HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-20-2007 Planning and Zoning Commission
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
Monday, December 17,2007 - 5:30 PM
Informal Meeting
Iowa City City Hall
Lobby Conference Room
410 E. Washington Street
Thursday, December 20,2007 -7:30 PM
Formal Meeting
Recreation Center
Meeting Room B
220 S. Gilbert Street
AGENDA:
A. Call to Order
B. Public Discussion of Any Item Not on the Agenda
C. Comprehensive Plan Item:
An amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to include the 2007 Historic Preservation Plan,
which contains policies and recommendations for the identification, preservation and
regulation of historic landmarks, properties and neighborhoods.
D. Rezoning Item:
REZ07-00016: Discussion of an application submitted by Hodge Construction for a rezoning
from Low-Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5) zone to Commercial Office (CO-1) zone
for approximately 4.40 acres of property at 2815 Rohret Road.
(45-day limitation period: January 13, 2008)
E. Subdivision Item:
SUB07 -00006: Discussion of an application submitted by John Oaks Estate for a final plat of
Lyn-den Heights III, an 2-lot, 38.67 acre residential subdivision located at 4584 Rapid Creek
Road NE. (45-day limitation period: January 18, 2008)
F. Other:
Discussion of Capital Improvements Plan
G. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: November 15, 2007
H. Adjournment
Informal
Formal
March 3
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date:
December 20, 2007
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
To:
Planning and Zoning Commission
From:
Tim Weitzel, Chair - Historic Preservation Commission
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner
Re: Historic Preservation Plan
The Planning and Zoning Commission asked for comment or further information about several
aspects of the Historic Preservation Plan.
Homeownership Incentive Program: A concern was raised about Goal 10 Neighborhood
Strategies - Communication and Neighborhood Stabilization Steps: #6 "Promote neighborhood
stabilization through the conversion of rental properties to owner occupied residences or
duplexes by encouraging homeownership, developing a Home Ownership Incentive Program
such as outlined below:" (page 64) The concern seems to be that this may lead to displacement
of lower income renters and there was a question of how this proposal differs from the existing
plan adopted in 1992. The 1992 plan had a similar objective in the neighborhood strategies
section: "Develop an incentive program in cooperation with local lenders for owners and buyers
interested in converting multi-family apartment houses and rooming houses into single-family or
two-family residences." The difference is that the 1992 objective did not mention
homeownership - although it might be assumed if you were taking a multi-family building and
converting it to single-family you would be doing it as an owner occupant. Many of the buildings
in historic neighborhoods were built as single-family dwellings and later subdivided into multiple
apartment units - the objective was to return them to their historic use.
The language in the current draft came in response to citizen input received during preservation
planning meetings for the Northside, Goosetown, College Green and College Hill
neighborhoods. There was a concern expressed by residents that parts of these neighborhoods
had tipped from mixed rental and owner occupied to mostly student rentals. A meeting
attendee, who is employed by the University, mentioned that several college towns or
universities have programs and financing packages to encourage staff and faculty to live close
to campus. Our consultant and staff did find examples of universities, such as Penn and Ohio
State that have such programs. The City of Dubuque also has such a program. In addition to
encouraging home ownership these programs are geared towards improving maintenance of
neighborhoods where decline in property upkeep has been observed.
The Housing Goals and Strategies section of the Comprehensive Plan contains a goal which
states, "Preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods and the historic nature of older
neighborhoods. Develop neighborhood plans which help to ensure the continuation of a balance
of housing types within neighborhoods, particularly in older parts of the city." (page 45) For
historic areas, such as South Lucus Steet, the proposed homeownership incentive program
would support this Comprehensive Plan goal by providing an incentive to help homebuyers
compete with buyers who would purchase properties as rental investments. This area currently
has a high percentage of rental properties and also contains buildings with deferred
maintenance or in need of structural repair according to the recent Housing Condition Survey.
