HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-09-01 Bd Comm minutes
'"
. ~\:k')
J'
,
),
{.
,
f
I
I
I
{,
J
,
,
1
i
I
,
i
I
!
i
!
i
I
i
I
,
I
, I
, '
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS
JUNE 24, 1992.6:30 P.M.
SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER CLASSROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Mary Ann Dennis, Sue Feeney, Rusty Martin, Linda Murray,
Robin Paetzold, Andy Penziner, Bruno Pigott, Keith Ruff
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Grace Cooper, Lisa Oxley, Maris Snider
STAFF PRESENT:
Nugent, Milkman, Lindsay, Neff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Peg Fraser, Karen Kubby
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Dennis called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
REVIEW OF THE MAY 27. 1992. CCN MEETING MINUTES:
Murray moved to approve the minutes of the May 27, 1992, meeting. Paetzold seconded.
(Ruff arrived at 6:36 p.m.)
Penziner asked that the word "concern" in the last line on page two be changed to "noted".
Pigott noted that there are two t's in his last name.
The minutes as amended were approved by a 7-0 vote.
PUBLIC/MEMBER DISCUSSION:
Kubby distributed a letter to the Committee from her dated June 16, 1992, regarding Jim St.
John.
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE:
Dennis reviewed vacancies on City boards and commissions,
HOUSING. COMMISSION UPDATE:
Paetzold reported that the Housing Commission met on June 9, 1992, and the CHAS
monitoring report was distributed at that time. Nugent reported thalon June 23, 1992, the
City Council approved a resolution for the City to apply for additional housing rehabilitation
funds from IDEO's HOME program for single-family, owner-occupied homes.
UNITED ACTION FOR YOUTH'S PLAN FOR FUNDING RAISING:
Fraser distributed a memorandum dated June 24, 1992. She said the intention is to file a full
fund raising plan by July 1, 1992. She explained that the Youth Services Foundation will be
/K~i
I
1
, '
-.
Committee on Community Needs
June 24, 1992
Page 2
the focus of the fundraising. She explained that the closing on the house at 422 Iowa Avenue
is approximately July 15, 1992, with possession to take place on July 22, 1992. Fraser
indicated that the fundraising plan applied to all three Youth Services agencies: United Action
for Youth, Youth Homes, and Mayor's Youth Employment Program. She said all of the
agencies have identified capital needs for the next fiscal year. She said there is hope that a
challenge grant will be received from either .U,S, West, North West Area Foundation Trust,
or the Kresgee Foundation. She said the Foundation exp~cts $4,000 to be raised from local
service clubs through a program entitled "Youth Priority One." She said funds have already
been pledged from key contributors and they expect $5,000-$10,000 through these
contributions. She stated that all of the funding sources will be addressed in the final
fund raising plan. Fraser stated that all direct services will be provided in the new building.
She indicated that the Carpenters Union might take on the new building for work for
apprentices and journeymen to help with the renovation process.
i
).
Milkman stated that the City loan for $75,000 is to be paid back in July of 1993 with
$40,000 of CDBG funds promised, but not committed. Fraser explained that the Northwest
Area Trust is interested in programs for economically disadvantaged youth. Milkman noted
that the $45,000 loan is higher than UA Y had expected. Fraser responded that the increased
rent to be received from the other agencies should help to cover the higher loan repayment
cost. She said she would ask Jim Swaim to restate this in his own terms. In response to a
question from Pigott, Fraser stated that the grant application for U.S. West Direct is prepared
and only needs Swaim's signature. Fraser said it is desirable to get grants from two
foundations in order to rec'eived the entire amount needed. She said this is preferable because
it is often difficult to raise smaller amounts.
CDBG PROGRAM HISTORY AND BACKGROUND:
Milkman indicated that this is the first of a series intended to explain the CDBG program and
activities of CCN. Milkman stated that she would begin with the history of the CDBG program
and Iowa City activities for the past 17 years. She explained that CDBG means Community
Development Block Grant and was created by Congress through the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974. She said this Act was the resuit of the proliferation of categorical
or specific grant programs. She stated that Congress decided that it would be more efficient
to provide a block of funds to a community and then let the community decide how to allocate
these funds throughout the community. She noted that one problem with the program has
been that it's never been authorized for more than two years at a time so there has been
difficulty with planning and staffing. (Martin arrived at 6:59 p.m.)
Milkman explained that as the program has continued over time, there has been more security.
She said the purpose of the program is to create viable urban communities and to benefit low-
moderate income residents. She said this includes providing decent housing, decent
neighborhoods for families to live in, sewers, parks, jobs, and social services. She explained
that the CDBG program is administered by HUD - the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development - and the program now refers to low and very low income households as the
target recipients. Milkman referred to a chart that shows the income limits for defining low
and very low income households. Milkman explained that the objectives of the program are
1) to benefit low-moderate income household~, 2) eliminate slums and blight, and 31 address
IfJ8
____...... ...__..____..__................'---....- ____._.. _"K~____~"'_~'_________"'_I_'_I, 11Jtf1.!!M!'I'!~
'I
,
, '
-.
Committee on Community Needs
June 24, 1992
Page 3
urgent community needs such as flood damage. Milkman explained that the program requires
that at least 70% of the funds must benefit low-moderate income households. She explained
that under the Iowa City program, generally 90% of the funds have gone to benefit low-
moderate income households, Milkman said another requirement is that a maximum of 20%
of the funds can be used for administration and a maximum of 15 % of the funds can be used
for non-capital expenditures for human service activities.
Milkman expleined that initially, Iowa City received funds as an entitlement to complete the
urban renewal program. She said that $17 miilion have been received over the past 17 years
in Iowa City with $8.5 million of these funds coming within the first four years of the program
in order to complete urban renewal. Milkman explained that beginning in 1978, Iowa City had
to apply for CDBG funds competitively. She indicated that in 1982, Iowa City became an
entitlement community and began to automatically receive CDBG funds. She said in order to
become an entitlement community, HUD considers if your population is over 50,000 and such
factors as how old the housing stock is and the percentage of low income resid~nts in the
community, She explained that in Iowa City, students are included in the general population.
She said the CDBG funds can help to make up for the lost tax dollars that Iowa City SUffers
based on the extensive public ownership of property in Iowa City.
Milkman reported that citizen participation has been required in the CDBG program. She
stated that originally the goal was to represent low income individuals and neighborhoods
through the public participation period. She said the Iowa City Council appointed 15 members
to CCN. with the majority being low-income residents and distributed geographically
throughout Iowa City. She noted that at the time CCN was created, there were strong
neighborhood groups within Iowa City. She stated that 15 was a difficult number to work
with on a committee, so the number was reduced to 11 in 1982. Milkman noted that over
the years, HUD saw less importance in citizen participation and the regulations no longer
require a Committee. She stressed that the Committee exists as a choice by the Iowa City
Council and the federal regulations only require that public hearings be held.
Milkman reported that the City had to create urban revitalization areas in which to concentrate
CDBG activities. She reviewed the two maps. She noted that initially HUD had recommended
a large area which was later changed to show smaller neighborhoods to. show greater impact
of CDBG funds. She explained that activities have been concentrated in these areas. She
stated that originally, CCN would hold meetings in each neighborhood before the annual fund
application process. She explained that park improvements and tree planting were common
neighborhood projects in the early 1980s. Milkman noted that the vitality of the neighborhood
groups lagged in the mid-1980s. She reviewed other projects, which inciuded the Ralston
Creek improvements and the dam at Scott Boulevard with a storm water retention area being
used as a soccer field. She stressed that previously there had been severe flooding along
Ralston Creek and indicated there had been a great deal of controversy over spending $3
million on this project. She explained that two dams were built - at Scott Boulevard and at
Hickory HiiI - as well as the widening of Lower Ralston Creek. She explained that another
major project was the acquisition and rehabilitation of the old Post Office for the Senior
Center.
"~
,,,'.'.vo.....,_ "~~.....~........~',.~.....n~......__.....,
/'i ~~ '
IIIlll '-
'I
'I
-.
Committee on Community Needs
June 24, 1992
Page 4
Milkman reported that human services funding has increased in recent years for the
acquisition of buildings. As an example, she noted that structures have been acquired for
United Action for Youth, the Community Mental Health Center, and the Crisis Center. She
explained that park improvements are not longer really eligible for city-wide parks. She stated
that funds for public services include operating funds or the buying of equipment. She said
general revenue fu~ding ended in 1986 and these were the funds that Iowa City used for Aid
to Agencies. She explained that in 1987, the City Council decided to use the full 15%
allowed under the CDBG program for operational funds for human service agencies. She
noted that this limits what other projects can be funded. However, she noted that this year
the City Council set a dollar figure to be used for Aid for Agencies rather than a percentage
of the total funds.
Milkman stated that there have been other controversies over how the funds have been spent
in the past. She indicated that in the past there was a CCN chairperson who had a strong
neighborhood agenda without the agreement of the City Council. She noted that Economic
Development has also not met with great enthusiasm and had not yet been done with CDBG
funds in Iowa City. Milkman stressed the amount of funds received each year is less based
on inflation, even if it is identical to the amount received the previous yeer. Sho noted that
entitlement communities are added every year so the total funds get spread among more
communities each year.
II
Penziner asked about allocations for hOUSing code enforcement. Milkman stated that originally
the idea was to raise housing standards for rental housing and this has now been taken over
by the Department of Housing Inspection Services. She noted that CDBG funds have been
used in the past for planning activities, such as development of the Comprehensive Plan and
the Riverfront Plan. She noted that she has been with the CDBG program since 1977. Kubby
noted that CDBG funds have been used in the past to start programs that the City eventually
takes over. She noted that the Elderly Services Agency - Shared Housing Program began with
a three-year commitment of CDBG funds. Ruff noted that the prese~tation helped him to
understand the history of the program. Dennis stated that the presentation also explained
why some programs are no longer funded with CDBG funds. She explained the filming of the
presentation is a result of subcommittee action. Bob Hardy stated that filming of meetings
has been effective with the Human Rights Commission. In response to a question from
Penziner, Milkman stated that the federal regulations indicate that a maximum of 15% of the
funds can be used for public service activities and Iowa City has traditionally used that full
15% for Aid to Agencies, Dennis stressed there are more sources available for operational
funds for human service agencies than are available for acquisition and capital improvements.
UPDATE ON CDBG APPLICATION PROCESS:
Murray referred to a memorandum from the subcommittee which outlines the subcommittee's,
discussion. She said the next subcommittee meeting will address the ranking process and will
be held on July 9, 1992, at 4:00 p.m. In response to a question from Dennis, Murray stated
that the subcommittee is recommending that there be an extra meeting in the application
process for CCN discussion. She said the result would be a total of four meetings, with two
for presentations, one for discussion, and one for the allocation process. In response to a
question from Dennis, Nugent stated that the subcommittee felt that there needs to be more
/9df
1
,
, ,
'-.
Committee on Community Needs
June 24, 1992
Page 5
discussion and sharing of ideas between committee members. She noted this would allow
for an exchange of knowledge and can be the basis for consensus building.
Penziner suggested using objective ratings to set a subset of applicants that are definitely
eligible for the funds. Dennis noted that most applicants are eligible. Penziner stressed that
some meet the requirements much better than others. Dennis asked if the subcommittee was
interested in setting more stringent standards than HUD. Penziner responded that the
subcommittee has not reached that point in the discussion yet. Murray stated that she would
like to have the process be more accountable to those who are applying for funds. Nugent
stressed that the current process is based on refinements that have been made by staff and
CCN over the years. Dennis suggested that Committee members contact members of the
subcommittee with their concerns and ideas.
UPDATE ON INFORMATION/EDUCATION PROGRAM:
Martin stated that the goal is to produce videos for broadcast on cable TV. He said the
purpose is to educate the committee and to educate the public and create an interest in the
CDBG program. He reviewed the suggested topic scheduieand said that he would like to be
able to give the speakers questions in advance to focus the discussion. Murray suggested
including a presentation on the United Way funding process. Nugent suggested this could be
addressed with the human services discussion, Martin said he was thinking that the human
services discussion could concentrate on Johnson County's needs and strengths. Dennis
stated that the funding stream should be addressed in an objective manner. Martin stressed
that he wants to know the current situation in Johnson County with regard to community
needs. There was a consensus to relate the presentations to the objectives of CCN. Dennis
suggested that the subcommittee members could determine what questions' should be
forwarded to the presenters prior to the meeting and suggested that other committee
members contact subcommittee members with ideas. The subcommittee members are
Martin, Feeney, Pigott, and Dennis.
"
ADJOURNMENT:
Ruff moved to adjourn at 7:59 p.m. Murray seconded. The motion carried 8.0.
Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff
ppdcdbg\minllccne.24
18~8
-.
\ l;;\
I\\! .,
c1~
'I
,
"
MINUTES
IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION
TUESDAY. JULY 23. 1992 - 5:30 P.M.
IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Ockenfels, Richard Blum, Howard Horan, Pat
Foster
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Robert Hicks
STAFF PRESENT:
Anne Burnside, Ron O'Neil
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Blum called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. A quorum
of the Commission was present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the June 16, and July 9, 1992, Commission meetings
were approved as presented.
AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES:
Several individual expenditures were discussed. Horan moved to
approve' the expenditures as submitted. Ockenfels seconded the
motion and the expenditures were approved on a 3 - 0 vote.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
Rick Miller addressed the commission concerning the operation of a
flight school at the Iowa city Airport. He would like to negotiate
a business agreement with the Commission to begin operation as soon
as possible. Blum suggested a subcommittee of himself and
Ockenfels meet with Miller to discuss what options are available.
Jay Speckeen, representing Paradise Skydives, Inc., questioned the
Commission concerning their policy as it relates to Skydiving at
the Iowa city Airport. He now conducts training at the Washington,
Iowa, airport. He would like to do some parachute jumping by some
experienced jumpers at the Airport Blum suggested O'Neil
investigate this issue and it will be an agenda item at the next
Commission meeting.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Iowa city Flying Service : Lease amendment - Northeast room _
The Commission received a proposal to lease the northeast room of
the Terminal. In Iowa city Flying Service's lease, ICFS has first
right of refusal at equal rent. ICFS executed that option and
expressed interest in leasing the room. Foster made the motion for
If~',;
.. I
. i
,
-.
a resolution to amend the ICFS lease to include the northeast room
of the Terminal Building at a monthly fee of $ 250.00. Ockenfels
seconded the motion and at roll call vote, the motion passed 4 - 0,
with Hicks being absent.
b. 'AM Aviation, Inc. : corporate Hangar No. 34 - 0 'Neil had
previously discussed the issue with ICFS. The lease does not allow
sUbleasing without written permission from the Commission. ICFS
did not request permission to sublease. ICFS was leasing the
hangar from the Commission for $lB7. 00 and renting it to AM
Aviation for $260.00.
Jones, from ICFS, stated that he rented the hangar to AM Aviation
because they purchased a larger aircraft and needed a larger hangar
than they previously leased. Jones indicated that he was not
subleasing the hangar, he was just renting it to AM Aviation. The
Commission members stated that renting to someone else and
subleasing were the same thing.
Before the Commission could lease to AM Aviation, ICFS would need
to request their lease be terminated. .Jones stated that he
relinquished his rights to the hangar. O'Neil stated thaI:. it would
be' helpful if ICFS would follow up their statement in writing.
Jones said he would send a letter confirming his request to be
released from the hangar lease.
Public hearing - AM Aviation, Inc. : Corporate Hangar No. 34 -
Blum opened the public hearing concerning the lease of Corporate
Hangar No. 34 to AM Aviation, Inc. O'Neil stated that he had a
signed lease from AM Aviation, agreeing to all terms negotiated by
the Commission subcommittee. There were no other comments at the
hearing. Blum declared the public hearing closed.
Ockenfels made a motion for a resolution to accept a lease with AM
Aviation, Inc. for Corporate Hangar No. 34 at the Iowa City
Municipal Airport. Horan seconded the motion and at roll call
vote, the motion passed 4 - 0, with Hicks being absent.
c. Gordon' Schmidt Airoraft : commercial Business Agreement -
Ockenfels made a motion to have the item deferred until the next
regular meeting. Horan seconded the motion and it passed 4 - O.
d. Iowa city community Sohool District : lease - Foster moved to
have this item deferred until the next regular Commission meeting.
Ockenfels seconded the motion and it passed 4 - O.
e. lOOT Grant : Security fenoing - The Iowa Department of Trans-
portation has offered a grant to the Commission to complete Phase
II of the security fencing program. The state's portion of the
grant, which represents 70% of the project, is $29,000.00. This is
for fencing on the east boundary of the Airport from the Army
Reserve Center to the south boundary. It also includes a card
access gate to restrict traffic between the land side and air side.
