HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-11 TranscriptionJanuary 11, 2010 City Council Page 1
Council Present: Bailey, Champion, Dickens, Hayek, Mims, Wilburn, Wright
Staff: Helling, Karr, Dilkes, Davidson, Moran, Knoche, Fosse
Agenda Changes:
Hayek/ Let's get started here.
Karr/ Mr. Mayor, if I could just note a couple of changes to the agenda. Uh, we'll be revising
Item number 11, the Mercer Park Aquatic Center. We'll be rejecting all bids and
announcing a new bid date on that tomorrow evening. So that is a change, and then we'll
be adding to Item 17, the City Council information, confirming the appointment of
Regenia Bailey to the UNESCO Board of Directors, so it matches up with your previous
appointments done last week. Okay? So we need to post those, so I wanted to do that 24
hours ahead.
Hayek/ Sure, and the rationale behind rejecting the bid on Mercer?
Karr/ Uh, we can go through that tomorrow night. Basically there was some confusion, um,
over, um, an omission of information provided in the bids. That information, uh, was
better suited three out of the four... yeah.. .
Dilkes/ Uh, three of the four bidders received incomplete information from one of the
subcontractors. Um, so they just...technically we could have held them to it, but it
wouldn't make any sense to do that. Um, the glass was omitted from...from three of the,
uh, four subcontractor bids.
Wright/ Kind of an important (both talking)
Dilkes/ So we will reject...we'll reject them all and we'll rebid it all at once.
Hayek/ Sounds good.
Karr/ We're going to do it in a fairly quick turnaround time, so the delay should be very minimal.
Hayek/ Okay, any questions about that? Hearing none, why don't we go to Planning and Zoning
item C. Jeff do you want to (mumbled)
Planning and Zoning Items:
c) CONSIDER A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY PLAT OF
WINDSOR WEST SUBDIVISION PARTS TWO AND THREE, IOWA CITY,
IOWA. (SUB07-00010)
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Davidson/ Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Members of Council. Uh, item c under Planning and
Zoning items tomorrow night. We'll have the two rezonings prior to that, which we can
talk about tomorrow, if there needs to be .any discussion about those. Item c is a plat so
we can talk about that tonight. As you can see from this slide, it's an application
submitted by Arlington Development Inc. for a preliminary plat of Windsor West, Parts 2
and 3. This is a 58-lot, uh, almost 26 acre residential subdivision, located north on
American Legion Road, uh, south of Cumberland Lane on Buckingham Lane, and this is
the former site of the golf course, that was near the intersection of...just past American
Legion Road and Scott Boulevard intersection. Um, if this seems familiar to you, it
should. Um, this is a, oh actually...there's the location map, uh, right here is the
intersection of Scott Boulevard and American Legion Road. Scott Park as you can see,
and then the plat looks like this. Um, this should look familiar to you because it was all
preliminary platted, uh, American Legion Road is down here, uh, previously, and only
part 1, which is this area here, was final platted, and so the preliminary plat for parts 2,
which is here, and part 3, which is here, uh, expired and the reason that we have time
limits on preliminary plats is that with some regularity we make modifications to the
subdivision ordinance, and because of that, uh, we like to make sure that a plat doesn't...a
plat that isn't, uh, very aggressive about being built out that it...that it adheres to the new
standards, uh, with...with some routineness as, uh, as time goes forward, and that's
exactly, uh, what has happened here. Um...part 1, however, was final platted and has
several, uh, building lots that have been built out. Um, we did in September of 2008, you
probably recall, uh, had fairly extensive, uh, revisions to the subdivision ordinance and
that's, uh, those now apply to parts 2 and 3 here. Um, in terms of the Comprehensive
Plan, this is, as you might imagine, since it's already been through once, uh, consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan. Um...all of the lots meet the minimum lot standards, uh,
and it's all in order in that respect. Um, compatible with zoning (noise in mic) of the
land, of the adjacent property. The adjacent property is Windsor Ridge. Uh, you can see
there is a street right here that has been stubbed to tie in, uh, with part 2 and a street right
here that's been stubbed. These are existing streets in Windsor Ridge. Uh, this is the, uh,
older Far Horizon subdivision, uh, that is...(other person talking) yeah, Fairway Lane is
right there, Terry, uh, and that is still at this time in the unincorporated County, but you
know, we...we try and work with the County as well, as you can see that Far Horizon's
street is stubbed right there, but we've designed, uh, we've had Windsor Ridge designed
so that it will have an intersection here that then ties into Far Horizons, at some point in
the future. Tie into the subdivision that's before you tonight, uh, right here. Um, the
primary difference in new subdivision regulations is with street width and sidewalk
widths. Uh, the former standard which was used to construct part 1, uh, called fora 50-
foot, uh, right-of--way, uh, for sub...for the local subdivision streets, and a 4-foot
sidewalk. The new standard is a 60-foot right-of--way and 5-foot, uh, sidewalks, uh, the
60-foot right-of--way was primarily designed to better accommodate, uh, street trees, uh,
between the sidewalk and the street, along with the utilities and everything else that we
put in the right-of--way. Uh, the 5-foot sidewalk, uh, was deemed an appropriate stan, uh,
standard just because of, uh, you know, primarily the ease of traffic meeting on the
sidewalk, uh, being able to pass each other. Uh, you'll recall that our arterial street
standard calls for even a wider sidewalk, an 8-foot sidewalk on one side, but 5-foot
standard for a local street. So what's been worked out, uh, with the developer is that for
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existing streets and existing sidewalks, that...let me put that another way. For the
proposed streets and sidewalks that tie to streets and sidewalks in the, uh, part 1 that have
been built with the older standard, those will be allowed to continue to use the older
standard. We feel that's appropriate. It causes, quite frankly, more confusion for people
and difficulty, uh, in maintaining sidewalks and streets that have a, some kind of a
transition, so uh, everybody's fine with that. The new streets, for example, uh, this
looped street here, uh, would be required to be...constructed, uh, using the new
standards. Um, the other thing we might want to just highlight briefly is the
neighborhood open space plan. Uh, the neighborhood open space ordinance requires
dedication of 1.22 acres of property, or uh, a uh, a dedication, or a fee in lieu of that.
What's been worked out with the developer is outlot C...which is right there. That's
outlot C, uh, that will be dedicated with the platting of part 2, and then a small corner of
property, right here, which is owned by the subdivider, but not part of this plat, will also
be dedicated to Scott Park, and basically this is designed to tie this neighborhood in with
Scott Park, and eventually with the trail system. The other day, last Friday, you heard
Mike Moran talk about the trail system that's proposed for Scott Park. This would tie in
with that and connect the neighborhood, uh, with Scott Park. Um, oh, and then there's
also...in spite of those dedications, there's also .94 acres still required, which will
be...which will be paid for through a fee, which will be determined at the final plat stage.
