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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-21 Bd Comm minutes FINAL/APPROVED MINUTES. IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION TUESDAY APRIL 16~ 2002 - $:45 P.M. IOWA CITY AIRPORT TERMINAL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Mascari, Michelle Robnett, Mark Anderson, Alan Ellis, STAFF PRESENT: Sue Dulek, Ron O'Neil CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairperson Ellis called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: Dennis Gordon said he is making improvements to Building H and he would like to amend his lease to say that if he exercised the five year option on his lease, he would want any rent increase tied to the CPI or some other recognized index. Dulek said that would require an amendment to his lease. Ellis said this could be on the agenda for the May meeting. Gordon said the University's Synthetic Vision project was on schedule and the 737-800 simulator has been built and should be shipped to Iowa City soon. He thought they would spend the summer assembling the simulator and have it operational this fall. (Chairperson Anderson arrived at 6:03 p.m.) Tom SchneI1, from the University of Iowa's Synthetic Vision project, said there is an opportunity to site two other simulators at the Airport. He said it is too early to submit a proposal to the Commission. He will keep the Commission informed as the project develops. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: d. IOW Aero lease - Ron Duffe, from IOW Aero, said he would like to amend his lease on Building D. He said the termination date is May 31, 2004. He would like to have the lease extended to December 31, 2004. Duffe said that would give IOW a longer time to depreciate the improvements they made to the building. Ellis made a motion to amend the IOW Building D lease. Robnett seconded the motion and at roll call vote, the motion passed 4 - 0, with Ruyle being absent. b. Fuel site - 100LL fuel pump and final approval - Dick Blum, from H. R. Green, said Double Check had promised him a new computer and card reader would be installed on Monday, April 8. When they didn't show up by Wednesday, he contacted Paul Sundby and was assured that the installation would be completed by no later than Wednesday, April 17, 2002. Mascari asked if there had been any more incidents of the pump not working? Duffe said it had only worked for a short time in the last three weeks. O~Neil said he would recommend having the Commission direct Dulek to send a letter to Double Check, terminating their contract and informing them that the problems would be corrected using the retainage of their contract and the performance bond. Blum said there should be an adequate amount of funds to have the problem corrected. Dulek will send a letter to Double Check. The letter will inform Double Check that the Commission will meet in one week to terminate the contract and select a company to complete the project. a. Aviation Commerce Park - Tracy Overton, from Iowa Realty, presented his monthly report. He said there has been a lot of interest lately in the ACP. He said he has a list of 9 companies that have expressed more than a passing interest in the property. He said the bad news is that the rates tenants are willing to pay are substantially less than what the Commission had hoped to generate from the property. Overton said he would recommend a price reduction in order to stimulate the activity to lease the property. He said the lease concept is not being accepted as well as he had anticipated. He said his analysis shows that if someone could go out and buy land at $4.00 a square foot, that would translate to a lease rate of $ .15 a square foot. Mascari said that at $. 15 a foot, that would only pay off the infrastructure and would not allow the Airport to be self-sufficient. He said that being self-sufficient has been the Airport's goal during this whole project. Anderson said he would like to table the issue until the next meeting. Before the next meeting, he and Mascari, as the ACP subcommittee, would meet with Overton and discuss options for the property. Overton said there are a couple of possible tenants that have called on a regular basis and would like to move as soon as possible. A meeting was scheduled with Overton for April 19, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. c. Airport Zoning Code update - ALP changes - Blum said that the Planning Department has recommended some changes that are different from the code that was passed by the Zoning Commission. The Code will have to be reviewed again by the Zoning Commission. Blum reviewed the revised Airport Layout Plan with the Commission. He said the RPZ for Runway 36 was changed. He said by changing the designation for Runway 36, the bowling alley would no longer be in the RPZ. The numbers on the runways were changed to reflect the new runway numbers. OWeil said he discussed the changes with the FAA and they wanted four signed copies of the final ALP, as approved by the Commission. Mascari made a motion to approve the ALP. Ellis seconded the motion and it was passed 4 - 0, with Ruyle being absent. Blum will get four originals for Anderson to sign. f. Environmental Assessment and Section 106 project - Blum said Green is working on a Scope of Services and contract for the project. O'Neil said he has contacted the FAA and discussed the EA project with Doug Johnson. Green will look for an alternative design to rerouting Willow Creek arotmd the ROFA for Runway 07. They will also provide cost estimates for the design and construction of the original Dane Road relocation. Thc original design was to relocate Dane Road to connect with Mormon Trek, tracking along the southern edge of the Runway 07 RPZ. The EA and design fees for the relocation of Dane Road are eligible for 90/10 reimbursement from the FAA. Blum said the biggest obstacle seems to be the over-design of the culvert under Highway 1. O2qeil said that the Public Works Department has current water flow data for Willow Creek. This will be given to H.R. Green to help determine what size of waterway is needed through the ROFA for Runway 07. EXECUTIVE SESSION - IMMINENT LITIGATION: Mascar~ made a motion to adjourn to executive session. Ellis seconded the motion and it was passed 4 - 0, with Ruylc being absent. Thc Commission adjourned to executive session at 7:05 p.m. The Commission returned to the regular meeting at 7:16 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Thc minutes of thc March 14, 2002, Commission meeting were approved as submitted. AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES: Mascari made a motion to pay thc bills. Robnct~ seconded thc motion. Mascari asked ifH.R. Green had completed their part of thc contract? O'Nei] said Grcan was contracted to produce plans and specifications for thc fucl site and to do thc construction management. Dulck said she would look at thc contract Scope of Services. Mascari amended his motion to pay the bills except for thc invoice from H.R. Groan. Robnctt seconded the motion and it passed 4 - 0, with Ruylc being absent. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: d. Obstruction removal project - O~Neil said hc has met with Stanley Consultants a couple of times and together, they are working on a contract and a Scope of Services for thc project. H? said he is meeting with them again on April 19, 2002. O~Neil said hc thought thc Commission should get the EA and Obstruction Removal projects going as soon as possible. Anderson asked how these projects arc being £unded? O~leil said that thc Obstruction Removal project is being paid for with an IDOT grant. Thc EA project can bc reimbursed from the FAA on a 90/10 split. O2qeil said that before either contract is signed, the Commission should discuss them with the Finance Department to make sure the funds are there for the matching 10 %. O~eil said he sent a memo to the Finance Director a month ago, outlining some of the capital improvement projects anticipated at the Airport for the next few years. g. Long-term parking policy - Mascari asked how many cars are now at the Airport on a long- term basis? O2qeil said there are only two. O~NeiI said he included a draft of a policy in the Commission's packet. He said there is also a memo from Dulek, saying that she thought it was the responsibility of the Council to set parking policy. Ellis said it was his understanding that it was the Commission's responsibility to set policies on the Airport. Dulek said the Commission could not issue tickets. They could probably have a vehicle towed. Anderson said that he didn't think it was problem and the Commission should just drop the issue for now. Mascari said he thought the Commission should send a message that they are doing everything they can to raise revenue at the Airport. Ellis said the parking policy should