... __.--.__..__.,_..~_ ........"'~I'I'<!!"""-""'I..___..........._____...'....._~I..'_...._...n_.__.._ ~.
-,~,~w",,~-L~ ~~~_
,. 'I
, 1
,
-.
Ockenfels made a motion for a resolution to accept the grant offer
from the Iowa Department of Transportation for security fencing in
an amount up to $29,000.00. Horan seconded the motion and at roll
call vote, the motion passed 4 - 0, with Hicks being absent. The
project will not be initiated until next Spring, after the Airport
Relocation Feasibility study is completed. The project does not
have to be completed until July, 1993.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:
Blum attended the Fly Iowa 92 Aviation Fair in Esterville. He
estimated about 5,000 to 6,000 people attended. That was about
half the number that attended Fly Iowa 91 in Iowa city last year.
He thought the event was well organized. He reminded the
Commission that August 30, 1992, is the date of the Iowa city Fly
In.
COMMISSION MEMBERS' ITEMS:
Ockenfels had two items concerning the IDOT grant. The first one
concerned language in the grant that required a Tall Structures
Ordinance. Blum stated that the Airport Zoning Ordinance addressed
that issue.
Ockenfels second concern referred to language that prohibited the
city from charging or permitting to be charged, any fee for landing
or taking off, or parking for less than 12 hours. ICFS has been
charging aircraft for parking during home football games. The
Commission directed O'Neil to investigate this issue.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT:
Information concerning the Airport breakfast and the Feasibility'
study was included in all City sewer and water bills.
O'Neil included a copy of the most current T-hangar list' in the
Commission packet.
A copy of the Iowa Supreme Court decision concerning the
Fitzgarrald case was included in the packet. The decision was
favorable to the city of Iowa city. There may be one remaining
appeal filed.by the plaintiff.
A copy of the latest gift law rules concerning public officials is
in the Commission packet. Gifts are limited to less than $3.00. '
The Fire Department would !ltill like to conduct a live burn
demonstration at the Airport. After discussion with O'Neil, it was
decided to wait until after the crops are harvested to conduct the
exercise.
The next phase of the Feasibility Study will include possible
alternate sites. This information may assist in increasing the
attendance at the public meeting. Attendance at the first two
/f;..q
, "",
I,
, I
-.
public meetings has been low.
O'Neil contacted the Johnson County Board of supervisors to see if
they were interested in submitting a name or names for an advisory
member. steve Lacina suggested the Commission recommend some names
to them.
The subdivision proposed by Tom Kennedy east of the Airport in the
Runway Protection Zone for Runway 24 will be discussed by Planning
and Zoning on August 6, 1992.
Information submitted for the city's annual Board and Commission
report is included in the packet.
SET NEXT MEETING:
The next regular Airport Commission meeting is scheduled for August
18, 1992, at 5:30 p.m.
Chairperson
ADJOURNMENT:
Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 7: 16 p.m. Ockenfels
sec ded the motion and the meeting was adjourned.
!
j
,
,
I
I
I
I
"
I
I
/g~9
-.
"
\-1-)\
^ \,\
. ".1 v~
,0
,
i
... 'I
"
,
HINlJ'1'ES
IOWA CI~Y AIRPORT COMMISSION
TUESDAY. AUGUST 4. 1992 . 12:00 P.M.
IOWA CITY TRANSI~ FACILITY
MEMBERS PRESENT:
John Ockenfels, Richard Blum, Pat Foster
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Robert Hicks, Howard Horan
STAFF PRESENT:
Ron O'Neil
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Blum called the meeting to order at 12:27 p.m. A
quorum of the Commission was present.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
a. Set publio hearing . Hawkeye Aviation lease. Hawkeye
Aviation has requested permission from the Airport Commission to
establish a flight instruction school at the Iowa City 'Municipal
Airport. Because the lease would be for three (3) years or more,
a pUblic hearing is required.
Ockenfels made a motion for a resolution to set a public hearing
for a lease with Hawkeye Aviation. The hearing would be conducted
on August 18, 1992, at 5:30 p.m. Foster seconded the motion. .. At
roll call vote, the motion passed 3 - 0, with Hicks' and Horan being
absent.
ADJOURNl!EN~ :
"
Foster moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:29 p.m. Ockenfels
seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned.
\./;'l r, nil 0__
k~a;p::on
/;~~
.._~..~~....._,~.- ..... '~"P
.. '~~A(lI""n!K.t.ilJ~-....lMM"" ~,~'..
..__.--_._---._._~--_...-
-.
, \\
I),\jl> !
(,
,
, "I
"
, ,
- ..."":"'.....
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
JULY 14, 1992 - 7:30 P,M,
MEZZANINE CONFERENCE ROOM - SENIOR CENTER
I . . .', l ~_.'.' .
1:\ inr Ifllli IJIJ'I i1u
!.rUU IJ liu',:.t
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Joyce Barrett, Kevin Hanick, Sue Licht, Doug Russell
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Betty Kelly, Jay Semel, Eleanor Steele
STAFF PRESENT:
Miklo, Neff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Marlys Svendsen, Mary Beth Slonneger, Jan Dull, Joan Hart
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Russell called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
DISCUSSION OF SUMMIT PLACE PLAQUE:
Russell referred to information included in the agenda packet from Judy Nyren regarding
placing a plaque at Summit Place Condominiums. Russell indicated that Nyren will attend the
Commission's August meeting with a proposal for language to use on the plaque for the
Commission to review,
DISCUSSION OF ANNUAL REPORT:
Russell noted that Miklo had prepared a draft annual report as is required for all City
Commissions. He indicated that the annual report reviews the accomplishments of the
Commission and sets forth objectives for the upcoming year. He said the most important
objectives are placed first on the list and these include the long term plan and publications.
Russell stated that the annual report includes the names of recipients of the Historic
Preservation Awards in order to further honor these individuals, In response to a question
from Barrett, Miklo suggested it might be best to not use the term "conservation districts"
until the legislation is in place,
(Hanick arrived at 7:50 p,m.f
No additions were made to the draft of the annual report and there was a consensus to
forward it to the City Manager's Office with minor revisions.
CONSIDERATION OF JUNE 9. 1992. MINUTES:
Russell noted there were two typographical errors on page 2 including the misspelling of
Representative Osterberg, He asked that information be added to page 3 noting that Kelly and
Semel were drafted to serve as the Preservation Week committee. He asked that the street
address for Rose Hill, 1415 E. Davenport, be added to page 3.
Licht moved to approve the minutes of the June 9, 1992, meeting as amended, Barrett
seconded. The motion carried 4-0. '
I f3D
"_-::-_'-'- . .,.-,-~. ~r-~"":"";-_~
HI
I
, ,
, !
-.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 14, 1992
Page 2
SECTION 106 REVIEW. 410 LUCAS STREET:
Miklo reminded the Commission that several months ago they reviewed the rehabilitation
project for 410 N. Lucas Street and determined that the property was eligible for the National
Register of Historic Places and that the work as proposed was in general compliance with the
Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Miklo reported that much of the work has
been completed and the property owner is now proposing to add a porch to the back of the
house. He said there is an indication that there was originally a porch at this location and he
would speculate that it was an open porch with the enclosed shed being a later addition.
Mary Beth Slonneger showed the Commission diagrams of her proposal. She also presented
photographs to demonstrate why she and the contractor felt there originally was a porch on
the back of the house. She noted that the floor of the shed sloped away from the house as
would a porch floor. She indicated that Marlys Svendsen had suggested using a simple porch
design and since it would only be one step off of the ground, there wquld not be a need to
have a railing. She said there would just be columns running along the porch. Slonneger
stated the reason that they would like to have the porch at the back of the house is because
the only way between the wood structure and the stone structure through the interior of the
homes is through a trap door. She said having a porch at the back of the house would allow
for easier access between the two buildings through the outside doorways during inclement
weather. .
Miklo noted that the Secretary of Interior Standards would discourage speculating on what
was present. He stressed that in this case, there is evidence that there was originally a porch
at the back of the house and he stressed that a simple design is proposed. He said the
proposed design for the porch should be compatible with the design of the house. '
In response to a question from Svendsen. Slonneger said the contractor saved the beams from
the basement and they would like to incorporate these into the rafters of the porch. She said
it would be an open. rafter design. Licht cautioned that the beams should only be used lor
decoration if there was a problem with insect damage. She said they should not be used for
structural purposes,
Licht said her only concern with the proposal is that the porch roof will mask the difference
between the two structures. She suggested not extending the porch the entire length of the
stone building in order to avoid obscuring the building, In response to a question from Licht,
Slonneger said the shed floor extended out 10 feet. which is what they are proposing for the
porch. Licht stated that this may not be as serious of a concern for her since the porch is
proposed for the back of the house.
Russell noted that the dramatic contrast between the wood and stone structures is also visible
at the front of the house. He indicated that the materials and design seem to be appropriate
and within the guidelines. He said it is a legitimate issue for the Commission to consider
whether or not the porch should extend the entire length of the stone building, Licht said she
would not make any approval conditioned on the porch not extending the entire length of the
stone structure.
Svendsen noted that the porch would extend the living space significantly. She noted that
because the buildings are not the same dimension, this presents design difficulties. Barrett
said she has no probiems with the proposal because, it is at the back of the house and said
that it is best to increase the amount of living space for the structure since it is small.
/t30
. ,....
.. .
l;a_~____~______._~______~'
__..__..__.___u._____.._..oWI.........--m'
--.....
..._,__0--' _...__.._..._
I
-.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 14, 1992
Page 3
Russell moved that the Historic Preservation Commission having reviewed the design for the
proposed porch addition for 41 0 North Lucas Street, finds that as proposed it is in compliance
with the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Hanick seconded. The motion
carried 4.0.
REVIEW OF PROPOSED JEFFERSON STREET REZONING:
Miklo reported that a petition requesting a rezoning from CB-2, Central Business Service Zone,
to CO-l, Commercial Office zone, was submitted to the City by owners of property on the
north side of Jefferson Street between Linn and Van Buren streets. He said that Jan Dull had
supplied the Commission with a petition that explained that the request was based on the
. concerns of the property owners with the current CB-2 zone for this area. Miklo indicated
that the CB-2 zone allows auto- and truck-oriented uses. He said that the petition states that
the property owners also have a concern related to the commercial zoning in that it makes it
difficult to get home mortgages. He said the proposal is to rezone the area to COol. He
indicated this is a more restrictive zone than CB-2 and that it allows for office uses with
residential uses being permitted above the ground floor. He said it is a less intensive zone,
but does require more parking on-site than does the CB:2 zone. Miklo referred to a letter from
Marc Moen expressing concern that a rezoning to CO-l would result in a higher percentage
of lots being covered with parking. He reported that there is a section in the Zoning
Ordinance in the RM-12 zone, that allows the Board of Adjustment to waive parking
requirements for historic buildings. He suggested this could be added to the CO-l zone and
would provide additional protection for existing structures.
In response to a request from Barrett, Miklo explained that the CB-5 zone is the Central
Business District Support Zone that is in place in the Near southside. He explained that there
is no required parking for commercial uses, but the zone does allow for the intense use of
property. He said a building can be built up to three stories in height with no setbacks and
up to five stories if the development receives bonus points, He said this could provide
incentives to remove historic buildings, but he said it does have strict design standards and
allows for transfer of development rights for historic buildings, He stressed that transfer of
development rights would not be usable as an incentive until there is a local landmark
ordinance in place.
Jan Dull. 328 E. Jefferson St., said that they want to protect the integrity of their
neighborhood, She said most of the property owners in the area have received calls from
developers which led to concerns regarding keeping the neighborhood intact, She explained
that Joan Hart had difficult in refinancing her home because it is a residential use in a
commercial zone.' She stressed that all but three of the affected property owners signed the
petition and explained that the three missing signatures were the result of a sale in progress,
an ambivalent property owner. and a property owner who was unavailable, Dull stressed that
most of the properties are owner-occupied and showed photographs of the buildings in the
area. She stressed that they would like to have a more restrictive zone in place,
Joan Hart, 320 E. Jefferson Street, stated that this is a traditional downtown neighborhood
with both commercial and residential uses. She stressed that she feels it's to the City's
advantage to have this type of mixed use neighborhood, She stressed that they still can only
get short'term loans because this is not a residential zone. Dull stated she opposes rezoning
this area to CB-S because that zone allows motels, hotels and convention centers. She
stressed that the more intense density is undesirable and expressed concern that the design
standards would only address new buildings while the goal is to preserve existing structures,
/830
"
"
I
; j
"
,
,
, ,
-.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 14, 1992
Page 4
Russell said prior to making a statement on this issue, it would be best for the Commission
to review the staff report to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Russell said he would be
more comfortable if he had more information before making a recommendation to the Planning
and Zoning Commission. He stressed that he would like to do the best that is possible to
preserve existing buildings and prevent further commercial encroachment in this area.
Russell moved to defer action on the proposed Jefferson Street rezoning to a special meeting
in August that should proceed the August 20, 1992, Planning and Zoning Commission
meeting. Licht seconded. The motion carried 4.0.
Miklo indicated he would notify Moen, Hart and Dull of the Commission's special meeting.
PRESERVATION PLAN UPDATE:
Marlys Svendsen said she would like discussion to focus on the executive summary in Brad
White's memorandum. She noted that the historical context was also made available to the
Commission.
Executive Summarv - Svendsen noted that this document has bcon reduced in length and she
eliminated the footnotes and reduced the objectives to phrases. She indicated that Goal 1 0
has been reformatted from suggested strategies into objectives. She suggested that she could
eliminate the neighborhood objectives from this document to decrease its length. Russell,
Licht, and Hanick indicated they were in favor of keeping the objectives in Goal 1 0 because
they are different for each neighborhood. Russell said he does not feel it would defeat the
plan to include these objectives so any controversy would be up to future political debate.
Miklo suggested having a separate neighborhood strategy plan as an independent document.
He suggested Goal lOin the Executive Summary could be to implement neighborhood
strategies and then refer to this separate document. He stressed that this would make
revisions easier. Licht noted this would also help to target audiences. There was a consensus
to list the 12 neighborhoods in the Executive Summary and to put the neighborhood strategies
i' into a separate document. Hanick said he likes to have the specifics of the objectives, but he
would agree to have it removed if it was included in another section that would be read. In
response to a question from Russell, Svendsen indicated that if the neighborhood strategies
are included in a separate document. then more detail would be included than what is
presently in the draft of the Executive Summary, Svendsen stated that the plan does relate
to the Jefferson Street Rezoning, She explained that the plan says that zoning should
conserve historic structures and not provide incentives for demolition and offer incentives for
the continual use of historic buildings,
In response to a question from Russell. Svendsen indicated that she would clarify Objective
1, Goal 3 with regard to property tax abatement and the Urban Revitalization Act.
Miklo stated that a volunteer would be needed to find appropriate photographs to place in the
plan, He said the photographs could be used at the beginning of each section and in the
historical context section and photos would be available from the State Historical Society
collection, Barrell and Russell agreed to review photographs.
Russell asked if another focus group should be held, Miklo responded that this could help to
prepare for the public hearing by answering questions in advance and gelling early support
for the plan, Russell said he feels the group should focus on the Exec.utive Summary and the .
/130;
I
_.._...... _"_" .______&,...........,~...... -1iiiIi'--"'""~iii ,-
-
-
"""1 11>1I I'.....
.. i
1
,
-.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 14, 1992
Page 5
Neighborhood Strategies. It was agreed that a focus group should meet before the end of
August.
Brad White's Memorandum - Russell reviewed the memorandum which proposed adding
landmark, conservation district, economic hardship exceptions, and special merit exceptions
to the Iowa City Historic Preservation Ordinance. Russell said he feels the memorandum is
general and said the Commission does not have the expertise to draft their own legislation.
He said he would prefer to have more specifics on ordinances or sample ordinances from other
communities. There was a consensus to include the memorandum as an appendix to the
Preservation Plan. Russell said it would be valuable to have a sample ordinance so the
Commission could submit an ordinance as a proposal and save time in the process. He said
this would not need to be a part of the memorandum, but could be a separate document for
the Commission. He asked that it also include definitions of terms such as "landmark",
Miklo stated that the contract with Brad White specifies that White will not draft a new
ordinance for Iowa City, but Miklo stressed that he thought the memorandum would be more
specific than what has been presented. He said he would like to see a better critique of the
current ordinance in the memorandum as this is already included in the plan. Svendsen
stressed that the two documents that White previousiy prepared have been incorporated in
the plan.
