Sunday, August 31, 2008
Found - Kitten near Granada Court
Found at 602 Granada Court: Fluffy gray and white tabby kitten, probably about 6 months old (?) Very sweet and friendly. Please call us if it is yours! Or just stop by and introduce yourselves--we're new to the neighborhood and would like to become better acquainted! The Kinsey/Fields family, 354-9529.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Nails and Flat Tires
Please try to pick up nails, screws and any sharp objects in the street in front of your house and your neighbors when possible.
If you notice nails on the street in front of house and are unable to help pick them up, please send me an email and I'll try to go pick them up.
After picking up handfuls of nails, etc. the last few weeks from the various streets, I finally got a flat tire from a nail. Please help your friend's out.
Thanks, Bob
If you notice nails on the street in front of house and are unable to help pick them up, please send me an email and I'll try to go pick them up.
After picking up handfuls of nails, etc. the last few weeks from the various streets, I finally got a flat tire from a nail. Please help your friend's out.
Thanks, Bob
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rebuilding FAQ's
"This page is for frequently asked questions, or something you found out
that others might want to know. Please enter these things as comments."
that others might want to know. Please enter these things as comments."
Vital Helplines for Disaster Victims
Vital Helplines for Disaster Victims
DES MOINES, Iowa –Individual help from recovery specialists is just a telephone call away for Iowa disaster victims. Three agencies are staffing toll free numbers to provide disaster assistance information and support:
• The toll free number for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Helpline is
800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. FEMA Helpline hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
• The state of Iowa administers a Helpline for those who need assistance with disaster-related personal property losses; medical, dental, funeral or transportation expenses or other needs. The toll free number is 866-434-4692. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but a message may be left at any time and the call will be returned.
• Disaster loan specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and help people complete their disaster loan applications from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is
800-659-2955.
“These helplines are another way FEMA, the Rebuild Iowa Office and SBA are reaching out to Iowa disaster victims to support their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel of FEMA. “Among other things, people can use the FEMA line to find out about additional FEMA assistance for which they could be eligible or learn how to appeal if they receive a letter stating they are ineligible. It’s also very important to keep us informed of any changes in phone numbers or addresses.”
State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall of Iowa’s Homeland Security Emergency Management Division
said, “No one should be concerned that they have missed the opportunity to receive personal attention. These Helplines enable people to discuss their situations and obtain all the assistance for which they are eligible.”
Federal and state assistance may be available to anyone in 74 Iowa counties who has underinsured or uninsured losses as a result of the disastrous weather conditions in the state May 25 through Aug. 13. Federal and state officials continue to urge everyone who may be eligible and who has not already done so to register for assistance. Register online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The deadline to register for disaster assistance is September 29.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you known has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY Call 800-462-7585.
Editors: More information about the Iowa disaster is available online at www.fema.gov or www.Iowahomelandsecurity.org.
DES MOINES, Iowa –Individual help from recovery specialists is just a telephone call away for Iowa disaster victims. Three agencies are staffing toll free numbers to provide disaster assistance information and support:
• The toll free number for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Helpline is
800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. FEMA Helpline hours are 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
• The state of Iowa administers a Helpline for those who need assistance with disaster-related personal property losses; medical, dental, funeral or transportation expenses or other needs. The toll free number is 866-434-4692. The line is staffed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, but a message may be left at any time and the call will be returned.
• Disaster loan specialists from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to answer questions and help people complete their disaster loan applications from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The number is
800-659-2955.
“These helplines are another way FEMA, the Rebuild Iowa Office and SBA are reaching out to Iowa disaster victims to support their recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel of FEMA. “Among other things, people can use the FEMA line to find out about additional FEMA assistance for which they could be eligible or learn how to appeal if they receive a letter stating they are ineligible. It’s also very important to keep us informed of any changes in phone numbers or addresses.”
State Coordinating Officer Pat Hall of Iowa’s Homeland Security Emergency Management Division
said, “No one should be concerned that they have missed the opportunity to receive personal attention. These Helplines enable people to discuss their situations and obtain all the assistance for which they are eligible.”
Federal and state assistance may be available to anyone in 74 Iowa counties who has underinsured or uninsured losses as a result of the disastrous weather conditions in the state May 25 through Aug. 13. Federal and state officials continue to urge everyone who may be eligible and who has not already done so to register for assistance. Register online at www.fema.gov or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The deadline to register for disaster assistance is September 29.
FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or someone you known has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY Call 800-462-7585.
Editors: More information about the Iowa disaster is available online at www.fema.gov or www.Iowahomelandsecurity.org.
Low Tide on the Iowa River
Joe Henderson said I could post his letter to the PC to our email list. We have been wondering about this.
Does it worry anyone else? Or are we past caring?
PS We are roofing our house (aka the Titannic) which has been leaking. Feels strange to be doing all this.
Roberta Till-Retz
Two Months Later: Low Tide on the Iowa River
As my family and I were driving to our recently flooded home in the Park View Terrace neighborhood, we noticed how low the river has gotten. As my dad said jokingly, "On Rocky Shore Dr., it looks as if you could walk across the river without getting your knees wet." This puzzles me due to the fact that on June 14th, we canoed to our house from a neighbor's back yard to find a foot and a half of water standing in our back yard, five feet of water in the basement, and eighteen inches of water on the first level. Not to mention water five to six feet deep rushing down our street at about seven feet per second where bikers, runners, and walkers would usually be passing by on any other day.
This scenario concerns my neighbors, and my family included. We would all like to know why the river is so dramatically low now, after it reached record stages only two months ago. We all share a similar concern that the Army Corps of Engineers is holding back large amounts of water in order to accommodate boaters in the Coralville Reservoir. If anyone has any answers, I would very much appreciate hearing them, and most of my neighbors would too, I'm sure.
Joe Henderson, 14
Does it worry anyone else? Or are we past caring?
PS We are roofing our house (aka the Titannic) which has been leaking. Feels strange to be doing all this.
Roberta Till-Retz
Two Months Later: Low Tide on the Iowa River
As my family and I were driving to our recently flooded home in the Park View Terrace neighborhood, we noticed how low the river has gotten. As my dad said jokingly, "On Rocky Shore Dr., it looks as if you could walk across the river without getting your knees wet." This puzzles me due to the fact that on June 14th, we canoed to our house from a neighbor's back yard to find a foot and a half of water standing in our back yard, five feet of water in the basement, and eighteen inches of water on the first level. Not to mention water five to six feet deep rushing down our street at about seven feet per second where bikers, runners, and walkers would usually be passing by on any other day.
This scenario concerns my neighbors, and my family included. We would all like to know why the river is so dramatically low now, after it reached record stages only two months ago. We all share a similar concern that the Army Corps of Engineers is holding back large amounts of water in order to accommodate boaters in the Coralville Reservoir. If anyone has any answers, I would very much appreciate hearing them, and most of my neighbors would too, I'm sure.
Joe Henderson, 14
FREE FLOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS ENDS SEPTEMBER 5
Contact: Carol SweetingContact Phone: (319) 541-2385
FREE FLOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS ENDS SEPTEMBER 5
Posted by: Public Works
Originally Posted 8/22/2008 1:49:49 PM
Iowa City’s free curbside pickup of flood debris will end on September 5, 2008. After September 5th, property owners with remaining flood debris will be responsible for transporting it to the landfill and all landfill customers will be charged regular landfill fees. So far, approximately 10,000 tons of flood debris has been landfilled. The Iowa City Landfill is located at 3900 Hebl Ave. SW. (take Melrose Ave. 2 miles west to Hebl Avenue) and is open from 7 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed Sundays); 319-356-5185.The City of Iowa City extends a generous thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication during the flood of 2008.
View and edit your subscription details.
Visit our jobs page for employment opportunities.
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.
For technical questions regarding the website, please contact our web team.
FREE FLOOD DEBRIS REMOVAL IN FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS ENDS SEPTEMBER 5
Posted by: Public Works
Originally Posted 8/22/2008 1:49:49 PM
Iowa City’s free curbside pickup of flood debris will end on September 5, 2008. After September 5th, property owners with remaining flood debris will be responsible for transporting it to the landfill and all landfill customers will be charged regular landfill fees. So far, approximately 10,000 tons of flood debris has been landfilled. The Iowa City Landfill is located at 3900 Hebl Ave. SW. (take Melrose Ave. 2 miles west to Hebl Avenue) and is open from 7 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed Sundays); 319-356-5185.The City of Iowa City extends a generous thank you to everyone for their hard work and dedication during the flood of 2008.
View and edit your subscription details.
Visit our jobs page for employment opportunities.
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.
For technical questions regarding the website, please contact our web team.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Pre-Flood Appraisal Discounts
See Emails below:
_____________________________
Bob (and Others),
I am forwarding a note I just received from MRS appraisals regarding appraisals. They have offered a pretty nice discount on combined pre and post-flood values of homes, for only $425.
The post flood values are not as easy to determine as you would think, and would typically require a whole second report at $300. So, they are offering the first report at a discount of $275, and the second one at a deeply discounted $150.
For those wondering why one might need both, the pre-flood values may be used by the City to determine values for substantial damage calculations, as well as potential buyouts. The post flood values, is my understanding, are helpful in determining the amount of loss in equity, which might be able to be written off on one's tax return.
