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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992-12-15 Bd Comm minutes . ~'\)~) I ! I I I \ fe, ",eQ ,\ "" :> Prpfr-/J u" I MINUTES BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS NOVEMBER 10, 1992 CIVIC CENTER ENGINEERING DIVISION MEETING ROOM 149 MEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Dreckman, Rick Bachelder, Jane Hagedorn STAFF PRESENT: Bernie Osvald OTHERS PRESENT: Donald Parker and Dennis O'Donnell CALL TO ORDEB;. The meeting was called to order by the acting Chairperson, Mike Dreckman, at 4:10 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING;. .' "." It was moved by Hagedorn, seconded by Bachelder, to approve the minutes of the July 28, 1992 meeting as submitted. The motion carried unanimously. N F R PLUMBING LI ENSING EXAM T BE HELD. Three applied to take the Journeyman Plumbers exam. Dennis O'Donnell and Brian Clark, were approved to take the Journeyman Plumbers exam. It was decided that Donald Parker would be approved if he could provide a letter from plumbers Supply Company confirming that he worked for Elam Plumbing during the specified time period and a letter from himself telling of his problems in not being able to obtain his W-2 forms from Elam Plumbing. WHER BUSINESSl.. Bernie Osvald related Information about an IAPMO meeting he attended in Des Moines on October 20th. The Iowa State Public Health Department has set up Its criteria for the education of Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers. Currently two training schools have been approved. The Iowa chapter of IAPMO is trying to get the traveling training course from Kansas to come up to Iowa to give the schooling at various sites around the state of Iowa Including Iowa City. [lDJOURNMENTl Hagedorn moved for adjournment and the meeting was adjourned at 4:40 p.m. J570 -. page 2 Minutes submitted by Bernie Osvald, Secretary, Board of Examiners of Plumbers. Approved by: Chairman Frank Kilpatrick __ .._~______.._~. ..oI!:Il -. - . "lI. JIM! 01570 ......,..,,,,'.J,,., , , .1 ; I I I I I I I j 1'1 d"'1 ;1 , ' .;. , , '" ~\:!; ') if ,. 'I " , ' MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION - SPECIAL MEETING OCTOBER 29,1992 - 7:30 P.M. CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM - CIVIC CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Casey Cook, Sally Dierks, Richard Gibson, George Starr MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Pete Cooper, Tom Scott Moen, Franklin, Rockwell, Denney, Miklo, Schoon, Bormann, Davidson, Schmadeke, Fosse, Neff CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairperson Cook called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. DISCUSSION OF THE MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM: Cook indicated that this issue is being discussed in relationship to the City's annexation policy. Cook turned the meeting over to Chuck Schmadeke, Director of the Public Works Department, and Rick Fosse, the City Engineer. Schmadeke presented information on the north sewage treatment plant. He said the capacity of the north plant is 9.4 million gallons per day, which is equal to the current flow. He stated that the ammonia treatment requirements imposed by the Iowa Depilrtment of Natural Resources will diminish the capacity of the north plant to :l: 5.6 million gallons per day. He explained that the City would need to double the capacity of the north plant in order to treat the existing flow and to accommodete ammonia treatment at the north plant; he noted that there is limited room for expansion at the north plant. In response to a question from Gibson, Schmadeke explained that the 9.4 million gallons per day flow is the average for approximately four months of the year. This flow represents the average wet weather flow; the plant is required to be to designated at this level. He stated that the south wastewater treatment plant has a capacity to treat five million gallons per day with a current wet weether flow of three million gallons per day. He said the ammonia treatment would decrease the capacity to four million gallons per day so there is approximate- ly one million gallons per day of reserve capacity. In response to a question from Cook, Schmadeke stated that the City has until the year 2000 to meet the ammonia standards. He explained that the size of the city is not rei event to the application of the guidelines, and federal and state funds will not be available to upgrade the treatment facilities. He indicated that the five-year permit will expire in 1996 and a new application will probably include compliance with the ammonle requirements, but the City can ask for a reprieve to the year 2000. Schmadeke indicated that two options exist to come into compliance: (1) transfer flows from the north to the south plant or (2) expand both plants. Schmadeke explained that to expand the north plant would cost $3 per gallon of additional capacity while expansion of the south plant would cost $1.20 per gallon of expanded capacity. J571 "'1 I , Planning & Zoning Commission October 29, 1992 Page 2 Fosse explained that, for purposes of the City's sewage collection system, the city is broken into five watershed areas. He indicated that the Ralston Creek Interceptor area is one of these watersheds. He reviewed the history of construction of the sewer system for this area. He noted that in 1971, a section of the collection system was constructed to a diameter of 42 inches and stormwater was separated from the sanitary sewers. He indicated that the Southeast Interceptor Sewer which was constructed in conjunction with the ,south sewage treatment plant eliminated much of the area that was draining into the Raison Creek Interceptor watershed and consequently opened additional capacity in this collection system. He stated that the area north of the ridge demarcating the northern boundary of this watershed and south of the interstate, while not in the Ralston Creek watershed, could be pumped to this area. Schmadeke explained that the River Corridor Sewer was constructed in 1979 to relieve the Black Springs Sewer which was constructed in 1926 and relieve the sewer system on the west side of the river. This newer sewer was designed to accommodate the area north of the interstate. He said he would propose to extend sewer across the Meardon property and north across the Elks property and use a lift station to provide service to the northwestern portion of the peninsula, south of the interstate. He explained approximately 750 acres could be served north of the interstate. He stressed a decision will need to be made with regard to what area should be served. He noted there was a report in 1970 that recommended serving the River Heights area and this would be equal to the 750 acres. He suggested another option would be to serve the areas adjacent to the river based on the possibility of future contamination of the river by potential malfunctioning septic systems in this area. In response to a question from Franklin, Schmadeke stated that the Highlander lift station is north of Interstate 80, but this may not be the best option to serve property south of the Interstate. Schmadeke indicated that his staff expected to get a cost estimate of extension of the sewer within the peninsula area to the City Manager in about 30 days. Fosse explained that the Southeast Intercepter Sewer was constructed in 1989 and has 2 ~ miles of 66-inch pipe and approximately half a mile of 54-inch pipe from the intersection of Sixth and F streets to Court Hill Park. He said the issue is service to the east and southeast of the current city limits. He explained that the future Snyder Creek Sewer is northeest of the south plant and serves an area outside of the city limits. He said, in the interim, until the Snyder Creek Sewer is constructed, the City could construct a lift station to route sewage from the area east of Scott Boulevard and outside the Southeast Interceptor Sewer Drainage Area. Schmadeke stated that the South River Corridor Interceptor Sewer would connect the two wastewater treatment plants. He said in addition to combining the two facilities, service could also be provided to the area adjacent to Gilbert Street and south of Southgate Avenue. A portion of this line would also provide the beginning segment of a future Southwest Interceptor Sewer. In response to a question from Gibson, Schmadeke stated that sludge is taken from the north plant to the south plant via a small force main, Schmadeke reviewed the boundary for the area that wouid be served by the Southwest Interceptor Sewer. He said the project for next summer is to remedy a constraint in the sewer located at the Intersection of Benton and Mormon Trek and extending to Highway 21 B. He ~S7( ...---.... .-.. - -. ---..-........""'...-.....- ll"'AlM--~....JM'lMl.'IIl.....,. ""'q.l.~ 'I I , ' Planning & Zoning Commission October 29, 1992 Page 3 said this area currently drains to the north plant via gravity flow. He said the south boundary of this watershed area is fixed because of a ridge line and he would propose that development should not occur west of the existing city limits based on the capacity of the proposed Southwest Interceptor. In response to a question from Cook, Schmadeke explained that the Public Works Department will need to know the intention of the City as far as the direction of growth. In response to a question from Moen, Schmadeke stated that the life span of an interceptor is long so the route does become permanent. Moen noted that the proposed location of a new elementary school could increase pressures for development west of the city's limits and south of Rohret Road. Cook said he would like to have ad diti one I information on how much acreage in Iowa City each proposed extension could serve as well as how much land is sewerable without any extensions. He said he would also like more information on cost comparisons and how many new acres could be served outside of the city. Franklin noted that a sewer system can help to manage growth along with zoning and annexation policies. Schmadeke noted the location of the landfill site and said that one goal is to have a lift station to take leachate from the landfill to the sewer system. He stressed that a lift station of sufficient capacity to accommodate the landfill is anticipated; there are no expectations to size the lift station to accommodate development outside this landfill site in the Old Man's Creek watershed. In response to a question from Franklin, Schmadeke stated that a satellite treatment plant for Old Man's Creek may be less expensive than overloading the proposed southwest interceptor. In response to a question from Moen, Schmadeke stated that 2.8 million gallons per day of capacity Is the equivalent of approximately 14,000 people. Cook asked if it is possible to use wetlands to treet the wastewater. Schmadeke responded this Is not cost-effective; it would cost approximately $8 million to use wetlands for ammonia treatment: it would be cheaper to treat ammonia mechanically. He noted that using $B million to upgrade the mechanical treatment system would create more capacity. In response to a question from Gibson, Schmadeke stated that, in the long term, it would be beneficial to connect the two plants. Dierks asked if there will be changes In technology in the future that would make any construction that occurs now obsolete. Schmadeke stated that he feels that the standards will become stricter. In response to a question from Moen, Fosse stated that the present requirement with regard to stormwater runoff treatment is "best management practicable." He stated this could mean more frequent street cleaning or the construction of wet bottom basins. He noted that the City has been granted an approximate 2-3 year reprieve from the applicability of the standards. Schmadeke noted that the north plant is ideal for the treatment of stormwater. Fosse stated that the south plant was built to allow for growth and more economical expansion. Schmadeke noted that the piping is in place to double the capacity at the south plant. Cook noted that it would cost $30 million to comply with the EPA regulations regarding ammonia treatment and to address future growth and subsequent annexation. Franklin stated that this figure would not address annexation. Schmadeke stated that It would be Irrelevant where growth occurs if there is a connection between the two plants because capacity is the primary issue. Franklin stated that the location of the trunk line will control or encourage growth in these areas. She noted that the easiest area to serve is south and east of the city. In response to a question from Gibson, Schmadeke stated that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources reviews a 30-day average flow to determine if there .2571 -. Planning & Zoning Commission October 29, 1992 Page 4 is compliance with the regulations. He said that in 1991 the City violated capacity four times and was warned. He noted that no violations occurred in 1992. Cook asked if there were alternatives such as impact fees to raise funds for the construction of a shunt between the two facilities. Bovbjerg noted that fees should increase for everyone because all of the residents Contribute to the problem. She stated that one logical consequence is if an area cannot be sewered, then developers cannot build in that area. She stressed there is a need to either commit the funds for expansion of the sewer system to accommodate growth or, without this commitment, to restrict growth within the City if new areas are annexed. Starr asked for information on the sewer rates in other communities. Schmadeke responded that the rates in Iowa City are higher than those in Des Moines and Dubuque because those cities received federal funds for sewage treatment plant expansions. He stated that the rates in Iowa City are lower than those in Ames, Council Bluffs, and Cedar Falls. Gibson said that attention needs to be given to this problem now in order to avoid the need in the future to curtail development. Franklin stated that this issue will be raised with the City Council when the Capital Improvements Program is discussed. Gibson asked for information on the cost of extending lines to the different areas in the City. He also asked the cost on a population basis to extend the various lines. Schmadeke stated that a one-half million dollar project would cost each of the approximately 15,000 households in Iowa City about 28~ per month. Gibson complimented staff on the clarity of the presentation. ADJOURNMENT: Cook adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m. Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff. \p&z11l-29 , "1 'I , , .'1 J571 ~~ ~ ,. I 'I , ' MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 19,1992 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS I~ fii"G\~rmn~rr[Oi ,\Ii;;.!i:"I:Jj'iliI!'!II::j':1 ' ~ If" '01" , , !, I ',ii \ i' 1< ;r:.~. t.. du\'- u ...::...:.) MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Casey Cook, Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks, Richard Gibson, Tom Scott, George Starr MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Moen, Rockwell"Bormann, Neff CALL TO ORDER: Vice-Chairperson Cook called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. Recommend to the City Council by a 7-0 vote that it set a public hearing at its November 24, 1992, meeting for December 22, 1992, on a request by neighboring property owners to rezone an RM-12 zoned area generally located on Jefferson and Market streets between Dodge and Clapp streets to RS.12. 2. Recommend to the City Council by a 7.0 vote that it forward a comment to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors finding that CZ-9252, the request to rezone an approximate 11.82 acre tract located in Fringe Area 5, east of Scott Boulevard and .25 miles south of its intersection with American Legion Road from RS, Suburban Residential, to RMH, Manufactured Housing Residential District, is consistent with the mutually agreed upon Fringe Area Agreement for Area 5, subject to 11 ensuring the construction of a 31-foot wide collector street within the GO-foot right-of-way shown on the concept plan, 2) prohibiting access drives from individual lots onto the collector street, 3) providing vegetative screening along the Scott Boulevard right-of'way, 4) providing City-approved storm water management for the site, and 5) securing compliance with the City's requirements for Manufactured Housing Parks. 