Historic Context - Svendsen indicated that historic context is defined by the National Register
process as a framewqrk that surrounds past and future National Register nominations, She
stressed that this is more than just a physical context. She indicated that she developed three
chronOlogical contexts for Iowa City, territorial, railroad, and town and gown era. She
explained that the goal is for someone who wants to nominate a property to be able to rely
on the neighborhood history in association of the building within the neighborhood to support
the nomination. The Commission members were asked to review the document and forward
any comments to Svendsen.
COMMISSION INFORMA TIONIDISCUSSION:
1. Preservation Law UDdate. Miklo noted that this refers to the recent Supreme Court
ruling in the Lucas case. He said that the analysis leads to the conclusion that
regulations are permitted if a property owner is still allowed a reasonable use of their
land.
2. Evaluation of 1992 Preservation Awards Proaram. Russell stated that the evaluation
forms should be forwarded to Kelly prior to the August meeting.
Russell stated that the printer's bid has been accepted for the Guide Map and 10,000
copies will be made with second edition, 1992 on the cover of the map.
ADJOURNMENT:
Licht moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. Hanick seconded. The motion carried 4-0.
Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff.
'~pc:7"4
/330
-
.....,..........,-',.,-'..~.......--.....
-.
1,'\
.") \.
J\)\::
... .... ......
'j
I
, I
Mayor's Youth Employment Program
Minutes
Board of Director's Meeting
June 24, 1992
Board Members Present: Bob Lehnertz, Ken Haldeman, carrie Norton,
Loren Forbes, A.K. Traw, Barry Kucera, Jean McCarty, and Dave
Jacoby.
New county member scheduled to begin in July, Pat Schnack, also
attended.
staff Present: Peg McElroy Fra~er
I. Introductions and
attendance and
representative.
Welcome: Bob Lehnertz welcomed all in
introduced Pat Schnack, new county
II. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the May 27, 1992 meeting
were approve by consensus.
III. Approval of Financial Report: Financial report from May was
approved by consensus.
IV. Additional Agenda Items & Correspondence Received: There were
no additional agenda items nor correspondence .received.
V. New Business
1. Peg reported that there were no up-dates on pending
grants. The low & moderate income technical assistance
grant will be sent the first week of July.
VI. Old Business
1. Committee Reports:
a) strategic planning meeting was discussed by Bob
Lehnertz. Rob swift detailed strategic planning
that has been completed and Proctor & Gamble and
will provide further information at a future meeting
of the group. He indicated that Proctor & Gamble
has been working on this process for, four (4) years.
b) Building reported that the first advisory of the
year round corps was held. Many individuals
attended and expressed interest in projects with the
corps. The city of Coralville has several,
immediate projects in mind and will temporarily
house the corps in one of the buildings in
Coralville.
c) Program committee has not met for the last quarter.
val
,'. I
1
, '
-.
d) Personnel has been in the process of completing the
executive director evaluation.
2. YSF Report: Peg reported on the victorian Dinner held
in June. The event was lovely and well attended although
the number of individual tickets sold did not meet the
goals of the committee. MYEP board members that
participated in the event were thanked.
The committee then approved with a motion by Barry Kucera and
a second by Carrie Norton, that the board go into executive
session to discuss the results of the executive director's
evaluation. Motion carriedjMSC.
The board then reported the results of the executive session.
The board approved the evaluation as completed by the
personnel committee with the recommendation of a six (6)
months evaluation.
i
I
I
i
I
i
I
I
I
,
!
The board determined that the next board meeting would be held
on Wednesday, August 26, 1992, at 7:00 AM at the Youth Center.
VII. Adjourn: Dave Jacoby moved and Jean McCarty seconded to
adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 A.M. The next
meeting will be held August 26, 1992.
Respectfully submitted,
i
I
I
!
,',I ,
~W~R'~~
Peg Fraser
Executive Director
a3JUNMN92.JUN
,.;"
I
'I
i
!
/1.31
......,.,._._".~.,'-"...----:'""1 ----
._t
.,
-
-
" - ..
':4,
-.
,.~\ , \.i.(} ,:.
, (re, <
: (:
-
MINUTES
IOWA CITY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
AUGUST 20, 1992 - 7:30 P,M.
CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS
~R'T.;'3 ~!l;J~ ,ll r.lV
I u~",:WJ~~J~llt7-m
Sl::liect to JlPP'DYaj
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Ann Bovbjerg, Casey Cook, Richard Gibson, Tom Scott, George
Starr
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks
STAFF PRESENT:
Moen, Rockwell, Gentry, Oavidson, Franklin, Schoon, Neff
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:43 p.m.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
i.
1. Recommend approval by a 4.1 vote, of SUB 92-0012, preliminary plat of Furrows Edge
Acres, an approximately 67.3 acre, 1 G-Iot residential subdivision located east of
Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane in Newport Township, subject to 1) a 60-foot right-
of-way reservation for the extension of Woodland Drive between Fox Lane and Penny
Lane, and 2) acknowledgement that the subdivision specification limiting the length of
the cul-de-sac street to 900 feet is waived.
2. Recommend by a 5-0 vote that the City Council forward a comment to the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors finding that CZ-9231, the request to rezone a 1,95 acre
parcel, with an existing residential use, from A 1 to RS is consistent with the mutually
agreed upon Fringe Area Policy for Area 6.
3.
Recommend approval by a 5.0 vote of a proposed ordinance amending the particulate
matter emission regulations of the Zoning Ordinance Performance Requirements, Iowa
City Code of Ordinances, Section 36.76, as printed and enumerated in the staff report
dated August 20, 1992. .
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 6. 1992. MEETING:
Cook moved to approve the minutes of the August 6, 1992, meeting, Bovbjerg seconded.
The motion carried on a 4.0.1 vote {Gibson abstaining based on his absence (rom the August
6, 1992, meeting).
""1
I
,
':..
I
I
~i
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 2
DEVELOPMENT ITEM:
Scott announced that the order of the agenda would be changed to gefer discussion on
certain items to permit City staff members who were attending a neighborhood association
meeting to be present.
1. SUB 92-0012. Discussion of an application submitted by Karl and Leona Buchmayer
for preliminary plat approval of Furrows Edge Acres, an approximately 67,3 acre, 16-
lot residential subdivision located east of Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane in Newport
Township. (45-day limitation period: August 20, 1992.)
Rockwell reported that at the Commission's informal meeting of August 3, 1992, the
Commission had indicated that it would vote favorably on this item if direct access for
Lots 1 and 2 to Highway 1 were eliminated. She indicated that the revised preliminary
plat shows this access as eliminated with a note on the plat reflecting this change.
Access to Lots 1 and 2 is shown via a cul-de-sac road, Barbara Circle, which is located
along the east boundaries of LQts 1, 2 and 3. She stated that based on safety reasons.
staff's preference was to minimize access points to Highway 1 from this subdivision
by having Penny Lane terminate on the west in a cui-de-sac, and having the lots within
the subdivision use Fox Lane to access Highway 1. In response to a question from
Bovbjerg, Rockwell stated that approximately ten feet of fill and a culvert will be added
at the deepest point of the newly proposed cui-de-sac road. She stressed that the
proposed roadway will not go through a wooded area; that the new road location is
currently being farmed.
Public discussion was opened at 7:48 p.m.
There was none.
Public discussion was closed at 7:48 p.m.
Cook moved to approve SUB 92-0012, the preliminary plat approval of Furrows Edge
Acres, an approximately 67.3 acre, 16.lot residential subdiyision located east of
Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane In Newport Township, subject to 11 a 60-foot right-
of.way reservation for the extension of Woodland Drive between Penny Lane and Fox
Lane, and 2) acknowledgement that the subdivision specification limiting the length of
the cul.de-sac street to 900 feet Is waived. Starr seconded.
Gibson indicated he would be voting against this item. He said the apparent
compromise to eliminate direct highway access for Lots 1 and 2, instead of eliminating
it for 10-12 lots on Penny Lane, was a poor compromise. This was especially true
given the level of concern about the amount of access onto the highway. He was
troubled that the Commission was placed in a very difficult dilemma on this proposal,
because Johnson County had refused any initiative to improve Fox Lane. The County
had indicated that it would not allow development to occur if it required the COUnty
to improve a road. He said the result is that existing secondary roads, such as
--~-_. ~~~-;--_._.....
. _h._.....'~....~
Lf.. ;1...,
" i
"
, ,
,.\. .'
I
I
, ,
I
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 3
Highway 1, are being used to the ultimate detriment of the traffic carrying capacity
and safety of the roads.
"
Cook stated he would vote in favor of the item, but said he shared Gibson's
reservations, He noted the problem of Johnson County wanting to take advantage of
the increasing tax base that development provides without paying its dues. In this
case, the County considered the improvement of Fox Lane a low priority. He
expressed concern that the denial of this request would create a situation where the
land owner and the people who wanted to buy lots in the subdivision were placed
between two jurisdictions fighting over their heads. He did not feel that this was an
acceptable situation, and emphasized that he would vote to deny any further
development in this area that used Fox Lane, unless Johnson County made a
commitment to improve Fox Lane, Gibson expressed his support of Cook's latter
point.
h
Bovbjerg felt the same ambivalence toward this proposai as did Cook. She stressed
that she would also vote against any proposals that would allow additional traffic to
use Fox Lane, uniess improvements were made by the County, Starr said he
concurred with the remarks made by the other Commissioners, and stressed that it
was inappropriate to put a land owner between the City and Johnson County. He
intended to vote in favor of the proposal, but expressed his agreement with the others
regarding opposing future development along Fox Lane until the County upgraded the
road.
Scott stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission had struggled with the proposal
as had the developers and their representatives, He said the reason for the struggle
was that the infrastructure was not in place to accommodate the development. The
result was a poorly-designed subdivision. The design of the subdivision was poor, not
because of those involved, but because of Johnson County's refusal to upgrade roads.
Scott stressed that if this were a subdivision within Iowa City, Fox Lane would be
improved prior to approval of the plat or concurrent with approval. The problem in this
case is that Johnson County is encouraging, or at ieast not discouraging, rural
development when the infrastructure is not yet in place. He emphasized that it was
unfair to place a developer between two government agencies with differing goals.
He said that while he would be voting in favor of the proposal, it did not indicate any
mitigation of his concerns,
The motion carried on a 4.1 vote (Gibson voting in the negative).
ZONING ITEMS:
3. ANN 92-0001 , REZ 92.0010, Discussion of an application submitted by Plum Grove
Acres, Inc. to annex 7.08 acres located north of Court Street and east of Scott
Boulevard, and to rezone the parcel from County RS, Suburban Residential, to RM-12,
Low Density Multi-Family Residential, and RS-5, Low Density Single-Family Residential.
The parcel is identified as Scott Boulevard East, Part Two. (45.day limitation period:
September 14, 1992,1
,
/8:9-.:
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 4
Scott said that the Commission would take public discussion on this item at this
meeting. He said there would also be an informal discussion of this issue at the
Commission's informal meeting on August 31, 1992. and it would be scheduled for
a vote on September 3, 1992, if all issues had been resolved,
Moen reviewed the staff report dated August 20, 1992, Staff recommended approval
of both ANN 92-0001 and REZ 92-0010.
In response to a question from Bovbjerg, Moen stated that the developer and his
engineer were present and could answer questions regarding how much development
had occurred in the area that was previously annexed. Bovbjerg asked if there was the
potential for a large apartment building to be constructed on the area proposed for
multi.family residential use. Moen responded that RM-12 allows for multi-family
housing, but not dense multi-family development.
, ,
Gibson was unclear about how the boundary between the RM-12 and RS.5 zones
would get established. He expres~ed concern that the boundary would be determined
solely by the location of the street. Moen stated that the seven acres would be zoned
to RS.5 and the zoning boundary would be established in the middle of the street. She
said the remnants of the existing RM-12 area would automatically become RM.12
when the street was constructed. Gibson stated that it appeared if no street were
constructed, then the entire area would become RM-12, Moen responded that staff
was reliant on the subdivision regulations governing the proposed development.
Gibson also expressed concern with the suitability of having tha street intersection so
close to the intersection of Court Street and Scott Boulevard. Moen responded that
shifting the intersection too far to the east could result in sight distance problems and
said that staff would explore this issue more closely when the subdivision plat was
submitted. In response to a question from Gibson, Moen stated that the entire tract
would be rezoned to RS-5, ,and then staff would rely on the text of the 'Zoning
Ordif\ance to establish the boundary between the two zones,
Public discussion was opened at 8:16 p.m.
Larrv Schnittier, MMS Consultants. stated that the existing portion of the subdivision
was located within the city limits and was zoned RM-12. He said the applicant was
requesting that this area be annexed and zoned to RS.5 until the subdivision is filed.
The zoning regulations would then automatically change the zone boundary to the
center of the street. He stressed that the developer was not asking for additional RM-
12 zone property at this time and that the subdivision reguiations would cause the lots
to conform to Ordinance requirements,
Bruce GlasQow, President of Plum Grove Acres. Inc" said that 39 lots had been sold
in Scott Boulevard East, Part One. He explained that 17 of these lots had homes
constructed on them and four more homes were currently under construction. He
noted that 1 6 of the 17 property owners came from within a twelve-block radius of
the subdivision and most had already been residing in the Lemme School District. He
/83;)..
1
,
, i
J
1
. ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 5
said that people were moving into more expensive homes so their less expensive
homes would go back on the market and provide lower cost housing.
Glasgow did not like to hear about "the cost for Iowa City." He stressed that Iowa
City does not pay a penny towards the development and that he had to pay for
inspections. He showed on a map, the area north on Scott Boulevard to Rochester
Avenue which he had given to the City free-of-charge. He also gave the City
extensions of Washington and Court streets free-of-charge. He noted that he was
responsible for bringing sewer into the area and that two sewers were stubbed in. He
said he had paid for water on Scott Bouievard and to have water extended to Court
Street. He stressed that the area was ready to go for development and the City did
not need to pay anything. He noted that one could look at Part One and multiply the
17 developed lots by $2,300 per year in taxes, This was a lot of dollars to pay for the
police car that comes out there and this was the only thing they would get from the
City.
He was not sure what would be constructed on the RM-12 'portion of the tract. That
would depend on the market. He was trying to do the type of zero lot line develop.
ment found in Florida, California, or Kentucky, or any place but Iowa City. He said if
the patio homes were still selling and there was a demand for them, that was what he
would be likely to construct. With regard to the Comprehensive Plan, he said that if
a plan missed a population increase by 18 %, he would throw that plan in the recycling
bin and start over. He certainly wouldn't be quoting that plan.
Public discussion was closed at 8:25 p.m.
Bovbjerg moved to defer ANN 92-0001 and REZ 92-0010 to September 3, 1992.
Gibson seconded.
Cook did not agree that growth was free. He said the Commission had given staff
mixed signals by approving the first annexation for this area, and this had suggested
there was a precedent. Cook expressed a concern that rather .than taking a
comprehensive approach towards annexation, the City was taking a piecemeal
approach, He said it was important to see how annexation on the east side was
effected by the available sewer capacity. This should be considered in light of how
changing effluent standards wiii drasticaiiy decrease sewer capacity, He thought it
was important to ensure that the City could adequately serve the properties that were
already within the City. By being in the City, there should be certain assurances made
to these property owners regarding the provision of services. He said these questions
need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
With regard to affordable housing, Cook said that at the end of 1990, the absorption
rate of lots was around 120 lots per year over the last 10.' 5 years, He said that if
that pace of absorption continues, there was a four to four and a half years supply of
approved lots in Iowa City. He said this should provide enough competition so as not
to destroy the affordability of lots. He said that since 1990, the City had approved a
few hundred more lots. He suspected that there was now a six'year supply of lots
IrJ~'
......-..,....."..,....-...,.....
I
1
, ,
'-,
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 6
available for residential development. He said it was important to ask if there was
enough developable ground to accommodate growth over the next 30 years, He noted
that over the past few years density has been going down from 3 Y, to 2 Y, dwelling
units per acre, and this could cause the time that developable land would be available
to drop from 40 years to 15 years. He said he needed to have his questions
answered.
Cook said that annexing ground on the fringe was relatively more expensive to the City
than developing infill property. In fact, Cook stressed that annexing land around the
fringe took pressure off inner city land to develop. He said that land within the City
was the most cost-effective property to develop. He said the City needed to face
these questions comprehensively and to look at how annexation affected schools,
parks and the sewer system, He intended to vote against any annexations until he
had answers to his questions. He stressed that annexation was an expensive step and
needed to be taken carefully,
I'
Cook said that the City needed to be more proactive iather than just react to requests.