If you are not sure whether this would be helpful, you should consult your accountant, tax preparer, or the IRS.
Thanks,
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals70 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
----- Original Message -----
From: khostetler@mrsappraisals.com
To: davebiancuzzo@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:18 PM
Subject: Pricing for appraisals before and after flood of 2008
Hi Dave,
Following is the fee schedule for the appraisals that we will be completing with this process.
Value prior to flooding as of approximately June 4, 2008 $275.00
Appraised value after the flood damage with prior value $425.00
Appraised value only after the flood $325.00
You are welcome to post this at any time where the residents from the area can see them. Thank you for your assistance with this process.
Keith Hostetler
Hal Kleinsmith
MRS Appraisals
358-7827
_____________________________
Bob (and Others),
I am forwarding a note I just received from MRS appraisals regarding appraisals. They have offered a pretty nice discount on combined pre and post-flood values of homes, for only $425.
The post flood values are not as easy to determine as you would think, and would typically require a whole second report at $300. So, they are offering the first report at a discount of $275, and the second one at a deeply discounted $150.
For those wondering why one might need both, the pre-flood values may be used by the City to determine values for substantial damage calculations, as well as potential buyouts. The post flood values, is my understanding, are helpful in determining the amount of loss in equity, which might be able to be written off on one's tax return.
If you are not sure whether this would be helpful, you should consult your accountant, tax preparer, or the IRS.
Thanks,
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals70 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
----- Original Message -----
From: khostetler@mrsappraisals.com
To: davebiancuzzo@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 2:18 PM
Subject: Pricing for appraisals before and after flood of 2008
Hi Dave,
Following is the fee schedule for the appraisals that we will be completing with this process.
Value prior to flooding as of approximately June 4, 2008 $275.00
Appraised value after the flood damage with prior value $425.00
Appraised value only after the flood $325.00
You are welcome to post this at any time where the residents from the area can see them. Thank you for your assistance with this process.
Keith Hostetler
Hal Kleinsmith
MRS Appraisals
358-7827
City Missing Rubber Boots - Please help
Who has the 20 pairs of Northern Rubber boots?
Please respond to Carol!
----- Original Message -----
From: Carol Sweeting
To: PVT Neighborhood
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:09 AM
Hi Bob,
I need some help. During the sandbagging on Normandy people were working in water and I brought down a 30 gallon rolling trash can with about 20 pairs of Northern rubber boots for people to use. These are my storm water creek cleanup boots and I need to retrieve them. Steve Miller seems to remember that someone was storing them in their garage to keep them safe at night.. I will be starting creek cleanups very soon and must get them back. Could you put out an SOS for me to find them.
Thanks,
Carol Sweeting
Flood Recovery
Iowa City Public Works
Public Information, Education, Volunteer Coordinator
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph. 319-356-5164
Cell 319-541-2385
Fax. 319-356-5007
Please respond to Carol!
----- Original Message -----
From: Carol Sweeting
To: PVT Neighborhood
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:09 AM
Hi Bob,
I need some help. During the sandbagging on Normandy people were working in water and I brought down a 30 gallon rolling trash can with about 20 pairs of Northern rubber boots for people to use. These are my storm water creek cleanup boots and I need to retrieve them. Steve Miller seems to remember that someone was storing them in their garage to keep them safe at night.. I will be starting creek cleanups very soon and must get them back. Could you put out an SOS for me to find them.
Thanks,
Carol Sweeting
Flood Recovery
Iowa City Public Works
Public Information, Education, Volunteer Coordinator
410 E Washington St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Ph. 319-356-5164
Cell 319-541-2385
Fax. 319-356-5007
Monday, August 18, 2008
Cash evaporates while flood victims wait for government decisions
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:54 PM
Subject: waiting for buyout--sound familiar?
Cash evaporates while flood victims wait for government decisions
By JASON CLAYWORTH • jclayworth@dmreg.com • August 18, 2008
Flood victims are wasting money - some say millions of dollars - on mortgages and repairs because of the inability of federal and Iowa government officials to act quickly in disaster mitigation, some residents and a few elected officials say.Nancy Deason, for example, is making $462-a-month mortgage payments on a Cedar Rapids home she knows she'll never live in again. Her neighbor, Eugene Lewis, is repairing his home but says it's possible the house ultimately will be sold in an acquisition program and, along with his recent repairs, be taken to the dump.
Meanwhile, Kathy Taylor doesn't know whether she should sink an estimated $50,000 into her badly damaged home, knowing that the repairs will have been futile if she agrees to be part of a buyout.The situations differ slightly but have one thing in common: The homeowners are frustrated with the government's inability to act quickly, because it's costing them money - big money."I don't think it's fair. I think the city better make some fast decisions," said Deason, 75, who is left with roughly $300 a month from her Social Security check after she pays the mortgage on her uninhabitable home.
Taylor, whose family is now living in an apartment half the size of her home, described it as a second round of victimization."I was numb for a while," Taylor said. "You can't even get your mind around what has happened, but sometimes now I get really angry."It's a waiting game that many flood victims can't win.Government buyout programs in Iowa could take 18 months or longer to complete, and many families won't know for roughly a year whether their home qualifies for acquisition.
In the meantime, people like Deason are on the hook for continued tax and mortgage payments, even if they can't live in their homes. Others, like Lewis, are using government assistance programs to help pay for repairs to homes that may not even be standing two years from now.They are left with tough choices, such as deciding whether to make repairs, even just enough to live in their homes temporarily. If they can't afford to juggle the costs and have to wait for the government to act, some must consider whether they should abandon the homes and let banks take them in foreclosures.
Estimates of the total amount of money potentially wasted are not available and nearly impossible to calculate. Some of the costs are not paid by government programs, and it is still unknown how many homes will become part of city or county acquisition programs, said Luis Fernandez, an information officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.But housing advocates such as Pam Carmichael, head of an Iowa group known as Home Inc., say the losses are likely in the millions of dollars and are debilitating for hundreds of families.
"From everything I've gotten from the flood task force, I would say it's in the millions," said Carmichael, a member of the Rebuild Iowa Commission's Housing Task Force.Jim Davis, co-chairman of the task force, noted the absence of estimates but said the number is unquestionably significant. "I don't know for certain if it's in the millions, but I know it's a tremendous burden on families," he said.The first time banks are likely to see flood-related mortgage defaults showing up on quarterly reports is about Sept. 30, said Rod Reed, financial bureau chief for the Iowa Division of Banking.
However, there are already indications that hundreds of families face predicaments similar to Deason's.Wells Fargo; Bank of America, which includes Countrywide's home loans division; and Citibank held a news conference in Iowa last week to publicize that each has an emergency hot line for its customers who were affected by floods. A Wells Fargo representative, for example, said the company was already working with at least 140 mortgage customers in the state and had made about 800 loans on homes in the 100- and 500-year flood plains.
The companies are working to help customers delay payments. But customers ultimately are still responsible for making the payments, said Bob Brammer, a spokesman for the Iowa attorney general's office.While the companies did not place dollar amounts on their loans, Brammer said he thought Carmichael's estimate of homeowner losses in the millions "feels right.""I haven't penciled around on it, but it feels right to me, particularly if there are hundreds of homes," Brammer said.
There is little hope that buyouts will happen in less than a year, Cedar Rapids and state officials said.Cedar Rapids doesn't have the money available to offer buyouts to home-owners without the federal government's assistance, which typically pays at least 75 percent. Therefore, the city must abide by federal guidelines, said Mayor Kay Halloran.The federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is a lengthy process, largely because of guidelines for determining whether flood-damaged homes are eligible and completion of detailed benefit and cost analyses.Most of the guidelines are in place to make sure taxpayer money is targeted at the most likely areas to be hit again by floods, said Bret Voorhees, a spokesman for the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
Click here to read the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FAQ
Federal and state officials have frequently reminded people this year that their assistance is not to be viewed as an insurance policy but rather as emergency help during some of the initial periods after a disaster. Likewise, the mitigation program is not focused on making families financially whole. Its focus is preventing or lessening damages during likely future floods.
Federal and state officials continue to inspect home damage and update estimates. Preliminary estimates used by Gov. Chet Culver's staff showed more than 22,000 homes or apartments with flood damage. The estimates came from a combination of numbers from FEMA, the Small Business Administration and state damage assessments.Rep. Mary Mascher, a Democrat from Iowa City, said lawmakers will do what they can to speed assistance and answers to families.
"Right now, the way it is, if they have to put all that money back into (a home) and then they're going to demolish it anyway, that's going to be a stupid use of dollars and expensive," Mascher said.Des Moines officials last month approved nine homes as eligible for a voluntary acquisition program using money from Neighborhood Finance Corp., a nonprofit group. Without the nonprofit group's help, the process could have taken 18 months or longer with no guarantee of winning federal assistance, city officials said.
Halloran, Cedar Rapids' mayor, said until her city knows more details from federal mitigation officials, it is nearly impossible for local officials to recommend what families should do. She acknowledged that some families are probably wasting money because of the lack of immediate answers about their futures."Living with the lack of knowledge is a hard thing for us, too," Halloran said. "We'd much rather have answers and be able to proceed, but without the information available, we're sort of up against the wall ourselves."
Subject: waiting for buyout--sound familiar?
