Cooperate in devising ways in which citizens of Iowa City can be informed about local issues and be active participants in setting the community's agenda
Evaluate the effectiveness of communications through neighborhood associations (PCD)
Use local government cable channel and the Internet for meeting agendas and notices (Cable; all departments)
Develop a Web page for the department (PCD; Library)
Install library kiosk in Sycamore Mall (Library)
Continue to work with the Johnson County Community Network to offer local information electronically (Library)
Offer opportunities to learn about the Internet as an information source and promote use of the internet access stations (Library)
Place the department's year-end report on the WWW site (Police)
Provide training and information for community members on issues related to aging, including the aging process and employment issues (Senior Center)
Promote the City's "Good Neighbor Policy" for development projects (PCD; HIS; City Clerk)
Support opportunities for residents, government, and local organizations to work together
Hold focus groups on library expansion project (Library)
Use Ad Hoc committees, existing advisory groups, and town meetings to solicit participant input on programming and operational decisions (Senior Center)
Develop joint projects with the Johnson County Historical Society (Library)
Construct the following joint capital projects (Public Works; Parks and Recreation):
Mercer Park Aquatic Center Expansion - City of Iowa City and citizens' action group
Animal Shelter Improvements - City of Iowa City and City of Coralville
South Site Soccer Fields - City of Iowa City and Iowa City Kickers
Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge on Iowa River dam - City of Iowa City and City of Coralville
Further enhance a metropolitan transportation planning process that is open to community input and addresses all forms of transportation
Address the issue of a single transit authority for the urbanized area (JCCOG)
Encourage and support collaborative efforts among government, business, community organizations, and the University of Iowa
Cooperate with the University of Iowa, Johnson County, and neighboring communities to address land use issues of mutual concern, especially the planned development of contiguous areas
Pursue a 28-E agreement with Johnson County, Coralville, North Liberty and Tiffin to establish a metropolitan growth boundary for Johnson County (PCD)
Foster creative partnerships with neighborhood associations, businesses, schools, governmental agencies, and other organizations in parkland and program development
Renew agreement with the Iowa City Community School District for joint use of the Mercer Park Aquatic Center (Parks & Recreation)
Continue 28E Agreement with ICCSD for reciprocal use of facilities (Parks & Recreation)
Continue to work with the Neighborhood Associations on parkland acquisition and development (Parks and Recreation; PCD)
Continue to work with various groups to enhance and expand the Adopt-A-Park program (Parks & Recreation)
Art, Culture, and Human Development
Provide additional and improved public spaces for arts, culture and human development programs.
Schedule a bond referendum for expansion of the library and construction of a cultural center (Library; PCD)
Include the library expansion/cultural center in the FY99 Capital Improvements Program (City Manager)
Develop the ICN room in the public library - FY99 CIP (Library)
Develop and implement a plan to refurbish the Senior Center Lobby that will preserve the historic features of the building and create a comfortable and inviting environment for participants (Senior Center)
Elected officials will consider human development factors when making decisions.
Promote arts, culture, and human development in the community.
Add one or more items to Iowa City's Public Art inventory (PCD; Parks and Recreation )
Allocate $100,000 for the Public Art program in FY2000 (City Manager)
Promote use of the library through a media campaign (Library)
Offer programs and services that meet the needs of all citizens.
Install three remote book returns (Library)
Allocate $7,500 for community events (City Manager)
Utilize information obtained from the Senior Center county-wide survey to enrich all programming (Senior Center)
Enhance accessibility by completing facility improvements to doors and signage. Investigate the possibility of redesigning the Senior Center restrooms to promote ADA compliance and participant comfort (Senior Center)
Initialize steps toward a leadership role in the planning and implementation of a county-wide senior fair (Senior Center)
Document and preserve our cultural heritage.