be more than just the long term parking concerns. He said the Commission might want to designate areas for employee parking, long-term parking, etc. It could be an all-inclusive policy. Dulek said this should be sent to Council for action. She will draft an ordinance for the Commission to approve and send as a recommendation to Council. It will only address the long-term parking issue. h. Agenda protocol - Anderson said the issue here is what procedure does the Commission want to follow to place an item on the agenda or direct staff to do research on an issue. He asked what the Council's policy was in this regard? Ellis said he thought the Mayor or three Council members could have an item placed on the agenda. Anderson said the Commission's policy could be two members or the Chairperson. Anderson asked about giving directions to staff?. Ellis said he thought the same policy as with agenda items. O'Neil said it doesn't matter to him what the Commission decides, he just needed to know so that everything is consistent. Ellis said he wants to know specifically whether something he suggests is going to be acted on. O"Neil suggested the Commission stay with what they have always informally done and that it is the Chairperson's agenda to set. Robnett moved to accept the policy. Ellis seconded the motion and it was passed 4 - 0, with Ruyle being absent. O'Neil reminded the Commission that he places many of the items on the agenda for items that need action by the Commission. He does not place new items on the agenda unless directed by the Commission or they are general "housekeeping" issues. i. North T-hangars leases - Ellis said he is on the subcommittee for this issue and he would like to defer this agenda item until the next Commission meeting. Mascari said his aircraft insurance automatically covers the liability insurance required by the Commission. j. Building K - insurance claim- O2qeil said Assistant City Attorney Andy Matthews provided the Commission with their options for trying to recover insurance money fi.om the contractor to pay to reconstruct the building after it collapsed during construction. O~Neil said that the item was on the agenda for the Commission if they wanted to pursue further action. Ellis said that upon Matthews's recommendation, he thought the Commission made the decision not to pursue the matter. O~NeiI said he spoke with Erin Herring, the City's Risk Manager, and she agreed with Matthew's recommendation. Anderson made a suggestion that the Commission send the City Manager a memo, explaining that on advice of City staff, the matter would not be pursued. k. ARFF training - Ellis requested this be on the agenda. Ellis said Jet Air would provide aircraft for the Fire Department to use for training for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting training. He said it would be helpful for firefighters to be familiar with the kind of aircraft that Jet Air flies. It would be helpful to know things like where the battery is located and where the fuel shut off valves are. O~Neil said he would contact the Fire Department training officer and Jet Air's chief pilot and see when they would like to do some training. O~Neil said he would see if the FAA Central Region's mobile ARFF unit would be available for training. O~Neil suggested that the volunteer fire departments in Johnson County be contacted if the mobile trainer is scheduled for Iowa City. Robnett said that if the training is scheduled, the Commission should advertise with public service announcements. I. Buildings A, B, & C - overdue rent - This item was deferred until the May meeting. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Anderson said he would like to publicIy thank the people who came to the Council/Commission meeting to show support for the Commission. Anderson wondered if thc Commission should look at the budget to see if there was anything more to cut. Ellis said he thought several cuts were already made. Mascari said the expenses are in line. The problem is the drop in revenue. Ellis said thc Commission should continue to look for ways to increase revenue. Anderson said a memo should be sent to the Mayor to explain that there are three or four hangars vacant. O~Neil said they should fill up this summer. Ellis said there is more competition from other airports to lease hangars than there was a few years ago. Anderson wanted to know what the next step was with the Council after their meeting on April 157 O'Neil reminded the Commission that they started working on a business plan a couple of years ago. Other projects took priority. He said that maybe the Commission should concentrate on finishing the business plan. Robnett said the City Manager said other departments have business plans, and policies and procedures regarding spending and debt. She said the Commission should look at copies of the other departments' policies on spending and debt. Ellis said he thinks a member o£the Commission shouId go to Council meetings on a monthly basis and present information. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: Robnett presented some information on public service announcements. Airport events should be on the community calendars for radio and television. She will call radio and television stations and get more specific information. The Airport page on the City's WEB site should be updated. She said there are groups in thc University's business school that will develop a business plan and a marketing plan for the Airport. She will make some contacts. Ellis wanted the Commission to send a letter confirming what they thought happened at the Council/Commission meeting on April 15 and what the Council's expectations are and to thank them for their time. O'Neil suggested getting the minutes from the Clerk's office to help confirm what happened at the meeting. Ellis said the letter should be from the Chair to the Mayor. Ellis asked if the Commission had contacted Jet Air about using Building F for the SERTOMA breakfast on August 25. Anderson said that SERTOMA contacts Jet Air. The Commission does not have anything to do with the breakfast part of the Airport open house. O2qeil said the hangar is leased to Jet Air and they are the one that would give permission to use the building. Ellis asked if the ROTC unit at the University has any kind of airlift event like the one that just occurred at Cedar Falls. O~Neil said the ROTC unit wanted to fly out of the Iowa City Airport, but they were using a C-130 and it was too heavy for the Airport's runways. Ellis asked if the Commission requires a security and cleaning deposit in their leases? O~Neil said they have not required it in the past, but it certainly could bc added to any new lease. Ellis said airport rules should be included in the lease. Mascari said he would work with Ellis on the new T-hangar leases. Ellis asked how often the cleaning service cleans the Terminal Building. O2qeil said they are scheduled to come three times a week. Ellis suggested that the Commission cut back to one or two times a week. Mascari said that when communicating with the Council, it should be in writing to make certain that everyone gets the correct information. Mascari said he sent a letter to the editor in support of the Iowa City Airport and general aviation. He said he only sent it to the Press Citizen and not the Gazette. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: O'Neil showed the Commission a sign that Jet Air wanted to install on the Terminal Building to identify their business. Ellis suggested mounting the sign on poles instead of on the building. O~Neil said Jet Air wanted to have the sign lighted. O~Neil said there was a copy ora letter from Jet Air in the Commission packet in support for replacing the REIL on Runway 36. The replacement cost is about $13,000. A grant application has been sent to the IDOT. SET NEXT MEETING: The next regular Airport Commission meeting is scheduled for May 9, 2002,at 5:45 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. Mark Anderson, Chairperson FINAL/APPROVED MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION THURSDAY APRIL 25~ 2002 - 5:45 P.M. IOWA CITY AIRPORT TERMINAL MEMBERS PRESENT: Rick Mascari, Michelle Robnett, Mark Anderson, Alan Ellis STAFF PRESENT: Sue Dulek, Steve Atkins, Ron O'Neil CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Anderson called the meeting to order at 5:50 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: No items were discussed. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Aviation Commerce Park - marketing options- O~Neil stated that the Tracy Overton, from Iowa Realty, and the Commission subcommittee had discussed the reluctance of potential tenants to lease space in the ACP. Overton said that most of the interest has been from potential tenants that want to buy property. O2qeil said he contacted the Federal Aviation Administration and was told that in some situations, the FAA will allow the Iocal owner of an airport to sell some of the property. Grant assurances prohibit the sale without FAA approval. O~Neil said that only the Council could sell the property. The Commission would need to decide if they wanted to send a recommendation to the Council to sell some or all of the property in the ACP. O2qeil said he had invited Steve Atkins to answer questions about how this would impact the Airport's budget. O~eil said he discussed selling the property with Atkins and Kevin O'Malley. Both suggested it was something that should be explored in more detail. Overton explained some of his marketing analysis with the Commission. He said the current pricing structure was not acceptable to most potential tenants. They said that it would be a better investment to purchase property than to lease it long term for the prices the Commission was asking for the lots. Overton said he tried to equate a land lease with the long-term lease. He based his analysis on property worth $ 4.50 per square foot. Based on this, the property would have to be leased at $ .15 per square foot. Overton said the problem with this pricing is that it would take 15 to 20 years for the Commission to pay for the infrastructure. O~Neil said that the original idea that came out of the subcommittee was to sell the property, pay off the outstanding debt at the Airport, and then invest the remaining funds. The annual operating budget would be supplemented with the interest income. O~Neil said the FAA has indicated that if the Airport has funds available for capital improvements, whatever was available would be deducted from any grant amount the Airport was eligible for. O~eil said he did not know if that applied to IDOT grants. O2qeil told the Commission that although selling some or all of the property would pay current debt, it would not provide for a perpetual fund for the Airport. Mascari said that if the property were sold, additional revenue would be generated for the City's general fund. He said the Airport property would help to build the tax base. Mascari suggested selling enough property to pay off the capital debt and lease the rest of the property. O2qeil said the immediate problem was that there was not a very good response to the long-term leasing proposal. He said potential tenants are saying that it is difficult to get financing to build structures on leased property. Overton said leasing is not uncommon. It is just the fact that the leasing option is not competitive with the land that is for sale in Johnson County. Mascari asked Atkins if the property could have a TIF designation. Atkins said it could and that was an additional marketing tool. He said the immediate question now was one of policy, and that involves sale versus leasing. He said it seems like selling the property is the best option. Anderson said he has discussed the idea of selling the property with the Mayor. He said the Mayor was supportive of the idea. Anderson said it would be positive for the Airport and for the City in general. Atkins said it was his understanding that the FAA was against selling Airport property. OrNeil said that is still the case, but there are mechanisms for making it happen. He said that not only the FAA, but Airport Commissions in the past have been reluctant to consider selling any property because the Airport is already very constrained. One reason the FAA may be reconsidering their view is that on the 2002 Airport Layout Plan update, the property in question is no longer being considered for any future aviation use. Runway 18/36 is designated to be closed after the improvements are made to Runway 07/25. Mascari said he was under the impression that any money generated on the Airport, including the sale of property, would need to be reinvested in the Airport. O~eil said that is part of the FAA grant assurances. Atkins said that is something that can be accounted for. Atkins said that the Airport would need to include covenants in the land sales to protect the aviation rights. Dulek said City and Airport Zoning Codes would also protect the aviation rights. O2qeiI said the covenants, codes and restrictions have been developed and were to be included in the Ieases. Ellis said these would have to be included in contract sale. Ellis said that when the Commission started the development, they knew it would be a five to ten year process. He questioned whether the Commission is giving the leasing strategy a long enough trial period. He said there seems to be more positive than negative points for selling the property. Robnett asked if Overton was looking at selling the whole parcel or individual lots? Overton said his strategy was to sell individual lots. If someone was willing to purchase the whole site, he said that would work also. Mascari asked if the Commission could charge a percentage of gross from a business that locates on the property. Overton said that may be done on a lease, but was not an industry standard if you sold the property. Mascari said maybe the Commission should 2 sell enough of the property to pay off the Airport's debt and then lease the rest. Atkins said he thought that if the Commission was going to put some of the property on the market, all of it should be for sale. This would be better than selecting some lots to lease and some to sell. Ellis said the Commission should offer all the lots for sale or lease. 02qeil said that selling the property could improve the City's financial situation in the near future, but that the Airport may still need support from the general fund in the long term. Robnett asked if there was still any interest in moving the Airport to a new site? Oqqeil said the Airport Master Plan is a long-term plan for this site. Ellis said that as improvements are made to the Airport, it might become so busy that it will need to be relocated. Mascari made a motion to send a recommendation to the City Council to sell the property in the Aviation Commerce Park. Ellis seconded the motion. Ellis said the FAA would still have to review the decision. Atkins suggested that if this is the policy recommendation, the Commission should send a detailed letter to the Council outlining what would be involved with switching from a lease to a sale strategy. There are numerous questions that need to be answered before the Commission can move forward. Mascari said he wanted to change his motion to say the Commission is changing the focus from leasing to selling the property and send that idea to the Council. Robnett seconded the motion. Dulek said there would be some costs and fees involved in changing strategies, including updating the appraisal and renegotiating Overtons's agreement. Mascari withdrew his motion and Ellis withdrew his second. Robnett made a motion to investigate selling the Aviation Commerce Park land. Mascari seconded the motion. Atkins said by the nature of the motion, the Commission will need to renegotiate with Overton. Atkins also suggested that a letter be sent from Anderson to Lehman outlining the Commission's new strategy. The motion passed 4 - 0, with Ruyle being absent. b. Fuel site - final approval - Dick Blum, from H.R. Green, updated the Commission on the project. He said that last week, Double Check sent a representative to the Airport to trouble-shoot the problems the Airport had reported conceming the fuel system. He said one of the main problems discovered was that the phone line had been reprogrammed and the modem was not calling out to the credit card companies to approve thc card. Blum said he thinks it was done when Jet Air was changing the price in thc pump. Robnett said that anytime software is rcprogrammed, there is the potential to change some of the defaults in the rest of the program. Blum said Jet Air has been told the next time they want to change the price, they should contact Double Check or Applied Technology and they will walk them through the reprogramming. Blum said when the final software is installed, this should eliminate the problem Blum said there was an incident of a pilot that couldn't get fuel in the middle of the night. A check of the system showed that the pilot was using an unauthorized card. The FBO and their fuel vendor determine the types of cards used in the system. Blum said the FBO needs to post a notice on which cards they accept. Mascari said he used the pump and was limited on how much fuel he could get. Blum said that is also a credit card decision. The vendor or the credit card company limits how much can be spent on each purchase. Anderson asked Blum if he thought the system is working? Blum said that in the week since Double Check made changes, there have been no known equipment malfunctions. Mascari said he would like to wait until the next Commission meeting to accept the system. Blum said he would recommend accepting the system as it exists. He said the