HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-11-14 Bd Comm minutes
FINAL
SEPTEMBER 2006
~:
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 19, 2006
G08/9- SENIOR CENTER
Call to Order:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Meeting called to order at 3:20 PM
Jay Honohan, Jo Hensch, Sarah Maiers, and Nancy Wombacher
David Gould, Betty Kelly and Bob Engel
Michelle Buhman and Linda Kopping
Lynn Campbell
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the August minutes with the following corrections:
1. Under Promotion Committee add the word of to the second sentence, so it
reads, ...which involved the creation ofa Center drill team..."
2. Under OPERATIONAL REVIEW, change the word celebration in the third
paragraph to celebrate, so it reads, .. ...programs scheduled to celebrate the
Senior Center's 25th Anniversary..."
Motion carried on a vote of 4-0. MaierslWombacher.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Campbell indicated that many people have commented that they really enjoyed the
Membership Appreciation Dinner and Texas Hold 'Em Chili Supper Fundraiser.
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Maiers volunteered to write the web article summarizing this meeting and will attend the
City Council. Honohan volunteered to go to the Board of Supervisors.
Hensch agreed to write the web article summarizing the October meeting.
FY06 FUNDRAISING REPORT - Kopping
The ending balance of the FY06 Gift Fund is $29,066.05. $555.00 of this amount has
been designated for the Senior Center Endowment.
Motion: To transfer $29,066.05 to Senior Center Fund Inc. with $555.00 designated
for the Senior Center Endowment. Maiers/Hensch. Motion carried on a vote of 4-0
ADJOURN TO A MEETING OF THE IOWA CITY SENIOR CENTER FUND INC.
RECONVENE THE MEETING OF THE SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
FINAL
SEPTEMBER 2006
UPDATE ON PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH UNIVERSITY OF IOWA CENTER
ON AGING- Honohan
A revised draft agreement of the partnership between the University of Iowa's Center on
Aging and the Senior Center has been sent to Lori Benz and Julie Bobbit. The
document is currently being reviewed by the University of Iowa's Legal Department.
STANDING COMMITTEE STATUS REPORT
Promotion Committee - Hensch
Hensch reviewed the Promotion Committee's report that were included in the packet.
Wombacher indicated that she has contacted several people in an effort to create a
Newcomers Group. A group of people who are interested in forming a newcomers
organization of some sort will meet to define the group's purpose in October.
Finance Committee- Maiers
Maiers reviewed the meeting notes from the Finance Committee that was included in the
commission packet.
Motion: To approve items 1-3 from the meeting notes from the Finance Committee
meeting on August 24, 2006 meeting. The items are as follows:
1. Submit a budget request asking that $6,424 be moved from approved wall
treatments (painting and wall covering) to cover exterior building repairs.
This will leave a balance of $8,576 to fund the wall treatment project.
2. Proceed with the complete renovations planned for the Assembly Room,
including wall covering, sound system, track lighting and new furniture.
3. If there is a shortfall in available funding for wall treatments, funding from
the bequest of Eleanor Hughes that was approved for the purchase of new
furnishings for the Assembly Room (a total of $50,000) can be used. This
will reduce the total amount of funding available for furniture purchases.
MaiersIWombacher- Motion carried on a vote of 4-0.
Maiers reported that the Finance Committee had reviewed the FY06 Year End Budget
Report.
The Finance Committee also reviewed a draft agreement for use with independent
contractors. If the draft agreement is approved, the Center will collect all class fees. As
compensation for the use of space and equipment, the Center will retain 25% of the
revenue collected from participation fees set by the instructor and forward the remaining
75% to the instructor within two weeks of the initial class session. At this time, the
instructor collects all participation fees set by the instructors, retains 75% of this revenue
as income and pays the Center 25% as compensation for the use of space, equipment
and promotion. The committee believes the change will provide for more accurate
tracking of class participation, increase confidentiality of low income members on
scholarships and ease the confusion related to paying for classes.
This issue of refunding class fees was discussed. The suggestion was made to
implement an administrative fee for those requesting a refund. Kopping and Buhman
will make a recommendation on this matter at the next Commission meeting.
2
FINAL
SEPTEMBER 2006
Motion: To adopt the revised agreement between the Senior Center and
Independent Contractors effective December 2006. Motion carried on a vote of 4-0.
Maiers/Hensch.
Community Relations and Outreach Meeting - Wombacher
This committee has not met since the last commission meeting.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW-Kopping
Staff reports were reviewed and discussed.
The commission reviewed and made minor revisions to the FY06 Senior Center
Commission Annual report.
Motion: To approve the report as amended. Motion carried on a vote of 4-0.
Wombacher/Maiers
A petition that was circulated in the Painting and 3D Media class was given to the
Commission. The petition requests that the lapidary equipment be removed to allow
more space in the current class. Kopping reported that the same week the petition was
submitted, several people came into the Center expressing interest in using the lapidary
equipment.
Motion: To accept the petition. Motion carried on a vote of 4-0.
HenschlWombacher
Motion: To monitor the usage of the lapidary equipment in room G07. Motion
carried on a vote of 4-0. Wombacher/Hensch
COMMISSION DISCUSSION
Honohan gave a report to the City Council about the 25th Anniversary programs.
Motion: To adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 4-0. Wombacher/Maiers.
3
FINAL
SEPTEMBER 2006
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2006
Name Term 1/24 2/21 3/21 4/18 5/23 6/20 8/15 9/19
Expires
Bob Enael 12/31/08 X X X X X OlE OlE OlE
David Gould 12/31/08 X X X X X X X OlE
Jo Hensch 12/31/06 X X X X X X X X
Jay Honohan 12/31/07 X X X X X X X X
Betty Kelly 12/31/07 X OlE X X X X OlE OlE
Sarah Maier 12/31/06 X X X X X OlE X X
Nancy Wombacher 12/31/06 OlE OlE X X X X X X
Key:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
Present
Absent
Absent/Excused
No meeting
Not a member
4
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MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
September 18, 2006
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 7:00 AM
FINAL
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, Chair; John Staley; Janelle Rettig; Howard Horan, Greg
Farris
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Michael Tharp
Others Present:
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 7:00 A.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
BUDGET - Discussion was held for items covered in the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget.
Commissioners presented ideas and areas of interest. The projects that appeared on several
lists became the focus. Rettig noted accounts that had one time expenses that had projected
expenditure numbers based on those expenses. Those expense items could be returned to
their regular levels. There was a consensus that the budget subcommittee would submit the
budget request with requests for Fencing and Terminal Area projects.
ADJOURN - Meeting Adjourned 8:45 A.M.
Chairperson
Date
Airport Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 2 of 2
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2006
IMeetina Datel
TERM 1/12 2/9 3/9 4/13 5/1 5/11 5/31 6/8 6/16 6/23 6/27 7/13
NAME EXP.
Daniel Clay 3/1/08 ... ... m ... ... ... ... ... ... m ... ...
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X X X X X X OlE X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 0 X X X X X X X X X OlE OlE
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X OlE X X OlE X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 ... ... X X X X X X X X X X
7/27 8/10 9/14 9/18
.............
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 OlE X X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 OlE X X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
... = Not a Member
__~._..~'"_.~_ _ __ ___~___~___."_M~_'___'________~__'_'___ "__'___~_____.'___'__~'___________'__"_'_'_________'_.-- ',-
IJ:D
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
September 14, 2006
Iowa City Airport Terminal - 5:45 PM
FINAL
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, Chair; John Staley; Janelle Rettig; Howard Horan, Greg
Farris
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present:
John Yeomans; Jay Honeck; Philip Wolford, Harrel Timmons, David
Hughes
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 5:47 PM.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM AUGUST 10, 2006: Motion to approve minutes by Rettig;
Seconded by Farris, motion passed 5-0
Public Discussion - Items not on the agenda
Jay Honeck addressed the commission regarding the moving of the United Hangar.
Honeck urged the commission to consider a proposal to move the United Hangar to the
south end of Hangar 18/36 as an alternative to demolition.
Items for Discussion/Action:
A. Farmers National Agreement - Commission discussed the management agreement
with Farmer's National. The agreement provided for an opportunity to cancel the
agreement. Staff recommended a continuation of the agreement. Staley moved to
continue the agreement, Rettig seconded, and the motion passed 5-0.
B. Ron Wade offer to purchase part of lot located on S. Gilbert - It was noted that
Mr. Wade had passed away prior to the meeting. Hartwig noted he had spoken with
family members regarding this offer and that they were still interested. David Hughes
was asked questions regarding the position of the parcel. It was noted that this parcel
is currently inside a protection zone, and now that the airport has control of the land
the FAA would not release it for sale. It was noted that any lease options would have
to be approved by the FAA, and they have acceptable uses in place. Hughes noted he
would get copies of this information for the commission. Hughes also commented that
after the runway extension is completed the protection zone may shift, removing this
parcel from protection. At that time the airport could revisit offers.
C. FAA/lOOT Projects - Earth Tech - David Hughes
a. Runway 7/25 - Hughes noted that the project has been underway but has
encountered a wetter than normal late summer/early fall. He noted that
approximately 50% of the contract time has elapsed and 33% of the work has
Airport Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 2 of 4
been completed. He noted they are continuing to monitor the project, but there
could be a possibility of the Grading work being pushed into 2007.
b. Taxi-lane North Tee's and Parking Lot Rehab - Hughes noted work on this
project began on August 29'h. Approximately 50% of the pavement and all the
storm sewer work have been completed. He noted a temporary repair was
done to the area near the fuel pump. He also noted that the SW corner of
Hangar A was damaged during delivery of supplies, and they were working
with the truck owner and insurance to get repairs made.
c. Terminal Apron
i. Update - Hughes commented that the design for this would be
completed this fall so the project could be bid and started as soon as
weather would allow in the spring. He noted that the Supplemental
Agreement paperwork had not been completed as planned. Staff
recommended deferring resolution until next meeting.
ii. Supplemental Agreement No.7
1. Consider a Resolution approving Supplemental Agreement
No.7 for services related to Terminal Apron Rehabilitation
- Motion to defer until next regular meeting by Staley, seconded
by Rettig. Motion Passed 5-0
D. South Aviation Development - Hughes noted they are continuing work drafting the
forecast section of this report. Once the section was complete another meeting of the
committee would be held to discuss the contents.
E. Consultant Agreement with Snyder & Associates - Tharp noted that this
agreement ended on Sept 8'h. Commission held discussions on renewing the
agreement. It was decided against renewing.
F. Jet Air Management Agreement - Commission discussed the current agreement. It
was noted that this agreement was written to help provide for Airport Management
when there was not an operations employee or when they are not if the office. It was
recommended that this agreement be renegotiated with Jet Air. Timmons indicated
that Jet Air was willing to begin discussions.
G. Aviation Commerce Park - Hartwig noted that Harry Wolf was unable to attend the
meeting.
H. Parking Policy - Tharp noted he had been working on a parking policy and that with
the construction work for the new parking lot, this would be a good time for the airport
to adopt a policy. Discussion was held on how complex this policy needed to be, and
who would be in charge of implementing it. Commission asked Tharp to prepare a
policy regarding vehicles parking longer than 14 days at the airport.
I. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and Airport
Management - Hartwig noted they had received Fiscal Year 2008 budget paperwork
earlier in the day and that it was due back to the city on Sept 25. A Budget Meeting
was set for Monday September 18, at 7am. Horan challenged each commission to
have 10 project ideas to help set the projects for the year.
Airport Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 3 of 4
J. Subcommittees' Reports - Farris noted he and Tharp had a meeting with the city's
web designer to update the Airport's information. He also commented they were
continuing work on getting a service in place to provide electronic notifications to the
public.
Commission Members' Reports
Staff Report - Tharp noted that October 3-4, the FAA Central Region conference was going to be
held. He noted that after speaking with Hartwig, the decision was made to send him, and
extended that offer to other commissioners. Hartwig noted that this is one of the annual
conferences that the Airport regularly sends staff.
Set next regular meeting for October 12, 2006 at 5:45 p.m.
Adjourn - Meeting Adjourned 7:50pm
Chairperson
Date
Airport Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 4 of 4
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2006
(Meetin~ Date
TERM 1/12 2/9 3/9 4/13 5/1 5/11 5/31 6/8 6/16 6/23 6/27 7/13
NAME EXP.
)aniel Clay 3/1/08 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
~andy Hartwig 3/1109 X X X X X X X X X DIE X X
,reg Farris 3/1/07 0 X X X X X X X X X OlE OlE
lohn Staley 3/1/10 X X X X X X DIE X X OlE X X
ioward Horan 3/1/08 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 --- --- X X X X X X X X X X
7/27 8/10 9/14
............
~andy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X
.reg Farris 3/1/07 OlE X X
lohn Staley 3/1/10 X X X
ioward Horan 3/1/08 X X X
lanelle Rettig 3/1/12 DIE X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
City ofIowa City Parks & Recreation Commission
August 9, 2006
Recreation Center Meeting Room B
J:::rj
REVISED FINAL I
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting called to order at 5:00 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Judith Klink, Ryan O'Leary, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter, John Watson,
MEMBERS ABSENT: Margie Loomer, Matt Pacha, John Westefeld
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Moran, Terry Robinson, Terry Trueblood
OTHERS PRESENT: None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Moved bv Pacha, seconded bv Raaz, to approve the Julv 19, 2006 minutes as written,
Unanimous.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
No public discussion.
DISCUSSION OF PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN:
Trueblood updated Commission of master plan progress. He has collected information from
consultants and is in the process of reviewing. Trueblood will report again at a later meeting.
CONSIDER RESTROOM AND SHELTER DESIGNS FOR THE RIVERSIDE
FESTIVAL STAGE AREA:
Trueblood reviewed preliminary design plans with the Commission. "Low-lights" are proposed
for the walkway coming from the theatre. The restroom/shelter proposals included placing
restroom and shelter on opposite sides of the stage and a plan where both are put on the same
side. Trueblood also reviewed a plan for constructing round buildings for the shelter and
restroom. Trueblood presented this plan to the CIP committee who liked the round design. The
Commission discussed and overall consensus is that they prefer the round design as well,
however, would be happy with square design if round design is too costly.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 9, 2006
Page 2 of 5
At this point Raaz asked about the possibility of placing vending machines throughout the park.
Pending at this time.
Watson asked if security is a concern regarding restroom and shelter at the stage area. Trueblood
reported that the shelter is open, as are most of the shelters in the park; however, restrooms are
locked nightly at the parks closing.
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION RELATIVE TO SAND LAKE RECREATION AREA:
Trueblood expressed his concern regarding the cost estimate for this project which came in at
$5.7 million. He will be meeting again with the designers to look closely at the plan to determine
where costs can be cut, i.e. 4 restrooms would not be necessary. The City may also look at the
possibility of building this project in phases. There was some discussion as to whether it was
thought that this firm may be higher priced than others. Trueblood stated at this point he has
nothing to compare their pricing too.
DISCUSS ANNUAL PARKS TOUR:
The annual parks tour is scheduled for Wednesday, September 14. The Commission will meet in
Room B at 4:00 p.m. and meet for a brief time and then depart for the tour. An invitation will go
out to the City Council as well as Public Art members. Suggested sites for the tour as follows:
. "Birds in Flight" sculpture located at South Sycamore Greenway
. "Just for Kicks" sculpture at the Kicker's Soccer complex
. Wetherby Public Art
. Willow Creek Public Art
. Peninsula Park
. Brookland Park
. City Park (Riverside Festival Stage, Angel Statue, Boys Baseball Facility, Bocce Courts)
. Sand Lake
. Waterworks Prairie Park
. Playgrounds at North Market Square and Oakgrove Park
. Grantwood Gymnasium
. Elks Club (area where tree planting or screen placement is requested)
Trueblood encouraged Commission to contact him with any sites that were not mentioned.
Discussion ensued regarding Elks Club request for City to plant trees outside of the Elks Club
fence on the hole near the Peninsula Park land to help "screen" Elks Club golfers from the dog
park and disc golf area. Reisetter asked if Elks Club should be required to share in the cost of
this project. Raaz suggested asking the Elks Club about placing a connector trail to Taft
Speedway. Pending at this time.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 9, 2006
Page 3 of 5
CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO PURSUE A POLICY TO PROHIBIT OR
DISOURAGE SMOKING IN PARKS:
Reisetter commented that the State would probably not allow this type of legislation by the City.