Adopt a neighborhood conservation district (PCD)
Complete the Longfellow neighborhood historic district survey (PCD)
Consider adoption of the Uniform Code for Building conservation (PCD; HIS)
Continue the survey of the Northside/Goosetown to identify potential historic districts (PCD)
Update the Historic Preservation Commission publications (PCD)
Stabilize the Montgomery Butler House (PCD)
Produce eight programs in the Iowa City biography series "One of a Kind" (Library)
Continue to identify structures subject to Historic Preservation Review as early as possible in the permitting process to reduce delays in the processing of permits (HIS)
Preserve and protect the human rights of all the people of Iowa City.
Offer a series of programs focusing on human rights that are free and open to the public (Senior Center; Human Rights).
Hold public forums to educate Iowa Citizens on issues relating to discrimination and the law (Human Rights).
Provide periodic human rights sensitivity training for City employees (Personnel/Human Rights).
Make available to members of the public as well as schools, businesses, churches, and any entity that requests it, information relating to human rights and discrimination (Human Rights).
Economic Well-Being
Diversify and increase the property tax base by
(1) encouraging the retention and expansion of existing industry and
(2) attracting industries that have growth potential and are compatible with existing businesses.
Increase employment opportunities consistent with the available labor force.
Work with the Iowa City Area Development Group, the Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Workforce Development Center Region 10 Advisory Board to identify labor needs of local employers and matching those needs with the skills of local employees (PCD)
Provide training and information for community members on issues related to aging, including the aging process and employment issues (Senior Center)
Provide and protect areas suitable for future industrial and commercial development.
Facilitate development of the north 54 acres of the airport property for commercial and/or industrial development (PCD; City Manager; Airport Manager)
Complete the Scott Boulevard Trunk Sewer Project to the Scott-Six Industrial Park (Public Works)
Extend Southgate Avenue to Gilbert Street, opening additional area for commercial development (Public Works)
Identify industrial land opportunities and take the appropriate measures to preserve that land for future industrial development (PCD)
Cooperate with local and regional organizations to promote economic development within Iowa City.
Improve the environmental and economic health of the community through the efficient use of resources.
Complete implementation of Phase I and begin Phase II of the Downtown Streetscape Plan (PCD; Public Works; Parks & Recreation)
Work with downtown businesses on recycling strategies (JCCOG)
Create a new destination point in downtown Iowa City - library/cultural center project (PCD; Library)
Begin construction of the next downtown parking facility (PCD; Parking & Transit)
Consider financial incentives and programs to facilitate achieving the above goals.
Review development codes and processes to streamline the development process (PCD; HIS)
Evaluate establishing a small business revolving loan fund using CDBG funds (PCD)
Study the feasibility of creating a small business incubator (PCD)
Environmental Protection
Promote public education of environmental protection issues.
The Development Regulations Specialist will continue to work with representatives of DNR, the Soil Conservation Service, Environmental Advocates, and others to provide builders and developers with information regarding environmentally friendly development practices (HIS).
Support acquisition and management of watersheds, floodplains, wetlands and greenways.
Continue efforts to implement bicycle trails incorporated with stream corridors: Iowa River Corridor Trail, Willow Creek Trail (JCCOG)
Reevaluate Flood Plain Management ordinance (PCD)
Complete 2.5 miles of the Iowa River Corridor Trail (JCCOG)
Protect the water quality of storm water runoff, landfill leachate and waste water effluent.
Increase inspection of active construction projects to determine if original erosion control measures are properly maintained (HIS)
Complete landfill cell construction project (Public Works)
Continue groundwater monitoring project at the landfill (Public Works)
Continue landfill projects including acquisition of land, construction of lift station and leachate remediation (Public Works)
Complete the sewer project connecting the North Plant and the South Plant
Reduce the use of toxic chemicals, particularly lawn pesticides.
Reduce the volume of material going into the Iowa City landfill.
Continue the Iowa City landfill grant program (JCCOG)
Continue efforts toward implementation of a ban on certain paper products from the Iowa City Landfill (JCCOG)
Continue implementation of waste shingle program (JCCOG)
Provide for the safe and effective disposal of hazardous wastes.
