Like the Blog Says, "Moving FORWARD"

I got a phone call this afternoon while I was in my department staff meeting. It was Mitchell Schmidt, a reporter from The Gazette. I've known Mitchell since he was a student reporter at the DI. I was surprised, however, when he said he was calling to ask for my reaction to a last-minute slate of candidates that included one incumbent, one challenger, three write in council seekers and a write in for mayor.

You can read the full article here:

Candidates emerge to challenge University Heights council

I will reiterate that I want this town to move forward. No one is more cognizant of how divisive One University Place has been to our town. I continue to try to heal those wounds, and look toward better times for everyone.

However, running a last minute campaign in hopes that the electorate will skip a non controversial election, and allow a small number of residents to slip into office is not the way for our city to get back together. And for announced candidates to throw in with this tactic is extremely frustrating.

I've been going door to door for 6 weeks. I was out again tonight, and will be tomorrow too, right up to Election Day. I continue to be humbled by the response I receive and am heartened by your faith in these efforts. Thank you. 

And I challenge everyone, continue to be the town that participates, by once again turning out a majority of the electorate in a year when a hotly contested Iowa City race may not break 10%

This race could be tight and your vote will certainly make a difference.

So in case we haven't hit you with it often enough, Here are some early voting times and places:

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Fountain Lobby                              
200 Hawkins Dr.                                                                                   
Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Iowa City Public Library

123 S. Linn St. I.C.

Thursday, October 29, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 1, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

And on Election Day November 3

St. Andrew's Church. 7 AM to 8 PM.

Parking is still available behind the church.

 

-Mike

What are the Odds?

In case you didn't see it yesterday, retired teacher and all around good guy, Hani Elkadi, devoted one of his regular columns in the Press Citizen to what he called the 

 "Interests and Passions of Council Candidates."

Basically he sent a questionnaire asking about favorite or most admired leaders, books, movies, music and more. I replied quickly to try to get my most honest answers and not over-think it. Below is what I said, with links to find out more if you're interested.

What struck me when I read the article is that fellow ICCSD teacher, and Hills Mayor, Tim Kemp, had listed the very same obscure, 1980 independent Australian movie, Breaker Morant, that I had. Figuring that Hani had made an unfortunate copy/paste error, I didn't think more of it, until Tim came to the school district's ESC last night for the Johnson County Inter-governmental Meeting, he asked how I had answered the movie question, and sure enough we BOTH had listed that as our favorite movie, as I say in the post title: What are the odds?
My only (mild) criticism of Hani's article is that he left off favorite color, even though  he asked.

1. As a potential councilor, what do you consider the most urgent environmental issue in your City?

Improving non-car commuting for workers

2. What do you stand regarding the issue of legalization and/or decriminalization of recreational use of marijuana even as a medicinal drug?

I would favor decriminalization

3. What are your favorites in the following:

● Leadership models, males and females (political, philosophical, social,environmental,...etc)

U.S. Political Senator Paul Simon

Philosophical John Dewey

Social Dorothy Day

Environmental Norman Borlaug

● Books (fiction, nonfiction)

FICTION: Lloyd Alexander, John Irving

NONFICTION: People’s Almanac

● Poet  Carl Sandburg, link to one of my favorites of  his poems

● Music folk/bluegrass

● Song EricBogle’s “And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda”

● Movie Breaker Morant

● Actor and Actress

                ACTOR Daniel Day Lewis

                ACTRESS Helen Slater

● Comedian Steve Martin (who is also a phenomenal banjo player)

