Judy Polumbaum offers the following tip:
cell phone advisory for Verizon customers: If you think you are going beyond your calling plan, call *611 (customer service) and (when you finally get a real person) explain your situation and request consideration for “loyalty” or “bonus” minutes to make your contract stretch further.
And it really does work!
Monday, June 30, 2008
ICPC Article Today on Petition
Here is the link to the ICPC Petition article
http://press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS01/806300308/1079
http://press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080630/NEWS01/806300308/1079
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Press Release and message to IC Council
Sent: Sun 6/29/2008 8:45 AM
To: newsroom@press-citizen.com; gregg.hennigan@gazettecommunications.com; kbolton@dmreg.com; Mike.Wagner@KCRG.com; jokerstrom@kwwl.com; Daily Iowan
Subject: PRESS RELAESE: Parkview Terrace Neighborhood Voluntary Butout Petition
Contact: Steve McGuire, 319-530-5964, s-mcguire@uiowa.edu
PRESS RELEASE:
The Parkview Terrace Neighborhood, which includes Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor, Granada Court and Parkview Place streets, will present a petition to the Iowa City City Council at the Thursday, July 3rd Special Formal Council Meeting at 7:30am to make application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), available to the State as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration, to fund a voluntary buyout of homes in the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood to expand Lower City Park. Residents of the neighborhood believe it is reasonable to assume that properties on Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor, Granada Court and Parkview Place streets have a far higher probability of flooding now than 50 years ago when the development was created. The multiplied effect of development and water management projects for urban and agricultural land upstream on the Iowa River and its tributaries, the loss of Coralville Reservoir capacity as cited by the Corps, and regional/global climatology have increased substantially the likelihood of flooding in the neighborhood and made the historical 100 and 500 year flood plain a misnomer.
Our petition request the Iowa City City Council submit a formal Notice of Interest to the State for funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The State of Iowa will receive FEMA funding under the HMGP as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration. The State's priority for this funding is the acquisition of flood prone properties. Acquisition projects are strictly voluntary and homeowners are never forced to sell their property. Purchase price for properties must be at their pre-flood fair market value. The decision to buy flood-damaged property is made by the local government and the property owners, not the state or federal government. Costs must be shared on a 75% federal/25% state or local basis.
To the Iowa City Council,
Whereas, we are homeowners in the Parkview Terrace neighborhood who have been devastated by recent flooding, and
Whereas, we believe that development and water management projects for urban and agricultural land upstream, the loss of Coralville Reservoir capacity as cited by the Corps, and regional/global climatology, have increased the likelihood of flooding in what has historically been identified as the 100 and 500 year flood plain making it impossible to adequately protect our neighborhood from the risk of future flooding.
Whereas, we believe our ethical and fiscal responsibility as citizens of Iowa City requires we not rebuild our homes in the neighborhood we have lived in and love.
We, the undersigned homeowners of Parkview Terrace neighborhood, respectfully request that the Iowa City City Council make application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), available to the State as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration, to fund a voluntary buyout of homes in the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood to expand Lower City Park.
To: newsroom@press-citizen.com; gregg.hennigan@gazettecommunications.com; kbolton@dmreg.com; Mike.Wagner@KCRG.com; jokerstrom@kwwl.com; Daily Iowan
Subject: PRESS RELAESE: Parkview Terrace Neighborhood Voluntary Butout Petition
Contact: Steve McGuire, 319-530-5964, s-mcguire@uiowa.edu
PRESS RELEASE:
The Parkview Terrace Neighborhood, which includes Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor, Granada Court and Parkview Place streets, will present a petition to the Iowa City City Council at the Thursday, July 3rd Special Formal Council Meeting at 7:30am to make application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), available to the State as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration, to fund a voluntary buyout of homes in the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood to expand Lower City Park. Residents of the neighborhood believe it is reasonable to assume that properties on Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor, Granada Court and Parkview Place streets have a far higher probability of flooding now than 50 years ago when the development was created. The multiplied effect of development and water management projects for urban and agricultural land upstream on the Iowa River and its tributaries, the loss of Coralville Reservoir capacity as cited by the Corps, and regional/global climatology have increased substantially the likelihood of flooding in the neighborhood and made the historical 100 and 500 year flood plain a misnomer.
Our petition request the Iowa City City Council submit a formal Notice of Interest to the State for funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The State of Iowa will receive FEMA funding under the HMGP as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration. The State's priority for this funding is the acquisition of flood prone properties. Acquisition projects are strictly voluntary and homeowners are never forced to sell their property. Purchase price for properties must be at their pre-flood fair market value. The decision to buy flood-damaged property is made by the local government and the property owners, not the state or federal government. Costs must be shared on a 75% federal/25% state or local basis.
To the Iowa City Council,
Whereas, we are homeowners in the Parkview Terrace neighborhood who have been devastated by recent flooding, and
Whereas, we believe that development and water management projects for urban and agricultural land upstream, the loss of Coralville Reservoir capacity as cited by the Corps, and regional/global climatology, have increased the likelihood of flooding in what has historically been identified as the 100 and 500 year flood plain making it impossible to adequately protect our neighborhood from the risk of future flooding.
Whereas, we believe our ethical and fiscal responsibility as citizens of Iowa City requires we not rebuild our homes in the neighborhood we have lived in and love.
We, the undersigned homeowners of Parkview Terrace neighborhood, respectfully request that the Iowa City City Council make application to the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), available to the State as part of the most recent Presidential Disaster Declaration, to fund a voluntary buyout of homes in the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood to expand Lower City Park.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Letter to the Editor - ICPC today
A person wrote an excellent letter to the editor to the ICPC today regarding a buyout today. I couldn't find it online so you'll have to pick up the paper to read it.
It did have one inaccuracy - she referred to the City buying back Normandy and Eastmoor. I'm not sure if the writer didn't know, but Manor and most of the houses on Granada Court and Parkview Place sustained similar damage to the homes on Eastmoor and will experience the same results when another flood occurs.
It's important to refer to the entire neighborhood (Parkview Terrace) when writing about a buyout. Buying out 1 or 2 streets will not solve the problem - it has to be the entire neighborhood - Parkview Terrace. A dike will not solve the problem and most likely push the water over to the water plant or cause more flooding both up and down the river.
Also, it's important to note - a buyback is 100% voluntary by allowing each homeowner to make their own decision to sell or stay.
Back entrance needed for park
I want to put a positive spin of the current situation. There never will be another opportunity like this to use federal funds to buy out residents who live in the floodplain and thus gain prime riverbank land that the city should use for a back entrance to City Park.
Iowa City's lovely park only has one drawback: The only ways in and out by car are the exits and entrances opposite Hancher Auditorium. Because this limited access becomes a problem during high traffic times, City Park needs a back entrance. And the stretch of riverbank involved, which stands opposite the Peninsula area, would be a lovely back entrance.
Buying out Normandy Drive and Eastmoor also offers a permanent solution to flooding. The city should build grass-covered berm/dike (one amenable to landscaping) along the course of what now are Eastmoor backyards. That would allow for the flooding Iowa River to flow over most of the floodplain with minimal restrictions and minimal impact on buildings upstream and downstream.
Time is of the essence here. Although most residents now look favorably upon such a plan, they may think differently after their homes are dried and re-carpeted and the charm of the neighborhood reasserts itself.
The City Council shouldn't delay in starting the lengthy process required for a buy out.
It did have one inaccuracy - she referred to the City buying back Normandy and Eastmoor. I'm not sure if the writer didn't know, but Manor and most of the houses on Granada Court and Parkview Place sustained similar damage to the homes on Eastmoor and will experience the same results when another flood occurs.
It's important to refer to the entire neighborhood (Parkview Terrace) when writing about a buyout. Buying out 1 or 2 streets will not solve the problem - it has to be the entire neighborhood - Parkview Terrace. A dike will not solve the problem and most likely push the water over to the water plant or cause more flooding both up and down the river.
Also, it's important to note - a buyback is 100% voluntary by allowing each homeowner to make their own decision to sell or stay.
Back entrance needed for park
I want to put a positive spin of the current situation. There never will be another opportunity like this to use federal funds to buy out residents who live in the floodplain and thus gain prime riverbank land that the city should use for a back entrance to City Park.
Iowa City's lovely park only has one drawback: The only ways in and out by car are the exits and entrances opposite Hancher Auditorium. Because this limited access becomes a problem during high traffic times, City Park needs a back entrance. And the stretch of riverbank involved, which stands opposite the Peninsula area, would be a lovely back entrance.
Buying out Normandy Drive and Eastmoor also offers a permanent solution to flooding. The city should build grass-covered berm/dike (one amenable to landscaping) along the course of what now are Eastmoor backyards. That would allow for the flooding Iowa River to flow over most of the floodplain with minimal restrictions and minimal impact on buildings upstream and downstream.
Time is of the essence here. Although most residents now look favorably upon such a plan, they may think differently after their homes are dried and re-carpeted and the charm of the neighborhood reasserts itself.
The City Council shouldn't delay in starting the lengthy process required for a buy out.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Red Cross and Johnson County
Be sure to stop at:
The Red Cross Disaster Center
Sycamore Mall.
You may be elgible for relief money and will get cleaning supplied.
Johnson County
Johnson County Fairgrounds
You may be elgible for Food relief money.
The Red Cross Disaster Center
Sycamore Mall.
You may be elgible for relief money and will get cleaning supplied.
Johnson County
Johnson County Fairgrounds
You may be elgible for Food relief money.
Meeting On City Channel - See Post for Schedule
Viewers can watch the June 21st meeting on City Channel 4.
Saturday, June 28 at 2:28 p.m.,
Sunday, June 29 at 5:28 a.m.,
Tuesday, July 1 at 9:28 a.m.Thursday,
July 3 at 2:24 p.m.Friday,
July 4 at 7:43 a.m.
The program will also be scheduled to play additional times during the week that follows. These times can be found on our online program schedule starting next Friday.
Information provided by Ty Coleman - Thanks Ty!
Saturday, June 28 at 2:28 p.m.,
Sunday, June 29 at 5:28 a.m.,
Tuesday, July 1 at 9:28 a.m.Thursday,
July 3 at 2:24 p.m.Friday,
July 4 at 7:43 a.m.
The program will also be scheduled to play additional times during the week that follows. These times can be found on our online program schedule starting next Friday.
Information provided by Ty Coleman - Thanks Ty!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Entrance and water removed
The water was removed from the entrance and it stayed relatively dry today. It's still very bumpy and it would be great if the city could smooth this out sometime soon.
The Entrance Road
The Entrance, corner of Normandy and Manor took on quite a bit of water last night from the rainfall. It was open, but I don't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle and I didn't want to chance it. Be prepared before driving into our neighborhood today.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Congratulations to Louise and her Daughter
A big round of applause for Louise Novak and her daughter - she circled the neighborhood finding out who needs volunteer help and will pass this along to the proper volunteer organzations. I know I've exhausted all my friends, relatives and church with the millions of tasks that come up living each day and taking on a project like this.
This project will undoubtedly last a very long time and keeping the volunteer interest up is very important.
Thanks again!
This project will undoubtedly last a very long time and keeping the volunteer interest up is very important.
Thanks again!
Amendent to repeal Disaster Funds
-----Original Message-----From: Vicki Watson Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:19 AMSubject: Amendment to Strip CDBG FundingSenator Jim DeMint (R-SC) plans to offer an amendment today to strip the$3.9 billion in CDBG from H.R. 3221. This $3.9 billion is marked fordisaster (flood, tornado, wildfires) relief in Fiscal 2009 (i.e. July 1,2008 - June 30, 2009). Please contact your Senators and ask them tovote against this amendment. Time is of the essence, so please contactthem immediately by calling the Capitol switchboard at 1-202-224-3121.Thanks,Vicki---
Please call Senators Grassley and Harkin and ask them to vote againstthe DeMint amendment. --- Jerry
Grassley Info
Link to Senator Grassley's Contact Form - Please complete
Please call Senators Grassley and Harkin and ask them to vote againstthe DeMint amendment. --- Jerry
Grassley Info
Link to Senator Grassley's Contact Form - Please complete
Or
Senator Grassley's Offices and Phone Numbers
Harkin Info
Link to Senator Harkin's Contact Form - Please complete
Or
Next Meeting 07/01/2008 Tuesday 7:00 PM
Next Meeting - Email from Maurine
Please post on the website and let other people know that the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood Association will have its second meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. in Room A of the Iowa City Public Library.
Representatives of the Iowa City Building Inspection Office will be there. They are going to address specific requirements that the City has for approving rebuilding efforts. One example is that although insurance adjustors seem to be telling people that they do not need to replace wiring that has been under water, the City will NOT approve it. We have asked the City to author a letter to insurance carriers which says this kind of thing. Hopefully that will assist our neighbors with their negotiations with insurance adjustors and contractors.
When people hire contractors, they should be aware that the City licenses subcontractors, but NOT general contractors. A list of licensed subcontractors is on the City website. There are signs up around town from “1-800-Flooded”. They are NOT licensed with anybody.
We have also invited the Johnson County Dept of Public Health to send a representative to the Tuesday meeting to discuss health issues related to working in flooded homes and cleaning up water damaged property.
Thanks for getting this information out.
Maurine
Please post on the website and let other people know that the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood Association will have its second meeting on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 7 p.m. in Room A of the Iowa City Public Library.
Representatives of the Iowa City Building Inspection Office will be there. They are going to address specific requirements that the City has for approving rebuilding efforts. One example is that although insurance adjustors seem to be telling people that they do not need to replace wiring that has been under water, the City will NOT approve it. We have asked the City to author a letter to insurance carriers which says this kind of thing. Hopefully that will assist our neighbors with their negotiations with insurance adjustors and contractors.
When people hire contractors, they should be aware that the City licenses subcontractors, but NOT general contractors. A list of licensed subcontractors is on the City website. There are signs up around town from “1-800-Flooded”. They are NOT licensed with anybody.
We have also invited the Johnson County Dept of Public Health to send a representative to the Tuesday meeting to discuss health issues related to working in flooded homes and cleaning up water damaged property.
Thanks for getting this information out.
