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ITEM 2. OUTSTANDING STUDENT CITIZENSHIP AWARDS - Longfellow
Elementary
Hayek: Would the students from Longfellow Elementary please come forward. Well
hello everyone, come on over here. Thanks. Well, it's a special night for us, uh,
tonight...at the beginning of every meeting, we get to see three superstars from
Longfellow who, uh, have been selected by your school to come and talk to the
City Council and tell us a little bit about yourselves. I'm going to give you guys
an award, but first we'd like to hear from each of you. So I'll hand the mic to
you, and you can tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Apolonio: My name is Alma and uh, this is a community service that I do. I think that I
really earned this because when the flood happened my mom and my big sister
and I went to fill sandbags. We all helped like when the sand was gone and we
all... and we were all done we went to the next door neighbor. Someone asked
where did we come from. We said we just came from over there, then it started
raining, but we kept on going. The lady said when we were done that she wanted
to give us something. Then we were done. She wanted to give us a hundred
dollars just for sandbagging. My mom wouldn't accept it. She said we only did
this because we care about the community, but the lady insisted to keep it. So we
did, but we gave it to the school fundraiser. We also got sick, but like I said
before, it was worth it. (applause)
McCray: My name is Wakemia McCray. I am writing this letter to inform you about all
that I have done for my school and community. During school I participate in
three activities -safety patrol, pals, and recycling. In safety patrol I help kids
cross the street. In pals I help the ones on the school playground that are having
conflicts. In recycling I help others collect recycling bins from classes so that
they can be sent to the recycling center. I also participated in a bike...bake sale
for the Shelter House. These are some of the ways I help my school and
community. (applause)
Galstad: My name is Evelyn Galstad and I go to Longfellow Elementary. I try my hardest
at everything. I'm involved in sports, including softball, skiing and basketball. I
play the viola and the piano. I also sing in the Creshenda Children's Choir. At
the age of 10 I created a charity called Music for It is a charity to benefit
the Animal Shelter. I babysit my little God sister who I love very much. Also
this year I have been very busy. This year I starred in an opera... starred in an
opera, Brundabar, as Ann and I also starred in a French opera as Jeanette, called
Le At school I have helped organize a bake sale to raise money for
charities. I'm also a safety patrol member and I help keep students at my school
safe. As you can see, I try my best and hardest at everything, and that's why I'd
like to be considered one of the Iowa City City Council award leaders. (applause)
Hayek: You are three very busy young women! Um, that's just...wonderful, and we
really appreciate it, and you do a lot at your schools, and you've done a lot for
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City Council meeting of Apri127, 2010.
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your community, and that's why you're here tonight. We have an award for each
of you, and I will read...read it for you, and then hand it out. It's called the
Citizenship Award, and it says for her outstanding qualities of leadership within
Longfellow Elementary, as well as the community, and for her sense of
responsibility and helpfulness to others, we recognize you as an Outstanding
Student Citizen. Your community is proud of you. Presented by the Iowa City
City Council, Apri12010. So I'll hand these out to you now. I've got to set this
down so I can do that. Congratulations! (applause)
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City Council meeting of Apri127, 2010.
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ITEM 3. PROCLAMATIONS.
b) Arbor Day - Apri130, 2010
Hayek: (reads proclamation)
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Parks and Forestry Superintendent Terry
Robinson. (applause)
Robinson: I'd like to thank the City Council for their continued support, and uh, especially to
all of you this Friday at 12:00 up by Preucil School we'll be planting the official
Arbor Day trees, and you're more than welcome to come and turn a shovel with
us, especially our new Council Members who may not have been to an Arbor Day
planting before and uh, Mr. Hayek, uh, Mayor, you're more than welcome to
come (noise on mic) oops! Excuse me! Thank you very much!
Hayek: Thank you.
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ITEM 3. PROCLAMATIONS.
c) Mental Health Month -May, 2010
Hayek: Last, but certainly not least, um, the following proclamation. (reads
proclamation)
Karr: Here to accept the proclamation is Nyle Jessen, NAMI of Johnson County.
(applause)
Jessen: Uh, Mayor, City Council Members, thank you very much for this proclamation. ]
invite everyone here to come to our walk which will be May 8`h, Saturday, uh,
registration and entertainment starts at 9:00. Registration is free. Uh, come walk
with us. This is a very important issue, and um, we...we need your support.
Thank you again.
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ITEM 4. PRESENTATION.
Airport Commission Presentation - 5 Year Strategic Plan
Horan: Hi! I'm Howard Horan. I'm Chair of the Airport Commission, again, um. Mike
is passing out, uh, our Strategic Plan, our 5-year Strategic Plan, uh, we've
developed this, uh, through our meetings since December, uh, with the very, very
capable help of Jeff Davidson, who, uh, took us through a, uh, charette and
uh...uh, process of writing on the, uh, writing on the wall and uh, I don't think
I've had...I don't think I've had such a nice time doing that. He was very clear
and (coughing, unable to hear) very quickly. Um...as you look these over, you'll
see that they're pretty consistent. They don't seem to change very much over
time, but um, since we've, uh, got this high on our minds, I would like to tape it to
each Commissioner's forehead so that they can always keep them in mind as we,
uh, as we uh, as we move along. Any questions? Well, we, uh, urge your
approval, and thank you very much.
Hayek: (mumbled) Anyone else from the Commission? Okay.
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ITEM 9. DETERMINING AN AREA OF THE CITY TO BE AN ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT AREA, AND THAT THE REHABILITATION,
CONSERVATION, REDEVELOPMENT, DEVELOPMENT, OR A
COMBINATION THEREOF, OF SUCH AREA IS NECESSARY IN THE
INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY OR WELFARE OF
THE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY; DESIGNATING SUCH AREA AS
APPROPRIATE FOR AN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT; AND
ADOPTING THE MOSS GREEN URBAN VILLAGE URBAN RENEWAL
PLAN THEREFOR.
a)
PUBLIC HEARING
Hayek: This is a public hearing. (bangs gavel) Public hearing is open.
Ford: Good evening, I'm Wendy Ford, the Economic Development Coordinator for the
City of Iowa City and as you know, the Moss Green Urban Village urban renewal
plan is before you. This is the, uh, public hearing for it and for those who don't
know, this, um, is a project that was brought forward to us, um, at the request of
the owners and uh, because they would like to develop the land that is, uh, to the
north of Interstate 80 and to the west of, uh, Highway 1. In order to do so, they
need a public road to get there, and in order to, uh, get the public road, they would
like some public assistance, and so we have been working with them for months
on an urban renewal plan, on creating an urban renewal plan, that would match
with the goals of the City's Comprehensive Plan and provide them a way in which
they could develop that land, and um, thus bring more value into the city. Um,
the, uh, plan before you calls for, um, a road and the development of nearly, uh, or
around 242 acres in this area, and um, I'm here to answer any questions that you
might have at this time.
Hayek: Any questions for Wendy? Okay.
Pelds: Uh, good evening, Honorable Mayor, Members of the Council, my name is Wally
Pelds with Pelds Engineering and Eco-4, representing the Moss family, Moss
Family Farms, and Moss Green Urban Village. Um, before...earlier in the
consent agenda you passed the motion for the hearing where we hope to highlight
our development, where it's headed to. We've been working diligently with staff.
We have an exciting adventure to take you on, uh, at the next public hearing, so
we're...we're excited to show you what we've gotten to. Um, on this topic itself,
uh, if you have any questions for us of the, uh, from the developer's side, we'd be
happy to answer those at this time. Thanks!
Hayek: Thanks, Wally. Anyone else wish to address the Council on this issue? (bangs
gavel) Public hearing is closed.
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b)
RESOLUTION
Wilburn: Move adoption of the resolution.
Bailey: Second.
CONSIDER A
Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Bailey. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item
passes 7-0.
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ITEM 11. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 8, ENTITLED
"POLICE REGULATIONS," CHAPTER 5, ENTITLED
"MISCELLANEOUS OFFENSES," SECTION 2, ENTITLED
"AGGRESSIVE PANHANDLING," TO PROHIBIT SOLICITING FOR
MONEY IN LIMITED AREAS IN THE DOWNTOWN. (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Champion: Move first consideration.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Mims. Discussion?
Arnold: Hello, thank you. I'm Nick Arnold. I'm the Executive Director of the Downtown
Association. Um, we actually sent you a letter about this. We're definitely very
appreciative of your steps in considering this. Um, our view has always been that
downtown Iowa City is open and accessible to everyone. We think that, uh, this
proposed ordinance will do a great job in opening up some thoroughfares
and...and allowing some better access to our retail merchants and restaurants
downtown, and again, just want to say thank you for your consideration. And to
answer any questions you might have as well. Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Nick. Anyone else from the public who wishes to address us on this
issue?
