A TWO-FER Council Update

I tend to slow down in the summer just a little, so I didn't get this week's July Council meeting update posted, before I needed to make another post revising what I'd already said!

Here is the latest Info sent on Saturday July 12th:

I know I've already sent an update this week but two items have happened since then that I thought it was important to communicate to as many people as possible.

Vehicle Safety

Police Chief Ron Fort requests that everyone in town makes sure their vehicles are locked. U-H had 5 unlocked vehicles entered this week. Some money and minor items taken. Contact UHPD if you see anything suspicious.

Updates Regarding Election and LOST

The Iowa Attorney General reverses opinion regarding special elections. In a change from what I reported in my council meeting update, U-Heights will NOT be required to hold a special election for the city council seat that Carla Aldrich was appointed to on Tuesday. If citizens' wish to petition for a special election challenging city council's appointment this week, they must file a petition for election by July 22, 2014.

Johnson County Supervisors ask for 10% of Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) money Council will have to decide what the language will be included on our November ballot.

For More information about both of these issues:REVISED City Attorney Report 7/12/14

Mark Your Calendars!

Several major events are quickly approaching.

• City Council Special Meeting is THURSDAY July 24th 6 PM City Office 1004 Melrose. Council will meet to consider bids for the Koser/Oakcrest corner curb replacement. This project will bring the curb ramps into compliance with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
• Farmer's Market is TUESDAY Aug. 5th 5-7 PM St. Andrew Parking Lot
• August regular City Council Meeting is TUESDAY Aug. 12th 7 PM Site TBD

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 Here is what I sent out on Wednesday, July 9th:

City Council held their July meeting last night here are some highlights:

Zoning Changes Discussed

Council held a public hearing to begin discussing ordinance 187 which would amend the zoning ordinance to account for One University Place’s residential building’s elevator tops, trellises, and storage space. Council will consider more language in August to accommodate those items without raising the building’s main roof height above the current code’s 76 feet. Council will also continue discussing whether a community center space should be not be counted against the amount of retail space allowed in the front commercial building.

Councilor Appointed

Carla Aldrich, 11 Leamer Court, was appointed to serve on council, replacing Zadok Nampala. Due to a change by the Iowa legislature this last session, there will be a required special election for this seat on Nov. 4, 2014. Carla has said she plans to run for the this seat. The winner of this election will serve until the end of the current term, December 31, 2015.

Local Option Sales Tax (LOST)

Also on the Nov. 4th ballot will be a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) vote. University Heights will need to come up with language for the citizens to consider. Discussion centered on using LOST funds to pay for a community center. Council will consider the ballot language in August.

My Thoughts on LOST

UPDATE: I wrote my post before seeing today's Press Citizen. Their article has a good summary of how the county-wide aspect of the vote will work. Here is a link to their story about the Iowa City Council passing the ballot initiative last night:

Iowa City Council approves sending sales tax to voters

As I posted earlier, it appears we will have a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) vote this coming November.

I think it will be important for our citizens to vote YES on this issue. If the measure is passed in a total county vote, we will pay this tax on non-exempt items anywhere we shop in Johnson County. If the measure is passed overall but we as a city vote NO we will not receive any of the revenue. If it is passed and we vote YES we receive a portion of all revenue generated county-wide. If approved the tax would be collected for 10 years.

We as a city will have to decide how to word our ballot measure, explaining how we would use any money received. My strong feeling is that we should earmark this revenue to pay for the community center structure being proposed for One University Place. There has been much discussion about how to pay for this, with TIF (Tax Increment Financing) or bonding being really our only two options. There are people opposed to both choices for various reasons.

I think LOST would be the perfect way to pay for this and an excellent use of what could be one time (10 years) money.