So there will be a small fee in lieu that will go into, uh, future, uh, acquisition of open
space in this area. Um, there is infrastructure, uh, fees that per the conditional zoning
agreement, uh, will be paid, uh, in the future as you can see, for water main and uh,
sanitary sewer. Um, one other thing just to bring to your attention about this, uh, in terms
of tomorrow evening, um, there has been...at the Planning and Zoning Commission, and
by the way, the Planning and Zoning Commission does recommend approval of this, uh,
there have been some folks who live in existing, uh, Windsor Ridge that are not
particularly happy about having these streets tied in to their subdivision. They...they
perceive that as being a negative for their, uh, neighborhood. You may hear from them
tomorrow evening, um, the...the other thing that the developer has indicated to us is that
he basically intends to change the phasing. That this will now be part 2, and this will
now be part 3, so they intend to build this out, with the access through this existing street
in Windsor Ridge, uh, and obviously that's a concern of the neighbors; however, uh,
eventually will connect through here and provide two main...two means of access for,
uh, the subdivision to, uh, go to either Court Street or American Legion Road. Uh, we
have done a trip generation analysis where we estimate the number of trips per day, per
unit, and it's...it all stays well within the local street standard for a traffic volume on a
local street. Uh, any questions?
Hayek/ Is there anything we need to do in connection with the reversal of phases 2 and 3...okay.
Davidson/ That's how it's proposed.
Dickens/ What was the reason for shifting them? Just the cost of adding that longer...longer
road or...
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Davidson/ Um, that would be a good question for the developer tomorrow evening. I'm not
certain. They perceived some market reason for, uh, wanting to build out, uh, this area
first. I wasn't present at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Terry,
so...(mumbled). Any other questions? Okay, thank you.
Agenda Items:
Hayek/ Okay. Moving on to agenda items. Anything on the agenda that you would like to
discuss tonight?
Wright/ It's not a real fascinating agenda (laughter).
Karr/ Mr. Mayor, did you want to bring up that correspondence from, uh, Ms. German?
Hayek/ Yeah, um...
Karr/ That would be under agenda.
Hayek/ Right.
Wright/ Which correspondence?
Karr/ The correspondence you have this evening.
Item 4c(5) Class C Liquor License for Oscar German dba Sidelines Bar & Grill, 320 E.
Burlington St. Staff recommends denial. See Memo from the Police Chief
included in Council's packet.
Hayek/ There's correspondence in what you got tonight, uh, an email from Heather German who
is...the applicant entity regarding a new liquor license. (several talking) Yeah, let's find
that in our...well, here's my understanding of it, that..there is an application for a new
liquor license. This is 4.C.5, on the Consent, um, packet. Uh, the recommendation from
the Police Department is denial. If we approve the Consent Calendar, that will serve to
deny that license. Um, if...four Members of the Council wish to consider and deliberate
this issue tomorrow night, it will take, uh, at least four votes tomorrow night to remove it
from the Consent Calendar, separate it, and take it up after we adopt the Consent
Calendar as modified.
Bailey/ I'm comfortable with the Police Chief s recommendation myself. I don't know how
others feel.
Wright/ I'm sort of quite happy with his recommendation to deny.
Mims/ What's the location? 320 E. Burlington? (mumbled)
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Karr/ By the, um, it's just across from the Rec Center, next to Thai Flavors. It's in that...that
area. It's got the little (several talking) then there was a Greek restaurant.. .
Mims/ Is it a location that already had a liquor license?
Karr/ Yes! At least twice...previously. New owners, but...different liquor license.
Mims/ Right, but with the zoning that was done, that...
Karr/ No, no, it is not a zoning.
Mims/ That's what I assumed. Okay.
Karr/ You certainly can leave it on, and if they wish...is she does come, you could discuss it
prior to adoption of the Consent Calendar, and then at that time you would either adopt it,
which would be a denial, or decide at that point... if you remove it for separate
consideration.
Hayek/ Yeah, although I...I'd like to get a sense tonight from Council what...what folks want to
do, um.. .
Champion/ Well, I agree with the Police Chief.
Mims/ Pardon me? I didn't hear you.
Hayek/ She agrees with the Police Chief. Well, let me ask the question this way. How many
people are interested in removing it from the Consent Calendar for deliberation tomorrow
night? Okay.
Wilburn/ Are they planning on showing up or...
Hayek/ Well, uh, I...her email indicates that she, uh, well, hints that she will be there tomorrow
night...and uh...I'm going to let her speak...we can let her speak about it then, without
getting into it, at the...going to have to convince us to remove it for their to be an open
discussion, I think. Okay. Got that one. Anybody seeing anything else in the agenda?
Item 4g(8) Joyce Barker: City Attorney salaries
Hayek/ I have one item, minor, and it's, um, there was a letter, uh, regarding, complaining about,
uh, budget and salaries of the City Attorney's office. Um...it's my sense from doing
very...very basic inquiry that the work that our City legal department does, in-house,
compared to other communities is extensive, that other communities that are brought into
this are, uh, farm out a lot of their work, which has its own cost. Long and short of it is,
if there is interest, staff will take the time to look at this and provide a response. If there
is not, we don't need to do that. (several talking)
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Champion/ I'm not interested. You never can defend yourself in those cases. (several talking)
Hayek/ But I did want to at least recognize it, so...okay.
Karr/ I'm sorry. Which one were we talking about?
Hayek/ This is, uh, g.8 under "Correspondence."
Wright/ Letter from Joyce Barker.
Hayek/ Okay.
Wilburn/ We discuss staff salaries and structure, uh, during review time every year, and so if
someone...does want to...re-examine that then that's their leisure the next time we do
those reviews, but I'm comfortable with the structuring (mumbled)
Wright/ If we did want to send a response, just indicating that we farm out less work than other
communities do. That...
Hayek/ You know, I'd rather just not respond to it, um...if...if we're not inclined to, I mean, I'd
rather provide a full response after a lot of staff time, um, than a partial one. I'd rather do
nothing.
Dilkes/ I can just...are we still on Joyce Barker's letter? I can just give you a couple examples.
I'd want to do a full response too, because...um, for instance, she compares, um, oh, West
Des Moines. West Des Moines has a deductible on their liability policy of $10,000. We
have a $500,000 deductible, so we do pretty much all our liability defense work. They do
none. Their insurance company pays for it. Um, similarly in Cedar Rapids, which I think
was her other comparison, um...they don't, the City Attorney's office does not staff P&Z,
or Board of Adjustment, and they have an acquisition person in their engineering
department. So that's just to give you the flavor of how we're kind of (mumbled)
Hayek/ Okay. If nothing else on the agenda, let's move on to two other agenda items that are on
the agenda. Parks and Rec program fees. Mike?
Parks and Recreation Program Fees (agenda #9):
ITEM 9. CONSIDER A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A REVISED SCHEDULE
OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICES
AND PROGRAMS.
Moran/ What's more exciting than Parks and Recreation fees? Come on now! You said it wasn't
a very exciting agenda! (laughter)
Wright/ Well, I didn't say it was a 'boring' agenda!