Ross: Hi, I'm Brandon Ross, uh, thank you for, uh, allowing me to speak a little bit
about this. I, uh, I find that, um, that this ordinance, even though it won't affect
what maybe people might not consider large amounts of area, uh, or all behaviors
in the city, I still think that, um, that is a...that it is a cynical disregard for those
people who are less fortunate than ourselves. Um, I feel like right now we're in
an economic, uh, disaster, uh, we are having a jobless, uh, recovery. That, uh,
people who are homeless and panhandling...aggressive is a funny word, by the
way. You know what is aggressing... sometimes if someone looks at you you feel
like that's aggressive too. So that gives a lot of discretion to the police. But a lot
of these people who are on... are on the streets humbling themselves before the
public, they don't have any other, uh, any other method, and by restricting them to
an even smaller area, I think is...is showing, uh, a spirited meanness in general,
and not something that this particular city wants to be associated with. These are
people who have lost their jobs. They've been demoralized by that, perhaps by ill
health. A lot of the people who are on the ped mall, uh, panhandling are actually
people with health problems who cannot afford health insurance. Some of those
people I have noticed are also, uh, some of our war veterans, and um, these are
people who are suffering after effects of going to war and serving, uh, serving us,
uh, in this country, and now have ended up on the streets. We're celebrating here
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today, uh, many great things, uh, Mayor Hayek is bringing up things like, uh, the
baby boom month, um, having... considering mental health by, uh, by considering
a week designated for that. We're celebrating our children, uh, today, which is
very nice, and uh, my kid...my kid plays violin and piano and rides horseback and
such, and you know, these people who are homeless can't afford to do these
things, and many of these people who are homeless, um, they get less money than
the allowances that we give to our own children. And these people who were
once children, they grew up and some of them were also, uh, what you might call
advanced children. They were not just, you know, they were children too, and I
think that...when I think of these people, especially I think...I always come back
to...uh, what Franklin Roosevelt said, which I think would be the way to
celebrate, uh, the community as a White House community is to respect his words
and what Franklin Roosevelt said is the test of progress is not whether we add
more to the abundance of those who have much, but whether we provide enough
for those who have little. As I look at the Council I see you up there, every one of
you has a job, a house, many of you have had your college educations paid for by
parents, many of you have gone on to graduate school and traveled the world, and
people who are looking in tonight who are watching this program, who are seeing
the City Council, every single one of you is in a house eating three meals a day.
And I think that, uh, in respect for these people that this ordinance is wrong and
they've tried to pass these things in many places and sometimes successfully. I
also am interested in the bene...in the benefits of the economic, uh, situation in
downtown, and I support downtown. I shop downtown. I don't go out to other
areas. And right now what you are doing is you're discriminating. What about
the 20-year-olds and 21-year-olds? I feel like I'm being accosted more by
drunken people downtown than I am by any poor, homeless people, and
musicians...when Iran for Council last time, Mayor Hayek, now Mayor Hayek,
then candidate said, "Look, Iowa City could be the next Austin!" It's that kind of
a place. I know that Matt, uh, appreciates music and has supported music, but
look! Don't make the space for music even smaller than it is. If you're going to
allow people to walk and drive drunkenly all over town, you can't pass an
ordinance like this! So in closing I hope that you don't, uh, pass this ordinance. I
think it's an easy thing to pass because you have the ear... you have the ear of a
few people with a lot of money who want to protect their businesses. I say this...I
don't think that homeless people and musicians hurt business. In fact, I think
when you see that homeless people and musicians are respected, I think that it
does, uh, create a lighthouse community that other people want to come to,
especially with musicians. Do you know how many people I hear that say, "I love
coming to Iowa City because when you come downtown you see musicians on
every corner." You know, you see people juggling. That guy with the unicycle,
you see him going by? There's lots of great stuff. Don't...don't inhibit that.
Don't make this a...a place which is...which is narrow. Thank you so much.
Hayek: Anyone else wishing to address the Council on this item? Discussion by the
Council?
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Champion: Well, I appreciate your comments, Brandon, but uh, being a large supporter of
social services, I know they endorse us trying to stop the panhandling downtown.
They feel it takes away from them. We have ample social services in this
community, and it's hard to decided who is really homeless and is asking for
money downtown, cause a lot of them are not, but I do appreciate your comments
and I know you mean well by them, and I also mean well by supporting this, and
we will try and find other ways to collect money.
Wright: Well, I think we all mean well.
Champion: Yeah!
Wright: Whatever the issue happens to be up here, um...I don't support this ordinance. I
think it is...I find it to be anti-poor and anti-people who aren't able to wear
designer clothes. I think if we had people in designer suits standing on the
corners asking for money, this would be a very different discussion. Uh, and I...I
have to agree with, uh, Mr. Ross. I think this represents a spirit of meanness on
the part of the community, and a spirit which denies the fact that the poor are with
us. These are not necessarily homeless people. Many of these people do have
homes, uh, many of these people do have sources of income that are just simply
not adequate to maintain to whatever physical, mental, or other problems they
happen to have. Uh, moreover, I find this is a...just a slow whittling away at
guaranteed First Amendment, Constitutional rights in our community, uh...I find
such actions as this one to be truly mean-spirited and small. I will not support
this.
Wilburn: Issues of homelessness and poverty should make a community, uh,
uncomfortable. Uh, it's not something that people are comfortable talking about
and uh, leads to conversations about, uh, where, um, oh, related to haves and
haves-nots and...and um...um, what a community should be doing, in terms of
addressing, uh, these issues. Uh, this does, uh, place some restrictions. Uh, it
does not completely eliminate the activity of, um, panhandling in the community.
Um, and uh, when this first came amongst, uh, for the Council a few years ago,
uh, at the time I said I would not support it because there was, um, a vigorous
effort in the community prevent, uh, one particular agency that's providing
services, Shelter House in particular, uh, to expand a new facility, um, at the time
while....um, currently while there are still a couple of lawsuits out related, uh,
you can see in town that Shelter House is, uh, has broken ground. Their...their
facility is being constructed, and uh, they have a rigorous, uh, funding campaign
going on, and I encourage the community to contribute to that. Um, we are also
having to juggle public interest and uh, the interest of individuals that are
participating in the activity, and community members that are supporting them.
Um, we're trying to channel that support towards the agencies that are trying to
address some of the, uh, both the micro issues, but also the macro issues related
to, uh, homelessness and poverty, and um, because those supports are going on,
and again, the community is, uh, getting a new resource to address, uh, at least the
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housing element, and uh, issues related to job and mental health support, uh, I will
go ahead and support this at this time, uh, and again, um, it is an issue that should
make people uncomfortable, um, and uh, hopeful that the community will come
forward to help channel our effort to try and have effective, um, response to, uh,
those...those larger issues that do affect people we do know. So I will be
supporting it.
Hayek: Uh, I will support it as well. I, uh, I appreciate Mr. Ross's comments. They're
always eloquent, and uh, he makes some excellent points; however, I think this
approach, uh, does an excellent job at being sensitive to the importance of
balancing the rights of pedestrians downtown with an individual's right~of
assembly, and that's what this comes down to. I think it's a reasonable approach,
uh, and uh, we...really pushes it over the edges into something that I can fully
support is...is the simultaneous effort on the City's part to encourage donors
through these donation meters that will be placed around downtown, uh, to, uh,
make their donations, um, into a...a pot or a fund that will then be distributed to
local human service agencies who research suggests are far better equipped to
help those in need, um, and I think that's an effective way of both, uh, changing
the situation downtown, but also supporting those groups that are well equipped
to help those in need. So, I...I think it's a good approach, it's a sensitive
approach, and I will support it.
Bailey: Well, I agree with Ross. I...I, um, think poverty and homelessness should make
us all uncomfortable and it's clear in this community that it does. Um, we have
difficulty talking about issues of housing and homelessness, um, regarding
this...ordinance, Ithink it is an attempt to balance the interests of different groups
and populations. I mean, we do have to be concerned about our downtown. We
do have to be concerned about that generally, and fundamentally with the
program that...that says this community supports addressing these issues in these
particular ways, through organizations and institutions that have been set up to be
able to address some of the systemic issues around, um, lack of access to medical
care, lack of access to um, to food, um, directing people's donations, not to
individuals, but to programs that can better address some of the broader issues in
our community I think is a far, um, it's a smarter way to do it. Systemically I
think it'll create greater change, and that's what we need to see in this community.
I think we need to continue to have these kinds of discussions. I'm always
concerned where, um, issues of, uh, civil liberties and constitutional free, uh,
rights to free speech. I'm somewhat concerned about musicians, but I
think...because that was, that is something that I enjoy downtown is the presence
of street musicians, but I think that this does a good job of balancing interests, and
I think we will continue to have to look at it and see if it needs additional, um,
tweaking so to speak. So I will be supporting it.