Gustaveson commented that there are several cities that have banned smoking in outside areas,
but admitted they are still considered controversial policies. Reisetter suggested perhaps setting
aside smoking areas. Trueblood noted that we currently have a no smoking policy at the
swimming pools and at Riverside Theatre, however, stated that if contested it would probably not
stand up in court. Currently there are signs discouraging smoking at the Kickers complex and at
Napoleon Park. Overall consensus of the Commission was to discuss further the possibility of
placing signs discouraging smoking, but would not elect to ban smoking at this time.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Reisetter was contacted by a neighbor regarding his concern about the City unnecessarily
removing trees. He asked if there are written standards in place. Robinson stated that the Iowa
City Forestry Department does not have written standards, however, there are national written
standards which he passed out to the Commission for their review. Robinson also reported that
the specific tree in question did indeed, based on these national standards, need to come down.
He described the tree as having one lead off of it that was completely dead and the other nearly
completely dead. He also stated that as a courtesy the City always contacts adjacent homeowners
whenever a tree in the right-of-way is going to be removed.
Raaz commended the Recreation Department for the "Family Fun Night" programs they are
offering at the parks this summer. Moran noted that the department has received a number of
positive comments about this program.
Klink shared photos of her recent trip to Austria. She had photos of an island that had been
placed in a lake. She also had pictures of a climbing wall that had been placed on a river walk.
Klink also noted that a number of buildings on their trip used solar power for energy. She stated
that she wished she had thought of this before plans were in place for the roof replacement of the
Recreation Center.
CHAIRS REPORT:
Gustaveson reported that he played his first game of bocce recently and has since signed up to
play in a fall league. Encouraged other Commission members to try the bocce courts. He also
mentioned that he was recently at the dog park and that is being very well used. He did express
his concern about parking once the disc golf course opens.
Gustaveson mentioned that there are still letters being sent to the Press Citizen regarding the
Angel of Hope Statue - both positive and negative. One couple had mentioned to him how they
love the location. They stated that while they were there they could see and hear the kids on the
amusement rides, but it was still far enough away to provide solitude.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 9, 2006
Page 4 of 5
DIRECTORS REPORT:
Riverside Festival Stage Art Proposal: Ron Clark from Riverside Theatre had submitted a public
art proposal to Trueblood for a sculpturelbench placement near the Riverside Festival Stage.
Trueblood presented photos of the Shakespeare sculpture to the Commission. While the
Commission liked the sculpture very much, the price is considered to be extreme ($49,000).
Commission felt that if Riverside wanted to do some fundraising towards the sculpture, perhaps
they could further discuss the project.
City Park Centennial Celebration performance of the "State Fair." Trueblood noted that the
production of the play "State Fair" was well attended having distributed 1,520 tickets for the
performances. This play was offered to the public at no fee as part of the City Park Centennial
Celebration.
Dog Park Pond: Trueblood stated that the City is still working on the pond work at the dog park.
They hope to fill the pond later this week or early next week.
Disc Golf Course Update: Robinson updated the commission on progress at the disc golf course.
He stated that all of the pads are in place and that the posts were delivered today and will be
installed soon.
Recreation Center Window Replacement Proiect: Moran updated the Commission on the
Recreation Center window project. The project is to start on September 18. They will begin on
the west side of the building first. Moran will get a detailed schedule next week. At this time the
projected start date for work on the south side is October 4.
Proposed Boathouse: Trueblood is still working with the University on the possible boathouse
project. The university has narrowed the architect list to four which are all from the Midwest.
Moved bv Raaz. seconded bv Reisetter to adiourn at 6:35 p.m. Unanimous.
Parks and Recreation Commission
August 9, 2006
Page 5 of 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2006
TERM
NAME EXPIRES 1/11 2/8 3/8 4/12 5/10 6/7 7/19 8/9 9/13 10/11 1lI8 12/13
Craig
Gustaveson 1/1/07 X X X X X OlE OlE X
Judith
Klink 1/1/07 OlE X X OlE X X X X
Margaret
Loomer 111/08 X X X X X X X OlE
Ryan
O'Leary 111/10 X X X X X X X X
Matt
Pacha 111/09 X X X OlE OlE X X OlE I
Jerry
Raaz 111/08 X X X X X X X X
Phil
Reisetter 1/1/09 OlE X OlE X X X OlE X
John 111/07
Watson X OlE X X X X X X
John
Westefeld 1/1110 X X X X X X OlE OlE
KEY: X= Present
0= Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM= No meeting
LQ= No meeting due to lack of quorum
--- - Not a Member
rnD
APPROVED
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2006, 6:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM - CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting called to order at 6:40 P.M.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Jerry Anthony, Steve Crane, Holly Hart, Brian Richman, Michael Shaw
MEMBERS ABSENT: Marcy DeFrance, Matthew Hayek, Thomas Niblock
STAFF PRESENT: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Linda Severson
OTHERS PRESENT: Bob Cremer, Maryann Dennis, Charles Eastham, Sadie Hildebrand
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council actionl:
None
APPROVAL OF THE AUGUST 15. 2006 MEETING MINUTES
Long noted a change in the fifth paragraph of the first page, where it should say there is a formal
application process.
MOTION: Shaw moved to approve the minutes as amended. Richman seconded, and the motion carried
on a vote of 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
Anthony noted that an inclusionary zoning subcommittee was formed at the last meeting. The
subcommittee met for the first time on September 18 and will be having a series of meetings in the next
two months. Their objective is to present a recommendation to the full commission for discussion in
December.
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Hightshoe said no one has expressed any preference to her regarding serving as officer. Anthony said he
would like to continue as chair for another year. Shaw asked if a nomination is required. Hightshoe said
yes, and asked if Richman is interested in continuing as vice-chair. Richman said he would be happy to
continue.
MOTION: Shaw nominated Anthony to continue as commission chair and Richman as vice-chair.
Crane seconded, and the motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Long suggested discussing design standards first. Anthony agreed.
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion of Design Standards for Federally Assisted Housing Projects
Hightshoe noted this has been discussed for the last few months. Every HOME agreement has a
provision that the city must approve the building design before the developer may obtain a building
permit. There are currently no design standards in place, thus there is no consistent criteria to use when
reviewing these plans. This has caused some confusion and/or frustration with applicants and staff as for
the applicant it is unclear what staff will be looking for during the review. Having guidelines would assist
applicants save time by establishing what will be reviewed and what is required so the applicants does
not have to spend time designing a building that will not be approved.
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21 , 2006
Page 2
Hightshoe said staff started with the design guidelines from Springfield, MO and made revisions based in
part on input from planning staff and affordable housing providers. There are revisions that will be
implemented based on conversations with affordable housing providers such as changing the minimum
requirement that the foundation extend six inches (not two feet) above grade to be in agreement with city
code.
Hightshoe said the purpose of the guidelines is to have housing developed with CDBG/HOME funds fit or
complement the surrounding neighborhood to lessen opposition to affordable housing in our
neighborhoods. Most of the guidelines are based on what homes in the vicinity look like. There is
currently a question about how "vicinity" is defined, whether within the same block or a miie of the
proposed affordable housing. Shaw asked whether that would be added to the guidelines. Hightshoe said
staff would look into a definition. Staffs opinion of vicinity is the immediate vicinity - the neighboring
homes when standing on the lot and looking around. The neighboring homes would be considered, not
those several blocks away.
Long said it is basically a matter of looking at the immediate neighborhood and making sure that
affordable housing does not stand out. With the city investing a lot of money in these projects, the intent is
to have the affordable housing look like the other houses as much as feasible. Richman said that makes
sense, though he would like to hear what some of the developers have to say about this. He noted some
other standards that were quantitativeiy expressed that seemed too limiting, such as the requirements for
garage placement and the width of pedestrian paths. He asked whether those requirements were in
agreement with city codes or if they are specific to these design standards.
Hightshoe said pedestrian paths in single family uses are specific to the design standards. There are
standards for multi-family housing in the code. Richman asked about the garage recess requirement.
Long said it is a requirement for multi-family, but not about single-family.
Richman said he is not opposed, but is wondering if the specifics are too limiting. Hightshoe said inclusion
of garages is not required, but the guidelines could indicate that if a garage is included, It should be
similar to the houses currently in the neighborhood while the specifics are removed. Long said they did
hear concerns from the Housing Fellowship about that requirement (Provision H.2 on draft).
Dennis said the Housing Fellowship typically purchases lots that are in subdivisions for new construction,
so they are required to meet standards based on the covenants in the subdivisions. If there were a
situation with an infilllot, they would have concerns if the standards required something other than what is
currently in the neighborhood.
Dennis asked whether there would be a specific dollar amount listed to define "substantial rehabilitation,"
or if staff would determine that on a case-by-case basis. Hightshoe said substantial rehabilitation is
defined by HUD, however did not remember the exact definition. Hightshoe said she will research and
include a definition in the guidelines as to when applicable. Dennis asked if that is a dollar amount. She
said that state HOME regulations specify that anything above $49,999 per unit would be considered
substantial. Eastham agreed that substantial rehabilitation needs to be defined.
Eastham said new construction also should be clearly defined, since that could include both homes that
the Housing Fellowship and Habitat build, but also homes the organizations purchase that are newly
constructed. Hightshoe stated existing homes purchased is considered acquisition, not new construction.
Dennis said that when their organizations apply for funds that are allocated through this process, they
have already presented a budget and plan for how many units will be built or acquired with those funds.
Their concern is going through an additional review process that would potentially change the budget of
the project. She said the concern is not with changing the building plan as much as the budget, since they
have to coordinate so many sources of funding in order to complete a project.
Shaw asked for confirmation that this would be the reason to have guidelines available for their use at the
outset. Dennis said that is fine, as long as the guidelines are not subjective. Dennis said she is
comfortable with having Hightshoe and Long evaluate the plans, but there is no guarantee that they are
the only ones who will be doing it. This design review also adds another layer to a process that is already
complicated.
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21, 2006
Page 3
Eastham said any guideline that has potential cost effects to the project should have a justification for the
additional requirement. Since this is applied to affordable housing, funds are extremely limited; it might be
a choice between doing additional work on the interior of the home versus adding an element for the
exterior look. This could possibly add costs to the projects at a time when they have no additional sources
of funds, except to come back to the city to ask for more money. He noted that the council has shown a
disinclination to follow the Scattered Site Housing Taskforce's recommendation to have additional local
funds made available to assist with scattering. He suspects the council will also not be inclined to supply
additional local funds to cover the costs of design guidelines beyond those required by the zoning code.
Long agreed that Is a valid point, though staff understands that the council would like housing that is built
with federal funds not to stand out from the surrounding neighborhoods. Scattering housing is a totally
different issue. He noted that the city is investing a lot of money into affordable housing, and is interested
in having that money be a good investment for the people living there. Long added that most CDSG and
HOME projects already meet the proposed guidelines.
Dennis said the philosophy of the Housing Fellowship has always been to make it attractive. They have to
make sure peopie want to live in it, so they want to have their houses fit into the neighborhoods, too. She
said that though there are benefits to keeping the guidelines flexible, that flexibility might unintentionally
provide ammunition for neighbors who object to affordable housing being built in their neighborhoods.
Richman said from his perspective there are places where quantitatively expressed specifics that could
cause some concerns for developers. At the same time, in concept, the guidelines ought to help fight the
neighborhood objections to affordable housing. Dennis said some of the requirements seem very rational.
Mainly the concern is with the infilllots, which are small in number. Most of their plans have to agree with
subdivision covenants, so the design standards are already covered.
Shaw said his additional concern is not to set the guidelines too rigidly, so that all the affordable housing
looks alike. There is value in diversity. Long said the guidelines are not concerned with style of the house,
but with fitting into the surrounding neighborhood. He said staff does not really want strict standards, but
they have had some cases that have caused them to feel it is necessary to have some written guidelines.
He added that one executive director of a non-profit housing deveioper requested written guidelines,
though that person is not in attendance.
Richman asked how specific covenants get for building in new developments. He asked if they specify
such things as roof pitch, front door alignment, and similar exterior elements. Eastham said garage is
often regulated, roof pitch can be, but size is often the largest consideration. Dennis added that colors are
specified as well. She said that most developers require a plan to be submitted and approved before they
can begin building.
Richman asked for confirmation that having the guidelines specify similarity in design to the surrounding
neighborhood would not be problematic. Eastham said if it is phrased that way, it could be implemented,
though there is still a question on how the review process would work. There needs to be a timeline
specified so that the applicants can have a definite idea about when things will happen and a decision will
be made.
Dennis asked for confirmation that the issues leading to the development of these guidelines involved
infill lots. Long said yes. Dennis suggested specifying that the guidelines only apply to infill lots, while
construction in new subdivisions are required to comply with covenant restrictions.
Richman suggested first defining the word "vicinity." In the case of construction in new subdivisions, the
vicinity would the subdivision in which it is located. For infill lots, it would be a three-block radius, for
example, which would likely accommodate a wide variety of housing styles, but would hopefully also be
reasonably consistent.
Shaw asked Cremer if he had anything he would like to add to the discussion. Cremer introduced himself
as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and said he is present at the meeting on his own to listen to the
proceedings and learn more about the issue. In his opinion, the guidelines are completely unnecessary
and are designed to solve a problem that does not exist. He does not see how adding these guidelines
and the associated cost would be necessary. He asked for clarification of what the problem is. The idea of
having to match a house with the surrounding area is very difficult and nebulous. Matching to the
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21, 2006
Page 4
surrounding architecture in some cases might be a detriment to the neighborhood. Habitat objects to the
guidelines for good reason, and he does not see why some of the specific architectural additions are
necessary .
Long said the city feels that a tremendous investment is put into affordable units, so they would like them
to conform to the rest of the neighborhood. They do not what the houses to stand out as obviously built as
affordabie units. It hasn't been an issue except with Habitat, and Habitat's director asked city staff to
come up with consistent guidelines. He added that the complaints about housing have been about Habitat
homes.
Cremer said he wondered whether the ccmplaints were actually about the architecture of the homes or
about concerns with poor people moving into certain areas. Anthony said he believes the concern is
primarily the architecture because the people who move into Habitat housing are pretty much the same
people who move into Housing Fellowship and other agency housing, though no complaints are heard
about those. Shaw noted that Habitat houses do have visual indicators that it is affordable housing during
its construction, because of the large groups of people who work on the houses.
Eastham said he agreed that adding costs through added features is not going to accomplish much. Long
suggested sitting down with the involved groups to figure out what the additional costs wouid be for some
of these requirements. Hightshoe pointed out that if the city has $60K invested in the lot, and if you could
document that these guidelines increased cost by $1,000 (if any) that would still be a relatively small
amount considering the level of subsidy provided. Eastham noted that Habitat does not receive the
benefit of the city investment. The homebuyer receives that $59,000 or $60,000 benefit, and additional
design elements just add to the cost the homebuyers pay.
Long said he would like to meet with the groups to look at what additionai costs would be incurred by
these design elements. He said he looked at all the current Housing Fellowship projects, and they fit all of
the guidelines they could come up with. Dennis said if the guidelines were requested by Habitat, what is
Habitat's objection to them? Cremer said he is not aware that Habitat asked for guidelines, but that being
the case, it is a case of not liking what is being proposed.
Shaw confirmed that the primary concerns are additional costs, and restrictiveness. He asked whether
there was a way to look at the community from which the guidelines were drawn before the standards
were put into place. Long noted that there are many communities that have design guidelines for
affordable housing. Shaw asked if there was a way to determine what the additional costs when the
guidelines were added. Hightshoe said she called the community that the proposed guidelines are
patterned after, and they said they have had great success with these guidelines, both with homeowners
and neighbors. Homeowners have gotten more equity from the homes and the homes have been
appreciating faster. The Neighborhood Conservation Office (Springfield, MO) stated that if the design
requirements did cost the developer additional funds, it was no more than 5% and that most designs did
not increase the price. Hightshoe stated the original guidelines (Springfield, MO) are stricter than the ones
proposed in this draft.
Crane said that most of these homes probably meet the covenants already, except for some situations
that need to be discussed specifically. Richman agreed, except in the case of infill lots. He said it seems
that it would be hard to supply objective analysis of increased costs, since there is such wide variance in
building costs due to neighborhood, size of house, etc. Maybe they add some cost to the price of the
house, but it does not seem that asking for houses to be consistent with the surrounding area should add
a significant cost. If it does, it is probably worth it, since the objective of creating affordable housing is not
to build the cheapest possible unit, but to build something that makes affordable housing acceptable and
adds value to the house.