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Moran/ Oh, okay! Well, okay. Uh, you have, uh, a Parks and Recreation fee and they have to be
adopted by resolution every year, and so I thought it would be a good idea just to go
through these in case you had any questions for that. Uh, we generally make fee
increases about every two years, uh, and that's generally to keep up with salaries and
supplies, equipment costs and everything that we have, uh, there are two, uh, fees that I
wanted to have you pay particularly close attention to, excuse me, because they're a little
bit different, and they're on the last page, uh, underneath "Park Operations and
Maintenance. Uh, that is park shelter fees, and we went back, uh, to try to find out when
the last time was we raised our park shelter fees, and I've been with the City for 27 years
and we haven't raised them in 27 years. So we felt that in order to recover some of our
costs and in order to, uh, do some maintenance work on shelters, that it would be a good
idea to do that. So the range that you see, it gives you a little bit of history. Uh, our
cheapest park shelter is $7.00 for 5 hours of use, or up to 5 hours of use, and our most
expensive shelter is $26.00, for up to 5 hours of use. So, you can see that they're fairly
reasonable. Uh, if you go on to what we're proposing under, uh, 2011, that rates would
go up to $14.00 per 5 hour period of use for various shelters, and then up to $52.00 for a
5-hour period of use. We only have one shelter that commands that much, and that's the
large 1-shaped shelter in the City Park, uh, that is...is about 150-200 capacity, uh, all the
rest of them fall well beneath that. And then underneath that, where you see ball
diamonds and soccer, uh, you'll see, uh, a new category called tournament fees, and those
are both for tournament fees for ball diamonds and tournament fees for soccer fees. This
will be the first year that we incorporate that, and that's a new fee, which is slightly
higher than regular fees. What we used to do when people would come in and rent our
ball diamonds and our soccer fields for tournaments is we would just charge them the
basic hourly rental fee and they'd charge...they'd use 'em for 10 hours, 12 hours,
whatever that is. Uh, it...tournaments were taking a substantial amount of our staff time,
and we felt that we needed to recover more costs for that, because it's a little bit higher
maintenance and... and they use those, uh, their real hard on 'em for weekends. So, what
we did is we came up with a rental fee for just rental times or playing times. Then we
came up with a tournament fee, so you can see the difference between that and
those...and the same thing holds for soccer. Soccer wears and tears on the tournament,
because it's a consistent use for 12 hours instead of just a Kicker's day that uses it for
about three hours. Uh, so we felt that we needed to recover some more time, uh, and
material or money for that, so we will now institute a tournament fee for our facilities.
Bailey/ Mike, who's our, um, person on the Sports Authority? I assume the Sports Authority's
still active, correct, Matt?
Moran/ Yeah, that's myself.
Bailey/ So, you've talked about, um, charging a tournament fee and...
Moran/ Right.
Bailey/ What do they feel would be the impact? If any?
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Moran/ What happens generally, or what's consistent with all our fees, and Sports Authority
agrees, is that whenever you have a fee increase with that, you can assume a 10% decline
in use, and then after that it picks up again, because you get some people that might
double-clutch and say, oh, maybe we better not, but then after they've gone a year they
realize they're in line with everything else, because we check the fees of Cedar Rapids
and Des Moines, and all that.
Bailey/ And how about North Liberty and Coralville (both talking)
Moran/ Yeah, they're all the same. So we generally, if we're going to increase the fee quite a bit,
and we did that with park shelters, and we did that with these, we're going to back it off
about 10% from what we estimate. Now, will we make that or not? I still think...I feel
comfortable that those fees will still be recovered, but we want to back off just in case
people start to get sticker shock effect, and they don't want to participate.
Bailey/ So they're aware of...that we're increasing our fees.
Moran/ Yes.
Bailey/ Okay. Good, thanks!
Moran/ Other than that, uh, the...you've got a lot of history there. We've put down history from
2007, and then we've also projected some, uh, we always, you know, it's just like our
budget, we always withhold the right to increase those later on, but then in our costs in 12
and 13, uh, but that's it. The Parks and Recreation Commission, uh, voted on these in
December and had no comment. Um, I can't remember the last time we've had somebody
come to a meeting to ask or complain about any of these fees. So I think that
they're...they're reasonable and...and they...
Champion/ They're very reasonable!
Moran/ (mumbled)
Bailey/ And we'll continue our low-income policy and...
Moran/ Absolutely!
Bailey/ Okay.
Hayek/ Any questions for Mike?
Moran/ I'll be present tomorrow night, if somebody comes up and asks questions or anything.
Wright/ I was just curious -the jump on the, uh, shelter fees, did the Commission discuss
graduating the way up to the (both talking)
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Moran/ Considering that it's been 27 plus years, no! (laughter) If it would have been a little bit
more, we would have been more incremental in doing that, they might have, but they felt
that was a good place to start, and then what our challenge will be for next year is what
we want to do, whether we want to let it sit for a couple years and then start
incrementally increasing it like we have the rest of our programs or not.
Wilburn/ Well, and our highest shelter fee is still lower than some area (both talking)
Moran/ That's correct, yeah.
Wilburn/ ...significantly.
Moran/ Right.
Hayek/ Got anything else? All right. Thanks, Mike. Next, uh, item agenda, or agenda item 14,
hazard mitigation plan. Ron?
Hazard Mitigation Plan (agenda #14):
ITEM 14. CONSIDER A MOTION TO ESTABLISH THE 30 DAY PUBLIC
COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE CITY OF IOWA CITY 2010 HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN FROM JANUARY 13 TO FEBRUARY 11, 2010.
Knoche/ Um, in February 2008 we met with, uh, Iowa Homeland Security and discussed the
funding possibilities for hazard mitigation grant funding for storm shelters. In 2008 that's
when we started that. Um, and...what we were looking at was the possibility of putting
some storm shelters up at, uh, few of the mobile home parks, having them double as
community centers, and kind of work with the School District in regards to those. Um, in
March of 2008, um, we were asked to apply for...for funding to, um, develop a hazard
mitigation plan and, a local hazard mitigation plan is a requirement to be able to get any
of the grant funds, um, through FEMA, um, and so in March we...we put in our formal
application, um, and then in June, uh, we had a flood and so, um, in July we received
notification that our...that our application was approved, uh, now with the flood in June it
kind of changed our focus on, uh, what we were going to apply for, as far as the, uh,
projects that we were applying for. Uh, so we, uh, started to develop that plan in
October, and uh, we've, uh, completed the plan in June of this last year, of 2009, and uh,
that plan was also sent on to FEMA, uh, and they've...they've, kind of an un-formal
approval at this time, and that's waiting for, uh, approval by the City Council, to give
their formal approval on that plan, um, Hilary Copeland, who's a community
development planner with JCCOG, she was the consultant that...that the City contracted
with to develop our plan, and I'll let Hillary go ahead and go over the plan.
Copeland/ Thank you, uh, first clarify, we've taken a few questions as to exactly what type of
plan we were doing, um, whether it was mitigation or a response, or that type of thing.