Maurine
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Electrical Info
Electrical Info - to get electric back on for fans, sump pumps, power washers, etc. - You can get a temporary outlet installed. It may cost 100 to 200 bucks. Then be sure to get an estimate - if you can find someone interested in giving you one. I called several large contractors in the area and many were not interested. One contracted quoted me 10,000 grand to get my power back on (for a 1,200 square foot house). I did bump into contractor today (who was looking for a different residence) and he installed the temp outlet. I should have power tomorrow. I'll update this tomorrow to let you know for sure.
Apparently, the city is requiring the house to be re-wired and electrical outlets replaced if the water was more than approx 20 inches (or if the wire that runs between outlets was underwater) - You should get an estimate on this from more than one contractor to get an accurate figure.
Hope this helps, Bob
Apparently, the city is requiring the house to be re-wired and electrical outlets replaced if the water was more than approx 20 inches (or if the wire that runs between outlets was underwater) - You should get an estimate on this from more than one contractor to get an accurate figure.
Hope this helps, Bob
Video
URL for the Video - Click on it - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4225805798263942669&hl=en
Parking Enforcement for Parkview Terrace
Email from Marcia Klingaman (Iowa City) on parking enforcement for Parkview Terrace.
Hi Maurine…I wanted to touch base with you after the meeting on Saturday but you were busy. It was nice to see such a good turnout and obviously indicates that folks need more information as it is available. Is it still OK to send information through you or would you prefer I do other? I just want to be efficient as possible.
On that note, I’ve been asked by the Police Chief to please get the following information out to the PVT neighbors:
Some vehicles parked on or near Normandy Drive are making it difficult for City vehicles to get through the neighborhood to remove debris/check on services/etc. The police are not interested in taking enforcement action regarding these vehicles. The Department of Public Works will be signing certain areas, prohibiting parking, so that they can move their vehicles without obstruction but should vehicles continue to park in the posted areas and after the passage of 48 hrs, the police will need to take enforcement action.
Please pass this information on to any neighbor you know that may be parking in such areas. You can contact the police department at 356-5275 with questions/concerns.
If you could please post this on your blog or sent out emails to those you have contact information for, that would be appreciated!
Thanks Maurine.
Marcia
Hi Maurine…I wanted to touch base with you after the meeting on Saturday but you were busy. It was nice to see such a good turnout and obviously indicates that folks need more information as it is available. Is it still OK to send information through you or would you prefer I do other? I just want to be efficient as possible.
On that note, I’ve been asked by the Police Chief to please get the following information out to the PVT neighbors:
Some vehicles parked on or near Normandy Drive are making it difficult for City vehicles to get through the neighborhood to remove debris/check on services/etc. The police are not interested in taking enforcement action regarding these vehicles. The Department of Public Works will be signing certain areas, prohibiting parking, so that they can move their vehicles without obstruction but should vehicles continue to park in the posted areas and after the passage of 48 hrs, the police will need to take enforcement action.
Please pass this information on to any neighbor you know that may be parking in such areas. You can contact the police department at 356-5275 with questions/concerns.
If you could please post this on your blog or sent out emails to those you have contact information for, that would be appreciated!
Thanks Maurine.
Marcia
Monday, June 23, 2008
Flood Plain Info Updated
Subject: Parkview Terrace - updated information
Maurine, here is some more information about the properties located within the 100-year floodplain. The Market Value of homes is derived by dividing the assessed value by the median (most frequently occurring) difference between assessed value and actual market sales in Parkview Terrace from January 2007 to the present. According to the Iowa City Assessor, assessed values were most often 87.9% lower than home sales in Parkview (there were ten) during that period. Using this information, then, damages equal to or greater than 50% of the market value will require that the structure be elevated so that the lowest floor is one foot above base flood elevation.
Original square feet and post-FIRM additions are included on the table because if the cumulative total of additions since 1977 equals or exceeds 25% of the homes original floor area, the elevation (and perhaps the entire house) needs to be elevated. I doubt we’ll be looking at additions, but someone may decide to include an addition along with repairs. In that case, the table helps us keep track of how close a homeowner is to increasing the original floor area by 25%.
Parkview Terrace Data
Source: Iowa City Engineering Detail Map
Address | Year of | Original SF | Post-FIRM | 2008 | Market |
539 Normandy | 1989 | 2,625 | 225,900 | 256,996 | |
551 Normandy | 1990 | 7,970 | 732,710 | 833,572 | |
601 Normandy | 1963 | 1,813 | 1995: 172.6 sf (dining room) | 219,820 | 250,080 |
837 Normandy | 1976 | 1,771 | 128,330 | 145,995 | |
839 Normandy | 1974 | 1,749 | 103,840 | 118,134 | |
841 Normandy | 1980 | 2,436 | 140,260 | 159,568 | |
845 Normandy | 1979 | 3,142 | 185,240 | 210,739 | |
849 Normandy | 1979 | 1,942 | 2004: 288 sf addition | 136,930 | 155,779 |
853 Normandy | 1974 | 1,624 | 107,640 | 122,457 | |
857 Normandy | 1974 | 1,848 | 149,490 | 170,068 | |
861 Normandy | 1974 | 1,624 | 138,630 | 157,713 | |
865 Normandy | 1976 | 1,608 | 83,150 | 94,596 | |
873 Normandy | 1972 | 1,972 | 114,340 | 130,080 |
*Values obtained from Iowa City Assessor
** From 01/01/2007 – 06/20/2008 median assessment was 87.9% lower than actual sales prices, so assessed value is divided by 0.879 to arrive at market value.
Parkview Terrace Data
Source: Johnson County GIS
Address | Year of | Original SF | Post-FIRM | 2008 | Market |
609 Normandy | 1970 | 1,910 | 2002: 230 sf addition | 111,410 | 126,746 |
613 Normandy | 1962 | 1,672 | 102,030 | 116,075 | |
813 Normandy | 2000 | 3,331 | 285,440 | 324,733 | |
832 Normandy | 1975 | 2,032 | 142,580 | 162,207 | |
833 Normandy | 1974 | 1,672 | 129,170 | 146,951 | |
836 Normandy | 1976 | 2,056 | 2000: 406 sf addition | 116,680 | 132,742 |
869 Normandy | 1976 | 1,232 | 69,920 | 79,545 | |
877 Normandy | 1976 | 1,760 | 80,310 | 91,365 |
*Values obtained from Iowa City Assessor
** From 01/01/2007 – 06/20/2008 median assessment was 87.9% lower than actual sales prices, so assessed value is divided by 0.879 to arrive at market value.
Parkview Estates LOMC
Address | Case Number | BFE | LAG |
729 Normandy | 03-07-713A | 651.4 | 651.4 |
Parkview Flood Plain Update
Subject: Parkview Terrace Meeting
Julie,
Thank you very much for attending our meeting this afternoon, especially on such a last minute request.
It is unfortunate that you were not given the opportunity to make a presentation as I had thought would occur. One question that I think many people are interested in is whether the City will be assessing whether homes are “substantially damaged” in order to qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Would you please let me know whether that will be occurring and on what kind of schedule? I would be happy to pass that information on or to see that any statement that you make is posted on our website.
Thanks again for your help.
Maurine Braddock
And Julie Tallman's reply:
Subject: Parkview Terrace; homes in the 100-year floodplain
Maurine, I am sending you a table of the properties that I have so far identified in the 100-year floodplain. I used two different sources of information and have attempted to be thorough. However, it is possible that FEMA or an independent floodplain delineator might argue that there are additional homes in the 100-year floodplain. If such a determination is made, it will be the property owner’s responsibility to hire a professional surveyor/engineer to provide data on the elevation of the lowest grade surrounding her/his home. This, in other words, is the best assessment I have based on the tools at hand.
Address
Source: Iowa City Engineering Detail Map
539 Normandy
551 Normandy
601 Normandy
837 Normandy
839 Normandy
841 Normandy
845 Normandy
849 Normandy
853 Normandy
857 Normandy
861 Normandy
865 Normandy
873 Normandy
Address
Source: Johnson County GIS
609 Normandy
613 Normandy
813 Normandy
832 Normandy
833 Normandy
836 Normandy
869 Normandy
877 Normandy
Julie,
Thank you very much for attending our meeting this afternoon, especially on such a last minute request.
It is unfortunate that you were not given the opportunity to make a presentation as I had thought would occur. One question that I think many people are interested in is whether the City will be assessing whether homes are “substantially damaged” in order to qualify for Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage. Would you please let me know whether that will be occurring and on what kind of schedule? I would be happy to pass that information on or to see that any statement that you make is posted on our website.
Thanks again for your help.
Maurine Braddock
And Julie Tallman's reply:
Subject: Parkview Terrace; homes in the 100-year floodplain
Maurine, I am sending you a table of the properties that I have so far identified in the 100-year floodplain. I used two different sources of information and have attempted to be thorough. However, it is possible that FEMA or an independent floodplain delineator might argue that there are additional homes in the 100-year floodplain. If such a determination is made, it will be the property owner’s responsibility to hire a professional surveyor/engineer to provide data on the elevation of the lowest grade surrounding her/his home. This, in other words, is the best assessment I have based on the tools at hand.
Address
Source: Iowa City Engineering Detail Map
539 Normandy
551 Normandy
601 Normandy
837 Normandy
839 Normandy
841 Normandy
845 Normandy
849 Normandy
853 Normandy
857 Normandy
861 Normandy
865 Normandy
873 Normandy
Address
Source: Johnson County GIS
609 Normandy
613 Normandy
813 Normandy
832 Normandy
833 Normandy
836 Normandy
869 Normandy
877 Normandy
Today in Parkview Terrace
Neighbors put their garbage out and the city started picking it up. Also, Eastmoor, Manor, Parkplace and Granada Court are accessible now. There is water at the corner of Normandy and Manor and there is water a block and 1/2 up Manor plus it's a bumpy ride. It reminds me of last winter, when the streets were not plowed very often.
Insurance Tips
Neighbors with insurance:
Your insurance probably has the following difference types of coverage:
Building;
Personal Property;
Debris Removal;
Loss Avoidance;
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC).
In order to collect under the debris removal and loss avoidance provisions, you should keep track of at least the following:
1. Expenses to remove debris;
2. Time that you and your household members spend removing debris. (This can be compensated based on the Federal minimum wage.)
3. Costs you incurred to protect your building from the flood (i.e., pumps, plastic sheeting, lumber)
4. Hours that you worked (at Federal minimum wage).
5. Expenses you incurred moving your property to safety before the flood including your labor at Federal minimum wage;
6. Storage fees for 45 consecutive days.
Julie Tallman’s email explained the ICC coverage.
Take pictures.
Consider getting a contractor to examine your home and give an opinion as to the cost of repair.
Good luck!
Maurine Braddock
Your insurance probably has the following difference types of coverage:
Building;
Personal Property;
Debris Removal;
Loss Avoidance;
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC).
In order to collect under the debris removal and loss avoidance provisions, you should keep track of at least the following:
1. Expenses to remove debris;
2. Time that you and your household members spend removing debris. (This can be compensated based on the Federal minimum wage.)
3. Costs you incurred to protect your building from the flood (i.e., pumps, plastic sheeting, lumber)
4. Hours that you worked (at Federal minimum wage).
5. Expenses you incurred moving your property to safety before the flood including your labor at Federal minimum wage;
6. Storage fees for 45 consecutive days.
Julie Tallman’s email explained the ICC coverage.
Take pictures.
Consider getting a contractor to examine your home and give an opinion as to the cost of repair.
Good luck!
Maurine Braddock
Verizon Cell Phone Tip
Subject: News to post!
Bob — you might put up a little cell phone advisory for Verizon customers: If you think you are going beyond your calling plan, call *611 (customer service) and (when you finally get a real person) explain your situation and request consideration for “loyalty” or “bonus” minutes to make your contract stretch further.
Bob — you might put up a little cell phone advisory for Verizon customers: If you think you are going beyond your calling plan, call *611 (customer service) and (when you finally get a real person) explain your situation and request consideration for “loyalty” or “bonus” minutes to make your contract stretch further.
Access and respect
Access may be open today for driving into the Manor and Eastmoor Drive streets. The water was down and it may have been announced on the news this morning.
Please be respectful of other peoples garbage piles. Do not rummage through them and take anything without the owner's permission. I left at 6:30 last night and returned this morning to retrieve a mirror that had been accidently thrown out. I discovered the mirror had been taken sometime after I left last night and this morning. Also, many people are still waiting for FEMA to look at their garbage piles and house and it would be good if any of their contents were not missing from these piles.
Please be respectful of other peoples garbage piles. Do not rummage through them and take anything without the owner's permission. I left at 6:30 last night and returned this morning to retrieve a mirror that had been accidently thrown out. I discovered the mirror had been taken sometime after I left last night and this morning. Also, many people are still waiting for FEMA to look at their garbage piles and house and it would be good if any of their contents were not missing from these piles.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Video is not posted
Hello all, The video is too large - 3gigs and Blogspot has a 100 meg limit. I 'm looking for someone who can edit it down to 100 megs. Please email me at irwinre@msn.com.
Thanks, Bob
Thanks, Bob
Clean up has begun
Residents have started clean up on Granada Court, Park Place, Manor and Eastmoor.
Summary of Parkview Terrace Meeting 06/21/08
Park View Terrace (Mosquito Flats) neighborhood meeting highlights
June 21, 3-5:30 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, meeting room A
I. General
Steve McGuire (825 Eastmoor, elevation 651.8) outlined meeting aims: To hear from our elected representatives, gather information and get questions aired, even if they cannot all be answered yet. This will be first of many meetings, with the purpose being “to move forward collectively on behalf of all individuals” in the neighborhood. “No decisions have been made.”
The room was packed to overflowing. Public officials present for all or part included IC Mayor Regina Bailey, City Manager Michael Lombardo, Police Chief Sam Hargadine, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, and about 20 others, including city representatives from public works, planning, building management, housing and inspection services; county emergency management; governor’s office; FEMA and SBA. Official statements were blessedly short; most of the time was devoted to Q & A (and a lot of non-A as well).
II. Informational items
A. Contacts
• Iowa City flood call center number still operating: 887-6202.
• Mayor Regina Bailey’s cell phone number: 319-321-1385
• Rep. Dave Loebsack’s flood line: 866-914-IOWA; our immediate contact is Dave Lesch.
