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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes-5/5/2009 in Tiffin Newsletter CROSSROADS OF THE HEARTLAND. Volume 2 Issue 5 May 2009 Inside: City Wide Garage Sale 2 LOCAL OPTION SALES AND SERVICES TAX SPECIAL ELECTION City Wide Clean Up 2 Johnson County voters which include Tiffin voters, will go to the polls on Tuesday, Angel Food Ministry 2 May 5, 2009 to vote on the adoption of a one-cent sales and service tax. If Public Hearing 2 approved the tax will begin July 1, 2009 and end on May 31, 2013. Annual Animal Renewal 2 How will this election work? Utility Accounts 3 Each community in the county will vote separately on whether the sales tax will be Vacancies 3 Project Updates 3 collected in its jurisdiction. The tax is passed by a simple majority (51% percent) Library News 3 of the voters. Only communities that pass the tax will share in the revenues Schedule of Meetings 3 generated. Yard Waste & Mulch Pile 4 Who will pay this tax? Committee Reports 4 Anyone who purchases services or goods in a City that has approved the one Building Permits 4 cent tax. Many of Tiffin residents spend a lot of their retail dollars in Iowa City and Potter Park 4-H Program 4 Coralville. If Iowa City and Coralville pass the one cent tax, Tiffin residents will New Commercial Business 4 pay the tax in Iowa City and Coralville. If Tiffin does not pass the one cent tax, City Council Minutes 4, 5 &6 Tiffin will not share the revenues. More than 21 cents of every dollar of sales tax collected in this area is estimated Contact Information to be paid by non-residents and visitors. Emergency 911 How is the local option sales tax distributed? Johnson County Revenues collected from communities that approve the tax are pooled and then Sheriff–General Calls shared by the taxing entities. The taxes collected in the community are not the 356-6020 taxes received. The tax collected is distributed by a formula based on population City Hall/Utility Bills (75%) and property tax levies (25%). If the tax is approved in all Johnson County 545-2572 jurisdictions, Tiffin will receive more tax revenue than would be collected in Tiffin, Monday—Friday bringing taxes paid by Tiffin residents in other Johnson county municipalities back 8:00-11:30 & 12:30-5:00 to Tiffin. Public Works 631-1698 How much will the City of Tiffin expect to receive if the tax is approved? Mon—Fri 8:00-4:00 Based on information received by the County Auditor, Tiffin could receive Streets Dept. between $80,000 to $125,000 per year for four years. These estimates will 545-4157 probably increase after the 2010 US Census is completed. The current census is Mon—Fri 8:00-4:00 set at 1034 residents. The 2010 census is estimated close to 1800 residents. Building Inspector Ed Johnson p How will the local option tax be spent in Tiffin? 331-4954 The City Council has voted by resolution to designate 25% of revenues to Mon—Fri 8:00-5:00 improving playground equipment, parks, and recreation. The City Council Library recognizes the urgent need for improvements. They want to improve the quality 545-2960 of life for the residents of Tiffin. Public Postings 75% of revenues will be designated for infrastructure improvements. Leaking Casey's sewer lines in the old part of the City need to be repaired. Sidewalks and streets Morgans Services need repairs or improvements. The City Council recognizes that there is an urgent Solon State Bank The Tiffin Depot need to make these repairs as soon as possible. They do not want to raise water City Website and sewer rates or property taxes. tiffin-iowa.org What will not be taxed by this one cent tax? Contact info: Vehicle sales, groceries, and prescription drugs are not taxed. webmaster2008@tiffin- iowa.org A local option tax cannot be imposed on: Erosion Control- • Motel rooms subject to a local option hotel/motel tax City Hall 545-2572 • Sales of motor fuel and special fuel generally used to propel vehicles Welcome Committee subject to registration Melanie Frees 545-2762 Page Two City Wide Garage Sale Day NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Saturday May 9, 2009 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE Advertised start time CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA 7:00am - ????? ADOPTION OF FUTURE LAND USE PLAN & MAP Maps with locations included with this 2009 newsletter TO: ALL owners of real estate situated within or near Maps with updated locations the city limits of Tiffin, Iowa and all persons owning or will be distributed on claiming an interest therein and TO WHOM IT MAY Friday (8th) and Saturday (9th) CONCERN: at Casey's and The Depot YOU AND EACH OF YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED If you want to be included on this map that the City Council of the City of Tiffin, will conduct a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 13, 2009 at Call City Hall 545-2572 6:30pm at the Tiffin Fire Department Meeting Room at by Thursday May 7th which time the City Council will take comments on the updated Future Land Use Plan and Map 2009. CITY WIDE CLEAN UP DAY A joint effort of the City of Tiffin Planning and Zoning Saturday May 16, 2009 Commission and the East Central Iowa Council of 8:OOAM TO 12:00pm. Governments. WHEREAS, the plan was written to include the Items Can Be Dropped Off At Dumpsters Near City following components: population, housing, Facilities South of Railroad St.