Um, and to give an overview of the planning process is key, um, to understand that we
were not planning for a response. We were just looking at mitigation, so we're really
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looking at disaster prevention. And there are various types of mitigation plans, that a
community can undertake, and this one is specifically related to FEMA and (noise on
mic) grant programs, funded under the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. So it's not really
a structural mitigation planning project. It's not specific to flooding, although it does
include flooding, and it's not the recommendations of an engineer. It's really the pre-
requisite to obtaining grant funding from FEMA. Um, and again, this was funded under
the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, so some of the projects that you may have pursued
in the past you were able to fulfill without having this plan in place; however, FEMA has
been continuously updating their requirements since that time. Um, and again, in 2002
the current requirements were set into place, and they still continue to, um, allow the
planning process to evolve and place more focus on data collection, um (coughing)
scoring in addition to simply having a plan for the mitigation items that are in place. Um,
and again, this uh, plan allows communities to apply for a number of grant programs, uh,
the largest one, um, recently has been the hazard mitigation grant program, um, and
again, the program in Iowa allows for communities to apply for, um, funding for flood
related, um, what is almost recovery efforts, but they really termed this mitigation for
FEMA, uh, buyouts, elevation, relocation. Also, uh, burying of power lines to offset, uh,
disaster related losses from ice storms and that type of thing, um, also as Ron mentioned,
um, storm shelters, um, and also other projects, um, such as targeting of the
infrastructure, um, to prevent disaster losses specifically related to natural hazards. These
grant program really don't offer too much funding for things that are not related to natural
hazards, with the exception of some projects, um, such as, uh, storm sirens or generators,
which you could use in the event of any type of disaster, and those again are funded
under the 7% initiative, not just normal HMGP. Um, other funds come from the Pre-
Disaster Mitigation Program, which is a very similar program to HMGP, except it's
offered on an annual competitive basis, rather than being offered after presidentially-
declared disaster, and then uh, severe repetitive loss, flood mitigation, uh, some other
programs that are just for flooding. And so the planning process we went through with,
uh, Ron and Rick and a number of other City staff, uh, also involved the University of
Iowa, the Iowa City Community School District, and the Johnson County Emergency
Management Agency. Um, we went through the, about first 200 pages of this plan, just
fulfilling FEMA's, uh, requirements, uh, if you've read through those you'll see that
we've, uh, we're required to profile a number of hazards. Those hazards were identified
by FEMA, and by states. All of the hazards that were natural hazards were FEMA
requirements. Non-natural hazards are state requirements. Um, in order to make this
plan...plan pass review as quickly as possible, we just decided to fulfill all of those
requirements, although you could do a natural hazard's only plan, although it's really not
encouraged. Um, so again, if you're looking through to really review, um, parts of the
plan that you might utilize, you will actually begin in Chapter 4. Um, and that is the
actual mitigation action steps associated with the plan, um, and if you want to consolidate
your time, pages 232 to 236, um, are really the parts of the plan that I would recommend
just having a look over. Um, and this is really anideas-generating project. We're not
necessarily making recommendations as to the exact location of any mitigation projects.
Uh, we haven't, um, said exactly what the specifications of that project will be, um, and
as you'll note from your bio-application project development for FEMA, takes an
enormous amount of time and effort to go through that benefit cost analysis that, uh,
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(mumbled) feasible part of this project. But, again, since we're, uh, we are entering the
plan into the public comment period, we want to make sure that all of those mitigation
projects that people might want to pursue are in broad terms addressed in pages 232 to
236. Um, and again, this doesn't involve any type of commitment that the City will
pursue these projects during the five-year compliance period of this plan. Um, so again,
um, do what you can, do what you have support for, what you have funding for, and what
will be easily incremented into some of your other efforts that you're already undertaking.
Um, but FEMA won't, uh, hold anything against you if something wasn't accomplished
during this period. Um, however, when you do go ahead and update the plan after five
years, or before five years if you chose to. It must be updated and adopted again within
five years from your adoption date, um, you would need to then address, um, why any of
the projects that weren't pursued weren't pursued, and just essentially roll this over into
your next plan, or eliminate them from the plan altogether, and so at that point the plan
update will be a substantially faster process than the plan writing, because you already
have, um, the first 200 pages, which essentially (laughter), so again, if there are any
questions, I'd be happy to address those at this time.
Hayek/ How exactly is this made available to the public, I mean, I...I see the blurb in here about
where it can be found, but is there a particular process that, uh, agencies require us to
take?
Copeland/ Um, because of the format of this plan, it has to be very specific, um, we actually
prefer, um, to present the entire plan to the public for review. Um, and so the plan is
available, again, on the web site if people want to check it out in person. If you have
some other places that you would like to, um, post notice, we're certainly able to do that.
Um...
Hayek/ I'm thinking more along the lines of, you know, effective neighborhoods being aware
that this is floating out there for 30 days, and...
Knoche/ What we will do is, um, after the motion's approved, um, Wednesday morning we'll put
out a press release, you know, starting that process and put, you know, put it out to the
City web site, and then we'll also, um, work with David Purdy to get, um, Parkview
Terrace folks and Idyllwild folks notified.
Wright/ But we won't have a paper copy available at the Library?
Knoche/ The paper copy will be available at the Library, and in our office, and then it will be
available on the web site, on the City web site.
Wright/ Okay.
Copeland/ ...can bring down additional paper copies if you'd like an abridged version of the
mitigation actions themselves, um, we can bring that down as well, if you feel that would
facilitate the review process.
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January 11, 2010 City Council
Champion/ I think that's a good idea.
Wright/ I think having the full and the abridged available for people (mumbled) be good.
Bailey/ The more hard copies that are around...
Copeland/ Okay. (several talking)
Hayek/ Okay.
Page 12
Dickens/ How many items on this list do we already have in the budget? Like I know we're
talking about the flooding map, talked about that Friday. Is there a certain number of
things that we have in this year's budget or...
Copeland/ A number of them, yes, uh, because they do involve, um, organization with other
agencies, um, items such as the communication center, Joint Communication Center,
already been budgeted for, um, again, continued communication with the Health
Department. We did work with the Johnson County Health Department in developing
this plan, um, particularly Trish Clintman, um, let's see. Uh, e-911 and cell phone, again,
being handled mainly by the EMA. Early warning system is again the, uh, 5% initiative,
which hasn't come out yet, um, but (mumbled), um...hopefully coming out maybe in the
middle of this year, um, see, emergency assistance registration, again, already being
undertaken by the EMA. Flood plain management you're doing. Floodproofing
infrastructure you're doing. Hazardous materials response, you're already doing. Mass
casualty preparation, you're already doing. Multi jurisdictional cooperation within
(mumbled) again you're already doing. Um, a number of these you've already been
pursuing, um, I think maybe safe rooms might be a large project that might yet to be
budgeted.
Knoche/ Uh, we're actually pursuing, uh, on some safe rooms for some shelters, for some, um,
restrooms in some of the parks. So we're pursuing that.