The homeownership incentive program would also support affordable housing goals. As noted
in the draft plan some of Iowa City's most affordable housing stock is located in neighborhoods
like Goosetown. Residents of Goosetown expressed a concern that first time homebuyers are
competing with rental investors, who are able to outbid them due to the rents that they are able
to charge. Given the Iowa City housing market and the high demand for student housing, the
proposed homeownership incentive program is not likely to lead to the displacement of large
numbers of rental housing units, rather it is intended to help stabilize neighborhoods where
there is evidence of structural decline and to help homebuyers compete with rental investors for
the available housing stock.
Streamlining the review process: Pages 37-39 of the Historic Preservation Plan describe a
number of methods to improve and streamline the review process. By allowing the staff and/or
the Chair of the Commission to sign off on routine types of projects, time could be saved for
applications that would not need to be scheduled for a Historic Preservation meeting. The plan
also proposes more flexibility in the use of replacement materials, such as windows.
University: The Commission asked us to address the inclusion of preservation objectives for
the University of Iowa Campus even though it is not under the jurisdiction of the City. The
Preservation Plan is intended to provide community-wide guidance for the preservation of
historic resources. Many of its recommendations are not regulatory in nature but rather ideas
that may be used by owners of historic properties to make the best use of those resources.
Some of the objectives pertain to properties and neighborhoods on the edge of the University
Campus that are of interest to both the Iowa City community and the University. The plan calls
for cooperative efforts to address concerns in these areas.
Downtown: There was a question about how the recently completed Downtown Market
Analysis compares with the Preservation Plan's objectives for the Downtown. The Market
Analysis identifies the historic qualities of downtown as one of its strengths and encourages a
faQade rehabilitation program. This is certainly compatible with the recommendations of the
Preservation Plan. The Market Analysis also suggests the clustering of retail uses in certain
areas. One of the strengths of traditional storefronts like those located Downtown, is that they
are fairly easily adapted to a wide range of uses, including retail, office and restaurants. The
Market Analysis' recommendation to cluster retail uses should not be seen as a threat to
historic buildings.
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
Prepared by: Adam Ralston, Planning Intern
Item: REZ07-00016
Date: December 20, 2007
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant:
Hodge Construction
711 South Gilbert Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone:
(319) 354-2233
Requested Action:
Rezoning from RS-5 to CO-1
Purpose:
To allow for commercial office use
Location:
2815 Rohret Road
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
North:
South:
East:
West:
Residential; OPD-8
Residential; RR-1
Residential; OPD-8
Residential; RR-1
File Date:
November 29, 2007
45 Day Limitation Period:
January 14, 2007
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The applicant, Hodge Construction, is requesting a rezoning from low-density single-family
residential (RS-5) to commercial office (CO-1) for property located at 2815 Rohret Road. This
approximately 4.40 acre property is located on the south side of Rohret Road and is northeast and
adjacent to Highway 218. The property was originally developed as a farm and currently contains
a dwelling, a garage and a barn. It is the applicant's intent to tear down these structures and
develop the property with a use consistent with the CO-1 zone.
The applicant did use the "Good Neighbor Policy" and conducted a neighborhood meeting on
December 6th as well as fielded phone calls from neighboring property owners.
ANAL YSIS:
Current Zoning: The current RS-5 zoning allows single-family residential use with a minimum lot
size of 8,000 square feet per unit. Given its triangular shape and topographic constraints, staff
estimates that this property could yield approximately 10 single-family lots based on the
requirements of the RS-5 zone. The zone also allows consideration of limited non-residential
uses, such as religious institutions and day care centers, by special exception.
Proposed Zoning: The proposed CO-1 zone allows for offices and personal service businesses.
Dwellings are allowed on the second floor as provisional uses. The CO-1 zone can be used as a
transition or buffer between residential and more intensive commercial and industrial area. In this
2
instance, this property's close proximity to Highway 218 acts in a similar way to a commercial or
industrial zone in that residential uses would ideally be buffered from this use. Sound level
measurements taken on this property show that a significant level of noise generated from the
highway reaches this property. Uses found in a CO-1 zone are often less sensitive to noise than
residential uses. Furthermore, an office building or similar structure on this property would provide
an additional buffer between nearby existing residential uses and highway noise. The CO-1 does
allow dwellings to be located above the ground floor as a provisional use. If residential uses are
located on this property, to minimize the effect of highway noise, staff recommends that a
conditional zoning agreement specify the use of sound dampening building techniques, such as
minimizing widow, door and vent opens on the Highway 218 sides of the building and the use of
laminated windows and masonry or fiber cement siding materials. These acoustical construction
concepts were developed by the Federal Highway Administration and the Housing and Urban
Development Department for residential developments in high noise areas.