- Free of Charge annexation policies, existing and future land use, and Volunteers Will Be Available to Assist You City goals and policies. $20 Per Truckload to Pick-up at Your Residence or YOU AND EACH OF YOU ARE FURTHER HEREBY Elderly & Handicapped Individuals needing NOTIFIED that the plan and map referred to above, assistance may be inspected by you at the City Hall of Tiffin, Call City Hall 545 -2572 to Schedule Pick— Up Iowa at 201 Main Street, Tiffin, Iowa, at such time as said office is open to the public. Office hours Monday Items Must Be Manageable Size: Including Tree Limbs through Friday, 8:00am to 11:30am and 12:30pm to Small Trash Items Must Be In Containers No Dumping on Ground 5:00pm. Telephone number is (319) 545-2572. Animal Fescues Must Be in Containers with lids YOU AND EACH OF YOU ARE FURTHER HEREBY Tires and Car Parts Allowed NOTIFIED that at said public hearing as indicated above all persons having an interest or concern will NO Oil, Batteries, Paint, Hazardous or Toxic Materials be afforded an opportunity to be heard in support of or (Call IA Cty Landfill 356-5185 for Appt to dispose of in opposition to said application. these items) Collected Fees will be donated to Tiffin Fire & First Responder's Department. Annual Animal Renewal During month of June annual renewal fee for dogs and Help With Food Needs Available cats is only $4.00. Annual renewal form will be sent out with the Utility bill issued at the end of May or stop in city Grace United Methodist Church offers three ways to Hall to pick up form or forms. Annual licensing after June help persons struggling to meet their food needs: 1St each year. 30, 2009 is $10.00 per animal. Annual renewal is July 1. A food pantry with nonperishable food, available Recently updated Animal Ordinance allows for three most days. dogs and cats in a residence. Pets at seven months and 2. An assortment of breads, pastries and produce older need to be licensed. Livestock is not allowed in recovered from area bakeries and groceries by non-agricultural residential areas. Table-to-Table, available every Thursday after Pets shall be under the control of and restrained by a about 10:30 am on a first come, first served basis competent person. Pets must be on a leash at all times 3. The option to purchase discounted food in bulk when off owner's premises. Any animal found off the once a month through Angel Food Ministry (for premises of its owner may be collected for menu and order to go deadlines, go to impoundment. (www.angelfoodministry.com) Copies of the animal ordinance can be sent to you or can be found on the City Website at tiffin-iowa.org. Page Three Utility Accounts Library News Tiffin Utility Department is processing Debit This summer the big move is on. The High School part of the and Credit Card payments. Library is moving to the new High School June 3,4, & 5`h. The ACH payments also available on the 20`h of Public Library will be closed those days. the month. The Middle School Library will be moving to Tiffin during the last Only four delinquent utility accounts were week of June 2009. The Library will be open but however you turned off in April. Payments are due by the may find yourself helping to move books. 20`h of every month on all accounts. The Summer Reading Program (Express You Self), will start June 15 th and run through July 24, 2009. We will meet every Monday and Wednesday morning from 9:30am to 11:00am. Vacancies Pre-register by calling Kris Petersen on Thursdays from We need additional volunteers to serve in the 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Library 545-2960. following capacities: May Phograms- Tiffin Community Fund May 6 tKids from11:30am to 3:00pm Next meeting is May 11, 2009. Future meetings May 13 Teens from 1:30pm to 3:00pm will be every second Monday of each month. Summer Hours Have Yet to Be Determined Additional Board members are welcome to Interested in being a member of Friends of the Library, call Kris volunteer. Petersen on Thursdays at Library at 545-2960. Building Inspection Board of Appeals