Cook nored that sewer lines are to be extended in the northwest and southeast parts
of the City at considerable cost to the City. A successful payback through tap.in fees
was dependent on how fast development occurred on the properties within the City
where the sewers were being extended. He said the question of how annexation
would affect development in these parts of the City needed to be addressed. Cook
thought that annexing additional property might not be acting responsibly.
Scott said there were a number of issues of mutual concern for both Iowa City' and
Johnson County, and one issue dealt with the pressure for development east of Scott
Boul~vard. He indicated that the chairpersons of the Johnson County Zoning Board
and the Iowa City Planning and Zoning Commission are in the process of drafting a
letter to the Iowa City Council and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors
enumerating these areas of mutual concern. Scott stressed that there were other
potential requests for annexation, and one of these involved a large amount of
property.
Scott tended to agree with Cook that annexation needed to be dealt with in a
comprehensive manner. He said there are reasons for annexation, such as the ability
to control the type of development occurring in the proximity of City limits. He said,
however, there are costs associated with extending the corporate limits to the fringe
areas, such as costs associated with developments that are not included in initial
construction costs, namely police, fire and transit services. Scott said he had an
additional concern of whether or not RM.12 was the appropriate zone for the area that
was presently located within in the City limits. He was not sure if patio houses could
be accommodated in either the RS.12 or RS-8 zones. He asked staff to evaluate the
appropriateness of the RM.12 zone in this area.
The motion to defer passed on a 5.0 vote.
. /83~
__,.~. ._.._...,.~_.~...._ '-"'_"___'__"'_~___'______"""'~"..r~..._p_"_'"
""_....,,] ...lAI ~l~tINIlI'Ifrlltl..
'"I
,
.1
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 7
Scott stated that at the next informal Commission meeting, the Commission could
verbalize specific concerns. He anticipated deferral of this item pending further
discussion between the City and County concerning fringe area development.
4. Discussion of a proposed ordinance amending the particulate matter emission
regulations of the Zoning Ordinance Performance Requirements, of the Iowa City Code
of Ordinances, Section 36-76.
Schoon stated that the revisions that the Commission asked the Assistant City
Attorney to make at the Commission's informal meeting of August 17, 1992, had been
made.
Public discussion was opened at 8:36 p.m.
There was none.
Public discussion was closed at 8~36 p.m.
Cook moved to approved a proposed ordinance amending the particulate matter
emission regulations of the Zoning Ordinance Performance Requirements, of the Iowa
City Code of Ordinances, Section 36.76, as printed and enumerated in the staff report
dated August 20,1992. Bovbjerg seconded. The motion carried 5.0.
2. REZ 92.0011. Discussion of an application submitted by John Shaw, Jill Smith and
Barbara Ludke, on behalf of the Longfellow Neighborhood Association, to rezone an
approximately five acre portion of the ADS site located at 1301 Sheridan Avenue from
1-1, General Industrial, to RS.8, Medium Density Single-Family Residential. (45.day
limitation period: September 14, 1992,)
Cook said he would remove himself from discussion of this item based on his having
appraised the property and receiving payment by ADS for that service. He intended
to remove himself for both the discussion and. participation in the vote to avoid a
perceived conflict of interest.
"
Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated August 20, 1992. Staff recommended
approval of REZ 92.001 1.
. In response to a question from Gibson, Rockwell stated it was the responsibility of the
property owner to prove what use had been occurring on a site when a use had
become non-conforming. She said that this issue was not germane to the issue of
determining whether RS.8 was the appropriate zone for this tract. Gibson said it was
germane in his judgment. He said that current activity had a good deal to do with the
issue. He wanted to have more information regarding the pending sale, Rockwell said
staff had received clear indications that a sale was pending, but she noted that there
were differences of opinion among the attorneys involved on whether or not the
purchase offer had been accepted, She stressed that this issue was not germane to
the issue of whether or not RS.8 was the appropriate zone for this property. In
IV3~:
._..._.__._...~__~_.. ~... Iii
.L...~--ii --- -
,...-- ...,....__.~
"I
,
. ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 8
response to a question from Scott, Gentry stated that her position was that a sale had
not yet been finalized. She said there was some dispute between the buyer and the
seller as to whether or not there was a valid contract to purchase.
Public discussion was opened at 8:45 p.m.
Barbara Ludke. 1122 Sheridan Avenue, said that the ADS Property Committee of the.
Longfellow Neighborhood Association had submitted an application to request that the
five acre parcel of land located on Sheridan Avenue and owned by Advanced Drainage
Systems be rezoned from 1-1 to RS-8, She said the rezoning of the ADS property
should not be viewed as a taking, but as an opportunity to make this parcel of land
consistent with the residential neighborhood that surrounds this industrial property.
She noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission agreed with this interpretation in
1970 when it recommended that the site be zoned residential. She said the potential
change in ownership of this property impacted on the future of the Longfellow
Neighborhood and all of Iowa City. She thought this was a wonderful opportunity to
improve a valuable and historic neighborhood.
I
i
,
, .
Ludke stated the decision to downzone would not only limit immediate proposed
industrial uses, but also future industrial uses. She said it was imperative to consider
the full range of uses allowed in the 1-1 zone and give consideration to RS-8 zoning.
Ludke said that the request was based on substantial data. She noted that the ADS
property was locat~d in a neighborhood primarily zoned RS.8. She said the Compre-
hensive Plan recommended through its land use map that this property be rezoned for
lower density residential uses. She said the neighbors" request was consistent with
the land use policy of Iowa City that encouraged the relocation of incompatible and
obsolete land uses. The Comprehensive Plan also called for the reevaluation of
districts and neighborhoods where identified conflicts exist. She stressed that these
policies also stated that businesses relying on community-wide patronage rather than
serving the immediate neighborhood should be located in designated areas to preserve
the purpose and character of residential neighborhoods.
Ludke said that the majority of those who responded to a recent Longfellow
Neighborhood Association want the ADS property rezoned to residential or to be used
for parkland. She noted there was also a recent petitioning of neighbors in the area
and that over 40 property owners that live within 200 feet of the ADS property signed
the petition. In addition, she noted that seven non.owner residents also signed. She
said they were unable to get some of the signatures because of a property owner
residing in a nursing home, a bank as a trustee of an estate, a church, two owners on
vacation, 15 homes with non-resident owners, and one woman who would not sign
the petition. Ludke noted that the Association would be submitting a petition
supporting the downzoning which had the signatures of almost 300 residents of the
following streets: Rundell, Seymour, Oakland, Court, Grant, Sheridan, Kirkwood,
Maggard, Center, Roosevelt, Dearborn, Clark, and Bowery. She noted that the
Department of Planning and Community Development endorsed the rezoning request
as did almost 300 Longfellow neighborhood residents. She said the Longfellow
1~3~:
,. 'I
I
, I
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 9
Neighborhood Association was formally requesting that the ADS property be rezoned
from 1-1 to RS.8.
Bob Downer. counsel for ADS, stated that he had represented ADS since 1969 when
ADS estabiished its manufacturing business at this site, He had no substantial
disagreement with Rockwell's report except to clarify a few points. He noted that
when ADS purchased the site, the building was in a highly dilapidated condition. He
said it had been used among other things as a seed processing facility and a storage
facility of food products. The building was quite unsightly and ADS requested the
opportunity to prove that it could make a substantial improvement to the facility and
make it a credit to the neighborhood. He said this opportunity was extended by the
City Council by a vote of 3-2.
~~
Downer indicated that ADS had made improvements consistent with its request. He
noted that there was a substantial rebuilding of the building on this site, a considerable
amount of landscaping planted. and the hard surface extension of Oakland Avenue,
which was constructed on an easement rather than being a dedicated pubiic street.
He noted that the entire cost of the extension of Oakland Avenue was borne by ADS.
Downer noted that in the early 1980s. when the Comprehensive Pian was acted upon
and the present Zoning Ordinance was under consideration, ADS again came to the
City Council. He said at that time, ADS indicated that it wished to continue with the
industrial zoning classification and cited improvements that had been made over the
preceding decade. He said the City Council voted to place the property in the 1-1 zone.
He explained that'the farm economic crisis that had faced the Midwest got into the
way of what ADS planned to do in Iowa City and throughout the State of Iowa. He
noted that while ADS had operated four plants in Iowa, they were now only operating
one in Eagle Grove, in terms of having manufacturing operations on site. He reported
that the plant in Cresco had been sold and the plant in Creston was in the process of
being sold.
Downer indicated that he had had numerous discussions with ADS officials who
anticipate that it is entirely possible that the manufacturing operations which were
suspended at this site in 1989 may well be resumed some time in the reasonably near
future, Downer said he took issue with Rockwell on whether the non'conforming use
issue was a legitimate basis for concern by the Commission, He said the issue was
considerably more complex in this situation than was typically the case. As he had
previously indicated. manufacturing operations were suspended from this site in 1989,
but most of the manufacturing equipment was still located in the building. He reported
that with relatively few modifications, it would be possible to resume manufacturing
activities on the site. However. Downer stressed that if this were not done prior to
the time any zoning change became effective. resuming manufacturing operations
could not be accompiished as a valid non'conforming use under the present zoning
regulations, He stressed that it would represent considerable hardship for ADS in
terms of curtailing the resumption of manufacturing operations and might require ADS
to do so at an eariier time than preferred just to protect the investment in its property.
If3,^,
.........___........_ ..__..._ _",,__ ... w
- -.J ..................----.-......-.....-.Ill;(~-..--.-
r____.u_
.......
"
I
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 10
Downer stated that there was a purchase agreement that was outstanding which had
been accepted by ADS. However, he stiessed that there were contingencies on the
sale which had not yet been performed, He had agreed to deliver a letter for David
Poula, the attorney of the purchaser, stating that his client holds a legally binding
contract for the purchase of this property from its current owner. Downer stressed
that he would disagree with this statement. He stated that the unsatisfied contingen-
cies with respect to the contract prevent it from being enforceable. He noted that
while it was not currently. binding, it could become binding at some point in the future,
He said there was a provision in the purchase agreement for ADS to lease back a
significant portion of the property. ADS intended to continue its present activities of
storage and office use for an indefinite time into the future. He noted that a lease
arrangement is less permanent than ownership, but ADS had no intention of leaving
Iowa City, or of not maintaining a presence of some type in the community. He noted
that the level of future activity was unknown and would be based on market
conditions, and reiterated that ADS planned to stay at this site at least at its current
level of activity.
Downer stressed that rezoning the property and causing the manufacturing use to
become non-conforming would result in a significant hardship to Advanced Drainage
Systems. Downer thought that this would also send a bad signal to prospective
industries looking to come to Iowa City if downzoning could occur to a business that
had been part of this community for nearly a quarter of a century. He said that this
use was considered when the present Zoning Ordinance was approved by the City
Council. He urged the Commission to reject the proposal with regard to the zone
change for the ADS property. '
, ,
Gibson asked if the owners of the property had asked that the assessment for the
property be changed based on the cessation of manufacturing. Downer responded that
to his knowiedge, there had been no action taken by ADS to change the assessment.
In response to a question from Gibson, Downer stated that none of the contingencies
on the contract for sale of the property involved the zoning status, In response to a
question from Scott, Downer stated that ADS would not be able to claim manufactur.
ing as a non-conforming use if the property were rezoned at this time. He said this
was because ADS had removed a small amount of equipment from the site and could
not resume manufacturing without bringing the equipment back to the facility, Scott
asked if Downer feit the question of whether or not manufacturing could be claimed
as a non.conforming use would be open to debate and litigation if the property were
down zoned, Downer stressed that he would need to research the issue further and
noted that the rezoning request had arisen rather suddenly. In response to a question
from Bovbjerg, Downer clarified that while ADS would need to have additional
equipment on the site in order to engage in manufacturing, the actual occurrence of
manufacturing is what would permit a use to be a non-conforming use under the'
zoning regulations. In response to a question from Scott, Downer said that if the
rezoning took place, the existing uses of office and warehousing would be grand.
fathered in, Downer delivered a letter from the buyer's attorney, David poula, dated
August 20, 1992.
Ig~:
__.., .....0...'. .~~........._~.&lUI-,_...~-."".
..._-~.- -..-......---r....
"
,
,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission ,
August 20, 1992
Page 11
Jill Smith. 610 Oakland Avenue, stated that the Council had set a public hearing for
this item, which started a 60-day moratorium. She asked how this would affect the
ability of ADS to resume manufacturing. Gentry stressed that the moratorium was not
on the use of the property, but oniy on construction, She stated that this does not
answer the question of whether instaliation of equipment could be viewed as construc-
tion, She said that clearly, the construction of additional buildings was stayed, Smith
asked if it would be considered construction if ADS needed to change the structure to
begin manufacturing. Gentry said that instaliation of equipment was not typicai bricks
and mortar construction. Gentry said she agreed with Downer that the reinstitution
of manufacturing wouid not be grand fathered in if the property were rezoned while no
manufacturing was occurring on-site, and had not, according to ADS, since 1989,
However, she stressed that this did not preclude ADS from starting up manufacturing
right now.
,
I
,
,
In response to a question from Smith, Gentry stated that whether or not the
installation of equipment for manufacturing would be viewed as construction would
depend on whether or not there was a substantial and material change. Scott said he
did not think Gentry was indicating that instaliation of equipment within the structure
would be precluded, but enlargement of facilities would be precluded. Gentry
emphasized that it was a factual question of whether or not the instaliation of
equipment was a substantial and material change in the building, Smith asked who to
cali if equipment was being unloaded into the main building during the sixty-day
moratorium. Gentry responded that Doug Boothroy, Director of the Department of
Housing and Inspection Services, should be contacted.
Marv Brookhart. 1227 Sheridan, stated that she would like to give the Commission an
idea of what it had been like to live next to ADS, She noted there was one house
between her property and the ADS entrance, She expiained that her family moved into
their home in 1974, and until the late 1970s the amount of noise and dust was
moderate. She said that while the factory operated from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the
office portion, there were employees at the facility 24 hours each day, She explained
that the ADS loading docks were on the west side of the building and the Brookhart's
bedrooms on the east side of the residence. She said at night, when the workers
turned their radios up, there was a party atmosphere, sometimes ali night long, She
noted that there was no one responsive at the plant to complain to during those times.
She said the loading dock doors were often left open because of the heat, but that
didn't make it any easier for close neighbors to sleep at night. She said they would
often cali the police to see what they could do to quiet the workers down. She
explained that there was a dramatic change in the relationship of ADS to the
neighborhood in the late 1970s with the railroad strike, because the plant was no
longer able to function by receiving materials by rail. She said this resulted in many
large semi-trucks coming to the site with the heaviest traffic flow between 10 p,m.
and 1 a.m.
Brookhart said that with the extension of Oakland Avenue, there was only a minimal
portion which was paved, the remainder was gravel. This resulted in dust and noise
from the trucks. She explained that the trucks were loaded off the west side of the
/r3~
'I
1
, '
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 12
plant so this was onerous to the property owners to the west and east. She said
generally the decision on whether to shut their windows and turn on fans or the air
conditioner was not based on how hot it was, but how many times their children were
waking up at night. She stressed that the truck traffic was hazardous. She cited the
broken cement at the corner of the ADS entrance and noted the tire tracks over an
adjacent yard. She expressed concern because children in the area cross at this
corner. She noted that it was also a City bus stop,
Brookhart said she had never been able to get good answers as to why this type of
activity was allowed in the middle of a residential neighborhood. She said the best
answer to their questions was received during the 1980s when they talked to a City
attorney. They were advised that they probably could do nothing about the running
of diesel engines all night, because it was ADS property, and ADS could continue
activities permitted for what the pr.operty was zoned for, but that activities might be
able to be curtailed from 10 p,m. to 7 a.m. However, she stressed that the burden
was placed on the neighbors to initiate some type of action,
Brookhart expressed concern with the type of pollutants that might be in the air in the
area. She stressed that the facility had manufactured plastics and there was also a
five to seven acre storage area for plastics. She noted that fire trucks were called to
the area as recently as July 5, 1992, and expressed concern over the risk of fire, She
asked the Commission to consider rezoning for a use more in harmony with the
residential use that surrounds the site. She said her family would hate to move,
because they love the neighborhood and think that it is ideal for residential use.
Howe'ver. Brookhart said living next to an industrial neighbor, even though ADS has
probably' been one of the nicest industrial neighbors they could have, has been an
onerous experience. She stressed that the neighbors could all imagine worse
scenarios, but asked that the Commission consider something more in harmony with
the neighborhood.