Comprehensive Plan and Neighborhood Compatibility: Although the Comprehensive Plan's
land use map shows residential use for this property, the Southwest District Plan discusses this
property in more detail. Recognizing the issue of locating residential uses adjacent to the
highway, the Plan states that as an alternative, the site could be appropriate for low-intensity
nonresidential uses, such as a child care center, a small religious institution, or a fire station. The
CO-1 zone would allow a day care center or religious institution, but would also allow general
office uses. Office uses are typically the least intensive commercial uses and generally have less
site lighting and generate less traffic than other commercial uses. The sign regulations allow less
intense signage in the CO-1 zone. The CO-1 zone has been used successfully in other parts of
the city as a transition between residential uses and more intense uses and in staff's opinion
would be an appropriate zoning designation in this location. To help make office uses more
compatible with the existing residential development in the neighborhood staff recommends that
parking should be located to the west side or rear of a structure on this property.
The property contains a barn, garage and a dwelling that was built as a farmhouse. The district
plan indicates that the house may potentially be historic and suggests that if the property is
further developed it may be appropriate for a cluster development that incorporates the
farmhouse as a reminder of the agricultural past of the Southwest District. The City Assessors
records indicate that the farmhouse was built around 1900 but we have no other information
about the history of the property. Without information indicating that the property meets the
criteria for historic registry designation, requiring its preservation would not be appropriate.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas: This property contains some steep grades in the western
part. A mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees is located along Highway 218. There are a
number of mature trees including large oaks within the lawn that surrounds the existing house
on the property. Given that the Comprehensive Plan encourages a buffer between residential
development and Highway 218, it would be appropriate to require that the existing vegetation
be preserved along the highway.
Traffic and Pedestrian Facilities: A traffic volume count conducted in 2006 shows that there are
4,620 daily trips on Rohret Road. The capacity of a two-lane arterial such as Rohret Road is
approximately 12,000 trips per day. Since there is considerable capacity currently available, uses
allowed in a CO-1 zone would not generate enough additional traffic to cause congestion along
this roadway.
Sidewalk access is available on both sides of Rohret Road. This includes pedestrian access
passing over Highway 218 on both the north and south sides of Rohret Road. A sidewalk in the
right-of-way of the northern portion of this property is in place.
Summary: The Southwest District Plan recognizes the difficulty of developing residential uses on
3
this property due to the topography and its relationship to Highway 218. The Plan suggests that
alternative uses that would be compatible with the existing residential development in the
neighborhood. The CQ-1 zone is an appropriate zone between residential and more intense land
uses. The district plan suggests that the farmhouse may potentially be historic. However, we do
not have documentation that the property is eligible for historic designation. A conditional zoning
agreement would be appropriate to assure that existing trees are preserved and the site
development is compatible with the existing neighborhood.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that REl07-00016, an application submitted by Hodge Construction for a
rezoning from Low-Density Single-Family Residential (RS-5) zone to Commercial Office (CO-1)
zone for approximately 4.40 acres of property at 2815 Rohret Road, be approved subject to a
conditional zoning agreement specifying that: 1) existing healthy trees along Highway 218 will
be preserved, 2) sound abating construction techniques will be used if residential uses are
developed on the property, 3) except for a passenger drop off/pick-up area parking areas
should be located behind the front plane of the building and 4) parking areas will not be located
between the east property line any the building on this property.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
2. Areal Photograph
3. Applicant's statement
Approved by: /~~
Robert Miklo,'Senior Planner,
Department of Planning and Community Development
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MMS CONSULTANTS, INC.