Copeland/ As you read through these, one thing that you will notice is that, um, cities of your
size are often undertaking a number of, um, what FEMA would consider mitigation
related steps already. Um, frequently this pulling them altogether, within one document,
so that some of these can be supported by additional FEMA funding (mumbled).
Information Packet Discussion (12/17 and 12/23/09; and 1/7/10):
Hayek/ Okay, any other questions? All right, thanks for the report. Appreciate it. Next is our,
uh, Information Packet discussion. We have three packets, two from December and one
from January. Why don't we go in order in which they were published. First one is
December 17th. Anybody have anything on that?
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January 11, 2010 City Council Page 13
Mims/ I just had a question on the...one of the things in there, updating on the flood related
activities that we were negotiating to purchase some of the Elks' property, that is flood-
prone.
Hayek/ That's IP...S it looks like.
Mims/ Yes, yes.
Hayek/ Jeffrey?
Mims/ Just curious, the rationale and what our benefit is, etc., on that.
Davidson/ Yeah, the, excuse me, the rationale there, Susan, is that Council's adopted policy to
emphasize buyouts of, uh, property that's in a flood hazard area. Part of that strategy is to
buyout property that could be built on, if not bought out by the City, and we've, uh, been
able to have some successes, both property that was owned by Parkview Evangelical
Church, uh, we are negotiating with the Elks property. We're also negotiating with the,
uh, family that owns the, what I call the old Elks Club building that's down the hill along
the river. Uh, there's a separate property there that's owned by the Young family
and...and basically anything that has the potential to be built on, under out existing flood
plain management regulations, uh, we're considering a priority for buyouts.
Mims/ Okay. I just...I find it interesting...I grew up in Vermont and you don't build in flood
plains in Vermont (laughter) and so to me to sit here and pay tax money for property that
shouldn't be built on in the first place, it just seems like a different approach, and I...and
I'm new to the whole process is to look at our zoning and how that reflects with flood
plains and making it impossible to build, rather than...
Davidson/ Yeah, you will in the future...we're kind of waiting to see what the Legislature does,
because there are some State level, I mean, we might as well not spend a lot of time for
something the State's basically going to usurp our authority on anyway, so we are
monitoring. We have a person that's basically working with the State committee on
things that may come down from the State; if they don't, then I think you'll see some
things generated locally by us for your consideration to put additional restrictions, just as
you're suggesting.
Mims/ Yeah, it just...yeah, I just hate to see tax money spent where buildings shouldn't be
allowed to go anyway.
Davidson/ Right, um, (both talking) just one clarification, it is, uh, CDBG community disaster
grant funding, which is specifically given to us for such purposes that we are using
(mumbled) there's not any local funding, quote unquote (several talking) it is certainly tax
money, but it is funding from the State specifically for this purpose that we're using for
our negotiations.
Dickens/ The Elks Club newsletter said that the negotiations had broken down, uh, the...
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January 11, 2010 City Council Page 14
Davidson/ There's certainly a difference of opinion, right now, and uh, that...it may end up that
that's where...but we're, uh, giving it our best shot.
Dickens/ Okay.
Wilburn/ What is that property currently zoned?
Davidson/ Pardon me?
Wilburn/ What is that property currently zoned? Do you recall?
Davidson/ Um...I believe it is zoned some...some residential zone, I mean, in fact I know for
certain it is zoned residentially, Ross, I'm not sure the exact classification.
Wilburn/ Right, that...that was all that I...so if it's currently, um, currently zoned (both talking)
Davidson/ Yeah, and that's ~ good...that's a good point, because with...with existing zoning on
it, a property owner does have certain rights, you know, whether you agree or not with
those rights, that property owner does have certain rights, enabling them to build, as long
as they adhere to our ordinances.
Wilburn/ It would take, uh, aggressive approach by us to...dezone, rezone, we'd have to go
through the complete rezoning process.
Davidson/ The City can initiate rezoning actions on a zone. Occasionally we do that, but
uh...we're taking this approach in this (both talking)
Wilburn/ I'm just curious, has there, uh...I'll think on that one. Never mind.
Davidson/ Any other questions about, uh...
Dilkes/ Just for the new members' benefit, um, property acquisition is one of those subjects that
can be discussed in closed session. So if there's interest in having a more detailed
discussion, that's probably a good place to do it.
Wilburn/ I stopped myself! (laughter) But thanks for watching over us!
Hayek/ Any other questions regarding the December 17 Information Packet? Let's go to the
December 23 Information Packet. Any questions on that? Hearing none...let's go to the
January 7 Information Packet. Any questions regarding that? Reminder, if anyone is
interested in that National League of Cities meeting, um, talk to Marian about it. Okay.
Council time?
Council Time:
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Champion/ I have a couple things. Did we ever get this settled with, um, the aid for the people
who are disability and handicapped, is that...
Moran/ Uh, Parks and Rec Commission will discuss that on Wednesday night, at our meeting,
and uh, their inclination is to go ahead and overturn that policy and allow that, and we're
just working through some policy language and stuff now, but I assume that'll all be
resolved on Wednesday night.
Champion/ Terrific!
Wright/ Good!
Champion/ Um, the other thing, um... June Braverman is doing a musical review on, for the
Endowment Fund for Shelter House, and she would like, uh, the City Council to
participate. Uh, we've participated (laughter) we've participated in stuff for Ronald
McDonald. I'm sure most of you have been there. The date is, uh, March 27th, um,
there's just a one rehearsal, one dress rehearsal...
Mims/ They don't expect much. I've done it before.
Champion/ Right. And um... she thought Regenia should be in charge since she's, um, musically
inclinated. Isn't that the right word? (laughter)
Bailey/ I think Ross should be in charge! He's musically inclinated.
Wilburn/ I play an instrument, I don't sing! (both talking)
Hayek/ You've played a lot of guitar over the last year, Ross, sometimes in the conference room.
Wilburn/ I think Susan has experience over me in this area.
Mims/ No! I'm as musically un-inclined as you can come.
Wilburn/ What...what is the event?
Champion/ Um, it's raising the roof for Shelter House. It's a musical extravaganza that June
Braverman is organizing. The date is March 27th, at 7:30, and Sunday, March 28th, at
2:00.
Wilburn/ What do they want us to do? They want us to sing? To dance?
Champion/ Whatever we want to do! We just need somebody who can direct us.
Wilburn/ Who's us? The Council?
Champion/ The Council! (laughter) And the Council representative.
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Bailey/ Constitutes an open meeting, doesn't it? (several talking)
Hayek/ Which means we have (laughter and several talking) I don't want to violate any open
meetings laws, that's all I'm saying (laughter and several talking)
Champion/ We can all do the can-can! I mean, I don't...I think what we need to know though is
if we're willing to do something. That's what we really need to know tonight.
Mims/ I think if people have the dates open we should try and do it. We did when I was on the
School Board and it was not as painful as any of us thought it was, would be! And it's all
in good fun, and it's to raise money for a good cause. So...