Deja Vu All Over Again

The Cedar Rapids Gazette this evening is reporting that Iowa City will likely call for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) vote on the November 2014  ballot. Here is a portion of their story

Iowa City Council Indicates Support for Sales Tax

• 

  Iowa Regents' longer efficiency report lists 175 'improvement opportunities'

• 

  More severe weather on the way for Eastern Iowa

• 

  Hatch taps Monica Vernon as running mate

• 

  Ground Floor: Belle Plaine coffee shop has community focus

• 

  Cedar Rapids man dies after Friday crash

Iowa City Council indicates support for sales tax

Voters will see request for increase in November ballot

By Gregg Hennigan, The Gazette

Published: June 17 2014 | 6:00 pm - Updated: 17 June 2014 | 7:45 pm in City Council, Government, Government Rotator, Iowa City, News,

 3  7  0

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• Photos

(The Gazette)

IOWA CITY – Johnson County voters should count on seeing a request for increasing the sales tax on November’s ballot.
What exactly they’ll be asked to spend the money on remains to be seen, however.
The Iowa City Council at a work session Tuesday night discussed sending a 1 percent local-option sales tax referendum to voters this fall.
They did not formally move forward, but a majority of council members indicated they support a referendum.
“We’re excited and we want to hear the details,” council member Rick Dobyns said.
The council will discuss it again at upcoming meetings, and a resolution putting the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot must be approved by the end of August.
Because it has more than half of Johnson County’s population, Iowa City has the power to call for the referendum. Residents in other towns in the county and the unincorporated area also would vote on it.
The local-option sales tax, or LOST, would take the sales tax in jurisdictions that pass it to 7 percent from the current 6 percent.
It would generate approximately $20 million anually for Johnson County governments to divvy up, including $9 million to $12 million for Iowa City, depending on which jurisdictions approved it, according to Iowa City.
Iowa City and its bordering towns – Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and Tiffin – would vote together and the combined votes in favor would have to surpass 50 percent for the measure to pass.
Communities can decide for themselves how they would spend the sales tax revenue they receive.
Coralville and North Liberty leaders have said their city councils still need to discuss the issue.

- See more at: http://thegazette.com/subject/news/iowa-city-council-indicates-support-for-sales-tax-20140617#sthash.JZ7YuDOi.dpuf

By Gregg Hennigan, The Gazette

By Gregg Hennigan, The Gazette

By Gregg Hennigan, The GazetteBy B

By Greg Hennigan, The Gazette

IOWA CITY – Johnson County voters should count on seeing a request for increasing the sales tax on November’s ballot. What exactly they’ll be asked to spend the money on remains to be seen, however. The Iowa City Council at a work session Tuesday night discussed sending a 1 percent local-option sales tax referendum to voters this fall.They did not formally move forward, but a majority of council members indicated they support a referendum.

“We’re excited and we want to hear the details,” council member Rick Dobyns said. The council will discuss it again at upcoming meetings, and a resolution putting the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot must be approved by the end of August.

Because it has more than half of Johnson County’s population, Iowa City has the power to call for the referendum. Residents in other towns in the county and the unincorporated area also would vote on it. The local-option sales tax, or LOST, would take the sales tax in jurisdictions that pass it to 7 percent from the current 6 percent. It would generate approximately $20 million annually for Johnson County governments to divvy up, including $9 million to $12 million for Iowa City, depending on which jurisdictions approved it, according to Iowa City.

Iowa City and its bordering towns – Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and Tiffin – would vote together and the combined votes in favor would have to surpass 50 percent for the measure to pass. Communities can decide for themselves how they would spend the sales tax revenue they receive. 

What this means for U-Heights is that we will have this measure on our November ballots, we don't have any say on that, it is controlled by Iowa City. The final paragraph I included above explains that if the measure passes in the combined area We WOULD have control over how our University Heights portion would be spent. This is different than in 2009 when every city voted independently and could pass the measure independently. Currently there are no places in town that would collect this tax, but we would pay it for any purchases (excluding notably food and medical expenses) that were made in the county if it passes. 