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OFFICE: 319-351-8282
CEDAR RAPIDS lOW A
OFFICE: 319-841-5188
December 5, 2007
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~ On behalf of Hodge Construction, a re~oni application is being submitted for a 4.40 acre tract
~ located, south of Rohret Road, West of rmon Trek Village and Northeasterly of Highway 218.
~ The requested tract is currently zoned -1 and the requested zoning is CO-I, Commercial
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Office. As detailed in the Southwest District Plan, this tract of land is situated between a major
highway (218) and collector street (Rohret Road). These two streets generate a large amount of
~ traffic which will continue to increase.
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1917 SOUTH GILBERT STREET. IOWA CITY. IOWA 52240
WEBSITE: WWW.MMSCONSULTANTS.NET EMAIL: MMS@MMSCONSULTANTS.NET
STAFF REPORT
To: Planning & Zoning Commission
Prepared by: Adam Ralston, Planning Intern
Item: SUB07-00006
Date: December 20,2007
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Applicant:
The John Oakes Estate
4584 Rapid Creek Rd NE
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone:
(319) 338-6912
Requested Action:
Final Plat approval
Purpose:
2-lot residential subdivision
Location:
North side of Rapid Creek Road NE, approximately
% mile east of Highway 1
Surrounding Land Use and Zoning:
North:
South:
East:
West:
Agricultural; County A 1
Residential; County RS & A 1
Agricultural; County A 1
Residential; County RS & A 1
File Date:
December 4, 2007
45 Day Limitation Period:
January 18, 2008
60 Day Limitation Period:
February 2, 2008
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The applicant, the John Oakes Estate, is requesting approval of the final plat of Lyn-Den Heights
Part III. The final plat would divide the original parcel into two separate parcels. The first parcel,
approximately 2.19 acres, would include an existing dwelling located on the property. The
applicant has indicated that the present driveway, well, and septic system will continue to be used.
The second parcel, approximately 30.60 acres, would be left as an outlot for future development.
The remaining 5.88 acres would be dedicated to Johnson County secondary roads by easement.
A preliminary plat for this property was approved earlier this year.
ANAL YSIS:
The final plat as submitted is in general conformance with the approved preliminary plat. An
exception is that the preliminary plat shows the original parcel being subdivided into thirty-eight
lots in addition to several outlots while the final plat shows the original parcel being divided into
only two lots. One lot would include an existing dwelling while the other would be set aside as an
outlot for future development according to the previously approved preliminary plat. Approval of
the final plat would not allow any new development to occur.
County road performance standards have been an issue in the development of this property. The
2
traffic volume on Rapid Creek Road NE currently exceeds the threshold that would allow the
County to approve a subdivision of thirty-eight lots due to the increase in traffic volume that would
result. The County has approved a preliminary plat for development contingent upon Rapid Creek
Road improvements being installed prior to the final platting of the property into 38 lots. Until such
road improvements have been implemented, only limited development can occur. As shown, the
final plat for this application will allow no new development to occur. Therefore, no additional
traffic volume would arise due to approval of this final plat. The legal papers stipulate that no
development can occur until specified roadway improvements have been put in place.
It is expected that upgrades will be made to Rapid Creek Road NE in the future. Once this
roadway has been upgraded, the remaining 30.60 acre outlot could then be further subdivided as
per the preliminary plat.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that SUB07-00006, the final plat of Lyn-Den Heights Part III, a 38.67 acre, 2-lot
subdivision located on the north side of Rapid Creek Road, be approved subject to approval of
legal papers prior to City Council consideration.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Location Map
2. Final Plat
Approved by: ~~
Robert Miklo, Senior Planner,
Department of Planning and Community Development
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"'III
PRELIMINARY
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 15, 2007 - 7:30 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Wally Plahutnik, Terry Smith, Ann Freerks, Charlie Eastham, Bob Brooks, Dean
Shannon
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Beth Koppes
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Doug Ongie
OTHERS PRESENT: Jeanne Archie, Corey Proctor, Denise Wheatley
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0 (Koppes absent), CZ07-00003, that Council forward a letter to the
Johnson County Board of Adjustment recommending that the application by Alliant Energy for a conditional
use permit to allow an electrical utility substation, be approved subject to general compliance with the
submitted plans.