New Books: Three additional Board members are needed. Brightwell — Mrs. Jeffries Holds the Trump They will serve three year terms, staggered with Sandra Brown —A Home Remembered one third rotating off each year. They will hear Janet Evanovich — Lean Mean Thirteen any appeal of a decision of the building official or Robin Carr—Virgin River series, nine titles fire chief regarding anything relative to the James Patterson-You've Been Warned ( Large Print) building codes. Kate Gosslin- Multiple Blessings Easy Books-Ten Little Dinosuars, Pickle Patch Bathtub, Project Updates Plus 100 others. Come check them out. Hwy 6 Widening in Front of New High School Starting in May, the Johnson County Historical Society will Completion is scheduled by opening of new high display features of Johnson Co. cities. They will feature some school August 2009. Information on Tiffin from the future Centennial Book. Ireland Ave Extension(RaiIroad St to Hwy 6) Iowa Department of Transportation is still Schedule of City Meetings & Events working out details before any further steps can Meetings in Evenings held at 6:30pm be taken. Villages of Tiffin at Tiffin Fire Station A Commercial business is still interested in 515109 (Tuesday) 1 Cent Sales & Service Tax Election building at this site. Legal issues being worked 515109 (Tuesday) Tiffin Fest Planning Meeting out. Water line is being extended toward 1-80. 516109 (Wednesday) Planning &Zoning Commission Trails to East 519109 (Saturday) City Wide Garage Sale IDOT is organizing the bids for this project. A 5111109 (Monday) Tiffin Community Fund (Church) major portion of this project is being financed by the la Department of Transportation. Target 5113109 (Wednesday) Regular City Council Meeting completion is this fall. 5116109 (Saturday) City Wide Clean Up Day City has secured commitment of major portion 5119109 (Tuesday) Tiffin Fest Planning Meeting of trail land from Jasper to 1-380. 5120109 (Wednesday) (Parks, Rec, Tourism, Festivals) Water and Sewer east toward Jasper Ave 5127109 (Wednesday) City Council Work Session Design work in progress to extend sewer and 612109 (Tuesday) Tiffin Fest Planning Meeting water lines toward Jasper Ave. Target date for mid-September. 613109 (Wednesday) Planning &Zoning Playground Equipment Residents are welcome and are encouraged to attend City Planning for Improvements is progressing. meetings. Individuals wanting to express opinions, concerns, or Timeline depends on outcome of May 5th ideas at community forum at regular City Council meetings or Election. Public Hearings are allowed a max of five minutes. This time limit Sewer Line Repairs Old Part of City has been implemented to allow all individuals equal time to speak. Planning for repairs is progressing. Timeline Committee meetings are informal and allow all individuals attending depends on outcome of May 5th Election. to speak and voice opinions and ideas on equal basis. Page Four- YARD WASTE Building Permits With Spring finally here, citizens can dispose of yard Fences, re-roofs, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, waste, (which also includes brush and branches) at new construction, most garden sheds, and some the City Burn Pile located near Water Plant, south of larger landscaping projects, and utility work usually railroad tracks, south of 2nd St on Brown St. Signs require a building permit in the City of Tiffin. indicate where pile is located. No trash, paper The City Council adopted the 2006 International products, furniture, or chemicals. Building Codes in 2008. 8am —4pm Monday through Friday and These actions are for the protection of Tiffin citizens First Saturday of each month 8am — 12pm. and building safety. Yard Waste can also be taken to the Iowa City Contact Building Official, Ed Johnson, Landfill. (Call IA Cty Landfill 356-5185 for Appt to 319 -331-4954, for advice before starting project, to dispose of these items) ensure that the project is within the zoning ordinances Mulch Pile Moved and design standards. City mulch pile has moved from Lilac and Potter St., down to near City Burn Pile. Limited amount available. First come first served. Bring your Summer 4-H Program at Potter Park containers and tools to load mulch into your Summer 4-H program at Potter Park Shelter, containers. • Thursday mornings from 9:OOam to 11:00am. • Starting June 11th through July 23th. Committee Reports Program for children 1 st through 5th Grade. Parks, Recreation, Festivals, and Tourism Contact Maggie Mishler at Johnson County A dedicated group of volunteers are planning for the Extension Office 337-2145. next annual TiffnFest. They are planning it for July 10th and July 11th, 2009. Volunteers are needed to Come join the fun and enjoy a great learning Chair 