Dickens: I'll be supporting it as well. Um...I do have a business downtown. I'm probably
at the busiest corner for panhandling and aggressive panhandling. Uh, we had
customers that actually are afraid to come downtown, and they have told us that
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they will not come down. They're afraid to come downtown, and...and I don't
feel that that's right. I do...they're not just uncomfortable, they are scared, and
uh, I don't disagree that, uh, that we are uncomfortable with the homeless, but
I...I feel this ordinance, because it was crafted with all the Downtown
Association, with the City, is a...is a good start to, uh, to try to alleviate the
problem.
Hayek: If there's no further discussion, roll call, please. Item passes 6-1.
Karr: Motion to accept correspondence.
Wilburn: So moved.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Uh, moved by Wilburn, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say
aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously, and the item passes 6-1,
Wright in the negative.
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ITEM 12. CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6, ENTITLED
"PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY," CHAPTER 10, ENTITLED "SMOKE
FREE PLACES," TO PROHIBIT SMOKING THROUGHOUT CITY
PLAZA AND NEAR SIDEWALK CAFES AND TO MAKE THE
SMOKING PROHIBITION AT THE FARMERS MARKET CONSISTENT
WITH THE EXPANSION IN HOURS AND LOCATION. (FIRST
CONSIDERATION)
Wright: Move first consideration.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wright, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Mr. Arnold.
Arnold: I'm still Nick Arnold, and I'm still with the Downtown Association! I again
would like to thank you for taking this under consideration, this ordinance here.
Um, Downtown Association, again, uh, feels that this does a, this ordinance
would do a great job in both the aesthetics of downtown. I know many of you
have offices or businesses downtown and um, challenge you to county cigarette
butts on the next walk to your...to your office or to your store, um, so we think it
will help with the aesthetic appeal of downtown, and also of course, um, with
the...the health of those downtown who do not smoke, while still providing, um,
space for...for smokers to, um, to enjoy a cigarette. Um, of course we would
assume this would...the alleyways would, um, have some sort of disposal bins
and some lighting for...for nighttime to make this a safe experience for those
folks in the alleys as well. But otherwise just want to say again thank you for
your consideration and be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Champion: Is the Downtown Association going to provide any kind of receptacle for
cigarettes in the alleys?
Arnold: It hasn't been discussed. I can definitely bring that up. We have our Board
meeting tomorrow morning. And I can bring that up (both talking)
Bailey: I also think when you're concerned about aesthetics, I think that's a really good
point, that is something we're trying to address here, but it's...it's going to take
all of us and um, reminding people that, if those go into the gutter they go into the
river, and they're not biodegradable, those cigarette butts, so I mean, let's take
good care to, uh, look at this comprehensively.
Arnold: Absolutely! Thank you!
Champion: I think the other thing you're going to have to watch, uh, although I'm in favor of
this ordinance and actually suggested it even before I was on the City Council,
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um, that where are these smokers...they're not always considerate. Smokers are
not always considerate. Um, where are they going to go? I mean, are they going
in front of Herteen and Stocker? Joseph Steakhouse? The yoga place? I mean,
this is a concern of mine, is what's going to happen to these businesses
around...around the ped mall that are right on the ped mall. So that's another
thing we might have to address somehow.
Arnold: Thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, Mr. Arnold.
Squier: My name's Chris Squier, um, I'm a member of CAFE. I serve on the State
Commission for Tobacco Prevention and Control, so I'd just like to add my voice
to support this. I think this is a progressive ordinance. Um, I think there's lots of
evidence to suggest that this is good. Health is included in the ordinance, and we
know that there are small but definite health risks from smoking outside,
especially for compromised people. That's good. We've already touched upon
the litter question, um, cigarette butts are almost indestructible. They elute toxins
into water. Um, there's another factor, that is role modeling for young people
seeing people smoking all the time is a very strong encouragement, that it's
something to do that everyone does it, that it's cool, um, we know that everyone
doesn't do it, it isn't cool, and we've got a lot of young people in our community
that helps reduce smoking too. Um, finally I think as we get used to clean air, we
get increasingly annoyed by going out and having to walk through clouds of
smoke. You might say that well, legislating against, um, unpleasantness is just
(mumbled) but I'd also say that public urination is not a health risk. It's just
unpleasant, and we don't allow that. When you consider smoking, it's not far
away from that. So I think there's lots of reasons. This is in the tradition of a city
council that, a couple of you anyway will remember, some seven years ago passed
one of the first ordinances, smoke-free restaurants in the state. So this is a good
tradition. Thank you.
Hayek: Anyone else from the public? Council?
Bailey: Couple of years ago we talked about doing a little bit more with our alleys and I
think Mr. Arnold brings up an interesting point about receptacles, as well as
lighting, and that should be something that maybe we can explore with the DTA,
um, if that's where people are going to end up smoking, and that's what we would
hope, um, because that will be the designated areas. I think that they should be at
least, um, not...not as they are now.
Wright: Also something we take up when we do our alleys discussion later this year.
Bailey: Right, I think we should keep the downtown alleys in mind, for sure.
Hayek: Why don't we tuck that away; I think that's a good point.
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Bailey: And lighting particularly, I thought that was a really good point.
Hayek: Any other Council discussion on this? Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0.
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ITEM 15. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A REVISED SCHEDULE
OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES
AND PROGRAMS.
Champion: Move the resolution.
Wilburn: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Wilburn. Discussion? If you're from the
public and wish to address us, please come forward.
Graf: Hi, my name is Bill Graf, um, tonight I'm speaking on behalf of Iowa City Boys'
Baseball. Um...first let me apologize. I would...attended your informal session
last night, but I was late by about a half hour and I missed the discussion on this
item. I was out helping a, uh, team of ball players, um, with their first practice,
um, helping the parents organize their first practice. It was some six-year-olds,
and uh, if you know six-year-olds, they don't stand in one spot more than, uh,
about one second, and um, I'm a little bit too old for this, um, and I was by the
end of the hour and a half, I was, um, wondering why I was out there, and there
was one boy in particular, um, I won't name names, but I'll call him Skippy, um,
that did not stand still and did not keep his mouth shut, and would not do
anything. He had a batting helmet on and he didn't take it off even when he was
in the field, and uh, I felt sorry for his parents actually at the end of the night
(laughter) but, uh, he was...he was a wonderful child and he kept on talking and
talking and talking, even when I was talking, and um, and at the end of the night I
said good-bye Skippy, um, see you at the next practice, uh, which I don't plan to
attend...no! I will be there (laughter) um, but you know, he ran off and then he
stopped and he turned around and I was talking to another parent and he tugged
on my pants and he said, "Thanks, Coach!" And at that moment I decided that's
why I'd been involved with Iowa City Boys' Baseball since 1976, um, it's for
those moments! Those moments when you look into asix-year-old's eyes and
they say thank you! And I've been a volunteer, and we all are volunteers, all the
coaches we have, and all of the staff, all the Board Members, we're all volunteers.
And we're an affiliate group, and I looked at the word affiliate, and it means
having a son, or to be a... equitable, a daughter, um, so we are sons and daughters
of the City! And, um, as sons and daughters of City, I am speaking against
this...this, uh, I don't know if it's an ordinance or what it is, but I'm speaking
against it. I don't believe we should be charged for the diamonds. Organization
was started 54 years ago. Fifty-four years ago! Uh, I don't think Terry, uh, was
coaching at that time. Maybe you were, I don't know (laughter). But, um, it was
started by a person named Bill Gabe Williams. Gabe was on our Board up until
two years ago, um, and he had to be in a retirement home and...in a different city,
but um, he took a bunch of boys, went out to Lower City Park, which by the way
was donated for kids to play ball, baseball. It was donated to the City for the
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expressed reason for kids to play baseball. So you got this Lower City Park free.