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM:
Consider a motion setting a public hearing for December 6 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to include the
2007 Historic Preservation Plan.
Motion: Eastham made a motion to set a public hearing for December 6. Brooks seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 6-0 (Koppes absent).
CONDITIONAL USE ITEM:
CZ07-00003: Discussion of an application submitted by Alliant Energy to Johnson County for a conditional
use permit for an electrical utility substation on a 3. 18-acre property located in the fringe area at 4872 340th
Street NE.
Miklo introduced Doug Ongie, an Urban and Regional Planning graduate student, who is working as an
intern in the Planning Department.
Ongie stated that the applicant, Alliant Energy, wishes to construct an electrical utility substation in the Rose
Hollow Substation. He said the substation will include a 195 foot self-supporting tower and a 12 by 15 foot
communications building. He said the proposed substation will be located on 340th Street, which is northeast
of Iowa City and outside of the Iowa City Growth Area.
Ongie stated that the Johnson County Unified Ordinance allows public utility facilities to be approved in
agricultural zones. He added that approved of public utility facilities are subject to any conditions to mitigate
harmful effects and promote public health, safety, and general welfare. He stated that the Johnson County
Unified Ordinance does not give specific requirements regarding utility substations. Ongie said that staff
looked at the Iowa City Zoning Ordinance for guidance. He stated that when publiC utility substations are
located in an Industrial Zone, the Iowa City requires a 200 foot buffer and include landscaping that meets the
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 15, 2007
Page 2
S3 requirement. Ongie added that the S3 screening requirement is the highest screening requirement in the
Iowa City Zoning Ordinance. Ongie stated that the property to the east of the proposed substation is 200
feet away, which meets the Iowa City buffer requirement. He stated that the landscaping would extend 100
feet to the east of the substation containing a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. He said the screening
would mitigate the visual impact of the substation and the 8 foot security fence. Although neighboring
properties will not be able to see the proposed substation from the north; west; or south, landscaping will be
included around the entire substation.
Ongie stated that visual impact of the communications tower will be difficult to avoid due to the height. He
added that the City Ordinance requires towers in commercial zones to be camouflaged to reduce the visual
impact. Ongie stated that Iowa City also looks at the safety of structures located near towers. The proposed
tower will be in the northwest corner of the substation, which is 700 feet away from the nearest property to
the east. He said staff does not believe there will be a safety hazard.
Ongie stated that although the substation is close to Iowa City, the topography, street network, and 1-80
isolate the substation from areas of growth. He said that the long-term plan for Oakdale Boulevard is to
connect with Scott Boulevard about ~ mile to the west of the proposed substation. Ongie stated that the
substation would be outside of the Iowa City watershed and any potential for growth would have very high
infrastructure costs.
Ongie stated that staff recommends that Council forward a letter to the Johnson County Board of Adjustment
recommending the conditional use permit be approved subject to general compliance with the submitted
plans.
Eastham asked if there is more than one residence to the east. Ongie said there is only one residence east
of the substation. Ongie said the substation will be located in a land depression, so the substation would be
out of the view from any other neighboring properties.
Eastham asked if it would be necessary to realign any of the existing high voltage transfer lines for the
substation. Miklo said the applicant will be able to answer that question.
Eastham asked if the substation would be lighted 24 hours a day. Ongie said the application did not specify
the lighting. Miklo said the applicant should be able to answer his question. Eastham asked if there are
provisions within the Iowa City Zoning Ordinance that would allow the Commission to suggest a lighting
standard. Miklo said lighting is a concern, and if the substation is to be lit, then the Commission could
recommend the lighting be downcast so it minimizes light pollution and glare for nearby property owners.
Freerks asked how the tower would be lit. Smith said it would have to meet FAA requirements.
Brooks asked how the tower height relates to the tower near Bristol Drive. Miklo said he isn't sure how tall
that tower is, but the proposed tower would be equivalent to an 18 or 19 story building. Shannon said it
would be at a comparable height.