I'm sure we will hear much more about the philosophical and politcal aspects of this issue, (and there are many) in the days to come.

 

 

• 

  Iowa Regents' longer efficiency report lists 175 'improvement opportunities'

• 

  More severe weather on the way for Eastern Iowa

• 

  Hatch taps Monica Vernon as running mate

• 

  Ground Floor: Belle Plaine coffee shop has community focus

• 

  Cedar Rapids man dies after Friday crash

Iowa City Council indicates support for sales tax

Voters will see request for increase in November ballot

By Gregg Hennigan, The Gazette

Published: June 17 2014 | 6:00 pm - Updated: 17 June 2014 | 7:45 pm in City Council, Government, Government Rotator, Iowa City, News,

 3  7  0

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• Photos

(The Gazette)

IOWA CITY – Johnson County voters should count on seeing a request for increasing the sales tax on November’s ballot.
What exactly they’ll be asked to spend the money on remains to be seen, however.
The Iowa City Council at a work session Tuesday night discussed sending a 1 percent local-option sales tax referendum to voters this fall.
They did not formally move forward, but a majority of council members indicated they support a referendum.
“We’re excited and we want to hear the details,” council member Rick Dobyns said.
The council will discuss it again at upcoming meetings, and a resolution putting the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot must be approved by the end of August.
Because it has more than half of Johnson County’s population, Iowa City has the power to call for the referendum. Residents in other towns in the county and the unincorporated area also would vote on it.
The local-option sales tax, or LOST, would take the sales tax in jurisdictions that pass it to 7 percent from the current 6 percent.
It would generate approximately $20 million anually for Johnson County governments to divvy up, including $9 million to $12 million for Iowa City, depending on which jurisdictions approved it, according to Iowa City.
Iowa City and its bordering towns – Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and Tiffin – would vote together and the combined votes in favor would have to surpass 50 percent for the measure to pass.
Communities can decide for themselves how they would spend the sales tax revenue they receive.
Coralville and North Liberty leaders have said their city councils still need to discuss the issue.

- See more at: http://thegazette.com/subject/news/iowa-city-council-indicates-support-for-sales-tax-20140617#sthash.JZ7YuDOi.dpuf

• 

  Iowa Regents' longer efficiency report lists 175 'improvement opportunities'

• 

  More severe weather on the way for Eastern Iowa

• 

  Hatch taps Monica Vernon as running mate

• 

  Ground Floor: Belle Plaine coffee shop has community focus

• 

  Cedar Rapids man dies after Friday crash

Iowa City Council indicates support for sales tax

Voters will see request for increase in November ballot

By Gregg Hennigan, The Gazette

Published: June 17 2014 | 6:00 pm - Updated: 17 June 2014 | 7:45 pm in City Council, Government, Government Rotator, Iowa City, News,

 3  7  0

---

• Photos

(The Gazette)

IOWA CITY – Johnson County voters should count on seeing a request for increasing the sales tax on November’s ballot.
What exactly they’ll be asked to spend the money on remains to be seen, however.
The Iowa City Council at a work session Tuesday night discussed sending a 1 percent local-option sales tax referendum to voters this fall.
They did not formally move forward, but a majority of council members indicated they support a referendum.
“We’re excited and we want to hear the details,” council member Rick Dobyns said.
The council will discuss it again at upcoming meetings, and a resolution putting the measure on the Nov. 4 ballot must be approved by the end of August.
Because it has more than half of Johnson County’s population, Iowa City has the power to call for the referendum. Residents in other towns in the county and the unincorporated area also would vote on it.
The local-option sales tax, or LOST, would take the sales tax in jurisdictions that pass it to 7 percent from the current 6 percent.
It would generate approximately $20 million anually for Johnson County governments to divvy up, including $9 million to $12 million for Iowa City, depending on which jurisdictions approved it, according to Iowa City.
Iowa City and its bordering towns – Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and Tiffin – would vote together and the combined votes in favor would have to surpass 50 percent for the measure to pass.
Communities can decide for themselves how they would spend the sales tax revenue they receive.
Coralville and North Liberty leaders have said their city councils still need to discuss the issue.