Wright/ What night of the week is that?
Champion/ A Saturday night and a Sunday afternoon.
Mims/ Sunday might be a problem for me, but.. .
Hayek/ Well, I mean, I don't...I'm not sure it's a good idea for us to decide as a group to do it.
Champion/ Oh yeah, it's the group that she wants!
Hayek/ (several talking)
Wright/ It's fine for the group to do a musical act!
Hayek/ No, that's fine, but I mean, I'm going to have to check my schedule. That's kind of where
I was going with this. Get as many as possible.
Wilburn/ Sleep on it, Connie, and let you know tomorrow night?
Champion/ All right. Sleep on it. Uh, there is pressure, yes, there is a lot of pressure for this.
(laughter) There's all kinds of groups that are going to be involved. The other thing, uh,
now that we've come to this (mumbled), I was, um, at, not asking your permission but
asking you if it would be acceptable if (mumbled) I would like to go to the School Board
meeting. We meet the same night.
Wright/ Oh, on Thursday?
Champion/ No, tonight...tomorrow, Tuesday.
Wright/ Oh, I was thinking the School Board, um, boundary meeting on Thursday.
Champion/ No. I probably would be here by 7:30. I have an open discussion item I need to
discuss with them.
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Hayek/ So that will be five...
Bailey/ I'm attending by phone.
Hayek/ Oh, okay, great. Any problems with that? Um...yep.
Champion/ Okay, great! Uh, I guess that's the three things I had tonight.
Hayek/ Anybody else?
Shipley/ Yeah, well, uh, it was a very interesting letter in this packet, uh, from Mark Amberg,
regarding water fluoridation. This is, uh, an issue I recently became concerned about
when I toured the water facility over the summer. Um, but I was never really able to
articulate my concerns, and then I opened this up, and this is really...I don't know if you
guys have had a chance to read this, uh, but essentially this is pretty congruent with what
I found in my own personal research, um, never met this gentleman before, so it was
really pleasantly surprising to see this happen, but um, I mean, if you haven't read this,
this is, I mean (laughter) it's pretty serious. Some of the things that are being discussed
here, um, and aside from the forced mass-medication of our water, there's also, um, a
savings aspect too, where we're paying money to do this and uh, I mean, I...I talked, um,
to the water superintendent, um, Moreno when I toured the facility and he admitted that
there was no consensus on the science on this, um, and he comes from a dental
background, a lot of dentists in his family, so I thought that was surprising that he'd admit
that there's no medical consensus. Um, so yeah, I think... and I'll probably be addressing
the Council at the meeting tomorrow about this, because I think it's pretty important,
um...but yeah, I think this'll be a good thing for the Council to discuss, and again, there
is, uh, some money that could be, some savings that could be realized from this
immediately so...there's another motivation to go ahead and...
Hayek/ Okay.
Dickens/ About how much savings? I think you brought it up during the campaign, right?
Shipley/ Well, the...Moreno in the reply, he says $14,000, but I think that might be just for the
chemical alone, and I think there's some, uh, some cost associated with storing it too. I'm
not exactly sure, but I mean, at least...at least five figures, 10,000 at least. And I'm not
claiming to be an expert on this by any means, but...
Hayek/ Anybody have any other...Council items? I have a couple. Uh...one, uh, well, I'll just
go ahead. One is, uh, I see has a weekly radio program, um, and... devoted to
goings on about town, and the focus is the City of Iowa City issues, and uh, it's about a
20-minute commitment, um, sort of telling you guys in advance I'm going to try to enlist,
uh, the full Council to help out with this, and I've talked to Dale about bringing staff in,
and staff has, and other Council Members, have in the past, uh, participated in this
program from time to time, and uh, I think it'd be a good way to continue, uh, our
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practice of getting information about what the City is doing out to the community, and
getting individual Councilors...
Dickens/ Bill Russer's show?
Hayek/ (several talking) no, this is (several talking)
Dickens/ Okay, morning one.
Hayek/ And says he's not the only outfit doing this kind of thing, but it's the one...number one on
my list here, and so I just wanted to bring it up, and let you know that we'll be in touch,
but my goal would be to create some sort of schedule where we get Councilors and staff
people, even if it's once a year, twice a year, that you do this, um...it's real easy, and it's
fun. It is. (several talking)
Wright/ I substituted for Regenia a couple times. I know you have.
Hayek/ I did once, and uh, and I know, uh, Steve Long has done flood related programs and the
curfew was discussed late last fall by, uh, by the PD and so...so that's that. And the
second thing, this more for the benefit of the new members, but I need input from all of
you, um, you may be aware of the last, I don't know, year or two, the history between the
City and the...and the Johnson County County of Governments and a little bit of friction
over a policy that we have about voting on, uh, transportation funding proposals, and then
what we can do with that once we get to the JCCOG meeting, and there's been some
friction between the City and the County, uh, and...and other entity members of that
group, and um, without getting into the full history of it, long and short of it is, I
personally believe there may be a way we can accommodate the concerns of those
group...of those groups without sacrificing what's important, at this level, uh, but to do so
I need to confer with the City Attorney's office and really to give that kind of request I
need to know if there's sufficient interest here for us to at least schedule that for a work
session at some point.
Champion/ I think that's a good idea.
Wright/ Excellent!
Champion/ I want to keep our...uh, forced vote. But I'm willing to hear about how we can
compromise after that, in case something comes up.
Wright/ So it doesn't rise up and bite us the way it did last time.
Champion/ Well, it didn't bite me!
Wright/ Bit all of us last time! (laughter and several talking) You missed $215,000!
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Hayek/ Well, I don't want to get into it, I just want to get it on a work session...work agenda, and
so (several talking) exactly, okay. So, Eleanor, I'll follow up with you on that. Anybody
have any other Council items? Budget priorities? Budget is a priority -enough said!
(laughter) Schedule of pending discussion items -Info Packet #2. Did you want to
handle that?
Schedule of Pending Discussion Items (Info Packet #2):
Helling/ Yeah, if...I...I thought it'd just be good to take a couple minutes and go over that to
make sure with...with new Council Members and so forth, make sure all these items are
still items that, uh, that you want to...to keep on your pending list, and uh, tried to give
some idea of when they might be ready. Uh, let's go down the list, the meeting with
Historic Preservation, uh, and that's about efficiency, green issues and you were going to
do that after they've redrafted their...their, uh, policies, and my understanding is that
that's very near being finished, and so within the next few weeks you could probably
have that on the agenda, assuming you still want to look at it, uh, and I would assume you
do.
Champion/ I don't see any reason for us to be discussing side options for proposed Justice
Center.
Helling/ Well, I was going to bring that up, because I'm not sure (both talking) at this
point...yeah!
Champion/ Seriously! It would be a, wait, they're not even close! It's...it might be...it's been
ten years, it might be another two or three. I mean...I think it's just not something that
we can discuss now with any knowledge.