• Starting Monday, United Way Volunteer Center will open to match volunteers with people’s needs (e.g., cleanup help). Phone number to come.
• FEMA: 800-621-FEMA; also FEMA and SBA reps at Disaster Recovery Center that opened Thursday at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4260 Oakcrest Hill Rd. SE, hours 8 am to 7 pm.
B. City doings & procedures
Access: Evacuation order lifted for non-vehicular access to all houses on Manor, Eastmoor, Park Place and Grenada Court, as well as Normandy #s 515, 516, 520, 527 & 539. This means people may go in by foot during non-curfew hours (6 am to 8:30 pm).
Hoping the neighborhood can have traffic access “in the next day or two” (Lombardo); must be able to drive fire engines/emergency vehicles in before opening roads.
Housing folks have been touring neighborhood doing external assessments—they and police assured that no houses will be entered without residents’ presence/permission. If any houses are structurally unsafe—signified by a red placard—the owner will be contacted; but none of those are expected; most homes should allow for “limited re-entry.”
Utilities: The city is working with Midamerican Energy on isolating electrical services and planning for restoration of power. Electrical systems in houses that took in water are compromised and must be inspected by a licensed electrician—who will determine what needs to be done and then contacts the city for obtaining the release for resumption of energy service. Some homes with upper levels might be able to get power to the upper level first. Midamerican also is considering the use of temporary electric poles that would provide for service outside of houses to enable people to use equipment.
The city is getting water and sewer re-established, and will be dealing with flooded sanitary sewer station in the coming week and restarting water supplies, which involves pressurizing, flushing and bacterial testing. Make sure the main water valve in your home is turned off (if possible – some are still underwater in basements) to allow for proper testing. Resumption must be done carefully and slowly. It sounds like people are likely to have water back before well-functioning sewers, and should avoid using toilets and showers and sinks since the sewage would just slop into neighboring properties.
Those with water in basements should be cautious in pumping: The proper procedure is to pump down just a foot at a time, and wait an hour, and if the water comes back up stop pumping. Draining too quickly could endanger the house foundation. As for pumping out water that contains sewage—a little more in the street won’t hurt.
Residents can start now arranging for professionals to inspect and work on homes in order to obtain resumption of utilities – a licensed electrician for electricity, a licensed plumber and/or gas pipe installer for gas and water.
Sun, rain, fresh air & time will do a lot to remedy the situation; just be careful, wear gloves and rubber boots, don’t go wandering down the streets as long as water remains, and watch out for manhole covers that have blown off below the surface.
Waste disposal: The city also is planning for debris pick-up from curbside—and hopes to be able to handle that with “grapple” trucks; if not, placing dumpsters in some areas might be considered.
Will city remove sandbags? Eventually, yes; but no haste to dismantle sandbag dikes since water’s still high and they serve as protection in case of additional rain. What about heavy equipment on saturated soil? Care shall be taken to avoid threatening house foundations, which may require volunteer labor to get sandbags carried out to curb for pickup. (Unofficial voice poll indicated getting home debris picked up first is a much higher priority to most than getting rid of sandbags!)
Security: The police indends to “stay present” in flooded neighborhoods until... well, whenever.
C. FEMA and other agency/bureaucracy stuff
The key thing is document everything! Take photographs, keep receipts, keep track of what you remove/discard and make sure you have proof of losses.
After registering by phone or on web with FEMA, you’ll receive a FEMA packet (white envelope) and an SBA packet (brown envelope) by mail. Read everything (doh), and fill out the SBA loan application (homeowners get home loan app, business owners get biz loan app) and send it back – which does not mean you have to take out a loan, but it’s part of the process and necessary for determining needs and financial stability, etc. These materials/applications also are available at the Disaster Recovery Center.
FEMA will schedule someone to come to your home and assess the damage; the inspector will contact you (some people in the neighborhood already have had a FEMA inspector in). The SBA also will send someone to assess cleanup, reconstruction and replacement needs. (FEMA registration triggers the FEMA inspection, and the loan application triggers the SBA inspection.)
The SBA provides loans of up to $200,000 to rebuild homes and $40,000 to replace damaged personal property. No straightforward information was forthcoming on what FEMA can provide in grants, although it hinges partly on financial circumstances.
Those with flood insurance should contact their insurance agent and file a claim as soon as possible; and/or see a “mitigation adviser” at the Disaster Recovery Center.
D. More from the feds
Rep. Loebsack reminisced about his day of sandbagging (so he’s 55—so is your recording secretary) and offered to help rip up soggy carpet. More seriously, he said he plans to be back in his district every weekend, and he’s even canceled an Iraq/Afghanistan trip next weekend.
Iowa’s delegation of 2 senators and 5 reps have been working “in bipartisan fashion” and the results are “pretty heartening”—they got Bush’s original allocation of 1.8 billion toward emergency relief up to 2.65 billion; and President Bush and OMB director/former congressman Jim Nussle are “on board with this.” However, it’s just beginning; final costs won’t be known for some time.
E. Water stuff
The water level in Iowa City now, after subsiding, is approximately where it was at its highest in 1993. Some people wondered about the much stricter limitations on access compared with 1993, even now, and the explanation was that not only are different city personnel making the decisions but the levels and flow and jeopardy this time was much greater.
By next Tuesday afternoon, the Coralville reservoir should be down to the level of the emergency spillway, and then gates will be kept open until the reservoir reaches 707 elevation, and then the flow will be regulated to drop no more than a foot a day to maintain stability.
Can pumps on Normandy be turned back on? Quite a number of people spoke up suggesting it’s time and that this would help in a couple of places—noting that when the pumps were turned off, the water immediately rushed in not from the river but from the street trains.
III. Questions without clear answers at present
A. Some specific short-term questions
Will city be able to offer temporary property tax relief to affected homeowners—since, unlike after a tornado, property values will drop precipitously as result of land houses sit on? This would take an act of the City Council and would need to be consistent with state law, etc.
Can the city be more realistic about property assessments? Funny thing, just months after the 1993 floods some residents experienced large hikes in their assessments! (No specific response to this, but the message was clear.)
What about breaks on water bills? Again, city lawyers will need to look into this.
Moratoriums on mortgage payments? Contact your lender; it’s possible.
Other resources? Local banks are coming up with flood loan programs—e.g., UI Community Credit Union offering up to $5,000 for up to 60 months at 5% interest.
B. The big unknown—buyouts and/or/vs. rebuilding
Many residents expressed interest in a buyout possibility. The city has not had enough time to study all the options and really had nothing to say on this yet; they are in information-gathering mode this week. People expressed frustration at lack of ability to make a decision on whether to proceed with rebuilding/restoration or wait and see or what and how much to do—and had lots of questions about whether investments in reconstruction would be deducted from buyout prices or not, etc. The city needs to fully understand how buyout programs work, but in any case it has to be a community/city decision and would be totally voluntary, with individuals deciding whether to participate or not. The timeline is unclear but it seems to be long. Clearly some patience is called for as we await further information on this.
Important point: If your home is within the 100-year floodplain and sustained more than 50% damage of its pre-flood value and you rebuilt, or if you’re doing significant remodeling, you must rebuild so the lowest enclosed floor is one-foot above the base flood elevation (651 above sea level).
C. Finally—accountability and long-term flood prevention
County and city officials were commended for their response to the flood, but there was lots of explicit as well as implicit criticism of the Army Corps of Engineers—which did not have any representatives at the meeting. There’s a feeling that more could have been done strategically, e.g., earlier discharge of higher-than-usual waters from the Coralville Reservoir in the spring. People also want more information on the effects of the coffer dam being used in a University of Iowa construction project; there were no UI reps at the meeting either (despite the large contingent of UI faculty/staff among those displaced).
The city also will be looking at other sources and uses of federal money—for flood prevention and control, e.g., through floodwalls, floodgates and levees.
We should be able to pursue some of this at an upcoming meeting, to be devoted to hydrology issues. Stay tuned.
June 21, 3-5:30 p.m., Iowa City Public Library, meeting room A
I. General
Steve McGuire (825 Eastmoor, elevation 651.8) outlined meeting aims: To hear from our elected representatives, gather information and get questions aired, even if they cannot all be answered yet. This will be first of many meetings, with the purpose being “to move forward collectively on behalf of all individuals” in the neighborhood. “No decisions have been made.”
The room was packed to overflowing. Public officials present for all or part included IC Mayor Regina Bailey, City Manager Michael Lombardo, Police Chief Sam Hargadine, U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack, and about 20 others, including city representatives from public works, planning, building management, housing and inspection services; county emergency management; governor’s office; FEMA and SBA. Official statements were blessedly short; most of the time was devoted to Q & A (and a lot of non-A as well).
II. Informational items
A. Contacts
• Iowa City flood call center number still operating: 887-6202.
• Mayor Regina Bailey’s cell phone number: 319-321-1385
• Rep. Dave Loebsack’s flood line: 866-914-IOWA; our immediate contact is Dave Lesch.
• Starting Monday, United Way Volunteer Center will open to match volunteers with people’s needs (e.g., cleanup help). Phone number to come.
• FEMA: 800-621-FEMA; also FEMA and SBA reps at Disaster Recovery Center that opened Thursday at Johnson County Fairgrounds, 4260 Oakcrest Hill Rd. SE, hours 8 am to 7 pm.
B. City doings & procedures
Access: Evacuation order lifted for non-vehicular access to all houses on Manor, Eastmoor, Park Place and Grenada Court, as well as Normandy #s 515, 516, 520, 527 & 539. This means people may go in by foot during non-curfew hours (6 am to 8:30 pm).
Hoping the neighborhood can have traffic access “in the next day or two” (Lombardo); must be able to drive fire engines/emergency vehicles in before opening roads.
Housing folks have been touring neighborhood doing external assessments—they and police assured that no houses will be entered without residents’ presence/permission. If any houses are structurally unsafe—signified by a red placard—the owner will be contacted; but none of those are expected; most homes should allow for “limited re-entry.”
Utilities: The city is working with Midamerican Energy on isolating electrical services and planning for restoration of power. Electrical systems in houses that took in water are compromised and must be inspected by a licensed electrician—who will determine what needs to be done and then contacts the city for obtaining the release for resumption of energy service. Some homes with upper levels might be able to get power to the upper level first. Midamerican also is considering the use of temporary electric poles that would provide for service outside of houses to enable people to use equipment.
The city is getting water and sewer re-established, and will be dealing with flooded sanitary sewer station in the coming week and restarting water supplies, which involves pressurizing, flushing and bacterial testing. Make sure the main water valve in your home is turned off (if possible – some are still underwater in basements) to allow for proper testing. Resumption must be done carefully and slowly. It sounds like people are likely to have water back before well-functioning sewers, and should avoid using toilets and showers and sinks since the sewage would just slop into neighboring properties.
Those with water in basements should be cautious in pumping: The proper procedure is to pump down just a foot at a time, and wait an hour, and if the water comes back up stop pumping. Draining too quickly could endanger the house foundation. As for pumping out water that contains sewage—a little more in the street won’t hurt.
Residents can start now arranging for professionals to inspect and work on homes in order to obtain resumption of utilities – a licensed electrician for electricity, a licensed plumber and/or gas pipe installer for gas and water.
Sun, rain, fresh air & time will do a lot to remedy the situation; just be careful, wear gloves and rubber boots, don’t go wandering down the streets as long as water remains, and watch out for manhole covers that have blown off below the surface.
Waste disposal: The city also is planning for debris pick-up from curbside—and hopes to be able to handle that with “grapple” trucks; if not, placing dumpsters in some areas might be considered.
Will city remove sandbags? Eventually, yes; but no haste to dismantle sandbag dikes since water’s still high and they serve as protection in case of additional rain. What about heavy equipment on saturated soil? Care shall be taken to avoid threatening house foundations, which may require volunteer labor to get sandbags carried out to curb for pickup. (Unofficial voice poll indicated getting home debris picked up first is a much higher priority to most than getting rid of sandbags!)
Security: The police indends to “stay present” in flooded neighborhoods until... well, whenever.
C. FEMA and other agency/bureaucracy stuff
The key thing is document everything! Take photographs, keep receipts, keep track of what you remove/discard and make sure you have proof of losses.
After registering by phone or on web with FEMA, you’ll receive a FEMA packet (white envelope) and an SBA packet (brown envelope) by mail. Read everything (doh), and fill out the SBA loan application (homeowners get home loan app, business owners get biz loan app) and send it back – which does not mean you have to take out a loan, but it’s part of the process and necessary for determining needs and financial stability, etc. These materials/applications also are available at the Disaster Recovery Center.
FEMA will schedule someone to come to your home and assess the damage; the inspector will contact you (some people in the neighborhood already have had a FEMA inspector in). The SBA also will send someone to assess cleanup, reconstruction and replacement needs. (FEMA registration triggers the FEMA inspection, and the loan application triggers the SBA inspection.)
The SBA provides loans of up to $200,000 to rebuild homes and $40,000 to replace damaged personal property. No straightforward information was forthcoming on what FEMA can provide in grants, although it hinges partly on financial circumstances.
Those with flood insurance should contact their insurance agent and file a claim as soon as possible; and/or see a “mitigation adviser” at the Disaster Recovery Center.
D. More from the feds
Rep. Loebsack reminisced about his day of sandbagging (so he’s 55—so is your recording secretary) and offered to help rip up soggy carpet. More seriously, he said he plans to be back in his district every weekend, and he’s even canceled an Iraq/Afghanistan trip next weekend.
Iowa’s delegation of 2 senators and 5 reps have been working “in bipartisan fashion” and the results are “pretty heartening”—they got Bush’s original allocation of 1.8 billion toward emergency relief up to 2.65 billion; and President Bush and OMB director/former congressman Jim Nussle are “on board with this.” However, it’s just beginning; final costs won’t be known for some time.
E. Water stuff
The water level in Iowa City now, after subsiding, is approximately where it was at its highest in 1993. Some people wondered about the much stricter limitations on access compared with 1993, even now, and the explanation was that not only are different city personnel making the decisions but the levels and flow and jeopardy this time was much greater.
