant Projects and Initiatives (continued)
Category
Project
Status
Other
Utility Billing and ERP
Software
Staff is currently implementing the software. Completion is expected in early 2015.
26
From:
Mike Moran
Sent:
Friday, September 19, 2014 9:04 AM
To:
Council
Cc:
Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Marian Karr; Tammy Neumann; Cara Hamann; Chad Dyson; Clay
Claussen; djbourgeois @q.com; Joe Younker; Katherine Jones; Larry Brown; Lucie Laurian;
Maggie Elliott; Sue Bentler; Tammy Neumann; Zac Hall
Subject:
Annual Park Tour
Good Morning,
On behalf of the Park and Recreation Commission, I would like to invite you to our annual park tour that is being held
on Wednesday October 8, 2014. The regular meeting of the commission will be held at 4:30pm with the tour
commencing at 5pm from the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center. The tour is expected to last approximately
two hours and a light dinner will be served. If you are interested in attending please email me so that I can count you in
our reservations for transportation and a meal. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. Thanks for
considering attending this event!
Michael Moran CPRP
Director, Parks and Recreation
City of Iowa City
220 S. Gilbert St.
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319 - 356 -5100
I�*]
COMMUNITY JOB
& RESOURCE F/A-LIR
For more information, call 356 -5022 or email humanrights @iowa - city.org
From:
Geoff Fruin
Sent:
Thursday, September 25, 2014 7:42 AM
To:
Marian Karr
Subject:
Dubuque St. Open House - Info Packet
1
flETdWAMUwCATIONS
PART{ Z01
DIGITAi, ARTIFACTS
PARK 201
OPEN HOUSE-TOUR
WALK THROUGH
FOOD -REFRESH MEHTS
Sent from my iPhone
I I! T
OFEl,l HOUSE
DJ ESPINA
6IFTS•DRAW1116S
DAIICI116- LIBATIOIIS
BUZZ SAM-PARK 201
CATHERINE'S X FRENCH
CONNECTION-105 S DUBUQUE
SILLY BOUTIQUE-115 S DUBUQUD
REDDEN KW-111 S DIMIIDUE
IP10
Marian Karr
From: Eleanor M. Dilkes
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2014 9:56 AM
To: Council
Cc: Geoff Fruin; Marian Karr
Subject: Response to letter from DOJ re: curb ramps
Council,
Staff has been working diligently to gather the information necessary to respond to the Department of Justice's letter
regarding curb ramps. We had hoped to get a response out this week. However, the final question in the letter asks us
to respond to the allegations of the complaint made to the DOJ and we have not yet been provided with a copy of that
complaint. I asked the Assistant U.S. Attorney for a copy of the complaint last Friday and was told earlier this week that
a response to my inquiry had been put in regular mail. As soon as I receive that letter we will finalize the response to
the DOJ.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Eleanor
Eleanor M. Dilkes
City Attorney
City Hall
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
319- 356 -5030
319 - 356 -5008 Fax
eleanor- dilkesgiowa -ci .org
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