You didn't have to pay for it! Um, for kids to play baseball! Why should we
charge kids to play baseball there? Um...uh, fields were, lot of the fields were in
corn at the time, so space was cleared out. We had one field and we cleared space
out. We all...have an all-volunteer organization. We put up the first fences. We,
um, we lighted two diamonds. There are two diamonds lit. We paid for
electricity on this field until the flood of 2008, um, so even when the City was
charging, uh, college kids to play at night and paying for the electricity to the
field, uh, $21 I think it costs to pay for a lighted field, um, we're paying for
electricity. Iowa City Boys' Baseball, out of our funds. So, we worked with the
City all these years. Why are we being charged? Um, we lighted the diamonds,
as I said, um...we...we actually, in the early years, we cut grass. We did
everything we needed to do to play in those diamonds. When it rained we had
parents out there with sand trying to put sand in the puddles and right the field so
we could start to play. We even chalked the diamonds. There were times when
we even got our lawn mowers and cut the grass. Um, during the...after the flood,
we had the Minnesota Vikings came down, some players -the owner and some
players -and we got together a bunch of people and we helped, they helped clean
up the diamonds. They actually...the City did most of it, um, beforehand, but uh,
during the flood, uh, we called parents up and we built our new clubhouse...well,
our first clubhouse, we built our first clubhouse all out of our own money. We
raised the money for it, and we built it. It burned down about three years before
the flood, uh, of 2008. We built it up by hand, um, all of ourselves, with our own
money and...and equipped it with our own money, and um, during the flood we
built it up three-feet higher than the flood of the 80s flood, um, because we were
smart. It probably worked, and then we sandbagged it two feet, put two feet of
sandbag (mumbled) so we're five feet higher than the flood of, well, this flood
was higher than that. So, uh, we cleaned it out. We called 14 people, we got 20.
That's how our volunteer organization works! People want to help us out! So we
had to clean out, um, and we got it all back into shape. Got equipment cleaned
out, we got volunteer money, organizations that volunteer and give money to us.
So we are a very much in...in...in 2008, um, like I said we had a really bad flood.
We had people wading in the water. We were putting up lights at the time, and
we got pictures of this, trying to hold our poles, light poles in place from floating
down the river. Um, so we have a whole bunch of people that were really trying
to help us out and...and do this. Now, um, I'm sorry I tried to take some notes
and I can't even read my own handwriting.
Hayek: And Mr. Graf, you're going to need to wrap up here. (both talking)
Graf: Okay, I'll try to make it within one or two minutes. We charge 30...$30, okay,
for a kid to play. Our registration fee has been that way for, I don't know, 20 or
30 years. Then we raised it from 25 to 30, uh, several years ago, but that's how
much we charge our kids. And we have a number that...if they can't pay the $30,
we don't charge them that $30. So we have a lot of fees. Okay, if...if um...for
that they get a cap, a hat, umpires, some equipment, and coaches, education, it
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covers everything. Um, so, you know, we have a lot of questions. Practices are
come...we got to pay for practices. We're told we just pay for (mumbled). Some
people tell us we have to (mumbled) practices. Um, some people tell us we have
to pay 10% this year, 20% next year, 30% the year after, and 40% the fourth year
and that's...that's where it caps. That's a lot of money for us. That would figure
out, at four years, instead of kids paying 30...$30 of registration fee, they'd have
to pay an extra $15. What we're asking for is just to work with the City. If...I'm
not sure why they're trying to do this to us. I hear that they're...got to meet a
budget. We'll help `em with their expenses. We'll chalk our own fields. We'll
do whatever we have to do. They said, well, if we give money that covers our
rental, that's fine. What happens if we put lights in the third field, which we'd
like to do, and we spend $50,000 on lights. Does that mean we get rent for one
year...free, or (mumbled) for five years free - I don't know. There's so many
questions. I would urge you to vote no on this. If nothing else, vote to defer it so
we have more time. This is the busiest time of the year for us registering...we
have 410 kids this year, trying to get them all on a team, trying to call the parents,
trying to do everything, and having to come here and speak on this it's...it's just
been exhausting. So, I would urge you to vote no. These are kids, these are your
own kids, these are kids, um, that...that are...are taxpayers and you're taxing a
six-year-old, or you're taxing a 12-year-old or a...
Hayek: Mr. Graf, you're going to need to conclude your comments. I apologize but
we...we give everybody five minutes (both talking)
Graf: I was going to have all our kids stand outside with candles and light `em and open
the drapes for ya, like you did with the (mumbled) seven years ago, but they're all
in bed so I can't do (laughter)
Armstrong: Hi, my name is Jason Armstrong. I'm here on behalf of the Iowa City Kickers,
and I've seen the agenda so I will be brief. I believe, uh, most of the Council has
received, uh, some of our side of the story, our feelings on the matter as far as the
proposed fees. Uh, we believe we do have a unique relationship with Parks.
We've donated, uh, upwards of $400,000 over the last 15 years towards the, uh,
the creation and upgrades to the parks and the facility out there, the Kickers
Soccer Park. Um, our biggest concern is basically the impact that these fees are
going to have down the road, especially as they increase, on the ability of our kids
to be able to enroll, uh, like he said we also consider ourselves an inexpensive
recreational activity, and uh, we do have a fair amount of scholarship players.
We're actually working on increasing our amount of scholarship players because
it's come to our attention a lot of kids would play if they're realized that....they
don't necessarily have to pay to be involved. So that's something we're working
towards. Uh, we understand that Parks has been working for months on trying to
come up with a viable solution for this, and I appreciate that they're in a tight
spot, but like I said our concern, uh, probably as it should, ties back to our kids in
the program. Um, in closing, I'd just like to read our mission statement of our
web site, which we try to constantly review and adhere to is that Iowa City
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Kickers is a recreational soccer program that exists to provide opportunities for all
youth to develop the love for soccer, soccer skills, sportsmanship, new
friendships, a spirit of cooperation, and social skills through equal participation
for all players. Uh, Iowa City Kickers, uh, has been a local fixture for decades.
We've impacted thousands of families and people. We have approximately 1,200
and some players this season alone, and we stand behind our mission statement,
and want to continue to be an inexpensive recreational option for all of our kids,
and we are concerned that these fees will impact our ability to do this. That's it.
Hayek: Thank you.
Armstrong: Thank you.
Hayek: Any other input from the public? Council discussion?
Wilburn: I'll just start by, the organizations that are here and those that are not here, that
utilize our Park facilities and...recreational facilities, thank you for your
commitment, your dedication historically. Uh, also, um, have a soft spot in my
heart for coaches. I also coach, uh, girls' softball and know the time commitment
and the resources that you all put in trying to, uh, keep things affordable. Uh, and
accessible, um, while...an important connection, opportunity, for young people in
the community. Um, I'm supportive of this, um, what (mumbled) in front of us,
as a, uh, as a compromise. Uh, we do have expenses, and uh, the same expenses
that you are facing, the City has expenses associated with upkeep and
maintenance, etc., etc. We also have, uh, competing interests. Um, the, you
know I have people that come to me upset because we charge anything for parks
because their tax dollars, everyone says you know I get my, you know, I'm
contributing and now I'm getting double-dipping by having to pay for a
(mumbled) or these types of things. Um, there are expenses associated with
operating, maintaining facilities, and liability insurance and all of that, and uh,
it's...it's a juggling thing that we have to do, and, you know, frankly too we have,
uh, I have, uh, different groups that come to me because, uh, you know, the great
groups like, uh, Kickers and...and baseball and the girls' softball, that
they...upset because they get primary, uh, access during...during their seasons,
uh, during select times, and Park staff has to juggle, you know, um, honoring the
commitment and resources that they are operating something that benefits...uh,
benefits us, that we don't have to hire staff to run those programs, um, but still
maintaining some type of, uh, you know, so, uh, it's a matter of
juggling...juggling interests, as well as the budgetary thing. Um, again, very
appreciative of the work that you all do, um, I think some attempt to be flexible to
honor your commitment and dedication, and uh, you know, I see people shaking
their heads, uh, you know, in disagreement, but the fact of the matter is, uh, yes,
your taxpayers...your tax dollars are going towards this, as are others, uh, but it
costs money to operate these things. So, um, look forward to your ongoing
support. I know you're committed and dedicated to your programs, and uh, you
know, that's not going to disappear, um, but uh, this with other Parks and Rec
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expenses too, you know, we do the best that we can to try and keep things
affordable, and juggle those things, so not something that we like to have to do
but it's a decision that has to be made.
Bailey: I have a question for Mike Moran, um...I know that the Parks and Rec
Commission and you have been working on this for quite some time. Can you,
and, um, maybe you mentioned this last night and I'm just not remembering, but
can you talk a little bit about, um, how you worked with these groups to come up
with this or...or what kinds of discussions you had from the affiliate groups, I
mean, I...Mr. Graf had a really great point. These are affiliate groups, and
changing the relationship of the City with these groups overnight with a
resolution, I think, um, is...is going to be difficult, and not exactly what you'd
want to do. So tell me a little bit about their input and how you worked with
them.
Moran: We started the process in October after our budget discussions and then in
November we took it to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Uh, from there
we went with a couple of proposals, uh, to the Commission to consider and then
after those proposals were, uh, batted around, we came up with one that we
wanted to start with. We wrote a letter to all the affiliate groups and asked them
to attend Commission meetings of December and January, either one or both in
some cases. In the meantime, we have, uh, staff individuals that are liaisons with
those affiliate groups that would attend their monthly meetings, as well, and work
through, you know, the sessions that we had. Commission then, in addition, also
had a... a special work session where they wanted to work out, and that's where
the compromise came from, when we decided that we wanted to recognize the
fact that they did give us money during the years and how we would make that
match. And so after the December and January meetings then we started the
process of just notifying the affiliate groups what we all came up with and...and
what the Commission then ended up passing, and then uh, came here to this
process. So it was about a four, five month process and it was one that was met
with the Commission and then with individual staff.