By next Tuesday afternoon, the Coralville reservoir should be down to the level of the emergency spillway, and then gates will be kept open until the reservoir reaches 707 elevation, and then the flow will be regulated to drop no more than a foot a day to maintain stability.
Can pumps on Normandy be turned back on? Quite a number of people spoke up suggesting it’s time and that this would help in a couple of places—noting that when the pumps were turned off, the water immediately rushed in not from the river but from the street trains.
III. Questions without clear answers at present
A. Some specific short-term questions
Will city be able to offer temporary property tax relief to affected homeowners—since, unlike after a tornado, property values will drop precipitously as result of land houses sit on? This would take an act of the City Council and would need to be consistent with state law, etc.
Can the city be more realistic about property assessments? Funny thing, just months after the 1993 floods some residents experienced large hikes in their assessments! (No specific response to this, but the message was clear.)
What about breaks on water bills? Again, city lawyers will need to look into this.
Moratoriums on mortgage payments? Contact your lender; it’s possible.
Other resources? Local banks are coming up with flood loan programs—e.g., UI Community Credit Union offering up to $5,000 for up to 60 months at 5% interest.
B. The big unknown—buyouts and/or/vs. rebuilding
Many residents expressed interest in a buyout possibility. The city has not had enough time to study all the options and really had nothing to say on this yet; they are in information-gathering mode this week. People expressed frustration at lack of ability to make a decision on whether to proceed with rebuilding/restoration or wait and see or what and how much to do—and had lots of questions about whether investments in reconstruction would be deducted from buyout prices or not, etc. The city needs to fully understand how buyout programs work, but in any case it has to be a community/city decision and would be totally voluntary, with individuals deciding whether to participate or not. The timeline is unclear but it seems to be long. Clearly some patience is called for as we await further information on this.
Important point: If your home is within the 100-year floodplain and sustained more than 50% damage of its pre-flood value and you rebuilt, or if you’re doing significant remodeling, you must rebuild so the lowest enclosed floor is one-foot above the base flood elevation (651 above sea level).
C. Finally—accountability and long-term flood prevention
County and city officials were commended for their response to the flood, but there was lots of explicit as well as implicit criticism of the Army Corps of Engineers—which did not have any representatives at the meeting. There’s a feeling that more could have been done strategically, e.g., earlier discharge of higher-than-usual waters from the Coralville Reservoir in the spring. People also want more information on the effects of the coffer dam being used in a University of Iowa construction project; there were no UI reps at the meeting either (despite the large contingent of UI faculty/staff among those displaced).
The city also will be looking at other sources and uses of federal money—for flood prevention and control, e.g., through floodwalls, floodgates and levees.
We should be able to pursue some of this at an upcoming meeting, to be devoted to hydrology issues. Stay tuned.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Additional Evac Orders Lifted
Additional Evac Orders lifted:
Contact: Marian KarrContact Phone: (319) 356-5041
Additional Evacuation Orders Lifted
Posted by: City Clerk
Originally Posted 6/21/2008 12:27:36 PM
The evacuation order issued on June 12, 2008 is hereby WITHDRAWN during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the following streets for non vehicular traffic only:
Idylwild Drive
Idylwild Court
Camborne Court
Colwyn Court
Eastmoor Drive
Manor Drive
Granada Court
Park Place
Peninsula
Mayor Regenia Bailey lifted the MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS after staff had determined the properties met the criteria for re-entry as follows:1. sufficient access for public safety (fire and police)2. low potential for rapid flooding or fast current (e.g. breach of a temporary levy or localized rainfall)3. presence or absence of utilities creates a potential safety riske.g. sewere.g. live powerPersons enter flood affected areas at their own risk.The lifting of any mandatory evacuation order does not ensure the stability of any structure. The potential for multiple hazards still exists in the area (e.g. flood debris, hidden hazards, unstable ground). CONTACT INFORMATION FOR INSPECTIONS IN AREAS NOT SUBJECT TO MANDATORY EVACUATIONAll structures within flood affected areas must be evaluated for both structural and utility integrity prior to re-occupancy. If you are not located in a mandatory evacuated area and wish to schedule an inspection please call the Housing & Inspection Department at 356-5130.
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Contact: Marian KarrContact Phone: (319) 356-5041
Additional Evacuation Orders Lifted
Posted by: City Clerk
Originally Posted 6/21/2008 12:27:36 PM
The evacuation order issued on June 12, 2008 is hereby WITHDRAWN during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the following streets for non vehicular traffic only:
Idylwild Drive
Idylwild Court
Camborne Court
Colwyn Court
Eastmoor Drive
Manor Drive
Granada Court
Park Place
Peninsula
Mayor Regenia Bailey lifted the MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDERS after staff had determined the properties met the criteria for re-entry as follows:1. sufficient access for public safety (fire and police)2. low potential for rapid flooding or fast current (e.g. breach of a temporary levy or localized rainfall)3. presence or absence of utilities creates a potential safety riske.g. sewere.g. live powerPersons enter flood affected areas at their own risk.The lifting of any mandatory evacuation order does not ensure the stability of any structure. The potential for multiple hazards still exists in the area (e.g. flood debris, hidden hazards, unstable ground). CONTACT INFORMATION FOR INSPECTIONS IN AREAS NOT SUBJECT TO MANDATORY EVACUATIONAll structures within flood affected areas must be evaluated for both structural and utility integrity prior to re-occupancy. If you are not located in a mandatory evacuated area and wish to schedule an inspection please call the Housing & Inspection Department at 356-5130.
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View more news from the City of Iowa City.
Do not reply directly to this e-mail! It is produced from an automated system, and is not monitored for replies. If you have a question or comment about this information, please contact the originating department of this message, or by using our feedback form.
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Today's Meeting Agenda Posted
This is the agenda for today's meeting provided by Maurine Braddock - Copies will be available at the meeting.
AGENDA
Introductions (Steve McGuire) - 5 minutes
City - Mayor Regina Bailey - 5 minutes
City Manager Michael Lombardo - 5 minutes
Development Regulation Specialist Julie Tallman - 5 minutes
Chief Sam Hargadine - 5 minutes
Video of portions of Parkview Terrace subdivision - 10 minutes
Congressman Dave Loebsack - 5 minutes
FEMA
National Flood Insurance Program representative (Phil Stroud) - 5 minutes
Small Business Administration (Gary Colton) - 5 minutes
Representative from Consultation of Religious Congregations - 5 min
Neighborhood Association (Jerry Anthony) - 5 minutes
Questions (1 2 hours)
Senator Tom Harkin=s delegate will be present.
FEMA Community Relations Representative Toby Rice will be present and available to answer questions.
Representatives of Selective Insurance (Vice President Debbie Gangemi& Steve Maselli) will be available to answer flood insurance questions from their policy holders.
H&R Block has provided pamphlets with tax information for disaster victims.
Ice cream will be served by Pastor Sherry Lohman and members of the Hope United Methodist Church congregation.
AGENDA
Introductions (Steve McGuire) - 5 minutes
City - Mayor Regina Bailey - 5 minutes
City Manager Michael Lombardo - 5 minutes
Development Regulation Specialist Julie Tallman - 5 minutes
Chief Sam Hargadine - 5 minutes
Video of portions of Parkview Terrace subdivision - 10 minutes
Congressman Dave Loebsack - 5 minutes
FEMA
National Flood Insurance Program representative (Phil Stroud) - 5 minutes
Small Business Administration (Gary Colton) - 5 minutes
Representative from Consultation of Religious Congregations - 5 min
Neighborhood Association (Jerry Anthony) - 5 minutes
Questions (1 2 hours)
Senator Tom Harkin=s delegate will be present.
FEMA Community Relations Representative Toby Rice will be present and available to answer questions.
Representatives of Selective Insurance (Vice President Debbie Gangemi& Steve Maselli) will be available to answer flood insurance questions from their policy holders.
H&R Block has provided pamphlets with tax information for disaster victims.
Ice cream will be served by Pastor Sherry Lohman and members of the Hope United Methodist Church congregation.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Recovery Process Information and Transit Routes Update
Contact: Michael Lombardo, City ManagerContact Phone: (319) 356-5010
Advisories and Updates: June 20, 2008
Posted by: City Manager
Originally Posted 6/20/2008 4:12:53 PM
Updates and Advisories:1. As local residents and business owners impacted by the flood start the process of recovery, a new City of Iowa City web page has been developed to assist their efforts. Flood victims, volunteers, and donors can now go to www.icgov.org/recovery for updates, notices to evacuees, lists of available rental housing and locally certified contractors, advisories, and links to valuable support information. It is very new so information is being added daily. A link is on the home page of www.icgov.org.2.
Effective Monday morning, June 23, 2008, all Transit routes will return to their normal routes and schedules with the exception of the Manville Heights route. For passengers needing to go to/from the Peninsula Neighborhood/Forest View area, a shuttle bus will continue to operate. The “regular” Manville Heights bus will operate in- and out-bound between the downtown interchange and North Hospital/MERF and Veterans Hospital (turning around at Upper City Park). The Broadway and Crosspark Routes will continue their detour inbound and outbound using Court and Gilbert, rather than using Capitol Street. Please visit www.icgov.org/transit to find out more about bus routes and schedules or call 319-356-5151. Help relieve traffic congestion during the flood recovery by continuing to use Iowa City Transit.Recent Street Re-Openings (6/20/08): Iowa Cityo Highway 1 open through Iowa City o Highway 6 open from east city limits of Iowa City to Valley Avenue o Sturgis Drive openo Orchard Street openo Commercial Drive and Commercial Ct. openo Foster Road openo Butler Bridge on N. Dubuque Street openo S. Riverside Drive open from Highway 6 to Mormon Trek Boulevard3. The Saturday Farmers Market returns tomorrow, Saturday, June 21. A FEMA representative will be available at the Market, 7:30 AM-11:30 AM, located across from City Hall on Washington Street.
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Advisories and Updates: June 20, 2008
Posted by: City Manager
Originally Posted 6/20/2008 4:12:53 PM
Updates and Advisories:1. As local residents and business owners impacted by the flood start the process of recovery, a new City of Iowa City web page has been developed to assist their efforts. Flood victims, volunteers, and donors can now go to www.icgov.org/recovery for updates, notices to evacuees, lists of available rental housing and locally certified contractors, advisories, and links to valuable support information. It is very new so information is being added daily. A link is on the home page of www.icgov.org.2.
Effective Monday morning, June 23, 2008, all Transit routes will return to their normal routes and schedules with the exception of the Manville Heights route. For passengers needing to go to/from the Peninsula Neighborhood/Forest View area, a shuttle bus will continue to operate. The “regular” Manville Heights bus will operate in- and out-bound between the downtown interchange and North Hospital/MERF and Veterans Hospital (turning around at Upper City Park). The Broadway and Crosspark Routes will continue their detour inbound and outbound using Court and Gilbert, rather than using Capitol Street. Please visit www.icgov.org/transit to find out more about bus routes and schedules or call 319-356-5151. Help relieve traffic congestion during the flood recovery by continuing to use Iowa City Transit.Recent Street Re-Openings (6/20/08): Iowa Cityo Highway 1 open through Iowa City o Highway 6 open from east city limits of Iowa City to Valley Avenue o Sturgis Drive openo Orchard Street openo Commercial Drive and Commercial Ct. openo Foster Road openo Butler Bridge on N. Dubuque Street openo S. Riverside Drive open from Highway 6 to Mormon Trek Boulevard3. The Saturday Farmers Market returns tomorrow, Saturday, June 21. A FEMA representative will be available at the Market, 7:30 AM-11:30 AM, located across from City Hall on Washington Street.
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Evacution Orders Lifted for properties below
You should subscribe to General City News to get important information regarding evacution listings -
The evacuation order issued on June 12, 2008 is WITHDRAWN during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the following properties only:
500 Manor Drive
539 Normandy Drive
Iowa City General News E-Subscriptions Sign Up Page
Currently, these are the last two posts.The evacuation order issued on June 12, 2008 is WITHDRAWN during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the following properties only:
500 Manor Drive
539 Normandy Drive
Additional Cleanup info
Contact: Michael Lombardo, City ManagerContact Phone: (319) 356-5010
How to Sort Flood Debris for Pickup
Posted by: City Manager
Originally Posted 6/20/2008 3:34:50 PM
As soon as their flood cleanup begins, residents are being asked to use a “Four-Pile” system to sort the waste from their home or business. These four separate piles should be placed at the curb. This will help provide the most efficient loading and also help ensure that the waste will be handled and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The four categories or “piles” are: 1.Household Hazardous Waste. Examples would include paints, petroleum-based products, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleansers, etc. 2. Appliances, Electronics, and gasoline-powered equipment. Note: Please remove all food from refrigerators and freezers, and remove the door before moving to curb. 3.Yardwaste4.Garbage – (everything else).Businesses are encouraged to use the same “Four-Pile” sorting system as they prepare waste from their business establishments for pick up by their commercial hauler. Plans and schedules are being finalized now for eventual pickup of flood debris and will be communicated well in advance of pickup. In the meantime, residents impacted by the flood are encouraged to follow these sorting procedures as they bring flood debris to the curb.
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How to Sort Flood Debris for Pickup
Posted by: City Manager
Originally Posted 6/20/2008 3:34:50 PM
As soon as their flood cleanup begins, residents are being asked to use a “Four-Pile” system to sort the waste from their home or business. These four separate piles should be placed at the curb. This will help provide the most efficient loading and also help ensure that the waste will be handled and disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The four categories or “piles” are: 1.Household Hazardous Waste. Examples would include paints, petroleum-based products, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, cleansers, etc. 2. Appliances, Electronics, and gasoline-powered equipment. Note: Please remove all food from refrigerators and freezers, and remove the door before moving to curb. 3.Yardwaste4.Garbage – (everything else).Businesses are encouraged to use the same “Four-Pile” sorting system as they prepare waste from their business establishments for pick up by their commercial hauler. Plans and schedules are being finalized now for eventual pickup of flood debris and will be communicated well in advance of pickup. In the meantime, residents impacted by the flood are encouraged to follow these sorting procedures as they bring flood debris to the curb.
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Do not reply directly to this e-mail! It is produced from an automated system, and is not monitored for replies. If you have a question or comment about this information, please contact the originating department of this message, or by using our feedback form.