Public discussion was opened.
Denise Wheatley said she is representing the applicant and will answer any questions or concerns the
Commission might have. She added that there are many subject matter experts from Alliant Energy are
available, as well.
Wheatley said as far as the substation being lit, there will be one security light and it will be downcast.
Wheatley said because the tower is under 200 feet, it does not require additional lighting.
Eastham asked if the security lighting will be maintained 24 hours a day. Corey Proctor, the substation team
leader for Alliant Energy, said the security light comes on at dusk and turns off in the morning. Eastham
asked if the light would be downcast. Proctor said Alliant Energy adheres to Dark-Sky recommendations, so
all of the lights have the proper downcast shielding using a flat refractor. Eastham asked if there could be a
conditional requirement that the substation would agree to meet Iowa City's light pollution standards. Miklo
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 15, 2007
Page 3
said it sounds like the plan would currently meet the Iowa City requirements because the City Code is based
on the Dark-Sky requirements. Freerks said it might be something to pass on to Council. Smith asked if
there would be one light fixture. Proctor said there would be one security light and there would also be
emergency lights for maintenance.
Smith said there was a question by Eastham about transmission line modifications and asked if Proctor could
address the issue. Proctor said because the substation will be placed in a land depression, two structures
will have to be modified. He added that one pole will be removed and two poles will be added.
Smith asked if the substation will be a single transformer installation. Proctor said it is currently designed to
have a single transformer, but there will be room for a second transformer.
Eastham asked if there is a rational for the height of the communications tower. Jeanne Archie, employee of
Alliant Energy, said the reason for the height of the communications tower is because the microwave dishes
must be in the line of sight of other communication towers. She said it is less than 200 feet, so no additional
lighting will be necessary.
Freerks asked if the amount of screening at the proposed substation is the typical for Alliant Energy
substation. Wheatley said the high level of screening came from another conditional use permit request to
Johnson County in 2002. She said the neighbors to the east were concerned about the visual impact of a
substation. She added that the screening is above and beyond any screening Alliant Energy has done with a
substation.
Public discussion was closed.
Motion: Smith made a motion to approve CZ07-00003. Shannon seconded the motion.
Freerks said an approval would be a recommendation for Council to forward a letter to the Johnson County
Board of Adjustment to allow the conditional use permit.
Freerks said she is happy to hear lighting will be kept to a minimum.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0 (Koppes absent).
DISCUSSION OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLAN:
Miklo said every March the City Council prepares a budget for the following year that also includes a Capital
Improvements Plan, which is a 5-year budget. He said typically the Commission has been concerned about
street construction, water and sewer lines, park construction, and streetscape projects. Miklo added that
these types of projects affect future growth, providing service to existing growth, or quality of life. He said
staff is currently in the process of looking over the 5-year program and moving projects around on the priority
list. He said the City Manager has asked that all departments give a top 10 to 12 list of projects that should
be in the 5-year budget.
Miklo said he would like to point out the Sycamore Street improvements. He said the street improvements
would go from about Burns Avenue to the city limits. He said this is a priority of staff and is currently in the
plan for 2009. He said this has been a priority in the past for the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Eastham asked if the extension of Sycamore would intersect with the planned McCollister Boulevard. Miklo
said it would intersect with Sycamore just south of the current city limits. He said the connection of
McCollister Boulevard and Sycamore Street wouldn't happen for a number of years, and improvements of
Sycamore Street to McCollister Boulevard would be a separate project.
Eastham asked about the function of McCollister Boulevard. Miklo said McCollister would serve as a ring
road around the entire city.
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 15, 2007
Page 4
Eastham said if the Sycamore Street program would be approved; there would be no connection between
Sycamore Street and McCollister Boulevard. Miklo said a major project like McCollister Boulevard must be
done in pieces. Miklo said that the Sycamore Street improvements are necessary because of current
development occurring around Sycamore Street.