Continue efforts toward establishment of a permanent household hazardous waste collection facility (JCCOG)
Maintain the integrity of scenic and historic vistas, control offensive noises, and promote unobtrusive lighting and signs.
Reevaluate lighting performance standards for glare and implement ordinance amendments if necessary (PCD)
Pursue identification and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
Implement Neighborhood Open Space and Sensitive Areas Ordinances during development review process (PCD; HIS; Public Works)
Educate developers and staff members in the various aspects of the Sensitive Areas Ordinance to reduce conflict in its enforcement (HIS)
Housing
Provide housing opportunities for households of all sizes, incomes, ages, and special needs.
Provide low income families with home ownership opportunities through the Iowa City Housing Authority Home Owner Programs (HIS)
Develop an affordable housing plan to reinvest the revenues from the Housing Authority's sale of Broadway Apartments (HIS)
Seek funding from City, State and Federal governments to complement the Housing Authority funds in the development of low income housing opportunities (HIS)
Consider an affordable housing funding pool funded through City HOME funds and the general fund, providing for the building of equity and the maintenance of affordability (PCD)
Consider the use of general obligation bond funding for assistance in the permanent financing of 20 rental housing units (PCD)
Work with local financial institutions to enable at least ten households to receive combination mortgage and rehabilitation loans (PCD)
Establish the First Home program to enable at least twenty households to receive down payment assistance for home purchase based on $2,500 per loan (PCD)
Establish a Community Housing Linked Deposit program to assist in 25 construction loans for affordable housing units (PCD)
Expand the City's housing rehabilitation program through a request for state HOME funds to assist ten households (PCD)
Require pre-development meetings; incorporate checklists for development review; and amend the Zoning Ordinance such that final subdivision plats require only City Council approval (PCD)
Begin review of development codes to ensure that the codes do not act as an impediment to providing affordable housing (PCD; HIS)
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to allow density bonuses for affordable housing (PCD)
Encourage neighborhoods that support the principle of diversity of housing types and households, and provide for interaction among neighbors.
Amend the zoning and subdivision regulations to allow for the neighborhood concept described in the Comprehensive Plan (PCD)
Amend the Zoning Ordinance to encourage smaller lot sizes and a minimum lot width of less than 45 feet (PCD)
Consider reduction in residential street pavement widths to 26 feet and allow flexible front yard setbacks (PCD)
Hire a consultant to develop neo-traditional design elements and assist the staff in developing a traditional neighborhood development ordinance (PCD)
Preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the historic nature of older neighborhoods.
Consider a conservation district on Governor Street south of Burlington Street (PCD)
Maintain and improve the safety of all housing.
Continue education and training of staff members and pursue new public education measures to increase understanding of codes and reduce resistance to compliance (HIS)
Continue to adopt nationally accepted codes with few local amendments (HIS)
Review and adopt the latest edition of the model building code within 18 months of publication to assure allowance of all safe new construction techniques and products (HIS)
Review zoning and annexation of undeveloped areas to plan for the development of sustainable and livable neighborhoods.
Pursue annexation and zoning of properties in the South District consistent with the adopted district plan (PCD).
Land Use and Urban Pattern
Define the City's adopted growth area boundary.
Incorporate provisions to achieve a visible edge in the land use plan for the Northeast Planning District. (PCD)
Contain industrial development in industrial parks on the edge of the community.
Complete the South Central District Plan which identifies land southwest of the airport as appropriate for industrial development (PCD)
Focus commercial development in defined commercial centers, including small scale neighborhood commercial centers.
Maintain a strong, accessible downtown that is pedestrian oriented and a cultural, commercial and residential center.
Follow through on the Downtown Investment Initiative including a new destination point in the Library expansion/cultural center; the streetscape improvements; and a new downtown parking facility on Iowa Avenue (PCD; City Manager; Parking and Transit; Public Works; Parks and Recreation)
Protect the historical and natural environment within the city.