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FEMA Buyout Information
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 3:41 PM
Subject: fema buyouts
Property Acquisition (Voluntary Buyouts):
Information for Homeowners
From http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/mitmeasures/buyouts.shtm
How Buyouts Work
It is important to understand that FEMA does not buy houses directly from the property
owners. Acquisition or Buyout projects, while 75 percent funded by FEMA, are
administered by the State and local communities. The State and local communities work
together to identify areas where buyouts make the most sense. Individuals may not apply
directly to the State, but the community may sponsor an application on their behalf.
Buyouts are an important way to reduce the risk of future disasters. Money is limited and
in most cases, the amount of money set aside for mitigation cannot meet all the mitigation
needs following a disaster. States prioritize mitigation programs with input from the
communities.
Property acquisition is one of many forms of hazard mitigation but it is the most
permanent form. It removes people from harm's way forever. In a property acquisition
project, the community buys private property, acquires title to it, and then clears it. By
law, that property, which is now public property, must forever remain open space land.
The community can use it to create public parks, wildlife refuges, etc. but it cannot sell it
to private individuals nor develop it. Property acquisitions work the same way as any
other real estate transaction. Property owners who want to sell their properties will be
given fair prices for them. It is a terrific opportunity for people who live on or near
hazard areas to get to safer ground.
Fair Compensation
Communities may offer homeowners who agree to participate in a buyout project up to
the fair market value of the home BEFORE the disaster struck. A licensed appraiser hired
by the community determines the fair market value.
Voluntary Participation
Buyouts are strictly voluntary. No homeowners are ever forced to relinquish their
property. Homeowners who decide not to participate in the buyout may need to take risk
reduction measures, such as elevating their homes.
The Steps of a Buyout
Homeowners do not apply to FEMA for a buyout. Buyouts are not part of the disaster
application process and are not part of disaster assistance.
1. An application for assistance is prepared by local officials with input from the
community and those homeowners with destroyed or severely damaged
properties. The local officials will have been notified by the State of what the
State's priorities are or other special restrictions decided upon by State officials.
2. The State receives and reviews the application and submits those deemed
appropriate to FEMA for approval. FEMA reviews the applications to ensure they
follow the rules, are environmentally sound, and are a cost-effective use of funds.
3. Once FEMA gives its approval, the State begins the acquisition process. The
communities actually conduct the purchase and title transfer. Then the buildings
are removed or destroyed by the community, and the land is cleared.
Since a buyout is not a simple matter and requires a great deal of education and
community input- it does not happen overnight. It may take months for a State and the
affected communities to submit and agree to buyout proposals. Once a homeowner
accepts a buyout offer, though, the average closing takes about 45 days.
Costs the Community Will Pay
If you choose to sell your property, the community will pay the costs usually associated
with real estate transactions, including the appraisal, title search, and if necessary, lot
survey. The community will also pay the closing costs. The property owner will be
responsible for any mortgages, liens, etc., against their property...just like any other real
estate sale.
Also, like any other real estate sale, you will be responsible for the moving costs and
other costs associated with renting or buying new property. Since property acquisition
relies on voluntary participation, the government does not pay any relocation costs.
However, there are exceptions for any tenant who is displaced by an owner's decision to
sell, and for owners whose income level might preclude them from affording other
housing.
Duplication of Benefits
Because federal funds are used to acquire property, FEMA cannot duplicate the benefits
paid by one program with benefits from another source. This means that FEMA will
require the community to subtract from the purchase price the amount of other
assistance the individual property owner might receive for the same purpose. This
assistance includes flood insurance and grants that are available to individuals. However,
if the property owner has receipts showing that the money was spent for its intended
purpose (for example, repairing the home to make it livable again) the community will
not subtract that amount documented by receipts.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Individual property owners will want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of
property acquisition. The advantages of property acquisition include:
Peace of mind because it reduces, if not eliminates, most of your future risk
Fair compensation generally based on the pre-flood market value of your home
A chance for a new start
A means of recovery that is more advantageous than repair grants or loans
An opportunity to recoup at least partially your financial investment in a property
that has lost value
On the other hand, property acquisition has its disadvantages for you. These may include:
Loss of roots
Despite efforts to compensate you fairly, property acquisition may not make you
"whole" again
The process can be lengthy. Property acquisition is not an overnight solution.
Applying for funds, waiting for approval, transferring funds, conducting
appraisals and closings, etc., take time, especially if the project involves many
properties.
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 3:41 PM
Subject: fema buyouts
Property Acquisition (Voluntary Buyouts):
Information for Homeowners
From http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/mitmeasures/buyouts.shtm
How Buyouts Work
It is important to understand that FEMA does not buy houses directly from the property
owners. Acquisition or Buyout projects, while 75 percent funded by FEMA, are
administered by the State and local communities. The State and local communities work
together to identify areas where buyouts make the most sense. Individuals may not apply
directly to the State, but the community may sponsor an application on their behalf.
Buyouts are an important way to reduce the risk of future disasters. Money is limited and
in most cases, the amount of money set aside for mitigation cannot meet all the mitigation
needs following a disaster. States prioritize mitigation programs with input from the
communities.
Property acquisition is one of many forms of hazard mitigation but it is the most
permanent form. It removes people from harm's way forever. In a property acquisition
project, the community buys private property, acquires title to it, and then clears it. By
law, that property, which is now public property, must forever remain open space land.
The community can use it to create public parks, wildlife refuges, etc. but it cannot sell it
to private individuals nor develop it. Property acquisitions work the same way as any
other real estate transaction. Property owners who want to sell their properties will be
given fair prices for them. It is a terrific opportunity for people who live on or near
hazard areas to get to safer ground.
Fair Compensation
Communities may offer homeowners who agree to participate in a buyout project up to
the fair market value of the home BEFORE the disaster struck. A licensed appraiser hired
by the community determines the fair market value.
Voluntary Participation
Buyouts are strictly voluntary. No homeowners are ever forced to relinquish their
property. Homeowners who decide not to participate in the buyout may need to take risk
reduction measures, such as elevating their homes.
The Steps of a Buyout
Homeowners do not apply to FEMA for a buyout. Buyouts are not part of the disaster
application process and are not part of disaster assistance.
1. An application for assistance is prepared by local officials with input from the
community and those homeowners with destroyed or severely damaged
properties. The local officials will have been notified by the State of what the
State's priorities are or other special restrictions decided upon by State officials.
2. The State receives and reviews the application and submits those deemed
appropriate to FEMA for approval. FEMA reviews the applications to ensure they
follow the rules, are environmentally sound, and are a cost-effective use of funds.
3. Once FEMA gives its approval, the State begins the acquisition process. The
communities actually conduct the purchase and title transfer. Then the buildings
are removed or destroyed by the community, and the land is cleared.
Since a buyout is not a simple matter and requires a great deal of education and
community input- it does not happen overnight. It may take months for a State and the
affected communities to submit and agree to buyout proposals. Once a homeowner
accepts a buyout offer, though, the average closing takes about 45 days.
Costs the Community Will Pay
If you choose to sell your property, the community will pay the costs usually associated
with real estate transactions, including the appraisal, title search, and if necessary, lot
survey. The community will also pay the closing costs. The property owner will be
responsible for any mortgages, liens, etc., against their property...just like any other real
estate sale.
Also, like any other real estate sale, you will be responsible for the moving costs and
other costs associated with renting or buying new property. Since property acquisition
relies on voluntary participation, the government does not pay any relocation costs.
However, there are exceptions for any tenant who is displaced by an owner's decision to
sell, and for owners whose income level might preclude them from affording other
housing.
Duplication of Benefits
Because federal funds are used to acquire property, FEMA cannot duplicate the benefits
paid by one program with benefits from another source. This means that FEMA will
require the community to subtract from the purchase price the amount of other
assistance the individual property owner might receive for the same purpose. This
assistance includes flood insurance and grants that are available to individuals. However,
if the property owner has receipts showing that the money was spent for its intended
purpose (for example, repairing the home to make it livable again) the community will
not subtract that amount documented by receipts.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Individual property owners will want to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of
property acquisition. The advantages of property acquisition include:
Peace of mind because it reduces, if not eliminates, most of your future risk
Fair compensation generally based on the pre-flood market value of your home
A chance for a new start
A means of recovery that is more advantageous than repair grants or loans
An opportunity to recoup at least partially your financial investment in a property
that has lost value
On the other hand, property acquisition has its disadvantages for you. These may include:
Loss of roots
Despite efforts to compensate you fairly, property acquisition may not make you
"whole" again
The process can be lengthy. Property acquisition is not an overnight solution.
Applying for funds, waiting for approval, transferring funds, conducting
appraisals and closings, etc., take time, especially if the project involves many
properties.
Important Buyout Information
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 3:31 PM
Subject: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/resources/acqhandchap.shtm fema buyout handbook online
PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESA SUMMARY FOR STATES Page 1 October 1998 HOW THIS HANDBOOK CAME TO BEAcross the nation, more and more flood-inundated communities arechoosing property acquisition as a hazard mitigation option. Besidesbeing a permanent solution to a hazard-related problem, propertyacquisition achieves many other objectives, such as protecting criticalhabitat, providing opportunities for recreation, providing flood storage,or enhancing other natural or cultural resources. Since the devastating floods of 1993, Hazard Mitigation Officers fromflood-inundated States and FEMA Regions have developed guidelines toassist communities through the property acquisition process. Hundredsof acquisition projects have tested the effectiveness of those guidelines.The Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities bringstogether into one document the best practices from States that havesuccessfully fostered property acquisition projects. FEMA and its cadreof Region, State, and local subject-matter experts and potential usersdesigned the handbook to: Bring as much nationwide uniformity as possible to the propertyacquisition process, while respecting each Stateís and FEMA Regionísdiversity. Make the process more user-friendly for the communities, regardlessof their size, expertise, and human and technical resources. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES STATE SUMMARYPage 2 October 1998 Reduce the amount of time between the disaster and the receipt of acheck by the property owner by streamlining the process to thegreatest extent possible. The Handbook’s Mission The handbookís goal is to empower communities with knowledge andbest practices that will enable them to: Determine if property acquisition is the most viable mitigationalternative for them before investing too much time and too manyresources. Plan property acquisition projects so the projects are well directedfrom the beginning. Develop sub-grant applications that have the best possible chance ofbeing approved and funded. Submit applications that are right the first time, precluding the needfor revision cycles that can slow the process. Manage property acquisition projects efficiently. Administer sub-grant funds according to laws and regulations,general accounting principles, and good business practices. Use acquired properties in ways that make sense for the community. Maintain acquired properties as open space. THE CHALLENGEOur biggest challenge was writing guidance that would be meaningfulto thousands of communities, all of which face their own uniquechallenges. Consequently, we have taken care to describe genericprocedures and advise communities to seek specific guidance from theirStates. For the benefit of all communities, but especially for those thathave limited resources, we have provided a Toolkit containing furtherguidance and forms to assist communities throughout the propertyacquisition process. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 3 October 1998 CONTENTS OF THE HANDBOOKWe provide each State with hard copies of the Property AcquisitionProcess poster and Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communitiesto distribute to their communities. A three-ring binder contains: q Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities.q Property Acquisition Handbook Toolkit, Part 1 of 2, Tools.q Property Acquisition Handbook Toolkit, Part 2 of 2, Forms.q Poster. The subsections below explain the poster and the binderís contents indetail. POSTERThe wall poster presents a ìroad mapî for communities considering andimplementing property acquisition projects. It depicts the four phases ofthe process, using a distinct color for each, and the major steps of eachphase, using an icon and a short caption for each. The handbook isdivided into sections according to the phases, icons, and captions onthe poster. The icons appearing on the poster also appear in the margins of thehandbook where the steps are fully explained. For example, each phasehas at least one town meeting, which is represented by an icon of abuilding with a banner reading ìtown meeting.î A communityís projectstaff will soon associate that picture with a town meeting and know ìata glanceî when within the process town meetings should be held andwhere within the handbook they can learn how to prepare for andconduct town meetings. The poster also uses ìroad signsî such as ìstopî and ìwaitî to guideproject staff through contingencies. In addition, it provides space forstaff to note important dates, such as the deadline for submitting applicationsto the State. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 4 October 1998 The steps identified on the poster and the order in which they arepresented represent generic property acquisition steps and a logicalprogression for completing them. NOTE HEREThe arrows between the icons show the progression or ìflowî of thesteps. Where the arrows separate into two ìpathsî those steps can beperformed concurrently. For example, in Phase I, the arrow leading fromìIdentify Project Teamî divides into two arrows, one leading to ìOutlineProject Strategyî and the other to ìPrioritize Target Properties.î Theplacement of these icons indicates that the local community can accomplishthose steps concurrently. For example, a community can outline itsproject strategy as it prioritizes target properties to acquire, or canassign certain members of the project team to do one, while othermembers do the other. CONVENTIONS USED WITHIN THE HANDBOOKThe handbook uses the following conventions to present information ina user-friendly format. q Shaded text boxes, which are used to present general notes andsupplemental information that warrant emphasis or do not easily fitinto the main body of text. The note above is an example. Shadedtext boxes also present ìGood Ideas,î which are practices successfullyused by communities around the country, and case studies,which are success stories from around the country. NoteWe understand that many of you already have in place proceduralsteps that might vary from the steps depicted on theposter. If a certain step does not apply to your State or ifyour State requires an additional step, simply explain thosedifferences to your communities. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 5 October 1998 q Marginal notes, such as references to the Code of Federal Regulationor to other FEMA publications. q Icons, which correspond to the poster and direct the user to theplace within the handbook where a step is explained in detail. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES MAIN TEXTThe first wire-bound book within the three-ring binder is the main bodyof text. It is the ìhow toî guidance. In addition to a table of contentsand preface, it contains the following six tabbed sections: q To Buy or Not to Buyq Applicationq Implementationq Open Space Managementq Glossary and Acronymsq Index To Buy or Not to BuyThis part of the handbook describes Phase I of the property acquisitionprocess. It provides general information and then guides the communitythrough deciding whether or not property acquisition is an appropriatemitigation alternative. To Buy or Not to Buy is divided into an introduction,two chapters, and an appendix: q Introduction. The Introduction briefly describes and contrasts theHazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Flood MitigationAssistance Program, and identifies the contents of Phase I. q Chapter 1 ñ The Basics. Chapter 1 is a tutorial on property acquisitionand the HMGP. It explainsóas far as possible in laypersonístermsóthe federal laws, regulations, and policies that drive the PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 6 October 1998 property acquisition process. As a result, it builds the communityísknowledge base and lays a foundation for the rest of the guidance.Chapter 1 also discusses the importance of managing the propertyownersí expectations, and building and maintaining lines of communicationwith the property owners. This chapter is divided into fivemajor subsections: n Criteria for Projects Funded under HMGPn Money Mattersn Types of Property Acquisitionn Methods of Property Acquisitionn Property Acquisition and the Property Owner q Chapter 2 ñ Getting Started. Chapter 2 is the beginning of theproperty acquisition process itself. At this point, the contents of boththe poster and handbook are parallel. This chapter guides communitiesthrough the decision-making steps and is divided into 10 subsections: n Evaluate Your Mitigation Optionsn Determine Your Stateís Priorities and Proceduresn Identify Project Teamn Outline Project Strategyn Prioritize Target Propertiesn Conduct Town Meetingn Community Wants Buyout?n Examine Ability to Complete Projectn Examine Projectís Impact on Communityn Community has Resources and Consensus to Proceed? PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 7 October 1998 q Appendix. This Appendix is a brief explanation of federal regulationsaddressing floodplain management and wetland protection, and whatthose regulations mean to communities pursuing property acquisition. It is divided into two major subsections: n 44 CFR Parts 9 & 10n What do 44 CFR Parts 9 & 10 Mean to My Community?n Application Phase II, guides the community through completing and submitting aproperty acquisition application that has the best possible chance ofbeing approved by the State and FEMA. This part is divided into an introduction and three chapters as follows: q Introduction. The Introduction describes the contents of Phase II.q Chapter 1 ñ First Things First. The first chapter guides communitiesthrough preliminary application-related tasks per the major subsectionsbelow. These tasks alert property owners and the State to acommunityís intention to submit an application and begin collectingthe information required on the application. n Submit Notice of Pre-Applicationn Conduct Town Meetingn Start Project Planning q Chapter 2 ñ Ready, Set, Apply. Chapter 2 leads communitiesthrough completing and submitting a property acquisition applicationand is divided into the two major subsections below. This chapterexplains the detailed information required on an application, andsuggests how to compile and present that information. n Complete Project Applicationn Submit Application to State PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 8 October 1998 NOTE HERE q Chapter 3 ñ While You Wait. For communities that are confident offunding, Chapter 3 describes what can be done to prepare for thereceipt of grant funds. The chapter leads them though some activitiesto prepare for receipt of those funds, enabling them to quickly gettheir project started once funds are received. Individual communitiescan decide how much preparation they want to do before theimplementation phase, and how much they want to delay untilreceipt of funds. This chapter is divided into two subsections, withemphasis on the second. n Follow Upn Prepare to Receive a Sub-Grantn Implementation This part of the handbook explains Phase III of the property acquisitionprocess. It guides communities through implementing property acquisitionshould their applications be approved and funded. It leads themthrough actually acquiring properties, and managing their sub-grantfunds and files. This part comprises an introduction and five chapters asfollows: q Introduction. The Introduction identifies the contents of Phase III.q Chapter 1 ñ Before You Do Anything Else. Chapter 3 of Phase IItransitions into Chapter 1 of Phase III, and assumes the communityísapplication is approved and funded. This chapter instructs communitiesto complete any preparation activities not yet completed, and to NoteThis part uses a generic application to illustrate the minimuminformation and level of detail required by FEMA. We recognizethat individual States might have their own forms andadditional requirements, and caution communities to use theirStateís forms if they exist. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 9 October 1998 familiarize themselves with their sub-grant and related documents. Itis divided into three subsections: n Complete Activities from Phase II, Chapter 3n Carefully Review Your Sub-grant Agreementn Gather copies of Applicable Regulations and Procedures q Chapter 2 ñ Set Up Your Sub-grant Administration System. Thischapter is a tutorial on sub-grant administration. It also helps communitiesset up a system for managing their sub-grant funds, records,and files. Chapter 2 is divided into three subsections: n Set Up Your Financial Record-Keeping Systemn Set Up Your Property Acquisition Project Filing Systemn Budget Your Administrative Costs q Chapter 3 ñ Finish What You Started. Chapter 3 helps communitiesperform the tasks that earlier chapters have helped them prepare. Itis divided into the following major subsections: n Implement Policies & Proceduresn Submit Press Release & Conduct Town Meetingn Procure Necessary Services q Chapter 4 ñ Acquire Those Properties! Chapter 4 ìwalksî communitiesthrough the interactions, real estate transactions, and inspectionsrequired for acquiring property. The major subsections, listedbelow, comprise a ìto do listî for communities. n Meet with Property Ownern Conduct Title Search & Appraisaln Determine Duplication of Benefitsn Make Offer to Property Ownern Request Funds from State PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 10 October 1998 n Conduct Closingn Clear & Inspect Land q Chapter 5 ñ Conduct Sub-grant Closeout. This short chapter explainshow to officially ìclose the booksî once a community hascompleted its property acquisition project. n Open Space Management This part, Phase IV of the process, summarizes some of the ìbestpracticesî used by communities throughout the country that haveimplemented property acquisition projects and converted acquiredproperty into open space as required by law. It comprises an introductionand three chapters as follows: q Introduction. The Introduction reiterates the federal law requiring allproperty acquired with HMGP funds to be forever maintained asopen space and identifies the contents of the phase. q Chapter 1 ñ Open Space Use Questions & Answers. Chapter 1 is abasic discussion of open space and its contribution to a community.The chapterís major subsections answers the following three questions. n How May We Use Our Open Space?n What is Prohibited on Open Space?n How Can Open Space Benefit My Community? q Chapter 2 ñ Planning. Chapter 2 guides communities through basicopen space planning activities. It is divided into these subsections: n Identify Open Space Workgroupn Involve Communityn Prepare Open Space Concept Plan PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 11 October 1998 q Chapter 3 ñ Implementation & Long-term Management. This chapterhelps communities turn their open space plans into reality andmaintain their open spaces for the long term. It is divided into thesefour major subsections: n Obtain Fundingn Obtain Technical Assistance Resourcesn Implement Your Open Space Plann Manage & Maintain Open Space Propertyn Glossary and Acronyms The Glossary and List of Acronyms contains the meanings of words,terms, and acronyms used in the handbook, as well as other commonwords, terms, and acronyms that community project staff might hear orsee as they interact with others involved in disaster recovery and hazardmitigation. n Index The index enables community project staff to quickly find informationon a specific subject (e.g., duplication of benefits) by identifying whererelated information is within the handbook and toolkit. PROPERTY ACQUISITION TOOLKIT,PART 1 OF 2, TOOLS The two-part Toolkit provides tools to help communities maneuverthrough the property acquisition process and complete activities. Thefirst part of the Toolkit contains tools such as checklists, town meetingbriefing tips, sample letters, etc. Tools provide information succinctlyand simply, illustrate a point, or ease the communityís workload. Alltools are numbered sequentially according to the phase during whichthey are first mentioned (e.g., Tool I-1, Tool II-1, etc.) and are referencedin the margin of the handbookís main text. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 12 October 1998 PROPERTY ACQUISITION TOOLKIT,PART 2 OF 2, FORMS The unbound reproducible forms found behind the wire-bound books inthe binder comprise the second part of the Toolkit. These forms aretemplates communities may use ìas isî or customize to State andcommunity specifications. Like the Tools, they also are numberedsequentially (Form I-1, Form II-1, etc.) and are referenced in the margin. Forms are provided on disk as well as hard copy. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 13 October 1998 DISTRIBUTING & USING THE HANDBOOK You may distribute the handbook right away to familiarize communitieswith property acquisition before the next disaster strikes; or, after adisaster as part of the recovery effort. We provided a tab labeled ìStateî at the back of the binder to enableyou to insert State-specific policies, procedures, and forms beforedistributing the handbook to your communities. The handbook cautionscommunities to refer to and use materials provided by their States. Inseveral instances, it also directs communities to contact their StateHazard Mitigation Officers if they have questions or require furtherinformation. The handbook is a flexible tool, and we encourage you to use it in theway that makes sense for you and your communities. If you have anyquestions, please call your FEMA regional office or FEMAís HazardMitigation Directorate in Washington, DC.
Table of Contents
i October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ................................................. v
PROPERTY ACQUISITION AT WORK ...................................................... vi
USING THIS HANDBOOK ..................................................................... viii
PHASE I ó To Buy or Not to Buy
INTRODUCTION ..........................................I-1
HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM ............................................ I-1
FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .....................................I-2
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE ................................................................ I-3
CHAPTER 1 ó THE BASICS ..............................I-4
CRITERIA FOR PROJECTS FUNDED UNDER HMGP ............................... I-4
MONEY MATTERS ..............................................................................I-8
TYPES OF PROPERTY ACQUISITION .................................................. I-11
METHODS OF PROPERTY ACQUISITION............................................ I-12
PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND THE PROPERTY OWNER ...................... I-13
CHAPTER 2 ó GETTING STARTED ...................... I-16
EVALUATE YOUR MITIGATION OPTIONS ......................................... I-16
DETERMINE YOUR STATEíS PRIORITIES AND PROCEDURES ............... I-17
IDENTIFY PROJECT TEAM................................................................ I-17
OUTLINE PROJECT STRATEGY......................................................... I-20
PRIORITIZE TARGET PROPERTIES .................................................... I-22
CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ............................................................. I-24
COMMUNITY WANTS BUYOUT? ...................................................... I-26
EXAMINE ABILITY TO COMPLETE PROJECT...................................... I-27
EXAMINE PROJECTíS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY ................................ I-28
COMMUNITY HAS RESOURCES AND CONSENSUS TO PROCEED? ........ I-30
APPENDIX ............................................. I-31
44 CFR PARTS 9 & 10 ................................................................... I-31
WHAT DO 44 CFR PARTS 9 & 10 MEAN TO MY COMMUNITY? .... I-32
Table of Contents
ii October 1998
PHASE II ó Application
INTRODUCTION ........................................ II-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE .............................................................. II-1
CHAPTER 1 ó FIRST THINGS FIRST ................... II-4
SUBMIT NOTICE OF PRE-APPLICATION............................................II-4
CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ..............................................................II-5
START PROJECT PLANNING ............................................................ II-10
CHAPTER 2 ó READY, SET, APPLY! ................... II-14
COMPLETE PROJECT APPLICATION .................................................. II-14
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO STATE.................................................. II-22
CHAPTER 3 ó WHILE YOU WAIT .................... II-24
FOLLOW UP ................................................................................... II-24
PREPARE TO RECEIVE A SUB-GRANT .............................................. II-24
PHASE III ó Implementation
INTRODUCTION ....................................... III-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE ............................................................ III-1
CHAPTER 1 ó BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE . . . III-4
COMPLETE ACTIVITIES FROM PHASE II, CHAPTER 3 .................... III-4
CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR SUB-GRANT AGREEMENT...................... III-4
GATHER COPIES OF APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.. III-5
CHAPTER 2 ó SET UP YOUR SUB-GRANT
ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM ......................... III-6
SET UP YOUR FINANCIAL RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEM ................... III-6
SET UP YOUR PROPERTY ACQUISITION
PROJECT FILING SYSTEM .................................................... III-11
BUDGET YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ...................................... III-16
CHAPTER 3 ó FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED .........III-19
IMPLEMENT POLICIES & PROCEDURES .......................................... III-19
SUBMIT PRESS RELEASE & CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ................ III-19
PROCURE NECESSARY SERVICES .................................................. III-23
Table of Contents
iii October 1998
CHAPTER 4 ó ACQUIRE THOSE PROPERTIES! ..........III-26
MEET WITH PROPERTY OWNER ................................................... III-26
CONDUCT TITLE SEARCH & APPRAISAL ....................................... III-28
DETERMINE DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS..................................... III-28
MAKE OFFER TO PROPERTY OWNER ............................................ III-30
PROPERTY OWNER ACCEPTS OFFER ..............................................III-31
REQUEST FUNDS FROM STATE ................................................... III-33
CONDUCT CLOSING ..................................................................... III-33
CLEAR AND INSPECT LAND .......................................................... III-34
CHAPTER 5 ó CONDUCT SUB-GRANT CLOSEOUT .......III-35
PHASE IV ó Open Space Management
INTRODUCTION ........................................ IV-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE .............................................................. IV-1
CHAPTER 1 ó OPEN SPACE USE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS............................ IV-3
HOW MAY WE USE OUR OPEN SPACE? ......................................... IV-3
WHAT IS PROHIBITED ON OPEN SPACE? ........................................ IV-4
HOW CAN OPEN SPACE BENEFIT MY COMMUNITY? ....................... IV-4
CHAPTER 2 ó PLANNING .............................. IV-8
IDENTIFY OPEN SPACE WORKGROUP .............................................. IV-8
INVOLVE COMMUNITY.................................................................... IV-11
PREPARE OPEN SPACE CONCEPT PLAN ............................................ IV-13
CHAPTER 3 ó IMPLEMENTATION & LONG-TERM
MANAGEMENT .....................................IV-17
OBTAIN FUNDING ........................................................................ IV-17
OBTAIN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES ............................. IV-18