Anthony said that the things that will really change the cost of building any home are the foundation, the
square footage, requirements for garages, and minimum heights. Exterior and interior finishes add costs
also. Since none of the regulations pertain to any of those, he is unsure how much of a cost increase they
would cause. Most of the housing developers of affordable housing build homes that exceed the
requirements, but there have been cases that have caused problems in the past. Also, Anthony agreed
with Richman that this should be viewed from a long-term perspective of improving the quality of those
few problematical units, so hopefully neighborhood resistance to affordable housing would be reduced.
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21, 2006
Page 5
Long said staff would take the suggestions and talk more with the providers of affordable housing, then
bring it back to the commission in October. Hightshoe said these guidelines would be applied for houses
approved in FY08. She said the city would not require a developer who already had a design for FY07 or
FY06 redo their design; however it is in the HOME agreement that the city approve the design before a
building permit is issued. There will be flexibility in review of FY06, 07 projects. Having the guidelines to
review before design or submitting plans will help to avoid additional design costs or time delays. She
added she hoped that if there were any questions that the developers would ask staff for clarification
during the process.
Shaw asked since this would be for FY08, what would be the timeline for approving the guidelines. Long
said they would have to be approved by December 1, 2006. Shaw asked if there was a way to get the
revised guidelines early, before the packets. Long said yes.
Cremer asked for clarification of the decision made about the guidelines. Anthony said that staff would be
making the changes that were discussed at the meeting, and will email out the revised version to
interested parties in advance of the October meeting. Then there will be more discussion about it at that
meeting and perhaps a vote on whether to adopt them.
PUBLIC HEARING & APPROVAL OF THE FY06 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE &
EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
Anthony asked for confirmation that this is a formal, mandated public hearing on CAPER. Long said yes.
Anthony said the public hearing is open.
Long distributed the year-end reports, which are formatted according to HUD guidelines. He summarized
by saying that $855,111 in HOME funds and $1.2 million in CDBG funds were spent. Income received
was $320K from loan repayments. CDBG funds assisted 17,300 people, some of which are duplicated
between agencies. Still, he noted that is a tremendous number of people.
Richman stated the chart on page 9 was beneficial to show the progress towards meeting our CITY
STEPS housing goals and identifying the need to focus on affordable rental housing. Hightshoe stated
that is this the first year of the plan and staff is reporting accomplishments differently than last year. In
previous years, staff reported projects underway as well as those completed in the fiscal year. This year
staff only reported on the housing projects completed in FY06, however there are severai projects
underway such as Melrose Ridge (18 units affordable rental), Whispering Garden (12 units of affordable
rental, and Longfellow Manor (6 units affordable rental) that are not reflected in the chart.
Hightshoe stated some of the goals identified in CITY STEPS may be difficult to achieve given the
funding available. We will continue to look at this during the 5-year plan.
MOTION: Crane moved to approve the FY06 CAPER and to forward it on to the US Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Shaw seconded the motion.
Motion passed 5-0.
SELECTION OF PROJECTS TO MONITOR IN FY07
Each HCDC Member selected 2-4 projects to monitor. Anthony suggested that staff assign projects to
those not in attendance. Hightshoe stated she will complete the monitor list and forward it in the next
packet as well as email out to HCDC members.
TIMELlNE FOR THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN
Hightshoe stated that each year, staff review the strategic plan and priorities established in CITY STEPS.
CITY STEPS is our 5 year plan to address the needs of low income residents through housing, jobs and
services. Two meetings are scheduled to obtain feedback on CITY STEPS. Staff tries to obtain feedback
each year from different agencies and clientele. This year, meetings were set up at Successful Living
(agency that provides supportive services and singe room occupancy rooms for persons living alone, men
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21, 2006
Page 6
and women) and at the Local Homeless Coordinating Board meeting. A summary of the comments
received will be sent to HCDC members in the October HCDC packet.
Hightshoe encouraged HCDC members to attend one or both of these meetings. Staff will also be
meeting with police officers to discuss emergency/crisis needs. If any HCDC member would like to be
present at that time, just let staff know. We will be holding a public meeting during the October HCDC
meeting to go over the comments received. If HCDC wishes to amend CITY STEPS a recommendation
to amend CITY STEPS must be sent to council.
OLD BUSINESS
DISCUSSION OF CDBG AND HOME INVESTMENT POLICIES
Long discussed a waiver of the investment policy for transitional housing for homeless families upon
receiving a request from HACAP (FY06 HOME recipient). HACAP requested HCDC review possibie loan
forgiveness due to the due to the inability to pay the full loan. The investment policy requires a 100% pay
back loan at 0% for non-profit housing developers. Richman stated he would prefer to review housing
policy and not make exceptions for one provider. Anthony stated he would like to have flexibility of loan
terms for all transitional housing such as. part loan, part grant due to the ability to payor rent structure.
Richman suggested pay back be based on rent revenues and could possibility be determined at intervals,
such an annually, every 6 months, etc.
Long stated he would recommend flexibility in the terms provided to transitional housing providers as
many do not receive full fair market rent or a rent that would cover operational and maintenance
expenses during the life of the project. Hightshoe stated there are housing providers that can make full
payment as their properties receive fair market rent due to Section 8 vouchers or the residents in the' unit
are of a higher income than the clients in transitional housing. Hightshoe stated she would encourage a
policy that recognized the rent revenue collected. When providing housing to homeless families and
individuals, the developer will not collect fair market rent or typically any Section 8 subsidy. As they only
charge 30% of the household's income, this may not be much and certainly in some cases not enough for
the project to provide sufficient cash flow. Hightshoe would like to see some flexibility with the terms
recognizing the ability to pay instead of a set policy stating transitional housing providers all get a
conditional occupancy loan.
Anthony suggested upon reviewing the proforma, a determination of the appropriate loan terms be made.
Shaw questioned if that would be too time consuming for staff. Long stated that staff currently performs
that function now and could review for repayment terms as staff had that flexibility in the past. Hightshoe
stated that agency rent rolls could be reviewed to determineiverify estimated gross rent revenue for the
project and what payment could be made. Therefore the financial assistance provided could be in a form
of a certain percentage conditional occupancy loan arid the remainder a loan.
Anthony asked staff to come up with CDBG and HOME investment scenarios to discuss at the
October HCDC meeting.
DISCUSSION OF CDBG AND HOME COUNCIL EARMARKS
Aid-to Agencies - Severson gave information on the Aid-to-Agencies process. Local health and human
service agencies complete one application form yearly and may request funding from City of Coralville,
City of Iowa City, Johnson Count Board of Supervisors and/or the United Way of Johnson County. For
FY 07, the City of Iowa City allocated $446,973.00 to 15 agencies (17 programs), one collaborative effort
and the contingency fund for Aid to Agencies. Of this amount, $305,923 comes from the General Fund,
$105,000 from CDBG and $36.050 from utilities division. The City of Iowa City has typically appointed
two council members to handle the review of the paper application and participate in presentations and/or
site visits to the agencies. Then the two council members develop funding recommendations to present
to the whole council for review and decision. Each agency that receives funding from Iowa City submits
quarterly information (program report, financial reports, and board minutes) which is reviewed by
Severson. She also visits agencies on an informal basis and may attend programs or fund raising events.
Richman recommended to leave process as is, that is, that HCDC allocates whatever remains in the
public service category after the Aid-to-Agency set-aside is removed. Shaw commented that the reason
Housing and Community Development Commission Minutes
September 21, 2006
Page 7
he is on the commission is to review public service needs and make recommendations on the allocation.
Other reasons included the availability of funds for the allocation to new projects or services and that the
allocation reflect CITY STEPS priorities.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Shaw moved to adjourn. Richman seconded and the motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10.
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IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FINAL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25,2006--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, IO S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
[;
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Gary Hagen, Saul Mekies, Nicholas Parker, Margaret Wieting
MEMBERS ABSENT:
John Weatherson
STAFF PRESENT:
Drew Shaffer, Dale Helling, Bob Hardy
OTHERS PRESENT:
Beth Fisher, Kevin Hoyland, Josh Goding, Susan Rogusky, Craig O'Brien, Lee
Grassley
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Grassley reported Mediacom's efforts to improve customer service phone problems should begin to show
results. Mekies responded that given Mediacom's report last month that in 30 days improvement should be
noticeable. Hagen said he had received a number of inquiries as to why Mediacom did not carry the
University of Iowa football game with Montana, which was carried by ESPNU. Grassley said ESPNU is a
relatively new programming service but has demanded a very high price for carriage. ESPNU is scheduled
to carry one Iowa football game and 2 basketball games. The most frequent complaint received is that rates
are too high. From Mediacom's perspective meeting ESPNU's demand to be placed in the family package
rather than as a digital offering did not make economic sense. Mediacom did try to buy just that game.
Goding reported PATV produced a number ofPSA's for local nonprofit organizations over the last month.
PATV also taped the Women's Resource Action Center's Women Public Leadership Series program entitled
Why Politics, Why Me. PATV will tape all the programs in that series. PATV is co-sponsoring two days of
film screenings at the Iowa City Public Library's Intellectual Freedom Festival. Hoyland reported that the
school district will be hiring someone to be a web developer and video production specialist. Mekies said he
was pleased to here this and this should mean an improvement in the school's channel. Hardy reported that
program playback equipment has been upgraded. Program software has also been upgraded to integrate
playback scheduling, schedule reporting to TV Guide, and program production. This should save staff time.
The new system should facilitate video on demand offerings. The channel has provided coverage of
numerous candidate forums and will soon have the Meet the Candidates program available. _Shaffer reported
he has been busy working on the budget. Shaffer reported he will be speaking to the Iowa League of Cities
about telecommunications issues and legislation. Shaffer continues to research wi-fi systems. Hagen said
that in regard to budgets the Commission should communicate to the City Council that now that the City has
$1 million more in revenue than expected. The $100,000 taken from cable TV franchise fees to supplement
the general fund should be returned to the Cable Division. There was a class action lawsuit filed against
seven Iowa cities based on the Kragnes suit in Des Moines. The Kragnes suit involved the collection of
franchise fees from an electric company. The court ruled the fees were not legal and remanded the case back
to the district court to determine the amount offees that could legally be collected. A new class action suit
claims that franchise fees on cable TV services are an illegal tax and cannot be collected. This case is
different from the Kragnes case in that there is federal law involved. It will be some time before the case
reaches the court.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
,_~_.~.__..._______._.,_ _____.___.__._________.__._.,_...__.'._...._.. . "'._.,._____.___._____..__.___"mN._...______.__
Hagen moved and Parker seconded a motion to approve the amended August 28, 2006 minutes. The minutes
were approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Mekies said he has been working with Shaffer on agenda items for the Commission retreat. Hagen noted
that the City of West Branch is considering eliminating their Cable Television Commission. Grassley
responded this was true and he felt this was shortsighted on their part.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted there were 16 complaints, which is
still high given the average number of complaints on a monthly basis. There has still been some trouble
reaching Mediacom by phone. Hagen said that this is an important issue and can be very frustrating for
consumers. At this point in Mediacom's redesign of their call center operations the problems are being
addressed but it does warrant close monitoring.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley reported Mediacom's efforts to improve customer service phone problems should begin to show
results. Mekies said that given Mediacom's report last month that improvement should be see within 30
days. 24 new customer service representatives will finish their training soon. Negotiations with a third party
for over-flow calls for Internet service are in progress. A turn around should become apparent in the next 60
days. Compilation and categorization of calls is being done to better identify any patterns or systemic
problems to be addressed. Grassley said peak use periods for Internet service is from 3-7 p.m. and from 6-10
p.m. for video. Hagen said he had received a number of inquiries as to why Mediacom did not carry the
University ofIowa football game with Montana, which was carried by ESPNU. Grassley said ESPNU is a
relatively new programming service but has demanded a very high price for carriage. ESPNU is scheduled
to carry one Iowa football game and 2 basketball games. The most frequent complaint received is that rates
are too high. From Mediacom's perspective meeting ESPNU's demand to be placed in the family package
rather than as a digital offering did not make economic sense. Mediacom did try to buy just that game.
Mekies noted that the Press Citizen ran an editorial criticizing Mediacom for not carrying the Montana
football game. Grassley said Mediacom did send a press release out to the larger newspapers in the state
explaining the situations. It is possible the Press Citizen did not receive a press release and said he would
check to make sure the Press Citizen did receive this notice. Parker asked about the third party contractor.
Grassley said that calls that have been on hold too long will be directed to the outside contractor. In regards
to the dissolution of the West Branch Cable TV Commission Grassley said that the Commission had a
disagreement with the City Council resulting in 4 of the 5 members resigning. The Council believed that
because a new franchise had been recently negotiated that there was no need for an active Commission.
Grassley said he felt that was shortsighted on West Branch's part. Grassley said the new Mediacom website,
Mediacomcc.com, should be up in about a week.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
No representative was present.
PATV REPORT
Goding reported P A TV produced a number of PSA' s for local nonprofit organizations over the last month.
P A TV also taped the Women's Resource Action Center's Women Public Leadership Series program entitled
Why Politics, Why Me. P A TV will tape all the programs in that series. P A TV is co-sponsoring two days of
film screenings at the Iowa City Public Library's Intellectual Freedom Festival. A studio workshop will be
held on Sept. 27th. The Open Channel Program will also be on Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. The next guidelines
workshop will be Oct. I. A producer forum for screening and constructive critique will be held Oct. 12 a 6
p.m. at the library. The next board meeting will be Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at PATV.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky reported that SCTV has been busy taping programs relating to the Senior Center's 25-year
anniversary in addition to their regular programs. SCTV staff has implemented a training program that has
enhanced the quality ofSCTV. SCTV holds weekly meetings at II a.m. Commissioners are welcome to
attend.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
Hoyland reported that the 25th anniversary of the school district foundation was taped. The school district
will be hiring someone to be a web developer and video production specialist. Mekies said hew pleased to
hear this and that this should mean an improvement in the school's channel. Hoyland distributed a copy of
the job description. Hagen said the new position is a very positive development. Hoyland said there have
been discussions about how to develop video production instruction in the high schools. In the past there
had been problems with the suitability of student-produced programs for the cablecast. O'Brien said that the
educational consortium in Cedar Rapids runs a video contest for students across the school district that
awards cash prizes of up to $250. The student videos are compiled and played back on the education
channel.
LIBRARY REPORT
Fisher reported that 21 shoots are scheduled for October, which is very busy. Among the programs are
candidate forums, the International Writer's Program, the University's International Programs Department,
Community Reading programs, the Intellectual Freedom Festival, and various candidate forums. The new
digital server was returned, as its performance was not what was promised. A new, better server has been
ordered. The master control system that runs the equipment in Meeting Room A has been malfunctioning
and will soon be repaired.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
O'Brien reported Kirkwood has been loading programs into their new digital server. Programming is now
being cablecast over the weekend. A program on the Festival of Flowers, the showpiece of Kirkwood's
horticulture students was taped. Kirkwood student productions have started up after summer vacation and
are producing a 30-minute newscast. Students have also been working on some PSAs.
CITY MEDIA UNIT REPORT
Hardy reported that program playback equipment has been upgraded. Program software has also been
upgraded to integrate playback scheduling, schedule reporting to TV Guide, and program production. The
new system should facilitate video on demand offerings and save staff time. The channel has provided
coverage of numerous candidate forums and will soon have the Meet the Candidates program available. The
Community Television Service has been quite busy. Rogusky asked about the Avatar Project. Hardy said
the project is on hold until the outcome of some of the pending legislation is known. Hardy said new shows
are being planned but have been hindered by trying to get the new system on the air. As soon as the new
system can get online he will begin to look at some new shows. Shaffer said that the person who had been
hosting the show left City employment. Until it is known what effect the pending legislation will have on
the budget the Division is holding off on hiring anyone. Hagen said the video on demand offerings on
channel 5 are a great service and asked about the limitations on the amount and length of programming on
the service and if the program on local cable issues was available on video on demand. Shaffer said that
specific program was not on the system but will be soon. Hardy said the improvements made to the system
will allow the use ofthe MPEG 4 format, which will provide a better quality signal and permit more
programs to be offered.
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer reported he has been busy working on the budget. Shaffer reported he will speaking to the Iowa
League of Cities about telecommunications issues and legislation. Shaffer continues to research on wi-fi
systems. Hagen said that in regard to budgets the Commission should communicate to the City Council that
now that the City has $1 million more in expected revenue that it did last year that the $100,000 taken from
cable TV franchise fees to supplement the general fund should be returned to the Cable Division.