Bailey: Okay. So, of these groups, of these affiliate groups, how...how many of those
were able to participate in discussions in December and January with the
Commission? How many, you know, how many had dialog, versus how many
received a letter? I mean, they all received a letter, right, but...
Moran: They all received a letter, but uh, I'd have to go back to the minutes and...and...I
know the two that are here were, uh, present, girls' softball was present. We had
a couple of other affiliate groups, camera club and some other ones that were
mentioned, that also came as well, uh, to the December and January Commission
meetings. So I would say that...I'd bet almost all of them were at least present or
at least contacted by staff...during that process.
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Bailey: And I read the minutes of the Parks and Rec Commission, but at any time did you
consider simply, um, doing memorandums of understanding that would be
different for each affiliate group, but working in that direction, rather than a
blanket affiliate sort of approach, a fee approach.
Moran: Well we talked about the memorandum of understanding, that would be the next
step after this, is to establish the structure and then to establish the memorandum
of understanding.
Bailey: Why not the other way around?
Moran: That's just what we came up with. We could have done that way, as well, come
up with the memorandum...
Bailey: So you anticipate that the MOU would be, um, basically the same, go in the same
direction, for each organization...similar to what you proposed here. I'm just
trying to clarify.
Moran: Similar, yeah, but...but some of `em will be different, like we talked about last
night, you know, the new ones that have come on board, we've...we've crafted
new agreements with, and we...we don't use the same ones that we have with the
existing affiliate groups that have been affiliate groups for a long time.
Bailey: I think that's all I have for right now. Thanks.
Champion: I have a question. Um, Mr. Graf mentioned an escalating, um, schedule. Did,
was that absolute? I thought you said last night that would be looked at every
year.
Moran: Yeah, when we went through that, that was one of the proposals that we came
forward with, and then when the Commission reevaluated that and looked at that,
that's something that they'd like to look at, but it wasn't anything that was
absolute.
Champion: Right, that's (both talking)
Moran: ...they wanted to do, if... if they did that, they wanted to go every other year, but
they also wanted to meet with the affiliate groups every year for an evaluation of
that.
Champion: So that's not an absolute.
Moran: Right.
Bailey: So, if you're doing 15 MOU...oh, go ahead.
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Dilkes: In response to Connie, that would have to come to you for approval.
Champion: Okay, thank you.
Dilkes: Just as this one is doing.
Bailey: I'm rethinking what I was saying. Thanks for the pause! No, um, if you...you're
going to end up doing 15 MOUs, with each one of these affiliates.
Moran: Correct.
Bailey: Um, you know, I think... and it didn't occur to me last night, but from my
perspective I think I would be more comfortable seeing those on a case-by-case
than voting for a solid resolution. That would assure me that some dialog and
some consideration had occurred. I think...I think Mr. Graf brings up a good
point. If they want to put their $50,000 into lights, is that one year that we
covered, or is that, um, multiple years, and getting a better understanding of those
kinds of details would really help me, um, think about...understand that we had
been fair to these groups that we have a special relationship with. It's just a
perspective, but um...
Moran: Well, we did have discussions of that on a Commission level as well, because
every one of these organizations has provided something, and brought something
to the table.
Bailey: Sure!
Moran: And so the...the discussion was, do we start something now or do we give people
credit, and then if give credit, how much credit and, you know, all that so that's
why the discussion was held to start... start structure anew and go from that point.
Bailey: So why not start the structure with individual, um, just memorandum of
understanding with each affiliate group, bringing those to Council and
understanding what our relationship would be for a period of time with this group,
understanding that that would probably be up for renewal in I don't know how
long these typically last.
Moran: One year is what we'd talked about initially.
Bailey: Okay. I don't know. I think I would be more comfortable with that. I don't
know how others feel about, I mean...
Champion: My problem with it is that I'm wondering if it's going to discourage the groups
from contributing, I mean like the Kickers have contributed a lot of money. I
don't know if the boys' baseball's contributed money, but they certainly
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Page 23
contributed other things, and wonder if we're...what's the saying, biting off
your...tongue to save your face or whatever it is.
Bailey: Cutting off your nose to spite your face (several talking)
Champion: Right, right (laughter). Thank you.
Bailey: I think you cut it off, not bite it offl
Champion: And that's the problem I have with it, cause some of these groups have been very
generous, and understand that this costs the City a lot of money. I mean, it really
does cost a lot of money to maintain these facilities. We may have gotten the
parkland free, but we've paid dearly for it since, and I just...that's an expression
my husband uses all the time with me, so I'm using it with you, but um, I...I just
have some...some problems with it, although I understand your reason for it, and
I'm much more happier with it now, uh, when you have the...the compromise, the
eliminating the fee if there was certain contributions. But I...I don't think I'll
support it.
Wright: As I've thought about this, this seems to be a policy that just needs a little bit
more work...before I'd support it. I understand that the parks do cost a lot, and
that the City is...is strapped, uh, in a number of different areas, but...I'm not sure
all the angles have been given the consideration that I'd like to see, so I won't
support it either.
Wilburn: Before other Council Members comment, I...I, just, Mike, can you comment too
just on some of the other demands and strains on facility usage, uh, and...and
groups, I mean, that's been my experience, what I talked about, uh, in terms of
both, uh, again, uh, individuals, um...upset that, you know, my tax dollars pay for
this, why should I have to...to, uh, other groups and clubs wanted to....and
having to juggle, juggle all that, because uh, and can you comment on budgetary
pressures, uh, because I'll remind the Council that, uh, we've had this informal
policy with Parks and Rec that 40% of their, um, expenses are covered by fees,
and that's, you know, there's....I think there's a bigger budgetary issue here too,
but could you comment on those.
Moran: Well we've set up, established a fee schedule so that non-affiliate groups pay
more, obviously, than just regular rental groups, and the precedence that has been
set is that we always have to hold the schedules out until we get schedules from
our affiliate groups and then we rent them out to everybody else. And so that
causes us pain and angsternation cause most of the private clubs want to start
practicing in February and March, and we just can't simply fill that up, and they
have schedules to meet and so we have to put them off for a long time, so that's
where our pain comes from is that we're always doing maintenance and trying to
keep them healthy, and then once everything starts, then we have to make sure
that we don't overuse them and overplay them. Uh, the facilities are...are used
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Page 24
constantly and so we have...we get into a protection mode after we get that all set,
and so our budgetary stuff comes from, uh, weekend use, from maintenance use
and trying to keep those diamonds active, uh, during the whole summer, because
we don't want to lose them.
Wilburn: So there is...and...that's the other comment, is there is priority usage for, with
these affiliate groups, uh...
Moran: Right.
Wilburn: ...um, relative to other organizations and clubs, and individuals that want to just
go and utilize facilities though.
Bailey: Well, and I think that that's great, and that's something that could be better
clarified with the schedule in....in some kind of dialog and discussion about, you
know, being part of an affiliate group means these sorts of things. We can't hold
these indefinitely. We need your schedule by `x' date. I mean, I think it...I think
the benefits can work both ways. I agree with Mike. I think that this just...from
my, um, perspective, um, when I hear that, you know, there are 15 groups on this
list and not all have really communicated and been in dialog with the
Commission, and with staff, I think some more discussion should take place. I
don't want to delay this. I understand our budgetary concerns. I want to move
this along, but I think that that would benefit, um, and get us to what we're trying
to get to, in a way that would, um, be a more community-building approach than a
resolution for a policy. And that... and then trying to work out an agreement.
Working out the agreement first that generally addresses perhaps some unique
relationships here.
Wright: I think what...what we're referring to is something that may take some more
work on the part of the Commission, perhaps a fair amount more work, but I think
in the end it's going to end up with a product that's going to be a little more
acceptable to everybody.
Bailey: And I...I look for benefits on both sides. I'm not saying we should be giving
away the farm here. I understand that we have to maintain these facilities, and I
think it's great, and I have that expectation, and if... if you're having problems
with booking because the affiliate groups are taking their time and dragging their
feet on their schedules, I think that that needs to be part of the deal. Um,
but...I...I would rather...I would rather have that discussion than do a broad
resolution that sort of blanketly applies to everybody, and may, as Connie said,
cut off our nose to spite our face. We might not get that third field lit because
they...they don't want to invest in that way. Um...