3. Recommend approval by a 7.0 vote of Z-91 03, a request to amend Ordinance No. 90- 34B3 and the accompanying Conditional Zoning Agreement by deleting Section 1.1 of the Ordinance and Section 4.1 of the Agreement in their entirety and adopting in lieu thereof the following: 11 the understanding that this is in-sequence development as presently defined in the Comprehensive Plan, and that Ordinance No. 90.3483 and the accompanying Conditional Zoning Agreement be further amended by deleting Section 1.4 of the Ordinance and Section 4.4 of the Agreement in their entirety and adopting in lieu thereof the fOllowing: 4) Basements may be constructed on lots which are abutted by a subsurface drainage system provided said basements are equipped with a sump pump and adequate foundation tile which discharge into said drainage system. Discharge of roof drains and downspouts from dwellings Into the subsurfece drainage system is prohibited. In addition, the property owner's engineer must certify that no structure has an opening to living areas below the minimum low opening (MLO) elevation listed for each lot on the site grading and erosion control plan. -'<57' I I , ' Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 2 4. Recommend approval by a 7-0 vote of SUB92.0025, the final plat of Furrows Edge, a 67.32 acre, l6-lot residential subdivision located in Fringe Area 4, east of Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane in Newport Township, subject to construction plans for the street improvements, culverts and water mains being approved by the Public Works Department, the legal papers being approved by the City Attorney's office, and notes from the preliminary, plat being placed on the final plat prior to Council consideration of the final plat. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: Jim Muller offered an apology to the Commission for his angry behavior at the Commission's November 5, 1992, formal meeting. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 5. 1992. MEETING: Bovbjerg moved to approve the minutes of the November 5. 1992, meeting, as circulated. Starr seconded. The motion carried on a 5-0 vote. (Scott and Dierks arrived at 7:35 p.m.) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ITEM: Public discussion of a proposal to establish standards pertaining to the secondary access policy of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. Moen reported that staff had no further information to present on this item. Public discussion was opened at 7:36 p.m. There was none. Public discussion was closed at 7:36 p.m. BovbJerg moved to withdraw consideration of a proposal to establish standards pertaining to the secondary access policy of the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan and to remova this Item from the Commission's pending list. Gibson seconded. Dierks asked for staff to give their preference with regard to the Commission's action on this item. Moen stressed that it is the Commission's decision, She stated that staff had submitted a proposal and had recommended its adoption by the Commission. She indicated that staff intended to forward the proposal for secondary access to the City Council with the Commission's decision and comments on this item. She said that the Commission's message seemed to be that it would endorse the use of the standards by staff only as a policy. Gibson said he would vote in favor of the motion, but stressed his support of the objectives included in the proposal. He was uncerteln If these objectives could be put Into the concrete terms necessitated by an ordinance. He emphasized his support of the objectives and :2571 Planning & Zoning Commission November 19. 1992 Page 3 encouraged staff to follow the standards. Cook expressed his agreement with Gibson. He said it was more important to ensure compact and contiguous development and that secondary access was secondary to these issues. Scott stated that one of his objections to the proposal was that the burden was placed upon the developer to set a time frame for establishment of secondary access, but the corresponding burden was not placed upon the City when it was the City's responsibility. He said secondary access was not always a problem within a developer~s property, but. could be a problem on adjoining property over which the developer had no control. He said that the City has the power of condemnation In these situations. He stressed that the standards would remain guidelines for staff and the Commission in the review of subdivisions In the future. He concluded that the Commission agreed with the policy. but would not recommend that it be placed in ordinance form. The motion carried on a 7-0 vote. ZONING ITEMS: 1. Public discussion of a proposal submitted by neighboring property owners to request that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend to Council to set a public hearing to initiate the rezoning of an RM.12 zoned area generally located on Jefferson and Market streets between Dodge and Clapp streets to RS-12. Moen reported that this item was the result of action taken by neighboring property owners. She said the Commission would consider a proposal to downzone or create a new zone for this area at its December 12, 1992, meeting. She said the current proposal was driven by a property owner's desire to build several structures on one lot. She reported this plan had been abandoned. The developer is now proposing the construction of a slx.plex to be connected to the older residential structure on the adjacent lot. Moen said the neighbors were concerned that this project would not be consistent with the character of this established neighborhood. She stated that the neighbors were requesting that the Commission recommend to the City Council that it set a public hearing to be held on the downzoning of this area to RS-12. She explained that the RS-12 zoning would only allow one principal building on a lot and would prohibit multi-residential uses. She stressed that once the Council sets a public hearing, a SO-day moratorium would be in place to prevent building permits from being Issued until the matter was resolved. In response to a question from Dierks, Moen stated that staff was preparing information on the impact of the downzoning on existing structures in the area. She stressed that any uses that do not comply with a new zone would become legal non-conforming uses. Public discussion was opaned at 7:48 p.m. Jim Muller said he had talked to Moen regarding having three structures on the site. Then, he had contacted Ron Boose regarding a community service group that needed a larger building. Muller then met with Doug Boothroy, Director of the City Housing and Inspection Services Department, who seid this would be a great idea for the property. He said that if developers bought property at two times its value to develop it at the density permitted in the current zone, then they should be able to develop it J.571 I i , ' ~ - Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 4 under the zone's regulations. He had applied for a building permit and planned to pick it up on November 20, 1992. Muller said he did tell Moen that he would not proceed with the project until the rezoning issue had been resolved. He wanted to meet with Moen, representatives of the Historic Preservation Commission and the neighbors to develop a project that everyone could live with. He stressed that the community service organization needed the space and was currently located in the neighborhood. In response to a question from Gibson, Muller stated that he was now proposing to demolish the building located at 950 Jefferson Street, because in his opinion, it is uninhabitable. Gibson asked why a new building would be connected to the older building located at 942 Jefferson St. Moen responded that the connection is needed under the zoning regulations to achieve the density that is desired. Muller stated the community organization was proposing to use the old house as an office and the new building for tenants. He wanted to design the building to satisfy the neighbors. He requested that the item be deferred. Nancv Carlson. 1002 E. Jefferson Street, presented the Commission with a petition with 21 signatures from property owners who live in the neighborhood requesting that the Commission consider downzoning the area from RM-12 to RS-12. The down- zoning would allow for single-family residences and duplexes, but not apartment buildings. She stressed that the neighbors were interested in preserving the neighborhood and the community. She said they have invested time, effort and money in their homes. She added that they did not protest idly, but were willing to invest their time and effort to ensure that the neighborhood prospers and progresses as it should. Carlson said the neighborhood already has a service house in the 900 block of Jefferson for runaway children. She noted that this organization had difficulty finding a neighborhood that would accept that use, but this particular neighborhood did not resist the use. She said that they have no problems with this service organization, which used an existing structure. This helped to retain the character of the neighborhood. She stressed that all the neighbors were asking was that other property owners respect the neighborhood just as the current property owners do. Carlson said one concern with an apartment complex was the amount of traffic that would result. She stressed this is an extremely high traffic area. Based on seven trips per day per apartment unit, the proposed use would result in 42 additional trips for these lots. She said that even if the project met the parking regulations, this would not address visitors who might come to the building. She noted there was limited on- street parking in the area. She expressed concern for the safety of children in the neighborhood if traffic were increased. She related a story of an event that happened approximately four years ago when a child was hit by a car on Evans Street and required 100 stitches in his head. She stressed that the neighbors simply wanted to protect the children and make the neighborhood safe for everyone. Carlson said there was also concern about the value of the homes. She said that lower priced housing exists in this neighborhood and if it was removed, it could not be replaced with similar homes. She said that the neighborhood serves the community by providing lower priced housing. 0257/ , , , ' Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 5 Sam Thomoson. 919 E. Market Street, stated that his home was built in 1872. He indicated that his family moved in earlier this year and didn't really understand the implications of the RM-12 zoning. He said that the alley between Market and Jefferson streets carries a great deal of traffic because it Is located between one-way streets. He expressed a concern that any structure that increased the population density would also increase traffic in the area. He said that his fears regarding traffic resulted from renting an apartment in an older structure on South Dodge Street. He said there were a number of noise and petty crime complaints that came from multi- residential structures. He might not have moved into this neighborhood if he had known the implications of the zone. Andrea Gates. 931 E. Market Street. stated her concerns regarding increasing the population density, which would increase the amount of traffic carried on both the alleys and the one-way streets. She said having 17 more cars parked along the alley would increase the traffic on the alley even (!lore. She expressed a concern that there seemed to be fewer areas with affordable older homes and noted that small apartment buildings were replacing these homes in the older areas of the city. She said there was a decreased availability of housing for lower and moderate income individuals. Robvn Robbins. 919 E. Market Street, stated that she had concerns regarding an increase in the population density and maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood if a six-unit structure were constructed. She said there was a Tenant-Landlord Act which protected the rights of tenants, but there was no real protection provided for property owners. She did not know the implications of the zone when she moved into the neighborhood. She wanted to maintain the character of the neighborhood. Barb Van Allen. 1 024 E. Jefferson Street, stated that she had owned her home in this neighborhood for four years. She stressed that people have made great efforts to turn poorly maintained rental properties into upgraded owner-occupied housing. She noted that many of the properties in the neighborhood have historic value. Van Allen explained that people have complimented her on the restoration work done to her home, but she wondered at times if she had made a mistake in purchasing the property on Jefferson Street. Van Allen noted that this summer, it appeared that most of the homes on her block had been purchased and were being restored and maintained as owner-occupied residences. She said the result had been that Jefferson Street had become more attractive for passers-by. Van Allen stated that as a legal services attorney, she advocates for those needing affordable housing on a daily basis. She said that while she did not want to interfere with the developer's rights or the rights of those needing the services that would be provided in the structure, she still was concerned with maintaining the character of the' neighborhood. She had been approached by people who work at Mercy Hospital or in the area, who would like to live in this neighborhood. She suggested that a new single-family home or a duplex on this lot could be profitable for the developer. Daniel Dreckman. 117 N. Governor Street, stated that he was confused by the discussion. He asked for more information about the implications of the RS-12 zone. J57/ ..~....__..-..._-.-.~.-p- -~- _...._-~- 'MMim~_~- ....