Susan Scott. 722 Rundell, stated that she would like to talk about the economic
impact development this site could have on the neighborhood and the City, She said
that last month, a group of Longfellow area residents met with the prospective
developer of this site, Jim O'Brien, and he spoke of his thoughts of bringing a beauty
parlor or Dairy Queen to this location. She said a few days later, O'Brien confirmed
that he intended to construct concrete storage units on the site. She said the
neighborhood was asking the Commission to help keep this type of development out
of the neighborhood.
Scott noted that she would be using figures based on the current assessed evaluations
for 1991.92 property tax bills. She said that the five acre ADS site was assessed at
$372,000 and ADS would pay almost $11,600 in property taxes this year. She asked
that the Commission consider the block immediately north of ADS which is bounded
by Sheridan on the south, Oakland on the west, Center on the north, and Grant on the
east. She said this block occupied just over three acres and the homes on this block
have assessments that range from $43,000 to $92,000, . She said the average
assessment was $ 61 ,000 for 21 homes, which would yield $ 2 7 ,000 in property taxes
/S3d-.
i
,
,
-.
Planning. & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 13
for 1992. She noted this is more than twice as much property tax as what ADS
would pay. She then asked the Commission to consider the next block west of this
tract bounded by Sheridan on the south, Oakland on the east, Seymour on the north
and Clark on the west. She noted this is a block of approximately 5 Y, acres with
homes that range in assessed value from $41,000 to $110.000, with an average of
$72,000. She noted that collectively these 32,homes wouid pay $45,000 in property
taxes which was nearly four times what ADS would pay this year.
Scott noted that if the ADS property were rezoned to RS-S, one large or two small city
blocks would be added to the neighborhood. She said it was not unreasonable to
expect that someone would develop the property to the maximum density allowed of
eight dwelling units per acre which would put 40 homes on this site. She said if you
multiplied 40 by $102,000, which is the average price of a home sold in Iowa City,
according to the Iowa Association of Realtors, you would end up with property worth
approximately $4 million. She stressed that the taxes paid would be far in excess of
what ADS would pay. She said if you considered development at only one-half of the
RS.S density and homes valued only at $51,000, half of the 1992 sales average, this
would still generate two times as much in property taxes as was currently paid by
ADS.
Scott stressed that the numbers do not reflect the economic impact of the large
number of people involved in the construction, maintenance, furnishing and occupancy
of these homes versus the lesser impact of a handful of employees at ADS. She
believed even fewer employees would be needed to operate and maintain concrete
storage facilities, the use being proposed for a portion of the site by the prospective
owner.
Scott said there wouid be further negative economic impacts if there were further
industrial development in the neighborhood, She said the noise, dust, and truck traffic
generated by industrial development would slow the rising property values, not just for
properties adjacent to the site, but also for homeowners as far away as Kirkwood
Avenue and Summit Street. This was because of the truck traffic that would be
forced to travel those streets to access the site, She said it's a stretch to imagine that
the collective home property values would be offset by any increase in industrial
property values. She stressed it was clear from the numbers that the property was
more valuable to the neighborhood and the Gity as RS-S, not 1-1,
Bob Ludke. 1122 Sheridan, said he would like to explain why the site would be
attractive for residential use, He stressed that this was an older established area with
a strong sense of neighborhood. He said the area could be characterized as having a
high level of pride in its neighborhood, a mixture of social groups and ages, a nearness
to family and friends, a high 'evel of neighborhood friendliness and concern for one
another, and a strong commitment to a high qualitY of life. He cited the high level of
stability based on the average number of years people live in their homes, one of the
highest in Iowa City. He said the Longfellow Neighborhood would offer residents a
supportive environment, whether they were the elderly or families with children. He
stressed that the area was within walking dista~ce to the downtown, an elementary
If3~
._......__.........._._...s...a.mTlii--.-...............---...---.-..--,
::..00
_....lllrl!'IT<l1fT"N~~,
'I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 14
school, a junior high school, and a senior high school. He said the neighborhood was
also on the Seventh Avenue bus route, He said because of iowa City's outstanding
mass transit system, this neighborhood was accessible to any part of the City. He said
a bus stop was currently located on the corner near the ADS property.
Ludke stressed that the ADS property was in close proximity to LongfellOW School.
This allowed for easy access to an outstanding school whose structure lends itself to
traditional learning methods, He said the proximity allowed access to the focal point
of the Longfellow neighborhood and the implementation of its neighborhood concepts.
He emphasized that Longfellow School served as a formai and informal gathering place
of Longfellow neighbors. He said the recreational areas and piaygrounds of Longfellow
field are also accessible to potential homes on the ADS site, and would provide both
children and adults the opportunity to participate in traditional neighborhood activities.
i
,
Ludke said that the site was near one of the most treasured historic districts in Iowa
City and noted that Summit Street provides the neighborhood with an aura that people
often sense and desire when looking for housing. He said that the Longfellow
neighborhood provides opportunities for affordable housing. He stressed that there
was currently a wide range of housing types in the neighborhood. Ludke said that
according to the Historic Preservation Commission survey conducted in August of
1991,88% of Longfellow Neighborhood respondents live in single-family dwellings.
Of the 16% of neighborhood residents who rent, 91 % of these people indicated they
would choose to buy a house in an older neighborhood if given a chance. He said that
affordable and low cost payments were cited as one of the most important factors for
choosing to come to or remein in the neighborhood. He said other factors included
privacy and the good condition of homes, He requested that the Commission rezone
the ADS property for residential use.
John Shaw. 437 S. Summit St., noted that Downer had indicated that ADS was
engaging in ongoing negotiations .to sell the property and then lease it back from the
new owner. Shaw stressed that there was no assurance that APS would, in fact,
lease the property back or that the use wouldn't change drastically, Shaw reviewed
the range of the uses allowed in the 1.1 zone. He stressed that if the property was
sold and the new owner wished to engage in business for himself, he wouid be
allowed to manufacture, compound, assemble, or treat a wide range of things that the
neighborhood would then be subjected to,
Shaw stressed that little protection was provided under these regulations for residential
uses. He noted that the regulations were intended to protect adjacent non-residential,
uses as well as other industrial uses, but did not provide protection for residential
zones. Shaw realized the industrial use was in place before the residences were
constructed, but he stressed that it 'was time to get rid of this outmoded and obsolete
use within the middle of a predominantly residential neighborhood,
Pat Folsom. 739 Ciark Street, informed the Commission that she had also resided on
Grant Street in the Longfellow neighborhood, She noted that historically, the residents
in the Longfellow neighborhood have had concerns with traffic in the area, and had
/V3~'
........,.._..,_.~._,,_~.-....~~... _...._......_~.......,,__...~...._....._.._............._....._.....___...___"'''"'"''''_,~~ NI. ,4fll'lll. .
" 'I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 15
taken steps to address traffic issues in the neighborhood. Folsom noted that the
Longfellow area was a heavily pedestrian neighborhood. Visitors comment with envy
on the number of residents who walk in the evening and visit with their neighbors, or
jog through the neighborhood. She had often heard comments on how well the
neighbors communicate with one another.
Folsom stated that over the years, the neighborhood has worked with the City to
increase traffic safety for the neighborhood. She noted that the neighborhood was
instrumental in having a four-way stop placed at the intersection of Oakland Avenue
and Court Street to decrease vehicular speeding on Court Street. She noted a cross
light was also piaced at the corner of Court Street and Muscatine Avenue to increase
safety for school children. Folsom explained that when the neighborhood asked City
staff to come to a March 19, 1992, neighborhood meeting to discuss the zoning
options for this tract, the neighbors were specifically interested in the traffic effects
each option would have on the area.
Folsom emphasized that the City of Iowa City land use policy encouraged rezoning of
incompatible land uses. She noted that Garth Frable's report indicated that traffic
issues can be a reason for rezoning. Folsom believed the type of traffic that is
permitted under the 1-1 zoning is incompatible with the residential neighborhood
surrounding the site. She stressed that it was not just the amount of traffic that was
incompatible, but also the types of traffic that are inconsistent with the physical
structure of the streets and the neighborhood. She said that industrial traffic could
include straight trucks and semi-trucks.
Folsom said that the only access to the property was via Sheridan Avenue which is
only 25 feet wide. She explained that Sheridan Avenue was classified as a collector
street and was intended to collect traffic from the smaller streets in the neighborhood
to carry it to arterial streets. She said Summit Street was classified as'an arterial
street, but the bridge over the railroad tracks on Summit Street has weight restrictions
for vehicles. Therefore, Folsom noted that in order to get west from the ADS site,
trucks must go down Summit Street through a historic district to reach Burlington
Street. She noted that the other option was to use Seventh Avenue, a collector street,
which was not designed or constructed to withstand this type of truck traffic. Folsom
emphasized that most of the streets in the area were not constructed to withstand this
type of traffic. She explained that all routes to and from the ADS property were on
residentiai streets and an industrial use o'f the property would generate the kind of
traffic that was not compatible with the residential neighborhood,
Folsom stressed that the' City land use policy encouraged businesses relying upon
community-wide patronage to be in designated areas to help preserve the residential
purpose and character of ~eighborhoods. She emphasized that businesses located in
neighborhoods should serve the immediate needs of that neighborhood. She said that
the neighbors would like to look beyond ADS, because there was no guarantee that
ADS would lease the property, or that the property would not be sold again. She
suggested that it might be useful to look at the past uses of the property, which
include the manufacturing of farm machinery, construction machinery, gasoline engines
li3d. '
"',
, 1
. ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 16
and drain tubing as well as being used for bulk oil storage, serving as a sweet corn
canning factory, and the storage of food products, She said none of these could be
considered as supplying the needs of the neighborhood or as being consistent with the
land use policies of Iowa City. She emphasized that many of these uses even went
beyond satisfying the commercial needs within Iowa City, let alone the needs of the
neighborhood.
Folsom indicated that Garth Frable's report stated that one of the purposes of
municipal zoning was to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the
community, and that traffic considerations were reasonable grounds under the City's
police power for amending the 'Zoning Ordinance, Foisom explained that there was
heavy pedestrian traffic in the area and noted that the ADS property was located just
one block away from Longfellow Elementary School. She said that children cross
Sheridan Street and that bus stops are located in the area, including at the corner of
Sheridan and Oakland where the access drive to the AOS property is located. Folsom
explained that she feels that all of this pedestrian traffic would be in danger with an
increase in the industrial use on the ADS property. She stated that she was not just
concerned with the amount of traffic, but also about the results of industrial traffic,
such as the trucks going over curbs in the area.
Folsom said she was also not sure what the residents were exposed to when ADS was.
manufacturing at this property. She said there was also no guarantee regarding what
type of cargo vehicles wouid be carrying to the ADS site, and what would result if
there was an accident with the cargo. She said at one time, before the City grew up
around the site, APS might have been well-situated at the edge of town, However,
Folsom stressed that the location is now obsolete in terms of its industrial zoning and
inconsistencies with the surrounding residential development and zoning. She urged
the Commission to give serious consideration to rezoning this site to RS.8.
"'.
Helen Marias, 752 Oakland Avenue, stated that her home was located directly north
of the ADS site, She explained that her parents built the home in 1929 with the
impression that the factory would eventually be removed and houses would be built
on the site. She felt that the Longfellow neighborhood was centered on Longfellow
School, not the ADS factory. She thought the school and the people living in the
neighborhood should now take preference over the factory and manufacturing in the
neighborhood, She strongly supported the rezoning of this area to residential use.
Marias expressed her disagreement with the City planner who proposed preserving the
ADS structure on historical grounds. She was not sure whaUhese grounds would be.
She said the public was not given historical facts and no one had expressed an interest
in the historic value of the ADS building except for City planners. She noted that one
planner even came from the Quad Cities and expressed an interest. She stressed that
this planner did not live across the street from the ADS site, or even in the neighbor.
hood.
Marias had'spearheaded the drive in 1970 to have the site rezoned, She agreed with
other speakers from the neighborhood and commended them for their diligence in
/F3~
.._'___'_'1_"'_._~_""~ _...._........_,~~.........._....-...~._...-~ .....~..-... J. ~ r!' 1,. _IilM" \~,. "\~l"lIOIIOIft.
I
1
"
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 17
digging up facts and in making presentations to the Commission, Marias said it
seemed to her that it came down to who really mattered to the City, the residents or
a factory with offices in Columbus, Ohio. She noted that the attorney for the factories
said that it might be sending the wrong signai to somehow circumscribe the activities
of a factory, but she asked who here really cared. She said if Iowa City really had a
high standard of planning, it would not concentrate on saving a dilapidated factory, but
would concentrate on planning an industrial area and seeing to it that factories were
concentrated in that industrial area, not promoted in a residential neighborhood, She
said it was sending the wrong signal to residents in the neighborhood and the
community to allow this industrial use to continue,
Marias noted thalthe building had been painted a horrible green color. To preserve the
structure, the paint would need to be removed. She said that the street had been
resurfaced only because she had finally complained to the State Environmental
Protection Agency about the dust that came from the unpaved portion of Oakland
Avenue extended, She felt that the factory was getting more consideration than
people were getting. While it was unfortunate that a business had to suffer a hardship
of any kind, the people must be given consideration. She recalled that during the days
of urban renewal, the property owners were not given much consideration. Buildings
in the downtown area with much more aesthetic and historic value than the ADS
factory were removed. She said it came down to considering the human factor versus
the machinery factor,
Chuck Scott. 722 Rundell Street, stated that his family moved to Rundell Street when
he was 11 years old. He had spent most of the last 24 years in the Longfellow
Neighborhood. He explained that in 1984, he got the job of his dreams and went to
work for Ted Turner at Cable News Network in Atlanta, Georgia. When he moved to
Atlanta, he realized that he had lost his roots, his neighborhood and his people. He
explained that when he returned to Iowa City, he was able to purchase a home at 722
Rundell Street which was part of the Rundell Addition, the first suburb of Iowa City.
Scott explained that the construction of homes around the O.S. Kelly manufacturing
company, which is now occupied by ADS, began in 1910. He indicated that the
Rundell Line, Iowa City's first electric street car line, was also in the neighborhood.
He noted that the street car barn was at the southwest corner of Rundell and Sheridan.
He reported that the early residents of the neighborhood were lawyers, manufacturers,
merchants, bankers and contractors. Scott stressed that this tradition continued today
with the area being inhabited by professionals, business people, blue collar workers,
as well as the elderly, couples, retired individuals, singles and families with children.
He emphasized that the area was not heavily dominated by students and never had
been.
Scott noted that the area was rich with history, Scott said that in the Longfellow
Neighborhood, there are classic American bungalows next to American four squares
next to arts and crafts homes, He noted that some of the architectural details in the
Longfellow Neighborhood include decorative shingles, stucco, exposed rafters, and
multi.light windows as well as a variety of dormers and roof types and styles, Scott
/!3~.
, 'I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 18
explained that throughout the Longfellow Neighborhood there were 30 Howard Moffit
homes, and although each is similar in feature and style, none are identicai in
appearance or floor plan, He said these quaint little homes gave the neighborhood an
air of notoriety and colorful personal history,
Scott said it took him years to discover the rich heritage that was in his back yard.
He now could draw strength from the neighborhood. He feels his home extends
beyond the walls of 722 Rundell Street. He explained that the small houses and the
regular streets of his neighborhood comprise his true home. He said it was not just the
buildings that mattered, but the stories that the buildings told and what they told him
about himself and his neighbors. Scott stressed that it was difficult to know how or
where to go, unless you know where you have been. He stated that the Longfellow
Neighborhood gives that feeling and that type of knowledge.
Scott said he has seen his neighbors fixing up their homes, putting on a coat of paint
and putting flowers in the front yard. He said they were preserving the area for future
generations who will get the same feelings that he has about this area, Scott
emphasized that his neighborhood was not like the South Johnson or South Lucas
Street areas, where the care of homes has lapsed because of absentee owners. Scott
noted that older homes define the history of the community and the way people have
lived. He said most of the neighborhood has large trees and nice porches, and the
sense of community that is valuable to many of us. Scott indicated that his
neighborhood adds a dimension to what Iowa City actually is, as opposed to the
suburban areas that are sprouting up around the city.
Scott noted that when the Longfellow Neighborhood was first constructed, it produced
Iowa City's first neighborhood association, the Rundell Club. He said that tonight, 80
years later, the descendants of this social group gathered to preserve their past and
fight a political battle to preserve their neighborhood from overdevelopment. He said
it was not easy to put into words how one draws strength from one's home. He
indicated that for years ADS had been a good neighbor, but that time was now gone.
He stressed that it was time to look to the future by looking at where the neighbor-
hood had been.