Commission still has the two-year performance bond if any problems develop. Blum said the Commission has a reasonably good relationship with Double Check at this time. He said the Commission would depend on Double Check for the next two years for warranty work. Mascari said Double Check has not been good about returning calls and following up on complaints. Blum said the H.R. Green is over budget on what their scope of services called for on this project. The contract called for 20 days in construction management. He said Green probably has 90 days invested in the project. Robnett asked Blum if Green billed Double Check for meetings that they didn't show up for. Blum said they don't have any leverage to bill Double Check. Blum said he discussed this with the subcommittee, to charge Double Check for the additional time Green had invested troubleshooting for Double Check. Blum said the two year warranty starts on the day the Commission accepts the project. There is also a provision in the contract that addresses liquidated damages. Ellis said he thought the project should be accepted and the retainage paid. He suggested Dulek send a letter, reminding them of the warranty obligations. Ellis said Jet Air should be trained on the system so they do not create any problems and a letter of understanding that if they cause any problems with the system, they will be responsible for paying to have things corrected. O2qeil asked Blum who would be responsible for training Jet Air on the additional software? Blum said training was not included in the original bid, but he would get a quote from Applied Technology for training. Mascari said he thought the Commission should wait until the next meeting before accepting the fuel system. O2qeil said that if the check request went in tomorrow, the check would not be issues until May 15. He said the next Commission meeting is May 9. Ellis made a motion for a resolution to accept the new fuel system. Mascari seconded the motion. Dulek and O~Neil will draft a letter of understanding between the Commission and Jet Air, explaining the responsibilities for the remote fueling system. At roll call vote, the motion passed 4 - 0, with Ruyle being absent. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Mark Anderson, Chairperson MINUTES FINAL/APPROVED IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT TUESDAY, April 9, 2002 - 5:00 PM CIVIC CENTER - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Eric Gidal, Mike Paul, Vince Maurer, T.J. Brandt, Dennis Keitel Members Absent: None Staff Present: Karen Howard, Mitch Behr Others Present: Tom Mentz, Bob Downer, Fred Griner, Dean Shannon CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Brandt called the meeting to order at 5:02 PM ROLL CALL: Maurer, Paul, Brandt, Keitel and Gidal present. CONSIDERATION OF THE MARCH 13, 2002 BOARD MINUTES: Minutes for the March 13 meeting were approved as submitted. MOTION: Eric Gidal moved that the minutes of March 13 be approved as submitted. Mike Paul seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS: EXC02-00004. Discussion of an application submitted by Tom Mentz for a special exception to reduce the required rear yard from 20 feet to 9 feet for property in the High Density Multi-family (RM-44) Zone at 609 S. Dodge Street. Karen Howard shared the circumstances of the situation with the members. Tom Mentz owns this single-family residence and maintains the single-family use. The property is in a high- density zone and used as a rental Single family residential is non-conforming use in the RM-44 Zone. However, single-family uses are treated differently than other uses that are nonconforming and are actually considered to have conforming rights. Therefore, the use can be expanded or reconstructed provided it meets all the other requirements of the zone. The applicant is proposing to tear down a rear addition that is in disrepair and build a new addition on the backside of the house. The existing addition is a nonconforming structure because it extends into the required 20-foot rear yard. The new addition will be larger than the existing one and therefore would be an expansion of a nonconforming structure, which is not permitted unless the Board grants a special exception to reduce the rear yard. The applicant is requesting that the rear yard be reduced from 20 feet to 9 feet for the length of the structure. There are several standards that the applicant has to meet to show that this application is justified. He needs to show that this is a unique situation and that there is practical difficulty meeting the requirement. In this case, the situation is unique because this lot is not as deep (75 ft. deep) as other lots and is of an unusual configuration. This makes it difficult to build an addition to this house that does not extend into the required 20-foot yard. The existing addition is already nonconforming and is in need of repair. The property does have a large side yard where the addition could be built, but this would detract from the architecture of this early 20th century house. Further, if the addition were built on the side of the house, the interior layout and Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 2 windows of the house would have to be modified. The applicant believes this is the most practical and aesthetically compatible place for the addition. Staff concurs. The applicant needs to show that this is not a substantial exception: Staff does not feel that this is a substantial encroachment into the rear yard, especially if it is only granted for the length of the dwelling unit. However, staff notes that because this is a RM-44 high-density zone, if these lots were ever redeveloped into large apartment buildings, the reduction of yard could be a problem and may reduce the privacy of neighboring lots. Staff feels that if staff is going to grant reduction in the yard, that it should only be for the length of time that this remains a single-family structure. Staff does not feel that there will be a substantial detriment to the neighborhood. There is considerable yard space remaining between the existing houses and should not detract form the surrounding properties. The new addition will replace an existing addition that is in disrepair. In consideration of the above criteria, staff feels that the interest of justice would be served by granting this rear yard reduction. This is a unique situation, given the shallow lot; the applicant's plans for the addition appear to be sensitive to the existing architecture of the house and are likely to improve the look of the rear of the home. Therefore, staff recommends that the board approve EXC02-00004, a special exception to reduce the required rear yard from 20 feet to 9 feet for the length of the existing single-family structure for property located in the High Density Multi-family (RM--44) Zone at 609 S. Dodge Street. Staff recommends that the yard reduction be granted for only as long as the single family structure remains on the lot. Public Hearin,q Opened Tom Mentz, the applicant, appeared on his own behalf to answer any questions that the members might have. He is in favor of the exception. Paul asked how much further the new addition would extend into the rear yard in comparison with the existing one. Mentz responded that it would project 4 ft. further. The current addition is 12 ft. off the house and the applicant is proposing a 16 ft. addition off the house. In response to a question by Keitel, Mentz responded that he also owns the adjoining parcel of land, which is part of the 625 Bowery lot. This addition will be located approximately 12 ft. from the garage on the adjoining lot. The garage on the Bowery Street lot is about 3 ft. from the side property line. Public Hearinq Closed MOTION: Paul moved that the board approve EXC02-00004, a special exception to reduce the required rear yard from 20 feet to 9 feet for the length of the existing single-family structure for property located in the High Density Multi-family (RM-44) Zone at 609 S. Dodge Street and that the yard reduction be granted for only as long as the single family structure remains on the lot. Maurer seconded the motion. Findin~qs of Fact Paul said that he will vote in favor of the proposal. As far as the standards that need to be met, it can be seen that this is an unique situation given the shallow lot, and there is a practical difficulty of building the addition in another way. While it may be possible to reconfigure the plans, but it is most practical to tear down and extend the existing addition. This is not a substantial reduction and the practical effect of this reduction will be minimal. The density will not be increased and will not increase the use of municipal facilities; it will not be a detriment to the neighborhood. There is no feasible alternative for the applicant. He believes that it would be in the interest of justice to pass this exception. Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 3 Gidal said that he will also vote in favor for most of the reasons just stated, with the addition that it is clearly in the best interest of the streetscape to build the addition on the back of the home. Maurer said that he will vote in favor the reasons already given. Keitel said that he will vote in favor. He disagreed with Paul, saying that this was a substantial reduction in yard, but that the rear yard is the best place for the addition. Brandt said that he, too, will vote in favor, for the reasons stated by his colleagues. On a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the motion. EXC02-00005. Discussion of an application submitted by Fareway Stores, Inc. for a special exception to permit a grocery store in the Intensive Commercial (C1-1) Zone on lots 17 and 18 in Scott-Six Industrial Park. Howard oriented those present by showing a map of the area and explaining the zoning. A site plot plan shows the grocery store, which is approximately 24,351 sq. ff. The plan allows for parking and access by two curb cuts off Commerce Drive. A third curb cut is proposed if more parking is developed in the future. When the Scott-Six Industrial Park was re-zoned and plotted in 1997, the owners in the industrial park and the city signed a conditional zoning agreement in order to insure the adequate vision of infrastructure in the park as well as to make sure that the development of individual lots along Scott Blvd are sensitive to this entryway into the City. There are a number of requirements in that conditional zoning agreement regarding building orientation, building materials, and landscaping, to make sure that a pleasing environment is maintained along Scott Blvd. All of the requirements of the conditional zoning agreement are in addition to the zoning requirements for the Cl-1 zone. Staff notes that the lots in question are visible from Scott Boulevard even though there is a stream corridor between the property and Scott Boulevard. Until recently, grocery stores were not permitted in the intensive commercial zone because large retail uses were deemed incompatible with industrial and quasi-industrial uses for a number of reasons. One of the primary concerns is that retail uses generate a different type and amount of traffic than do industrial uses. The large truck traffic associated with industrial uses and intensive commercial uses may cause a safety hazard when mixed with the large amount of car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic associated with grocery stores. However, recently, the City Council amended the zoning ordinance to permit grocery stores in the intensive commercial zone by special exception. The Planning and Zoning Commission did not recommend this change, but in a memo to council, there were a number of important issues that they wanted the Council to consider in the ordinance if the council chose to make the change. Howard summarized the issues that are highlighted in the ordinance adopted by the Council. These include adequate sidewalks for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, consideration of any traffic improvements necessary to accommodate the mix of types of traffic in the particular location, and also the size of the grocery store. According to the ordinance a grocery store cannot be larger than 30,000 sq. ft. This proposal, being 24,000 sq. ft., meets that requirement. Other than that specific requirement, the store also needs to meet the special exception review requirements. These include: 1. The specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, comfort or general welfare. Howard commented that the proposed location is directly across from industrial lots. Staff feels that the request for two curb cuts is adequate, in fact, one may be adequate, but the city municipal standards allows two. To get three Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 4 curb cuts, the store would have to get a variance. Fewer curb cuts means fewer conflict points with the industrial traffic generated by uses on the industrial lots across the street. Staff recommends that the Board limit the grocery store to two access points. Howard noted that in the future, as the industrial park develops, there may be considerable stacking on Liberty Dr. as customers from the grocery store and trucks from the industrial uses in the park both use Liberty Drive to exit onto Scott Boulevard. Large trucks will have to wait longer than cars for a sufficient gap in the traffic stream to pull out onto the arterial street causing additional delay at the intersection. However, traffic control devices are currently not warranted given that the industrial park is largely undeveloped at this time. Turn lanes and other traffic control devices may be warranted in the future as the park develops. Staff notes the need to consider the mix of large truck traffic and pedestrians/bicyclists. There are nearby housing developments just north of this site. It is likely that these residents may proceed to the grocery store by foot or bike. This means that a separated and clearly defined sidewalk system will be needed to accommodate this use. When the conditional zoning agreement was signed, it was not anticipated that this kind of commercial use would locate in the park, so the provision for sidewalks that was adopted with hat conditional zoning agreement was that sidewalks be provided along the intensive commercial lots as these lots developed. Currently, there is quite a spotty sidewalk system since many of the lots have not been developed. Staff feels that it is important to have a full sidewalk system in place before the grocery store opens. Staff recommends that a sidewalk be built along Commerce Dr. to Liberty Dr. and then to fill in the gaps along Scott Blvd, with a means to get safely across the railroad tracks. Permission would be need from the Iowa Interstate Railroad Company to comply. Another consideration would have to be pedestrians crossing Scott Blvd. There is an 8 ft. sidewalk already built on the west side; a means for pedestrians to cross the street would have to be provided. It is suggested that a curb ramp be located at suggested crossing locations to indicate where appropriate crossing locations are. In response to a question from the Board, Howard stated that traffic engineers have come to the conclusion that a painted crosswalk at an unsignalized intersection along an arterial street is unsafe because of the false sense of security it would give pedestrians. A traffic signal is currently not warranted at this intersection. 2. The establishment of the proposed exception will not impede the development of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. Howard explained that a grocery store attracts a broad cross-section of the population and this store expects to draw from all over Iowa City. This retail population may be unaccustomed to the externalities associated with industrial uses, such as noise, odor, dust and truck traffic to the extent that potential industrial and other potential uses are wary of locating next to a grocery store whose customers may complain of their operations. In this way, the grocery store may impede the normal and orderly development of the park in the future. However, this is difficult to discern at this point given that the industrial park is largely undeveloped at this time. 3. The specific standards and regulations in the code need to be followed. The site plan that is presented here is not the official site plan that will be submitted to the city. It should be noted that if the exception is approved, that it is for the use of the site only. The applicant will still be required to meet all of the requirements of the C1-1 zone and the requirements of the Scott-Six Industrial Park conditional zoning agreement. Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 5 Howard noted that there is some overlap in the standards and that she is just pointing out the highlights of the staff report. Given the recent legislative direction of the City Council, staff recommends that the board approve EXC02-00005, a special exception to permit a grocery store in the Intensive Commercial (C1-1) Zone on lots 17 and 18 in Scott-Six Industrial Park, subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant must submit a site plan that complies with the requirements of the zoning ordinance and the 1997 conditional zoning agreement for the Scott-Six Industrial Park; 2. The grocery store property is limited to two driveways off of Commerce Drive; and 3. Prior to issuance of an occupancy permit, a continuous sidewalk must be constructed along the subject property's Commerce Drive frontage to the intersection with Liberty Drive, along the south side of Liberty Drive to Scott Boulevard and then along Scott Boulevard north to and across the railroad tracks. In addition, curb ramps must be constructed in locations approved by the City of Iowa City on the nodheast and northwest corners of the intersection of Scott Boulevard and Liberty Drive to demarcate the pedestrian crossings. Maurer pointed out that lot 16 has a filling station and a convenience store. He asked Howard to explain why this was allowed since it is similar to a grocery store. Howard explained that convenience stores are a provisional use in the C1-1 zone because they are a typically smaller in scale and draw only from the nearby area, whereas grocery stores are much larger and draw customers from a regional area, so they generate more traffic. The amount of traffic is the concern along with the location of the lots in the interior o~ the industrial park. There was some discussion about the fact that there is currently a sidewalk on the west side of Scott Blvd to Highway 6. This sidewalk is 8 ft wide. The proposed east sidewalk would only have to be 4 ft. wide. There was also a sidewalk that was supposed to have been put in before any of the Scott-Six lots were developed, but was overlooked. This sidewalk needs to be put in before any other building permits are issued (something for the developer to take note of). There was also some discussion on the merits of a painted crosswalk vs. a curb ramp. Keitel remained unconvinced that a curb ramp is the safest option despite Howard's assurance that City traffic engineers have said that this location does not meet the safety requirements for a painted crosswalk. Public Hearin,q Opened Bob Downer, an attorney for Streb Investment Partnership, appeared on behalf of the applicant, Fareway Stores. Downer passed out literature to the members, which he referred to during the course of his speaking. He said that he has points of agreement and disagreement with the staff recommendations. The most significant disagreement is with the sidewalk on the east side; there are no problems with the other proposed sidewalks. He is in agreement with curb ramps on both sides of Scott Blvd. He mentioned that he was concerned that staff was recommending that the sidewalks along the east side of Scott Boulevard be put in prior to development of these lots. He felt that the abuse these sidewalks would face during construction would mean that they would have to be replaced once construction was completed, an unnecessary waste. Downer pointed out that a 1997 memorandum listed restaurants as a possible use in a C1-1 zone. He argued that such restaurants would create as much or more traffic than the proposed grocery store. He added that the railroad on the east side of Scott BIvd is not within the corporate limits of Iowa City and would be up to Johnson County. He said that the proposed east sidewalk would lead nowhere and that the existing sidewalk on the west side would be the preferred pedestrian route, making the east side superfluous. Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 6 Downer cited information from Fred Griner, executive vice-president of Fareway Stores, and Art Beck, a Fareway engineer, showing that a small number (5%) of all consumers will access the store by foot based on their retail experience in other locations. The peak number shopping time is around 5 pm. Downer stated that opinion that the semi-traffic would be heaviest early in the morning when grocery shopping would be the lowest. He stated that the applicant feels there would be no significant traffic conflicts except for the final hour of the day that the store is open. He was able to show precedence of similar situations that were successful, i.e., the Randall Store on Lower Muscatine, which was directly across the street from Oral B with no discernable negative impact. Downer asked that the proposal for a third curb cut be open to review at another time. He said that two curb cuts are sufficient at present. In summary, the first item is agreeable, the second item is satisfactory at this time, but would like to have it kept open, and the third item (the east sidewalk) is problematic. Downer noted that over 1500 persons have signed a petition in favor of the store and that the store has been supported in numerous editorials. In conclusion, Downer said that all considerations have been met by the applicant and that he request approval of the special exception subject to the conditions 1 & 2 of the staff repot, with a modification of condition 3. He also added that he felt that the original Scott sidewalk from Liberty Drive to Highway 6 has been met by a payment in lieu of construction made by the developer at an earlier time. Fred Griner, executive vice-president of Fareway Stores, clarified that there is a possibility of 5% pedestrian traffic in a downtown area and that this much traffic is not likely at this industrial location. He said that pedestrian traffic would probably be 1% of the all customers at the store with 0% in the winter months. Dean Shannon, member of Planning and Zoning, spoke on behalf of the proposed exception. He said that it is true that P & Z voted this ordinance change down, but he felt that the decision was made using faulty logic. The Scott-Six Park is not hallowed industrial ground. He said that he looked at the zoning book and found that intensive commercial zoning opens the door to this kind of use, seeing how restaurants are already covered. He, himself, is in favor of adding grocery stores to intensive commercial uses. Shannon ended by saying that he is in support of the store and feels that it would be a good use of the property and that Iowa City would have a lot to gain by this, since it would prevent development from going west to Coralville. Everyone that he has spoken to is in favor of the store, with the exception of staff and the Planning Commission. Public Hearinq Closed MOTION: Maurer moved that the board approve EXC02-00005, a special exception to permit a grocery store in the Intensive Commercial (C1-1) Zone on lots 17 and 18 in Scoff- Six Industrial Park, subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant must submit a site plan that complies with the requirements of the zoning ordinance and the 1997 conditional zoning agreement for the Scott-Six Industrial Park; 2. The grocery store property is limited to two driveways off of Commerce Drive; and 3. Prior to issuance of an occupancy permit, a continuous sidewalk must be constructed along the subject property's Commerce Drive frontage to the intersection with Liberty Drive and then along the south side of Liberty Drive to Scott Boulevard. In addition, curb ramps must be constructed in locations approved by the City of Iowa City on the northeast and northwest corners of the intersection of Scott Boulevard and Liberty Drive to demarcate the pedestrian crossings. Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 7 Findinqs of Fact Keitel said that he would vote in favor of the exception, saying that he did not feel that the east sidewalk was necessary, but he still has concerns about the crosswalk. Maurer said that he would vote in favor because there is a need in the area for this grocery store. Gidal said that he would vote in favor. Paul said that he would vote in favor, but was unsure whether the standards for endangerment and impeding development were met. However, he said that he was swayed by the testimony that the Mormon Trek Fareway has no traffic problems and that the Planning and Zoning Commissioner that testified says that this sort of use is invited. He said that he is a little bothered by not including the east sidewalk because the 1% pedestrian usage of the store is likely to be kids from the surrounding neighborhood. Brandt said that he would vote in favor, but that he too, was concerned about the lack of an east sidewalk. He said that pedestrians will have to be responsible for their own safety, but hope that city engineers will monitor the situation. On a vote of 5-0, the Board approved the motion. QTHER The Board discussed amending their procedural rules to set a more specific time limitation on matters appealed to the Board. The rules currently state that appeals should be submitted within a "reasonble time." Howard stated that staff recommends that the Board amend their rules to set a ninety-day time period for appeals. Howard referred to the staff memo forwarded to the Board. In relation to the discussion of amendments to the Board's procedural rules, Paul asked what the phrase, "similarly observable" means. Behr explained that it simply means observable from the public right of way and/or adjacent properties. Brandt said that 60 days seems like a more reasonable time period, but Paul was concerned that there can be mitigating circumstances. Howard said that if the Board restricts the time too much they may actually see an increase in the number of frivolous appeals, because some people may submit an appeal quickly