MINUTES OF THE INFORMAL MEETING OF THE JOHNSON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:
OCTOBER 19, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Summary of the Process to Receive Public Input On the Sutliff Bridge................................ 1
Discussion from the Public................................................................................................... 2
Chairperson Neuzil called the Johnson County Board of Supervisors to order in the Johnson County Health and Human Services Building at 6:01 p.m. Members present were: Pat Harney, Terrence Neuzil, Sally Stutsman, and Rod Sullivan.
Neuzil said the public will first have an opportunity to mingle in the lobby for approximately 15 to 20 minutes to review the exhibits about the potential options for the future of the Sutliff Bridge. When the meeting reconvenes, residents will have the opportunity to speak to the Board. Stutsman asked if they can reconvene at 6:30 p.m. Neuzil agreed. He said they want the discussion at 6:30 p.m. to be orderly, and it will involve some rules. Neuzil said it would make sense to hear from the spokesperson from the Sutliff Bridge Authority rather than hearing from numerous people stating the same position. If they start to hear repetitious opinions, they may invite some new thoughts.
Neuzil said the County is still soliciting all kinds of information via email and phone calls. He said Executive Assistant Andy Johnson has also been working on a survey with the Information Technology Department. Johnson said he did make copies of the surveys which are located in the lobby. He said there is a box by the elevator to return the completed surveys. The same survey will soon be available on the Johnson County website.
Neuzil said the Board appreciates the public's attendance at the meeting. The Supervisors will be milling around the exhibits in the lobby and visiting with the public. They will reconvene at 6:30 p.m. in Conference Room 203C to hear comments from the public. Johnson asked Neuzil if he wanted to introduce the Sutliff Bridge Committee members present tonight. Neuzil said the Board of Supervisors assigned himself along with Former Supervisor Larry Meyers, Conservation Director Harry Graves, County Engineer Greg Parker, Planning and Zoning Administrator Rick Dvorak, and Johnson to the Committee. Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HLSEM) State Hazard Mitigation Officer Dennis Harper has been instrumental in providing information regarding the funding process and is also present at this meeting. Neuzil suggested that individuals read through the available booklet and look at each of the three options presented in the lobby.
Recessed at 6:06 p.m.; reconvened at 6:31 p.m.
Neuzil said this process involves an opportunity for the Board of Supervisors to hear from residents regarding the Sutliff Bridge issue. The Supervisors have also been taking a lot of phone calls and receiving a lot of emails, and Neuzil said they continue to encourage those. As he previously mentioned, there is also a survey that can be completed at this meeting or online at the County’s website at www.Johnson-County.com. Neuzil said he thinks that public input on this issue is beneficial and would like to see a large amount of input. He mentioned that the rules regarding public input for this meeting are listed in the packet that was provided to the public. He stated that comments are to be made to the Board members and asked that speakers direct their eye contact toward the Supervisors. He said discussions can get testy and reminded people in the audience that the discussion is with the Board and not with other residents. He also asked the people in attendance to respect individuals making presentations and discouraged applause. Neuzil asked the public to keep comments to three to five minutes, and to state their name and where they are from.
Neuzil said the Board really appreciates everyone having come in tonight. He said they are meeting in the temporary Board office in the new Health and Human Services Building. Neuzil said that the Board will not be making any decisions this evening but rather soliciting information and input from the public. They had previously discussed having further decision making by Thanksgiving, although the date has not been set. They also plan to have some updates on this issue during their regular Board meetings, which are scheduled for Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m., depending on the week. The Board will continue to keep information posted, and residents can communicate with the Board when the Board is ready to make a formal decision on the Sutliff Bridge. Neuzil said there is a formal process to turn in petitions when people are ready to do so. He invited residents to share their thoughts and opinions.
Sutliff Bridge Authority Representative Sara Brannaman said she knows there have been some questions regarding fundraising capabilities of the Sutliff Bridge Authority. Since January 2004, over $53,000 has been raised through their spring and fall fundraisers alone, which she thinks is a large feat. Since the flood, the Sutliff Bridge Authority has paid nearly $31,000 of their own money for the removal of the bridge and for engineering expenses. Brannaman said when tearing the bridge down was being considered in 1981, the County Engineer at that time had estimated that it would cost about $100,000, and that included the full three spans and the approaches. She said the current estimate for the removal of the two existing spans is $200,000. She thinks the actual cost would be well over $200,000.