Scott said the residents of Longfellow Neighborhood would like to welcome the ADS
parcel to the neighborhood in the same way they had welcomed a historic home from
Dodge and Bowery street:; to its new home on Rundell Street. He said the ADS
property could be accepted into the community family like a long lost relative. He
wanted to help welcome the singles, couples and families that would become part of
the neighborhood legacy, Scott wanted the ADS property to become developed with
small cozy homes for couples, retired people, and young families just starting out. He
stressed that that was how the neighborhood was 80 years ago, that was the way it
was now, and that was what he wanted it to be 80 years from now.
Scott thought that there was no room in the Longfellow Neighborhood for developers
looking to maximize profits at the neighborhood's expense, He said the neighborhood
was not the appropriate setting for student housing, expanded industry, or concrete
/f3~
'I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 19
storage bunkers. He said that we had all seen developers make wonderful promises,
only to have profits dictate otherwise. He said that by rezoning the property to low
density residential use, the law would dictate how the site developed, and would not
be reliant on promises of low traffic counts or promises of respect for the neighbor-
hood. He asked the Commission to help preserve the neighborhood history, uphold its
, long-held integrity, and protect this legacy for future generations by recommending
that this property be zoned RS-8 for the neighborhood.
Susan Futrell. 809 Maaaard. agreed with the other speakers, especially in terms of the
Longfellow Neighborhood having older and moderate-priced homes. She stressed that
this was a more accessible housing area for more people than the newer subdivisions.
She had lived in Iowa City for 19 years, and had owned a home in the Longfellow
Neighborhood for four years. When she was looking for a home to buy, she looked
specifically in this neighborhood as well as a few other older areas in the City. She
stressed that Iowa City had lost similar neighborhoods in the community. She thought
that the downzoning would provide an opportunity for the City to preserve moderately-
priced housing. Futrell felt that Iowa City had been receptive and supportive of
industry in appropriate areas of the City. She noted that the relationship between
industry and residences, and what is acceptable had probably changed in the past
century. She noted that this was an opportunity to preserve an area of Iowa City that
was important to the quality of life in the community. She urged the Commission to
rezone this property to RS-8.
Public discussion was closed at 10:02 p.m.
Bovbjerg moved to defer REZ 92-0011 to September 3, 1992. Gibson seconded.
Scott stated that because this item was a rezoning, there would be two opportunities
for public discussion; this item would be placed on the Commission's agenda for public
discussion on September 3, 1992, and a vote would be taken, if the Commission was
prepared to do 50. Scott stated that because he would not be present at the
September 3,1992, meeting, he would make comments now in the event that he was
not present for further discussion on this item.,
With regard to the issue of historic preservation, he stressed that this was just one
sentence in a document of information that was one,half inch thick that staff had
forwarded to the Commission. He took offense when staff was ridiculed and thought
that it was out of order to do so in a public meeting,
Scott further noted that the use for the site was established in 1969, Those who had
purchased property after the ADS use was established, should have been aware of the
manufacturing use on the site. He said the question of use and of whether ADS could
reintroduce manufacturing to the property if it were downzoned was still a question.
He did not want the neighbors to think that the 'matter was resolved merely because
the City Attorney and the attorney representing ADS agreed with the interpretation
that if the property were downzoned, the manufacturing use would probably not fall
under the pre.existing use reguiation. He emphasized that the neighbors should not
. .
,
1~3~:
"'_..~.---..~.._~._.,_..._.-,. -- UiiLl!JiiIli ~.. '~4' ,"I .... ,,0... .""
~"""",.....
I
,
, '
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 20
assume that if the property were downzoned, the manufacturing use would cease. He
felt it was still a question of whether or not the manufacturing use or even the office
storage use could continue following a downzoning.
Scott stated that staff had addressed the true issue which the Commission must view
by focusing on the appropriate land use for this particular location. He explained that
he was on the Commission in 1983, when it approved the Comprehensive Plan
Update, and the subsequent rezonings for compliance with the Plan. He said the
philosophy followed in 1983 was to zone properties according to use. He stressed
that this did not preclude the argument that if a use changes, the zoning should at
least be reviewed. He said that in its review, the Commission needed to consider such
things as whether or not the street network and infrastructure that support the use are
adequate, and whether relocation could occur without devastating results to the
property owner. He explained that the Commission also needed to ask questions, such
as whether the use had been ongoing since its inception, and whether the downzoning
would cause an undue hardship on the user. He explained that when the Commission
made its decision, it should be guided by the principles of City and State law. He
emphasized that the most critical issue that remained was determining what the
appropriate land use for this tract should be, He asked that the Commission address
this issue.
Bovbjerg said that ways the Commission could decide on the most appropriate land
use for the site would be to review maps and staff reports and to drive by the site on
their own, bu.t she stressed that it was very important that the Commission know how
the use of the property affected people and buildings in the area. She expressed her
appreciation for the public input at the meeting and for the information that had been
included in the packet. She reminded members of the public that there would be at
least one more Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, when this item would be
discussed, Scott concurred and also expressed his appre9iation for the candor of Bob
Downer. He entered into the record a letter from David Poula dated August 20, 1992,
representing the potential buyer of the ADS site located on Sheridan Avenue, Jill
Smith asked that the letter from Poula be read into the record, Rockwell indicated that
copies of the letter could be distribute'd to the Neighborhood Association. Scott said
that a distribution of copies of the letter would reduce the possibility of misinterpreta-
tion that could occur with only a verbal reading of a document.
The motion carried on a 4.0.1 vote (Cook abstainingl.
Scott recessed the meeting at 10: 12 p.m.
Scott reopened the meeting at 10:24 p.m. and acknowledged the receipt and entered into the
public record the signed petitions with approximately 300 names supporting the rezoning of
the property located at 1301 Sheridan Avenue from 1.1 to RS-8,
/13"
,
I
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 21
DEVELOPMENT ITEMS:
2. V AC 92-0002, Discussion of an application submitted by ACT for vacation of
Dubuque Road (Seven Sisters Road) as it passes through the ACT campus.
3. LSD 92-0007. Discussion of an application submitted by ACT for preliminary LSNRD
plan approval of its 94,35 acre site located at 2201 North Dodge Street. (45-day
limitation period: September 14, 1992.)
Scott indicated that the Commission would be taking public discussion on this item at
this meeting and that it would also be scheduled for discussion at the Commission's
work session on August 31,1992, with a vote tentatively scheduled for September
3,1992.
Moen referred to the staff reports dated August 20, 1992, and explained that at the
Chair's request, full reports could be given at the Commission's next meeting. Scott
requested that the reports be presented by staff at the September 3, 1992,
Commission meeting.
I
Public discussion was opened at 1 d:20 p.m.
Mike Gatens. 2045 DubUQue Road, stated that he wanted to speak just with regard
to the vacation of Dubuque Road. He stressed that a lot of people would be affected
by the vacation. He noted the amount of property owned in the area by private
property owners who depended on this road for access. He indicated that the City
was currently trying to buy access from the Smith Brothers and was having difficulty
in doing so. He did not understand why the City would give up access on Dubuque
Road without having an alternative in place, especially while it was attempting to
purchase another access through the area,
, ,
., "
Gatens stressed that there would be adverse financial ramifications for property
owners in the area. He noted that when two City Council members asked ACT why
the road had to be closed, and whether or not ACT would continue development if the
road was not closed, 'that question was never answered, except to state that the
vacation of Dubuque Road was in ACT's plans. He thought that one of ACT's main
objectives was concern about safety for foot traffic across Dubuque Road, He noted
that there was a 25 mile per hour speed limit on Dubuque Road. which was obeyed.
He indicated that all ACT development would be on the east side of Dubuque RO'ad,
except for the Lindquist Building, He suggested that if ACT was concerned about foot
traffic to the Lindquist Building, then they could have located this building on the same
side of the street as the other buildings, or they could construct tunnels under the
road. He indicated that while ACT has stated that the road divides its property, ACT
voluntarily divided the property with its own plans.
Gatens explained that his family had sold property in the area, some to ACT, and had
12 acres left in this area. He noted that one of ACT's plans showed his family's
property being bisected.
\
/f3~:
_ _..,....._...~_...... ___..........__~_....~......_....__,__.u_ _..
-..- .;
--..........~
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 22
Gatens explained the complexity of the easements involved in the roadway, and noted
that his family granted an easement to Johnson County that in ihe 1960s was
acquired through annexation by the City of Iowa City. He stated that if the roadway
were vacated and no longer used for public access, the easements would revert back
to the original property owners. He said the property that his family sold to ACT
would not be involved, but that the Schneider and Keith estates would be because
ACT only purchased property to the edge of the road. Gatens stressed that the City
does not own Dubuque Road. He drew attention to the fact that ACT owns a building
across Highway 1, which is located by the Shive-Hattery facility. He asked if ACT
accomplished the Dubuque Road vacation, they would then attempt to vacate Highway
1.
Gatens noted that the City Council seemed to be concerned that ACT might want to
expand outsid,e of Iowa City, but Gatens expressed his doubt that this would ever
happen because of the great deal of property with buildings that ACT owns in Iowa
City. Gatens indicated that ACT had said that its plans would be disrupted if Dubuque
Road were not vacated. He asked if the City had considered the disruption the
vacation would have on other property owners in the area. He stressed that if the City
closed a road, then it should provide an alternative roadway. Gatens stressed that
when a road was closed, it was often a long time before another access was opened.
He cited the Holiday Inn location blocking Dubuque Street as an example of such a.
travesty. Gatens questioned why the vacation must occur and noted that ACT did not
answer this question when asked by a City Council member. He emphasized that ACT
was a good neighbor and was good for the community, but when companies tried to
do these things without reason, it made him wonder why.
Charles Eble. 2150 Dubuque Road, stated that he had submitted a written statement
maintaining that Dubuque Road should not be closed, He stressed that the vacation
would severely handicap farmers in the area who used the road to reach southeastern
Iowa City. He explained that ACT wanted the road closed because of foot traffic
between buildings on its campus, but he knew from observation that there was little
foot traffic.. He said that any increase in foot traffic could be safeguarded by a
pedestrian stop light on Dubuque Road. He indicated that traffic from ACT alone was
more of a hazard to the other property owners in the area than other traffic was to
ACT.
Eble stressed that Iowa City should not give up the right-of-way simply to increase
ACT's domain. He said ACT had plenty of space to develop, He noted that ACT had
offered to barter land at the southern end of its expansion while outlining in detail what
the City should do with the land. He stated that ACT even suggested that a road
cquld cut through residential property. He said it seemed that ACT thought it was
perfectly okay to cut through property as long as it was not ACT's property, He
stressed that ACT had no regard for the property rights of others in the area.
Eble expressed concern that ACT was pushing for immediate action on this item. He
noted that four members of the City Council apparently would blindly succumb to this
proposal without even bothering to look into the amount of traffic on Dubuque Road.
,
/K3a
,
,
,
I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 23
He said that a survey conducted alter the Council's action showed extensive use of
Dubuque Road,
Eble stressed that any extension of existing roads should be given much thought and
looked at in a comprehensive manner, He said that the City Council indicated that it
would be at least ten years before another road would be placed on the drawing
boards. As far as he knew, the Comprehensive Plan did not refer to the vacation of
Dubuque Road. He did not feel ACT should be allowed to determine where a roadway
should be placed in this area. If Iowa City needed additional land for a road, it should
get it in a manner that was satisfactory to everyone, Ebie noted that ACT only uses
the road five days a week, and mostly just during the day, while the people of Iowa
City use the road seven days a week at all hours. He said that people should be
entitled to continue to use the road. He could think of no good reason to give this road
away. He stressed that it had been of service to Iowa Citians since it was built and
should continue to serve both Iowa City and ACT.
Joe Puoh. reoresentino ACT, stated that representatives of ACT would be presenting
information on both, the vacation and the Large Scale Non-Residential Development
(LSNRD) plan. He stated that the vacation and LSNRD requests were the result of a
planning effort which ACT embarked on in 1988 and completed in 1989. During that
time, ACT had extensive discussions with the Iowa City planning staff regarding
arterial streets in this area, where ACT was the largest property owner. Pugh stressed
that ACT's plan accommodated the extension of arterials in northeastern Iowa City,
especially on ACT's property.
,
Pugh cited the reputations of the architects and consultants who prepared the plan.
He stated that in the fall of 1991, ACT reached the point of embarking on Phase I of
the plan, and based on advice from the City Manager, began to activate the plan. He
explained that the first step in implementin9 the plan was the development a9reement
which had been approved by the City Council. It was his understanding that the
Commission had a copy of that agreement. He noted that while the agreement had
not yet been executed by ACT and the City, ACT was proceeding with the steps
agreed upon in the development agreement, inciuding submitting applications for the
vacation and the LSNRD for the Commission's and City Council's public review.
Pugh explained that based on the plan, ACT expected to have an investment over the
next 3.4 years of $19 million. He said ACT wouid like to start implementing the
project in the fall of this year, but stressed that it would fIot do so until after they had
completed all of the steps necessary for approval with both the Commission and
Council. He said more specific questions would be answered by Rodney Kruse.
Rodnev Kruse of Herbert, Lewis, Kruse and Blunk stated that his firm had been
challenged to look 25 years into the future when developing the plan for ACT. He said
ACT anticipated an additional 1 ,700 el11pioyees and the need for 450,000 square feet
of building floor area as opposed to the current 190,000 square feet of building floor
area. He knew it was not possible to plan for 240 acres without touching the lives of
others, and even affecting the City's Comprehensive Plan. He explained that the
/fj 3;1.,
.__"_"_"_"'___~__ --.-----"'-liii,1 .- _.....-...........~........-1il1..-----
1._........M' 10<1,1. fjl'~
, "1
,
,
1
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 24
review of the Comprehensive Plan revealed that the east-west arterial would take up
most of the buildable area on the ACT property that would be needed to create a
walking campus, He said the most difficult challenge was the preservation of the
natural amenities of the property.
Kruse stated that the plan attempted to allow ACT to grow, which would be to the
City's advantage, but to do so without disturbing the City too much, He explained
that five or six routes for arterials in the area were considered and discussed with the
City. He referred to the ACT Campus Master Plan, and reviewed the goals which
included 11 preserving the natural site amenities, 2) unifying the campus, 3) giving the
appearance of a sense of completeness at the end of each phase of development, 4!
providing for employee amenities, 5) reorganizing the use of the existing buildings, and
5) providing a sense of connectivity between the buildings and 7) minimizing parking.
Kruse referred to a diagram showing the inner campus road with several means of
ingress and egress being eliminated with the vacation of Dubuque Road. He stated
that eventually ACT would like to close the driveway from the Lindquist Building to
Highway 1. He stressed that the plan emphasized a visual focus on the proposed new
administrative building. He indicated that the unsightliness of the Lindquist Building
service area could be screened from public view if ACT were able to have a T.
intersection rather than a through road at this location. Kruse indicated that
maintaining Old Dubuque Road would disrupt the fluidity of the campus, detract from
the focus on the administrative building and landscaping, and eliminate the ability to
screen the Lindquist loading dock, He reviewed the landscaping plans and the
integration of the ravine area with the campus.
Kruse stressed that retaining Dubuque Road would disrupt even the short-term plans
for ACT's development. He said the major concern was that if Dubuque Road were
public, then Lindquist Drive would be a public street. He said if it were designed to
keep the public off the roadway, then ACT employees also would not use the
roadway. He was concerned about the safety of ACT employees and other people
using the road. ,
Scott explained that the Comprehensive Plan had indicated an east.west road
alignment more in conjunction with the existing Dubuque Road for the expansion of
Scott Boulevard. He expressed surprise that there was not greater emphasis in the
ACT plan to tie into the existing roadway system rather than proposing a road system
that goes across property not currently owned by the City or ACT, Pugh responded
that the Comprehensive Plan did not show the Scott Boulevard extension following the
alignment of Dubuque Road after it left the ACT campus. Scott understood why ACT
might have objections to the alignment proposed in the Comprehensive Plan, but
stressed that his concern was with the location of the east-west road as it left ACT's
property, He asked why there was not greater emphasis placed on following the
present Dubuque Road as it comes off Highway 1 onto ACT's property. Kruse stated
that ACT's position was that a four.lane road with a 45 mile per hour speed limit
should not bisect ACT's campus, He said that if the roadway could be designed
around the proposed campus, then ACT probably would not have any objections.