Miklo said some other projects under consideration are traffic safety issues on Mormon Trek Boulevard and
Melrose Avenue, Burlington Street around the new university recreation center, and around the proposed
Hieronymus Square. Brooks asked if there is a commitment by the University to help fund street
improvements around the new university recreation center. Miklo said there are negotiations going on
between the City and the University. Brooks asked if the Burlington Street improvements would be part of
the next fiscal year. Miklo said fiscal year 2010 would be more likely because it would be around the time
Hieronymus Square and the recreation center would be completed.
Smith asked if there is a ranking for the 10 or 11 listed projects. Miklo said no, but the list does suggest
which projects should be funded earlier in the 5-year Capital Improvements Program. He said the Sycamore
Street improvements have been scheduled for fiscal year 2009, and there has been some question if the
project could be bumped back for other improvement projects. He said staff has advised the City Manager
that the timing of the project should stay where it is. Brooks added that development has been tied to the
Sycamore Street improvements; he believes the project should be advanced. Eastham asked if there would
be adequate funding for the Sycamore Street and Burlington Street improvements in the same fiscal year.
Miklo said it depends how other projects get moved around. '
Miklo said that staff is looking for feedback from the Commission that is a general list of project priorities over
the next 5 years.
Brooks said he sees a large amount of pedestrian traffic along South Riverside Drive. He asked if there is a
plan for some type of a pedestrian connection in that location. Miklo said there is not and believes the
Commission should put it on their list if they think it is a priority. He added that a trail along Highway 1
should be added due to recent large scale developments like The Lodge.
Smith asked about the proposed bridge over the railroad track on 1st Avenue. Miklo said that project is on
the list and could possibly obtain federal funding. He added that if federal funding does not come through,
then the project would have to be from the local level.
Smith asked when the Commission's input would be needed. Miklo said the input could be taken at the next
meeting and won't be submitted to Council until after January 1, 2008.
Brooks said the University is looking at renovating buildings around the Linn Street Pedestrian Corridor. He
said the University and the City need to continue talking to make sure there is a financial commitment by the
University and that the project goes through. Miklo said staff has that as a priority because residents and
business owners said that area could act as an economic development tool for that neighborhood. He added
that it would link the area to downtown.
Brooks asked Miklo to explain the property for Near Southside multi-use/commercial/workforce
housing/parking facility. Miklo said that would be a parking ramp similar to the Court Street Transportation
Center. He said that staff believes this project should proceed because of development interest in the area.
Eastham asked if program includes a northeast fire station. Miklo said it is in and unfunded year. Freerks
said it is not an issue of construction costs, but it more an issue of staffing.
Brooks asked if there were any additional street improvement plans that could be listed. Miklo said staff has
been looking at 420th Street because the current Industrial Park has been mostly built out. He said there
would need to be a sewer line, storm water management, and a greenbelt in the area north of 420th Street to
separate the industrial and residential uses.
Freerks said that there was money put away for infill on sidewalks. She asked how that is done. Miklo said
that is in the budget and done on an annual basis. He said sidewalk safety issues are taken care of first and
Planning and Zoning Commission
November 15, 2007
Page 5
then the network is extended each year. Eastham asked if the Central Planning District was part of the
sidewalk infil!. Miklo said the Central Planning District is well served by sidewalks. Eastham said he thought
that was an issue in the public input part of the Central Planning District. Miklo said there are a few spots on
Rochester Avenue.
Shannon asked about the status of Foster Road between Dubuque Street and Prairie Du Chien Road. Miklo
said it would be a collector street and would be built when the area is developed.
Eastham suggested putting a Geographic Information System on the funding list. He said a GIS capability
substantially increases a community's ability to do land use planning in a variety of ways. Smith asked if
there could be a partnering opportunity between the City and the County for a GIS system. Miklo said there
is.
Smith said each Commissioner should come back to the next meeting with a top 10 list and see how they
match.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES:
Motion: Brooks made a motion to approve the October 18, 2007 meeting minutes as typed. Smith
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0 (Koppes absent).
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion: Smith made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Freerks seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 6-0 (Koppes absent).
Minutes submitted by Doug Ongie
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