Cash evaporates while flood victims wait for government decisions
By JASON CLAYWORTH • jclayworth@dmreg.com • August 18, 2008
Flood victims are wasting money - some say millions of dollars - on mortgages and repairs because of the inability of federal and Iowa government officials to act quickly in disaster mitigation, some residents and a few elected officials say.Nancy Deason, for example, is making $462-a-month mortgage payments on a Cedar Rapids home she knows she'll never live in again. Her neighbor, Eugene Lewis, is repairing his home but says it's possible the house ultimately will be sold in an acquisition program and, along with his recent repairs, be taken to the dump.
Meanwhile, Kathy Taylor doesn't know whether she should sink an estimated $50,000 into her badly damaged home, knowing that the repairs will have been futile if she agrees to be part of a buyout.The situations differ slightly but have one thing in common: The homeowners are frustrated with the government's inability to act quickly, because it's costing them money - big money."I don't think it's fair. I think the city better make some fast decisions," said Deason, 75, who is left with roughly $300 a month from her Social Security check after she pays the mortgage on her uninhabitable home.
Taylor, whose family is now living in an apartment half the size of her home, described it as a second round of victimization."I was numb for a while," Taylor said. "You can't even get your mind around what has happened, but sometimes now I get really angry."It's a waiting game that many flood victims can't win.Government buyout programs in Iowa could take 18 months or longer to complete, and many families won't know for roughly a year whether their home qualifies for acquisition.
In the meantime, people like Deason are on the hook for continued tax and mortgage payments, even if they can't live in their homes. Others, like Lewis, are using government assistance programs to help pay for repairs to homes that may not even be standing two years from now.They are left with tough choices, such as deciding whether to make repairs, even just enough to live in their homes temporarily. If they can't afford to juggle the costs and have to wait for the government to act, some must consider whether they should abandon the homes and let banks take them in foreclosures.
Estimates of the total amount of money potentially wasted are not available and nearly impossible to calculate. Some of the costs are not paid by government programs, and it is still unknown how many homes will become part of city or county acquisition programs, said Luis Fernandez, an information officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.But housing advocates such as Pam Carmichael, head of an Iowa group known as Home Inc., say the losses are likely in the millions of dollars and are debilitating for hundreds of families.
"From everything I've gotten from the flood task force, I would say it's in the millions," said Carmichael, a member of the Rebuild Iowa Commission's Housing Task Force.Jim Davis, co-chairman of the task force, noted the absence of estimates but said the number is unquestionably significant. "I don't know for certain if it's in the millions, but I know it's a tremendous burden on families," he said.The first time banks are likely to see flood-related mortgage defaults showing up on quarterly reports is about Sept. 30, said Rod Reed, financial bureau chief for the Iowa Division of Banking.
However, there are already indications that hundreds of families face predicaments similar to Deason's.Wells Fargo; Bank of America, which includes Countrywide's home loans division; and Citibank held a news conference in Iowa last week to publicize that each has an emergency hot line for its customers who were affected by floods. A Wells Fargo representative, for example, said the company was already working with at least 140 mortgage customers in the state and had made about 800 loans on homes in the 100- and 500-year flood plains.
The companies are working to help customers delay payments. But customers ultimately are still responsible for making the payments, said Bob Brammer, a spokesman for the Iowa attorney general's office.While the companies did not place dollar amounts on their loans, Brammer said he thought Carmichael's estimate of homeowner losses in the millions "feels right.""I haven't penciled around on it, but it feels right to me, particularly if there are hundreds of homes," Brammer said.
There is little hope that buyouts will happen in less than a year, Cedar Rapids and state officials said.Cedar Rapids doesn't have the money available to offer buyouts to home-owners without the federal government's assistance, which typically pays at least 75 percent. Therefore, the city must abide by federal guidelines, said Mayor Kay Halloran.The federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program is a lengthy process, largely because of guidelines for determining whether flood-damaged homes are eligible and completion of detailed benefit and cost analyses.Most of the guidelines are in place to make sure taxpayer money is targeted at the most likely areas to be hit again by floods, said Bret Voorhees, a spokesman for the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division.
Click here to read the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program FAQ
Federal and state officials have frequently reminded people this year that their assistance is not to be viewed as an insurance policy but rather as emergency help during some of the initial periods after a disaster. Likewise, the mitigation program is not focused on making families financially whole. Its focus is preventing or lessening damages during likely future floods.
Federal and state officials continue to inspect home damage and update estimates. Preliminary estimates used by Gov. Chet Culver's staff showed more than 22,000 homes or apartments with flood damage. The estimates came from a combination of numbers from FEMA, the Small Business Administration and state damage assessments.Rep. Mary Mascher, a Democrat from Iowa City, said lawmakers will do what they can to speed assistance and answers to families.
"Right now, the way it is, if they have to put all that money back into (a home) and then they're going to demolish it anyway, that's going to be a stupid use of dollars and expensive," Mascher said.Des Moines officials last month approved nine homes as eligible for a voluntary acquisition program using money from Neighborhood Finance Corp., a nonprofit group. Without the nonprofit group's help, the process could have taken 18 months or longer with no guarantee of winning federal assistance, city officials said.
Halloran, Cedar Rapids' mayor, said until her city knows more details from federal mitigation officials, it is nearly impossible for local officials to recommend what families should do. She acknowledged that some families are probably wasting money because of the lack of immediate answers about their futures."Living with the lack of knowledge is a hard thing for us, too," Halloran said. "We'd much rather have answers and be able to proceed, but without the information available, we're sort of up against the wall ourselves."
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Voluntary Property Acquisition
Subject: buyout guidelines
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Voluntary Property Acquisition
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to State and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. Authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act and administered by FEMA, HMGP was created to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
Your community may be considering participating in an HMGP Property Acquisition Project. To avoid the hardship and loss of future damages to your property, you may want to consider participating.
We hope these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will help you better assess your options to recover from the flooding you have endured and to avoid future damages.
Who is eligible to apply?
HMGP funding is only available to eligible applicants after a Presidential disaster declaration. Eligible applicants are:
State and local governments
Tribal Nations or other tribal organizations
Certain non-profit organizations
Individual property owners may not apply directly to the program; however a community may apply on their behalf.
What is an HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
An eligible City or County voluntarily applies for, is awarded, and accepts a federal grant to purchase flood-damaged property in the City or County through a voluntary property acquisition program.
Properties that meet the voluntary acquisition requirements may be purchased by the City or County, typically at their pre-flood fair market value (FMV).
Once property is purchased by the City or County, all structures are removed, the utilities are capped, the ground is leveled, and the property is deed-restricted to green space. The land is usually allowed to return to its natural state, and it must remain green space.
Under the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible costs for a project are funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, generated through and managed by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD). The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the eligible costs are provided by non-federal sources. The State of Iowa typically funds ten percent (10%) of the non-federal share, leaving the community to fund the remaining fifteen percent (15%).
Is participation in the program voluntary?
This property acquisition program is because all participants (i.e., the Federal Government, the State Government, the Local Government and the Property Owner) must voluntarily participate in the program. The Federal Government cannot force the State Government to participate and vice versa. Likewise, the State Government cannot force the Local Government to participate. Moreover, the City or County cannot use the community's power of eminent domain to purchase property with federal funds; these property acquisitions must be strictly voluntary. At any point in the process, any party may decide not to participate in the acquisition process.
Will I be forced to sell my home if my community is granted funding for an HMGP acquisition project?
Acquisition projects funded under the HMGP are voluntary, and you are under no obligation to sell your home. Although communities may consider many mitigation options, the State and local officials may determine that property acquisition in a hazard area is the most effective mitigation action. Acquisition projects are based on the principle of fair compensation for property. Property acquisitions present owners with an opportunity to recoup a large part of their investment in property that probably has lost some, if not most of its value due to damage. But, it will not compensate you or your family for your entire emotional and financial loss.
What is required for a community to apply for a HMGP property acquisition project?
As with all FEMA mitigation programs, the voluntary property acquisition programs must be administered in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, economic status, or disability. The program must comply with Section 308 of the Stafford Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. State and local governments distributing Federal assistance must comply with Title VI, ensuring there are no discriminatory practices. The City or County must consider fairness, equity, and equal access when prioritizing and selecting properties to submit with the grant application.
For property acquisition projects, the primary consideration for communities is the mitigation of properties that are the most vulnerable to flooding. Communities will take into consideration the history of flooding for the property, the benefits (financial and otherwise) that the acquisition of the structure would produce for the community and the property owner, and the changes to the community that the project would bring into being. These and other factors are all carefully considered when a community considers applying for an HMGP property acquisition project grant.
To be eligible for HMGP funding, a City or County must be in compliance with and a participant in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program, if the community is mapped. A community also must have an approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, as outlined in 44 CFR Part 201.
Once the community has met the applicant eligibility criteria, minimum eligibility requirements apply to any proposed project. To be eligible for HMGP funding, a project must:
· Conform to the State’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
· Have a beneficial impact upon the designated disaster area, whether or not the project is located in the designated area
· Conform to 44 CFR Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, and 44 CFR Part 10, Environmental Considerations
· Independently solve or be a functional part of a solution where there is assurance that the project as a whole will be completed
· Prove to be cost-effective and a substantial reduction of future risk because it:
Ø Addresses a problem that is repetitive or poses a significant risk to health and safety
Ø Is the most practical, effective, and environmentally sound alternative among a range of alternatives considered
Ø Is or contributes to a long-term solution to a problem
Ø Considers long-term changes to the areas and entities it protects
Ø Costs less than its anticipated benefits
What types of costs are eligible for HMGP funding?