in order to reserve their right to appeal. On the other hand, if an appeal is submitted after a long period of time it may be difficult to reconstruct an accurate record of the case. Staff does not think there is a magic number here and it is up to the Board whether they think 60 or 90 days is a more reasonable time period. The rule is intended to give the Board some guidance as to what should be considered reasonable. Individuals are free to make an appeal to the Board that there are mitigating circumstances that the Board should hear their appeal. There was some discussion of whether or not people should be notified of their right to appeal within 90 days. MOTION: Keitel moved that the board approve the amended Procedural Rules as outlined in the staff memo dated March 13, 2002. Paul seconded the motion. The Motion passed 5-0. Staff suggested that the Board might want to discuss clarifying one of the conditions imposed on the special exception granted in March to John Fitzpatrick (EXC01-00001). This is with regard to the drainage issue. The Board requested that staff forward a memo describing the situation to the Board for their consideration at the next Board meeting. Staff stated that the applicant and the adjacent affected property owner wourd be notified that the Board would be discussing this issue at the next meeting. Iowa City Board of Adjustment April 9, 2002 Page 8 BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION None. ADJOURNMENT Paul moved to adjourn, seconded by Maurer. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 PM Board Chairperson Board Secretary City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM May 9, 2002 ~ To: City Council ~,~/)~ F~ FRre°.'m: ~ar~;~dHm°eWn;r'~'l~:crBe~rdW ~fB~r~s~i'~Stprmoe(netd~u ral Ru'es At their April meeting, the Board of Adjustment discussed and voted to approve a change to their procedural rules. This discussion and vote is noted on page 7 of the April 9, 2002 minutes, under "Other." Now, per the procedures for amendment of such rules, this item should be referred to the City Council Rules Committee for recommendation. cc: Steve Atkins Marian Karr Karin Franklin MINUTES FINAL/APPROVED IOWA CITY BOARD OF APPEALS MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2002, 4:00 P.M. TRANSIT BUILDING CONFERENCE ROOM, 1200 S. RIVERSIDE DR., IOWA CITY, IOWA MEMBERS PRESENT: John Roffman, Anna Buss, Wayne Maas, Doug DuCharme Gary Haman, Tom Werderitsch (arrived at 4:30 P.M.) Tim Fehr STAFF PRESENT: Tim Hennes (Sr. Building Inspector), Roger Jensen (Fire Marshall), Jann Ream (Code Enforcement Asst. acting as Minute taker) OTHERS PRESENT: Tom Vrban (Vrban Fire Protection), Barney Murphy (Sprinklers Fitters Local 669), Gary Penninston, Jr. (Tri-State Sprinkler), Traci Huffman (Aquarius Sprinkler Co.), Bob Fontanini (Blackhawk Sprinklers), Tom McVey (Continental Fire Sprinkler Company), Dan Smith (Chamber of Commerce) RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Roffman called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: Minutes from the April 1,2002 meeting were reviewed. One typo was pointed out. MOTION: Buss moved to approve the minutes. Haman seconded. Motion passed unopposed. Continued discussion re,qardinq maintenance and installer licensin.q of fire alarm and sprinkler systems contractors. Discussion continued (same issues from previous meetings) concerning what criteria would be required to license fire alarm and sprinkler contractors. Length of apprenticeship, which outside testing agencies and how requirements for designers would be applied were discussed. Henries said he would get samples of exams from Experior to present to the Board at the next meeting. Some exact wordings of the proposal were discussed. Roffman asked the representatives of the sprinkler companies present if they felt comfortable with the direction the Board was taking. Penniston responded that the entire industry was headed in this same direction. The requirement for continuing education was discussed. Continuing education would be required just like the required code update classes for electricians and plumbers. The question was posed on whether the City would accept reciprocal licenses from other municipalities. If the required test results were turned in with the application, a license could be issued. The final wording of the proposal to Council was refined. Hennes said he would make the final revisions to the proposal and provide some sample tests for the next meeting. The tag system was discussed - color coding, pass/fail tags etc. The tag system will be administrative - not part of the proposed code. Continued discussion regarding adoption of the 2000 International Residential Code. The Board continued discussing the proposed local amendments to the 2000 IRC. The time frame for having the code adopted was proposed to be the end of July, 2002. Amendments discussed concerned foundation requirements, protective sheathing, attic access, egress windows in single family dwellings, allowed gap in open stair risers, headroom and handrail requirements, drainage and radon abatement standards. Universal design standards were discussed in terms of what standards if any should be adopted into building code. Other Business: The next meeting was scheduled for May 6, 2002 at 4:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT: Buss moved to adjourn the meeting. Haman seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 P.M. John Roffman, Board of Appeals Chair Date FINAL/APPRO =D MINUTES IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION CIVIC CENTER, LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM May 1,2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Kennedy, Lyra Dickerson, Jim Anderlik STAFF PRESENT: Sylvia Mejia, Karen Jennings, Fire Chief Andy Rocca OTHERS PRESENT: None RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF: None. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: Commissioners recommend that Council accept the hiring list for the Position of police officer. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION: Chairperson Kennedy called the meeting to order at 8:10AM. First order of business was certification of the hiring list for the position of Police Officer. Mejia provided an overview of the recruitment process noting that of the 63 individuals who took the written test, 41 made it to the interview phase. She noted that the hiring committee thoroughly discussed each candidate's qualifications to ensure that they possessed the necessary qualifications and experience for successful performance as a police officer. Mejia presented a final list of 12 candidates to the Commission for approval. Kennedy moved and Dickerson seconded a motion to approve the list for Police Officer as presented. All were in favor. Old Business: Mejia provided the Commissioners an update on the ongoing Firefighter recruitment. She indicated that the physical agility practice sessions were well attended, that both the written and physical agility tests had gone smoothly and that 57 candidates were scheduled to be interviewed. New Business: None Kennedy moved and Dickerson seconded a motion to adjourn. All were in favor. Meeting adjourned at 8:20AM. POLICE OFFICER RECRUITMENT 2002 Application Summary Total AsianBlack Hispanic Indian WhiteUnknown Applications Received 147 Female 20 1 1 16 2 Male 127 I 10 2 112 2 Written Test 63 Female 11 1 10 Mate 52 2 1 49 Physical Agility 60 Female 11 I 10 Male 49 1 1 47 Interview 41 Female 6 1 5 Male 35 1 34 Certified Hiring List 12 Female 1 1 Mate 11 11 Advertisin.q Summary Omaha World-Herald St. Louis Post Dispatch Waterloo Courier Cedar Rapids Gazette Iowa City Press Citizen Quad City Times Des Moines Register QCTimes.com (Top Jobs) 911 hotiobs.com City of Iowa City jobline City of Iowa City website City of Iowa City media releases Recruitment brochure sent to Placement Director at 30 colleges and universities MINUTES FINAL/APPROVED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APRIL 10, 2002 MEMBERS PRESENT: Kevin Boyd, Toni Cilek, Doug Ginsberg, Craig Gustaveson, Matt Pacha Nancy Ostrognai, Rex Pruess, Al Stroh, John Westefeld STAFF PRESENT: Mike Moran, Terry Robinson, Terry Trueblood FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved by Westefeld, seconded by Boyd, to approve the March 13, 2002 minutes as written. Unanimous. PIN GRANT APPLICATIONS Trueblood reviewed the FY03 PIN grant applications, which pertained to areas of interest to the Parks and Recreation Department. Pacha referred to the Hoover Elementary School Playground application. He felt it was a great project, but questioned whether it should be funded. The list of potential resources does not include any contribution by the School District, and the playground will not be available to the public during school hours. Pruess asked where the closest playground would be in this