- See more at: http://thegazette.com/subject/news/iowa-city-council-indicates-support-for-sales-tax-20140617#sthash.JZ7YuDOi.dpuf

June Council Meeting Summary

I always send a summary of City Council meetings to anyone who would like to receive it. I have found it easiest to do this via MailChimp. If you would like to receive these, just send me an email: mikehaverkamp1960@gmail.com and I will add you to the list.

Here is the June summary:

City Council held their June meeting last night here are some highlights: Citizens encouraged to apply for open seats Open Seat on City Council  Due to the resignation of councilor Zadok Nampala, any eligible citizen may apply for appointment to the remaining term on city council. Interested residents should contact the City Clerk: email city-clerk@university-heights.org, or phone 319-337-6900.  Applications due June 30, 2014. Letter to U-Heights Citizens from Zadok Nampala Open Seat on Board of Adjustment Due to the resignation of member Margaret Donnelly, any eligible citizen may apply for appointment to the remaining term on Board of Adjustment. Interested residents should contact Mayor Louise From: email louise@university-heights.org, or phone 319-354-1433.  Applications due July 3, 2014. Council to hold work session 6/30 City Council will hold a work session on Monday June 30, at 7:00 PM Location TBD. The topic will be discussion of the One University Place PUD. Check the City's website later this week for the location. Six people spoke during last night's public hearing on the One University Place Planned Unit Development (PUD). The National Development Council report analyzing financial aspects of the project is not yet completed. Once it is it will be posted to the City's website and discussed at a future council meeting. Police Chief Ron Fort announces retirement Chief Ron Fort, having now served U-Heights for 10 years, intends to retire in September. A search to find his replacement will be undertaken immediately. I am grateful for Chief Fort's excellent leadership and know he will be missed. Please wish him well when you see him around town in the next several months!

Follow University Heights on Twitter Consider contributing to the University Heights Community Fund I also write a blog covering U-H and other timely topics, with my opinions expressed UHForward.blogspot.com As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike

U-Heights in the News

Josh O'Leary from the Press Citizen was at the Public Hearing and June City Council meeting last night. It was the first time in quite a while that a member of the media covered a meeting live. Here is the link to his story:

University Heights warming up to One University Place?

 Josh has a long history covering our city, something unusual here in the Iowa City area, where reporters typically don't stay long. His experience covering U-Heights is apparent in what he wrote. Here is the lead from the story:

A controversial mixed-use development along Melrose Avenue has been the center of heated City Council meetings, online debates and hotly contested elections in University Heights for much of the past five years.

While One University Place still has its critics, and still has yet to be given the green light by the City Council all these years later, the dissension appears to have died down, at least based on Tuesday's low-key council meeting.

The city is weighing the latest proposal from developer Jeff Maxwell, who put forth a new commercial-and-condominium plan this spring with a more sympathetic City Council on his side.

While meetings in past years with One University Place on the agenda drew big crowds with lines dozens deep at the podium, just 10 or so residents turned out Tuesday, and only four spoke during a relatively brief public hearing about the development.

Where meetings had once pitted council members on opposite sides of the issue, the only debate at Tuesday's meeting was when to schedule their next work session. Last year's election had swept out the three council members who had been generally opposed to Maxwell's plans.

The developer's new plans call for a 19,702-square-foot, single-story commercial building along Melrose Avenue, with an optional space for a 2,163-square foot community space for a city hall. Behind it, set back to the rear of the property, would rise a seven-story residential building that would house 78 condominiums and underground parking. 

 As Josh says, council is a long way from approving anything, and there are major items yet to be addressed (financing being chief among them) I appreciate the deliberate pace my fellow councilors are employing, and would encourage all interested citizens to contact us with your thoughts and comments as we work through this proposal.