MEDIA COM TOUR
Shaffer said Grassley offered to give a tour of Mediacom's facilities in Cedar Rapids. Grassley said there
have been a large number of technical improvements over the past years. Grassley said Mediacom will be
happy to accommodate the Commission anytime they wish to take a tour.
LEGISLATIVE, FCC. AND LEGAL UPDATE
Shaffer said that the state legislature will convene in January and the previously proposed de-regulatory bills
will be re-introduced by Qwest. If they are successful a dramatic effect may be felt on franchise fees. The
federal legislation will not be moving forward before the November elections. There was a class action
lawsuit filed against seven Iowa cities based on the Kragnes suit in Des Moines. The Kragnes suit involved
the collection of franchise fees from an electric company. The court ruled the fees were not legal and
remanded the case back to the district court to determine the amount of fees that could legally be collected.
A new class action suit claims that franchise fees on cable TV services are an illegal tax and cannot be
collected. This case is different from the Kragnes case in that there is federal law involved. It will be some
time before the case reaches the court.
VIDEO VOTER PROJECT
Shaffer referred to the letter in the meeting packet to candidates for office inviting them to participate in the
Video Voter Project. Each candidate is given an opportunity to speak up to 8 minutes, which is taped and
made available to cable TV viewers locally and across the state. The project was started three years ago and
the City has had a good response rate from candidates and positive response from the public. . Helling said
that with the assistance of Mediacom the statewide candidate statements are played across the entire state
and thanked Mediacom for their participation. Grassley said that the project is a good partnership, it is
significant for Mediacom, and they are happy to be involved.
COMMISSION RETREAT
Mekies said the retreat will be instructive for new members particularly as the Commission will be reviewing
much of what the Commission has been involved in over the past few years. Shaffer noted the draft agenda
for the retreat in the meeting packet. Mekies said the agenda is a distillation of items the Commission had
indicated they were interested in learning more about. The agenda covers a wide range of topics. After
listening to the presentations the Commission can consider what steps might be taken to pursue the issues.
Each agenda item will be allocated about 15 minutes.
WIFl
Mekies suggested that this item be taken up at the retreat.
ADJOURNMENT
Parker moved and Wieting seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
~:~~~~i~~ to CURRENT
Meeting Date ~l!!!lli 11L<1ili B~l:Iil~~~!!r 'lir~ISiiiltl1 Jliiii!!lg!!l!llk
11......1..1 ...~I.ii'~1. ..Ji! . .!l~.h......
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x x x
8/25/03 x x x x ole
9/22/03 x x x x ole
10/27/03 x x x x ole
11/24/03 x x ole x x
12/15/03 ole ole x x x
1/2/04 x ole x x x
1/26/04 x x x x x --
2/23/04 x ole x ole x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/ 26/04 x x x x O/C
5/24/04 x x O/C x x
6/28/04 x x x ole x
7/26/04 ole x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
1 0/25/04 X X
11/04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet
X X X X X
12/20/04
1124/05 X X X X X
2/28/05 X X X X
Garv Hallen
3/8/05 X X X X X
3/25/05 X 0 X X X
4/25/05 x ole X X X
5/23/05 X 0 x vaeancv X
James X x Bebe x
Ehrmann Balanlvne
6/27/05 X x X X X
x Michael
Chritians
7/25/05 0 X X X X
9/26/05 0 X X 0 X
10/31/05 X X ole X X
11/28/05 X X X X X
1/23/06 ole X X 0 X
2.27/06 X X X 0 X
3/27/06 ole X X John X
Weaterson
X
4/24/06 X X X X X
5/22/06 0 x x10 0 X
6/26/06 0 X Vacant 0 X
Nick Parker
7/24/06 x x x X
8/24/06 X x M. Wietina ole X
9/25/06 x x x Ole X
10/23/06 x X x ole x
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O/C) = AbsenVCalled (Excused)
D:j
APPROVED
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 - 6:00 P.M.
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - City Hall
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Michael Brennan, Michael Gunn, John McCornally, Pam Michaud,
Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Richard Carlson, Tim Toomey
STAFF PRESENT: Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, Guy from Sears Home Improvement, Ben Lewis, Philip
Lutgendorf, Shelley McCafferty, John Roffman, Rebecca Routh, Terry Stumpf,
Tim Taffe
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
None
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Terdalkar suggested that the election be deferred until later in the meeting.
MOTION: Ponto moved to defer the election of officers until later. Swaim seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Certificate of Appropriateness.
923 Iowa Avenue. Terdalkar said that this property recently received a certificate of appropriateness for
demolition from the Commission, without a certificate of appropriateness for the new construction of the
proposed building on the site. He said the Commission is now reviewing the proposal for the new
structure on the site.
Terdalkar said the applicant is proposing a six-unit, 18-bedroom apartment building to replace the storm-
damaged nine-unit, nine-bedroom rooming house. He said that the staff report is based on the Design
Guidelines for Multi-Family Buildings, (Section 10) which require certain criteria to be demonstrated
before a certificate of appropriateness is issued for the project. Terdalkar said that staff has asked the
applicant to revise the drawings to compiy with all the guidelines and regulations.
McCafferty, the consultant for this project, distributed a revised site plan. She said that the only changes
to the building that are not reflected in the Commission's packet are that there will be 18 inches taken out
of the depth, the length of the building. McCafferty said that the side elevations would therefore not be
changed.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 2
McCafferty provided an elevation to show that the building would comply with the front setback
requirements and where the building sits in relationship to the other properties on the block. She said the
building should therefore comply with the multi-family guidelines in the historic preservation handbook.
McCafferty said there was a lot of discussion in the staff report about site issues. She said that the owner
would like to request approval of the architecture at this time, as well as the site plan as it is right now.
McCafferty said the site plan is still somewhat of a concept, because the owner did not yet have the site
engineering. McCafferty said the owner did not want to engineer the site around a building that may not
be approved by the Commission. McCafferty said the owner would therefore like to have approval of the
building. She said that, when the application gets to the additional stages of site engineering and there is
a possibility of a sensitive areas rezoning, this would come back to the Commission for an amendment.
McCafferty said that the owner would, however, iike to have the confidence to proceed with the
engineering of this building at this time.
Weitzel asked for clarification that McCafferty is therefore asking for approval of the architectural plan at
this point and the concept for the site plan, which the Commission would then review at a later date.
McCafferty said that if there are significant changes, it could be reviewed again. She said that if the site
can be engineered pretty much to be exactly what is shown, she would leave it to staff and request that it
not have to go before the Commission again. McCafferty said there will probably be retaining walls and
other things like that that are not yet resolved, and they may be of a height and such that this needs to
come back.
McCafferty pointed out that she tried to design this so that it complies with the guidelines. She pointed out
the front elevation and the drawing that shows how this would compare to the outline of the previous
building. McCafferty said the goal of the elevation was to lower the overall eave height and put living units
more under the roof, so that there are three stories but with a lower eave line.
McCafferty said that the building is much more articulated than what was there previously. She added
that it is a little wider than the original building, but her intent in designing it was to design it so it looks
more like a large duplex. McCafferty said there are two front fa9ades essentially connected by a stairway.
She said she lowered the eave line where the stair is to accentuate the fact that it is more of a link that is
pushed back. McCafferty said the intent is to maximize the look of this as a duplex as opposed to an
apartment block.
Swaim asked how much wider this would be than the original building. Terdalkar said that the original
building was 42 feet wide, and the new building would be 58 feet wide. McCafferty said that with the side
bay, which is back away from the front fa9ade, it would be 58 feet, and without the side bays, it would be
52 feet. She said the perception of the building from the front is going to be that it is ten feet wider.
McCafferty said that the site plan shows a darker outline showing the relative difference in the footprint of
the old versus the new. She added that she broke up the pitch and articulation of the roof and some
articulation to the front surface by using the two different siding materials. McCafferty stated that it would
all be done out of fiber cement board, with a concrete base.
McCafferty said that, given the slope of the site, not a lot of the bottom foundation would be visible. She
said that with the ramp, there will probably be some landscaping to deal with that, so that one would not
really see any of the foundation. McCafferty said that at this point, she is proposing to just paint the
foundation.
Michaud asked what the difference is between the sidewalk elevation and the plateau. McCafferty said
that it goes up approximately nine feet within 15 feet of length, which is about a 60% slope. She said that,
with that slope, in order to get the ramp, there will probably have to be an easement on the adjacent
property, and there is a verbal agreement to do that. McCafferty stated that the slope will have to be
softened somewhat on the side next to the large apartment building on the east side in order to have
ramp accessibility from the front.
2
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 3
Ponto said that staff had discussed the issue of lighting in his staff report. McCafferty said that on the
revised site plan, she did indicate some lighting. She said that typically, a civil engineer wili do a light plan
to guarantee downcast, shielded lights with appropriate lumens and so forth. McCafferty said that this
plan is not at that step yet, so she is basically proposing a concept. She said there would be lights
underneath the porch, on the back of the building, underneath the roof over the rear stairway, and there
will probably have to be a pole or two in the back. McCafferty said she is trying to push them as far back
as possible so as not to add glare to the single-family house. She said that there are buffering
requirements, and there is aiready a natural tree line, and she is showing some supplement of that.
Phillip Lutgendorf requested permission to address the Commission as a neighboring property owner. He
said that he has lived at and owned the adjacent property, 911 Iowa Avenue, for 21 years. He said the
Commission is mostly concerned with how things look, but he has other concerns as a neighborhood
resident, and he wanted to at least express them.
Lutgendorf said the building that was at 923 Iowa Avenue was a remarkably good neighbor in that he has
never had a complaint toward that building. He said that in terms of noise, a major issue on that block, he
has never had a problem with that buiiding. Lutgendorf said he suspects that the reason for that is that
there were one-bedroom apartments and only nine people living there, and they tended to be quiet
students.
Lutgendorf said that his biggest concern about this plan, apart from the sheer size of the building, is the
fact that it would double the density of people living at that site. He said that he also feels that three-
bedroom apartments will attract a different kind of clientele - people living with their friends and having
parties.
Lutgendorf said that the reality is that what is driving single families off that block on Iowa Avenue is the
noise from parties. He said that the police have been called many, many times, mostly because of houses
on the north side of Iowa Avenue. Lutgendorf said that the thought of having that now come in right next
door is really troubling to him. He said that if the goai it to stabilize that block as mixed, single-family and
rental, this is a step backward, not forward.
Weitzel said that the Commission has had direction from the City Council that if it does not take
neighborhood concerns into consideration when discussing historic preservation, then it is not doing its
job either. Weitzel said the Commission, however, is primarily looking at architectural, aesthetics and
historic character issues.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 923 Iowa
Avenue, with the stipulation that things may changed based on the site plan. Ponto seconded the
motion.
Michaud said that she thinks the design looks like a historic duplex. She asked if there would be retaining
walls, as one can't really put grass there. McCafferty said that would be part of the next step, the
engineering process. She said that she would like to minimize the amount of retaining wall required, but
that will be dependent on working out the plan.
Roffman said that what is helping a lot is that the Clarks to the east have verbally agreed to let him extend
his ramp over the front of their property, which is the lower part of the slope. He said that will then be
blended in to work with the topography. Roffman said he would then share access to the ramp with the
neighbors.
McCafferty said that one of the other issues is working with the City. She said that at this point, the slope
of the hill starts right at the sidewalk, which is within the City right-of-way. McCafferty said if she has to cut
back to the property line and then back an additional 42 inches, that is where there would be the most
retaining wall. She said that if she can work with the Engineering Department to start the sidewalk and
ramp right at the City sidewalk, that would help reduce that. McCafferty said that is still in negotiation. She
said that the ramp access has to be in the front of the building.
3
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 4
Weitzel asked Terdalkar if the Commission has any purview over the type of material used for the
retaining wall. Terdalkar said it would have purview if a permit is required.
Michaud said that this plan conforms with the density the City allows there; however, it would double the
number of tenants. She said that perhaps there could be some stipulation in the leases to restrict times
that parties can be held. Swaim said that she likes the look of the proposed building but agreed that it is a
substantial increase in the number of tenants.
McCafferty said that when this conservation district was rezoned, the Commission specifically responded
to concerns of landlords that if in fact a building was destroyed, that it would not be a down zoning and
the owner would not be unable to reconstruct to the same size. She said that is the reason there is not a
fayade limit on multi-family.
Gunn said that in this conservation district, the size limitations are fairly cleariy spelled out. Weitzel
confirmed that there are site and scale guidelines. Terdalkar said the guidelines state that the
Neighborhood District Guidelines apply to single-family and duplex units.
Weitzel said there was a lot of opposition from those owning larger buildings who were concerned that if
the building was destroyed in its entirety that there would be a lowering of their potential. Weitzel said that
it is a neighborhood conservation zone. Terdalkar said that a neighborhood conservation zone is intended
to stabilize the neighborhood with lower density.
McCafferty stated that under the current RNS zoning, seven units would be allowed, and Roffman
previously had nine units. Terdalkar said that seven units would be allowed if one only considers the land,
without parking requirements. McCafferty agreed but said that with what is allowed just basically by doing
the numbers in that particular zone, the owner could not go back and build nine units, but the bedrooms
under density are not specified, so that is where the density is increased.
Weitzel said he assumes this plan reflects the required parking spaces. McCafferty confirmed that it
reflects required parking and the required buffering necessary per the zoning code.
Gunn asked McCafferty if she thinks the fayade area requirement does not apply here. McCafferty said
that when the conservation district was designated, the concern was that if a building was destroyed and
the existing fayade square footage was X amount, would the owner then have to go down to Y amount,
based upon the neighborhood guidelines, and the owners considered that a down zoning. She said that is
her recollection of why the area requirement does not apply to the multi-family, because it would be a de
facto down zoning.
Weitzel asked Terdalkar if that fayade area requirement would apply, because the guidelines don't allow
that. Terdalkar replied that staff feels that the standard as written does not apply; because the
introduction states that it applies to single-family and duplex. He said he thought, however, one could say
that it does not state that they do not apply to multi-family.
McCafferty said that this is an 80-foot lot. She said that legally, based on the zoning, this could be divided
into two 40-foot lots. McCafferty said the building proposed is approximately 2,170 square feet, and that is
including the roof, which siopes back. She said that the previous building was approximately 1,600
square feet. McCafferty said there are two ways it could be done. She said that forced with this limitation,
one could do a 1,600 square foot building on an 80-foot lot or do two three-unit buildings of a 1,200
square foot fayade and get exactly what is proposed.
Terdalkar said he had some reservations about whether that could be done. He said that if a building is
within 15 feet of a single-family zone, the height of the structure is limited to two and one-half stories per
the zoning requirements. Terdalkar said that if one splits the lot and builds a three-unit building on each
lot adjacent to a single-family structure, the zoning code limits height of the structure to two and one-half
stories. He said that McCafferty is not presenting complete information when she says that one could
build two separate buildings by dividing the lot into two small lots
4
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14,2006
Page 5
McCafferty said that even if there were two single-family houses, there would still be less aggregate
square footage in this particular proposal than there would be with two single-family houses. Terdalkar
said the intent of the neighborhood guidelines is to limit the size of the front elevation to 1,200 square
feet. He said it the guidelines do aliow two buildings with 1,200 square feet, as other existing buildings in
the area have similar elevation sizes. He said that it is not appropriate to say that the proposed building
wouid be smaller than two separate buildings combined into 2,400 square feet, the overall size of one
building should matter.
McCafferty said she is just using this as an example to gauge the size of what is being proposed versus
what could be done with two single-family houses. She said this is something that would be of a scale of
the smaller sorority houses in the neighborhood so that the scale of the proposed building is not unusual
to the College Hill area.
Brennan agreed that the scale of the building is similar to other large buildings scattered throughout the
neighborhood, some of which are old but most of which are newer.
Gunn stated that the guidelines are perfectly clear. He said there was a lengthy discussion when the
guidelines were being drafted, and the argument was that because the predominant fa((ade size of a
structure in the district is only 1,200 feet, if one has a large apartment building and it burns down, can it
be rebuilt. Gunn said the answer is yes, and that is why it says, "and if the structure has a street elevation
surface area of 1,200 feet or greater, it may be reconstructed, provided the street area does not exceed
the area of the pre-existing primary structure." He said he reads this to say that one can build a building
back as big as it was but cannot built it back bigger than it was. Gunn said that to say this whole thing
doesn't apply because this is a multi-family building is a stretch that would come from a contorted view of
what the guideline Is.
McCafferty pointed out that the architectural features have been added to this to reduce the perceived
scale of this building overall. She said that if one is discussing just the technical square footage, a large
portion of it will be such that it is not going to be seen in the same way that one sees a big, flat surface,
for instance, with the bays in back receding quite a bit.