/f3~
..~..-
'. ,
I
1
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 25
Pugh stated that to have a 1 OO-foot right-of-way coming through the most desirable,
buildable portion of the property was not best for ACT. He said ACT determined that
the property provided the City with an alternative for the road and an opportunity for
the City to obtain ciear title to land for the extension of Scott Boulevard. Pugh
stressed that this was a more reasonable compromise than having a roadway bisect
the property, He emphasized that ACT had thought First Avenue would be developed
sooner, but apparentiy there was not support on the City Council for this extension at
this time. He said that ACT was trying to go through the process with some
confidence that it could be comfortable with the investments it was proposing to
make. He said that ACT would be constructing a new building in the near future. ACT
wanted to maximize its investment by ensuring an optimum iocation for the new
building. .
Scott stated that the Commission had just received the development agreement of
ACT and the City Council prior to the meeting, and had not had the opportunity to read
it. He had a problem with ACT's plan when, from his perspective, as someone who
hnd sat on the Commission for approximately 11 years, remembering that whenever
discussion of the northeast quadrant had taken place, one of the holdups was ACT's
presentation of its Master Plan. He said now the Commission was being asked to
accept rather long-term consequences for the street network in the northeastern
quadrant of the City in rather short order and based on ACT's Master Plan. He said
this was a frustration he felt, but that he was not necessarily blaming ACT. He would
have preferred it if ACT had made a request earlier to the Commission for its review
of the proposed streetscape as it impacts the northeast quadrant, and then allowed the
Commission to make recommendations concerning any revisions needed for the Zoning
Ordinance and Comprehensive Plan.
Pugh noted that the ACT Master Plan was completed in January of 1989, but there
was no vehicle to present it to the Commission until ACT began implementation of.the
plan. He stressed that the City was aware of the existence of the plan. Kruse noted
that the new City plans for arterial streets showed Scott Bouievard extended and
curving in much the same way as shown on ACT's plan. Davidson indicated that the
JCCOG arterial street plan, which was recently recommended for adoption by the
Commission, showed Scott Boulevard going over 1-80.
Michelle Larson, 2201 DubUQue Road, feit that ACT expansion was good for the
community, but closing Dubuque Road without offering an alternative was a bad idea.
She said that it appeared from ACT's drawings that the only plans they had for the
current location of Dubuque Road was for additional parking, She said that the
vacation of the road at this time should not be necessary, if all ACT needed was to
construct buildings or plant landscaping. She said ACT's concerns regarding foot
traffic could be addressed with either a pedestrian light or a tunnel, or ACT could ask
for vacation of the roadway when there was an alternative route available for people
who use Dubuque Road, She noted that the east.west alignment, as drawn, stubbed
into her property and would go through her home and the Gatens' home if it were
extended as shown, She stressed that ACT seemed unwilling to change the location
of the road.
/ f 3:2..
,. I
,
, ,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 26
Larson said that at t.he City Council meeting, language in the agreement between ACT
and the Council was changed to say that the road would be located approximately
along the proposed route shown on the plan. However, Larson noted that there would
be a land swap in the deal, and ACT was going to restrict the land traded to the City
to where ACT has drawn the road rather than allowing an approximate location of the
road. 'She said that if this plan were approved, the Commission should consider how
the extension of the road would affect property owners in the area. it might force the
City to take homes from people in the future because there was no flexibility in the
plan or in the location of the land that ACT would be willing to turn over to the City
without a fight. She said that the Council implied that the road could be moved to the
north through a proposed ACT parking lot. She felt this would be a better alternative.
She said the road could also be moved to the south, but neither of these routes involve
land that ACT was offering to swap to the City.
John Clancv. 2003 North DodQe Street. stated that the entire plan was confusing,
especially since it was being presented on such short notice. He said it was confusing
for the cesidents in the area to go from week to week trying to find out what was'
happening with the plan. He said it was important for the Commission to consider that
approval of the plan would probably put some people out of business and force others
out of their homes. He felt that ACT's plans were attractive, magnificent, and created
jobs, but the expense to others was more than simply an economic one, because many
homes would be made uninhabitable. He hoped that the Council and Commission
would not succumb to the unyielding fashion in which ACT was presenting its plans
at this time.
Steve RiQoan. Consumer Coooerative, stated his concern with the additional expense
the closing of Dubuque Road would have on his business. He said that there would
be an additional eight miles added to many of the trips to piCk up goods from farmers.
He said there surely must be an alternative road provided for in the short.term.
Bruce Glasoow , 834 North Johnson Street, stressed three times that it was critical not
to close one street until you had another one to replace It. .
Dean Hunter. 2802 Muscatine, stated that his family farms on Scott Boulevard
approximately y,.% miles north of Rochester Avenue. He said that if Dubuque Road
were closed, his family would only have one acce'ss to their farm, He stressed that
currently, because of the weather, they had trouble in the winter transporting feed and
hay as well as moving cattle. He emphasized that Dubuque Road offered an
alternative route and without it, during adverse weather, they might have to walk to
their farm from Rochester Avenue.
Hunter said that having a dead end on the unvacated portion of Dubuque Road couid
also result in more maintenance problems for the road. Hunter said that ACT had
offered to put up a gate and would allow residents in the area to cross the property,
but he stressed this was not adequate because every time they passed through the
area, they would need to get out of their vehicles to open and close the gate, He
stated that every time they go to the Consumer Co-op, they use DUbuque Road, He
/S3~
..-.~..~.,..-...,..,~,.....,'7"T'
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 27
noted that Ralph Kral is 80 years old now and ACT expected him to drive up and down
the hills from Rochester Avenue, unless he wanted to open and close the gate to use
Dubuque Road.
Hunter noted that University of Iowa students cross heavily traveled streets every day,
so he saw no reason why ACT employees could not cross Dubuque Road, which was
not nearly as busy as the streets of Iowa City. Hunter stressed that ACT could have
planned around the road, but decided to build its campus exactly where ACT wanted
it, and now claimed it could not continue without closing Dubuque Street. He
suggested that ACT could make a new plan and leave Dubuque Road open. He said
it looked to him as if the City was giving up a lot, but ACT was only giving up a strip
of land, which must be located exactly where ACT wanted it. Hunter expressed his
concern with the process.
Scott responded that the process was not following the usual procedure. He had
questioned the procedure and was not certain if the answers he had received were
adequate. Cook said it was his understanding that ACT was directed by staff to go
first to the City Council to get a feeling from Council of its position on this matter.
Hunter said it was important to put the welfare of the public first. He' could not
understand the Council's vote or even attempt to explain it. He asked which was more
valuable, someone pulling into ACT and knowing exactly where they are, or the
residents in the area. He stressed that the design could be modified. He felt ACT had
a weak case for closing Dubuque Road.
Tom Werderltsch. 3 Everareen Place, speaking as the Chair of the Economic
Development Committee for the Chamber of Commerce, stated that from the
economic development perspective, the northeast quadrant of Iowa City was the best
area for commercial and residential expansion. He stressed that ACT was a good
employer and this should count for something in the process and be recognized. He
said that with 27 years experience in the construction business, he had seen peripheral
property values increase when there was development of a commercial site. He
expressed concern about the message being sent to prospective businesses, He said
he had been in Iowa City for four years and had seen reasonable and well thought out
proposals receive a steady stream of opposition within the community. He stressed
that this did not apply specifically to the neighbors present at this meeting, but was
generally the case for any type of economic development being proposed in Iowa City.
This bothered him as both a businessperson and a taxpayer.
On the personal side, Werderitsch said that he was familiar with the architectural firm
ACT used. It had won more awards for design excellence than any other firm in the
state. Werderitsch said he was worried on the personal level that this was becoming
an emotional issue, rather than a rational decision. He stressed that the ACT requests
should be decided based on good, rational facts, and not what is just best for the
neighbors or the business, but for what is best for all of Iowa City, He urged the
Commission to give equal weight to all evidence presented.
/f3;t :
, ','1
,
, I
____.____.___0._.__.____ ~"'..-,,--. .-
--.....
.r'"",..~"""~",,,
--~.---....
-
"
,
, '
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 28
Pugh stressed that when ACT decided to implement its plan, ACT representatives met
with the City Manager, who conferred with the Mayor, regarding the process needed
to get approval of the ACT plan. He said that ACT was following their advice, and if
the Commission had a problem, it should take it up with the Mayor and the Council,
not with ACT. He emphasized that ACT was not trying to do anything that was not
in accordance with the agreements they had made with the City Council and City
Manager. Scott asked if the agreement the Council had authorized the Mayor to sign
was binding on the part of the City, if the Mayor signed the document. Gentry
responded that it was, but stressed that the agreement did not say that the vacation
would take place, only that ACT would initiate the process.
Sharon Hunter stated that while she wanted ACT to go through with its plans, she
stressed that ACT should not be allowed to proceed until there was an alternative
provided for Dubuque Road.
Jeff Larson, 2201 Dubuaue Road, stated that ACT was a go.od neighbor, but said he
did not see a compelling reason for the closing of Dubuque Road, He said ACT had
stated it wanted the approach to its campus to be attractive, but he stressed that this
was not a compelling reason. He noted that ACT had 280 acres so certainly it could
come up with an alternative plan. He noted that foot traffic from ACT would still have
to cross a network of ACT's own roads. He that most of the traffic in the area was
generated by ACT. He said this traffic was likely to increase and pedestrians would
still need to cross the road,
Public discussion was closed at 11 :51 p,m.
Cook moved to defer V AC 92.0002 to September 3, 1992. Bovbjerg seconded,
Cook stated that he had profound objections to the plan, but there may be ways to
compromise. He thought the plan created a permanent enclave, while the key to
effective development in Iowa City was to find a way to fit in with the web of existing
infrastructure. He stressed that extending First Avenue through people's'homes would
not happen. He indicated that the ability of ACT to be flexible with its site concerning
the extension of First Avenue was critical for his vote in support of the proposal. He
said the development served ACT's purposes very well, but not the surrounding
community's. He said having a road bisect your property was much more compelling
if you had only twelve acres or five acres, and it went through the place where you
lived. He stressed that ACT will need to', make alterations to its plan to obtain his
support.
Gibson wanted a public explanation of why the Commission had been placed in this
procedural situation with regard to the agreement that the Council had authorized the
Mayor to sign. He explained that he had taken a vacation process through the
Commission for the University of Iowa, and the process did not work this way for him.
He stressed that during that process, there were open and public negotiations, He said
he was not sure what the current process was. He asked if the Commission was, in
fact, wasting its time. He said if it turned out that the Commission was wasting its
1132.
-.
..iP.........-
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 29
time, he would not even vote on this issue. He said that at the next Commission
meeting, he wanted to have a public explanation from someone in the City at a level
of senior management, or from a representative of the Council, or the Mayor to know
if the Commission was, in fact, wasting its time,
Gibson stressed that this proposal showed no active participation by City staff with
regard to planning street alignments, He noted that roads were shown heading into
houses and this was not an acceptable outcome. He said the planning process was
a long way from being finished. Gibson asked whether it was possible to extend
Dubuque Road to Highway 1 northeast of the Lindquist Building, which would provide
some continuity for the road without bisecting the ACT campus. He said at the next
meeting, he wanted the City to come in and talk about the planning for arterial streets
in the northeast quadrant. He stressed that planning this type of project was a process
of accommodating interests that are often in conflict, He said a project was not done
until these interests had been satisfied. He had worked with Rod Kruse, one of the
best planners and architects in the state. However, Gibson stressed that Kruse knows
that if he were working with Gibson, he could not plan inside a box. He should view
what is going on outside the box. Gibson stressed that these outside interests must
be addressed, but had not been part of the process to date. He said this process
would take time and apparently ACT did not have the time. He emphasized, however,
that these issues would need to be addressed.
Scott explained that he had a number of conversations with Karin Franklin, Director of
Planning and Community Development, City Council member John McDonald and
Mayor Darrel Courtney regarding this issue as it progressed through the Council, Scott
reported that he was consistently told that the process was being handled in this
manner at ACT's request.
Scott indicated that Cook and Gibson had addressed one of the big problems, which
was the east.west road which would go nowhere unless the City was committed to
extending First Avenue and Scott Boulevard. Scott stressed that Bruce Glasgow made
a valid point when he said, "You don't close one street until you have one in place of
it." Scott said that the City had been somewhat critical of Johnson County for not
providing the necessary infrastructure for subdivisions in the county, and in this case,
the City could be accused of doing the same thing.
Scott did not think that the long-term goals of Iowa City and ACT were in conflict, but
the short-term goals of ACT and the City's unwillingness to build and provide
necessary streets were in conflict. Scott indicated that one reason the City doesn't
build roads is that it doesn't have the funding or is unwilling to tax to receive the
funds. He noted that the City had exacted dollars from developers across the
community to put in improvements. He had a problem with not engaging in the same
type of negotiation process, including public input, with ACT. He stressed that this
was one reason why he had been so upset over the short'circuiting of the process.
The motion to defer carried on a 5.0 vote.
/S3~,
_...~-
..............--...--..-... ...--.........-.-...---...-""--
"I
1
, '
I
i
,
i'C4<l,J I II '1WIIl
, "I
..,
,
-.
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 30
Bovbjerg moved to defer LSD 92-0007 to September 3, 1992. Cook seconded. The
motion carried 5-0.
Scott reviewed the future meeting dates for this item and thanked both the public and
ACT for their participation in the 'discussion,
ZONING ITEM:
1. CZ-9231. Discussion of an application submitted by Arie Kroeze to rezone a 1.95 acre
parcel, with an existing residential use, from A 1, Rural, to RS, Suburban Residential.
This site is located in Fringe Area 6 approximately 1 Y, miles south of Iowa City, at
'4274 Nursery Lane.
Rockwell indicated that staff recommended that the City Council forward a comment
tothe Johnson County Board of Supervisors finding that the request is consistent with
the mutually agreed upon Fringe Area Policy for Fringe Area 6.
Public discussion was opened at 12:05 a.m.
There was none.
i
I
i
,
i
i
i
I
I
,
i
i
Public discussion was closed at 12:05 p.m.
Bovbjerg moved to recommend that the Commission forward a comment to the
Johnson County Board of Supervisors finding that CZ-9231 is consistent with the
mutually agreed upon Fringe Area Policy for Fringe Area 6. Cook seconded. The
motion carried 5.0.
OTHER BUSINESS:
1. Update on Secondary Road Extension North from Rochester Avenue.
Moen stated that additional information was nqt y,et available, as the City was waiting
for information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding its evaluation of
wetlands. She indicated that staff would provide a memorandum regarding the
alignment after such information had been received. In response to a question from
Bovbjerg, Franklin stated that this was part of the street plan for northeast Iowa City
that was presented to the Commission when the collector was proposed. She
stressed that all of the members of the Commission should have copies, except for
Starr. Gibson asked if this plan was consistent with ACT's proposal. Franklin
responded that it was generally consistent. Scott indicated that he did not recall
receivin'g information or discussing an alignment which had Scott Boulevard going over
1.80. Gibson said that while there was some discussion, there was no broad
discussion of arterials in the northeast quadrant. Franklin suggested that the
Commission might need a work session to discuss this issue.
/f3J.
..--...
iiiilj'. __.____~.,,__._to._..._..._~ ~
IT P' .~, /'lfI1M.
-,
Planning & Zoning Commission
August 20, 1992
Page 31
2. Planning and Zoning Commission Information.
Moen stated that on August 28. 1992, interviews would be conducted with four
candidates for the Associate Planner position.
Cook asked for agenda time on the Commission's second informal meeting in
September so that he and Bovbjerg could provide an update of the Neighborhood Open
Space Plan Committee's work.
ADJOURNMENT:
Bovbjerg moved to adjourn at 12: 11 a.m. Cook seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
Ann Bovbjerg, Secretary
Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff.
I
!
I
,
I
!
\p&zS.20
I
. ~ -.\ I
,
I:
183;t!
,......._._ j""'__ _____.___w_.._
__"11110,111\
1MI1l1W1t'1ft',
'..
L
I.
I I
I'
,
I
i
,
i
I
!
,
i
;'
",{C')
\\''"''
(I
MINUTES
RIVERFRONT & NATURAL AREAS COMMISSiON
AUGUST 19,1992 - 5:30 P.M.
SENIOR CENTER CLASSROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Roger Bruner, Barbara Hinkel, Debora Liddell, Don Otto, AI Rebal.