On behalf of her aunt Rita and uncle Don, who are unable to attend this meeting, Brannaman said she would like to share some of their personal opinions. She said her uncle Don was one of the founding Sutliff Bridge Authority members. Don and Rita have lived in the Sutliff area for nearly 70 years and are very concerned about a recent article in the Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper which indicated that the FEMA money could be used elsewhere in the County. Brannaman said her aunt and uncle said that if the bridge is torn down, they would prefer the money be returned to FEMA for use by other people who had flood damage. They do not support using the money for the other options mentioned in the article.
Sutliff Bridge Authority Representative Randy Howell said he has a vested interest in the Bridge. Not only is he a member of the Board of Directors for the Sutliff Bridge Authority, but he and his wife are also the owners of Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern, which is the only business located in Lisbon. He said they did start a petition drive October 14, 2009 and have well over 500 signatures in support of rebuilding the bridge using the FEMA funds. The people who signed the petition live in a variety of communities throughout the county and beyond. Howell said he understands that an additional $300,000 will be needed to rebuild the bridge and that may need to be raised or come from taxpayer funds. However, he thinks it is important to understand that the $1.7 million is not only Johnson County’s funds; it includes both State and Federal tax dollars. He said the opinions of everyone who is aware of the bridge, has been to the bridge, and loves the bridge should be sought out, and they should have equal weight to those of Johnson County taxpayers.
Howell said the Bridge itself draws tourism, and people come into his business everyday and express their opinions in support of maintaining the structure. The bridge and the business have been featured in two motorcycle enthusiast journals, and it has been the home of one very successful movie, entitled “The Final Season”. Howell stated there is also talk of filming another movie in that area in the spring due to the natural beauty of Sutliff and the draw of the Bridge and the Store, which was built in 1899. He said the business pays roughly $30,000 per year to the State in sales tax. Some of that money comes back to Johnson County. He also pays property taxes to Johnson County. Howell said rebuilding the bridge is endorsed by FEMA, VJ Engineering, the Iowa State Historical Society, and a majority of the individuals present at this meeting. He said the Board hired VJ Engineering for structural oversight and evaluation of the bridge, and they have said they think it should be rebuilt. He thinks the Board is probably split on the issue right now and said he knows what Former Supervisor Larry Meyer’s thoughts were. Howell said they do not want to waste taxpayers’ money, but they also do not want to see a historical structure lost to a down cycle economy. The economy is cyclic and will come back, but once the bridge is gone, it won’t come back.
Nick Russo said he lives in Cedar Bluff in Cedar County although he is a resident of Johnson County. He said he would like to address an editorial that appeared in the Cedar Rapids Gazette newspaper about two weeks ago. The writer wrote against the rebuilding of the bridge and the associated funding. He said the author stated that the Sutliff Bridge rebuilding was an elaborate beer garden expenditure and not justified by prudent financial judgment by the government. Russo said he was surprised by the editorial and thought the writer had not seen what he has seen since he began visiting Sutliff regularly in 2000. He said there are gatherings and interactions of people that center on the bridge and the eating establishment and has nothing to do with alcohol. He said it begins in the morning when war veterans gather for coffee and exchange stories. Russo said that in the afternoons, people come from retirement homes to eat lunch and enjoy the bridge. On Saturday nights, there are multi-generational gatherings enjoying each other’s company. This is a bridge between generations and should not be lost.
Johnson County Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson John Christensen said the Commission met last summer and passed a resolution supporting the Sutliff Bridge. They also support the Johnson County Board of Supervisor’s consideration of assuming the liability for the historic Sutliff Bridge over the Cedar River and Cedar Township. The Commission encourages the Board to regain responsibility for preserving the National Register recognized artifact. He said being on the National Register is quite an honor, and there are not many sites outside of Iowa City and Johnson County on the Register. Christensen said the Commission has not met since the presentation of the options by FEMA so they have not had an opportunity to evaluate them. However, the Commission supports restoration of historic structures in the County and is willing to work with Johnson County, the State Historic Preservation Office, FEMA, and the community of Sutliff to determine the best solution for the Bridge.
Iowa City Resident Feather Lacy said she visits the park more than any other park in Johnson County. She thinks it is one of the most beautiful, unique, natural, historic parks in the area. She recommends the bridge be rebuilt because they will never get it back once it is gone.