Helling/ I think as a Council it's probably something you would want to talk about, when there's
something substantive to talk about, but...
Champion/ I will let you know.
Helling/ So take that off?
Champion/ Cross that off, yeah.
Hayek/ I think the key on that, I mean, you're right, it's not a process we can drive. Personally I
feel strongly about the issue. I think the key is knowing when and in what way we
should weigh in on this, as a city, without losing the...without missing the train.
Champion/ Well, I think the decision has basically been made, and on made, and made and on
made, and now made again, that it will be where it's at now, in some aspect.
Um...adding on to the Courthouse, doing it in stages, uh, trying to find some way to get
that government lot, although it's not absolute they have to have that federal government
lot. Um, but that's a decision they need to make quickly, because if they want to
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incorporate money in our new parking facility, like we did for the Ecumenical Towers, in
Tower Place, um, I mean, they would have to build that, part of that parking ramp. Uh,
so that's a decision that they need to come to with some, I'm so sure when the design for
that's going to be, but...
Helling/ Parking is an issue, both in the short-term, uh, while construction would be going, and
so forth, as well as in the long-term, and we'd be working with them on that, and it
certainly, at some point in time, I think that would come back to Council level,
particularly if it involves constructing parking facilities (mumbled)
Champion/ The other, uh, thing that came up for possibly parking was to ask us to close...what
is that street behind the Courthouse? Is that Madison?
Helling/ Harrison Street.
Champion/ Harrison, that they would...put, build over that road and put parking underneath
there. I mean, they're just throwing things out. There's no...there's no absolute decision
about anything being made. Not anything! So I...I don't think...if I see something, I
mean, if most of us want to keep...that site as, the Justice Center, I think most of us do,
uh, when they were talking about the Press-Citizen Building, I mean, that's still a
possibility, but I mentioned to them that they might have a hard time convincing this
Council to take that off the tax rolls. So...
Dickens/ Actually getting the neighbors to go along with it.
Champion/ Right, I mean, so...I think that's, I mean, I wouldn't want to take all that property off
the tax rolls! So, I think that's been kind of dumped now. So, um, but as soon as
anything happens there, any positive decision, I'll let you know.
Hayek/ Okay.
Champion/ They are doing another study.
Helling/ Uh, inclusionary zoning and scattered site housing; now that's something that Council
has talked about before, um, we can package that up for you any time you want to...to
talk about that again, sort of take you back through the history a little bit. Um, I don't
think there's probably anything that's really changed drastically since... since you
discussed it several years ago.
Champion/ I think we definitely need to discuss, uh, scattered site for housing. I think that's, uh,
is problem that we've created in this community, by not scattering sites.
Wright/ Something I'd certainly like to, both...I'd like to keep the discussion, or have a
discussion on both of those, because I think...these conversations pre-date four of us.
(several talking)
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Helling/ Um, and then we plan on having the City Manager search on for February 1st, uh, also
working on the downtown issues, uh, things that were suggested, uh, and we'll be coming
back with some things on that, uh, nuisance enforcement, uh, that's basically the, this
whole question of enforcement in the neighborhoods, um, is there, I think one way it was
put, are there any gaps that need to be plugged, and also the...the proactive element of
how proactive can we be in... in, uh, enforcement there. Uh and we'll get back to you
next month. That was kind of reserved for after budget was finished. Um, Farmer's
Market, I think we'll have something by March 1st, uh, some recommendations from
the...from the commission on that. Um, ECICOG funding, uh, there's, my
understanding, there's a committee that will be put together to talk about that, and um,
then it will come back to you for discussion after that's been talked about at the ECICOG,
or the JCCOG level. Um, the flood response and mitigation update, we're doing that on a
regular basis, about every week, or I mean, well, about every packet (several talking) so
I'm not sure that's...this maybe doesn't suggest there's something other than that, um, we
do want to get you some comprehensive information in terms of where we are
with...with acquisitions and so forth, and funding. Um, but that's something we would
also do periodically just to...just to keep you updated. I'm not sure this needs to be on
the list week after week after week, but if you want it there as a reminder we can leave it
(mumbled)
Hayek/ My sense is it's a good idea just to leave it there with periodic in parentheses. (several
responding) And...we're getting excellent reports on a regular basis.
Helling/ Um... alley inventory, we're still working on that. Uh, I don't know... Rick's smiling
over there (laughter) um, but hopefully we'll get something for you. Uh, it's just...it's
taking some time and it does take a lot of time, and obviously with the flood, you know,
we've had to divert some of our attention to other things, but it's something we still want
to do. Um, backyard chickens...
Champion/ I think we ought to wait till the, um, Animal Shelter is settled. Before we discuss any
chickens.
Wright/ What do you mean -settled?
Champion/ I mean till they...
Wright/ When it's built or...
Champion/ Well, I mean, they have their site and money and all that put together. Uh, and if
they want to bring it back to us, I think that's fine.
Mims/ I mean, the discussion the other day with budget was they don't even know what they're
putting up yet.
Champion/ Uh-huh.
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Mims/ If it'll even meet their current needs, depending on funding from FEMA versus what we
can come up with for extra.
Champion/ I mean, you know...they don't have a good chicken coop.
Wilburn/ What was the, uh, I'm trying to remember where something was left off. Wasn't, uh,
Housing and Animal Shelter going to...discuss...
Karr/ Housing and Animal Shelter were going to present a proposal to you, and I think it was
scheduled in April...tentatively. And it has to go through P&Z too, cause it is a zoning
issue.
Wilburn/ Right.
Dilkes/ I mean, I think that's...that's part of the issue here is that if the Council is still wanting to
consider it, then we'll start the process of going through...Planning and Zoning. If not,
then we don't want to start that process.
Wilburn/ Well, part of it was to hear from those...groups, their thoughts on what was tentatively
being proposed. I don't recall the status of the Animal Shelter being part of what they're
going to consider, but that might be something to ask each of those groups to (both
talking)
Champion/ ...did ask us to wait to discuss this, till next year some time.
Wright/Next year is now just a few months down the road in terms of this...when we said we
were going to discuss it so...
Champion/ Is that true? (several talking)
Helling/ Spring again, and that's you know, I think that was (several talking) and there is a
certain element, I mean, if we allowed them then the Animal Shelter is going to be
involved to some extent. They're going to have to handle complaints and...
Champion/ Yeah, and house 'em! House the loose ones.
Hayek/ Well, I think what staff needs from us is an indication whether we want staff to spend the
time to run this through P&Z and...
Champion/ I don't. I don't. (several talking)
Dickens/ ...not until it's brought back up by the chicken committee.
Wright/ Well, you can guarantee, as soon as word gets out it's going to come back. I mean, we
had how many hundred signatures?
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Shipley/ Seven hundred.
Hayek/ I think 700.