Costs related directly to the implementation and completion of an approved HMGP project generally are allowable and eligible. Examples of typically eligible costs for HMGP property acquisition projects include:
Pre-flood fair market value of the property
Demolition and debris removal costs
Legal, closing, permits and fees
Direct project management costs
Replacement housing benefits, moving allowances, and rental assistance (as defined by the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act)
What steps are involved in completing a successful HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
All HMGP Property Acquisition Projects begin with a community’s decision to participate in the HMGP program. It is important to know that the community makes this decision, determining for itself what is in its best interests. If requested by a community, State and Federal support is available to the community during the decision-making process.
Once the community has decided to participate in the HMGP program, it must prepare an HMGP application. The application is a complex document, which requires extensive documentation and technical analysis. The application requires highly detailed information and documentation, including:
Information about specific properties to be acquired
Maps, latitude and longitude coordinates, and photographs for each property
Environmental and Historic Preservation compliance information
Information about previous damages to the structures
A completed benefit-cost analysis
A Statement of Voluntary Participation signed by the property owners
A commitment by the community that the acquired land will be maintained in perpetuity as green space
The community works with the State to develop a complete application for their proposed project. The State formally submits the project application to FEMA for funding consideration and approval.
Once the project application is approved by FEMA, the local community is notified that their project has been approved for funding. Representatives from the community meet with representatives from the State to formalize an agreement for management and administration of the grant. The community accepts the grant and adopts an acquisition administrative plan.
At this point, the community is ready to begin the acquisition process, which includes:
Property title searches
Final offers to property owners
Transfer of property and closing
Recording of deed restrictions
After a community has acquired a property, all structures on the property are demolished, all utilities are capped or removed, and all debris is removed. The property is restored to its pre-development state and is allowed to return to its natural function as a floodplain. In accordance with Federal regulations, use of the acquired property is restricted to green space. However, there are some types of allowable uses for the property, including:
A public facility that is open on all sides and is functionally related to a designated open space or recreational use
A rest room
Public park
Nature reserve
Unimproved parking lots
How will the pre-flood fair market value of my property be determined?
For every property to be acquired, the community will establish and document a value based on fair market value, usually pre-flood. Typically, acquisition projects require the valuation of the property (land and structures as a whole).
The property value must be derived from a methodology that results in a reasonable determination of fair market value. The community will coordinate with the State to determine the methodology to be used, and this methodology will be applied consistently to all properties to be acquired.
There are various methodologies that a community may use to determine pre-event fair market value for properties to be acquired. When practical, communities often choose to base valuation on appraisals. Appraisals must be conducted by an appraiser in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The appraiser must comply with relevant State laws and requirements, and shall have the appropriate certification, qualifications, and competencies based on the type of property being appraised.
Communities may choose instead to use the tax assessed value of a property, and add an adjustment factor. For example, a community may choose to use 110% of the tax assessed value as the pre-flood fair market value for the property. Using an adjustment factor enables a community to determine a pre-flood fair market value for each property so that the reasonable value of the property is reflected.
Will the community be able to redevelop my property after acquiring it?
Under the Stafford Act, any land purchased with HMGP funds must be restricted in perpetuity to green space, recreational, and wetlands management uses. Most often, a local government takes responsibility, but even if a State or Federal Agency takes ownership of the land, the deed restrictions still apply.
Will every property owner who wants to participate in the HMGP program be accepted?
The community will consider and determine which properties will be included in the HMGP property acquisition application. Because HMGP funding for the property acquisition grant program is limited, States and local communities must make difficult decisions regarding the most effective use of available grant funds. There are other considerations that a community must work through before the final decision is made. Therefore, some properties may not be included.
What is a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)?
Benefits are future damages that do not occur because a project has been implemented and properties are no longer in harm’s way. Because acquisition projects permanently eliminate flood risks for purchased properties, their benefits continue far into the future. The BCA compares the present-day cost of a project to its long-term benefits. A project is cost-effective if the ratio of the project’s benefits is equal to or higher than the costs.
Technical assistance is available to communities for support with BCA questions.
What is a non-federal cost share?
All funds awarded under the HMGP are subject to the cost-share requirements established in the Stafford Act and in the FEMA-State Agreement. The percentage of the program funded by FEMA cannot exceed seventy-five percent (75%). The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) must come from other, non-federal sources. The State of Iowa typically funds ten percent (10%) of the non-federal share, leaving the community to fund the remaining fifteen percent (15%).
In general, the following are examples of eligible non-federal cost share:
· Cash
· Third-party donations
· In-kind contributions
· Private Funds
HMGP funds do not lose their federal identity upon disbursement and may not be used as match for another Federally-funded project. Likewise, funds from most other Federal agencies and programs may not be used as a match for HMGP. However, there are exceptions to this funding rule. Examples include:
Communities may use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies as a match for HMGP property acquisition projects as long as the project is eligible under both programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs funds may be used as a match for HMGP funds
How is Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage used as a non-federal cost share?
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage benefits under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be used as non-federal cost share for HMGP property acquisition projects. ICC coverage provides for the payment of a claim for the cost of a substantially damaged property to comply with a community floodplain management ordinance after a direct physical loss by flooding. ICC claims can only be used for NFIP-approved costs; these can then be applied to the HMGP non-federal cost share. For example, ICC can’t be used to pay for property acquisition but should be used to pay for demolition of acquired structures (when available).
What is Duplication of Benefits (DOB)?
HMGP funding is supplemental to other funding sources and must be reduced by amounts reasonably available (even if not sought or received) from other sources to address the same purpose or loss. Insurance payments, FEMA housing needs assistance, property-related legal claims and/or funds from any other sources that are available for the purpose of making repairs to or replacing a structure, or other compensation for the value of the real property are considered duplicated amounts. In this case, the eligible project costs are reduced by the duplicative amount. This has the effect of reducing both the Federal and non-Federal shares of the project and ensures that mitigation grant funds do not duplicate benefits available to owners and tenants from another source for the same purpose.
The State, community, and property owner must take reasonable steps to recover all such amounts. Amounts that are reasonably available to the individual or entity shall be treated as benefits available for the same purpose, even if they did not seek them. Duplications can occur at any time in such cases, and if amounts for these purposes are received subsequent to the property settlement they must be reimbursed to FEMA.
Some DOB examples include the following:
• When a property owner is offered pre-flood fair market value, duplication may occur if homeowners have insurance, loans, repair grants, or other assistance available to them to help address the damage to the structure. The duplication occurs because paying full pre-flood fair market value also compensates the owner for the loss of value that occurs due to damage. The community must make the deductions from the established pre-flood fair market value purchase offer before making a final mitigation offer to the property owner
• Duplication may occur when insurance benefits are available to the property owner under an existing policy, whether they submitted a claim or not
Deductions are not taken, however, for amounts expended on repairs or cleanup that the owner can verify with receipts. Communities may not credit property owners for the property owners’ own labor hours for repair work.
What is a Substantial Damage Determination?
A qualified local official may determine a building to be substantially damaged when
“…damage of any origin is sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.”
Making a determination of substantial damage is one of the most important responsibilities of the local floodplain administrator. The local floodplain administrator (e.g., building department official) must determine whether damage to a building equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of its pre-flood market value.
Local floodplain administrators must ensure that market values are reasonably accurate and that the cost estimate reasonably reflects the actual costs to fully repair the damage and make any other improvements to the building.
How may a property owner find out more information about participating in an HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
Please contact your local City or County government officials to express your interest in participating in an HMGP property acquisition project and obtain their instructions. Thank you!
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Voluntary Property Acquisition
Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to State and local governments to implement long-term hazard mitigation measures after a major disaster declaration. Authorized under Section 404 of the Stafford Act and administered by FEMA, HMGP was created to reduce the loss of life and property due to natural disasters. The program enables mitigation measures to be implemented during the immediate recovery from a disaster.
Your community may be considering participating in an HMGP Property Acquisition Project. To avoid the hardship and loss of future damages to your property, you may want to consider participating.
We hope these Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will help you better assess your options to recover from the flooding you have endured and to avoid future damages.
Who is eligible to apply?
HMGP funding is only available to eligible applicants after a Presidential disaster declaration. Eligible applicants are:
State and local governments
Tribal Nations or other tribal organizations
Certain non-profit organizations
Individual property owners may not apply directly to the program; however a community may apply on their behalf.
What is an HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
An eligible City or County voluntarily applies for, is awarded, and accepts a federal grant to purchase flood-damaged property in the City or County through a voluntary property acquisition program.
Properties that meet the voluntary acquisition requirements may be purchased by the City or County, typically at their pre-flood fair market value (FMV).
Once property is purchased by the City or County, all structures are removed, the utilities are capped, the ground is leveled, and the property is deed-restricted to green space. The land is usually allowed to return to its natural state, and it must remain green space.
Under the post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), seventy-five percent (75%) of eligible costs for a project are funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, generated through and managed by the Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD). The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) of the eligible costs are provided by non-federal sources. The State of Iowa typically funds ten percent (10%) of the non-federal share, leaving the community to fund the remaining fifteen percent (15%).