Identify and designate conservation overlay zones, specifically in the Governor Street neighborhood (PCD)
Use the Peninsula project to demonstrate the appropriate relationships between development and environmentally sensitive areas (PCD)
Foster strong community neighborhoods with a mix of housing, churches, schools, recreation facilities, commercial areas, and historic landmarks.
Develop and adopt neighborhood compatibility standards for new infill construction (PCD)
Prepare a plan for the Northeast Planning District according to neighborhood design concepts and the Sensitive Areas Ordinance (PCD)
In developing new neighborhoods, carefully evaluate the possibility of alleys considering the cost; the amount of paving vs. the amount of open space; maintenance issues; and the cost to homeowners (PCD; Public Works)
Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Make recreational facilities and programs as affordable as possible.
Continue to provide a minimum of 50% discounts for low income residents for recreational facilities and programs; review discounts annually (Parks & Recreation)
Continue to draw upon volunteer support, corporate sponsors, grants, gifts and donations in order to offer 90% or more of all Senior Center programs free of charge (Senior Center)
Promote usage of the Senior Center Scholarship Program by eligible low-income senior citizens who wish to participate in Senior Center programs that have a participation fee (Senior Center)
Ensure that programs and facilities are accessible to all citizens.
Make all shelters and walkways in City Park accessible (Parks & Recreation)
Plan for an accessible trail in Hickory Hill Park (Parks & Recreation)
Provide at least one van-accessible space in every parking lot serving a park or recreation facility (Parks & Recreation)
Identify groups and individuals with special needs who are currently under served, and implement programs to serve those identified (Parks & Recreation)
Implement elements of the Neighborhood Open Space Plan.
Reconvene the Neighborhood Open Space Task Force to update the neighborhood open space action plan (Parks & Recreation)
Establish a subcommittee of the Parks & Recreation Commission and utilize the Neighborhood Open Space Action Plan to address the development of a neighborhood parkland and trails acquisition program (Parks & Recreation)
Enhance and expand indoor and outdoor recreational facilities.
Complete expansion of Mercer Park Aquatic Center by adding a gymnasium complex (Parks & Recreation)
Continue development of the soccer complex - complete irrigation system; playground equipment; parks shelter; and parking/road improvements (Parks & Recreation)
Improve and maintain municipal parks to meet the needs of neighborhoods and the community.
Pursue development of a gifts catalog through the Parks & Recreation Foundation (Parks & Recreation)
Implement a regionalized maintenance program [i.e. work crews to specific regions within the city] (Parks & Recreation)
Update equipment inventory (Parks & Recreation)
Encourage Neighborhood Associations to participate in the Adopt-A-Park program (Parks & Recreation; PCD)
Work with the Ty'n Cae and Penny Bryn Neighborhood Associations and the Kiwanis Clubs to complete Kiwanis Park (Parks & Recreation; PCD)
Plan the future development of Hunters Run Park in cooperation with neighborhood residents (Parks & Recreation; PCD)
Work with the Walden Wood Neighborhood Association to complete the "Walden Wood Mini-Park" (Parks & Recreation; PCD)
Seek REAP grant to assist with the development of the Peninsula and/or Water Plant site (Parks & Recreation)
Establish a system of bikeways and trails connecting parks, schools, neighborhoods, and the downtown area.
Complete 2.5 miles of the Iowa River Corridor Trail (JCCOG)
Construct bikeways and trails throughout Iowa City as opportunities become available through the development process (PCD)
Construct the Willow Creek Trail segment between Mormon Trek Boulevard and Highway 218 (JCCOG; Public Works)
Seek ISTEA funding to assist with future trail projects (JCCOG, Parks & Recreation)
Begin plans for the Highway 6 median/sidewalk/drainage project (Public Works; PCD)
Create and maintain attractive entrances to Iowa City.
Develop building and site design guidelines for entranceways (PCD)
Plan for landscaping enhancements on the North Dubuque Street entrance (PCD; Parks and Recreation; Public Works; City Manager)
Allocate $100,000 in the FY2000 budget for entranceway enhancement (City Manager).
Enhance the city's urban forest.