Wilburn/ I just think in terms of, rather than waiting to, I mean, we had said staff...bring it back
to us in the springtime, whenever we consider springtime is, and um, I'm just thinking if
we have that information from those...those commissions, then that gives us better
information, as opposed to hearing from the folks that are looking at advocating this, and
then we can give some type of indication...yes this group will consider looking at it, um,
no, it doesn't appear that there's a majority of continuing further, um...I guess I'm just
looking at, would it behoove us to have some information from the relevant committees
and staff, as opposed to just waiting and getting inundated with pro and nay about
chickens, um, you know, urban chickens, and so that we...
Bailey/ Well, Eleanor is suggesting that this would, I think that we'd begin moving an ordinance
through.
Dilkes/ What will happen, the way that it was left last time Council discussed it is that we come
spring would draft an ordinance that would go in front of Planning and Zoning, that
ordinance would...would be subject to public hearing in front of Planning and Zoning.
We'd have all the public discussion at Planning and Zoning. Come out of Planning and
Zoning with a recommendation, then Council would have its public hearings, etc. That's
the way it was left. You could...you can do that; that would be one option. The other
option would be for the Council to have another discussion about backyard chickens
before we go down that road. So we know that what the current Council's position is on
that. Um, or just take it off the table completely. I mean, those are the three options.
Mims/ To me if it doesn't look like there's a majority on the Council that are supportive of it,
then why waste staff time? Jumping through all the hoops and writing an ordinance
and...
Bailey/ Why put a commission through that.
Mims/ I mean...
Dilkes/ It's going to take a good amount of time I think to draft an ordinance, and make sure...to
talk about what the approval process is and how many chickens and coops and all
that... all that stuff that was included in the memo. Which is fine, if, but.. .
Champion/ I was open to the idea, but I'm not any longer.
Dickens/ No, I've cleaned chicken coops before (laughter) it's not fun.
Bailey/ So have I!
Dickens/ So, no chickens!
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January 11, 2010 City Council Page 24
Hayek/ I think then...it doesn't look like there's...this straw pole...tonight, support for something
like that. I think the question is, do we just drop it altogether and, you know, deal...deal
with the mobilized advocacy group, or do we schedule it for another conversation at a
work session, not go through the process, with an updated... from staff, uh, with relevant
issues and what has been discussed thus far and have a more formal work session
conversation.
Wright/ I'd like to keep the conversation going, if for no other reason than, um, there has been a
lot of expressed interest in the community. I personally...personally...I don't want a
chicken! (laughter) But I think given the...the, uh, ideas that housing and um, Animal
Control had in terms of regulations and... and some, what looked to be some fairly
stringent restrictions, I really don't believe the chickens would pose much of a problem in
the community. So I...
Wilburn/ And given...and I think, uh, you and I are the only two, uh, if Connie's changed her
opinion, you and I are the only two who, uh, for those same reasons willing to consider it
so I guess it's just a matter of...
Shipley/ Well in addition, I mean, there's people already doing this in town, illegally, so
something to keep in mind.
Wright/ Course there's people smoking pot all over town too, but (laughter)
Hayek/ That may be your best quote yet, Mike! (laughter)
Dickens/ I guess if you want to keep the discussion at least open so that people can bring their
concerns, but I mean, it looks like a majority of the Council is not really favorable to it,
and it would take a lot to change my mind.
Hayek/ Well (both talking) we clearly have two people who want to...keep this on a work
session agenda. Are there three? For purposes of discussion at this level? Otherwise it
just drops. Okay. (several talking)
Helling/ So we'll take it off? That was the last one, except for the item that you want to add
tonight (mumbled). Thank you.
Hayek/ If there are items that people want to add to this, now's the time to suggest them. I...I
would start up by suggesting that we, um, get... crime broadly as an issue placed back on
here, almost as a reminder if nothing else, like the floods, um, we have taken these issues
up in the past. We'll continue to do so. I know staff are working on, for example, the
post-planning after that trip to Davenport and things like that so...
Helling/ There were five or six items that you raised in your discussion, uh, last year, um,
that...that we'll be working on.
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special work session meeting of January 11, 2010.
January 11, 2010 City Council
Hayek/ Is there interest in that?
Page 25
Champion/ Yes (several talking) and...then I'm wondering too about the, um, oh, the
neighborhood by Roosevelt. You know, they came to us with some suggestions about a
year ago (several talking) yeah, Miller Orchard, and now the University staff, uh,
students are working with them...
Hayek/ There's a meeting on Thursday actually on that.
Champion/ Uh-huh, so I mean I think we should just stay tuned to that, and see if there's
anything we can do to aid them.
Helling/ That's (mumbled)
Wright/ It might actually be interesting later, late spring, early summer to get an update on what's
going on in Miller Orchard.
Helling/ Oh, I suspect you'll get...through this process (mumbled)
Champion/ Okay.
Helling/ (mumbled)
Hayek/ Okay.
Dickens/ Does this have anything to do with the University type...(mumbled) (several talking)
Hayek/ Okay anything else on pending discussion items? Okay, upcoming events, Council
invitations? Anybody have anything?
Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations:
Champion/ You're invited to participate in a musical review (laughter) (several talking)
Wilburn/ And I still say there is a specific call for Regenia on that.
Bailey/ Think that we should go with the person who can coach!
Wilburn/ You're a music teacher!
Bailey/ I was like two! (laughter)
Wright/ Last time I sang in public it was just chanting (mumbled) bar mitzvah! (laughter)
Champion/ We don't have to sing! We can do something else.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
special work session meeting of January 11, 2010.
January 11, 2010 City Council
Bailey/ Well, then maybe you should be organizing all of this.
Wright/ There's a difference between singing and chanting (several talking).
Dickens/ There's a market for it!
Hayek/ Anybody have a chant to offer about, uh, or uh our meeting schedules?
Discussion of Meeting Schedule:
Page 26
(several talking) We're meeting a lot. Our next meeting is, well, tomorrow, and then we've got
later this week.
Wright/ Yeah, uh, just for Council's information, I will more than likely have to be absent for
February 1st and 2nd. I might be able to participate in the formal meeting by phone.
Hayek/ Okay. Okay. Anything else?
Karr/ Mike, you'll let us know if you want to participate by phone on the 1st or 2nd, cause that's
also the City Manager search discussion on the 1st.
Wright/ Yeah, I know.
Karr/ You'll let...you'll let us...
Wright/ Yeah, I...I...more than likely I will be able to call in.
Karr/ Okay, just let me know.
Hayek/ We'll follow up with you on that.
Mims/ Yeah, the 16th of February, I may be late. I've got a commitment in Cedar Rapids, but
I'll...we've got combined work session and formal that night. Um...I'm not sure what
time we're starting. So I'm...
Karr/ We...we usually have a tentative for the combined one of 5:30, but we leave it open
because we just don't know what's on the agenda.
Mims/ Yeah, that's what I had on my calendar was 5:30 and I couldn't remember if I just filled it
in or...yeah, I might be a little late getting back, hopefully not, but I might be.
Hayek/ Okay. Anything else? See you tomorrow.
This represents only a reasonably accurate transcription of the Iowa City City Council
special work session meeting of January 11, 2010.