One University Place PUD

"PUD" is an acronym for "Planned Unit Development" Developer Jeff Maxwell submitted his in May, and tomorrow night at our regular June meeting we will hold a Public Hearing for citizens to comment on it. MEETING AT HORN SCHOOL 7:00 PM

The PUD plan's components are spelled out in U-Heights' ordinance 180.  Here are links to the PUD plan itself and supporting documents submitted by the developer"

• One University Place PUD Plan cover letter (May 8)
• One University Place PUD Plan submission (May 8)
• Supplemental Memo from the developer (June 1)

Here are reports submitted by U-Heights staff evaluating the PUD Plan

• Letter from City Attorney (June 1)
• Staff Report from MPOjc (June 1)
• City Engineer Report (June 1)
• University Heights Police Report (June 1)
• Coralville Fire Department Report (June 1)
• City Attorney Legal Report on PUD application (June 8)
• City Building and Housing Staff report on PUD application June (8)

Here is a draft of a Development Agreement that is still being developed by City Council representatives, City Staff, and the developer's team:

• Draft of Developer's Agreement (June 8)

In addition to reading the submission, supporting documents and reports I have also been talking to residents about their concerns and suggestions. I have found that to be a very rewarding experience. I have heard good ideas that I would expect to find their way into the final plans. I have also heard concerns about size and height and potential traffic issues, as well as other externalities. I believe that ordinance 180 will be a good guide for how to proceed in evaluating this plan.

I see tomorrow night's Public Hearing as the beginning of the process rather than any conclusion. Here are two documents outlining the process and timeline for considering this proposal:

• Outline of Process to Evaluate PUD Application (Memo from City Attorney Steve Ballard to City Council on 2/19/2014)
• Timeline for Process to Evaluate PUD Application (May 16)

Another major step in all this will be consideration of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) request should the developer make one. I said at the May meeting that I would want to hold a Public Hearing when we had financial information from the group the council has engaged to help evaluate the financial component of the project (National Development Council). This report will NOT be ready for tomorrow night, but I think being able to focus on the project details tomorrow will be good. I fully expect to also have citizen input after the NDC report arrives. 

If I have learned anything during the last 6 years as I've  watched this project both as a citizen and a council member, it is that University Heights citizens will have comments about many aspects of this plan. My job is to listen carefully and evaluate them in light of what I consider my guiding duty, to make decisions that are to the benefit of all of our community, especially with an eye to the future and how to continue to make our town a strong, and vibrant community that continues to welcome new citizens and honor our long time residents.

Tomorrow should be quite interesting I hope we get a good turnout.

Big Weekend for U-Heights!

Due to construction at Hancher, a last minute route change to the River Run 5K race will take it through University Heights on Sunday, April 27th. Race begins 9 AM

VIEW MAP

Please watch for runners, expect traffic delays Sunday morning.

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From Streets and Sidewalks Chair, Councilor Virginia Miller:

City Tree Planting Event MOVED TO 4/26/14 1:00 PM

Hello all - another update on University Heights Tree Planting Day.  The weather forecast predicts a nice day on Saturday and rain for Sunday. Therefore I am changing the planting event to Saturday afternoon, April 26th, at 1pm. If you would like to help, my number and email are listed below.

Trees will be delivered to Paul Moore's lot across from Stella.Meet there for a quick lesson in tree planting at 1pm on Saturday. Then we'll fan out across town.

Planting locations for this round of trees are:

114 Highland, 235 Highland

220 Koser, 255 Koser

1424 Grand, 1440 Grand, 1456 Grand

Thanks so much!  and BIG THANKS to the homeowners and tenants who are receiving trees.  Their willingness to take responsibility for a new tree will keep our town beautiful for decades to come.

Drinks and snacks will be set up back at the triangle lot when we are done.

Best,

Virginia Miller

630-649-9661

virginia@university-heights.org