-~._..... iJ!Ij Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 6 Moen explained that the RS.12 zone would allow for single-family and duplex construction on lots that are smaller than those that would be permitted in other RS zones. Dreckman stated that he was the second generation to live in his home. He had no problems with the current zoning. He noted that changes had occurred in the neighborhood, but said that the zone, did not allow for large apartments, which offered some protection. He had problems with special exceptions that had been granted in the past, such as the one that allowed a fraternity across the street from his home. Jim Muller stated that the connection between the two structures would be an enclosed room, such as a laundry room. He said it would be covered with siding up to four feet off the ground and would have glass blocks above the siding. He paid $58,500 for the property so it would be difficult to construct a single-family home on this lot and have it be profitable. He asked if all of the property owners in the area had been notified of this request. Scott stated that the property owners would be notified by mail before the staff report was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Scott stressed the only decision that the Commission would be making at this meeting was whether or not to recommend to the City Council that it set a public hearing. Dierks clarified that rezonings generally have at least two public discussions and that all the property owners in the area would be notified. Scott reported that the first public discussion of the rezoning issue would be held on December 17, 1992. Muller stressed his interest in building something that will fit in with the neighborhood. Dierks asked for information with regard to the spacing requirements for group homes. Moen stated that the spacing requirement only applies to family care facilities and not group homes or trensient housing facilities. She said that the use would still require a special exception so the applicants must go before the five member Board of Adjustment, which analyzes the ramifications of a use in a particular neighborhood on a case.by.case basis. She said that if a special exception was not granted, the building could still be constructed, but could not be used as a group facility. In response to a question from Gibson, Moen stated that a special exception runs with the land. The use cannot be increased nor cease for over a year without a new special exception approval. Public discussion was closed at 8:19 p.m. Dierks moved to recommend to the City Council that It set a public hearing at Its November 24, 1992, meeting for December 27, 1992, on a request by neighboring property owners to rezone an RM.12 zoned area generally located on Jefferson and Market streets between Dodge and Clapp streets to RS-12. BovbJerg seconded. Gibson said that it was difficult to put this issue aside without consideration, but he would vote in favor of the request. Cook asked if the public hearing was set, would there be a moratorium on construction unless ten percent of the project had been completed by the time the public hearing was set. Bormann explained that the moratorium would be in effect on the date the public hearing was set, and then the item would come back to the Commission to discuss the merits of the rezoning. She emphasized that heving the moratorium did not preclude working out a compromise J571 " 'I I , . '\'1 I , , '-, Plenning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 7 with the neighbors. She stated that prior to the public hearing being set, construction could proceed. To avoid being affected by the moratorium, the developer must have completed substantial construction by the time the public hearing was set. She stated that according to the Housing and Inspection Services Department, the bUilding code defines substantial construction as 10% of the value of the structure and that this figure would probably be used under the Zoning Code as well. Cook said he would like to see the parties work together and reach compromise on this matter. He said he would vote in favor of recommending that the Council set the public hearing to allow for such discussion. He expressed the concern that such a vote might spur a drastic reaction by the developer. Bormann noted that Muller had given his word to Moen that he would not proceed with the project until this issue had been resolved. In response to a question from Cook regarding Muller's request to defer this item, Bormann stated that this item can only be deferred at the applicant's request, and that the applicant in this case is not Muller. Moen stated that Muller was interested in a deferral to allow time to work with the neighbors. Cook believed a compromise was possible that would allow for the developer to realize a reasonable return with a design that is consistent with the neighborhood. He noted that the developer has to live and work in this community and that the community has a long memory. He said that since the developer could pick up the bUilding permit prior to Council action, he would vote to recommend to the Council that it set a public hearing to allow time for the parties to discuss this matter. Gibson asked if information had been obtained to answer Scott's question regarding a prohibition on the joining of structures. Bormann reported that she had reviewed the list of City ordinances adopted between 1970 and 1980 and had been unable to locate any such ordinance. The Zoning Ordinance at that time prohibited more than one building per lot. She had located a case where the developer attempted to connect two buildings by an exterior staircase. The developer characterized the second building as an addition to the main structure. In that case, itwas held that this would not be permissible. There must be an interior connection for it to be considered one building. She noted that since that time, the Zoning Ordinance has been changed, and more than one structure is permitted on a lot. In response to a question from Gibson, Bormann said Muller could combine two lots to obtain a higher denSity of development. In response to a question from Bovbjerg, Moen stated that as long as the structure Muller proposes to build remains on the site, it must be viewed as one lot and cannot be subdivided. She also explained that there are height restrictions in the Zoning Ordinance. In response to a question from Scott, Moen stated that more units would be allowed on the lots if they were combined than on the two lots individually. Scott stated that it appears that if there was a prohibition in past ordinances against connecting buildings, it had not carried over with the recodification of the City Code in 1983. He said that Council member Bill Ambrisco and a local realtor had the same impression as he did regarding this type of connection being prohibited. Scott agreed with Gibson's earlier comment questioning the joining of the two structures. Scott again stated his feeling that there should be some reasonable assurance regarding a degree of stability in a neighborhood. He said recommending the public hearing ~571 -, Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 8 allowed for discussion regarding the density for this aree. He commended Muller on his willingness to forestall any action before a compromise was reached. In response to a question from Dierks, Moen said she did not know of any other building permits that had been issued for this area. The motion carried on a 7-0 vote. Moen explained that on November 24, 1992, the Council would discuss setting a public hearing on this issue. She stated that the Commission would review the rezoning request at its December 17, 1992, meeting. She explained this item would be discussed at the Commission's work session on December 14, 1992, at the Senior Center Classroom. Scott acknowledged and accepted on behalf of the City the petition signed by the neighbors. 2. CZ-9252. Public discussion of an application submitted to Johnson County by Robert W. Wolf, on behalf of property owner E. & L. prybil General Partnership, to rezone an approximate 11.82 acre tract located in Fringe Area 5, east of Scott Boulevard and .25 miles south of its intersection with American Legion Road, from RS, Suburban Residential, to RMH, Manufactured Housing Residential District. Rockwell reviewed the location of the site in the context of the adjoining neighbor- hoods. She reported that the Johnson County planning staff had contacted the City planning staff earlier in the day to inform them that the area is currently zoned RS, and not Alas stated on the application. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated November 19, 1992. She stated that the requested rezoning was more consistent with the density of urban development that staff would like to see adjacent to the City than the current zone for the property would allow. Rockwell noted that Wellington Drive in Village Green was proposed to intersect with Scott Boulevard approximately 50 feet south of the proposed collector street into the Modern Manor development. Staff recommended realigning Wellington Drive to be directly across from the proposed collector street or be separated by 125 feet. Rockwell stressed that this is the only opportunity to get a through street to the area east of Scott Boulevard between American Legion Road and the railroad tracks. Rockwell reported that in two years the developer planned to sell the collector street right-of-way to the property owner to the east to allow him access to his farm. Rock- well said the developer also agreed to provide screening, but staff would also like to see the urban standards for screening met because of the urban context of this development. Staff recommended that the Commission recommend to Council that the Council forward a comment to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors finding that the request to rezone the approximately 11.82 acre tract from RS to RMH is in general conformance with the mutually agreed upon Fringe Area Agreement for Area 5. If the rezoning were approved subject to 1) ensuring the construction of a 3Hoot wide collector street within the 60.foot right.of.way shown on the concept plan, 2) prohibiting access drives from the individual lots onto the collector street, 3) providing ,~571 ~ " , i , ' '" Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 9 vegetative screening along the Scott Boulevard right-of-way, 4) providing City- approved storm water management for the site, and 5) securing compliance with the City's requirements for Manufactured Housing Parks, it would allow for the appropriate development of affordable housing within a residential neighborhood, which is likely to become part of Iowa City in the future. Rockwell reported that the average lot size for the proposed development was approximately 6,000 square feet so no additional recreational open space would be required under the City standards. In response to a request by Cooper, Rockwell explained that the developer intended to buy this site if it is rezoned and build 200 linear feet of street to his development. In two years, the property owner to the east would buy the road right-of-way back for access to his farm property. In response to a question from Bovbjerg, Rockwell stated that the current Modern Manor Mobile Home Park meets the City's lot size and tree planting requirements, but not the City's setback requirements along the streets or the stormwater management requirements. Public discussion was opened at 8:53 p.m. Robert Wolf. aoolicant, presented written information to the Commission on Modern Manor. He stated that he purchased the property for the existing Modern Manor in 1976 and had it rezoned. He indicated that he lived in a mobile home park for four years and at that time determined to show someday how these developments could be improved. Wolf stated that he purchased a used wastewater treatment plant when he began the mobile home park and recently purchased a water filtration plant from a small town in eastern Iowa. Wolf expressed concern regarding the cost if the number of units that he can have on the site is decreased. He noted that business leaders in the community have expressed concern over the shortage of labor in the community. He said that much of this is based on a shortage of affordable housing in or near Iowa City. With regard to the buyback of the right-of-way, Wolf explained that the Prybils own 200 acres east of his property and will need to have continued access to that site. Wolf said he agreed with setting aside a right-of-way for the street, but not with paving the entire length for either him or his tenants. He said when additional development occurs to the east, then the additional part of the road should be paved at a cost to those individuals. Wolf said there is not much variation in what he is proposing from the City's setback requirements. He said he planned to screen his development from Scott Boulevard and indicated that he has already planfed a number of trees to muffle the noise and decrease the amount of pollutants that come into the development from Scott Boulevard. In response to a question from Cook, Wolf explained that when Scott Boulevard was constructed, there was an agreement with the City that the City would pay for construction of the road, if the right-of-way was given to the City. He said that because there was a problem with the storrnwater drainage from the roadway onto his property, Iowa City constructed a storm sewer to his property. Cook asked if the Modern Manor Mobile Home Park storm water drains into the City. Wolf responded ~S71 'I I , ' , , , ' Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 1 0 that the natural drainageway is to BDI, across another property and then south and west to the Iowa River. He indicated that the storm water joins the City storm sewer at the southern portion of his property. Cook said his question is if stormwater drainage isa problem that is created by this development, is it being taken care of on the property. Wolf stressed that the stormwater from his property does not go into Snyder Creek. Scott asked how Wolf would be able to provide storm water detention on the site. Wolf responded that he could set aside land which would decrease the number of lots that would be available. Wolf emphasized that he gave away 1 Y, acres for street right-of-way so the City could have a collector street. To require stormwater management on the site seemed to be asking too much. He stressed that the tract drains primerily south to the existing Modern Manor developmant which hes approximately 1800 feet of 36-inch storm sewer pipe. In response to a question from Scott, Wolf said it would be possible to connect the new development with the existing storm sewer system. Moen explained that stormwater detention is intended to prevent overburdening the system. Wolf said he has a storm water collection area in the southwest portion of his property, but is not sure of its capacity, Dierks expressed concern over the 40-foot setback from Scott Boulevard not being met. Wolf responded that Scott Boulevard has a 1 OO-foot right-of-way so there was a considerable distance from the curb to the lot line. He said there is approximately 30 feet from the curb to the lot line with another 25 feet to the dwelling unit. In response to a question from Dierks, Moen stated that this property is within half a mile from the property that has been requested for annexation by the City. Moen stressed thet the City has not taken a position in the past of favoring involuntary annexation. She said voluntary annexation is the likely way that this property would be annexed into the City. Wolf explained that at one time he had agreed to buy a portion of the sanitary sewer capacity of BDI from the City, but then the former City Manager backed out of the agreement. Wolf explained that it was then necessary for him to build his own sewage treatment plant. He now has a large investment in this facility and is not anxious to give it up. Steve Rorbock. 3437 Hamoton. stated that his lot is adjacent to this development across Scott Boulevard. He said that he is a board member of the Village Green Homeowners Association and presented the Commission with a letter from the Association and a petition signed by 159 residents of the adjacent Village Green neighborhood expressing their opposition to this request. Rorbock read the letter into the record. It expressed concern because of the proximity of the proposed mobile home property to their neighborhood. The letter noted that except for Modern Manor and Sunrise Mobile Home Park, the remaining land in the area had been davelopad for single-family residential use. The letter stressed that the houses that have been built in the area have values up to approximetely $250,000. The letter indicated that the members of the Village Green Homeowners Association believe that the expansion of the mobile home park would not be compatible with the surrounding land uses. It stressed that the land within the City limits adjacent to Scott Boulevard that Is part of Village Green and the proposals for the area to the south had always bean for single- family residences and some condominiums. It noted that the land outside of the City limits had been agricultural and the members of the Village Green Homeowners :2 57/ I I , ' -, Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 11 Association believed that it should remain agricultural until it is brought into the City limits for development for single-family residential purposes. The letter indicated that there should be transitional zoning or buffer zoning between strategically different land uses. It indicated that the residents of Village Green do not feel that placing mobile homes next to upper-middle income residential development accomplishes this concept. The letter noted that the families in Part XI, Village Green, along Scott Boulevard purchased their properties with the understanding that the land to the east of Scott Boulevard would remain in agricultural use until it was annexed by Iowa City. The letter expressed a concern that this development would put an even greater burden on an already overburdened school system on the east side and noted the current crowded conditions at Lucas, Longfellow, Southeast and City High. The letter expressed a concern that the value of property and lifestyles would be lowered for the residents of Village Green if incompatible and non-transitional land uses were allowed east of Scott Boulevard. Rorbock stated that he also had concerns as an individual landowner . He explained that he bought property expecting to be in a residential area and has since invested time and money in his property. He understood the need for low-income housing, but