Los Angeles, California resident Jason Hervey said he has ties to the community and takes his family to the Sutliff Tavern when he visits the area several times a year. It is a great place to hang out, take pictures, and learn about the history of the bridge. Hervey said the reason he came to this meeting is because he is a producer in the entertainment business with offices on the lot of Universal Studios. He looks at Sutliff as a film location and as something that is vital to the entertainment community. Hervey said he thinks as people start taking down the things that make this Country rich in history and nostalgia, they may also be leaving dollars on the table. He said it could be inarguably said that it was terrific to have the movie “Field of Dreams” shot in Iowa. It created fiscal stimulus, job opportunities, and word of mouth support of the area. Those effects are still being felt to this day. Hervey thinks Iowa is very pro-business and entertainment friendly; however, producers are looking at the sum rather than the individual parts when they choose whether to film in a particular area. When Hervey heard about this public meeting last night at 7:30 p.m., he jumped on a 6:00 a.m. flight this morning for the sole purpose of expressing his support for the restoration of the Sutliff Bridge and encouraging others to do so as well.
John Feldman said he grew up in Lisbon and would like to provide some insight from the younger generation. He was recently thinking about the number of classes that chose to have their senior pictures and class pictures taken at Sutliff Bridge. He said his class also spent countless afternoons gathering in the area, and he thinks it should be something for future generations to enjoy. Feldman said he also enjoys fishing off the bridge and would like to continue to do so. He would appreciate it if the Board voted to save the bridge.
Luke Kraul said he has many stories regarding the Bridge, but the stories people may not hear are those from people who live out of town. Kraul grew up in the area and fished there his whole life. He saw many people there from out of state having a great time, and alcohol was not necessarily involved. At this time of year, the scenery in the area is beautiful. Kraul they should do something different with the bridge using modern technology and make something as beautiful as they did 100 years ago.
Neuzil said if people are uncomfortable speaking from the microphone, he would encourage them to send the Supervisors an email or letter or contact them by telephone. He said Board members would like to hear their thoughts.
roy Caspers said he lives about four miles east of Sutliff, and he proposed to his wife on Sutliff Bridge. He has taken his children fishing off the bridge and would like the opportunity to take his grandchildren fishing there as well. Everyone in the area seems to know everyone else and look after each other. Caspers said it is a fun atmosphere and the visitors from out of town are in awe of the bridge.
Cedar Bluff Resident Nancy Semotan said she has been going to Sutliff since she was a toddler and her grandchildren go there to run around the bridge. She said it is a safe, beautiful area with good people. They see a lot of wedding parties and family reunions congregating near the bridge. It is a homey area, and she would like to see the bridge rebuilt. Sutliff to her is a lifeline to her family.
Sutliff Bridge Authority Representative Jack Moel said he sees the bridge all the time. A lot of people gather on the Bridge, and there are three to four weddings on the Bridge every year. In the summer, many couples who have just been married come out there in limousines to have their pictures taken on the Bridge. He asked the Board to please save the bridge.
Rob Nair said he lives about a mile north of the Bridge. He thinks there are a lot of businesses that have historic sites in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids that were also flooded. They are all looking to receive FEMA dollars for rebuilding. There are large masses of people in both of those cities. Although Sutliff is a small, isolated area, a lot of people who go there would be affected.
Tony Serbesek said the Sutliff Ferry was started by a man named Sutliff, and the Bridge has been a gathering and talking point for 100 years. He thinks it has been even more so since it has been closed because people look at it as a part of history and they like to see it. Serbesek would like to see it go on for another 100 years. He hopes the current Board of Supervisors will not be responsible for tearing the rest of the bridge down when they have the opportunity to rebuild it with assistance from FEMA. If possible, he thinks the County should consider using Conservation Bond dollars to create a little park that is accessible to bicyclists and walkers. A monument explaining the history of the bridge could also be erected. The Bridge is part of Johnson County’s history, and he would like to see it stay there.
Terry Brosh said he and former Sutliff Resident Raymond Brannaman (now deceased and also former Chairperson of the Sutliff Bridge Authority) approached the Board of Supervisors about 25 years ago and requested to purchase the Sutliff Bridge. He said the Board looked at them like they were crazy and asked how much they were willing to pay for it. Brosh said R. Brannaman offered $1.00. Although it initially raised eyebrows, the project was completed and the Sutliff Bridge Authority was started. Brosh thinks the current and previous members of the Sutliff Bridge Authority should be applauded for everything they have done from day one until now. He said they put in a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears of carry planks, installing new planks, and really tucking the bridge under their arm to take care of it no matter who has been on the Authority. Brosh said the members of the Authority have done an outstanding job over the years. He doesn’t believe the County was asked for one dime during the time that he was a member of the Authority. It has proven to be a very viable entity. If the County does not want to take care of the Bridge, he thinks the Sutliff Bridge Authority will tuck it under their arm again.