Work with the Heritage Tree Committee as needed (Parks & Recreation)
Continue development of a computerized public tree inventory for trees located on City-owned properties and continue the Iowa City RE-LEAF program (Parks & Recreation)
Public Safety
Encourage support in the community for promoting public safety.
Make one contact with a citizen group in an area of our community without any crime prevention program each month (Police)
Establish contact persons in other City departments to address problems brought to the attention of the Police Department, but are under the jurisdiction of other City departments (Police)
Engage in at least three activities with other police activities such as traffic enforcement efforts, under-age drinking reduction efforts or other safety issues (Police)
Conduct annual training with the University of Iowa confined space rescue team (Fire)
Conduct bi-annual fire safety training and education efforts with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for providing hands-on training to hospital personnel (Fire)
In cooperation with the American Red Cross, participate in the 3rd Annual "Battery Up Day" distributing free replacement batteries and smoke alarms to 40 homes (Fire)
Cooperate with all fire companies in the area to distribute smoke detectors when needed, up to an expenditure of $350 (Fire)
Coordinate a City/County-wide home fire exit drill to promote awareness, education, and the necessary skills to get out of a burning building during Fire Prevention Week (Fire)
Take a leadership role in promoting childhood injury prevention through the Johnson County SAFE KIDS Coalition. Participate in SAFE KIDS Week at City Park, in the household injury prevention exhibit during the Parade of Homes, and several car seat clinics at local auto dealerships (Fire)
Neighborhood officers will attend at least three meetings of the Neighborhood Association in the officer's assigned area (Police)
Meet with 15 or more neighborhood groups to determine priorities for the department (Police)
Respond to calls for emergency service as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Handle additional calls for service within budget guidelines (Police)
Review evidence/property procedures and issue new General Orders for guidance and property control (Police)
Review patrol areas to include workload, natural barriers, traffic, community needs to minimize emergency response time (Police)
Develop dispatch procedures that assure appropriate tiered notification (within 50 seconds) and response for emergency responders (Fire; Police)
Develop procedures that establish a benchmark turnout time of 60 seconds (Fire; Police)
Achieve annual certification of all Fire Department personnel in emergency apparatus driving techniques (Fire)
Establish procedures for "move-ups" when companies are out-of-district for a period of time due to previous calls, training, or public education activities (Fire)
Increase hours devoted to traffic enforcement beyond the level of 1997 (Police)
Ensure safe fire equipment access.
Review site plans for proposed developments for fire equipment access and safe subdivision circulation patterns (Fire; PCD)
Periodically attend Neighborhood Association meetings to discuss and locate problem traffic areas (Police; Fire; JCCOG)
Take a fire lane ordinance to City Council for action (Police; Fire)
Continue to emphasize crime prevention in the mission of the Police Department.
Publish a monthly crime prevention newsletter (Police)
Provide at least one officer for downtown patrol at a level of 95% (Police)
Train at least three additional officers for gang recognition (Police)
Provide DARE instructors as requested by Iowa City Community Schools (Police)
Complete two community surveys relating to department performance (Police)
Inspire confidence in the provision of emergency services.
Provide training for one supervisor per year at the Southern Police Institute (Police)
Maintain certifications and recertifications for Fire Department personnel in CPR, EMT-B, Hazardous Materials Operations and Technician, Confined Space Rescue, and Firefighter II certification (Fire)
Maintain support of the Johnson County Hazardous Materials Team with a minimum of 10 Iowa City Fire Department personnel trained to the Technician level (Fire)
Conduct annual physical fitness testing for all firefighting personnel twice a year (Fire)
Have the Fire Marshal complete ILEA training to enhance investigation and prosecution of arson (Fire)
Ensure the health and safety of all fire personnel by scheduling annual physical exams, reviewing and recommending compliance with OSHA and other safety standards, working with the City Safety Training Specialist, and reviewing all accidents and injuries (Fire)
Maintain all Fire Department buildings, grounds and equipment (Fire)
Continue to maintain the prevention of fire as the primary objective of the Fire Department.