● Painter Marvin Cone

● Color Plaid

● Sport you practice now- recreational biking, formerly rugby

● Sport you attend or watch Wrestling

October 2015 Council Meeting Summary

Fellow U-Heights residents, City Council held their regular October meeting tonight, below are some highlights. Lots of important things happened tonight. For more information please look at the full agenda and attachments. But before I talk about the council meeting, here are three important upcoming events:   Trick or Treating Trick or Treating will be Saturday 10/31 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM UNLESS the Iowa-Maryland football game kicks off at 2:30 PM or later. If that occurs, Trick or Treating is the same time on FRIDAY 10/30.   LEAF VACUUMING See the 3 dates for vacuuming below in the calendar. Please rake leaves only to the curb. Often Johnson County refuse comes by to pick up leaves early as they travel through town. Even if they pick up early they will still pick up on scheduled dates too. 2015 Municipal Election All council seats and the mayor's office are up for election this fall. In person early voting is available at the County Administration Building, 913 S. Dubuque St. M-F from 7:45 AM to 5:30 PM through Nov. 2.  University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Fountain Lobby 200 Hawkins Dr. Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Election Day, Nov. 3 vote at St. Andrew 7 AM to 8 PM. One University Place Construction has started, and there was a great deal of discussion regarding work done so far and how a major amount of rubble was discovered in the east ravine. For more information see the Engineer's report item #7 at the above agenda link, there is a very good summary of what has occurred. Minimum Wage This was actually discussed in September, but council will not take any action, which will allow the County minimum wage ordinance to take effect. My personal comment is that I believe that minimum wage should be a livable wage.  Community Visioning 2016 University Heights has been approached about participating in the Trees Forever Community Visioning program, and council thinks we should pursue it.  The program works with small towns in Iowa to develop plans for improving their pedestrian, bicycle or car transportation systems using engineers and landscape architects from Iowa State University. Community Center  There was discussion of having a community committee plan what amenities will be needed in the community center, and help decide such issues such as public use policies and layout. If you are interested in participating in this committee please let Mayor Louise From know.  Upcoming Events Leaf Vacuuming Oct. 19 Leaf Vacuuming Nov. 2 Election DAY Nov. 3 Poll Site St. Andrew Church 7 AM to 8 PM City Council Regular Meeting Nov. 10, 7 PM Place TBD Leaf Vacuuming Nov. 19

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 Join the community at Nextdoor University Heights! As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike

2015 Election Notes and Issues

With the municipal election next month I have been going door to door talking with citizens about city issues. This is always an interesting and informative process for me, and I greatly value the time I get to spend talking to so many residents.

Here are some very practical notes first, from the Johnson County Auditor: 

In person early voting, Auditor's Office, 913 S. Dubuque St. Iowa CityEarly voting available weekdays 7:45 - 5:30 through Monday, November 2.

Nov. 3 U-Heights polling station St. Andrew Church 1300 Melrose Ave. Polls open 7 AM to 8 PM

As I have been walking and talking I have highlighted the following:

 A Ballot Initiative for U-Heights Voters

The following will be on our Nov. 3rd ballots: Shall the terms of elective office of the Mayor and Council Members of the City of University Heights, Iowa be changed from two (2) to four (4) years, with the Council Members' terms being staggered?

U-Heights is the last town in the county with two year terms for council and mayor. Staggering 4 year terms will allow for greater continuity in the council as there would not be the possibility of overturning the entire council in a single election. I would urge you to vote “yes” on this measure.  

Two Important Issues that council will need to address:

One University Place

As you all know, construction began on the mixed use building has started. I will continue to work for the completion of this project with minimal disruption to neighbors, and to protect the city’s interests as the Melrose/Sunset intersection in re-aligned. The completion and planning of the community center space will be critical as well. As someone who has worked on this project for 6 years, I ask for to the opportunity to see it through to completion.

  City Finances

As a small land-locked community our budget is always a major topic of concern. My goal is to make sure our priorities are funded and we are able to control spending and stay within our projected budget limits. Since we contract most of our city services we have very few areas that we can make budget adjustments. I have the experience to make crucial decisions with our limited resources. 

An Issue where we can be a leader for the greater metro area

Bike Friendly Community

A higher percentage of U-Heights workers walk and bike to work than any other city in the U.S. We are the smallest city ever recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Bronze Level Award in 2012. With our critical location near UIHC we need to improve commuter access through town. We can become a leader in how to involve community members and partners to improve our commuting infrastructure.

With any improvements to our infrastructure we could easily become a Silver or perhaps the first Gold level community in Iowa.

My personal request:

I have worked hard to represent all citizens in town during my three terms on council.  I would like to finish the work I’ve helped start and also lay the groundwork toward a greater future for our town. I ask for your vote so I can help accomplish these tasks.