Weitzel said this building does borrow architectural elements from buildings in the near vicinity. He said
one question would be if there are any examples of duplexes. McCafferty pointed out that there are some
duplexes around town with a similar concept as that proposed.
Weitzel said that the examples show peaked gables facing out and a single roof behind that, cross-
gabled, so it is the same design. He said there are architectural elements from the neighborhood and a
style that is prevalent in Iowa City. Weitzel asked Terdalkar whether the Commission has any purview
over the neighborhood issues. Terdalkar said that if the Commission members feel there is an issue that
affects the character of the conservation district, the Commission may consider it. Weitzel said the
Commission can therefore talk about the neighborhood issue to a certain extent, but the reasoning has to
be made clear when voting.
Swaim said that, in terms of the neighborhood and the number of tenants, she did not know about the
other houses and how many bedrooms are in their units. McCafferty said she believes the Clark
apartments have one and two-bedroom units. Michaud said that there are three to five-bedroom houses
across the street.
Swaim said that this is an attractive building that in some ways will fit better into the neighborhood than
the very big, three-story building did. She said she is empathetic with the issue of noise. Swaim said it is
an issue that a lot of older neighborhoods have to stay on top of and find some good solutions. She said
she did not want to single this out as not being a workable project because of the increased number of
tenants. Swaim said she would rather find better ways to address the noise issue.
Michaud said that, as a landlord, if she puts some restrictions such as quiet hours on her tenants, she has
very cooperative tenants. McCafferty said that she feels that better maintained buildings tend to have
5
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 6
better, quieter tenants. Roffman discussed the appearance of the building prior to the storm; he said he
has always tried to maintain the building and increase the street appeal.
Gunn said that in his tenure on the Commission, a iot of times a project has come in and everyone says it
is big and really out of scale with the neighborhood, but there is never anything in the guidelines to
prevent it from going up. He said that here, it is very clear in the guidelines. Gunn said that this building
was big for the neighborhood, and if the new building is constructed, it's going to be bigger. He said that
the whole point of controlling the scale is to control the size of the building, and the only way the
Commission thought it could be done legally was to define it as front elevation.
Gunn said that if this project is to be 1,600 square feet in its front elevation, as defined in the guidelines,
then it's a wonderful building. He said, however, that if it is 2,000 or 2,400, he thinks it is clearly way too
big and would vote against it.
McCafferty read from the guidelines, "The College Hill Neighborhood District guidelines apply to the
College Green Historic District, East College Street District, College Hill Conservation District. They apply
to single family and duplex buildings in these neighborhoods." She said she wouid like to get clarification,
as it seems rather clear that it does not appiy to multi-family dwellings.
McCormally said that there is another large, blue apartment building near the corner of Iowa Avenue and
Dodge Street that is still in the same district. He said that the building replaced many smaller buildings,
and it is gigantic and has an enormous frontage. Weitzei said that building was constructed well before
this was a conservation district. McCafferty agreed and said that regulations have been changed because
of that building.
Gunn said that there are several apartment buildings within the district larger than the 1,200 square feet,
but they all existed prior to the conservation district being established. Weitzel asked Gunn if he would be
okay with the building if it were reduced in size. Gunn confirmed this. He said that the original building
was big, and this would be bigger. Gunn said he doesn't buy the argument that somehow if one builds a
big enough building, the scale doesn't apply, because the lot is big enough. He said that the whole point
of the guidelines was not to allow this to happen.
Swaim asked clarification about the issue of and the demolished square footage of the front fayade.
Terdalkar said that the front fayade of the original building is estimated to be about 1,600 square feet. He
said the footprint was about 42 feet wide, and the height is about 35 feet.
Gunn said that 1,632 would be one thing, but 2,200 square feet is hard to ignore. He said it is a nice
looking building, but it's not small, no matter how many bump outs there are on it. Swaim asked about the
2,100 square feet figure and if it comes from not only the front forward fayade but also any1hing that is
facing north. Gunn confirmed this and said that the roof would also be included.
McCafferty said that another option is to make this narrower, but one ends up filling all the recessed
areas and ending up with basically one large roofline that will look much more boxy. She said that the
plan is for a wider building so that it would fit in the neighborhood.
Gunn said this is just flat out making this a whole lot bigger than it was, which absolutely flies in the face
of the guidelines. He said that if the Commission approves this, it is saying that the scale doesn't matter.
Brennan asked if this was originally two lots that had been joined. Weitzel said it was not; he said it was
part of the Governor's Square and was subdivided into this size lot. Brennan said the owner could split
this into two lots and put up two 1,200 square foot facades that would be bigger than this. Terdalkar said
that the lots can be split, but new buildings would need to comply with all the site requirements and
design guidelines.
Terdalkar said that from his perspective, the guidelines intend to achieve compatibility. He said that one
can certainly build six units, by reducing the number of bedrooms, and reduce the size of the structure
which will reduce the number of parking spaces required. Terdalkar said that from his perspective, the
6
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 7
scale standard is not limiting anything to add more units than what was there before. He said it is certainly
possible. Terdalkar said the question is if it is appropriate to build the maximum possible or something
that is compatible with the whole neighborhood.
Brennan stated that he thinks this is consistent with other buildings that aiready exist throughout the
entire district as a whole, and that is what the Commission has to look at is the district as a whole. He said
the Commission can't just isolate a block here or there, or it makes the meaning of the district disappear.
Brennan said that given the consistency, the size, and styling, and that the owner could split this into two
lots and have larger massing than what is proposed, he would be inclined to vote in favor of the proposal.
Michaud said she respected Gunn's opinion about the building. She said that McCafferty has done a
great job with the blueprints. Michaud proposed that there be some kind of compromise. She said there is
one more indentation than seems necessary, and it might look more convincing to do away with the some
areas, such as the dining room windows. Michaud said that one of the things that contributes to parties, in
her experience, is having a big living room area with a connected dining room and kitchen.
Ponto said he likes the looks of this and thinks that from the street this will not have the appearance of the
mass that the big box did. He said, however, that he did not think the Commission could go against the
guidelines. Ponto pointed out that Section 3.6 has alternative design criteria to allow the Commission to
deviate from the guidelines in exceptional circumstance, but he is not convinced that this is an
exceptional circumstance.
McCafferty said that if the Commission is basing its decision on the 1,600/1,200 square feet issue, she
would request an opinion from the legal department on whether this applies to a multi-family building.
Weitzel asked if the owner would agree to have the Commission table this issue at this time and have that
issue investigated. He said that the Commission could have two meetings this month to reconsider this
issue at the second meeting. Roffman said yes.
Gunn said he was okay with tabling the proposal. He said that he might be unable to attend the next
meeting but added that he would be amazed if the legal opinion is that the guidelines don't allow the
control of a new structure in the place of one that was destroyed. Gunn said that would be a ridiculous
contortion of the guidelines.
Weitzel said that it is important to find out what the Commission's latitude is with these sorts of issues.
MOTION: Ponto moved to table consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for the project at
923 Iowa Avenue. Gunn seconded the motion,
Terdaikar asked if this is the first time such an issue has come up. Weitzel said the Commission
considered this with regard to Brad Houser's house on Dodge Street. Weitzel said that the Commission
did hold Houser to the height requirements. Terdalkar said that if the intent of the guidelines is to not
allow large buildings, then the language should be clarified to reflect that. He said the guidelines should
say that it applies to single-family, duplexes or multi-family buildings.
The motion to table carried on a vote of 8-0.
726 Iowa Avenue. Terdalkar stated that the applicant for this proposal requested deferral of the item at a
previous Commission meeting. He said that the application is for the review of windows on a carriage
house garage at the back of the property. Terdalkar stated that this is an Iowa City landmark property and
part of a conservation district. He said that the windows that were used as replacements are vinyl
windows.
Terry Stumpf of Stumpf Construction introduced himself and Tim Taffe, the owner of the house. Stumpf
said that he was the contractor for this project. He said he was at the house for another project, but Taffe
had told him that the windows didn't open and could not be cleaned. Stumpf said he looked across the
alley and saw a new structure with vinyl windows, and he didn't give it a thought.
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Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
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Stumpf said that he just left the existing frames outside and nothing would change; he put the vinyl sash
in to have a functional window with the least amount of money spent. He said he did not think about the
house being in a historic district. Stumpf said he has never put vinyl windows in a new structure but does
think there is a place for them, and he just didn't think about putting this in a garage. He said the windows
are all up high, and all the original trim and wood jambs are left.
Stumpf said he believes that the garage was built in the 1970s, based on the material and subflooring, on
the existing foundation where an old garage used to be. He said the windows apparently came from an
old house. Stumpf said this is in the back alley where no one can see it. He said there is also a vinyl
window on the south end of the house.
Taffe said that his house is the prettiest house on Iowa Avenue. He said that the last two owners haven't
cared about the house. Taffe said that when he bought the house, it had a sagging front porch with rotten
pillars and beams. He said that Stumpf has put the porch back together with new concrete, and now it is
level. Taffe said that all of the tongue and groove is exactly the same dimension as it was before.
Taffe said that on the roof, the bottoms of the dormers were all rotten, and he had Stumpf fix that and
replace the trim where it was missing. Taffe said the house is a gem, and he is making it a lot better than
it was before.
Taffe said that the garage in the back is not a gem and is not a carriage house. He said that it is a two-car
rollup door garage. Taffe said he loves the house, but the garage is not the house.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the installation of vinyl
windows at 726 Iowa Avenue, as proposed, because the garage was built in the 1970s and is on
the back alley. Michaud seconded the motion.
Gunn asked how the Commission wouid know that this is a 1970s garage. Terdalkar responded that the
contractor can tell the best by the kind of materials used. He said that it cannot be determined by the
exterior appearance. Terdalkar said he checked the Sanborn maps, and there appears to be a similar
footprint on the site after 1930, so if this is a new structure it may have been built upon an older
foundation. He stated that the site inventory form for the landmark designation does not mention any of
the outbuildings on the site. Weitzel said that he is familiar with Stumpfs work and is prepared to accept
what he says as legitimate and right on target.
Gunn asked what the guidelines say, since this is not a historic structure. Weitzel added that this is a
conservation district, and Terdalkar added that this is a landmark property. Weitzel said the outbuilding is
from the 1970s, so it can't be contributing to the landmark status of this building. He said therefore the
Commission only needs to be concerned with whether it detracts from the building.
Weitzel said that an outbuilding can be part of the landmark, but if it is not mentioned on the inventory
form, there is no way that it contributes. He recommended that the Commission consider this as it would
any other non-historic structure in a conservation district. Weitzel said that it does not affect that
iandmark, just historically speaking.
Swaim agreed that this does not distract from the house. She said it is sort of like the neighborhood issue
discussed before. Swaim said that often someone replaces something not knowing that it needed to go
through design review, even though homeowners received a letter from the City. She said she wondered
how other cities dealt with this issue. Weitzel said the Commission should look into that and also redouble
its efforts to make sure notification is getting out there.
Terdalkar said the Commission could double its efforts to inform people but asked if ignorance should be
an excuse for everything. Weitzel said that in the past there has been a problem with distinguishing
whether something was done intentionally or not, but he did not feel that is the case here.
8
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Historic Preservation Commission
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Terdaikar said the only reason this is being reviewed is because it is not allowed to install vinyl windows
in the guidelines. Weitzel pointed out that is why the Commission meets - because it has to make
leniencies and considerations that can't be accounted for in a flowchart.
Brennan asked what happened with the house on Grant Street that had vinyl windows installed. Terdalkar
said the owner replaced them with approved winodws. Brennan asked why this building is different.
Weitzel said that the house on Grant Street involved the contributing structure itself. Michaud said that
was the primary structure, while this is a garage.
Brennan said there is no distinction according to the guidelines. Weitzel said that the building on Grant
was also a historic building itself, and this garage is not. Brennan said the guidelines say there is no
difference. Weitzel said the main purpose of this is to be concerned with detracting from history and with
detracting from the appearance of the neighborhood. He said he does not see how that is changed by
putting vinyl windows in a garage. Weitzel said that vinyl siding has been allowed on new structures in
conservation districts. He said the Commission is allowed the latitude to interpret the guidelines.
Swaim asked how many windows were installed in this house. Stumpf responded that there were three:
one is a twin/double window on the south and a single window on the alley. Taffe said the twin windows
face his garden, and the single window faces on the alley.
Weitzel said that, first and foremost, he is looking at what this does to the neighborhood and what it does
to the history of the landmark. He said that in both cases, he does not see that it does anything negative.
Weitzel said that if the Commission is going to follow the guidelines and penalize people who otherwise
are doing the right thing with their structures, then the City will not back the Commission on the
guidelines, and they'll be turned over again and again. He said he does not see it as productive to fight
this and be pedantic about the guidelines In a case where the spirit of the guidelines is being fulfilled.
Terdalkar said he agreed with that but said that the Commission decisions should be consistent, and the
guidelines should be amended to include such exceptions. Weitzel said that historic preservation involves
a case by case analysis, and one must consider the context in which something is looked at.
Brennan said that the impact of seeing something from the street disappeared from the guidelines or the
ordinance in the last revision. He said that the structural framework of the case by case analysis is the
guidelines.
MOTION: Michaud moved to call the question. Swaim seconded the motion. The motion to call the
Question carried on a vote of 8-0.
AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION: Ponto moved to amend the main motion to approve a
certificate of appropriateness for the installation of vinyl windows at 726 Iowa Avenue, as
proposed, in keeping with the spirit of Section 3.3, exceptions for non-historic properties, since
this Is a non-historic garage that is not part of the landmark primary building. Michaud seconded
the amendment. The motion carried on a vote of 7-1, with Brennan votinQ no.
Swaim volunteered to do some research on how other communities handle these types of issues.
919 East WashinQton Street. Terdalkar said the applicant for this certificate of appropriateness requested
deferral of this item. The consensus of the Commission was to defer this item indefinitely.
822 Rundell Street. Terdalkar stated that this is a contributing structure in the Clark Street Conservation
District. He said the application is to replace nine of the existing wood windows on the house with vinyl
windows.
Rebecca Routh, the owner of the house, said she moved into the house in June and loved the historic
neighborhood. She said that nothing was said to her at the time that the Historic Preservation
Commission would have to approve the windows. Routh said she was concerned about the state of the
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Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 10
windows when she moved in and was unaware when she ordered the windows from Sears that the
windows had to be approved.
Routh said the salesman suggested casement windows, because they are less expensive, but she
wanted to preserve the look of the windows, although she did choose the less expensive option of vinyl.
She said that the panes and screens on the windows are broken, and she is unable to open about 2/3 of
the windows because of the swelling.
Weitzel said that the Commission specifically disallows vinyl windows on contributing structures and in
general, without exception, unless there are extenuating circumstances. He pointed out that there are
numerous other replacement-type windows, and the Commission allows wood or aluminum-clad wood.
The Sears guy asked if vinyl windows are allowed anywhere on the house. Terdalkar said that basement
windows are allowed to be vinyl-clad windows but only on non-contributing structures.
Michaud asked if these windows have been ordered or installed or both. The Sears guy said that the
owner has placed an order for the windows, and they have arrived but not been installed yet. He said that
the windows were built for this home.
Terdalkar said that he discussed the guidelines with the Sears representative, Jennifer Stanley. Terdalkar
said he provided her with of the web link for the guidelines and the application, and she does know that
the guidelines appiy to all of these applications. Terdalkar said that when he received the application, he
again called to let another representative know that vinyl windows are not allowed.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 822 Rundell
Street, as submitted. Ponto seconded the motion.
Ponto said that this is much more clear cut as far as what the guidelines do and do not allow than the
previous application.
Brennan agreed it is clear that this is not allowed. He suggested the owner contact her real estate agent
and let him know about this. Brennan said that because this is an ordinance and not something in the title
to the property, it is not really the seller's obligation to inform a buyer of this, but the buyer's
representative in the process would want to be aware of all the pertinent laws that cover it. Weitzel said
that even if the owner is not aware of a designation, he is still required to treat the historic property
properly..
Swaim asked if the windows were custom built to specific sizes for this house. The Sears guy confirmed
this. He said that Sears only sells vinyl windows. Weitzel said that vinyl windows are not allowed by the
Secretary of the Interior Standards, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation cites all kinds of
reasons why vinyl windows are inferior to wood windows.
Swaim said this is another case where the word has to get out before changes are made. Terdalkar said
that this year, besides letters to property owners, we have sent letters to the real estate agents in town.