Hayek: The problem...the challenge I see is, you know, as Ross pointed out, um, the
Council has placed the Parks and Rec department and Commission in this
position, uh, in part, um, through our expectation of... of the generation of fees to
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Page 25
support its budget and through the addition of incredible amounts of new
parkland, infrastructure, and other assets on that parkland, and programming
demands, that the community wants, um, but that has to be paid for, and we
haven't added staff over... in recent years, and you know, Connie,
you've...you've pointed that out, that the demands on our Parks and Rec budget
actually are...are probably more extreme relative to other departments, uh, at least
presently, and so we're in a tough position and... and I think they're following our
direction on this, um, may, you know, maybe this needs more work, more
thought, but it seems to me that coming up with a blanket policy that is consistent
across groups, um, may have a disparate impact on certain groups, but avoids the
thorny and probably unsolvable discussion, um, where we try to...we try to
quantify what a given group has contributed to the City over the course of, in
some cases decades. If my numbers are right, boys' baseball started in the mid-
1950s and there's no way to go back and...and...and quantify that. I started
playing t-ball in 76 and...and went all the way through the system, um, so...I
don't know how we do that.
Bailey: I don't want a backward look; I want a forward look. I want to say, we've had a
great relationship. Well, we need a little counseling here. Let's see what our
relationship is going to look going forward, and this is what Parks and Rec, and
the Council, needs from you to cover these fees, and this is your expectation. Can
we work something out, and if they come and it's irreconcilable differences, we
can pass this resolution, you know, in July.
Hayek: But I...I think what's proposed is forwarding looking, in that the...the credit that
is, uh, imbedded in this policy, uh, allows groups that are...that are donating to
City facilities presently and into the future to avoid those fees, because they're
making future contributions to the City. That's why (both talking)
Bailey: Cash contributions or infrastructure (both talking)
Hayek: No, and that...that would have to be worked out, but...
Bailey: Right, and that's what I want to see worked out before.
Hayek: And I don't have a problem with that, but...but the notion of...of entering into 15
separate agreements with 15 separate entities that have different abilities to pay
and different, uh, membership levels and all the other factors that...that get into it,
that's where I think we could have real problems, when we're trying to
individually negotiate with given groups, uh, based on their ability to pay, against
the backdrop of needing to raise `x' number of dollars through fees to support
budgets.
Bailey: But I don't think that there have been enough discussions with these groups.
From what I'm hearing, and the misunderstanding, and the body language that
I'm seeing in the back row, I don't think that there's been enough discussions
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with these groups to...to understand, and...and maybe you know there are three
or four unusual situations in this list, that we want to contribute infrastructure
rather than cash, and how do we feel about that? Do we want infrastructure or do
we need the cash, I mean, because infrastructure doesn't pay for our...our
maintenance, and so I... if nothing else, I think we should consider deferring this
resolution until some more conversations can happen, um, and...and get some
clarity. I don't understand, um, I have a sense of what some of these costs. I
don't have a sense of what all of these cost. Maybe entering into 15 agreements is
challenging. Maybe it can be...maybe it can be a generalized approach that looks
like this. I don't know, but I don't think that there's been enough...I know that
the Commission has worked on it a long time and I know that staff has, but I'm
concerned that these affiliates groups don't fully understand what they're getting
themselves into, and I don't want to leave a bad taste in their mouths so they go
away and aren't making contributions to the City, and...and we lose out on that.
Or, they make the minimum contributions to cover their, what would potentially
be their annual fee. I want to continue good relationships with these groups.
Moran: And I'm happy to do that, that's not a...that's not a question for me, but a fee is
still a fee, and they're going to be objectionable to that regardless.
Bailey: I agree, I agree.
Moran: That's the whole issue is that they... as an affiliate group they haven't had to pay,
so that whole concept is what is probably more upsetting than anything else.
Bailey: Well so then maybe you can answer the question. If they light the third field, at a
cost of, they say 50, let's say 45, does that cover their annual, or are we expecting
cash?
Moran: No, that would cover their annual. The way it was set up, and the way that the
Commission understood it is if they did a contribution to that, like I think last
night Project GREEN came up and Project GREEN's done many things that are
not cash contributions. They're all physical contributions. Then that counts
for...for their credit if you will.
Bailey: I'm...I'm just really concerned that there's not a complete understanding of this,
from affiliate groups, maybe we don't want 15 agreements, but I do want some
better understanding. I know that we can't make everybody happy, but I do want
to make sure that everybody's clear of what they're getting themselves into. And,
if... if you feel that that's been accomplished...I still am a little uncomfortable
with it I guess (laughter)
Moran: That's fine, that's your prerogative. We can do whatever you want. (laughter)
Helling: Mike, just one question for clarification. When you say that covers their annual,
do you mean for that year?
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Moran: Yes.
Helling: Yes, for that one year?
Moran: Right.
Bailey: And...
Mims: And that's what I have a concern with. I think...and let me just step back, I mean,
our family's been involved with a number of these affiliate groups for many,
many years. We had two girls go through girls' softball, and two boys go through
boys' baseball and Babe Ruth, and they all did Kickers when they were little
and...so we've been, you know, it's been a while ago, but we at the time were
really involved and helped coach and supported and....and I really, really
appreciate the time and effort, um, that the people back then, and still, involved in
these organizations put into...maintenance and coaching and spending the time
with the kids, and it's just an incredible benefit, you know, in our community. I
also understand when things have worked a certain way for 10 or 15, or 50 years,
um, and you weren't paying anything and all of a sudden you're being asked to,
that is a big, big adjustment for people. However, I do think we need to make that
change. Um, I think from the City's perspective, with our budget issues, uh, we
do have to make some changes. I...I like the compromise that has been made
here in terms of charging the affiliate groups only 10% of the rental cost and the
opportunity to waive that if they contribute more than that. I am concerned
about...uh, the issue of the big kinds of purchases or improvements that they
might do, um, you know, if they do a huge project, you know, I think they need
and we need as a city a better understanding what that really constitutes for them
in terms of, uh, is that...can they do a big project and get credit for two or three or
four or five years worth of fees. If they can't, it certainly is a disincentive to
them, um, in terms of doing some of those things, in trying to leave it to the City
to do. Um...
Bailey: And do we have concerns about big projects though, are there big projects that
occur that leave more maintenance to us? That's another question that I think...
Mims: Well, which I would assume, you know, Parks and Rec has control over that now
since they are our facilities and they can make that determination, whether they
would, you know, allow a project, lighting or whatever, to go through. Um, I
think I'm in line with Matt on the idea that I'm not sure we want 15
memorandums of understanding here in trying...and I agree that we don't want to
try and go back and determine what everybody has given, but I think looking a
little more detail than maybe what is in this resolution, um, would make me more
comfortable, um, in terms of going forward. I...I like, uh, Regenia's idea of, you
know, some things that benefit both of us. If scheduling is giving you a problem
because affiliate groups aren't giving you their schedules until too late, well, let's
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use some of that to negotiate and to say hey, you know, we have to have these
earlier, or we're going to be opening up these times for the public, I, you know,
we need to...we need to do some compromising on that, I think.
Dickens: What does the average, I think you gave it to us, what the average group is going
to have to pay.
Moran: It ranged between $1,500 and $2,800.
Bailey: And will they pay as, the question came up, practices, games, or is it, I mean,
what's that based upon?
Moran: Based on facility usage. So whenever they use it, yeah.
Bailey: So practices and games, okay.
Moran: And if... if you do elect to defer, like Bill said, this is a busy time for them and
I'm not going to go talk to them until after the season's over. Somebody'd
mentioned June or July, and if that's the case, I'm going to wait till this is over
because I can't do that to them in the middle of the summer, their season.
Hayek: Aren't you going to though, I mean, isn't there always a season, unless we're in
the dead of winter? (several talking) Well, we don't have hockey...
Bailey: I think that's when square dance, isn't there a dance group?
Hayek: Well, it sounds like there's enough of a question mark on this that maybe deferral
is in order, uh, so we can...
Bailey: I think if we're going to defer we need some clear direction to staff though.
Helling: That was...that was my concern, that I didn't feel like we had real clear direction
on what you're looking for, and...and your charge to the Commission, you know,
that's important. Um, I think also just in listening to the discussion, I think two
kinds of things. One is the...the agreement, whether it's one or several or 15 or
whatever, in terms of the fees, some of the other things like the issues with,
uh...um, scheduling and that would be I think more policies that would be
adopted that would apply, and wouldn't...wouldn't be included in any of those
agreements. So there's really two things I think we're looking at here.
Moran: And a lot of the memorandums of understanding would be similar, so it wouldn't
be 15 totally separate ones, because the people that use outside facilities are pretty
much going to have the same as people that use inside facilities, so it'll really be
sort of a boiler plate thing, and then it'll be plugged in specially, depending on the
group.