2 dozen sub-committees. A sub-committee experience. may be your expertise of planning. Next planning meeting for TiffinFest is Tuesday May 5, 2009 at the Fire Station Meeting Room. New Commercial Business Eight baseball and softball teams have scheduled practices and games at the Tiffin Ball Fields. The TREE CARE L.L.C. schedules are posted on the bulletin board at the Guy B. Gibson, I.S.A. Certified Arborist ball fields, if you would enjoy watching local youth 319-664-3503 319-530-5368 Cell play ball. Volunteers are seeking a grant to develop a Butterfly Welcome Guy to Tiffin. Office located at Industrial Garden in Tiffin. More details will be available in Park. future. Some of the services provided are: Community Development—Welcome Committee Appraisals, Consulting, Disease & Insect ID Control, You can return your survey with your Utility Payment Irrigation, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Tree or drop in the locked box outside of City Hall. Planting, Tree Fertilization, Tree Removal, Shrub Additional volunteers are needed as this project Maintenance, Stump Grinding. evolves. Melanie's phone# 545-2762. TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING APRIL 8, 2009 Mayor Royce Phillips called meeting to order at 6.32pm. Roll call of Council persons present: Chris Ball, Jim Bartels, Mike Gericke, Mark Petersen, and John Wright. Motion made by Petersen seconded by Wright to approve Agenda as presented. All actions approved by all Ayes of Council persons, unless so noted otherwise. No comments made in Community Forum. Motion made by Gericke seconded by Wright to approve the minutes of the March 11 and 25, 2009 City Council meetings with a revision to include reference that Council person Petersen stated at March 25, 2009 Work Session, that he had access to 66 foot poles if needed for the Emergency Siren. Motion made by Wright seconded by Petersen to approve receipts and expenditures. Geoff Franzenburg, w/Septagon, and Brent Jackman, w/Hall & Hall Engineering, spoke on behalf of the Bridal Boutique and Banquet Facility, proposed for construction on Jasper Avenue. Discussion held regarding the site and building plans, water Page Five— and sewer extensions to facility, and tax abatement requested for exchange of 12 acres floodplain land requested by City of Tiffin for future trail extension. Question raised on need for sprinkler system installed in building, developer's engineer, Hall and Hall Engineering verified that building codes does require sprinkler system. City will install sewer line to middle of ball park and developer will extend line to facility on Jasper Ave. Existing water line at ball fields will be extended to Jasper Ave by developer also. Target date for connection of water and sewer connections estimated for September 15, 2009. Motion made by Ball and seconded by Wright to approve the site and building plans as also recommended by Planning and Zoning and City Engineer's review and to propose a two year tax abatement to developer in exchange of 12+ acres for future trail, developer to contribute $15,000 toward costs of sewer and water extensions, developer to contribute to costs of dust control on Jasper Avenue. Motion made by Ball and seconded by Wright to approve Attorney Greenleaf and Engineer Hart to proceed preparing legal documents and designs for water and sewer extensions. Motion made by Bartels and seconded by Petersen to set Public Hearing for Special Exception Use application for a Day Care Facility in a residential zoned area for Tuesday April 14, 2009 at 6:30pm. Motion made by Petersen and seconded by Wright to set the Board of Adjustments to review the Special Exception Use application. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Bartels to approve the recommendations made by Planning and Zoning Commission n Special Exception Use application. Motion made by Gericke and seconded by Wright to make recommendation for approval of application to Board of Adjustments. Resolution 2009-08 Transfer of Land from Clear Creek Amana School District for Hwy 6 Widening Project. Motion Made by Petersen seconded by Wright to accept low bid from Pittsburg Tank&Tower Maintenance of$1000.00 for Water Tower Inspection. Mayor Phillips reported that Emergency Siren repairs completed at cost of$1545.00. Motion by Petersen seconded by Bartels for Public Works to conduct review of streets for 2009 summer repair program and report back to Council at May regular City Council meeting. Discussed and recommended that 12 acres of farm land near water and sewer plants and along Clear Creek would not be farmed in 2009 for well head protection program as recommended by Iowa Rurual Water Association and Johnson County Soil Conservation. Mayor Phillips