Is participation in the program voluntary?
This property acquisition program is because all participants (i.e., the Federal Government, the State Government, the Local Government and the Property Owner) must voluntarily participate in the program. The Federal Government cannot force the State Government to participate and vice versa. Likewise, the State Government cannot force the Local Government to participate. Moreover, the City or County cannot use the community's power of eminent domain to purchase property with federal funds; these property acquisitions must be strictly voluntary. At any point in the process, any party may decide not to participate in the acquisition process.
Will I be forced to sell my home if my community is granted funding for an HMGP acquisition project?
Acquisition projects funded under the HMGP are voluntary, and you are under no obligation to sell your home. Although communities may consider many mitigation options, the State and local officials may determine that property acquisition in a hazard area is the most effective mitigation action. Acquisition projects are based on the principle of fair compensation for property. Property acquisitions present owners with an opportunity to recoup a large part of their investment in property that probably has lost some, if not most of its value due to damage. But, it will not compensate you or your family for your entire emotional and financial loss.
What is required for a community to apply for a HMGP property acquisition project?
As with all FEMA mitigation programs, the voluntary property acquisition programs must be administered in an equitable and impartial manner, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, economic status, or disability. The program must comply with Section 308 of the Stafford Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. State and local governments distributing Federal assistance must comply with Title VI, ensuring there are no discriminatory practices. The City or County must consider fairness, equity, and equal access when prioritizing and selecting properties to submit with the grant application.
For property acquisition projects, the primary consideration for communities is the mitigation of properties that are the most vulnerable to flooding. Communities will take into consideration the history of flooding for the property, the benefits (financial and otherwise) that the acquisition of the structure would produce for the community and the property owner, and the changes to the community that the project would bring into being. These and other factors are all carefully considered when a community considers applying for an HMGP property acquisition project grant.
To be eligible for HMGP funding, a City or County must be in compliance with and a participant in good standing with the National Flood Insurance Program, if the community is mapped. A community also must have an approved Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, as outlined in 44 CFR Part 201.
Once the community has met the applicant eligibility criteria, minimum eligibility requirements apply to any proposed project. To be eligible for HMGP funding, a project must:
· Conform to the State’s Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
· Have a beneficial impact upon the designated disaster area, whether or not the project is located in the designated area
· Conform to 44 CFR Part 9, Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands, and 44 CFR Part 10, Environmental Considerations
· Independently solve or be a functional part of a solution where there is assurance that the project as a whole will be completed
· Prove to be cost-effective and a substantial reduction of future risk because it:
Ø Addresses a problem that is repetitive or poses a significant risk to health and safety
Ø Is the most practical, effective, and environmentally sound alternative among a range of alternatives considered
Ø Is or contributes to a long-term solution to a problem
Ø Considers long-term changes to the areas and entities it protects
Ø Costs less than its anticipated benefits
What types of costs are eligible for HMGP funding?
Costs related directly to the implementation and completion of an approved HMGP project generally are allowable and eligible. Examples of typically eligible costs for HMGP property acquisition projects include:
Pre-flood fair market value of the property
Demolition and debris removal costs
Legal, closing, permits and fees
Direct project management costs
Replacement housing benefits, moving allowances, and rental assistance (as defined by the Uniform Relocation Assistance Act)
What steps are involved in completing a successful HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
All HMGP Property Acquisition Projects begin with a community’s decision to participate in the HMGP program. It is important to know that the community makes this decision, determining for itself what is in its best interests. If requested by a community, State and Federal support is available to the community during the decision-making process.
Once the community has decided to participate in the HMGP program, it must prepare an HMGP application. The application is a complex document, which requires extensive documentation and technical analysis. The application requires highly detailed information and documentation, including:
Information about specific properties to be acquired
Maps, latitude and longitude coordinates, and photographs for each property
Environmental and Historic Preservation compliance information
Information about previous damages to the structures
A completed benefit-cost analysis
A Statement of Voluntary Participation signed by the property owners
A commitment by the community that the acquired land will be maintained in perpetuity as green space
The community works with the State to develop a complete application for their proposed project. The State formally submits the project application to FEMA for funding consideration and approval.
Once the project application is approved by FEMA, the local community is notified that their project has been approved for funding. Representatives from the community meet with representatives from the State to formalize an agreement for management and administration of the grant. The community accepts the grant and adopts an acquisition administrative plan.
At this point, the community is ready to begin the acquisition process, which includes:
Property title searches
Final offers to property owners
Transfer of property and closing
Recording of deed restrictions
After a community has acquired a property, all structures on the property are demolished, all utilities are capped or removed, and all debris is removed. The property is restored to its pre-development state and is allowed to return to its natural function as a floodplain. In accordance with Federal regulations, use of the acquired property is restricted to green space. However, there are some types of allowable uses for the property, including:
A public facility that is open on all sides and is functionally related to a designated open space or recreational use
A rest room
Public park
Nature reserve
Unimproved parking lots
How will the pre-flood fair market value of my property be determined?
For every property to be acquired, the community will establish and document a value based on fair market value, usually pre-flood. Typically, acquisition projects require the valuation of the property (land and structures as a whole).
The property value must be derived from a methodology that results in a reasonable determination of fair market value. The community will coordinate with the State to determine the methodology to be used, and this methodology will be applied consistently to all properties to be acquired.
There are various methodologies that a community may use to determine pre-event fair market value for properties to be acquired. When practical, communities often choose to base valuation on appraisals. Appraisals must be conducted by an appraiser in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). The appraiser must comply with relevant State laws and requirements, and shall have the appropriate certification, qualifications, and competencies based on the type of property being appraised.
Communities may choose instead to use the tax assessed value of a property, and add an adjustment factor. For example, a community may choose to use 110% of the tax assessed value as the pre-flood fair market value for the property. Using an adjustment factor enables a community to determine a pre-flood fair market value for each property so that the reasonable value of the property is reflected.
Will the community be able to redevelop my property after acquiring it?
Under the Stafford Act, any land purchased with HMGP funds must be restricted in perpetuity to green space, recreational, and wetlands management uses. Most often, a local government takes responsibility, but even if a State or Federal Agency takes ownership of the land, the deed restrictions still apply.
Will every property owner who wants to participate in the HMGP program be accepted?
The community will consider and determine which properties will be included in the HMGP property acquisition application. Because HMGP funding for the property acquisition grant program is limited, States and local communities must make difficult decisions regarding the most effective use of available grant funds. There are other considerations that a community must work through before the final decision is made. Therefore, some properties may not be included.
What is a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA)?
Benefits are future damages that do not occur because a project has been implemented and properties are no longer in harm’s way. Because acquisition projects permanently eliminate flood risks for purchased properties, their benefits continue far into the future. The BCA compares the present-day cost of a project to its long-term benefits. A project is cost-effective if the ratio of the project’s benefits is equal to or higher than the costs.
Technical assistance is available to communities for support with BCA questions.
What is a non-federal cost share?
All funds awarded under the HMGP are subject to the cost-share requirements established in the Stafford Act and in the FEMA-State Agreement. The percentage of the program funded by FEMA cannot exceed seventy-five percent (75%). The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) must come from other, non-federal sources. The State of Iowa typically funds ten percent (10%) of the non-federal share, leaving the community to fund the remaining fifteen percent (15%).
In general, the following are examples of eligible non-federal cost share:
· Cash
· Third-party donations
· In-kind contributions
· Private Funds
HMGP funds do not lose their federal identity upon disbursement and may not be used as match for another Federally-funded project. Likewise, funds from most other Federal agencies and programs may not be used as a match for HMGP. However, there are exceptions to this funding rule. Examples include:
Communities may use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies as a match for HMGP property acquisition projects as long as the project is eligible under both programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs funds may be used as a match for HMGP funds
How is Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage used as a non-federal cost share?
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage benefits under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be used as non-federal cost share for HMGP property acquisition projects. ICC coverage provides for the payment of a claim for the cost of a substantially damaged property to comply with a community floodplain management ordinance after a direct physical loss by flooding. ICC claims can only be used for NFIP-approved costs; these can then be applied to the HMGP non-federal cost share. For example, ICC can’t be used to pay for property acquisition but should be used to pay for demolition of acquired structures (when available).
What is Duplication of Benefits (DOB)?
HMGP funding is supplemental to other funding sources and must be reduced by amounts reasonably available (even if not sought or received) from other sources to address the same purpose or loss. Insurance payments, FEMA housing needs assistance, property-related legal claims and/or funds from any other sources that are available for the purpose of making repairs to or replacing a structure, or other compensation for the value of the real property are considered duplicated amounts. In this case, the eligible project costs are reduced by the duplicative amount. This has the effect of reducing both the Federal and non-Federal shares of the project and ensures that mitigation grant funds do not duplicate benefits available to owners and tenants from another source for the same purpose.
The State, community, and property owner must take reasonable steps to recover all such amounts. Amounts that are reasonably available to the individual or entity shall be treated as benefits available for the same purpose, even if they did not seek them. Duplications can occur at any time in such cases, and if amounts for these purposes are received subsequent to the property settlement they must be reimbursed to FEMA.