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Dickens: There's still sponsorships done, I know with girls' softball (several talking)
sponsor and (both talking)
Moran: ...control that. They, the volunteer groups do that themselves.
Dickens: That's a way of, you know, raising sponsorships could be a possibility. I know
we sponsored teams many years after my kids played. I did play for Gabe many
thousands of years ago by the way, um...(unable to hear person away from mic)
so...but uh, no, I understand. It may...it may change the way some of these have
to do their sponsorships, that they may have to go out and hit the community up
again.
Hayek: All right.
Bailey: I don't think there's consensus on direction (mumbled)
Hayek: And I think this is a big enough deal, uh, and...and goes to the very important
relationships that the City has with these long-standing contributors to the
community, that we want to do this right. It may still ruffle feathers to, uh, to
enact any fee of any kind, but perhaps the...the clarity isn't quite there, uh, and
perhaps sort of the illustrative examples of how this would roll out and...and what
they can expect, either haven't been generated yet or haven't been heard or
understood or comprehended. I...I don't know.
Bailey: Well, and I think the one message we can send to these groups is there will be
fees. That that's an expectation of this group, um, and the details, I guess, and I
think generally you've worked those out. Um, but I think there needs to be
further discussion with these groups.
Helling: If I could suggest, um, there was a lot of discussion by the Commission if you
read the minutes, um, and it may be that in order to make sure that your direction
to the Commission is clear would be to have a joint meeting with the Parks and
Rec Commission to talk about this issue, and make sure that they're comfortable
and that they know (mumbled) some idea in the direction you'd like them to
proceed.
Hayek: (mumbled) sounds pretty good.
Dickens: I'm okay with it.
Wilburn: I would again just ask the Council if you are, if you have it in your mind, uh, in
follow up if you're talking with any of the groups, that if you're moving towards
no fees then there's a direct budgetary impact on that, and you're going to have to
remember that at budget time next January. You're going to have to address that.
Wright: I'm not hearing no fees.
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Bailey: I didn't hear anybody say no fees.
Wilburn: But Mike had, and some of the speakers, are already referred to the concept of
fees if they're footing the work and so, um, that's just a request to keep that in
mind. And what's...what will evolve.
Hayek: Okay, Mr. Graf, if you need to address us come up here and... and please be brief.
Graf: Could I ask that the affiliates group be allowed to this meeting?
Bailey: Well, that has been my concern, is that affiliate groups, um, and I know that the
Commission and the staff have done a great job in reaching out, but for whatever
reason it seems like there's been, um, not...not incredible participation or
feedback or dialog. Maybe these groups are fine with it and I'm just
mis...misinterpreting the silence as, I mean, maybe it's assent and that's fine.
Moran: In most the cases that's true.
Bailey: Okay.
Moran: All the people that use our indoor facilities, uh, 10% to them is a dollar and a half
every time they use it, so it was something that they just absorbed, uh, but the
ones that are the big users, which are the outdoor users, those are the ones that are
greatly affected, and we heard from all of them.
Hayek: One more comment and then we need to wrap this up.
Graf: We attended one meeting, um, with Kickers and I, softball or baseball and softball
were at, and we got to speak for 10 or 15 minutes, but. we had no back and forth
discussion.
Hayek: Thanks. All right, well, why don't we entertain a motion to defer.
Bailey: I move that we defer this. Do we have a...
Hayek: Do we need to withdraw the pending motion or...
Karr: Well, we've got to...you've got, uh, on the floor. Certainly any deferral will
offset that, so is it indefinite deferral, no date specific?
Bailey: Until after Council has had a joint meeting with, uh, Parks and Rec, and we'll do
that as, oh gosh. We just added something, as soon as we can get that on our
schedule.
Champion: I second that motion.
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Hayek: Okay, moved by Bailey, seconded by Champion to defer indefinitely, at least until
after a joint meeting. Further discussion? All those in favor say aye. Opposed
say nay. Motion carries 6-1, Wilburn in the negative.
Champion: Maybe we can do the joint meeting, um, before a work session. Or before a
(mumbled) even.
Hayek: Well, we'll get that scheduled, and we'll be in communication with the
Commission, uh, to...to figure that out.
Helling: Typically we've scheduled those part of a work session, if it works for the
Commission.
Hayek: Right. Okay. That's it for item 15.
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ITEM 17. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE IOWA CITY
MERCER PARK AQUATIC CENTER POOL FILTER REPLACEMENT
PROJECT.
Hayek: Uh, the estimated construction cost is $250,000 and the project will be funded
with general obligation bond proceeds.
Wilburn: Move adoption of the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Dickens. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item
passes 7-0.
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ITEM 19. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN
AND THE CITY CLERK TO ATTEST THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION FUNDING AGREEMENT FOR THE
REPLACEMENT OF THE ROCHESTER AVENUE BRIDGE OVER
RALSTON CREEK BRM-3715(650)-8N-52.
Hayek: For the public's information, uh, this agreement is for the Iowa DOT/City
Highway Bridge program and allows for reimbursement of a maximum 80% of
eligible costs or a million dollars, whichever is less.
Bailey: Move the resolution.
Champion: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Champion. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item
passes 7-0.
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ITEM 22. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 2010 WATER MAIN
DIRECTIONAL BORING PROJECT.
Hayek: The engineer's estimate for this project was $120,540. Public Works
recommends awarding it to Gaylord Construction of Fort Madison, Iowa, who
came in at $65,660.
Champion: It sounds boring! (laughter)
Wilburn: Move adoption of the resolution.
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by Mims. Discussion? Roll call, please. Item
passes 7-0. Miss Champion, keep your day job! (laughter)
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ITEM 23. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION AWARDING CONTRACT AND
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN AND THE CITY CLERK TO
ATTEST A CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 2010 SANITARY
SEWER REHABILIATION PROJECT.
Hayek: Engineer's estimate on this was $177,000. Public Works, uh, recommends
awarding the contract to Municipal Pipe Tool Company of Hudson, Iowa, who
came in at $102,000 and some change.
Wright: Gotta love these low bids!
Champion: We saved a lot of money!
Mims: Move the resolution.
Dickens: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Mims, seconded by Dickens. Discussion?
Bailey: Is it just that people are hungry?
Fosse: Yes, the bid climate is very favorable this year.
Bailey: Very, that's an understatement!
Fosse: We're getting a lot of bids, and they're coming in low.
Bailey: Yeah! Great!
Wright: We can do twice as many projects at this point (laughter)
Champion: No!
Hayek: Roll call, please. Item passes 7-0.
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ITEM 26. CONSIDER A MOTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A
STUDENT LIAISON AND ALTERNATE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF
IOWA GOVERNMENT (UISG) TO THE CITY COUNCIL MAY 1, 2010
UNTIL MAY 1, 2011.
Shipley: Hello, I'm Jeff Shipley. I was the, served as the liaison from May 2009 up to this
meeting, uh, just wanted to very...thank you for the opportunity. And these are
just some few parting words for you (mumbled) Elliott. Okay, again, thank you.
I was very pleased to serve with you as the liaison. It was a privilege and a
pleasure to contribute with you all. I certainly learned a lot and enjoyed myself.
Um, you know, I...I had a fun time. I found a lot of humor, you know, in UISG
appointing perhaps the most anti-government person on campus to the position,
um, I was lucky to make it into Iowa City history, um, after being soundly
defeated by Terry Dickens and Susan Mims, I found out that was perhaps the
largest landslide defeat in history (laughter) so I did have a good time with it and I
just wanted to take this time to reflect on some of the more memorable moments.
Uh, first was a meeting back in January, uh, when it was explained that the City
is...is abandoning or lessening its pay-as-you-go financing policy for...for City
projects. Um, and then the City had to kind of shuffle projects around, as not
overload too much debt in any particular year, and just being swamped with that
and having to pay exorbitant interest is...is very expensive and frankly
irresponsible, uh, you know, even individuals know to avoid credit card debt and
not to...when you load up with too much debt there's lots of problems and
certainly there's no shortage of things that can go wrong, uh, certainly savings
and capital accumulation is...is necessary for any sort of economic growth, um,
and I guess a quick example of the City kind of pursuing, or where they could
pursue, um, more of a cautious or frugal fiscal policy is, uh, the City's pursuing a
new commercial parking structure, uh, planning to build it up on Linn Street, uh,
where it's going to be exactly what they had downtown, a big parking structure
for a lot of people to park, and they have some commercial real estate, but if you
even drive up the street there's existing empty commercial real estate right next
door. Um, so hopefully the project goes well, hopefully the society wants it, but
you know, hope for the best, prepare for the worst. I guess the second thing, uh, I
really learned was I guess how there's always undesirable consequences from
alcohol and drug policy. A big moment that stuck out in my mind is when I was
serving on the partnership for alcohol safety commission, and Lynn Walding, uh,
the former chief bureaucrat of the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division, um,
essentially explained, and I was very shocked, or not shocked but surprised and
interested, um, when you had the top bureaucrat in the state lining out a lot of the
unintended consequences and negative effects of having a 21-only prohibitive
policy, uh, things like having the binge drinking culture. A lot of students coming
out with criminal records, uh, a forbidden fruit effect, getting young people into
binge drinking by thinking it's like the cool thing to do. Um, of course he stopped
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short of recommending that this policy was useless, but it's still a frank admission
that there's a lot that can go wrong from even the most well intentioned policy.