Lisbon Resident Jill Schaefer said her family has met some of their best friends at Sutliff. Her son worked there this summer and fishes off the dock often. She has four sons and thinks they will continue fishing there forever. Schaefer said everyone tonight has been talking about what Sutliff has been, but, she asked what will happen if Sutliff Bridge is no longer there. Some of the people depend on the Bridge and the area for their livelihood. If there is not a bridge to support them, what will happen to the traffic that goes through Sutliff. There are currently bike rides and poker runs. She said all this comes down to money, and she understands why the Board has to weigh the pros and the cons. However, she said the Board should consider what will happen in the long run if people stop coming to the area because there is no Bridge. Schaefer asked how that will affect the taxpayers and Sutliff as a community, when half of the people there do not have jobs. She said people have talked about what Sutliff has been and what it means to them, but they should also think about what Sutliff will be in the future if the Bridge is gone. The Bridge draws people to Sutliff Cider Company, which is a new business in Lisbon. The Bridge is beneficial to the surrounding communities and puts money in Solon. Schaefer said RAGBRAI went through Sutliff but probably would not have taken that route if the Bridge had not been there. She encouraged the Board to think about the money that may be lost if the Bridge is eliminated. Although the Bridge is important to her because she loves it and there are amazing people there, Schaefer said she recognizes that money is also an important consideration.
Sutliff Resident Emma Howell said she has grown up on the Bridge. Even when she lived in Maine for a period of time, she returned to the area to visit the Bridge and eat cheese balls. When she was three years old, she told her dad that she would be married on the Bridge. That obviously can’t happen if the Bridge is removed. E. Howell said she recently had about 50 of her senior pictures taken with the Bridge in the background. Her class also had pictures taken with the Bridge in the background. She said every yearbook in her high school includes class pictures of Sutliff Bridge. She does not want that to stop, and she wants to be able to take her future children to the Bridge. She does not want to have to settle for showing them pictures of it. E. Howell said the Bridge is a major part of all of their lives and hopes the Board will consider rebuilding it. Although she is one of the younger people in the room, she knows the Bridge has an effect on everyone.
Shueyville Area Resident Gar Ruprecht said he thinks Eastern Iowa is in need of more historical sites like the Sutliff Bridge. Although he was born and raised in Iowa, he thinks it is kind of a boring place in terms of historical sites and tourist areas when compared to Missouri, Wisconsin, and the Carolinas. Although tourism books list sites in western Iowa, Ruprecht said he thinks there are few tourist areas in eastern Iowa. Therefore, he thinks it is important to maintain any historical sites in this area.
Sutliff Resident Maggie Howell said she grew up in Sutliff and loves visiting the Bridge. She said she considers everyone in Sutliff her family. She goes down there everyday and feels loved when she is there. She enjoys seeing the Bridge when she looks out the window and was very upset when it went down. M. Howell said she really hopes that the Board chooses to restore the Bridge because it means a lot to everyone, not just because her parents own Baxa’s Sutliff Store and Tavern.
Lisbon Resident Chuck Coon said he used to run Baxa’s Tavern for about nine years, and a lot of people he knows used the Bridge and got married on it. The Bridge originally cost about $12,000 to build, and it took an ungodly act of Mother Nature to destroy it. If the County does not fix it, they should consider whether that means any historical site damaged by Mother Nature in the future will not be taken care of and instead forgotten. Coon said the Sutliff Bridge should be returned to its previous state so everyone can enjoy it.
Neuzil said if people do not want to speak tonight, they are encouraged to call the Board Members, write them a letter, or send them an email to let them know what they are feeling. That is what government is. He said it is very valuable information to have as they make their decision. Neuzil said that by Thanksgiving, the State and Federal Representatives would like to have some direction from the Board of Supervisors regarding which option they are leaning towards. The Supervisors want to gather as much as information as they can and will have the responsibility of making the final decision. Neuzil said there will be a new member of the Board of Supervisors when they make their decision. He is not sure whether the new Supervisor will participate in making the decision and thinks it will be up to that individual. It would be difficult to step in and participate in such a difficult decision.
Neuzil asked if representatives from the State Historical Society of Iowa or HLSEM would like to make any comments. He said those individuals are present at this meeting to serve as a resource and are willing to stay for a little while to discuss the process or funding. Johnson said the survey should be available on the website for two weeks. Neuzil said the Board appreciates the attendance of everyone at the meeting.
Adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Attest: Tom Slockett, Auditor
By Nancy Tomkovicz, Recording Secretary