Establish an intervention program for use with "at risk" juveniles associated with fire-setting behaviors by July 1, 1998 (Fire)
Attempt to identify one class-in-one school in the Iowa City School District willing to pilot test the NFPA injury prevention curriculum, "Risk Watch" (Fire)
Prepare a preschool fire education component designed to teach 3 to 5 year olds the difference between good fires and bad fires by January 1, 1999 (Fire)
Produce one ad campaign designed to protect the public from arson (Fire; HIS)
Fund an advertising campaign in 1998 to increase awareness to local fire safety issues (Fire; HIS)
Actively participate in the enforcement of building and fire codes.
Continue occupancy inspections of bars (Police; Fire)
Amend and adopt the 1997 Uniform Fire Code (Fire)
Perform fire safety inspections on all University of Iowa facilities twice each year and every other year on each commercial occupancy in the city (Fire)
Increase training and education of inspectors as budget allows to assure the highest qualified level of staff possible to perform inspections (HIS)
Continue to improve communication with Fire Department and HIS personnel to better achieve common goals (HIS; Fire)
Plan for the public safety needs of the community.
Conduct the Fire Department self-assessment process (Fire)
Begin the development of a strategic plan for fire protection/prevention and emergency service delivery (Fire)
Social Services
Promote a community standard of "service to others."
Continue to update and diversify Senior volunteer opportunities (Senior Center)
Maintain a leadership role in the Volunteer Administrators Network and assist community volunteers in identifying appropriate venues for personal skills and interests (Senior Center)
Continue to support Senior Center programming with existing and new sources of volunteer support, corporate sponsors, grants, gifts and donations (Senior Center)
Encourage a wide array of programs available in all neighborhoods throughout the city.
Ensure an adequate level of financial support for human services programs.
Facilitate the FY2000 Joint Human Service Agency funding process (JCCOG)
Provide appropriate planning and coordination of human services programs.
Evaluate the funding of new agencies (JCCOG)
Initiate a leadership role by Iowa City government in the provision of human services by an employer.
Promote equal accessibility by all persons to all aspects of the community.
Review drafts of proposed state legislation and provide input to the appropriate advisory board regarding the State of Iowa Accessibility Regulations which we are mandated to enforce (HIS)
Informational brochures about the library will be translated into Spanish and Chinese (Library)
Consider human services impacts on matters being discussed by the City Council.
Transportation
Accommodate all modes of transportation on the street system.
The construction of Captain Irish Parkway and Court Street will include sidewalks to accommodate bicycles and pedestrians (Public Works)
Begin capacity analysis on Benton Street, Gilbert Street, and Dodge Street (JCCOG; Public Works)
Encourage walking and bicycling.
Complete approximately 2.5 miles of the Iowa River Corridor Trail (JCCOG)
Promote use of public transit.
Continue transit on-time performance studies in FY99 (JCCOG)
Update transit capital equipment replacement plan (JCCOG; Parking & Transit)
Provide free or reduced cost bus passes to children coming to the Public Library during the summer (Library; Parking & Transit)
Maximize mobility for persons with disabilities.
Continue the curb ramp program through FY99 (Public Works)
Continue efforts to secure prompt removal of snow and ice from all public sidewalks while being sure to provide the required legal notification of violation to respective property owners (HIS)
Complete project to make all buses lift-equipped (Parking & Transit)
Address paratransit issues to provide adequate service to the users in the most cost effective manner (Parking & Transit; JCCOG)
Install on-street van accessible handicapped parking spaces (Parking & Transit)
Protect neighborhoods from arterial street traffic.
A downtown parking system that fosters economic growth and vitality.
Design the new downtown parking facility as a multi-use structure (JCCOG; Parking & Transit)
Increase on-street metered area in the ten block of North Dubuque Street (Parking & Transit)
Ensure the continued vitality of the Iowa City Municipal Airport.
Continue with implementation of the Airport Master Plan (Airport Manager)