So essentially the lesson I learned there is not only will there be unintended and
undesirable consequences from nearly all of the government efforts to modify and
alter human behavior, um, but that government supposedly exists to protect from
each other, um, but when government begins to try and protect us from ourselves,
it is heading down a very unwise and foolhardy path. Um, finally, I'm very frank;
I'm pessimistic about the 21S` century which has been essentially marked by war,
violence, uh, torture and financial collapse, but I think of individuals, society,
community leaders such as yourselves and governments can really rally around
individual liberties and notions such as privacy, uh, personal responsibility, uh,
savings, uh, you know, we really could have a bright future and again, uh, I do
wish the absolute best for the Iowa City community. It was a, you know, I'll be
sad to leave, but I really enjoyed talking to you all, and having the opportunity to
voice my input. Um, so yeah, I would like to introduce Elliott Higgins, uh, he
will be coming up to speak to you. I think you have to vote and approve him.
Uh, he's a very capable, young man, or individual, he's been involved with a lot;
he knows a lot of things; so uh, I encourage you to listen to him, and I'll let him
speak. Thank you very much.
Higgins: How you guys doing? Uh, thanks, Jeff. I want to let you know I'm not quite as
anti-government as my (laughter) you have nothing to worry about. Um, but
thank you, uh, for the opportunity, and hopefully you will, uh, approve my
appointment, but I'll just start by introducing myself. My name's Elliott Higgins.
I'm a sophomore, political science and anthropology student. Um, I've been
involved with the University of Iowa Student Government for two years now, and
I was lucky enough to get this appointment, um, last night, uh, I'm from
Ottumwa, Iowa, and I was going to go down today to see Barack Obama, but I
thought I'd reprioritize a little bit and come to the meeting tonight. Um, but uh, I
know I've got some big shoes to fill and I'm ready for the challenge. Uh, I'm
eager to contribute and collaborate with the City of Iowa City, and the City...the
City Council. Um, I'd like to bring a strong student perspective to the table, and
I'd like to, uh, work with the City on just a few goals here. Um, I'd like to work
to obtain a permanent advertising space downtown for the University of Iowa
Student Government, and student organizations. Um, I'd like to encourage the
City to pursue a responsible agenda with regard to combating alcohol
consumption, and I want to ensure a transparent and effective communication
between the Council and the students. And, uh, I just want to thank you and I
look forward to, uh, building a stronger relationship between...between the City
and the University of Iowa Student Government. So thank you.
Hayek: Thanks, and welcome, Elliott. We need to do two things. First we need
to...entertain a motion on your future here, and then we've got a certificate here
for Jeff that we want to read. Why don't we take the motion up first.
Champion: I move we accept, uh, Elliott Higgaman?
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Hayek: Higgins.
Champion: Higgins! (laughter)
Mims: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Champion, seconded by Mims. Discussion? All those in favor say
aye. Opposed say nay. Motion carries unanimously. Welcome, Elliott! And
Jeff, I'm going to read a...a certificate that we've got, uh, for you from the City
Council. It says the City Council of Iowa City presents this certificate of
appreciation to Jeff Shipley for his dedicated service as the University of Iowa
Student Government Student Liaison to the City Council of Iowa City, to better
identify issues of common concern to the students and to the City, and for his
commitment to improved communication between UISG and the City for the
2009-2010 academic year. Presented on this 27th day of April, 2010. Thank you!
(applause) Now on a personal note, Jeff, thanks for your service. You've
dutifully attended the meetings, you've been a great contributor to the
conversation we've held over the last, uh, year or so, and um, and I know you'll
give some parting advice to...to your successor, and we look forward to working
with him, too. So (unable to hear person away from mic)
Champion: We appreciate the fact that you didn't always agree with us. You may advise
Elliott that he should not do that! (laughter)
Wright: Once in a while is okay! (laughter)
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ITEM 28. COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS. Applicants MUST reside in Iowa City and be
18 years of age unless specific qualifications are stated.
Hayek: Last night the Council at its work session, uh, elected or indicated a desire to
reappoint Wally Plahutnik and Michelle Payne to the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Bailey: So moved.
Wilburn: Second.
Hayek: Moved by Bailey, seconded by Wilburn.
Mims: I would just like to comment, Mayor, um, I will not be supporting the motion and
it has, as I indicated last night at the work session, this has nothing to do with the
individuals involved. It's a...it's a philosophical perspective that these are five-
year terms and we have had, in this particular case, a number of very qualified
applicants to fill these terms. One of `em was just an unexpired, and she's going
back on so she hasn't been on very long, but the other individual has been on a
full term, and my feeling is that with the length of these terms and having
qualified individuals who want to serve, uh, we need to give the opportunity for
more people to be involved. I understand complexity of this commission and you
know the time to get up to speed, but I really think it's important to give people an
opportunity to serve, particularly when we have qualified applicants. So I will not
be supporting the motion.
Hayek: I will support it. I...I hear what you're saying. I...I think with the Planning and
Zoning Commission the...the complexity of that area of...of the law, frankly, the
City planning is such that, um, it does take quite a while to figure out the system,
and beyond that our practice has been to generally support people who are doing a
good job, uh, for at least a second term. It's not hard and fast, but that's
particularly our policy, um, so that's where I come down on this.
Bailey: And we do invest in their education, particularly in Planning and Zoning, new
Commissioners get the opportunity to attend a conference so they can get up to
speed, and I think that that's something...we take that particular commission very
seriously, and it is very complex. So I think reappointment in this case is...is
warranted.
Champion: It's not only complex, it's a tremendous amount of work.
Bailey: Right.
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Champion: They put in a tremendous amount of...of time and...and energy and probably
much more than we do. Much more time (mumbled)
Hayek: Okay, uh, all those in favor of the appointments say aye. Opposed say nay.
Motion carries 6-l; Mims in the negative.
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ITEM 30. CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION.
Hayek: We'll start with you, Mr. Dickens.
Dickens: I'd just like to thank Jeff, uh, for serving, even though it was only a few months
that I've been around you, we did have kind of an interesting call. I thought you
ran a great race and uh, I still see Dan Tallon comes in on a regular basis. In fact,
I saw him today, that I appreciate the time and effort that you guys put in.
Bailey: Thanks, Jeff, I wish you all of the success in your future endeavors, which I'm
sure we will be hearing about, without question! I'd like to also note that this
Saturday that the Farmers Market begins. It's hard to believe that it's May lst, but
it is, and so the Farmers Market begins on Saturday, and some important changes
this year. Wednesday's markets will start at 5:00, and I think that...I really thank
the Parks and Rec Commission for being responsive to the community survey
about starting that particular market earlier. So I'm really looking forward to
Farmers Market! It must be spring!
Wilburn: Good luck, Jeff! Um, if this is correct, the Iowa City Community School
District's School Board named Steve Murley as the, uh, from Wausau, Wisconsin,
school district as the next superintendent to succeed, um, Lane Plugge. So look
forward to working with him and good luck.
Champion: Good choice!
Wright: I have, uh, well wishes for Jeff, uh, in addition to all the others, and we might as
well just keep going right down the line. It has been a pleasure to serve with you,
uh, you've actually set a pretty high bar for Elliott to follow.
Champion: I wish you the best. I think you've been a lot of fun. Thanks!
Mims: Good luck, Jeff. It was fun to run the campaign against you in the fall (mumbled)
um, and other than that (mumbled)
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ITEM 31. REPORT ON ITEMS FROM CITY STAFF.
a) City Manager.
Hayek: City Manager?
Helling: I have nothing.
Hayek: Assistant?
Fosse: I do have something. You mentioned the downtown alleys earlier tonight. I
wanted to point out that we started steamcleaning those last night and we'll finish
up tonight. So you'll want to get out tomorrow and look at those while they're
still spectacular. (laughter) And, once (several talking) once they're finished
with that, then they'll do the once a year steamcleaning of the ped mall. That's it.
(several talking)
Hayek: City Attorney? (several talking) Entertain a motion to adjourn.
Wilburn: Move to adjourn.
Hayek: Moved by Wilburn, seconded by...
Wright: Second.
Hayek: ...Wright! All those in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. We are adjourned.
(bangs gavel)
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