reported that meeting with Villages developer, Darryl High, will be held to re-negotiate preliminary plat and developer's agreement for Villages Development. Commercial business from Des Moines wants to purchase and build on site in development. Mark Portwood, Deer View Estates, requested Council members to allow a change to Sub-dividers agreement for change in location of basketball court and for final decision on size of court. Portwood also requests Council to delay requirement of installing sidewalk on west side of Deer View Ave below Jackson St. to Hwy 6. Motion made by Wright seconded by Petersen to authorize Attorney Greenleaf to review and make changes to Developers agreement. Motion made by Wright and seconded by Gericke to table pay estimate for Summers for Water Main Extension Phase Two and to pay estimate to Strep Construction for$42,670.53 for Hwy 6 Widening Projects. Engineer Frederick reported on progress of Hwy 6 Project. On Ireland Ave Extension, he reported that City waiting on Iowa Department of Transportation on relocation reviews. Surveying finished on Roberts Ferry Rd Phase Two Project. Design work continues. Trail through park will be let for bidding in July 2009. Motion by Wright seconded by Petersen to approve recommendation by Planning and Zoning on updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Map, and set Public Hearing for regular City Council meeting on May 13, 2009. Committee reports: Parks, Recreation, Festivals, and Tourism, Justin Gurley reported on TiffnFest planned for July 10 and 11, 2009. Council person Petersen reported that Charbon Family were still interested in donating funds for Potter Park improvements and were applying for a grant to develop a Butterfly Garden within the city. Mayor Phillips asked Council members to develop site plans for future playground improvements. Mayor announced that part time Parks Technician, Michael Joseph was hired. Reported to Council that three ball fields were scheduled for base ball season and field four scheduling not completed. Council and Insurance Carrier requesting broken bleachers on City property to be used or removed from ball field area. Public Works will inquiry on ownership of bleachers. Attorney Greenleaf reported that not much progress has been accomplished on LDR lawsuit, Clear Creek Mobile Home Park lawsuit for delinquent account payment, and exchange of land with Lark Development. Engineer Frederick reported on progress of Hwy 6 Widening Project and drainage problem for homeowner at 713 Blue Jay Ct. Frederick also reported on IDOT issue regarding drainage into Hwy 6 from Deer View Estates. IDOT requesting drainage connection be completed. City Clerk reported on City Wide Garage Sale May 9th, City Wide Clean up Day May 16th, numerous cat and dog complaint calls received, insurance carrier annual water and sewer plant inspection passed, first annual Easter Egg Hunt. Council person Petersen asked city to look at tree on corner of Main and Railroad and determine if tree is nuisance. Mayor Phillips stated that city officials would look at request and determine appropriate action. Mayor reminded Council members of tour of Titone Building on Stephans Street on Wednesday April 22, 2009. Motion made by Wright and seconded by Gericke for adjournment at 8:45pm. Public Hearing Tuesday April 14, 2009 Mayor Royce Phillips called meeting to order at 6:30pm. Roll call of Council members present: Jim Bartels, Mike Gericke, and John Wright. Absent: Chris Ball and Mark Petersen. Also present: Board of Adjustments members Kathleen Fitzgerald and Peggy Upton. Motion made by Wright and seconded by Gericke to open Public Hearing on issue of Special Exception Use application for a day care facility in a residential zoned area in Deer View Estates development. Mayor Phillips explained the purpose of the Public Hearing and asked that comments be addressed to the zoning issue and comments be limited to five minutes. Council person Chris Ball entered meeting at 6:34pm. Trent Rogers, builder of proposed day care spoke on behalf of the facility and stated that builder and owners have complied with all recommendations of Planning and Zoning, City Council and Department of Human Services. Toby Trail, parent and resident of Tiffin spoke in favor of application. Motion made by Wright and seconded by Gericke to close Public Hearing. Council members discussed application for Day Care facility. Motion made by Wright and seconded by Gericke for adjournment at 6:39pm. Board of Adjustments Wednesday April 15, 2009 Chairperson Roger Janssen called meeting to order at 6:30pm. Roll call of members present: Mary Boyd Doerhmann, Kathleen Fitzgerald, Roger Janssen, and Peggy Upton. Motion made by Mary Boyd Doerhmann and seconded by