September Council Meeting Summary

Fellow U-Heights residents, City Council held their regular September meeting Tuesday night, below are some highlights. For more information please look at the full agenda and attachments. Ice Cream Social U-Heights Ice Cream Social will be this Sunday, Sept. 13, from 3:30 to 5:30 at the newly renovated Tower Court Park. Eulenspiegel Puppets will perform at 4:00. Ice cream from Dane's Dairy and Kalona Bars will be served. Come greet your neighbors, and have a good time! Kid's Council Presentation Iowa City Crime Prevention/Community Service Officer R.A. Mebus presented this evening during the Kid's Council program about Safety Village. This two week long June program is available to 5 through 7 years olds. More information can be found here Safety Village. Open Space/Tree Board Ordinances Council had first readings of two ordinances. Ordinance 191 would require any developer who splits a property or increases density to set aside open space. Ordinance 190 would create a City Tree Board to help manage and watch out for trees planted in city right of way. Both ordinances passed 5-0. All ordinances require 3 approvals from council. Both ordinances can be found in the above agenda and attachments link. Driveway Issues City Engineer Josiah Bilskemper reminded everyone that a driveway permit is required whenever a new driveway apron (The portion between the sidewalk and the street) is poured.Driveway Permits forms are on the city website on the Building/Zoning/Sanitation page . Upcoming Events U-Heights Ice Cream Social Sept. 13 Tower Court Park 3:30 to 5:30 Neighborhood Watch Meeting- Kingsley Botchway will present on Cultural Competence Sept. 24th 7 PM City Office 1004 Melrose City Council Regular Meeting Oct. 13th Place TBD LEAF VACUUMING: 3 DATES: Oct. 19 Nov. 2, Nov. 19

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 Join the community at Nextdoor University Heights! As always it is a pleasure to serve as your city councilor. -Mike Copyright © 2015 Mike Haverkamp, All rights reserved. This is information about University Heights for residents who wish to receive it. Our mailing address is: Mike Haverkamp 315 Golfview Ave. Iowa City, IA 52246

U-Heights in the News

I don't know if you saw the story in the Des Moines Sunday Register today (8/30/15) but we got a mention in a front page story (albeit on page 10 in the continuation).

Iowa, Des Moines Falling Behind Bike Friendlier U.S.

The story went on to talk about the League of American Cyclists' designation of cities bike friendliness on a descending level from Platinum, Silver and Bronze. The gist of the story was that Des Moines was a bronze level city in major part due to their not doing more to encourage bike commuting. They specifically talk about not having bike lanes as well as no city staff dedicated to bike issues. 

What struck me was the listing of Iowa cities who are recognized, I didn't realize there are only 5 communities in Iowa that have been recognized: Iowa City, silver; Cedar Falls, Bronze; Cedar Rapids, Bronze; Des Moines, Bronze; University Heights, Bronze.

We are the smallest population community in the nation recognized by the League! 

Here is the full list of recognized cities.

In discussing what it would take to move Des Moines to Silver it was mentioned one major factor was that only .2% (two-tenths of 1 per cent) of workers in Des Moines bike commute. Most Silver level cities have at least a 3.5% bike commuters. We in U-Heights have 15% bike commuting workers, and that does NOT count full-time students. We also have 28% workers walking.

If we as a community were to explore some relatively simple things to improve bike facilities in town:

Covered bike parking at One University Place

Melrose Ave. bike lanes

Bike Boulevards on Koser or Grand Avenes

We could easily move to Silver, Gold or even Platinum levels, depending on what we implement. Especially since that we have some of the very highest bike commuter levels in the nation. I think this should be something to seriously consider.

Private Lives

If you're around town this weekend or next I would highly recommend Fourth Room Theatre's performances of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

This is the third summer that Fourth Room has offered free classical theater in University Heights. The setting for the show is Dr. Flaum's spacious yard at 901 Melrose Ave.

Here is the write up from Fourth Room's Facebook page:



The 1930's comedy explores the love lives of divorced couple, Elyot and Amanda, who are shocked to run into each other while honeymooning at the same hotel in France with their respective new spouses. Their feelings for one another are rekindled, setting in motion the same cycle of love and violence that plagued their initial marriage.

Coward’s play, written in just four days when he was only 30 years old, is a perennial favorite. Coward himself starred as Elyot when the play first premiered. The show’s popularity was immediate and hasn’t waned since. It was adapted for film in 1931 and has had several radio and television productions since then, as well as numerous award-winning London and Broadway stagings.

Fourth Room will present PRIVATE LIVES at the same beautiful outdoor location as previous summers, 901 Melrose Ave, Iowa City. Limited parking is available on the grounds, with additional spots across the street at Kinnick Stadium.

PERFORMANCES:
Thursday, August 13 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 14 – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 15 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 20 – 7:00 p.m.
NO FRIDAY PERFORMANCE
Saturday, August 22 – 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 23rd is reserved as a potential rain date. Please check this event, our Facebook page, or our website for weather-related updates!

Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or folding chairs and picnics to enjoy the evening.

This production is FREE to the public. If you would like to donate to our Free Outdoor Classics initiative, visit our website for PayPal or mail options.
http://fourthroomtheatre.com/donation/

No reservations needed.