Some DOB examples include the following:
• When a property owner is offered pre-flood fair market value, duplication may occur if homeowners have insurance, loans, repair grants, or other assistance available to them to help address the damage to the structure. The duplication occurs because paying full pre-flood fair market value also compensates the owner for the loss of value that occurs due to damage. The community must make the deductions from the established pre-flood fair market value purchase offer before making a final mitigation offer to the property owner
• Duplication may occur when insurance benefits are available to the property owner under an existing policy, whether they submitted a claim or not
Deductions are not taken, however, for amounts expended on repairs or cleanup that the owner can verify with receipts. Communities may not credit property owners for the property owners’ own labor hours for repair work.
What is a Substantial Damage Determination?
A qualified local official may determine a building to be substantially damaged when
“…damage of any origin is sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.”
Making a determination of substantial damage is one of the most important responsibilities of the local floodplain administrator. The local floodplain administrator (e.g., building department official) must determine whether damage to a building equals or exceeds fifty percent (50%) of its pre-flood market value.
Local floodplain administrators must ensure that market values are reasonably accurate and that the cost estimate reasonably reflects the actual costs to fully repair the damage and make any other improvements to the building.
How may a property owner find out more information about participating in an HMGP Property Acquisition Project?
Please contact your local City or County government officials to express your interest in participating in an HMGP property acquisition project and obtain their instructions. Thank you!
Pre-Flood Appraisals Deadline Extended
From: DaveBiancuzzo@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Subject: Fwd: Pre-flood Appraisals
Bob and all,
I had sent this e-mail regarding pre-flood appraisals, ans asked if it could be posted to the website. It seems as though it might have gotten lost in transit somehow, as MRS said they had very few requests, and someone else asked me for the information this weekend.
Because of the miscommunication, MRS will add another week to the deadline, given the apparant miscommunication, making the new deadline Friday, 8/22.
I am copying everybody on this, in case I am ending up in Bob's spam filter. Sorry for the miscommunication, and I hope some people find this helpful.
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals70 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
__________________
As requested at one of our previous meetings, I have contacted a local appraisal firm, MRS appraisals, to set up a possible group discount for PVT residents for pre-flood appraisals. MRS has agreed to a discouted rate of $275 per report for pre-flood valuations. If people are concerned that the City's formula for valuation (assessed value, plus 12%) undervalues their property for the purposes of determining "substantial damage" or for a potential buyout, then the appraisal will be the only and best way to make your case.In a few of the samples I looked at, there were some seriously undervalued homes. I am also concerned that the sample used to determine the 12% "bump" in values was both too small and not representative of the entire neighborhood. Those on the odd numbered side of Normandy should be especially concerned, since there appear to be either zero or only one property with river or park frontage (typically more desirable) included in the sample. At the same time, there were at least 2 sales of properties which were sold under assessed values that required extensive remodeling, which would have dragged the adjustment factor downward, affecting everybody.What I have done is asked MRS for a letter, outlining their instructions for ordering the reports, and listing the information they will need from each homeowner. That letter is copied and paste below. Any questions should be directed to MRS, rather than to me, please.If you would please post this, that would be great. I should have something from an engineering firm on the elevation certificates, as well. I hope that people find this useful.Thanks,
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals44 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
_________________________
Dear Property Owners,
We have been contacted by members of your association in regards to providing appraisal services on properties that have been damaged by the recent flooding event in Iowa City.
We are a well established appraisal firm doing work in Iowa City, Johnson County as well as surrounding communities typically within a 60 mile radius. We have references as well as good client relationships with numerous lenders in town. We only value real estate the site and improvements, not personal property.
When you contact us please reference your neighborhood and the report is due to flood damage. We would require your name, property address, phone numbers and the best time to contact you.
MRS Appraisals LLC
465 Highway #1 West Suite 200
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
319-358-7827 phone
319-358-7829 fax
mrs@mrsappraisals.com
If a request for an appraisal is ordered by August 15th we have agreed to do flood damaged properties at the cost of $275 per property. If your property is valued over $400,000 or it is a unique property in design an additional charge may be applicable and this would be determined at the time of inspection. The value reported in the appraisal will be retrospective and reflect market value prior to the flood event.
If appraisals are required showing current damaged value or hypothetical prospective values different information and a new report or different style report may be needed. This value can be more difficult to establish, as the affect on the local area caused by the flood event has not yet been determined. It could take months or years to establish the true affect on market value. Detailed bids or estimates of cost to repair damage to the property will be necessary to complete this type of report. The fee for this assignment will be determined at the time of meeting with the property owner.
Payment for the appraisal is expected at the time of inspection or meeting with owner. We do not take credit or debit cards.
After August 15th properties will be assigned to various appraisers in our office and owners will be contacted individually. Assignments will be completed as quickly as possible but please keep in mind we are not sure how many orders we will be receiving from your area. Assignments will be done in order by date of request. We are also working in an active sales market and there are other deadlines that we must meet while working on your specific appraisal.
We do rely on public assessor records and historical MLS data. The assessor does not always have the most current information on your property. As properties all have individual characteristics or varied levels of finish and quality any information you can provide would be helpful. Pictures both interior and exterior are great. Also any records for recent changes or remodeling can be helpful. Past appraisal reports can also be useful for reporting house features. This information would be necessary at the time of inspection or meeting with owner.
If you have purchased or refinanced recently and an appraisal was generated you may wish to contact your lender or the appraiser that did the previous report. The former appraiser may be more familiar with your property and could generate a new report quicker. The former report may well meet your current needs and a new report may not be necessary. These reports are time sensitive and proper officials should be contacted as to how old an appraisal can be to still be suitable for your current needs.
Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance in your appraisal needs.
Sincerely
MRS Appraisals
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 12:40 PM
Subject: Fwd: Pre-flood Appraisals
Bob and all,
I had sent this e-mail regarding pre-flood appraisals, ans asked if it could be posted to the website. It seems as though it might have gotten lost in transit somehow, as MRS said they had very few requests, and someone else asked me for the information this weekend.
Because of the miscommunication, MRS will add another week to the deadline, given the apparant miscommunication, making the new deadline Friday, 8/22.
I am copying everybody on this, in case I am ending up in Bob's spam filter. Sorry for the miscommunication, and I hope some people find this helpful.
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals70 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
__________________
As requested at one of our previous meetings, I have contacted a local appraisal firm, MRS appraisals, to set up a possible group discount for PVT residents for pre-flood appraisals. MRS has agreed to a discouted rate of $275 per report for pre-flood valuations. If people are concerned that the City's formula for valuation (assessed value, plus 12%) undervalues their property for the purposes of determining "substantial damage" or for a potential buyout, then the appraisal will be the only and best way to make your case.In a few of the samples I looked at, there were some seriously undervalued homes. I am also concerned that the sample used to determine the 12% "bump" in values was both too small and not representative of the entire neighborhood. Those on the odd numbered side of Normandy should be especially concerned, since there appear to be either zero or only one property with river or park frontage (typically more desirable) included in the sample. At the same time, there were at least 2 sales of properties which were sold under assessed values that required extensive remodeling, which would have dragged the adjustment factor downward, affecting everybody.What I have done is asked MRS for a letter, outlining their instructions for ordering the reports, and listing the information they will need from each homeowner. That letter is copied and paste below. Any questions should be directed to MRS, rather than to me, please.If you would please post this, that would be great. I should have something from an engineering firm on the elevation certificates, as well. I hope that people find this useful.Thanks,
Dave BiancuzzoColdwell Banker Real Estate Professionals44 Sturgis Corner DriveIowa City, IA 52246319-887-7239 direct319-631-4232 mobile319-351-6889 faxdavebiancuzzo@aol.com(Licensed in Iowa)
_________________________
Dear Property Owners,
We have been contacted by members of your association in regards to providing appraisal services on properties that have been damaged by the recent flooding event in Iowa City.
We are a well established appraisal firm doing work in Iowa City, Johnson County as well as surrounding communities typically within a 60 mile radius. We have references as well as good client relationships with numerous lenders in town. We only value real estate the site and improvements, not personal property.
When you contact us please reference your neighborhood and the report is due to flood damage. We would require your name, property address, phone numbers and the best time to contact you.
MRS Appraisals LLC
465 Highway #1 West Suite 200
Iowa City, Iowa 52246
319-358-7827 phone
319-358-7829 fax
mrs@mrsappraisals.com
If a request for an appraisal is ordered by August 15th we have agreed to do flood damaged properties at the cost of $275 per property. If your property is valued over $400,000 or it is a unique property in design an additional charge may be applicable and this would be determined at the time of inspection. The value reported in the appraisal will be retrospective and reflect market value prior to the flood event.
If appraisals are required showing current damaged value or hypothetical prospective values different information and a new report or different style report may be needed. This value can be more difficult to establish, as the affect on the local area caused by the flood event has not yet been determined. It could take months or years to establish the true affect on market value. Detailed bids or estimates of cost to repair damage to the property will be necessary to complete this type of report. The fee for this assignment will be determined at the time of meeting with the property owner.
Payment for the appraisal is expected at the time of inspection or meeting with owner. We do not take credit or debit cards.
After August 15th properties will be assigned to various appraisers in our office and owners will be contacted individually. Assignments will be completed as quickly as possible but please keep in mind we are not sure how many orders we will be receiving from your area. Assignments will be done in order by date of request. We are also working in an active sales market and there are other deadlines that we must meet while working on your specific appraisal.