it would be more appropriately located to the south and east of this area. He expressed a concern that granting this rezoning could block further Village Green expansion. He also expressed concern that the incremental creep of the mobile home park could eventually extend north to American Legion Road. Rorbock said that he knew the Commission could only recommend to the Council that they determine if the request was consistent with the Fringe Area Agreement. Gibson noted that staff had taken the position of recommending that urban standards be met to make this development as consistent as possible with the City requirements. Moen explained that the City Council can only make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors. She added that staff's position was that it would be best to draw attention to the urban standards issues if the Board was inclined to approve this request. In response to a question from Bovbjerg, Rockwell said this item will be considered by the City Council on December 8, 1992, and then will be .forwarded to the Johnson County Zoning Board in January. It would then proceed to the Board of Supervisors. Bob Downer. attornev for the aoolicant, stated that the letter from the Village Green Homeowners Association states that the property owners had the understanding that the area east of Scott Boulevard would be used for agricultural uses. Downer stressed that the area immediately south of American Legion Road and east of Scott Boulevard had been zoned commercial for approximately 20 years and the rezoning approvals for both Sunrise and Modern Manor should have given the indication that uses other than agricultural would be approved. He stressed that there had been a mobile homa use in the area since 1971. Downer stated that Modern Manor had 250 units and Sunrise had approximately 100 units so this was an established use for the neighborhood. Downer indicated that at the Commission's informal meeting, Rick Fosse, City Engineer, had suggested that Wolf had tapped into the storm sewer system without consent from the City. Downer stressed that this was not accurate. He had a I,etter ~57( I , I Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 12 dated January 28, 1981. which he had written to the then Assistant City Attorney regarding the exchange of the right-of-way for the paving of Scott Boulevard. The letter also discussed tile systems being connected to the storm sewer system. Downer emphasized at a minimum, there was an exchange of letters on this issue and said that he would provide a copy of the letter to City staff. Jim Croker. 6 Warwick Circle, stated that he was concerned with the school situation. He said he had lived in a mobile home in the past and felt it was one of the best ways to start out. He stressed that he did not feel the segregation of mobile homes was necessary, but he believed some type of buffer was needed between the neighbor- hoods. Croker said he would like to keep traffic at a minimum in the Village Green neighborhood. He noted that staff had recommended having the street for the proposed development abut at its intersection with Scott Boulevard directly across from the proposed Wellington Drive, but he expressed a concern that this could cause Village Green to be used as a shortcut and increase traffic. Scott noted that staff had also recommended as an alternative off-setting the intersection of the two roads with Scott Boulevard by at least 125 feet. Ken Mobilv. 1128 Hamoton Court, stated that he moved to this area with the under- standing that it would be used for single-family development. He said the mobile home park could be extended to the south, nearer to Bon Aire Mobile Home Park. He suggested that the trailer park could also extend to the east and said there was no evidence that this option had been explored. He said that Southeast Junior High School was built to accommodate 500 students, but said it now had 780 students. He said increasing the number of students in the area will impact the quality of learning and student life. He said there are temporary buildings at the school which require students to leave the building regardless of the weather conditions. He reviewed problems at the schools that are related to class size, such as the need for students to eat lunch extremely early and the group room which is now required to serve numerous activities at the same time. He noted that one quarter of the library had been taken over for classrooms and that the halls are so crowded between classes that it was difficult to negotiate or turn around in the halls. He stressed that housing Is needed for faculty members at the University of Iowa, not just for those involved in manufacturing. He stressed that the faculty members as a rule are not highly paid and affordable housing problems won't be solved by adding trailers to the community. He expressed concern over the quality of education given the failure of the school bond issue. Gibson asked what should be done about proposed development in areas to the south if the concern is school overcrowding. Mobily suggested denying development until there are adequate educational facilities. Public discussion was closed at 9:43 p.m. BovbJerg moved to forward a comment to the CIty Council that It forward a comment to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors fInding that CZ-9252, the request to rezone an approximate 11.82 acre tract located In Fringe Area 5, east of Scott Boulevard and .25 miles south of Its Intersection with Amorlcan Legion Road from RS to RMH Is consistent with tho mutually agreed upon Area Agreement for Fringe Aroa dI ~571 _ __ ,,__~.,_...w___.....,____..__...___ .._~_ 1I_""~= T """"""'t...,.., " I , Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 13 5. subject to 1) ensuring the construction of a 31.foot wide collector street within the 50-foot right-of-way shown on the concept plan, 2) prohibiting access drives from Individual lots onto the collector street. 3) providing vegetative screening along the Scott Boulevard right-of-way. 4) providing City-approved stormwater management for the site. and 5) securing compliance with the City's requirements for Manufactured Housing Parks. Starr seconded. In response to a question from Starr, Scott stated that the alignment of Wellington Drive could be addressed when that portion of Village Green Is platted. In response to a question from Gibson, Rockwell indicated that most of the City requirements are being met under the proposal, but not the setbacks from streets. She reported there was a City requirement for a 40.foot setback along Scott Boulevard. a 30-foot setback from the zone boundary, and a 20-foot setback required between the streets and the mobile home units. She indicated that the proposed plantings meet or exceed City requirements. Dierks asked if there would need to be much change in the concept plan to meet the setback requirements. Rockwell stated that there may not need to be much change, because of the large lot sizes. Dierks responded to the neighbors' concerns regarding the overcrowding in the schools. She stressed that this is occurring throughout Iowa City. She said that the Commission cannot consider this in their decision and have received a legal opinion in the past regarding this issue. She said the City cannot have moratoriums on development based on school-related issues. The motion carried on a 7-0 vote. 3. Z-9013. Public discussion of an application by C. B. Development, Ltd. to amend Ordinance No. 90-3483 and the accompanying Conditional Zoning Agreement concerning in-sequence development and not prohibiting basements in the Whispering Meadows development located south of Highway 5 and west of Bon Aire Mobile Homes. Rockwell reviewed the staff memorandum dated November 19, 1992. Staff recommended approval of the amendments. Public discussion was opened at 10:05 p.m. Chris Steohen. MMS Consultants. stated that any openings into the basement below the minimum low opening level will need to be walled off with a window well. He said the top of the window well would be elevated over the minimum low opening (MLO). Public discussion was closed at 10:10 p.m. Cooper moved to approve an amendment to Ordinance No. 90.34B3 and the accompanying Conditional Zoning Agreement by deleting Section 1.1 of the Ordinance and Section 4.1 of the Agreement In their entirety and adopting In lieu thereof the following: 11 The understanding that this Is In-sequence development as presently defined In the Comprehensive Plan; and the that Ordinance No. 90-3483 and the accompanying Conditional Zoning Agreement be further amended by deleting Section ~571 'Ii. j I , ' -, Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 14 1.4 of the Ordinance and Section 4.4 of the Agreement In their entlraty and adopting In lieu thereof the following: 4) Basements may be constructed on lots which are abutted by a subsurface drainage system provided said basements are equipped with a sump pump and adequate foundation tile which discharge Into said drainage system. Discharge of roof drains and downspouts from dwellings Into the subsurface drainage system Is prohibited. In addition, !he property owner's engineer must certify that no structure has an opening to living arees below the minimum low opening (MLO) elevation listed for each lot on the site grading and erosion control plan. Starr seconded. Cook said that these amendments make sense because these are lots that have been provided with City infrastructure and if not fully developed, would not be taxed fully. He said that the recommended language protects both the public and private interests so he would vote in favor of the request. Scott stated that subsurface drainage systems had been discussed previously and that changes in technology make these types of systems more feasible. He stated that this type of condition for subsurface drainege systems had been Included in the Village Green rezoning. He said the original Whispering Meadows rezoning could have been conditioned to Include subsurface drainage systems rather than prohibiting basements, if it had been proposed at that time. He said that what the Commission was now doing was making the subsurface drainage systems a condition of the Whispering Meadows rezoning. He likewise noted that the public interest was being protected. The motion carried on a 7-0 vote. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: 1. SUB92-0025. Public discussion of an application submitted by Karl and Leona Buchmayer for final plat approval of Furrows Edge, a 67.32 acre, 16-lot residential subdivision located in Fringe Area 4, east of Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane in Newport Township. (45-day limitation period: December 1 B, 1992.) Rockwell reported that the Public Works Department had reviewed the final plat and found that it was in technical compliance with the preliminary plat. She said that notes from the preliminary plat are being transferred to the final plat. She said that the construction drawings and legel pepers must be approved prior to Council consider- ation. Public discussion was opened at 10:14 p.m. There was none. Public discussion was closed at 10:14 p.m. BovbJerg moved to approve SUB92.0025, the final plat of Furrows Edge, e 67.32 acre, 16.lot residential subdivision located In Fringe Area 4, east of Highway 1 and north of Fox Lane In Newport Township, subject to construction plans for the street improve. ~57' -~_..,,-~_._..- ......-~._,--- __.____ - ~J --"'.~~'lI1'IIIlIJIIII - Planning & Zoning Commission November 19, 1992 Page 15 ments, culverts and water mains being approved by the Public Works Department, the legal papers being approved by the City Attorney's Office, and notes from the approved preliminary plat being placed on the final plat prior to Council consideration of tha final plat. Cook seconded. The motion carried on a 7-0 vote. 2. S-9007. Public discussion of an application submitted by Paul M. Kennedy for preliminary plat approval of Kennedy's Waterfront Addition, Part Three, a 30.29 acre, ll-lot commercial subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, south of Stevens Drive. (45-day limitation period: waived.) Gibson moved to defer S-9007 to December 3,1992, Starr seconded. ~ carried on a 7-0 vote. OTHER BUSINESS: Moen reported that the Neighborhood Open Space Planning Committee meeting would be held at 7:00 p.m. on November 23, 1992. ADJOURNMENT: Cook moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m. BovbJerg seconded. The motion carried 7-0. Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff. 1p&z11:19 .2571 ,'. '" " , ' '. i I i I I I ! "'I 'I : i -, -,i" . '\':' V' Jr. ,,' '. qwf'r',~' f.~I'f~~I.:J6- -.h ~Ot-::llr\:)' C",.Qrnm;..ssI,c~ ,"OtJ€eTI (\)6---, ,__ _. ..._______., Lj - '_5 - 9 ~ __.__,_,.. "7 : ~a ;A tn. ,\ .. \ . ,.. "-.--.- , ~ " ' 7., .4 ..' , : ~ y-~ $S' ' / /J.!;, .s~m(Ju" ~v.,;' 'I ,e~t Q.~~___" I <tc.'4 r=: , 'UJ.O O,l, Q.~ ~.__I q3\ ~~", ,_.-I qi-lF-' MM~d- _._ 167-i 0~J2l( 11-7 1J,C-I)/Je,(,t.J~~' , 15t2~ f}&lt JJ ~'l -q~1? ~ .1 '. ' J 'I ~t- '1.- S I .r:<-. Wi, I -- , "--1 Ct 'w~J (14." ".i i J irl/::l'" d, . _I , AJ,,- N\ ~ ~ Ct -t:[JJI/iS.,I . ",' ,_.__._-~. :5. ~ " ., -I I -I i ..--.---i I IS. ....... ___If,. ,. ,._-, --,-Q.>- ,_ ,_,__-1.1;-,-_._,__..,_ _. ...,,___L~ . I I ..I I I ---"i ,._ _, . __.;;;0... ,..- ,.,_..~-----..,--------, _....._.~2~___... '.." '. el~,~.______..___,___..,__.______ -..------.-,...,.., -'~S7t- ,~ ~~ 'I 'I , ' MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION TUESDAY. OCTOBER 27. 1992 - 5:30 P.M. IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY MEMBERS PRESENT: John Ockenfels, Howard Horan, Pat Foster, Robert Hicks, Richard Blum STAFF PRESENT: Ron O'Neil, Anne Burnside CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Blum called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. A quorum of the Commission was present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 15, 1992, Commission meeting were approved as presented. AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES: O'Neil provided the Commission with the latest invoice from Coffman Associates concerning the Feasibility Study. Approximately 75% of the project is completed" Foster moved to approve the bills as presented. Ockenfels seconded the motion and the expenditures were approved 5 - Q. PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: Pam Barnes, from the Housing Rehabilitation program, presented information concerning the construction of the Rehab storage building on Airport property. Wiring for the VASI and PAPI lights is buried directly under the proposed building site. Barnes has contacted the FAA and has received permission to construct the building over the cables but was informed that it would be best to relocate the cables. The question presented to the Commission was who was to pay for the relocation. Neither the Commission or the Rehab Division has funds to relocate the cables. Ockenfels suggested that since neither the Commission or Rehab has the funds to move the cables at this time, and Rehab has permission to construct the building over the wires, they should proceed with their construction. If the lines require relocation, the Rehab Division or the Commission will need to locate funding. A question was raised on why the PAPI lights on Runway 24 have not been activated. Blum responded that the FAA will determine when the lights are activated. There has been a design problem with the equipment and some of the equipment now installed will have to be replaced. J.57:J- ". 'I I , , E.K. Jones, from Iowa city Flying Service, addressed the Commission concerning parking of aircraft during home football games. He thought that it was preferable to park on a closed runway. O'Neil explained to the Commission that parking near the Terminal on the grass and asphalt aircraft parking was safer than closing a runway for special events. Over one hundred aircraft parked in these areas each of the last two years during the last two fly-in breakfasts. Blum said that State assurances prohibit charging fees in particular situations for use of public areas that would not normally be charged. Foster requested this be an agenda item at the next Commission meeting. Blum appointed Horan and Hicks as a subcommittee to research the issue and present information to the commission at the meeting. ICFS said they wi~l question pilots as to whether they would prefer to park on the grass close to the Terminal or on a closed runway. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Sky Divers' request - deferred from september 1S, 1992 - Ockenfels requested that the item be deferred until a future meeting. O'Neil reported that skydiving activity would increase the insurance premium at the Airport by about 20 %. Further discussion was deferred until a future meeting. b. Bird control - united Hangar - ICFS requested installing tarps in the United Hangar as a way to control where the birds nest. ICFS is not ready to present the commission with a budget for the project. The item will be removed from tpe agenda until ICFS is prepared to begin the project. c. Close Public Hearing - Hawkeye Aviation - The hearing for a lease with Hawkeye Aviation was deferred from the August 8, 1992, meeting. Because Hawkeye Aviation is not interested in locating at the Airport at this time, this is no longer an issue. Blum reopened the deferred hearing. No items were presented for discussion. ' The hearing was closed at 6:25 p.m. d. ASOS Property License - O'Neil reported that because there was a design change at the ASOS site, a different property license would have to be approved. Foster moved to approve the revised license. Horan seconded the motion and it was passed 5 - O. e. Budget - FY 94 - Ockenfels requested a special meeting to discuss the budget. Blum suggested meeting on November 3, 1992, at 5:30 p.m. O'Neil will schedule the meeting. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Blum reported that the State Aviation Conference is scheduled for April 14 and 15, 1993, in Ames. The first day is programed for J.57~ TARGET SERIES WT-8 093~53'2-1U ~ CORPORATION JMI CORPORATION N1CROORAPHICS DIVISION .~ ~~ MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION TUESDAY. OCTOBER 27. 1992 - 5:30 P.M. IOWA CITY TRANSIT FACILITY MEMBERS PRESENT: John ockenfels, Howard Horan, Pat Foster, Robert Hicks, Richard Blum STAFF PRESENT: Ron O'Neil, Anne Burnside CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Blum called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. A quorum of the commission was present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes of the September 15, 1992, commission meeting were approved as presented. AUTHORIZATION OF EXPENDITURES: O'Neil provided the Commission with the latest invoice from Coffman Associates concerning the Feasibility Study. Approximately 75% of the project is completed" Foster moved to approve the bills as presented. Ockenfels seconded the motion and the expenditures were approved 5 - Q. PUBLIC DISCUSSION - ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: Pam Barnes, from the Housing Rehabilitation program, presented information concerning the construction of the Rehab storage building on Airport property. wiring for the VASI and PAPI lights is buried directly under the proposed building site. Barnes has contacted the FAA and has received permission to construct the building over the cables but was informed that it would be best to relocate the cables. The question presented to the commission was who was to pay for the relocation. Neither the Commission or the Rehab Division has funds to relocate the cables. Ockenfels suggested that since neither the commission or Rehab has the funds to move the cables at this time, and Rehab has permission to construct the building over the wires, they should proceed with their construction. If the lines require relocation, the Rehab Division or the commission will need to locate funding. A question was raised on why the PAPI lights on Runway 24 have not been activated. Blum responded that the FAA will determine when the lights are activated. There has been a design problem with the equipment and some of the equipment now installed will have to be replaced. J.57J. '-:'. ___I'IfMY,' 1:1. -- - "':1 , i I I , , I I I I , , I I I I I I I I I " , I ~ - ....... , -I I , "- E.K. Jones, from Iowa city Flying Service, addressed the Commission concerning parking of aircraft during home football games. He thought that it was preferable to park on a closed runway. O'Neil explained to the Commission that parking near the Terminal on the grass and asphalt aircraft parking was safer than closing a runway for special events. Over one hundred aircraft parked in these areas each of the last two years during the last two fly-in breakfasts. '". . Blum said that State assurances prohibit charging fees in particular situations for use of public areas that would not normally be charged. Foster requested this be an agenda item at the next Commission meeting. Blum appointed Horan and Hicks as a subcommittee to research the issue and present information to the Commission at the meeting. ICFS said they wi~l question pilots as to whether they would prefer to park on the grass close to the Terminal or on a closed runway. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: a. Sky Divers' request - deferred from septemller 15, 1992 _ Ockenfels requested that the item be deferred until a future meeting. O'Neil reported that skydiving activity would increase the insurance premium at the Airport by about 20 %. Further discussion was deferred until a future meeting. b. Bird Control - United Hangar - ICFS requested installing tarps in the United Hangar as a way to control where the birds nest. ICFS is not ready to present the Commission with a budget for the project. The item will be removed from tpe agenda until ICFS is prepared to begin the project. c. Close Public Hearing - Hawkeye Aviation - The hearing for a lease with Hawkeye Aviation was deferred from the August 8, 1992, meeting. Because Hawkeye Aviation is not interested in locating at the Airport at this time, this is no longer an issue. Blum reopened the deferred hearing. No items were presented for discussion. ' The hearing was closed at 6: 25 p. m. d. ASOS Property License - O'Neil reported that because there was a design change at the ASOS site, a different property license would have to be approved. Foster moved to approve the revised license. Horan seconded the motion and it was passed 5 - O. e. Budget - FY 94 - Ockenfels requested a special meeting to discuss the budget. Blum suggested meeting on November 3, 1992, at 5:30 p.m. O'Neil will schedule the meeting. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: Blum reported that the State Aviation Conference is scheduled for April 14 and 15, 1993, in Ames. The first day is programed for ~57~ , "1 I , ' -, operations of Airports and the second day concentrates on Airport administration. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORT: Ockenfels presented information to a committee of the Chamber of Commerce on the Feasibility study. He received a mixed reaction. In response to the statement in the newspaper that the Commission had made a decision to move the Airport, Ockenfels clarified that the Commission had not discussed the study and would wait for the study to be completed before making any recommendations. Horan expressed concern about some of the information presented by the media on the Relocation Feasibility study. Horan suggested meeting one on one with some of the media to dispel some of the misconceptions expressed. Blum will work with Horan to Clarify this information to the media. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Burnside reported on a request from someone for information concerning the Airport Relocation Feasibility Study. She will work with O'Neil to provide the requested information. O'Neil included in the Commission packet preliminary information on the City'S Administrative Pay Plan. This will be discussed at the budget meeting next week. University Hospitals has requested storage space in the United Hangar during the winter months for two ambulances. I I 1 i , , , Hubbard Milling Company has filed a 7460-1 form permission ,for a 30 foot addition to their building. write a letter of objection to the addition. The Commission has applied for the required Storm Water Management Permit. This will be an agenda item at the November commission meeting. requesting Blum will SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING: The next regular meeting is scheduled for November 24, 1992, at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURNMENT: Ockenfels moved to adjourn the meeting. Foster seconded the motion and the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m. !~'C. C'GQ ~ R c d Blum, Chalrperson 0257.t. .,..,-, ----- ....- -... .,- - .....too ~ fa u__ J"il .'...1 'I , ' ****************************************************** MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION OCTOBER 19, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: Bud Gode, Fred Krause, Tom Muller, June Pieper, Harold Stager, Rufine Anciaux, Jean Hood MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Geasland, Mark Thompson STAFF PRESENT: June Braverman, Bette Meisel, Susan Rogusky GUESTS PRESENT: Louis Williamson, Walter Shelton, Martha Gegenheimer, Marjorie Belding, Myra Van Horne, Bev Ranshaw, Nora Copeland, Adrian Rittenmeyer, Freida Shannon, Council of Elders; Ann Burnside, City Attorney , ****************************************************** ST ANDARDS TRAINING Meisel called the Senior Center Standards Training to order at 3:05 PM. The first hour of the SCC meeting was devoted to reviewing and analyzing information for the Senior Center Standards and Self Assessment Trainer's Guide (National Council on Aging). In this meeting, the topic "Community" was discussed in a joint session held by the Senior Center Commission and Council of Elders. Meisel began the discussion by telling the participants that the topics administration/personnel, fiscal and records/reports in the Trainer's Guide would not be evaluated in upcoming joint sessions because they are policies that the SCC has no control over. Using a bullseye graph and marker, Meisel began the discussion on community by asking the group to identify what groups make up the senior center community. Beginning in the center and moving out, suggestions were: service agencies, volunteers, staff, SCC, city manager, city council, board of supervisors, the university, city and ~573 -.. SCC MINUTES PAGE 2 county residents, businesses, other agencies, National Institute of Senior Center Standards (NISC), other counties, and the federal government. Meisel introduced a small group exercise by asking how does the Center know when they achieve a community? She then presented four NISC principles for the community standard. The group then split into three smaller groups to complete an exercise, "Identifying Center activities that fall under each of the four community principles." Meisel asked the two groups to write in their suggestions on flip charts provided. The groups were split evenly among SCC, COE and staff. I I I I I , The principles (in capital letters) and suggestions discussed in the' three groups included: COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY PLANNING .. peer counseling, student internships, agency representatives, community leadership institute, make space available to groups for services and work with service providers SERVICE DELIVERY ARRANGEMENTS .. arrangements with all resident agencies, PACT counseling, financial planning, communicate with elementary and high schools, provide opportunities for socialization especially for new persons FOCAL POINTS .. in house services, eldercraft shop, socialization, meals, university, healthcare, prioritize public relations and keep doing it well PUBLIC INFORMATION, COMMUNITY EDUCATION, ADVOCACY AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS .. education classes, lectures, healthcare services, university research projects, media, employment through senior services, volunteers, speaker's bureau, slide/TV show , Meisel then took these suggestions to devise an action plan to determine if standards are met and what resources are needed. The following was discussed using a graph and marker (the categories " 'I I , ' , ;l57J 1!'i11 l:l':~:L J'lI --~----'--" ~ - . }l'Jf1ll!!ll'~ ____~___._.__________~ SCC MINUTES PAGE 3 appear in capitals and suggestions follow): AREA OF OPERATION/COOPERATIVE PLANNING .. national convention to Iowa City ACTIONS NEEDED - committee to elicit community support RESOURCES REQUIRED .. tourism, money, facility, logistics ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED .. service agencies, hospital, convention bureau, seniors, staff TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE .. conference planner INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBLE -. no suggestions T ARGET DATE .. as soon as possible After completing another exercise, Meisel pointed out that the most important step was finding someone to be responsible for the coordination; otherwise, the events could not take place. ****************************************************** SCC MEETING Pieper officially called the SCC meeting to order at 4:05 PM. She introduced and welcomed the guests. Those remaining or arriving after the Standards Training included: MEMBERS PRESENT: Bud Gode, Fred Krause, Tom Muller, June Pieper, Harold Stager, Rufine Anclaux, Jean Hood, Mark Thompson MEMBERS ABSENT: Mary Geasland STAFF PRESENT: Bette Meisel GUESTS PRESENT: Martha Gegenheimer, Myra Van Horne, COE; Ann Burnside, city attorney Gode pointed out that the minutes from last meeting required a correction. On page three, "the Volunte,er Dinner Dance was scheduled for the day after the next meeting" Instead of prior. The minutes were approved as corrected. Hood/Gode. There was no public discussion. t..' """. - " 'I , , i I I ! , I I ! i I 1 I i I I I I I I I I I I I 'i' ;/5,73< \I"';' " I i , ' '-. SCC MINUTES PAGE 4 NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Gode reported that there was no nominating committee report. SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION APPLICANT LETTER DISCUSSION Meisel referred the commission to the SCC applicant letter in their packets. Meisel pointed out the second paragraph and asked if the description was accurate. Gode stated that a nominee must be aware that being a member on the SCC is not only a two hour/month commitment. Krause asked if the description could be narrowed. Meisel said that the by-laws explain the responsibilities in full, but the letter does not explain day-to-day actions. Hood felt there was a philosophical difference among the sce members. She felt that some members see it as a body that establishes policies two hours per month rather than an active body. She also felt that some of the letter was outdated and then asked if the letter could be attached to the application. Meisel said the county has not been willing to send the letters with the applications. Stager suggested Senior Center letterhead needed to be used. Meisel then asked that if anyone thought changes needed to be made, they should come to her with suggestions. 'No motion. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Hood reported that Stager, Krause, Muller and herself would work on the finance committee. During their last meeting the committee reviewed the history of fundraising for the Center and what Is currently being done. The committee recommended to have people from the community join the committee and help develop and define a vision so the Committee would have a direction to foliow in suggesting 10-20 year goals for the Center. ;1, ~573 ~. SCC MINUTES PAGE 5 THEATER FUNDRAISER Meisel reminded the SCC that they agreed to have a fundraiser with the theatre and would sell all tickets so the Center could acquire two handicapped accessible doors. Muller asked what the price of the doors is. Meisel said $1,200 each, or $2,400. Muller suggested putting that dollar amount on the sign to let buyer's know what the tickets were being sold for. SCHEDULE BUDGET DISCUSSION Meisel spoke for Geasland. She explained that the Recreation Center, Library and the Senior Center needed approved budgets, and the Center's is due next month. She suggested meeting before the SCC , November meeting to work on budget because it usually took several hours to review and approve it. Gode said that from his experience, one hour at next month's meeting would not be enough. He recommended having the executive committee review it first, and then go to the SCC with the budget. Meisel asked If the SCC wanted to self-select a committee. Stager suggested splitting up the SCC during next month's meeting to get it done in one hour. Meisel said that would not work. Upon Krause's request, Meisel briefed the group on how the city devises the budget. She then explained that those items the sta,ff wanted to change would be presented to the SCC. Anciaux asked how the SCC handled the budget last year. Meisel said the executive committee reviewed it and then reviewed it with the SCC. The executive committee took several hours to look at it and then the SCC approved it in a regular meeting. Thompson asked if the SCC could begin reviewing it in next month's meeting, and if they do not finish they could reconvene the next day. ~573 ...1., , , ' " I I i i i ! I ! i I , I 1 I I I I I I i I I I : "- see MINUTES Page 6 Meisel agreed with this solution. Thompson moved that the see discuss the budget for one hour in the next meeting and if they do not finish, they will , reconvene' the next day. Krause seconded. All voted in favor. Hood abstained. VOLUNTEER DINNER REPORT Pieper reported 15 girls from a university sorority would be coming at 5:30 PM but would, not be getting a meal. Thompson said he told the girls that they would get a meal. Meisel said the food is already ordered, and the fifteen girls were not accounted for. She suggested giving them either pizza or money. Hood suggested giving them the price of the meal times 15. Gode moved to give the girls from the sorority who would be helping with the Volunteer Dinner Dance a check for the price of the, meal times the number of girls who would be helping. Stager seconded. Motion carried unanimously. PARKING DISCUSSION Meisel said the architects told her Linn Street can now be used to add additional parking. She suggested going to the city council meeting and asking for all the spaces proposed and compromise on what is offered to them. The commission agreed. Pieper was concerned that the Washington Street spaces would be easily violated and the public would use them. Stager said that ticket would be issued if that situation occurred. ' Meisel said the see members received the monetary figures for the additional parking in their packets, and if any of them have questions they should see her. ;2573 .. 1 , I , . I ! i 'I , I ! i I , I i ! i I i i I I j , I I , : , I i I , I I , - -'I 'I , ' -, SCC MINUTES PAGE 7 SENIOR CENTER UPDATE Meise' said John Achragoglou from the Lindquist Center advised the Center to purchase a top of the line computer for Joyce and the most basic computer for use in the computer lab. Joyce's current computer could then be given to the college work study students. Meisel said if the SCC agreed to these purchases, they would proceed with finding out figures from the university's Weeg Computer Center. " , Krause moved to buy one top of the line computer and one basic computer for the Center. Gode seconded. All voted in favor. OPEN DISCUSSION Meisel said the video program that will be placed in the lobby announcing the schedule of events would be delayed a little while. It was announced that next month's meeting will be November 16. Meeting adjourned at 5:15 PM. Thompson/Stager. Minutes prepared by Kris Williams, college work study student. J573 -, !~~1 MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION November 18, 1992 MEMBERS PRESENT: John Beasley, Bill Brandt, Deb Liddell, Jennifer Olsol1, Dee Vanderhoef, John Watson, Mary Weideman, Todd Welk Craig Willis MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: Howell, Kriz, Moran, Trueblood GUESTS: Dick Jackson, Richard Rhodes FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: Moved by Brandt. seconded by Olson. to approve the minutes of the October 7.' 1992 meetina as written. Unanimous. Moved bv Watson. seconded by Beasley. that the commission endorses the Resolution to Desianate Two Storrnwater Manaaement Facilities Adjacent to Hickory Hill Park as Parkland. Unanimous. Moved by Brandt. seconded bv Vanderhoef. to support the Iowa citv Boys' Baseball Association's proposal to light fields #1 and #2 of the baseball diamonds in citv Park. Unanimous. HICKORY HILL PARK: Weideman reported on her and Trueblood's attendance at an informal city Council meeting to discuss the commission's recommendation that the stormwater management areas adjacent to Hickory Hill Park be dedicated as parkland. The city council was interested in knowing whether the general public had a strong feeling on designating vs. dedicating, with her response being the public was primarily interested in getting access and having use of the area as a park. The city council was supportive in designating the areas as parkland instead of dedicating it as such, and was enthusiastic about the area being used as parkland. Trueblood distributed a draft resolution officially designating the area as parkland for the commission's approval. ~ bv Watson. seconded by Beaslev. that the commission endorses the Resolution to Designate Two Stormwater Management Facilities Adiacent to Hickory Hill Park as Parkland. Unanimous. The resolution will be acted on by the city Council at its next meeting. ~'57q , .'1 " , \-.. .~ IOWA CITY BOYS' BASEBALL LIGHTING PROPOSAL: FY94 BUDGET: , .j " , ' Trueblood reported the BOYS' Baseball proposal to light two fields in city Park was discussed before by the Commission, but formal action was not taken. Iowa City Boys' Baseball is scheduled to present this proposal to the city council at its next work session to obtain their approval. Trueblood stated the commission should take official action prior to it being presented to the city council. Dick Jackson from Iowa city Boys' Baseball was present to answer any questions. Weideman noted there were questions regarding cost of lights, electrical cost and maintenance responsibili ty. Jackson stated Boys' Baseball would pay for the cost of the lights and installation of poles, and would like the city to assume insurance, maintenance and electrical costs. There were questions regarding the effect the lights would have on nearby residents. Jackson stated the fields are located on the east side, closest to the parking lot along the river. He noted the fields are a considerable distance away from the residential area, and the light would be diffused downward. The majority of their season runs from the end of May to July 4th, and the latest the lights would probably be on is 10:30 p.m. Brandt asked if the city receives complaints about the baseball lights at Mercer Park which are sometimes on until 11 p.m. or later, with Trueblood indicating there have been very few complaints. Moved by Brandt. seconded by Vanderhoef. to support the Iowa city Boys' Baseball Association's proposal to liaht fields Hi and H2 of the baseball diamonds in city Park. Unanimous. Trueblood distributed a summary of the department's FY94-96 capital Improvement Projects, setting out staff's recommended priorities for the commission's review and input. The various items discussed were Scott Park Development, Court Hill Park Development, Recreation Center Roof, University of Iowa Softball Lighting, Napoleon Park Renovation, Handicapped Accessibility Program, and Benton street Pocket Park. Beasley stated the list and priorities appeared well-thought out and in tune with the priorities the commission established. The main concern/issue was whether or not money should be expended to begin development of the Benton Street Pocket 2 ~S7~ I I , , Park since land on either side of it has not been acquired for the riverfront trail system. Liddell stated the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission would feel that development would put pressure on adjacent land owners to grant easements to continue the trail system. Brandt indicated that due to the financial situation of the city, citizens may not approve of money being put into an area that very few people would use. Weideman stated this matter would be put on next month's agenda for further discussion. Watson suggested that funding for the University of Iowa Softball Lighting project be moved from FY95 to FY94, and funding for Napoleon Park Renovation be moved back to FY95; the other commission members agreed this should be done. Trueblood distributed a listing of the Recreation Division Fees and charges for FY87- 93, and stated fees and charges would be discussed at next month's meeting. Staff will be suggesting several fee increases, and will submit their proposals and revenue projections to the commission. SONGBIRD PROJECT: Weideman requested an update on the Songbird Project, with Trueblood reporting he had been in contact with the city's Legal and Risk Management Offices. They felt there was no problem in proceeding, and suggested a written agreement be entered into by both parties. Liddell reported the commission is represented on the Trails Committee and Woodlands Committee, and asked members to let her know if there were any specific projects they would like to address. She noted she 'would bring a map of proposed bicycle trails through the city to next month's meeting. Watson asked what the status was on the Science Center and Arts Center groups, with Trueblood noting they are continuing to work towards their goals. Watson complimented staff in saving and using as much as possible from the Chauncey Swan parking lot site _ timbers moved to North Market Square Park, plants being dug up and moved, etc. RIVERFRONT & NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION REPORT: COMMISSION TIME: 3 ~71./ " I , ' Vanderhoef noted concern from some women that Mercer Park Aquatic Center was not being cleaned very well. Trueblood noted there recently was a major repiping project that probably accounted for this. Weideman congratulated staff on receiving the National Gold Medal Special Recreation Award. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Trueblood reported on the following: CHAIR'S REPORT: MERCER PARK AOUATIC CENTER - A major repiping project was recently completed. 'Numerous negotiations between the design firm, installer and city were held to determine who would pay for the project. The city agreed to pay no more than 25% of the cost, with the installer and design firm paying the remainder. ' SHOWMOBILE - The city Managers of Iowa city, coralville and North Liberty were recently approached by someone suggesting that the cities jointly purchase a showmobile (a flyer describing it was passed around). Trueblood stated the City Manager would like the commission's input. The total cost is $65,000, and in order to purchase it funding would have to be borrowed from the parkland acquisition fund, to cover Iowa city's share. The consensus of the commission was that they' were not in favor of purchasing a showmobile due to the cost and use of the parkland acquisition fund for this purpose. ADJOURNMENT: COLLEGE GREEN PARK - Recently there have been a number of newspaper articles regarding the brightness of the lights in College Green Park. Staff is working with the electrical contractor on a solution to the perceived problem. The use of metal deflector shields around the bulb inside each fixture is being investigated at this time. Moved bv Brandt. seconded bv Liddell. to adjourn. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. 4 J.~7~, ''''0' , "I 'I , ' -, ~'o\2 ') ;. . November 18, 1992 LmRARY BOARD MINUTES BOARD MEETING OF NOVEMBER 18, 1992 4:00 PM IN 2ND FLOOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Anne Hargrave, Jeri Hobart, Phil Hubbard, Kathy Moyers, Anne Spencer, Kent Swaim BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Steve Greenleaf, Gary Lundquist, Chuck Traw STAFF PRESENT: Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Lolly Eggers, Martha Lubaroff, Debbie Sales ; c' OTIIERS PRESENT: Carol Albin, Mary Lultenegger, Practicum students ";'. Vice President Hargrave called the meeting to order at 4:10 PM. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The minutes for the special meeting of October 15, 1992 were approved. HobartlMoyers The minutes for the regular meeting of October 22, 1992 were approved. MoyerslHobart DISBURSEMENTS: Disbursements for October, 1992 were approved. HubbardlMoyers. Visa card expenditures for October were reviewed. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: 1. The Mission Statement "exercise" proved that Staff managers and Board members are able to easily articulate the goals of the librnry and that there is general consensus about the librnry's mission. The search for a "quick and snappy" mission statement will continue. 2, Assistant Director Susan Craig walked the Board through the results of the September 1991 survey of nearly 700 librnry users about circulation policies and procedures. Of the five improvements suggested, over 70 % of the respondents showed greatest interest in being able to renew materials by phone. Currently the Circulation staff is reviewing this option in order to implement by 1.1-93 if possible. Eggers said the general comments received beyond the five options were fairly representative of the suggestions ~575 November 18, 1992 and comments the library has been receiving lately. 3. The Children's Department survey of daycare and media centers was also reviewed. This survey was part of the preparation and research done by the Children's staff to prepare outreach goals and programs for 1993. 4. Eggers will be meeting with the Directors of the Coralville, North Liberty, Solon and Oxford public libraries on November 30. Topics to be discussed include contracting with Johnson County and marketing services to Johnson Co residences. Other areas of cooperation and joint effort will be explored. 5. The library is receiving an increased number of complaints about fmding parking, and a lot of requests for satellite stations for the return of library materials. Perhaps this is due to the parking squeeze downtown because of the temporary closing of the Chauncey Swain parking lot. One area that needs attention is improved enforcement of parking on Linn St. in front of the Library. We have been told by Parking Supervisor Joe Fowler that we could use library staff or volunteers to issue tickets for overtime parking similar to an arrangement at the Senior Center. We are looking into this option. 6. At its October meeting the Foundation Board approved the recommendation of its Investment Committee to increase the goal for the Centennial Endowment Fund from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000 by June 30, 1996. Once that goal is achieved, only income exceeding the rate of inflation will be available for gifts to the library. By 7/1193 the Libmy Board needs to provide the Foundation a schedule of funds needed for Library materials budget for FY95-FY99. 7. The staff requests $200 from Gifts & Bequests for costs associated with the Friday, April 16 Mystery Dinner to be held at the library for young adults. It is part of the University ofIowa's Conference on Nancy Drew. The Nancy Drew series was created by Mildred Benson, Iowa native and flI'St person to receive a master's degree in Journalism from the University ofIowa. A motion was made and passed to authorize the expenditure of $200 for this pUlpose. Moyers/Hargrave 8. The City of Hills will reimburse their residents for the $120 family fee card required for use of ICPL. The staff will be asking the Hills City Council to consider letting the library bill Hill's each month or quarter for cards issued to Hills residents. We could get whatever documentation the City requires from each card used and then mail them a bill for the period. Teachers in Hills elementary school have encouraged us to do anything we could to make it easier for children from low-income families in Hills to get library cards. 2 -.......-.. ___,.........Il'.....-.,,;;..,_.;.......-_....!....."'