Terdalkar said the guidelines first recommend repair of the windows, and if not reparable, recommend
replacement of the sashes, and the windows with wood. He said the commission has also allowed metal-
clad windows. Weitzel encouraged the owner to work with Terdaikar regarding window contractors and
window products.
The motion failed on a vote of 0-8.
520 Grant Street. Terdalkar distributed a page that was missing from the packet regarding option two for
the porch on this project. He said that this is a contributing structure in the Longfellow Historic District.
Terdalkar said the Commission discussed this project in April, and it was deferred at that time to allow for
revisions from the applicant. He said that at that time, the Commission approved the replacement of the
10
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Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 11
aluminum siding on the house with fiber cement board, although the Commission asked the applicant to
investigate the possibility of maintaining the wood underneath.
Terdalkar said the applicant is proposing two options: one is to construct a porch across the full length of
the structure in front, and the other is to build a smaller portico and also includes the construction of a
building about the fuii length of the building in the back, a deck with a screened porch about 14 feet by 12
feet in the footprint, and installing actual windows in the existing screened porch, which currently uses
storm windows. He said that part of the screened porch is set back, and the deck is not set back.
Ben Lewis, the owner of the house, said that he received an insurance claim for damage to the siding as
a result of the hailstorm two years ago. He said that the aluminum awning on the building is beaten up
and has a big hole in it; he thought it was put on in the 1960s when the siding was installed. Lewis said
that 85 to 90% of the houses on the street have front porches of some type, and he felt that a front porch
would be really practical, particularly because the front entrance is the main entrance to the house.
Lewis said the full front porch idea came from a magazine that showed a full front porch on a house that
is identical to his. He said he thought that would give a little more space, aithough he is not tied to the
idea of the posts or stones or anything like that. Lewis said the preferred option would be to have the
porch go the full length of the house. He said he has discussed this with Terdalkar, who came up with the
portico option. Lewis said that would be the biggest change to the house; the deck and the porch in the
back are not hugely significant to him.
Weitzel said there is a stairway leading from the garage up into the screened porch and asked if there are
details planned for the railing. Lewis said that he did not have specific plans but thought the style of the
railing should match what exists there now.
Weitzel asked how many steps are there. Terdalkar said there appear to be five risers. Weitzel said that
in that case, HIS would require a building rail according to the universal building code. Terdalkar said it
would need to be something grippable to meet the dimensional requirements. He said that it can be
added to the existing railing or part of the handrail. Weitzel said that something in the style of what is
there looks like it would comply.
Michaud asked what the deck level of the screened porch would be. Lewis replied that it would be level
with the door bottom.
Michaud said that she likes the fuii front porch look and understand the desire to optimize the space.
Terdalkar said that proposal was deferred at the April meeting, because the Commission did not feel the
fuii porch would be compatible with the style of the house. He said that as the applicant was not able to
attend the meeting, the Commission deferred the application to aiiow the owner to come up with an
alternative.
Terdalkar said that generally these Cape Code style houses would not have a large front porch, instead
they have just an enhanced entry way or a smaii portico to guard the entry way, which is similar to option
two. He said that additions for this type of house are generaiiy built on the side, similar to the existing
screened porch addition to this house. Terdalkar said that the site constraints don't allow for another
addition on the side; therefore staff believes that it should be allowable to build a front porch but not a full-
width porch.
McCormally said that he has seen Cape Cods with full porches on the front before. He asked Terdalkar to
elaborate on that. Terdalkar said that if a front porch is included in the plan for a Cape Cod, it is included
within the main footprint of the house. He said it is built as a recessed porch within the main building.
Terdalkar said that this house would require major roof renovations in order to make it work.
Weitzel said this house was built in the 1930s. He said that the sun porch was built with the house
originaliy, as was determined previously. Terdalkar agreed and said that is the compatible way to enlarge
this house. McCormally said he believed that an addition on the front of some sort would make the house
more attractive.
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Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 12
Terdalkar said that if it can be done to serve the needed function and is compatible with the style of the
house that would be the way to do it. He recommended the second option. Terdalkar said that in this
neighborhood, many of the houses built during this time were from mail order catalogues like Sears
Modern Homes. He said that book included a model showing porches of many styles, one of which shows
a front-gabled porch with a pitch to match with the main roof. Lewis said there are several houses in Iowa
City with an enclosed porch with one of these gables, but he doesn't think they look good. He said he
took Terdalkar's suggestion and found one that he thought he could use.
Lewis asked if anyone knew how much more expensive the full width of the house porch would be.
Weitzel said that would require the redesigning of the roof, and that would be terribly expensive. Lewis
said he was okay with the smaller option. Gunn said the bigger porch would cost three to four times as
much as the smaller porch.
Weitzel said he believes the smaller porch would fit the function in that it would be a cover over the door.
Michaud asked if the porticoes would have a flat roof. Weitzel said it would be pitched inside - like a small
hip. Gunn said this would be about a 3:12 pitch. Terdalkar said that, depending on the height of the porch
and the eaves of the main roof, it could have a 2: 12 pitch or a 3: 12 pitch.
Michaud asked if there is already a room on the other side of the house. Terdalkar showed the existing
screened porch with the deck that is there now. Weitzel asked if the proposal is to change out the
windows. Lewis confirmed this. He said that he wants to keep the style and keep the windows exactly the
same size. Lewis said he had thought about doing some type of addition on the back, because he needs
some additional space in the house.
Lewis said that structurally, he has to fix the walls and the windows on this room in any case, because the
wood below the windows is rotting. He said the idea would be to make the room more weatherproof.
Michaud asked about the windows in the screened porch. Terdalkar said that they are like storm
windows. He said that they need rebuild the framework for the porch structure to install windows. Weitzel
said that with that much glass, this would always be a three-season porch - that it would be hard to make
the room weather tight.
Weitzel said that what is before the Commission is a porch on the front of the house, a deck on the back,
a screened porch on the back, and a proposai to redesign the sun porch to be able to hold windows. He
said that it is not a window replacement really, because it is changing the structure to hold windows that
are functionally different than what is there now.
Lewis said the contractor has stated that one can get windows that look just like the ones that are there.
He said that they operate like storm windows now.
Weitzel suggested holding off on the screened porch. He said there are ways to make it work, but it would
be involved, and the owner might want to discuss it with his contractor and Terdalkar before the
Commission reviews it. Lewis said he was putting it out there to find out if it would ever be a possibility.
MOTION: Gunn moved to approve the application for a certificate of appropriateness for the
project at 520 Grant Street, as submitted, using option two for the front porch instead of option
one, but including parts three and four, with details to be approved by staff or submitted to the
Commission in a subsequent application. McCormally seconded the motion. The motion carried
on a vote of 8-0.
923 Dearborn Street. Terdalkar stated that this is a non-contributing property in the Dearborn Street
Conservation District. He said the application is to install two skylights on the house, one each on the
north and south sides of the roof. Terdalkar said that the skylights would be approximately two feet by
three feet.
12
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Historic Preservation Commission
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Weitzel said the Commission recently approved other work on this house. Terdalkar confirmed that a rear
addition was approved last year and is completed. Weitzel said the Commission didn't find the house to
be of a significant type or style.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 923 Dearborn
Street, as submitted. Gunn seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0.
609 Brown Street. Terdalkar said that this is an application for a certificate of appropriateness for a fence,
because it would be over six feet high. He said the original application was to build a ten-foot tall fence,
which is not permitted by the Code; the maximum fence height permitted by the Code is eight feet.
Terdalkar said the applicant was asked to revise the height, or the applicant could have attached it to the
house, and effectively called it a wall extension. However such a 'wall' is required to have a proper
foundation. He said the applicant therefore decided to lower the height of the fence to eight feet, and that
is the application in front of the Commission.
Terdalkar said that the work was started without a permit and had to be stopped. He said the applicant
now plans to reduce the height of the fence.
Ponto said that he wants to report 'ex parte' communication as the owner had contacted him to ask for his
opinion on this. Ponto said he informed him that he could not speak for the Commission and suggested
he speak with Terdalkar. Ponto said the owner wanted a fence of six feet or less but where it meets the
house, have it match the roof pitch and the rafter tail details, and he wanted it high there for a privacy
screen, because the neighbors' dining room window looks directly into his back door. Gunn suggested
that the owner consider using plantings for a privacy screen.
Gunn asked about the door in the proposal. Terdalkar said that is the door within the fence, but it is not
attached to the house, although it is very close to the house. Gunn asked if the door is part of the
application, and Terdalkar confirmed this.
Swaim asked if it is the L-shaped doorway that the Commission is reviewing. Terdalkar confirmed this,
saying that because the western section of the fence is only six feet high it is not part of the review. He
said that only the taller section of the fence, which wouid essentially be a doorway, is under review.
Michaud asked if nine inches or so could be taken off the rafter so that the notch would be removed.
Ponto said that the notch matches what is existing on the arts and crafts house.
MOTION: Gunn moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the revised plans, as
submitted, for the project at 609 Brown Street. Swaim seconded the motion. The motion carried on
a vote of 8-0.
805 East Washinaton Street. Terdalkar stated that this is a contributing structure in the College Hill
Conservation District. He said the Commission is reviewing the rebuilding of a garage on the property that
was damaged significantly in the recent tornado. Terdalkar said the applicant explained to him that he
wanted to rebuild the garage as it was, but the proposed drawing does not show that.
Terdalkar showed a photograph of the garage as it was the day after the tornado. He said that the wall on
the side of the house and the roof collapsed, so the owner had to take down the structure because much
of it was unstable. Terdalkar said the owner did save much of the brick.
Terdalkar pointed out that a detail on the previous garage that is unique to the garage is not included in
the plans. He said it matches the pitch of the house roof on the dormer, and it is in style with the
craftsman details on the house. Terdalkar said there is a possibility that the garage was built at the same
time or right after the house was built.
Terdalkar said this application was submitted for HRDP Emergency Grant, and at that time, it was
determined that the house and the garage together would be eligible for a National Register property. He
13
Historic Preservation Commission
September 14, 2006
Page 14
said this was one of the houses built by a builder named O.H. Carpenter. Terdalkar said he believes this
was a matching garage, and therefore, details similar to that on the house and the original garage should
be used for new garage. He said that it had a detailed parapet and some crenellation, and these details
can be repeated with the brick that has been salvaged.
Terdalkar said that if the garage needs to be widened to allow for parking a vehicle, that could be done,
so that there is room to revise this plan. He said he suggested that possibility to the owner, who wanted to
submit something new, but that has not yet been done, possibly because the owner lives out of town.
Terdalkar suggested that the Commission defer this, since the owner has not yet provided a response.
He said the owner has been very cooperative about rebuilding the house.
The consensus of the Commission was to defer consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for the
garage at 805 East Washington Street.
MINUTES FOR AUGUST 10. 2006 MEETING.
The consensus of the Commission was to file the minutes of the August 10, 2006 meeting, as written.
OTHER:
Weitzel said that the window restoration workshop would be held Saturday at 1 :00 p.m. at the Craft Guild
Building at 815 Oakiand Avenue. He said that a PIN grant is being used to sponsor the seminar regarding
re-glazing and weather stripping of windows.
Weitzel stated that after the last meeting, he discussed holding the awards ceremony this fall with Helen
Burford. Terdalkar said that Buford is reserving a room in the Library for the ceremony for late November
or early December.
Terdalkar said that a subcommittee is being formed for the National Trust and Friends of Historic
Preservation Grant. He said that Michael Maharry and Mike Haverkamp will be on the subccmmittee, and
possibly two people from the Historic Preservation Commission will be needed for the subcommittee.
Terdalkar said the subcommittee will be working on a timeline for the awards, as well as doing the awards
themselves and providing a response to the National Trust as to what was done with the money.
Terdalkar said that he has received ten applications so far. He said the funds consist of $5,000 from the
National Trust, as well as a $5,000 match from Friends of Historic Preservation.
Weitzel said that he thought the work could be done in a few hours. He said that the subcommittee would
be deciding which projects should get funding and how much each should get. Gunn volunteered to work
on the subcommittee but said that he cculd not attend a meeting during the day. Terdalkar said he would
send an e-mail to Commission members regarding the subcommittee meeting date and time so that
members could decide if they would be willing to attend. He said that he would also put the applications
on the website.
Terdalkar said that there was a suggestion from a professor in the Planning Department to invite the
Chair of the Sioux City Historic Preservation Commission, who is also the Chair of the Sioux City
Economic Development Committee, to arrange for her to give a public address. Terdalkar said that she
was going to be in town the first week of October to give a lecture to students. Weitzel asked Terdalkar to
coordinate that with Burford to ensure that it is advertised.
Terdalkar said that there would be a statewide preservation conference in Dubuque on Friday and
Saturday and asked if anyone would like to attend. Weitzel said that he was interested but he could not.
Terdalkar said that a CLG application was submitted for the Manville Heights Survey. He said that there
had to be approval for the resolution, and the City match for this would be about $8,000. Weitzel said the
City Council has expressed concern that this not become another Gilbert/Linn Street issue.
14
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Historic Preservation Commission
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Page 15
Terdalkar said the project timeline was revised per City Council direction to state that the designation
recommendations and nomination papers will be sent to the SHSI office after review and approval by the
City Council. He added that the City Council has also directed to notify property owners by certified mail
about such designation. Weitzel asked if that can be done as part of the informational meetings, and
Terdalkar confirmed this but all the property owners affected by this action will receive individual letters.
Swaim asked about the second round of HRDP Emergency grants. Terdalkar said that the SHSI office
has not announced it yet, as the contracts from the first round have been finalized or signed yet.
Terdalkar said that after the long process of asbestos abatement, the sorority building at 828 E.
Washington Street is to be demolished in the next week or two. Swaim asked about the house at 17
South Governor. Terdalkar said he has drafted a follow-up memo/petition to HIS to investigate why the
house has not yet been stabilized.
Michaud asked about 903 Iowa Avenue. Terdalkar said that the building has been stabilized and boarded
up, and they are working on some smaller repairs. He said the owner is working with the insurance
company on some issues and is also doing some work on the property.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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APPROVED
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 28, 2006 - 6:00 P.M.
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - City Hall
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Michael Brennan, Richard Carlson, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Tim
Toomey, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Gunn, John McCormally, Ginalie Swaim
STAFF PRESENT: Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, Joseph Codr, Ann Estin, James Estin, Aiison Ames Gaistad,
Susan Lutgendorf, Shelly McCafferty, Beth Rapson, John Roffman, Mike Waltz
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
None
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The election of officers was deferred until later in the meeting by consensus of the Commission.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Certificates of Aoorooriateness:
923 Iowa Avenue.
MOTION: Ponto moved to take consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for 923 Iowa
Avenue up from the table. Brennan seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Terdalkar referred to the memorandum, issued at the request of the Commission, in the packet containing
an opinion from the Zoning Interpretation Panel regarding the guidelines. He said that the Panel has
basically said that the guideline in Section 8.2 is not applicable to this project.
Terdaikar said the Panel rendered that opinion because there is a particuiar section for multi-family
buildings and their design in the guidelines and also because there is a sentence in the guidelines in
Section 8.2 that says that those guidelines refer to single-family and duplex buildings. However, he said
that the design guidelines for multi-family buildings do address the issues of scale, mass, and height of
the proposed building, so the Commission may choose to apply those guidelines in this case.
Weitzel re-stated, for ciarification, that Section 8.2 is from the College Hill Neighborhood Guidelines,
which do not apply, according to the Panel. He said, however, that Section 10, Design Guidelines for
Multi-Family buildings, does allow the Commission to consider the effect on the neighborhood.
Weitzel said that correspondence was received from Frank Gersh and Susan Lutgendorf. He said the
Commission also received a petition stating that the undersigned had concerns that the scale and mass
of the proposed apartment building will enable the property owners to double the number of tenants and
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 2
that Iowa Avenue has become dominated by student renters and that the few remaining single-family
homeowners feel increasingly embattled and isolated.
Weitzel said the petitioners argue that the aesthetic architectural guidelines for historic preservation and
censervation should ultimately be in the service of quality of life and also intend to help stabilize
neighborhoods that contain mixed owner-occupied homes and rental properties. He said the petitioners
state that they consider the mass of the building proposed for 923 Iowa to violate the spirit of these
principles and hope the Commission will seriously consider the spirit of Section 8 of the guidelines.
Weitzel said there is also a proposal by Susan Lutgendorf that the Commission defer consideration of this
item, based on the number of people who may be absent from the meeting.