Nancy Seiberling, Dean Sullivan, Larry Wilson
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Loren Horton, Jan Hubel
STAFF PRESENT:
Moen, Neff
CALL TO ORDER. INTRODUCTIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Chairperson Bruner called the meeting to order at 5:35 p,m. He announced that Steven Ford
has been appointed to serve as the new representative from Coralville.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCil:
Recommend endorsement and support, by an 8-0 vote, of the Parks and Recreation
Commission position as stated in the memorandum from Mary Weideman, Chair of the Parks
and Recreation Commission, dated July 8, 1992. The Riverfront and Natural Areas
Commission specifically endorses the fOllowing Parks and Recreation Commission recommen-
dations:
1. That the Parkland Acquisition Fund retain its specific acquisition nature, and that.
hotel/motel tax revenue distribution for parkland acquisition remain at 10% as
indicated in the June 11, 1992, memorandum from Stephen Atkins;
2. That a cap !lQt be placed on the fund due to its acquisition nature, for the reasons
identified in the July 8, 1992, memorandum from Mary Weideman; and
3. That requests for borrowing from the fund for non-acquisition needs be discouraged.
If borrowing from th~ fund is deemed necessary, however, the Parks and Recreation
Commission requests that it be on a short-term payback basis. The Commission
further requests that it be given advance notice and the opportunity to evaluate
proposals and provide input regarding the terms, and its justification in relationship to
the goals of the acquisition fund and park and recreational needs.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none,
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 15, 1992. MEETING:
Liddell moved to approve the minutes of the July 15, 1992, meeting as presented. Otto
seconded. The motion carried 6-0.
133~
. -: I
1
t j
'\
"
I
,
-.
Riverfront & Natural Areas Commission
August 19, 1992
Page 2
DISCUSSION OF THE COMMISSION'S FY93 WORK PROGRAM:
Moen reported that she had included the Commission's annual report which listed activities
planned for FY93, She stated this listing could be used as a guide for updating the
Commission's FY93 work program. Bruner agreed to provide the Commission with copies of
information that was provided by David Schoon at the Commission's November 1991 meeting
to assist Commissioners in. devising a work program for this fiscai year. Moen asked the
members of the Commission to review the annual report prior to their September meeting.
(Wilson arrived at 5:44 p.m.)
RIVER CORRIDOR TRAIL UPDATES:
1, Ned Ashton Gatewav.
(Rebal arrived at 5:45 p.m.)
, '
1
Moen reported that there is still uncertainty regarding how parkland acquisition funds
will be allocated. She distributed copies of a letter from Steve Atkins dated, June .11 ,
1992, to the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the hotel/motel tax. Moen
stated that historically, a portion of these funds were allocated to the parkland
acquisition account for acquisition of parkland. She noted that money distributed to
the parkland acquisition fund has been saved over the years because the Parks and
Recreation Commission has observed that high land qosts necessitated banking these
funds. She said the Commission has let the funds build up in order to assure that
there will be sufficient funds to purchase larger tracts of land, if necessary. She
indicated there is now approximately $400,000 in the parkland acquisition account.
Moen also distributed a memorandum from Don Yucuis to Steve Atkins dated August
17, 1992, which demonstrated the proposed distribution of revenue if the hotel/motel
tax is increased from 5% to 7%. She indicated that the Ned Ashton project will be on
hold until the matter is resolved.
Liddell stressed that the funds for the Ned Ashton Gateway were intended to be in the
form of a loan from the parkland acquisition fund. Wilson stated that since the amount
that has been recommended for allocation for the Ned Ashton Gateway is such an
insignificant percentage of the total fund and is intended to be a loan, he would see
no probiem with releasing these funds, Moen noted that, while the Gateway project
may represent only a smaller amount, this commitment, aiong with others, as an
aggregate, can be a significant amount. She said the question still needs to be
resoived whether the funds should all go toward parkland acquisition or whether a
portion of the funds will be designated for parkland development.
In response to a question from Bruner, Liddell expiained that the funds for development
of parkland come from the Parks and Recreation budget which is derived from general
funds and user fees. In response to a question from Seiberling, Moen explained that
the Neighborhood Open Space Committee has been meeting for approximately eight
months to update the Neighborhood Open Space Plan. She stated that the Committee
./133'
"j
1
,
-.
Riverfront & Natural Areas Commission
August 19, 1992
Page 3
has two members each from the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Parks and
Recreation Commission. She stressed that the rate of growth in Iowa City and present
municipal economic constraints may make the political climate more receptive to
requiring the private sector to help finance neighorhood parkland needs for the
community. Moen explained that the committee is identifying the developed and
developing areas of the city and is determining whether deficits exist 'in each area,
She said the Committee will make recommendations on how to meet these deficits,
Wilson asked if there is established criteria for what type of land can be accepted by
the City for parkland. Moen stated that such criteria has not yet been established, but
the Neighborhood Open Space Committee will identify preferred sites in each area.
She said an ordinance will be needed that would require fee in lieu of the dedication
of property to prevent the burden of providing parkland for an area from all falling on
the property owner of the preferred tract. Wilson stated that he had concerns
regarding developers dedicating just the land that they cannot develop for the desired
use.
Liddell clarified that the Parks and Recreation Commission is not in any way
responsible for the delay of the Ned Ashton Gateway project. She stressed that this
project was approved by the Commission apprOXimately two years ago.
Wilson moved that the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission endorse and support
the Parks and Recreation Commission position as stated In the memorandum from
Mary Weideman, Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission, dated July a, 1992,
and that the Commission specifically endorse the following Parks and Recreation
Commission recommendations:
I'.
1. That the Parkland Acquisition Fund retain its specific acquisition nature, and
that hotel/motel tax revenue distribution for parkland acquisition remain at 10%
as Indicated in the June 11, 1992, memorandum from Stephen Atkins;
2. That a cap !!Q! be placed on the fund due to its acquisition nature, for the
reasons Identified in the July a, 1992, memorandum from Mary Weideman; and
3. That requests for borrowing from the fund for non.acqulsitlon needs be
discouraged. If borrowing from the fund is deemed necessary, however, the
Parks and Recreation Commission requests that It be on a short-term payback
basis. The Commission further requests that it be given advance notice and the
opportunity to evaluate proposals and provide input regarding the terms, and
Its justification in relationship to the goals of the acquisition fund and park and
recreational needs.
Seiberling seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously by a vote of a.o.
1133
. --I
I
,
"--
Riverfront & Natural Areas Commission
August 19, 1992
Page 4
2. Iowa Avenue to Burlinoton Street.
Moen reported that this project will be completed this fiscal year. She said the Public
: . Works Department will finalize the plans and prepaie bid documents in the fall with
plans for construction to begin in Spring, 1993.
3.. Iowa Avenue to Art Buildino.
Seiberling indicated that she would be speaking with Jeff Davidson, Executive Director
of JCCOG, regarding ISTEA funds. She explained that this project ties in with both
trails and WPA projects. Wilson stressed that ownership of the tract needs to be
clarified.
4. Kennedv's Waterfront Addition. Part Three.
Moen stated that the cost of the appraisal is estimated to be $3,000. She stated that
the Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss funding the appraisal at its August
26, 1992, meeting. In response to a question from Liddell, Moen stated that, if
parkland acquisition funds are not used for the appraisal, then general funds might be
available. In response to a question from Otto, Moen stated that Mr. Kennedy appears
to be more receptive to some form of dedication or trail easement. She said
consideration of this plat has been deferred to the Planning and Zoning Commission's
meeting of September 3, 1992.
UPDATE ON DEVELOPMENT ITEMS:-
Moen reported that there is a residential development proposal in the western part of Iowa
City called Park West Subdivision. She explained that the 40'acre piece of ground has been
owned by John Dane; approximately ten acres of this parcel are located within the floodplain
of Willow Creek. She explained that 30 acres of the tract are being acquired by Gene Kroeger
and John Moreland for development, a portion of which has already received preliminary plat
approval by the City. Moen said that there is an interest in having Willow Creek Park
extended to encompass the approximate ten acres of the parcel west of Willow Creek;
neighbors are also resisting the connection of the two portions of Aber Avenue, which
presently terminate at the east and west boundaries of this parcel. She indicated that the City
is deliberating whether the connection of the two portions of Aber Avenue is necessary.
Moen reported that the neighbors are meeting to discuss this issue on August 25, 1992.
Wilson asked how the streets will be terminated if they are not extended. Moen responded
that there are several options and, if a portion of the area is used as a park, this will influence
how the streets will be terminated.
Moen reported that ACT had submitted a- proposal to develop a portion of its tract in
northeastern Iowa eil\'. She said this proposal includes a request to vacate Old Dubuque
Road (also known as Seven Sisters Road). She explained that ACT wants to vacate this
street in order to create a campus that would not be interrupted by a street. Moen reported
that the City is also considering the need to construct a roadway extended north of Rochester
Avenue that would extend north of the creek and to the east. The City is working with the
/133
____.., .......,._~___ ........~,..IlfitI!'I'IIIHI...~, ''''11' I ._~"'''-----''''-'---~-'''''_''''''''--'' ..."....... 'tJilil -......---- '.
-.
RiverfrMt & Natural Areas Commission
August 19, 1992
Page 5
Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers to identify wetiands in the
area.
With regard to the Rochester Hills planned development, Moen reported that Bill Happel
indicated in a letter to the City Council that efforts to find a buyer have been unsuccessful for
the Haddack cottage. However, the letter indicated that there are several people interested
in moving the structure to another site. Seiberling stressed that the site has been ruined and
thatthe developer has destroyed a valuable cultural resource for this community. Rebal asked
if there would be any fine for the excess grading that occurred on the site. Moen stated that
the developer must only submit a revised grading plan.
..
Moen reported that the ADS site located on Sheridan Avenue is currently zoned 1-1 based on
the property's use at the time the zoning regulations were revised in 1983. She reported that
the neighbors in the area have petitioned to rezone the tract to RS-8 which would be
consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. She said that the City Council has set a public
hearing on the issue for September 15, 1992, which initiates a 60-day moratorium so that no
building permit for an industrial use will be issued during the 60-day period. She stressed that
the present use can continue even if the tract is downzoned if the amount of space devoted
to industrial purposes or intensity of the existing industrial use is not increased. She indicated
that office and warehousing are the current uses of the property. She said if the property is
rezoned to RS.8 and if there is a lapse in the commercial or office use of the property for more
than one year, then the site could only be developed for a use consistent with the RS.8 zone.
Moen stated that approximately seven acres of property owned by Bruce Glasgow located
east of Scott Boulevard and north of Court Street is before the Planning and Zoning
Commission for annexation and rezoning to RS.5.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. Waterwavs Committee. There was no report.
2. Wetlands Committee. There was no report.
3. Woodlands Committee. There was no report.
4. Trails & Access Committee. There was no report.
COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS:
Otto reported that there is residential development that will be considered by the Board of
Supervisors south of Shueyville. He said the proposal is for the development of large lots of
2.5 acres and the property lines are located in the vaileys; he stressed that there are very
steep slopes on the property. In response to a question from Seiberling, Otto said that it
appears that trees will only be removed as necessary for the building sites.
In response to a question from Rebal, Seiberling stated that Project GREEN is responsible for
the maintenance of the area along Rocky Shore Drive. She said it has been difficult" to
/833
.._._..,._,_._..."_._~__~~_'--~___"'~WP':: ......_....._~.... .11 ---.-. ........."'1IlIII--,
-.
I
,
!
i.
I
,
I
i
I
I
I
I
!
i
t
,
I'
;.
:
)',
ri
,
.f~
t.
"
il
t
i
I
.....,1
;',..;":.."1'-.......
"'\1
, I
./
Riverfront & Natural Areas Commission
August 19, 1992
Page 6
. :
,
maintain this area this year because of the weather.
strip, but is currently mowing none of the area.
She said the City should mow a small'
Moen reported that the Planning and Community Development Department will be
interviewing four candidates for the vacant Associate Planner position on August 28, 1992.
F.I.R.S.T. REPORT:
There was no report.
ADJOURNMENT:
Rebal moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:55 p.m. Otto seconded. The motion carried 8-0.
Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff.
\rGC.1~
.
'I",
.\,'.~~IwoAI~"~'.lj r.."~~_';"';:''';':~;':''''
1~33.i
...".......:..~.."'.~~.
e......:..
1MI . ...w....
-.
IC!~\
1\ \0\...\
. :J"
I
, .
I
MINUTES .
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
JULY 20, 1992
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jean Hood, Fred Krause, Tom Muller, June Pieper,
Mary Geasland - arrfved at 4:20 PM.
STAFF PRESENT: Bette Mefsel, Joyce Phelps
GUESTS PRESENT: Anne Burnside, City Attorney
In the absence of a quorum at 3: 15 PM, the members present, actfng as a
committee, went over the Commission's annual report to the City Councfl.
Thfs was done wfth the approval of Burnsfde as the report does not requfre
a vote by the entIre commissfon, nor does ft change substantfvely from
year to year.
There were a few wording changes and form changes by the members
present. .
Burnside excused herself from the meeting and said she would return to
discuss Senior Center liability at the regular Senior Center Commission In
August.
CAll TO ORDERlMlNUTES/PUBlIC DISCUSSION - GEASlAND
Geasland called the meeting to order at 4:20 PM.
The mInutes were approved as mailed.
There was no pUblic discussion.
COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT - MEISEL
MeIsel explained that members present had reviewed the report.
Muller moved that the report be accepted as corrected and
revIewed by the starr and Commission members. PIeper
seconded. Motion carried.
'......-....,..,.
183~
, .
....._~l,;I>.~k"'~............-"""""-~._- .
~"-.......- . .:...:..~.:;,..:-..~
'''1
I
, '
,
,
.
,
I
I
,
i
i
i
I
I
,
. i
',.\;
!
""
"..
TARGET SERIES NT-8
093-5312.10
~
CC~PORATICN
JMI CORPORATION
MICROGRAPHICS OIVISlON
r-
r
--~~._.- ..~..........,,-_.._._..................-
1111 '
-.
. 1\ \()\~~\
.a
.
. i
MINUTES .
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
JULY 20, 1992
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jean Hood, Fred Krause, Tom Muller, June PIeper,
Mary Geasland - arrived at 4:20 PM.
STAFF PRESENT: Bette Melsel, Joyce Phelps
GUESTS PRESENT: Anne BurnsIde, City Attorney
In the absence of a quorum at 3: 15 PM, the members present, actIng as a
commIttee, went over the Commission's annual report to the CIty CouncIl.
ThIs was done wIth the approval of BurnsIde as the report does not requIre
a vote by the entIre commIssIon, nor does It change substantively from
year to year.
There were a few wording changes and form changes by the members
present.
BurnsIde excused herself from the meeting and said she would return to
discuss Senior Center lIability at the regular Senior Center Commission In
August.
CAll TO ORDERlMlNUTES/PUBlIC DISCUSSION - GEASlAND
Geasland called the meeting to order at 4:20 PM.
The minutes were approved as mailed.
There was no publIc discussIon.
COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT - MEISEl
MeIsel explained that members present had reviewed the report.
Muller moved that the report be accepted as corrected and
revIewed by the starr and CommIssion members. Pieper
seconded. Motion carried.
-.~,...,....'.-.~:.'t~,....-._; '":"-
183
..' I
t
, ,.
I
i
I
!
i
.
i
I
I
. ;
~-
. "'1
i
, '
~.
SCC MINUTES
Page 2
SENIOR CENTER UPDATE - MEISEL
MeIsel asked If the Commission had seen the supplement to the
Press-Citizen - 55 or Something. The Center staff prepared the
articles for the supplement which goes Into 17,000 copies of the
Press-C I t I zen.
There was a favorable consensus. Muller said the Press-Citizen should
be commended for printIng the supplement and for the quality and effort
went Into It.
Meisel said she had written to the person with whom she worked In
preparing the supplement and to Don Flores.
. Krause suggested next year's supplement should be used more as an
Invitation to people over 55 to come down to the Center.
Meisel suggested that the Commission meeting In September be
moved to Tuesday, September 15 with the advisory board
meeting on Tuesday, September 8, as she wlll be at a conference
In the middle of the month.
The Commission agreed to the change for September.
.
Meisel shared with the CommIssion three Incidents which occurred during
the month In order to give them an Idea.of some of the decisIons which she
needs to make during an average month. She said she plans to Include this
as part of her update every month.
Meisel went over the statistics. Krause asked how the annual statIstics
compared with last year. In answer to a question, Meisel said she can
show the past 5 years which Is appropriate In regard to the 5 year goals,
and will prep~re this for the next meeting.
There was a short discussion on the merits of being open on weekends
with no staff present. MeIsel said Burnside will address thIs Issue with
the CommissIon at the next meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM.
Minutes prepared by Joyce Phelps, Senior Center Secretary
Minutes approved by Tom Muller, SC Commissioner
If J'/ I
_~_n.____..._.~_.__~". "t._~ll ~_T'" u_.,.
-_... ...... '_.,~" ~-----:..;.~ -,'