Peggy Upton to accept Roger Janssen resignation as Chairperson and accept the nomination of Kathleen Fitzgerald as Chairperson of the Board of Adjustments. Motion passed with all Ayes. Kathleen Fitzgerald asked the builder, Trent Rogers, Empire Construction and future owners, Little Clippers, Amanda and Shane Rairden to explain the proposed day care. Fitzgerald asked for audience participation for discussion regarding the Special Exception Use application for the Day Care Facility in a residential zoned district in Deer View Estates development. Jeremy Horning, land owner in Deer View Estates, and neighbor to development,Ann Allen, voiced their concerns of safety of the planned facility in close proximity to a busy street. Horning was also concerned that the facility should not be allowed in accordance of the covenant existing in the development. Motion made by Roger Janssen and seconded by Mary Boyd Doerhmann to approve the application for the Special Exception Use application for the Day Care Facility in Deer View Estates with the recommendations to follow Department of Human Services guidelines and City of Tiffin zoning and design standards and install parking as per the Planning and Zoning and City Council recommendations. Motion passed with all Ayes. Motion made by Roger Janssen and seconded by Peggy Upton for adjournment at 6:45pm. City Council Work Session Wednesday April 22, 2009 City Council members and Mayor Phillips met at 400 Stephans St. to tour building with Roger Titone. Work Session called to order by Mayor Phillips at 7:11 pm. Roll call of members present: Chris Ball, Jim Bartels, Mike Gericke, Mark Petersen, and John Wright. Motion made by Wright seconded by Bartels to approve Agenda. Old Business: Council members discussed tour of Titone Building and asked to obtain copies of Utility bills and table further discussion. Council members discussed Johnson County's request to standardize street names where applicable and make resolution available for approval at regular City Council meeting on May 13, 2009. Discussion held on homeowner's request to change address at 200 W. Third St. to 300 Summerhays St. Council persons asked for resolution to be presented for approval at May 13, 2009 regular City Council meeting. Request presented to re-address ball fields fees for third time. Council members stated that fees will remain as approved in March 2009 regular City Council meeting. Discussion held on Slim's request for a street dance for August 2009. Council persons did not voice any objections to event. It was reported that members of Fire Department will assist in security and collecting gate fees. Council members will request noise and music to cease at midnight, permanent fence be installed around facility's property, and proper alcohol permit be obtained for event. Requested revision to Deer View Estates Sub-dividers agreement in location and size of basketball court and installation of sidewalk on west side of Deer View Avenue were discussed by Council members. Developer has asked to have basketball court moved to Outlot B and to install sidewalk at such time that is appropriate for development on property to west of Deer View Estates. Further discussion and possible approval at next regular City Council meeting. Mayor Phillips updated members on progress of discussions with Villages development and commercial business intending to build on site in Villages. Developer has requested changes to preliminary plat and developers agreement. Commercial business wants to present a site plan and building plan to Planning &Zoning and City Council in May 2009. Mayor Phillips presented to Council members ideas a Tiffin family is developing with cooperation from the Library Reading Program for a grant to develop a Butterfly Garden. Ideas discussed in Parks, Recreation, Festivals, and Tourism Committee meeting were in favor of developing garden at Potter Park where it would be more visible to the Public. Council members discussed possible routes for installation of sewer line toward Jasper Avenue. Mayor Phillips will request City Engineer to develop designs and costs for water and sewer extensions east of Kimberlite St. toward Jasper Avenue for commercial development. Estimated target date for completion of project is mid-September. Council members were reminded of Public Hearing on Future Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Map and asked to review materials provided by Eastern Central Iowa Council of Governments. Mayor Phillips reported that a meeting with Johnson County, North Liberty, and Coralville was scheduled for April 27, 2009 for discussions of 28E agreements for future development. Motion made by Petersen and seconded by Gericke for adjournment at 8:45pm.