Public Comment:
Susan Lutgendorf stated that she wanted to underscore some of the things written in the letter. She said
that she has always considered the 900 block of Iowa Avenue to be an ideal place to live. Lutgendorf said
it is easy to bike and walk to downtown, and this is an ideal block for families to live on.
Lutgendorf said it is real important to her to preserve the quality of life on that block and to stabilize the
neighborhood. She said she was glad to see that there is a provision in the guidelines that does relate to
mass and size of building, because her concern is that the massive structure that is proposed, something
about the sheer size of it and the fact that it is going to be substantially larger than the building that was
previously there, really changes the character of that neighborhood. Lutgendorf said it introduces a larger
apartment building, and she feels that it really does further destabilize the neighborhood.
Lutgendorf said her great concern is that the Commission has made its own guidelines for stabilization of
neighborhoods, and she did not see anything in this matter so urgent as to cause the Commission to
renege on the guidelines that it has made.
Lutgendorf said she understands that the owner of the property is allowed to replace the number of units
that he previously had, and that is his economic prerogative. She said, however, that if there were nine
people there before, why ceuld there not be three apartment units of three people each or six apartment
units of two people each. Lutgendorf said that just because there is a certain number of bedrooms, that
does not mean there will only be one person residing in that bedroom.
Lutgendorf said that the amount to which the population density will be increased could be quite massive.
She strongly requested that the Commission honor its own guidelines regarding the character of the
building and the character of the neighborhood.
Alison Ames Galstad said that she has lived on this block for about 14 years. She said she chose this
area, because it is a mixed neighborhood and because it is walking distance from downtown. Galstad
said that as a property owner, she respects what the City is trying to do in terms of historic preservation.
She said she is disappointed to see people stepping away from the intent of those guidelines.
Galstad said that in the case of her neighborhood, she hoped that the Commission would stand up for the
intent of the guidelines. She said that it is of great concern to see the population density here increase so
drastically.
Shelly McCafferty, the consultant for the applicant, provided some revised handouts for the Commission.
She reminded the Commission that its purview is the architecture, and the scale, design, and mass of the
architecture. McCafferty said it is not the Commission's purview to look at the underlying zoning code or
the housing cede.
McCafferty said that this neighborhood is not all single-family houses or all smaller scale houses. She
showed some photographs of other buildings and said that as one stands at the end of Iowa Avenue,
there are a couple of large buildings in view that are substantially larger than what the applicant proposes.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 3
McCafferty said that Washington Street has additional large buildings, varying from 50 to 75 feet in width.
She stated that a larger scale building is not necessarily out of place in this neighborhood.
McCafferty said she has been working on revising this building to make it smaller, based on previous
public comments. She showed an illustration of the proposed building surrounded by blue lines to
represent the previous proposal. McCafferty said the width of just the front fayade without the bays would
be 46 feet; the original building at the front was 42 feet.
McCafferty also showed an illustration of how the proposed building relates to the previous building,
represented by red lines. She stated that the front elevation area of the proposed building would be
1,656, and her best estimate of the front elevation area of the original building is 1,646.
McCafferty said that the front wall area, which excludes the roof, would now be within 50 square feet of
what it was previously. She said that the typical eave height would actually be three feet lower than that of
the previous building. McCafferty said that the roof height as the Buiiding Department would measure it
would be four feet lower than the previous buiiding. She said the only dimension that is not less than what
the previous building had is the width; the new building would be just four feet wider than what the
previous building was, excluding the base.
McCafferty showed the side elevation of the building. She showed the base laid out in the lighter lines on
the left and right of the building and on the side elevation.
McCafferty showed examples of bays on buildings in Iowa City. She showed the bays from the side and
showed how from the front, they are essentially not visible and do not contribute to the perceived mass of
the buildings. McCafferty said that to look at the straight elevation and measure it is not really an accurate
portrayal of what the perception of the scale of the building will be from the street.
McCafferty showed what the building would look like in three dimensions. She said that mostly what one
would see is the porch and the front projecting gables. McCafferty showed examples of flat elevations of
various buildings. She said that seen in three dimensions, the sense of scale of the buildings is
significantly different.
McCafferty said this proposal is for a building that is not a solid mass, as the previous building was. She
said that it is a little bit wider but is more articuiated, however. McCafferty said that one's perception of the
building as seen from the street is actually going to appear smaller than what it was previously. She said
that is what should be discussed: the scale, the perception of scale, and how it relates to the
neighborhood.
Lutgendorf asked if she had a side elevation for the side of the building would iook like as compared to
the previous building. McCafferty said that she did not have photographs of the side of the previous
building. Lutgendorf said that she will be experiencing the building from the side, not from the street.
McCafferty said that the previous building would probably have gone back to the middle of the large
center bay. She said the exterior back wall was previously about at the middle of the center bay.
McCafferty said the depth would increase from 40 feet to 69 feet.
McCafferty said that there are screening requirements to mitigate having multi-family next to single-family.
She said there is a required setback of 15 feet from the side property line, but this will actually be at 21
feet at the base and 24 feet at the largest mass of the building.
McCafferty said there is a screening requirement for parking, but she also put in screening along the
property line where the building is. She showed another larger, over story tree that she said will further
diminish the appearance of the back of the building from the street.
Beth Rapson asked how the placement of the building on the lot would relate to the building that was
there before. She said she is the person who will be most impacted by this building, as it will take away
light and privacy and will add noise and a structure where there was open space before. McCafferty said
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 4
she did not know exactly where that building was before, as she did not have exact dimensions. She said
that it would go back a little bit further and would be a little bit closer, maybe three or four feet.
John Roffman, the owner of the property, said that the west line would not be a whole lot different than it
was on the previous building. He said there was an addition on the east with that offset, and there was
still side yard beyond that. Roffman said there is only a seven-foot side yard over there now, and to that
front porch there would have been about ten, so it would be about three feet less there, so it might be a
foot closer.
Michaud asked if the space where the rear shed was located would be used. Roffman responded that it
was part of the building; it was not a shed. He said he would be using that space and then perhaps
another foot to the right. Michaud asked if it would be one foot closer for the most extreme bay on the
west side. Roffman replied that that would be his best guess.
Regarding light and so forth, McCafferty said that at the portion of the building adjacent to the single-
family house, there should actually be more light. She said that it will not be as tall of a building overall,
and it is also going to have a slope on it. McCafferty agreed that there will be more length.
Michaud asked if going from nine efficiency units or single-bedrooms to three-bedroom units has all been
cleared with the zoning plan. McCafferty said that it all within the zoning code. Weitzel said that it is
Neighborhood Stabilization 20. McCafferty said this is allowed. under the baseline zoning, and what the
Commission is looking at here is really the mass and scale of the building.
Michaud asked if the footprint is then not relevant. Weitzel said that under Section 10, the Commission
can look at front setback; lighting; parking; parking below buildings; garages; building orientation;
pedestrian access; balconies and decks; building height; mass; roofline; building modulation, which is the
street eievation setback; window fenestration and architectural style. He said there is also a series of
building point items to be awarded to a multi-family building. Terdalkar said that the building has already
been determined to qualify for the required minimum points.
Carlson asked if there is any1hing in the Commission's purview that would relate to building depth.
Weitzel said the Commission never has traditionally been able to do that, except for in the Summit Street
District where it is specified in the guidelines.
Terdalkar said the Commission can consider the mass of the building, which is the overall size of the
building-all about the height, scale, and depth of the building. Michaud said that square footage is
therefore relevant. Terdalkar read from the Building Mass/Height item of the Design Guidelines for Multi-
Family Buildings, "Measures should be incorporated into the design of a new building that help to reduce
its visual mass and overall height. Examples include 1) holding the height of the eave line down by
making the upper floor of a building a half story and utilizing dormers to accommodate the use of the floor
area, 2) stepping the height of the taller building down to two stories at ends adjacent to existing buildings
that are two stories or lower in height, 3) providing significant variations in the roofline and front building
plane which help to reduce the scale of the building along the streetscape: Terdalkar said these
measures can be incorporated into the design, and this is not an exhaustive list of what can be done to
reduce the building mass and height or the perception.
McCafferty stated that although application of the 1,600 square foot front elevation language in the
preservation handbook may not have been correct in terms of saying it only applies to single-family and
duplex buildings, the reason it dealt with the square footage of the front fa9<lde and not with any1hing
dealing with depth was to ensure that a multi-family property that was destroyed could be reconstructed
and that the depth was something that was specifically not addressed. She said that the specific intent
was to only deal with the square footage of the front fayade, and this proposal is within that, regardless of
whether it would be applicable here or not.
Weitzel said that this [application] was tabled to get a clarification of whether the fayade square footage
guideline applied here. He said that it does not, but the building height and mass standard section 10.1
HistDric PreservatiDn CDmmissiDn
September 28, 2006
Page 5
can be applied. Weitzel said the CDmmissiDn is charged with whether Dr nDt this building and this design
meet these guidelines.
LutgendDrf asked, with respect tD the mass issues, if there is any way that the mass cDnsideratiDn can be
thDught Df with respect tD the depth and if the architectural design issue can be applied with respect tD the
depth tD make it a less massive building frDm the side. She said that SectiDn 10 Df the guidelines has tD
dD with ways tD make a building mDre architecturally appealing.
Terdaikar said it dDesn't just limit the CDmmissiDn tD review the architecturai features. He said the sectiDn
states that Dne way tD reduce the Dverall height is tD step dDwn a building that is adjacent tD a iDwer
building, SD that dDes address the Dverall mass.
LutgendDrf said that, as SDmeDne whD is gDing tD be impacted by the mass Df this building, if Dne just
cDnsiders hDW big this is gDing tD be, she wDuld ask the CDmmissiDn tD cDnsider whether there is any
way tD scale this back.
Regarding the dimensiDns Df the building, Terdalkar said the dimensiDns fDr the frDnt elevatiDn, as shDwn
Dn the drawings distributed tDday, dD nDt include the Dverall width Df the building. He said the dimensiDns
dD nDt include the prDjectiDns [referred as bays by the applicant], and fDr the sake Df clarificatiDn, the
guidelines define the area Df the elevatiDn as the entire frDnt elevatiDn shDwn Dn a drawing, SD the faded
lines ShDUid be included in the elevatiDn.
RDffman's attDrney asked if there was an updated staff repDrt since the last meeting. Terdalkar said the
memDrandum with the DpiniDn Df the ZDning InterpretatiDn Panel was included in the packet. Regarding
the revised prDpDsal, he said that he just received it as the cDmmissiDn members, SD that he was nDt able
tD cDmment Dn the new plan.
MOTION: PDntD mDved tD apprDve a certificate Df apprDpriateness fDr the revised plan fDr the
building at 923 IDwa Avenue, as presented. Brennan seconded the motion.
PDnto said he likes what McCafferty has dDne tD minimize the visual mass frDm the street. He said he
remains cDncerned about the length of this. PDnto said his personal interpretatiDn of mass wDuld include
three dimensiDnal, SD that the length Df this is still a concern.
PontD said this is a real exceptiDnal case, because, in general, the guidelines do not allDw a demDlition
permit untii the CDmmissiDn has first approved the replacement building. He said that because of the
tDrnadD damage, the CDmmissiDn deemed this an exceptiDnai case and went ahead and apprDved the
demDlitiDn permit befDre there was a plan. PDntD said that if he had seen this plan befDre the demDlitiDn
permit was approved, he does nDt think he wDuld have vDted fDr it, because he wDuld have thDUght this is
much bigger than the previDus building, and he wDuld have wanted tD see sDmething mDre in the three-
dimensiDnal mass Df the previDus building.
Baker asked if, in Section 10.1 under building height and mass where it says, "Design Df the new building
tD help reduce its visual mass," visual mass includes the side view. Weitzel said that Terdalkar's DpiniDn
is that architectural mass is the 360 degree view.
Weitzel said that as McCafferty pDinted DUt earlier, when the CDmmissiDn IDDked at these guidelines,
there was discussiDn abDut limiting buildings and their size, and that is nDt specifically in these district
guidelines. McCafferty said her recDllectiDn is that depth is nDt Dne Df the dimensiDns that the
CDmmissiDn was gDing tD enfDrce in a cDnservatiDn district; it was the frDnt dimensiDn that was Df primary
CDncern.
TDDmey stated that this is a big increase in density. He said that CDmes with the accDmpanying baggage
Df having tD supply parking, and that impacts the neighbDrhDDd tDD when there is nDt a yard but a
CDncrete pad. TDDmey said this wDuld have a majDr impact Dn the neighbDrhDDd.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 6
Ponto said that a counterargument would be that the Commission has always allowed additions on to the
back, many of which have had additions a third as large as the house. He said that if there was a request
to add a third again addition to the back of the original building, that would approximate this. Ponto said,
however, that most additions would not have the same height, would have a somewhat smaller scale, and
would probably be set back as well.
Toomey asked if this was built as a single-family house. Carlson stated that the core of this structure was
built as a single-family house, but it was expanded to a fraternity in the 1920s, and that is when the third
and one-half story was added.
Brennan said that the neighborhood, as defined in the district, runs along Iowa and Washington from
Johnson to Muscatine, on College from Governor to Summit, and on Burlington from Summit to
Muscatine. He said that is the neighborhood this concerns, and one shouldn't focus just on a little block,
because the City has defined this neighborhood as that area.
Brennan said the neighborhood is sprinkled with very large buildings, as shown in the photographs
provided by McCafferty. Brennan said that the proposed building exceeds side setback requirements, has
a sloped roof, and the fa98de is certainly no greater than that of the buildings the Commission was shown
photographs of, and they are fairly liberally sprinkled around the entire neighborhood.
Carlson stated that he agrees with Ponto in that he has to view the depth as part of the mass of the
building. He said he likes the fact that this was scaled back quite a bit from the original proposal, but it still
is much bigger than what was there before, and what was there before was already bigger than most
things in this neighborhood. Carlson said that at this point, he did not think he could vote for approval of
this plan.
Michaud said she lives on College Green Park and is sensitive to the neighborhood concerns. She said
that if this was being built next to her property, she would be ambivalent, because the owner is making an
attempt to do landscaping and ameliorative things. Michaud said she would not have any problem
agreeing to the height and width of this if it were for two-bedroom units with the same original footprint.
Carlson said that the fa<;:ade is bigger than what was there but is within reason. He said the Commission
shouldn't be taking landscaping into consideration when considering the mass of the building, because it
is not known whether the landscaping will always be there. Carlson said the issue is really what one can
see based on the buildings around this right now, and it will clearly be a very deep building from the
street. He said that if there was some way of reducing setting back the back of the building in some way -
making it shorter or pulling it in - that could reduce the scaie enough to make it within the guidelines in his
opinion. Carlson said that as it is now, he does not think it is within the guidelines.
Weitzel said that this is a tough case, because it concerns landowner rights as well as the rights of the
neighbors. He asked what historic preservation is if it isn't taking into account what something does to the
community. Weitzel said the Commission can't always make everybody happy. He said he did not
remember ever having this much opposition to a project in recent times from the neighborhood, so he
would have to vote against this.
The motion failed on a vote of 1-6. with Brennan votina in favor.
Weitzel suggested the applicant work on another design or consider the appeal process, which
determines whether the Commission has been arbitrary or capricious in its decision.
805 East Washinaton.
MOTION: Ponto moved to take consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for 805 East
Washington Street up from the table. Carlson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 7-0.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 7
Terdalkar stated that this item was deferred at the last meeting, because the applicant could not attend
the meeting. Terdalkar said he suggested that the design of the new garage should be somewhat
compatible with what was demolished. He showed sketches that he had discussed with the applicant.
Terdalkar said the applicant was going to determine the cost of the brick needed for the project. Terdalkar
said he suggested that if there is not enough original brick salvaged from the original structure, the owner
can probably use face brick to match the portions of the brick, and use stucco as it was on the originai
structure.
Terdalkar said he also asked the owner if he could install a window on the south fa~de to match the
original. Terdalkar said if that is a concern, with regard to a nearby parking lot, the owner could build a
recess in the stucco, which would give a break in the mass on the side and give the impression of a
window.
Terdalkar said that instead of the addition that was done to accommodate a larger car, he suggested just
installing the roofline on the front of the building, which will somewhat replicate the front elevation, which
will be similar to this.
Joseph Codr, the owner of the building, said that he likes Terdalkar's proposal. Codr said that Terdalkar
gave him six to eight ideas, and he thought they were all right on. Codr said he wants this to iook as much
like the original as possible. He said he has no problems with anything proposed by Terdalkar.