IMPLEMENT YOUR OPEN SPACE PLAN............................................ IV-18
MANAGE & MAINTAIN OPEN SPACE PROPERTY ............................. IV-19
Glossary ............................................ G-1
Table of Contents
iv October 1998
List of Acronyms .................................. A-1
Index ...........................................Index-1
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 3:31 PM
Subject: http://www.fema.gov/government/grant/resources/acqhandchap.shtm fema buyout handbook online
PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESA SUMMARY FOR STATES Page 1 October 1998 HOW THIS HANDBOOK CAME TO BEAcross the nation, more and more flood-inundated communities arechoosing property acquisition as a hazard mitigation option. Besidesbeing a permanent solution to a hazard-related problem, propertyacquisition achieves many other objectives, such as protecting criticalhabitat, providing opportunities for recreation, providing flood storage,or enhancing other natural or cultural resources. Since the devastating floods of 1993, Hazard Mitigation Officers fromflood-inundated States and FEMA Regions have developed guidelines toassist communities through the property acquisition process. Hundredsof acquisition projects have tested the effectiveness of those guidelines.The Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities bringstogether into one document the best practices from States that havesuccessfully fostered property acquisition projects. FEMA and its cadreof Region, State, and local subject-matter experts and potential usersdesigned the handbook to: Bring as much nationwide uniformity as possible to the propertyacquisition process, while respecting each Stateís and FEMA Regionísdiversity. Make the process more user-friendly for the communities, regardlessof their size, expertise, and human and technical resources. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES STATE SUMMARYPage 2 October 1998 Reduce the amount of time between the disaster and the receipt of acheck by the property owner by streamlining the process to thegreatest extent possible. The Handbook’s Mission The handbookís goal is to empower communities with knowledge andbest practices that will enable them to: Determine if property acquisition is the most viable mitigationalternative for them before investing too much time and too manyresources. Plan property acquisition projects so the projects are well directedfrom the beginning. Develop sub-grant applications that have the best possible chance ofbeing approved and funded. Submit applications that are right the first time, precluding the needfor revision cycles that can slow the process. Manage property acquisition projects efficiently. Administer sub-grant funds according to laws and regulations,general accounting principles, and good business practices. Use acquired properties in ways that make sense for the community. Maintain acquired properties as open space. THE CHALLENGEOur biggest challenge was writing guidance that would be meaningfulto thousands of communities, all of which face their own uniquechallenges. Consequently, we have taken care to describe genericprocedures and advise communities to seek specific guidance from theirStates. For the benefit of all communities, but especially for those thathave limited resources, we have provided a Toolkit containing furtherguidance and forms to assist communities throughout the propertyacquisition process. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 3 October 1998 CONTENTS OF THE HANDBOOKWe provide each State with hard copies of the Property AcquisitionProcess poster and Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communitiesto distribute to their communities. A three-ring binder contains: q Property Acquisition Handbook for Local Communities.q Property Acquisition Handbook Toolkit, Part 1 of 2, Tools.q Property Acquisition Handbook Toolkit, Part 2 of 2, Forms.q Poster. The subsections below explain the poster and the binderís contents indetail. POSTERThe wall poster presents a ìroad mapî for communities considering andimplementing property acquisition projects. It depicts the four phases ofthe process, using a distinct color for each, and the major steps of eachphase, using an icon and a short caption for each. The handbook isdivided into sections according to the phases, icons, and captions onthe poster. The icons appearing on the poster also appear in the margins of thehandbook where the steps are fully explained. For example, each phasehas at least one town meeting, which is represented by an icon of abuilding with a banner reading ìtown meeting.î A communityís projectstaff will soon associate that picture with a town meeting and know ìata glanceî when within the process town meetings should be held andwhere within the handbook they can learn how to prepare for andconduct town meetings. The poster also uses ìroad signsî such as ìstopî and ìwaitî to guideproject staff through contingencies. In addition, it provides space forstaff to note important dates, such as the deadline for submitting applicationsto the State. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 4 October 1998 The steps identified on the poster and the order in which they arepresented represent generic property acquisition steps and a logicalprogression for completing them. NOTE HEREThe arrows between the icons show the progression or ìflowî of thesteps. Where the arrows separate into two ìpathsî those steps can beperformed concurrently. For example, in Phase I, the arrow leading fromìIdentify Project Teamî divides into two arrows, one leading to ìOutlineProject Strategyî and the other to ìPrioritize Target Properties.î Theplacement of these icons indicates that the local community can accomplishthose steps concurrently. For example, a community can outline itsproject strategy as it prioritizes target properties to acquire, or canassign certain members of the project team to do one, while othermembers do the other. CONVENTIONS USED WITHIN THE HANDBOOKThe handbook uses the following conventions to present information ina user-friendly format. q Shaded text boxes, which are used to present general notes andsupplemental information that warrant emphasis or do not easily fitinto the main body of text. The note above is an example. Shadedtext boxes also present ìGood Ideas,î which are practices successfullyused by communities around the country, and case studies,which are success stories from around the country. NoteWe understand that many of you already have in place proceduralsteps that might vary from the steps depicted on theposter. If a certain step does not apply to your State or ifyour State requires an additional step, simply explain thosedifferences to your communities. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 5 October 1998 q Marginal notes, such as references to the Code of Federal Regulationor to other FEMA publications. q Icons, which correspond to the poster and direct the user to theplace within the handbook where a step is explained in detail. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES MAIN TEXTThe first wire-bound book within the three-ring binder is the main bodyof text. It is the ìhow toî guidance. In addition to a table of contentsand preface, it contains the following six tabbed sections: q To Buy or Not to Buyq Applicationq Implementationq Open Space Managementq Glossary and Acronymsq Index To Buy or Not to BuyThis part of the handbook describes Phase I of the property acquisitionprocess. It provides general information and then guides the communitythrough deciding whether or not property acquisition is an appropriatemitigation alternative. To Buy or Not to Buy is divided into an introduction,two chapters, and an appendix: q Introduction. The Introduction briefly describes and contrasts theHazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Flood MitigationAssistance Program, and identifies the contents of Phase I. q Chapter 1 ñ The Basics. Chapter 1 is a tutorial on property acquisitionand the HMGP. It explainsóas far as possible in laypersonístermsóthe federal laws, regulations, and policies that drive the PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESSTATE SUMMARYPage 6 October 1998 property acquisition process. As a result, it builds the communityísknowledge base and lays a foundation for the rest of the guidance.Chapter 1 also discusses the importance of managing the propertyownersí expectations, and building and maintaining lines of communicationwith the property owners. This chapter is divided into fivemajor subsections: n Criteria for Projects Funded under HMGPn Money Mattersn Types of Property Acquisitionn Methods of Property Acquisitionn Property Acquisition and the Property Owner q Chapter 2 ñ Getting Started. Chapter 2 is the beginning of theproperty acquisition process itself. At this point, the contents of boththe poster and handbook are parallel. This chapter guides communitiesthrough the decision-making steps and is divided into 10 subsections: n Evaluate Your Mitigation Optionsn Determine Your Stateís Priorities and Proceduresn Identify Project Teamn Outline Project Strategyn Prioritize Target Propertiesn Conduct Town Meetingn Community Wants Buyout?n Examine Ability to Complete Projectn Examine Projectís Impact on Communityn Community has Resources and Consensus to Proceed? PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 7 October 1998 q Appendix. This Appendix is a brief explanation of federal regulationsaddressing floodplain management and wetland protection, and whatthose regulations mean to communities pursuing property acquisition. It is divided into two major subsections: n 44 CFR Parts 9 & 10n What do 44 CFR Parts 9 & 10 Mean to My Community?n Application Phase II, guides the community through completing and submitting aproperty acquisition application that has the best possible chance ofbeing approved by the State and FEMA. This part is divided into an introduction and three chapters as follows: q Introduction. The Introduction describes the contents of Phase II.q Chapter 1 ñ First Things First. The first chapter guides communitiesthrough preliminary application-related tasks per the major subsectionsbelow. These tasks alert property owners and the State to acommunityís intention to submit an application and begin collectingthe information required on the application. n Submit Notice of Pre-Applicationn Conduct Town Meetingn Start Project Planning q Chapter 2 ñ Ready, Set, Apply. Chapter 2 leads communitiesthrough completing and submitting a property acquisition applicationand is divided into the two major subsections below. This chapterexplains the detailed information required on an application, andsuggests how to compile and present that information. n Complete Project Applicationn Submit Application to State PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 8 October 1998 NOTE HERE q Chapter 3 ñ While You Wait. For communities that are confident offunding, Chapter 3 describes what can be done to prepare for thereceipt of grant funds. The chapter leads them though some activitiesto prepare for receipt of those funds, enabling them to quickly gettheir project started once funds are received. Individual communitiescan decide how much preparation they want to do before theimplementation phase, and how much they want to delay untilreceipt of funds. This chapter is divided into two subsections, withemphasis on the second. n Follow Upn Prepare to Receive a Sub-Grantn Implementation This part of the handbook explains Phase III of the property acquisitionprocess. It guides communities through implementing property acquisitionshould their applications be approved and funded. It leads themthrough actually acquiring properties, and managing their sub-grantfunds and files. This part comprises an introduction and five chapters asfollows: q Introduction. The Introduction identifies the contents of Phase III.q Chapter 1 ñ Before You Do Anything Else. Chapter 3 of Phase IItransitions into Chapter 1 of Phase III, and assumes the communityísapplication is approved and funded. This chapter instructs communitiesto complete any preparation activities not yet completed, and to NoteThis part uses a generic application to illustrate the minimuminformation and level of detail required by FEMA. We recognizethat individual States might have their own forms andadditional requirements, and caution communities to use theirStateís forms if they exist. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 9 October 1998 familiarize themselves with their sub-grant and related documents. Itis divided into three subsections: n Complete Activities from Phase II, Chapter 3n Carefully Review Your Sub-grant Agreementn Gather copies of Applicable Regulations and Procedures q Chapter 2 ñ Set Up Your Sub-grant Administration System. Thischapter is a tutorial on sub-grant administration. It also helps communitiesset up a system for managing their sub-grant funds, records,and files. Chapter 2 is divided into three subsections: n Set Up Your Financial Record-Keeping Systemn Set Up Your Property Acquisition Project Filing Systemn Budget Your Administrative Costs q Chapter 3 ñ Finish What You Started. Chapter 3 helps communitiesperform the tasks that earlier chapters have helped them prepare. Itis divided into the following major subsections: n Implement Policies & Proceduresn Submit Press Release & Conduct Town Meetingn Procure Necessary Services q Chapter 4 ñ Acquire Those Properties! Chapter 4 ìwalksî communitiesthrough the interactions, real estate transactions, and inspectionsrequired for acquiring property. The major subsections, listedbelow, comprise a ìto do listî for communities. n Meet with Property Ownern Conduct Title Search & Appraisaln Determine Duplication of Benefitsn Make Offer to Property Ownern Request Funds from State PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 10 October 1998 n Conduct Closingn Clear & Inspect Land q Chapter 5 ñ Conduct Sub-grant Closeout. This short chapter explainshow to officially ìclose the booksî once a community hascompleted its property acquisition project. n Open Space Management This part, Phase IV of the process, summarizes some of the ìbestpracticesî used by communities throughout the country that haveimplemented property acquisition projects and converted acquiredproperty into open space as required by law. It comprises an introductionand three chapters as follows: q Introduction. The Introduction reiterates the federal law requiring allproperty acquired with HMGP funds to be forever maintained asopen space and identifies the contents of the phase. q Chapter 1 ñ Open Space Use Questions & Answers. Chapter 1 is abasic discussion of open space and its contribution to a community.The chapterís major subsections answers the following three questions. n How May We Use Our Open Space?n What is Prohibited on Open Space?n How Can Open Space Benefit My Community? q Chapter 2 ñ Planning. Chapter 2 guides communities through basicopen space planning activities. It is divided into these subsections: n Identify Open Space Workgroupn Involve Communityn Prepare Open Space Concept Plan PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 11 October 1998 q Chapter 3 ñ Implementation & Long-term Management. This chapterhelps communities turn their open space plans into reality andmaintain their open spaces for the long term. It is divided into thesefour major subsections: n Obtain Fundingn Obtain Technical Assistance Resourcesn Implement Your Open Space Plann Manage & Maintain Open Space Propertyn Glossary and Acronyms The Glossary and List of Acronyms contains the meanings of words,terms, and acronyms used in the handbook, as well as other commonwords, terms, and acronyms that community project staff might hear orsee as they interact with others involved in disaster recovery and hazardmitigation. n Index The index enables community project staff to quickly find informationon a specific subject (e.g., duplication of benefits) by identifying whererelated information is within the handbook and toolkit. PROPERTY ACQUISITION TOOLKIT,PART 1 OF 2, TOOLS The two-part Toolkit provides tools to help communities maneuverthrough the property acquisition process and complete activities. Thefirst part of the Toolkit contains tools such as checklists, town meetingbriefing tips, sample letters, etc. Tools provide information succinctlyand simply, illustrate a point, or ease the communityís workload. Alltools are numbered sequentially according to the phase during whichthey are first mentioned (e.g., Tool I-1, Tool II-1, etc.) and are referencedin the margin of the handbookís main text. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 12 October 1998 PROPERTY ACQUISITION TOOLKIT,PART 2 OF 2, FORMS The unbound reproducible forms found behind the wire-bound books inthe binder comprise the second part of the Toolkit. These forms aretemplates communities may use ìas isî or customize to State andcommunity specifications. Like the Tools, they also are numberedsequentially (Form I-1, Form II-1, etc.) and are referenced in the margin. Forms are provided on disk as well as hard copy. PROPERTY ACQUISITION HANDBOOK FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIESóSTATE SUMMARYPage 13 October 1998 DISTRIBUTING & USING THE HANDBOOK You may distribute the handbook right away to familiarize communitieswith property acquisition before the next disaster strikes; or, after adisaster as part of the recovery effort. We provided a tab labeled ìStateî at the back of the binder to enableyou to insert State-specific policies, procedures, and forms beforedistributing the handbook to your communities. The handbook cautionscommunities to refer to and use materials provided by their States. Inseveral instances, it also directs communities to contact their StateHazard Mitigation Officers if they have questions or require furtherinformation. The handbook is a flexible tool, and we encourage you to use it in theway that makes sense for you and your communities. If you have anyquestions, please call your FEMA regional office or FEMAís HazardMitigation Directorate in Washington, DC.