_w.l\.._ _J.515 . _:, I , :'1 .1 , ,1 m , -'I " , I '" November 18, 1992 PRESIDENT'S REPORT Swaim reported that he had received many positive reports about the recent Business AM held at the library. He expressed appreciation on behalf of the Trustees to the library staff and the Foundation. DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR REPORT: The Friends/Foundation ruerger received an affInnative proxy vote on November 2. There were only 11 at the meeting but 187 members submitted their proxies to President Mary Lea Kruse who used them to vote for the merger. November 10th was the offIcial day of the merger. All documents have been signed and sent to the State. Approximately 130 people attended the Business A.M. Hills Bank & Trust received the Outstanding COIporate Philanthropist award from the Easteru Iowa NSFRE at a presentation in Dubuque. Eggers and Sales attended. Books for Giving and Liking is scheduled for Sunday, December 6. Children's Department staff members will give book ta1ks all afternoon. Some books will be for sale at the event with Prairie Lights giving the library 30% of all purchases. The birthday celebration for Irving Weber will be held on December 8 here at ICPL. His books will all be available at the library and at other places in Iowa City. During the month of December, any of Weber's books purchased anywhere will result in the library receiving $2.00 per book. Money earned from . theis project will be deposited in the library Irving Weber Local History fund established by the Lion's Club in 1986. ",', ,REPORT FROM FACILITIES PLANNING COMMITTEE Minutes from the ftrst meeting were included in the Board's packet. The next meeting is scheduled for November 24 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the Board Room at ICPL. Review revised estimate of Johnson County fee for proposed budget Eggers reviewed the computation of the figures to arrive at the County's fair share of ICPL budget. The misinterpretation was due to the defmition of "real estate tax funding" which should include the Johnson County share too. Eggers sent a memo to City Manager Atkins describing the revised estimate and another to the City Attorney asking for advice on how to remove a misleading footnote on Exhibit C of the contract.. 3 ~5?5 '" ,',' -. November 18, 1992 , I ! I I I i I I i ! ~ Review Board policy 701. Community Relations and Board policy 702. LibraQ'-Sponsored and Co-sponsored Programs These are routine three year reviews. Changes recommended by staff reflect current priorities for children's and adult programming and the increasing role of the ICPL Friends Foundation in both of these areas. Motions were made to accept the revisions as proposed. Unanimously approved. Moyers/Hubbard. The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 pm. Moyers/Hargrave f I t Submitted by Martha Lubaroff I ! I I 4 ~575 ; 1 I I < 1 , , I , i ! I I , , , ; "', ,- 1 I , I ''''''. . '. " '" .iJ :& MINUTES IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT NOVEMBER 12, 1992 - 4.30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS .". ! ' , ,'i I .'" U I' . ".," ::J ~i , "I ~.-=-=:.~ MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Baker, Catherine Johnson, John Pelton, Rich Vogelzang MEMBERS ABSENT: Ernie Galer STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: Rockwell, Gentry, Neff Mike Kennedy, Mike Hodge, John Cruise, liter Bakkal, Larry Svoboda ~ALL TO ORDER: Pelton called the meeting to order at 4:34 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 14. 1992: Rockwell noted that the adjournment time needed to be corrected. MOTION: Baker moved to approve the minutes of the October 14, 1992, meeting with the correction of adjournment time noted. Johnson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEMS: 1. EXC92-0029. Public hearing on a request submitted by Capitol Implement Co. for a special exception to permit a front yard modification along Gilbert Court for property located in the CI-l zone at 702 S. Gilbert Street. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated November 12, 1992. Staff recommended approval of EXC92-0029, e special exception to reduce the front yard requirement along Gilbert Court from 20 fe~t to 5 feet for the 170-foot length of the proposed parking area for property located at 702 S. Gilbert Street. Rockwell reported that she received several calls asking for clarification of this issue, but no one had voiced opposition to the request. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Mike Kennedv. aoolicant, stated that only the skeleton of the old farm implement building remained on the property. The land was now reedy for redevelopment. He stressed that the project would result in a substantial enhancement of the property. He stated that there would be a ground floor commercial use with two floors of apartments located above the commercial use. He felt this was the optimal use for this location. He stressed that there would be sufficient parking on the site. The site was also close to the downtown and campus, which made it desirable for residential development. Kennedy noted that the zone would allow for used car lots or light manufacturing, which he considered to be less desirable uses for this property. He stressed tha.t the project would be an upscale and desirable development of this property . Cl57~ , ./ I , ' " .' " i 2 , . i " 'I I , ' Boerd of Adjustment November 12, 1992 pege 2 Kennedy accepted responsibility for not noticing the Code requirement prohibiting parking in the front yard setback along Gilbert Court during prior review of the site plan. He stated that the developers were ready to proceed with the project, if the special exception was granted. He stressed that the special exception was needed because there are 18 parking spaces on the east side of the building, which provide grade level access to the first floor apartments. Handicapped accessibility is an important part of the plan. He explained that the parking off Gilbert Court will be screened to soften the impacts on adjacent residential properties. He noted that the biggest disruption for the residences to the east and south was the Heartland Railroad. Kennedy felt the requested special exception was consistent with the Comprehensive Plan policy, which encourages the development of apartments near the downtown area. Baker indicated that Kennedy need not accept total responsibility for the error in this matter. In response to a question from Baker, Kennedy stated that there would be parking at grade level for the first floor apartments, but he explained that the ground level on the Gilbert Street side of the building would be for the commercial use. Mike Hodoe explained that there would be 14 apartments per floor. He stressed that all of the first floor apartments would meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. In response to a question from Baker, Hodge stated that he had not attempted to redesign the building, because one objective was to keep the same number of apartment units as originally proposed. Johnson asked if fill would be brought onto the site. Hodgo rasponded thet some fill would be needed from off the site; that the parking would be placed on compacted fill. Hodge reported that the developers had received an easement from Heartland Railroad for storm water improvements crossing the railroad property. He said that fill would be needed for the drive to meet the grade of the railroad. Hodge said that the railroad representatives had indicated that the development would improve the sight distance for the railroad. The railroad planned to work with the developers regarding concerns with the arbor vitae screening. Baker asked if commercial tenants had been secured for the building. Hodge stated that there had been Interest expressed, but no leases would be signed until the special exception issue was resolved. In response to a question from Baker, Hodge stated that his office across the street is a commercial use. He manages the residential use above his office. He stated he would also manage the residential use of the building proposed for this site. In response to a request from Bakar, Rockwell stated that the oversight regarding the parking along Gilbert Court should have been noticed early in the review process. Gentry stated that there was a shared responsibility for review by City staff and the developers. In response to a question from Johnson, Hodge stated that traffic crossing over the railroad tracks would be at a level grade. BOARD DISCUSSION: Johnson expressed concern regarding safe sight distances due to the tight curve of the railroad. Baker said that if this were a new application, it would be easy to vote against it. He said it represented to him a clear evasion of the spirit of the ordinence regarding parking requirements. However, Baker said the problem was one of ~7(P Board of Adjustment November 12, 1992 Page 3 satisfying the requirement after the applicant had gone through the approval process, so he would support it at this time. Pelton stated that the substantive issue was decided at the Board's August meeting. He noted that a mutual honest mistake had occurred. He stressed that this proposal would upgrade the use of the property, and that screening would provide buffering on the east side. He felt that the railroad created more of a problem for the neighborhood. Vogelzang expressed his agreement, and said that he saw no negatives associated with this project. MOTION: Johnson moved to approve EXC92-0029, a special exceptlon to reduce e front yard requirement along Gilbert Court from 20 feet to 5 feet for nO-foot length of the proposed parking area for property located at 702 S. Gilbert Street. Pelton seconded. The motion carried on a 3-' vote. lJohnson votlng In the negatlve.) 2. EXC92-0030. Public hearing on a request submitted by GWG Investments for a special exception to permit off-street parking in the CB-l0 zone for property located at 315 E. College Street. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated November 12, 1992. Staff recommended that EXC92.0030. a special exception to permit no more than 50 underground off- street parking spaces in the CB-1 0 zone ,for property located at 315 E. College Street be approved. Rockwell reported that she had received several calls asking questions for clarification of the request. She had also received a call from Father Jason Parkin of Trinity Episcopal Church supporting approval of this plan to help ease the parking situation in the area. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: John Cruise. attornev for the aoolicant. stated that the applicant had submitted three different parking plans to City Staff. The plan included with the proposal was staff's choice from what had been submitted. Cruise stated that the reason to provide parking on the site was because this was a good area for office usas near the downtown. He said people generally like to park near their offices. He stated that at the time the City conveyed this property to GWG Investments, the City Council indicated it was in favor of providing parking on the site. This had been part of the negotiations. In response to a question from Johnson, Cruise stated that no leases had been signed, but the target market for this structure would be office uses. He felt the site was ideal for professional offices. Baker asked if the exterior of the building would be brick. Cruise indicated that the developers were still working with an architect, but the intention was for the entire exterior to be brick with different bands of colored brick. He said that based on the previous agreement with Council, the plans for the site must be approved by the City Council. He said it would be an all masonry building with an elevator and would need to meet the Fire Code requirements. He stressed that this would be an expensive building, but those involved in the project had expected this and therefore expected to have a longer payback period. In response to a question from Johnson, Cruise indicated the north-south alley on the east side of the old library would be eliminated. He noted that the old library was also owned by GWG Investments and that the plaza would be designed to tie into the pedestrian traffic of the downtown area. J.57(' , "I I "I , , , -" Board of Adjustment November 12, 1992 Page 4 BOARD DISCUSSION: Pelton noted this project will help to upgrade the downtown. He stated that providing for parking underground was the highest beneficial use for this area. Vogelzang thought it was a great project and looked forward to seeing its fruition. MOTION: Baker moved to approve EXC92-0030. a special exception to permit no more than 50 underground off-street parking spaces In the CB.10 zone for property located at 315 E. College Street. Vogelzang seconded. The motion carried on a 4.0 ~. VARIANCE ITEM: 1. VAR92-0001. Public hearing on a request submitted by liter Bakkal and Zeynep Denizci Bakkal for a variance to eliminate parking requirements for property located in the CB-2 zone at 25 N. Van Buren Street. Rockwell reviewed the staff report dated October 14, 1992. Staff recommended denial of VAR92-0001. Rockwell said that except for the University of Iowa Credit Union, she had not been contacted by other property owners in the area. , Baker noted that the staff report states that the applicants can provide for some parking on this site and asked for a clarification of how much parking could be provided. Rockwell stated that four to five parking spaces could be provided without requiring the removal of the two large trees on the property. She said the barn must, be removed to provide all of the required parking for the restaurant use. She stated that the amount of parking needed could be reduced if the restaurant were to be operated without using the proposed outdoor seating areas. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: liter Bakkal. aoolicant, stated that he and his wife currently live in the house and were going to wait for awhile before converting it to a restaurant. However, he stated that there is a proposal to change the zone for this erea and the change would make' operating a restaurant more difficult. Bakkal reviewed the history of the property and noted that the bern is one of the few original barns remaining in the downtown area. He indicated that it was constructed by a builder who constructed most of the early barns in Iowa City. He stressed that the barn has historic value and should be renovated and preserved. He said that they would also like to retain the large mature trees on the property. They would not like to reduce the proposed amount of seating area for the restaurant. He explained that they see the restaurant functioning much as the Cottage does with most of the traffic being pedestrian. He said that it's close enough to the downtown area that people could walk to the restaurant for coffee or a meal. Johnson noted that the barn is in poor condition and cannot be left as it currently exists. Bakkal said that the barn is 130 years old. They are thinking about teking proper care of it. He said thet the barn could be used as a garage and the upstairs could be used as a studio if it were fixed up. Johnson said that it would be expensive to restore and rehabilitate the barn. Bakkal said they would also like to restore the ~71., , " , Board of Adjustment November 12, 1992 Page 5 house to its original condition. He noted that several of the trees on the property are the tallest in the neighborhood and are even taller than the house. Baker asked if the property was bought with the intention of converting it to a restaurant. Bakkal responded that the home was purchased as a residential property, but they knew it was in the CB-2 zone and desired eventually developing a restaurant. He said that they could provide for the parking, but they were asking for cooperation from the City. He stressed that he does not want to deface the neighborhood and wants to opan an environmentally sound business. Baker said that just because the barn is old, it doesn't necessarily mean it has historic value. He noted that Bakkal gave pragmatic reasons for retaining the barn, but provided the Board with no information on its historic value. Bakkal said he spoke with two people at the State Historic Preservation Office who said that the barn should be kept, because it is the only one left in the area near downtown. In response to a question from Baker, Bakkal said that he had not spoken with anyone on the local Historic Preservation Commission. Baker said it would help Bakkal's position if the local Commission reviewed the site. Bakkal said he would talk with the Commission if the Board requested that he do so. Baker asked for information about the potential zone change for this area. Rockwell explained that some of the residents along Jefferson Street would like to retain the residential nature of the neighborhood. She indicated that the neighbors had discussed the matter with staff and had then submitted a rezoning request to the Planning and Zoning Commission. She indicated that the CB-2 zone allows for automobile-oriented uses. The