We do rely on public assessor records and historical MLS data. The assessor does not always have the most current information on your property. As properties all have individual characteristics or varied levels of finish and quality any information you can provide would be helpful. Pictures both interior and exterior are great. Also any records for recent changes or remodeling can be helpful. Past appraisal reports can also be useful for reporting house features. This information would be necessary at the time of inspection or meeting with owner.
If you have purchased or refinanced recently and an appraisal was generated you may wish to contact your lender or the appraiser that did the previous report. The former appraiser may be more familiar with your property and could generate a new report quicker. The former report may well meet your current needs and a new report may not be necessary. These reports are time sensitive and proper officials should be contacted as to how old an appraisal can be to still be suitable for your current needs.
Please feel free to contact us if we can be of assistance in your appraisal needs.
Sincerely
MRS Appraisals
Lawn Reseeding in PVT
From: Joshua Rodefer
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 11:07 AM
Subject: Habitat for Humanity reseeding lawns in PVT neighborhood on Tues & Wed 8/19-20
Hi All, The Habitat for Humanity folks will be in our neighborhood on next Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 19-20) with the goal of rehabilitating front lawns. They have initially lined up houses that they helped gut earlier, but they are also interested to work on other yards in the neighborhood. This won’t be anything fancy, but they may involve cleaning up left over (big) pieces of debris, raking or rototill (as needed) and then re-seed the bare or damaged (from sandbags, bobcats, etc) areas of the front lawns. If you are interested, you’ll need to sign a release/permission form before they can work on your property. Christy Shipley (H.f.H. construction manager) will be coordinating activities and working out of our driveway (861 Normandy Drive) as her home base on next Tues & Wed. Thus, you can likely find Christy in/near our driveway beginning at 8:00 am next Tuesday. They will have student volunteers from the medical & law schools but I’m sure if others want to chip in with help, that would be appreciated too. Best, -Josh R. 861 Normandy Dr
Sent: Saturday, August 16, 2008 11:07 AM
Subject: Habitat for Humanity reseeding lawns in PVT neighborhood on Tues & Wed 8/19-20
Hi All, The Habitat for Humanity folks will be in our neighborhood on next Tuesday and Wednesday (Aug 19-20) with the goal of rehabilitating front lawns. They have initially lined up houses that they helped gut earlier, but they are also interested to work on other yards in the neighborhood. This won’t be anything fancy, but they may involve cleaning up left over (big) pieces of debris, raking or rototill (as needed) and then re-seed the bare or damaged (from sandbags, bobcats, etc) areas of the front lawns. If you are interested, you’ll need to sign a release/permission form before they can work on your property. Christy Shipley (H.f.H. construction manager) will be coordinating activities and working out of our driveway (861 Normandy Drive) as her home base on next Tues & Wed. Thus, you can likely find Christy in/near our driveway beginning at 8:00 am next Tuesday. They will have student volunteers from the medical & law schools but I’m sure if others want to chip in with help, that would be appreciated too. Best, -Josh R. 861 Normandy Dr
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Coralville charges ahead with Buyouts - Iowa City has no answers
Coralville charges ahead with Buyouts with creative financing while Iowa City still does not have answers for over 200 displaced families other than not to expect a buyout.
Coralville council expected to vote for buyouts
I.C. to seek buyouts for all flooded homes
Coralville charges ahead with future plans to develop along the Iowa River which continues to endanger Parkview Terrace and other Iowa City properties along the Iowa River. Meanwhile, Iowa City has no answers as to how to protect it residents from future flooding.
Coralville council expected to vote for buyouts
I.C. to seek buyouts for all flooded homes
Coralville charges ahead with future plans to develop along the Iowa River which continues to endanger Parkview Terrace and other Iowa City properties along the Iowa River. Meanwhile, Iowa City has no answers as to how to protect it residents from future flooding.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Disappointing Council Meeting tonight
The Council Meeting was somewhat disappointing.
The Council members debated whether to include all the properties citing this may send the wrong signal to homeowners affected by the flood indicating any buyout chances are slim.
Also, the council discussed redeveloping the property if it was bought out.
Steve Mcquire commented the City may be losing sight on what the real point is - to return this subdivision back to a flood plain to prevent future flood catastrophies and not necessary use the buyout as rescue homeowners with financial issues or for future development.
Meanwhile Coralville charges ahead with buyouts and plans to build levees - http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080802/NEWS01/808020316 while Iowa City continues to have no response as to how to protect the residents of Parkview Terrace, Idywild and Taft Speedway from future flood issues or letting the neighborhood be bought up by developers at a discount.
The Council members debated whether to include all the properties citing this may send the wrong signal to homeowners affected by the flood indicating any buyout chances are slim.
Also, the council discussed redeveloping the property if it was bought out.
Steve Mcquire commented the City may be losing sight on what the real point is - to return this subdivision back to a flood plain to prevent future flood catastrophies and not necessary use the buyout as rescue homeowners with financial issues or for future development.
Meanwhile Coralville charges ahead with buyouts and plans to build levees - http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080802/NEWS01/808020316 while Iowa City continues to have no response as to how to protect the residents of Parkview Terrace, Idywild and Taft Speedway from future flood issues or letting the neighborhood be bought up by developers at a discount.
Cat Found - Granada Court
The cat may have found it's home! I'll keep you posted!
IS THIS YOUR CAT?
insert cat picture here
This long-haired, golden-gray cat is visiting our new neighbor on Granada Court. It shows signs of being cared for in the past, but is now looking for food and shelter. Before it can be "rescued" (which includes neutering or spaying) it seems prudent to check with neighbors who might own the lost cat. Please call Lori at 512-5065 if you know where this cat belongs.
Thanks.
I may have pictures of the cat posted at a later date - please check back!
IS THIS YOUR CAT?
insert cat picture here
This long-haired, golden-gray cat is visiting our new neighbor on Granada Court. It shows signs of being cared for in the past, but is now looking for food and shelter. Before it can be "rescued" (which includes neutering or spaying) it seems prudent to check with neighbors who might own the lost cat. Please call Lori at 512-5065 if you know where this cat belongs.
Thanks.
I may have pictures of the cat posted at a later date - please check back!
Project Recovery Iowa - Counseling available
PROJECT RECOVERY IOWA
Iowa Concern Hotline
(800) 447-1985
24-hour confidential assistance
What is Project Recovery Iowa?
Project Recovery Iowa is a collaborative program administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services designed to empower those affected by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching them coping skills, assessing them for individual needs, and linking them to appropriate community resources. After crisis counseling services have been provided, individuals may be referred to an appropriate provider for ongoing care, if needed.
What is Crisis Counseling?
Crisis counseling is a strengths-based, outreach-oriented approach to helping disaster survivors access and identify personal and community resources that will aid the recovery process.
It consists primarily of supportive, educational, face-to-face interventions with individuals and communities in their natural environments.
Who Do I Contact?
The Iowa State University Iowa Concern Hotline will take initial calls from any individual statewide seeking information or counseling assistance. Iowa Concern Hotline will direct calls to the appropriate crisis counseling provider serving the county. All calls are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist wherever possible.
Information Forwarding from Carol Sweeting and
Dave C Wilson
County Coordinator
Johnson County, IA.
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Office: 319.356-6028
Cell: 319.431.3724
dwilson@co.johnson.ia.us
http://www.johnson-county.com/emergencymgmt
Iowa Concern Hotline
(800) 447-1985
24-hour confidential assistance
What is Project Recovery Iowa?
Project Recovery Iowa is a collaborative program administered by the Iowa Department of Human Services designed to empower those affected by disaster through educating them about disaster reactions, teaching them coping skills, assessing them for individual needs, and linking them to appropriate community resources. After crisis counseling services have been provided, individuals may be referred to an appropriate provider for ongoing care, if needed.
What is Crisis Counseling?
Crisis counseling is a strengths-based, outreach-oriented approach to helping disaster survivors access and identify personal and community resources that will aid the recovery process.
It consists primarily of supportive, educational, face-to-face interventions with individuals and communities in their natural environments.
Who Do I Contact?
The Iowa State University Iowa Concern Hotline will take initial calls from any individual statewide seeking information or counseling assistance. Iowa Concern Hotline will direct calls to the appropriate crisis counseling provider serving the county. All calls are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist wherever possible.
Information Forwarding from Carol Sweeting and
Dave C Wilson
County Coordinator
Johnson County, IA.
Homeland Security & Emergency Management
Office: 319.356-6028
Cell: 319.431.3724
dwilson@co.johnson.ia.us
http://www.johnson-county.com/emergencymgmt
Thursday, August 7, 2008
City Council Meeting 8/11 Agenda and Info
From: Anthony, Jerry
To: Neighborhood Email List
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:02 PM
Subject: City Council meetings on Monday August 11
Folks:
City Council will hold two meetings on Monday August 11. An informal meeting starting at 5:30pm and a formal one starting at 7:00pm. Item #3 on the informal meeting agenda is "Buy-out and Notice of Interest". During the formal meeting there will, most likely, be a council vote on the notice of interest letter.
Please plan to be at the meetings, especially the formal meeting that begins at 7:00pm.
An agenda will be posted at the pvtfloodresponse.blogspot site soon.