area; Trueblood stated Court Hill Park. Pruess noted the City has its own playgrounds that need to be updated. Trueblood stated that from his standpoint if the School District was contributing to the project, it would be more justifiable for City funds to go towards the project. Stroh supported the Longfellow Neighborhood Association's PIN grant applications, noting the projects were inexpensive and were a continuation of past efforts. Pacha supported the Wetherby Friends and Neighbors' application, noting it was a good project to bring the neighborhood together. UPDATE ON FY03 BUDGET REDUCTIONS At last month's meeting the commission received a listing of proposed reductions; Trueblood updated it. The original proposed reductions amounted to over $300,000 just for temporary employees; the current proposed reductions amount to $158,630 ($50,300 for temporary employees; $68,330 for capital outlay; $40,000 for the Parks and Recreation Master Plan). The Master Plan remains on the list as postponed, but it may be negotiable. Staff will meet with the City Manager to discuss other funding possibilities in order to complete the Master Plan as scheduled. Pacha recognized staff for its effort and good job in trying to minimize the budget reduction impact on the department. Gustaveson stated he was pleased $2,000 was put back in the Central Business District (CBD) budget for downtown clean up. Trueblood noted he met with the Downtown Association who was under the impression that the CBD budget was being drastically reduced. Staff assured them the downtown area would continue to be cleaned, but they might notice a slight difference, especially early and late in the season. UPDATE ON CAPITAL PROJECTS Trueblood gave a status report on the following projects: Hickory Hill Trails. Work has begun and should be completed by August. The bridges were lowered into place by a National Guard helicopter, which resulted in a number of trees being saved, and a big cost savings. Hunters Run Park The contract has been completed, and prairie seeding and other seeding will be completed soon. Staff is meeting with the neighborhood to discuss the type of playground equipment they would like installed in the park. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be planned. (~itv Park Trails The contract has been completed, and seeding, finishing work and the entryway will be completed soon. A ribbon cutting ceremony will also be planned for this project. Riverside Festival Stage Seatin.q The seats have arrived and installation will begin Thursday, April 1'i. The project should be completed in a few days. The Riverside Theatre has ordered heavy-duty canvas covers for the seats to help protect them. Parks and Recreation Commission April 10, 2002 Page 2 of 3 Skate Park Construction will begin soon, with plans to have the project completed in June. Some type of opening ceremony will be conducted. Waterworks Park "Structural" (concrete trails, parking lots, etc.) components will be bid soon for completion this summer. Seeding will be handled separately, and may not be done until next spring. It will likely require a grant in order to complete the entire seeding. If a grant is not received either a less expensive seed mix will be used, or part of the area will not be seeded with prairie grasses and wildflowers. Soccer Complex The parking lots have been completed, the small maintenance building has been completed with the exception of the brick exterior, and the irrigation system has been computerized. Tennis Court Li~htin¢l Plans are to bid the project to light the City Park and Mercer Park tennis courts yet this spring or early summer. C~meterv Deeded Body Project A meeting was conducted with University of Iowa representatives to receive their input into the project. Very preliminary cost estimates have been established. If everything is completed as to what is desired, the estimate is $120,000 and only $50,000 is budgeted. The University had indicated its willingness to help finance the project, and staff is waiting to hear to what extent. City Park Amusement Ride Enhancements Staff is currently reviewing a proposed contract for the design of an expanded railway, with preliminary plans to complete this project after the summer season. Recreation Center HVAC Improvements The project is currently underway and should be completed mid-June. Moran suggested that the commission meet at the Mercer Park/Scanlon Gym for its June meeting, as the air conditioning in the Recreation Center will not be operating for a period of time in June. Hi.qhwa¥ Six Trail Good bids were received and work should begin soon. Miscellaneous Smaller Projects Among some of the other smaller projects to be completed are playgrounds, shelters, restrooms, security lighting, parking lots, sidewalks, landscaping, trail connections. Gustaveson asked if there were still plans to install a parking lot off First Avenue for people using Hickory Hill Park. Trueblood noted that last year Dunbar Jones put together a design. The Public Works Department thought it could get a good price last year from the contractor already doing First Avenue, but the price came in too high. Currently the Engineering Division is reviewing the plans and is considering the possibility to negotiate an informal bid. Truebl00d indicated there is no money specified in the budget for this project, but the City Manager wants staff to proceed to determine cost. Boyd noted the City Council wants everything done along First Avenue before it opens later this year. COMMISSION TIME Stroh reported the University of iowa in conjunction with FIRST completed a one-mile concrete 10-foot wide trail that connects the Hawkeye commuter parking lot west of Finkbine Golf Course to Highway 6. This is Phase I, with Phase II to continue the trail out to Camp Cardinal. Westefeld noted it was a great trail and had heard many good comments. Parks and Recreation comrmssion April 10, 2002 Page 3 of 3 Pruess asked if there were still plans to put in a curb cut in the sidewalk leading into the Willow Creek connector trail off Irving Avenue; Trueblood noted it was scheduled to be completed this year. Ostrognai suggested that the Recreation Division work with the University of Iowa to offer a Red Cross certification class as part of the University's curriculum. She noted the shortage of such classes, with a high demand for people who need to be Red Cross certified. Moran stated the Red Cross only has one instructor trainer per county and they are not University employees. Ostrognai asked if the Recreation Division would offer classes, with the University taking care of the requirements. He noted the class would not be long enough to fit the University's course requirements. Moran indicated the division presently offers two classes; one for people who will be working for the Recreation Division teaching classes or lifeguarding and another for the general public. Trueblood noted it was a good suggestion and one worth investigating further. Cilek noted City High is proposing a new gym in an area that would eliminate the present tennis courts. Boyd indicated he attended the meeting where they discussed their space and how they would address them in general. He noted they are only in the very preliminary planning stage. Gustaveson asked if there was a map of the trails in Iowa City. Trueblood noted FIRST put together a trails map a few years ago and a small map depicting the trails is included in the Recreation Division's brochure. (FIRST maps were distributed). Boyd stated it would be good to put together a map of the trails in Hickory Hill Park, and suggested installing trail signage at the park edges; Trueblood noted there are plans to do this. CHAIR'S REPORT Pacha congratulated North Liberty on passing a referendum to construct a pool. He noted the City of Coralville is also planning to construct a new pool, with Iowa City looking at cutting hours to its pools. He felt the City should be concerned as the new pools in these communities will have an impact on Iowa City, and the City needs to be proactive. Trueblood noted it was disheartening on staff's part that North Liberty and Coralville press forward with new recreational facilities and Iowa City is cutting back on temporary employees. Pacha noted he may not be able to attend the June meeting. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Trueblood referred to the fire that destroyed the Iowa City Girls Softball storage shed in Napoleon Park. Robinson reported L. J. Roth Reconstruction Company, a company who specializes in repair and refurbishing after a fire, estimated the building damage to be over $33,000. It appears work on refurbishing the building can begin shortly. Robinson noted the first priority is to reopen the restrooms. Moran noted Iowa City Girls Softball lost over $38,000 in equipment. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.