Table of Contents
i October 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ................................................. v
PROPERTY ACQUISITION AT WORK ...................................................... vi
USING THIS HANDBOOK ..................................................................... viii
PHASE I ó To Buy or Not to Buy
INTRODUCTION ..........................................I-1
HAZARD MITIGATION GRANT PROGRAM ............................................ I-1
FLOOD MITIGATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM .....................................I-2
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE ................................................................ I-3
CHAPTER 1 ó THE BASICS ..............................I-4
CRITERIA FOR PROJECTS FUNDED UNDER HMGP ............................... I-4
MONEY MATTERS ..............................................................................I-8
TYPES OF PROPERTY ACQUISITION .................................................. I-11
METHODS OF PROPERTY ACQUISITION............................................ I-12
PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND THE PROPERTY OWNER ...................... I-13
CHAPTER 2 ó GETTING STARTED ...................... I-16
EVALUATE YOUR MITIGATION OPTIONS ......................................... I-16
DETERMINE YOUR STATEíS PRIORITIES AND PROCEDURES ............... I-17
IDENTIFY PROJECT TEAM................................................................ I-17
OUTLINE PROJECT STRATEGY......................................................... I-20
PRIORITIZE TARGET PROPERTIES .................................................... I-22
CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ............................................................. I-24
COMMUNITY WANTS BUYOUT? ...................................................... I-26
EXAMINE ABILITY TO COMPLETE PROJECT...................................... I-27
EXAMINE PROJECTíS IMPACT ON COMMUNITY ................................ I-28
COMMUNITY HAS RESOURCES AND CONSENSUS TO PROCEED? ........ I-30
APPENDIX ............................................. I-31
44 CFR PARTS 9 & 10 ................................................................... I-31
WHAT DO 44 CFR PARTS 9 & 10 MEAN TO MY COMMUNITY? .... I-32
Table of Contents
ii October 1998
PHASE II ó Application
INTRODUCTION ........................................ II-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE .............................................................. II-1
CHAPTER 1 ó FIRST THINGS FIRST ................... II-4
SUBMIT NOTICE OF PRE-APPLICATION............................................II-4
CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ..............................................................II-5
START PROJECT PLANNING ............................................................ II-10
CHAPTER 2 ó READY, SET, APPLY! ................... II-14
COMPLETE PROJECT APPLICATION .................................................. II-14
SUBMIT APPLICATION TO STATE.................................................. II-22
CHAPTER 3 ó WHILE YOU WAIT .................... II-24
FOLLOW UP ................................................................................... II-24
PREPARE TO RECEIVE A SUB-GRANT .............................................. II-24
PHASE III ó Implementation
INTRODUCTION ....................................... III-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE ............................................................ III-1
CHAPTER 1 ó BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING ELSE . . . III-4
COMPLETE ACTIVITIES FROM PHASE II, CHAPTER 3 .................... III-4
CAREFULLY REVIEW YOUR SUB-GRANT AGREEMENT...................... III-4
GATHER COPIES OF APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES.. III-5
CHAPTER 2 ó SET UP YOUR SUB-GRANT
ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM ......................... III-6
SET UP YOUR FINANCIAL RECORD-KEEPING SYSTEM ................... III-6
SET UP YOUR PROPERTY ACQUISITION
PROJECT FILING SYSTEM .................................................... III-11
BUDGET YOUR ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ...................................... III-16
CHAPTER 3 ó FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED .........III-19
IMPLEMENT POLICIES & PROCEDURES .......................................... III-19
SUBMIT PRESS RELEASE & CONDUCT TOWN MEETING ................ III-19
PROCURE NECESSARY SERVICES .................................................. III-23
Table of Contents
iii October 1998
CHAPTER 4 ó ACQUIRE THOSE PROPERTIES! ..........III-26
MEET WITH PROPERTY OWNER ................................................... III-26
CONDUCT TITLE SEARCH & APPRAISAL ....................................... III-28
DETERMINE DUPLICATION OF BENEFITS..................................... III-28
MAKE OFFER TO PROPERTY OWNER ............................................ III-30
PROPERTY OWNER ACCEPTS OFFER ..............................................III-31
REQUEST FUNDS FROM STATE ................................................... III-33
CONDUCT CLOSING ..................................................................... III-33
CLEAR AND INSPECT LAND .......................................................... III-34
CHAPTER 5 ó CONDUCT SUB-GRANT CLOSEOUT .......III-35
PHASE IV ó Open Space Management
INTRODUCTION ........................................ IV-1
CONTENTS OF THIS PHASE .............................................................. IV-1
CHAPTER 1 ó OPEN SPACE USE
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS............................ IV-3
HOW MAY WE USE OUR OPEN SPACE? ......................................... IV-3
WHAT IS PROHIBITED ON OPEN SPACE? ........................................ IV-4
HOW CAN OPEN SPACE BENEFIT MY COMMUNITY? ....................... IV-4
CHAPTER 2 ó PLANNING .............................. IV-8
IDENTIFY OPEN SPACE WORKGROUP .............................................. IV-8
INVOLVE COMMUNITY.................................................................... IV-11
PREPARE OPEN SPACE CONCEPT PLAN ............................................ IV-13
CHAPTER 3 ó IMPLEMENTATION & LONG-TERM
MANAGEMENT .....................................IV-17
OBTAIN FUNDING ........................................................................ IV-17
OBTAIN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES ............................. IV-18
IMPLEMENT YOUR OPEN SPACE PLAN............................................ IV-18
MANAGE & MAINTAIN OPEN SPACE PROPERTY ............................. IV-19
Glossary ............................................ G-1
Table of Contents
iv October 1998
List of Acronyms .................................. A-1
Index ...........................................Index-1
Cleaning tips
If you are looking for tips on clean-up after a flood, check out this website:
--- Jerry
--- Jerry
PTV Map of Neighborhood
PVT Map provided by Jerry Anthony
A larger map will be displayed at the meeting tomorrow at the Library.
It's not possible to put all the street numbers for each house on the map. More will be added on tomorrow's map.
Volunteer Information
From: Marcia Klingaman Marcia-Klingaman@iowa-city.org
Thursday, June 19, 2008 3:16:44 PMSubject: FW: Recruiting Flood Volunteers
Hi...I realize this might a bit early for some but wanted to make you aware of this volunteer network. The City of Iowa City has been working with the Corridor Recovery effort to better help coordinate needs and services in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor.Please keep in this site in mind as you or your neighbors have volunteer needs. And please forward on to anyone you feel might be interested.
Marcia
In response to the floods, CORRIDOR VOLUNTEERS has joined forces with theCounty?s Emergency Management effort at https://email.uiowa.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=25fcfc621d5543cd8200f30a0e63d397&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.corridorrecovery.org%2f as thego-to location for volunteerism.
and
As we move from the ?Response? stage of the disaster into the ?Recovery?phase we anticipate you might have increased need for volunteers. The goodnews is we have simplified the recruitment process for flood related dateand time specific opportunities. Volunteers can sign up directly toparticipate ? all without the back and forth emailing.To post flood-related volunteer opportunities:Go to https://email.uiowa.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=25fcfc621d5543cd8200f30a0e63d397&URL=http%3a%2f%2fvolunteer.united-e-way.org%2fcorridorrecovery%2fvolunteer%2fevents%2f
Thursday, June 19, 2008 3:16:44 PMSubject: FW: Recruiting Flood Volunteers
Hi...I realize this might a bit early for some but wanted to make you aware of this volunteer network. The City of Iowa City has been working with the Corridor Recovery effort to better help coordinate needs and services in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor.Please keep in this site in mind as you or your neighbors have volunteer needs. And please forward on to anyone you feel might be interested.
Marcia
In response to the floods, CORRIDOR VOLUNTEERS has joined forces with theCounty?s Emergency Management effort at https://email.uiowa.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=25fcfc621d5543cd8200f30a0e63d397&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.corridorrecovery.org%2f as thego-to location for volunteerism.
and
As we move from the ?Response? stage of the disaster into the ?Recovery?phase we anticipate you might have increased need for volunteers. The goodnews is we have simplified the recruitment process for flood related dateand time specific opportunities. Volunteers can sign up directly toparticipate ? all without the back and forth emailing.To post flood-related volunteer opportunities:Go to https://email.uiowa.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=25fcfc621d5543cd8200f30a0e63d397&URL=http%3a%2f%2fvolunteer.united-e-way.org%2fcorridorrecovery%2fvolunteer%2fevents%2f
FEMA INFO
FEMA has opened a Disaster Relief Center at the Fairgrounds from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., which has information about SBA loans, mitigation, people with special needs, NFIP, etc.
Mosquito Flats Picture - Flood Boundaries
Mosquito Flats Picture - Courtesy of Douglas W. Jones
I took the lines from the FEMA floodplain map for the neighborhood and
superimposed them on an image of the neighborhood from Google Earth.
The FEMA map alone is a problem because it isn't easy to visualize where
the houses are relative to the abstract street and floodplain lines.
Since this flood was about a foot over the 500 year line, based on where
it came on Normandy Drive and Grenada Court, the 500 year line on the
FEMA map is a good line to follow to see which houses were likely to have
water up near their first floor level.
-- Doug Jones
Gazette Correction
Subject: Correction by Gazette, an unfortunate error
Please see the email from Gazette reporter Gregg Hennigan below
Steve,
I wanted to point out an error in today's story. Jerry Anthony did not say the city should consider "razing" homes. Rather, he said it should consider "raising" homes, as in build them higher. That is what I wrote, but it was changed during the editing process, and for some reason no one asked me for clarification. I've asked our online guys to change it on the Web site, and I've told my editor a correction is needed in tomorrow's paper. I also apologize to the neighborhood.
Gregg
See link to Gazette article - http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS/274041852/1006/news
Please see the email from Gazette reporter Gregg Hennigan below
Steve,
I wanted to point out an error in today's story. Jerry Anthony did not say the city should consider "razing" homes. Rather, he said it should consider "raising" homes, as in build them higher. That is what I wrote, but it was changed during the editing process, and for some reason no one asked me for clarification. I've asked our online guys to change it on the Web site, and I've told my editor a correction is needed in tomorrow's paper. I also apologize to the neighborhood.
Gregg
See link to Gazette article - http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080620/NEWS/274041852/1006/news
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Attending Officials at Meeting
----- Original Message -----
From: McGuire, Steve
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:05 AM
Subject: Saturday Meeting
Good morning everyone.
Bob, this is excellent! Thanks for doing this.
A couple of updates. We will have the agenda for Saturday's meeting posted on the website later today. Saturday's meeting will include the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, a person from Senator Harkin's office and a FEMA official. We are waiting on confirmation of names. Yesterday the City agreed to go into the neighborhood and shoot video of every home. This will be shown on Saturday and be made available on the site Bob Irwin has created.
A number of folks have called and emailed expressing opinions about "should FEMA buy out the neighborhood". My sense is that there are a range of opinions, all of which need to be respected. For this reason I hope to iterate that Saturday's meeting is not a meeting about making a decision about the neighborhood. This is not a goal, and in the end each individual will determine what happens to their property and whether they will pursue rebuilding or not. It is a meeting to gather and disseminate information, hear folks' questions and figure how we can work collectively to insure that each individual has available to them the full range of options we have as home owners and citizens of Iowa City.
Please share this with others email with others.
Best,
Steve
From: McGuire, Steve
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:05 AM
Subject: Saturday Meeting
Good morning everyone.
Bob, this is excellent! Thanks for doing this.
A couple of updates. We will have the agenda for Saturday's meeting posted on the website later today. Saturday's meeting will include the Mayor, City Manager, Police Chief, a person from Senator Harkin's office and a FEMA official. We are waiting on confirmation of names. Yesterday the City agreed to go into the neighborhood and shoot video of every home. This will be shown on Saturday and be made available on the site Bob Irwin has created.
A number of folks have called and emailed expressing opinions about "should FEMA buy out the neighborhood". My sense is that there are a range of opinions, all of which need to be respected. For this reason I hope to iterate that Saturday's meeting is not a meeting about making a decision about the neighborhood. This is not a goal, and in the end each individual will determine what happens to their property and whether they will pursue rebuilding or not. It is a meeting to gather and disseminate information, hear folks' questions and figure how we can work collectively to insure that each individual has available to them the full range of options we have as home owners and citizens of Iowa City.
Please share this with others email with others.
Best,
Steve
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Press Release for 1st Meeting
See press release below for additional information regarding this upcoming meeting on Saturday - June 21, 2008. Steps will be taken at this meeting to form a official neighborhood association following city guidelines to be sure we can qualify for Community development grants, PIN grants and FEMA-funds for neighborhood improvement.
Helpful Links:
FEMA.GOV
floodhelp4me.com
ICGOV.ORG
____________________________
Parkview Terrace EvacueesPress Release
17 June 2008
For Immediate Release
Room A of the Iowa City Public Library has been reserved for Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 3 to 6 p.m. for a meeting concerning the situation of the evacuees from the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood (Normandy Drive, Eastmoor Drive, Manor Drive, Granada Court, Park Place) of Iowa City.
This will be a general information meeting where the topics to be addressed will likely include dissemination of information to residents evacuated from the neighborhood last Thursday (12 June 2008), discussion and consideration of Iowa City’s flood and evacuation response, as well as acknowledgment and discussion that there are community members both with and without flood insurance coverage. We will attempt to identify areas where we can work collectively in dealing with flood-related concerns of the neighborhood.
For additional information, please contact:
Steve McGuire, 319-530-5964 Maurine Braddock, Esq. 319-351-8100
Helpful Links:
FEMA.GOV
floodhelp4me.com
ICGOV.ORG
____________________________
Parkview Terrace EvacueesPress Release
17 June 2008
For Immediate Release
Room A of the Iowa City Public Library has been reserved for Saturday, June 21, 2008 from 3 to 6 p.m. for a meeting concerning the situation of the evacuees from the Parkview Terrace Neighborhood (Normandy Drive, Eastmoor Drive, Manor Drive, Granada Court, Park Place) of Iowa City.
This will be a general information meeting where the topics to be addressed will likely include dissemination of information to residents evacuated from the neighborhood last Thursday (12 June 2008), discussion and consideration of Iowa City’s flood and evacuation response, as well as acknowledgment and discussion that there are community members both with and without flood insurance coverage. We will attempt to identify areas where we can work collectively in dealing with flood-related concerns of the neighborhood.
For additional information, please contact:
Steve McGuire, 319-530-5964 Maurine Braddock, Esq. 319-351-8100
Parkview Terrace Flood Response
This Blog is devoted to the flooded residents of the Parkview Terrace subdivision located in Iowa City, Iowa. This location is also known as Mosquito Flats. The entire subdivision recently experienced significant flooding starting 6/08/2008. It is still flooded today 6/18/2008.
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