Finally, if you have responded to the city buy-out survey -- THANK YOU very much! If you have not responded to the survey, please do so ASAP. If you know of a neighbor who has yet to respond, please encourage them to respond ASAP as well. We are just 12 responses short of 100% participation in this survey. All of us were mailed a copy of the survey form by U.S. mail; one can also find the form at our neighborhood's website and the city's website at http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1889. Or call Steve Long (IC Planning department) at 356-5250 to complete the survey via phone.
Thank you very much.
-- Jerry Anthony
713 Eastmoor Drive
Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Iowa
Chair, Iowa City's Housing & Community Development Commission
____________________________________________-
City Council Meeting Schedule and Work Session Agendas August 7, 2008 www.icgov.org
♦ MONDAY, AUGUST 11 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Special Work Session
▪ Council Appointments
▪ Outdoor Service Areas Near Residential Zones (Blackstone) [IP2]
▪ Recommendations from Task Force on Violence Against Women [IP3]
▪ Flood Mitigation Buyouts – Notice of Interest (NOI)
▪ Potential Sale of City Property
▪ Agenda Items
▪ Information Packet Discussion
▪ Council Time
▪ Schedule of Pending Discussion Items [IP4]
▪ Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations
▪ Discussion of Meeting Schedule
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
Continue Work Session if necessary
____________________________________________________________________________________
To: Neighborhood Email List
Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2008 5:02 PM
Subject: City Council meetings on Monday August 11
Folks:
City Council will hold two meetings on Monday August 11. An informal meeting starting at 5:30pm and a formal one starting at 7:00pm. Item #3 on the informal meeting agenda is "Buy-out and Notice of Interest". During the formal meeting there will, most likely, be a council vote on the notice of interest letter.
Please plan to be at the meetings, especially the formal meeting that begins at 7:00pm.
An agenda will be posted at the pvtfloodresponse.blogspot site soon.
Finally, if you have responded to the city buy-out survey -- THANK YOU very much! If you have not responded to the survey, please do so ASAP. If you know of a neighbor who has yet to respond, please encourage them to respond ASAP as well. We are just 12 responses short of 100% participation in this survey. All of us were mailed a copy of the survey form by U.S. mail; one can also find the form at our neighborhood's website and the city's website at http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1889. Or call Steve Long (IC Planning department) at 356-5250 to complete the survey via phone.
Thank you very much.
-- Jerry Anthony
713 Eastmoor Drive
Associate Professor, Urban & Regional Planning, University of Iowa
Chair, Iowa City's Housing & Community Development Commission
____________________________________________-
City Council Meeting Schedule and Work Session Agendas August 7, 2008 www.icgov.org
♦ MONDAY, AUGUST 11 Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30p Special Work Session
▪ Council Appointments
▪ Outdoor Service Areas Near Residential Zones (Blackstone) [IP2]
▪ Recommendations from Task Force on Violence Against Women [IP3]
▪ Flood Mitigation Buyouts – Notice of Interest (NOI)
▪ Potential Sale of City Property
▪ Agenda Items
▪ Information Packet Discussion
▪ Council Time
▪ Schedule of Pending Discussion Items [IP4]
▪ Upcoming Community Events/Council Invitations
▪ Discussion of Meeting Schedule
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
Continue Work Session if necessary
____________________________________________________________________________________
Yard Work/Cleaning - Episcopal Church Volunteers
Yard Work/Cleaning - Episcopal Church Volunteers
Katharine Nicholson is coordinating volunteers from other states throughout the summer and fall to help with unskilled labor.
They can gut, mow, weed, trim, clean, paint...
Katharine Nicholson 319-339-4604 cell: 319-331-3874
or email her at: User ID Katharn found at Xwires.net
(please put Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor in the subject so she doesn't mistake it for spam)
Katharine Nicholson is coordinating volunteers from other states throughout the summer and fall to help with unskilled labor.
They can gut, mow, weed, trim, clean, paint...
Katharine Nicholson 319-339-4604 cell: 319-331-3874
or email her at: User ID Katharn found at Xwires.net
(please put Normandy, Eastmoor, Manor in the subject so she doesn't mistake it for spam)
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
City Council Meeting Monday 8/11
From: McGuire, SteveSent: Tuesday, August 05, 2008 8:31 PM
Subject: Monday August 11, City Council meeting: an important one
Hi All, The Monday, August 11 City Council meeting will be one we should all try to attend.
The agenda will be available this Thursday.
This meeting will be one in which decisions on how to proceed with buyouts and mitigation will be made. At 5:30pm there will be a Special Work Session.
The Special Formal Council Meeting will follow at 7:00pm.
I you are able to attend only one meeting, the 7:00 one will be the most important. Best, Steve
Subject: Monday August 11, City Council meeting: an important one
Hi All, The Monday, August 11 City Council meeting will be one we should all try to attend.
The agenda will be available this Thursday.
This meeting will be one in which decisions on how to proceed with buyouts and mitigation will be made. At 5:30pm there will be a Special Work Session.
The Special Formal Council Meeting will follow at 7:00pm.
I you are able to attend only one meeting, the 7:00 one will be the most important. Best, Steve
Monday, August 4, 2008
Please Complete the Buyout Survey ASAP
Please complete the buyout survey provided by the city as soon as possible. 59 residents have not responded and the city would like all response back by 8/7 for upcoming meetings.
You can fill out the survey online using this link: http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1889
You were also mailed a survey which you can complete and return in the self address, stamped envelope that was provided.
Please complete the survey to show your interest in our neighborhood.
Additional Info:
Subject: Buyout clarification
All,After speaking with another resident, I thought it would be worth mentioning that responding "yes" to the city's survey does not commit you to the buyout. It only shows you are interested.Once the City and FEMA have selected homes based on their mitigation plan, and your home is one of the properties they wish to purchase, then you will be approached to see if you are still interested in buyout.According to FEMA's literature on HMGP buyouts, the owner agrees to sell to the City once they are ready to move. You can live in your house for as long as you like, even years. You agree to sell to the City once you are ready to move at fair market value. Basically, you are guaranteed a buyer for your home. Lore
You can fill out the survey online using this link: http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=1889
You were also mailed a survey which you can complete and return in the self address, stamped envelope that was provided.
Please complete the survey to show your interest in our neighborhood.
Additional Info:
Subject: Buyout clarification
All,After speaking with another resident, I thought it would be worth mentioning that responding "yes" to the city's survey does not commit you to the buyout. It only shows you are interested.Once the City and FEMA have selected homes based on their mitigation plan, and your home is one of the properties they wish to purchase, then you will be approached to see if you are still interested in buyout.According to FEMA's literature on HMGP buyouts, the owner agrees to sell to the City once they are ready to move. You can live in your house for as long as you like, even years. You agree to sell to the City once you are ready to move at fair market value. Basically, you are guaranteed a buyer for your home. Lore
City agrees to work with other entities to prevent future flooding in Parkview Terrace
City agrees to work with Coralville and U of Iowa to prevent future flooding in Parkview Terrace.
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS01/808040310/1079
http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080804/NEWS01/808040310/1079
Police increase patrols in Parkview Terrace
Police have increased patrols in Parkview Terrace to prevent theft and burglaries.
Friday, August 1, 2008
TownHall Meeting On Demand
TownHall - On Demand
Click on this link: City Channel Link
Then click on "You can access our City Council Meeting archives here"
Then scroll to the bottom and click on TownHall Meeting
Then click on Full Program or Select the portion you wish to watch.
Click on this link: City Channel Link
Then click on "You can access our City Council Meeting archives here"
Then scroll to the bottom and click on TownHall Meeting
Then click on Full Program or Select the portion you wish to watch.
PVT Meeting 8/4 - 6:30 - 8:00pm at ICPL
----- Original Message -----
From: Steve Mcguire
To: PVT
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 3:31 PM
Subject: Meeting: Hydrology and Flood Theory 101 , August 4
Hi Everyone,
I apologize for the short notice. Frank Weirich, Professor of Geomorphology & Hydrogeology, will give a presentation on flood theory and hydrology. Frank has had a busy schedule and I am glad we were able to find a date. We are working with the schedule of a second hydrologist, who may join the presentation as well.
The meeting will be 6:30 -8:30 meeting Room A, ICPL.Following is the agenda.
Hydrology and Flood Theory 101, Frank Weirich
Discussion and sharing ideas about how to rehabilitate a home post-flood (John Ozeroff)
Update on "the buyout process" post town hall meeting and
Park View Terrace Neighborhood Association (Jerry Anthony and Steve McGuire)
Please share this with others.Best, Steve
From: Steve Mcguire
To: PVT
Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2008 3:31 PM
Subject: Meeting: Hydrology and Flood Theory 101 , August 4
Hi Everyone,
I apologize for the short notice. Frank Weirich, Professor of Geomorphology & Hydrogeology, will give a presentation on flood theory and hydrology. Frank has had a busy schedule and I am glad we were able to find a date. We are working with the schedule of a second hydrologist, who may join the presentation as well.
The meeting will be 6:30 -8:30 meeting Room A, ICPL.Following is the agenda.
Hydrology and Flood Theory 101, Frank Weirich
Discussion and sharing ideas about how to rehabilitate a home post-flood (John Ozeroff)
Update on "the buyout process" post town hall meeting and
Park View Terrace Neighborhood Association (Jerry Anthony and Steve McGuire)
Please share this with others.Best, Steve
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