neighbors were requesting a zoning change to a less restrictive commercial zone or a residential zone. She indicated that staff had recommended expanding the rezoning request area, and the area now included the Bakkal property. Rockwell stated that staff was considering developing a new zone that would include the diminution of parking requirements if a building had historic value. Vogelzang asked if the historic value of the barn would be changed or diminished if it was remodeled. Baker said that this was a relevant issue, because it was the applicant's justification for eliminating the parking requirements. He suggested that the applicant go to the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission on this matter. Bakkal said he was told to go to the State Historic Preservation Office to begin the process. He said he would keep the building empty if this was necessary, but he stressed that constructing a studio within the barn would not change the exterior. Baker indicated his reluctance to eliminate parking completely. Rockwell said that even if the two mature trees on the south were retained and a handicapped-accessible parking space was provided on tho northeast corner, there could still be three to four spaces on the lot. Vogelzang said it appeared thet the applicant had several goals, including opening a restaurant, keeping the trees, not altering the principal structure, and retaining the barn. He suggested that the applicant might need to prioritize these goals. He had a problem with standing in the way of a small business, but he also had a problem with keeping the barn, because he did not know if it was of historic value. Bakkal sawall of the goals as being related. He stressed that the barn's location within one mile of .l57(. Board of Adjustment November 12, 1992 Page 6 the downtown increased its historic value. He was willing to create a parking space on the northeast corner, but stressed that the individuals would not be able to back into the street. Rockwell advised that the parking space could be designed so that there was no need to back into the street. Gentry reminded the Board of the need to discuss the issue of economic hardship when considering a request for a variance. She noted that there had been no evidence of economic hardship presented at this hearing. She said that the restaurant use was permitted under the current zone. She noted that the City Council is considering adoption of a Historic Preservation Plan. This might provide relief from zoning ordinance provisions for historic structures in the future. She suggested that the applicant withdraw his request and get a letter from the Historic Preservation Commission regarding the historic value of the barn. Baker noted that it appeared that the hardship is self-created. Vogelzang agreed that the hardship was self-generated. He felt that this issue was unlikely to change. Rockwell indicated that staff had suggested to the applicant that he request a special exception, not a variance, to reduce the amount of parking required. Baker said he would like to see this project work, but said that there might be other options available. Vogelzang said he had not seen the evidence needed to justify the granting of a variance. Bakkal said that based on the purchase cost, they could not have any economic return on the property for a residential use. Baker said that Bakkal should have known this going into the project. Bakkal said he wanted to avoid paving the lot. He stated that the requirements for receiving a variance are too restrictive. Gentry said that was the law in Iowa. The City does provide for special exceptions that have less stringent requirements. Pelton said he had no question that this request should fail, because the applicant had not met the three tests for the granting of a variance. He said that it was his opinion that the applicant had met none of the tests. He said granting the variance would be contrary to the public interest and the intent of the Zoning Ordinance. He stressed that others in the neighborhood were faced with the same situation. He said that the applicant could request a deferral for consideration of the request as a special exception. He said if this item was defeated, the applicant could still request a special exception, but would be charged a new fee. He suggested that if the applicant agreed to defer this item, the City could apply the variance fee to the special exception fee since the facts of the case would be the same. He stressed that the Board needed to consider the Zoning Ordinance, and apply the regulations consistently. He indicated that only the applicant could request a deferral of this item. Johnson said she wanted to have the required parking provided, because there currently was traffic congestion in the area. Bakkalasked to defer the item and come back before the Board with a special excep!ion request. Larrv Svoboda stated that he owns 490 Iowa Avenue, which is on the same block as the subject tract. He stated thet he has 21 parking spaces on his property. This bordered on being insufficient for his own tenants, which included Legal Services Corporation and Edward Jones on the ground floor. Svoboda said he was often forced to tow cars, because there was an encroachment Into his parking lot by others in the neighborhood. He said a hardship with regard to parking currently exists in the area. This would be increased if a business were to be established without providing any I I , ' :1571, I,' ". Board of Adjustment November 12, 1992 Page 7 parking. He said that to heve a car towed, he needed to summon the police, who then summoned a tow truck. He said in the meantime, the car might be moved. Svoboda said when cars were towed, he often received threatening calls and vandelism occurred to his property. He said that if his commercial tenants could not use their designated parking spaces and must tow cars, he could eventuelly lose the commercial tenants. He said that the parking hardship was on the property owners in the area, their tenants, and tended to decrease the value of the property for those in this situation. He said there are no parking meters on Van Buren Street so it was used for perking during the day by students and those going to the downtown. He stressed thet parking was not allowed in the alley; The only other parking spaces available were those provided on private properties. Johnson stated that she was in favor of requiring that all of the parking be provided. Baker indicated he was sympathetic to the applicant, but the applicant must present a better case to justify any reduction in the parking requirements. MOTION: Pelton moved to defer VAR92-0001. Johnson seconded. The motion carried on a 4-0 vote. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION: Pelton announced that the next meeting would be held on December 9,1992. ADJOURNMENT: Pelton adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m. John Pelton, Chairperson Minutes submitted by Mary Jo Neff ppdodmlnlmln8lbool1.12.mln ...--- ~ ~~~_.- --.- ., .."0\"..__- -- --- 'I , I , I i , , I I , I I \ i , 1 I I l i , ; i I i I I I I I I I ~'57b ':. .--. '" Boo..-d of: ~u~+men~ R.€gLlla.R. ~(lttl\1 meeflN~ novc.mbc..... I:;;l.r 1'I9a crl30 'P. m. ~i€.a.se Si9~ IN: ~a.mE.: I.{Md>4~~ ,j. \\~ ,d7 3. i~~ 4 r \L4v Ri\lkC ;',/Ir ~~ '. 7. 3. 9. 10. II. 1:1, 13. Iq. ----~._--~- R. del. Qe.S5: hO't )1 TA/(JllarU ~1. G}~, ttJ-o J.. O~, ' 'Z.:-S N, \j; 3( I '((..VI /b~~~ ;r:.e ''';'1 'I I,' .' ,: ~ ' ~ ~ -j ,. , I ;;. 57{P " - ~-- u .. ........-... If<<JI_" '" \~) ~ ~\.., MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER1B, 1992.5:15 PM CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CIVIC CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Trey Stevens, Paul Casella, Cordell Jeppsen, Tim Finer, Roger Christian MEMBERS ABSENT: None, STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Brau, Helling, Burnside OTHERS PRESENT: Casey Ashe, Jean Van Deusen, Bill Blough RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL None. LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION/COUNCIL DISPOSITION Triennial review and Cable TV refranchising/renewal process. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION Ashe reported the library has been very busy producing their new programming. Shaffer reported PA TV has hired'a management consultantto assistthem in thensolution,ofseveral :,' .. ',- . issues. Jean Van Deusen reported that the school system has received the interface equip".... "".. ment for XPresslXChange and is expecting to receive a grant from the Department of Education to purchase new computers to dedicate to the service.' Burnside reported that sales" -, tax must be collected on franchise fees as ICPL has been doing. Blough reported that the wiring of the schools to accommodate XPress/XChange has been going well. Request One, a pay per view movie service, will be offered beginning in January at $3.95 per program. TCI is planning to open a regional phone system so TCI personnel will answer service calls after hours rather than a phone answering service. Shaffer reported that the City Cable TV Offices have completed the move into the North Court Addition of the Civic Center. Blough reported that the financial information request for refranchising has been forwarded to TCI division headquarters and the figures are almost finished. Finer expressed concern that the figures will be unaudited and the 1992 figures will not be available until 1993. Jeppsen has reviewed the technical audit by the City's cable consultant and noted several issues including the need for a major system upgrade to expand the number of channels. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:20 p.m. APPROVAL OF THE BTC MINUTES ' Casella moved to approve the October 21, 1992, minutes. Seconded by Finer. Unanimously approved. ~571, , .'1 I , ' :r 2' }' j ''''i :.... ~l i , i ,,) ',t ~ , ! i 'j 1 " ~ ./ !J ,\ ':,) J Broadband Telecommunications Commission November 1 B, 1992 Page 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS Casella thanked Bill Blough for providing a tour of TCI's facilities after the October BTC meeting. LIBRARY REPORT Ashe reported a large number of productions were produced in October and November. Among these were Iowa Time Slice, a series of talks on books with Iowa themes; Book Talk Lunches, a program with author Janet Lee Smith and Books for Givinc and Liking, a program focusing on books which make good gifts. Ashe thanked Bob Hardy and Jerry Nixon for their assistance in troubleshooting some problems with the PVOM. PATV REPORT Shaffer reported Doug Allaire had called him and said PA TV has hired a management consultant to assist him in resolving some issues. ECC REPORT Jean Van Deusen reported the schools have received interface equipment for XPress/XChange and are expecting to get a grant from the Department of Education for computers to dedicate to the service. The schools are examining their' needs for additional drops with TCI personnel and expect to be fully operational by the end of the year. There is a high level of enthusiasm among teachers for the service,.especially in ,the, secondary social sciences. One of the components of the service will'allow teachers to track upcoming programs on specific topics to better utilize cable programming in the classroom. LEGAL REPORT Burnside reported that TCI's collection of sales tax on the franchise fee was proper. TCI OF EASTERN IOWA REPORT Blough reported that TCI has been wiring the schools to accommodate XPress/XChange. Vantage Cable has agreed to purchase interface units for XPress/XChange so Hills and Penn schools can receive the service. TCI will provide the software. TCI will donate $12,000 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association as a result of a promotion run in August and September. TCI is also involved in a program to promote art awareness among children. TCI's contri- bution is used to promote children's programs at Hancher Auditorium and to promote the arts inside the schools. The DMX music service is now available to residents. DMX and pay per view services are the only anticipated sources of new revenue for Heritage in 1993. Request One, a pay per view service, will be offered beginning in January. An accompanying on. screen program guide, Prevue, will also be offered. Subscribers will need to pick up a converter box and call an 800 number to order programs. The service costs $3.95 per program and it will offer the latest movie releases on tape. The converter box costs $4 per month but is waived if two or more movies are ordered per month. TCI has a goal of 3,000 ~,fJ77 ' ____.___._n._u.....__..._ . ~ml>4>.. '" -~ ..L..... -.----~--- .,'.' - , .'1 'I , ': . ,- ,_. Broadband Telecommunications Commission November 18, 1992 Page 3 pay per view subscriptions by 1994. TCI is planning to open a regional phone system which would permit a TCI employee to answer service calls after hours rather than a local answering service. The rapid rate of cable construction continues to stress TCl's technical staff. Brs REPORT Shaffer reported the City Cable TV Offices have completed their move to the North Court Addition of the Civic Center. Channel 29's Needs Assessment has been completed and forwarded to the City's cable consultants, Rice, Williams. Shaffer reported that he received about 60 calls requesting EWTN, a primarily Catholic religious channel. be added to the channel lineup. Shaffer also received complaints about the size of late fees, loss of the Quad City channels and rate increases. A sample tape of Government Information Channel 29 was played for the BTC. CABLE TV REFRANCHISING/RENEWAL Finer inquired into TCI's financial situation. Blough said there are about 21,400 subscribers in the Iowa City area, 16,500 in Iowa City, 4,000 in Coralville and University Heights, and 700 in Johnson County. 64% subscribe to a pay service, including Encore. The effective rate of all pay services is between $6 and $6.50. Iowa City's annual gross revenues to Heritage are approximately $6 million. There are 30,400 serviceable homes in the Iowa City area. Blough projects an increase of 600 subscribers for 1993. Blough said the financial information previously requested had been forwarded to TCI division offices and they have received authority from one of the chief financial officers in Denver to provide as much information as they were are able. These figures are nearly finished. Finer noted that the franchise agreement stipulates that the figures be audited. Blough sa[d there is no plan to conduct an audit. Finer expressed concern he would be unable to adequately fulfill his responsibility if figures for 1992 are unavailable until the end of 1993. Christian reported he ' and S~affer have reviewed TCl's service logs and generally TCI's response times and service have been satisfactory. Jeppsen reported he has reviewed the technical audit and talked with the consultant engineers conducting the audit. He reported that no channels could be added to the system without a major system upgrade. The audit also notes the lack of proper ground at many homes. Blough said FCC grounding standards have changed over the years and TCI is now in a compliance mode in which proper grounds are ensured when a technician is called to a home for a service call. Of the 20,000 subscribers, approximately 16,000 are properly grounded. Jeppsen also reported there is no backup power supply at the antenna sites. Blough said they do have a portable power supply on site but is not now automatic. Jeppsen voted that the audit revealed that the system meets the current FCC performance standards but does not meet proposed FCC ,specifications for hum. Shaffer reported that Rice, Williams are currently collecting and analyzing the Needs Assessment sent to 70 community organizations and agencies. Jean Rice will be In Iowa City December 7 and 8. Any BTC members interested In meeting with Rice should contact Shaffer. It was moved by Casella and seconded by Jeppsen to move the meeting time from 5:15 to 5:30. This was unanimously approved. ~577 .oj , , ' ; , . Broadband Telecommunications Commission November 18, 1992 Page 4 PUBLIC DISCUSSION None. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Finer and seconded by Jeppsen to adjourn. Unanimously approved. Adjournment at 6:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, clbllly\btcl1.1a,nin ~571 ".\ I i I l j I I I I I I ! 1