Michaud asked about the depth of the gable part. Terdalkar said that the eaves on the house are very
deep. He said it could be about the same depth as the eaves on the house, about one foot or so.
Terdalkar said the garage will be 18 feet, to accommodate a modern car.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 805 East
Washington Street in accordance with the drawings provided at this night's meetings. Baker
seconded the motion.
Terdalkar said the wall will be constructed with concrete block, which will not make it easy to build the
step down from one end to another. He said it will have a shed roof, as it did before, which will drain
toward the east side.
Weitzel said the building was demolished as a safety issue, because the north wall was pretty much gone
after the tornado. Codr said he has to use block, because the north wall is against the steps of the house,
and everything would just rot out if he used wood. He said he is going up six feet with block, which will be
stuccoed and then six-inch timber from that point up to the ten feet that it was before.
Terdalkar said he had suggestions for the garage doors. He suggested a very simple garage door fayade.
Terdalkar said that if the owner chooses to have windows on the garage door, he could use a similar
divided light pattern as that on the house.
AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION: Ponto moved to amend the main motion to Include details
to be worked out between the owner and staff. Baker seconded the amendment.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
934 Iowa Avenue.
Terdalkar said that this application is for another storm-damaged structure. He showed a photograph of
the building from 2003, when the house had stucco ex1erior finish.
Terdalkar said that both the front porch and the roof on the house were destroyed in the tornado. He said
the chimney was also destroyed, and this proposal is to rebuild the roof and the porch as they were, but
without the chimney, so this proposal is for the demolition of the chimney. Weitzel said that the focus of
this is whether or not this particular chimney needs to be rebuilt.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 8
Mike Waltz, the owner of the house, said the reason he does not want to reconstruct the chimney is
because the brick is gone, and also, the chimney is down to about the level of the second floor. He said
he is taking out the boiler from the basement and putting new heating and air conditioning units in the
building. Waltz said he would bring the stack up through the chimney and go up to the roof with the
ventilation. He said he would run PVC up through the chimney and bring out electrical to the second floor.
Michaud asked if a structure is needed around those things. Waltz said it would be like on a modern
house, which might have a stack without a chimney.
Brennan asked how the Commission could compel rebuiiding of the chimney. Terdalkar said that a
demolition permit would be required to demolish the chimney. Waltz said that the storm demolished the
chimney. Terdalkar said that even if something was accidentally demolished, the Commission could
mandate rebuilding. He said, however, the Commission can approve modifications or rebuilding to match
the structure as it was prior to demolition.
Michaud asked what the problem would be with rebuilding this. Weitzel said he thought the owner is
arguing that it is superfluous and would have to be built from the top of the first story up through the whole
thing. He said that masonry work is very expensive, and the owner would either have to construct some
kind of faise chimney at the top or build it from the stable part of the chimney.
Michaud said that the garage issue just considered centered around what was a bastardization of a
1920s garage, but the Commission made him replicate that compromise of the 1920s garage. She said
that this is at least coherent with the building. Michaud said she could see not rebuilding the whole
chimney but thought there would be something the owner could put it there.
Weitzel said that in the past, when the owner was willing to do so, the Commission has approved false
chimneys to be built. He said the Commission has also allowed a similar type of chimney to be
demolished before.
Carlson said he did not know if how the chimney was lost should enter into the deliberations, but his
personal opinion is that if a tornado knocked down a chimney, he is more willing to let it go than if an
owner wanted to take down a chimney.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for a demolition permit for the
chimney at 934 Iowa Avenue. Baker seconded the motion.
Terdalkar asked if the Commission is letting the chimney go just because it is smaller. He said he did not
feel that should be the way, because it would not be consistent. Weitzel said the real question is whether
the Commission feels this is an architecturally significant feature.
Weitzel said that one way to look at this project is that the building is being rebuilt instead of being
demolished. He said that one could look at the tradeoff of having a chimney versus the fact that now it
would be gone.
Michaud asked if a simulated brick chimney is affordable. Waltz said that he was not sure if putting the
chimney back up on there would support that weight. Toomey asked how high the chimney originally was
above the roofline. Waltz said that the roof had a 4:12 pitch, so there was probably at least three feet of
chimney above the roof.
Toomey said that with some simple wood framing underneath, with a chase, one could still frame that in
and build the chimney right on top of it if it is only three feet. He said that if the Commission members
beiieve the view of that chimney is an architectural feature, it could be built up without building it all the
way up from anything other than what is above roofline. Toomey said that one could build a straight roof
on that, with a hole coming through for the vent, and build a framing underneath it to support the
additional weight of the brick chimney that is put up there. Waltz asked if one would basically just put a
fake chimney up on top of the roof, and Toomey confirmed this.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 9
The person with Waltz said that would not necessarily be historic. Toomey said that it would provide the
architectural footprint that the eye sees with the building. He said the chimney was a functional aspect of
the building, although there are architecturally significant chimneys. Toomey said that it would be a
stretch to call this an architecturally significant chimney.
Waltz agreed that this is just a plain, old chimney. Weitzel asked if the chimney brick matched the
foundation on the porch. Waltz said he did not believe so, but he has only owned the house about a
week.
Terdalkar suggested that a fake, wood-frame chimney with brick veneer would cost aimost the same as it
would to use real brick. Weitzel asked Helen Burford if there was 1920s tapestry brick at the salvage
barn. Burford said there was not but suggested a couple of other places where brick could be obtained.
Weitzel asked if the insurance settlement on this building was transferred to Waltz, and Waltz responded
that it was not. Waltz stated that the Building Department is waiting for Commission approval on this so
that he can put a roof on the house. He said that the whole attic is gone.
Weitzel stated that he is a strong proponent of keeping chimneys when they are there, as they are not
that hard to maintain and are one of the single features that best define some rooflines. He said that
practically, he is so glad that this house is being rebuilt that he is willing to make concessions on this.
With regard to the garage considered previously, Terdalkar said that the garage was built later than the
house and was an addition to the property. He said that it was done tastefully, as opposed to some
garages modified for larger cars by adding a snout coming from the back. Terdalkar said this garage was
done properly to make it compatible to the house and has perhaps gained enough significance on its
own.
Carlson said that it looked like the brick on the chimney did not match the foundation and was just plain
red brick, from what he could tell. Ponto agreed that it was just a functional chimney and was not a
decorative chimney.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Waltz referred to where the front pillar on the left side is totally gone and said he did not think there was
enough brick to put it back up. He added that on the far wall, there is a big hole where there is no brick on
the side. Waltz said that if he cannot find the brick, he might propose to take down the pillar on the right-
hand side, use the brick on the other side, and put round white pillars on both sides. He asked if that
would be acceptable to the Commission.
Weitzel said he believes the porch was built with the house, and Waltz agreed. Weitzel questioned
whether the square columns should be replaced with round columns. Waltz said that they would not have
to be round columns. Weitzel suggested that square, tapered columns would be more appropriate. Waltz
said that if he can find replacement brick, he will put it back up.
Terdalkar suggested filling in on the side with new brick or a similar type of brick. He said that by going
with the tapered columns, it will make this more like a craftsman-style house, although the front
appearance is not that stylistic.
Carlson suggested the Commission doesn't yet have enough information to make a decision on the porch
pillars. Waltz said that if he can find the appropriate brick, he will put it back.
Waltz asked what the owner of the house next door would be doing with that house. Terdalkar said the
Commission issued a certificate of no material effect for the roof to stabilize it, but he did not know more
beyond that.
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 10
Weitzel said the Commission's approval allows the chimney to be demolished. Regarding the front porch
pillars, he said that they could be addressed with a certificate of no material effect if the owner can match
the brick and, if not, the owner can submit a proposal for the Commission's review.
1141 Colleae Street.
Terdalkar said that this property is a contributing structure in the East College Historic District. He said the
project is to reconstruct the exterior stairway, which provides primary access to the second unit in the
building.
Terdalkar referred to a sketch provided by the applicant and said it appears that the new stairway would
be longer than the existing stairway. He said it may therefore have to be extended further form the
southern most point that is there now on the site, which will probably run into the required setback but is
not allowed by the zoning code. Terdalkar said the applicant therefore needs to revise the proposed
stairway such that it meets the code requirements. He said he has discussed this with the applicant, who
planned to provide measurements of the site/property boundaries and the stairwell.
Michaud asked if there is a way to go toward the back bay and then forward, by pulling a landing in there.
Terdalkar said that the window on that side may cause some problems with installing a dogleg-style
stairway. He said that this Is also the only access point here so that it is stationary and cannot be moved
drastically.
Toomey asked if there is not a stairway inside the building, and Terdalkar said there was no stairway
inside, as far as he knew.
Terdalkar said that this would not be allowed today for a few reasons. He said that a duplex can now be
only on a corner lot. Terdalkar said that primary access to a unit cannot currently be through an exterior
stairway. He said that this building was grandfathered in so that the City cannot make the owner remove
the duplex unit, but there needs to be a solution to this. Terdalkar added that the fire escape unit has to
stay to provide egress.
Weitzel said the Commission does not even know if this proposal would be allowed, so the Commission
may want to defer a vote on this. Terdalkar agreed that there are items for the owner to consider. Weitzel
said this application is not complete enough for the Commission to consider.
Terdalkar said the stairway can be repaired, but what will happen is that every year there will be another
part that needs stability and repair. He said that the stairs really need complete reconstruction. Terdalkar
said the Building Department asked the owner to repair the stairway, possibly subsequent to a rental
inspection.
MOTION: Ponto moved to table consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for the project at
1141 College Street due to lack of adequate information. Baker seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 7-0.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
Chair. Weitzel asked for nominations for Commission Chair.
Ponto nominated Weitzel for the position of Chair. Toomey seconded the nomination.
Ponto said that he feels Weitzel has done an excellent job as Chair, especially in light of all of the issues
that have arisen as a result of the April tornado. He stated that it has been a lot of work. There were no
other nominations for the position of Chair.
Weitzel was accepted as Chair by acclamation.
Vice Chair. Weitzel asked for nominations for Commission Vice Chair
Historic Preservation Commission
September 28, 2006
Page 11
Baker nominated Brennan for the position of Vice Chair. Michaud seconded the nomination.
Brennan was accepted as Vice Chair by acclamation.
OTHER:
Burford said that Old Brick has confirmed space for Wednesday, December 61h, for the historic
preservation awards. She stated that Friends of Historic Preservation would like the Commission to
consider giving the historic preservation awards in the fall, instead of in the spring, as it gives people
more time to complete work within a given year.
Michaud said that the work generally takes a year no matter what is done. Ponto agreed but said that if
the work is completed in the summer, it is still fresh. Terdalkar said there is pressure to finish projects
before any given deadline.
Terdalkar suggested setting a timeline for a project from January through December, with the awards
ceremony to be held in May during historic preservation month. Weitzel suggested that there be a photo
montage of the tornado recovery for the awards, including work in progress photographs. Burford said
that Margaret would be speaking about the new museum at the ceremony.
Weitzel asked about the meeting to be held regarding the grant. Terdalkar said the meeting would need
to be held on an evening or a Sunday. He said that the Nationai Trust is requesting an update of what is
going on. Weitzel asked about the grant applications. Terdalkar said there have been applications for 819
Iowa Avenue, 821 Iowa Avenue, 934 Iowa Avenue, 103 Governor Street, two houses on College Street,
and one house on Jefferson Street.
Burford stated that four peopie have applied for the State grant. Weitzel asked Terdaikar if he has spoken
to Kathy Gourley recentiy. Terdalkar said that he has and that Gourley is considering naming October 9th
as the second round deadline.
Terdalkar said there will need to be a meeting to discuss which projects will receive funding. Weitzel said
there is $10,000 available for the seven projects. Michaud said she feels that need should be a
consideration for receiving the money, and Weitzel agreed that need is a prime consideration.
Terdalkar said that he would contact Michael Maharry and Mike Haverkamp from Friends of Historic
Preservation regarding the meeting. He said that Mike Gunn and Weitzel have also volunteered to attend
the meeting. Michaud, Ponto, and Toomey said they would try to attend the meeting, depending on which
evening it would be held. Weitzel said the meeting would therefore be tentatively scheduled for next
Wednesday or Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Terdalkar said that he would send an e-mail notifying members of
the final date and time.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
sJpcd/mins/hpcl2006/9-28-Q6.doc
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MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2006
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
Approved 11-02-06
Members Present: Emily Carter-Walsh, Charles Felling, Emily Martin, Mark Seabold,
Rick Fosse
Members Absent: Dalayne Williamson, Terry Trueblood
Staff Present: Karin Franklin, Marcia Klingaman
Others Present: John Beasley (arrived at 4PM)
CAll TO ORDER
Seabold called the meeting to order at 3:37PM.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
Felling said he is concerned about the placement of the sculpture titled Blade. He said
the location overwhelms the statue and makes it less visible. Franklin said the sculpture
is part of the rotating sculptures and therefore that placement is just temporary.
Suggestions were made to move the pad or to add pads along the trail to create more of
a context for the sculpture. It was agreed that the purpose of this site, for exhibiting
student work on a rotating basis, likely precluded installation of a large piece that would
more appropriately fill the site.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE SEPTEMBER 7. 2006 MEETING
MOTION: Felling moved to approve the minutes as submitted. Martin seconded the
motion. Motion passed 5:0.
REVIEW OF SUBMITTALS FOR THE GRAND AVENUE ROUNDABOUT PROJECT
Franklin said the purpose of the meeting is for the Committee to go through the images
of the proposals, as a preview and talk about how to engage the University of Iowa and
the neighborhood association in the de cision making process.
Gene Anderson
Gene Anderson has a rotating sculpture on the Ped-Mall. Franklin noted that the artist
submitted 2 proposals. Walsh said that his art consists more of shapes and volume
instead of details, and there is a benefit to his work by moving around it. Preference was
expressed for the first submittal with the stone pieces.
Franklin noted that if the Committee as a group unanimously identifies proposals that are
not suitable for the project, those could be eliminated at this stage.
J Anderson Bricker
Walsh said that because of the negative space between the fences posts people will see
a lot of movement in their peripheral vision as they move around the sculpture. She
added that if the posts are made out of steel it would definitely catch the sun. Rick said
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3, 2006
Page 2
he sees wind debris catching in there. He added that to him the statue seems very
fragile and seem s to have a carousel shape.
Chris Bennett
Franklin said the artist submitted 3 proposals: Swan Sequence, Prairie Preening and
Broken Aerial. Seabold said the Swan Sequence seems very out of place for the project
proposed. Walsh added that it is very detailed and would attract people to it. Martin said
that all three proposals seem to not be appropriate for the space, and do not fill the
space as to block the view from the opposite side and direct the people around it.
Franklin said that if the Committee likes the shape, the issue with the sculptures is a
matter of size that could be arranged with the artist. The committee decided to eliminate
the 3 proposals due to the subject being inapprop riate for the space.
David Black
Franklin said the artist had submitted 3 proposals: Round About, Portal, and Fanfare.
Seabold was very impressed with the Round About proposal and said the sculpture has
high energy and attracts you to continually circle it. Walsh said the Portal attracts people
to walk through it, and would envision a wall going around it. The Committee looked at a
brochure for additional work of the artist.
Peter Busby
Seabold said the work is very cool, but it does not relate to the space proposed. Martin
said the work is not appropriate for the site, but would work great on a pasture. The
committee decided to eliminate the proposal due to inappropriateness with the space.
Ed Carpenter
Franklin said the artist has not formally submitted any proposals but had directed staff to
his website. Based on his previous work he is typically projecting large moving pieces
accompanied by light. To exemplify Klingaman presented images of past work. Rick said
the movement is too energy consuming for the specific space. Franklin said the artist will
do something similar to his past work, but smaller in scale. Franklin said if the
Committee is interested in this work, she will follow up with the artist to determine if the
movement of the sculpture is motorized and in terms of smaller scale work. The
Committee directed staff to follow up with the artist.
John Coyne
Walsh said that she would imagine a grouping of the proposed sculpture with different
figures on each animal. She added that the work is pretty detailed and would attract
people wanting to take pictures. Franklin stated the proposal was for one piece.
Seabold said the proposal falls in the same category as the other pieces eliminated,
. where the sculpture see ms out of place.
Robert Ellison
Klingaman presented 3 proposals from the artist: Denver, Flex, and Vortex. Walsh said
the proposals are not inappropriate for the space. Martin said the first two pieces remind
her of a Martini Cup and a sundae. Fosse said there is no directional element involved in
the work.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August3,2006
Page 3
John Beaslev arrived at 4:00 and aooloQized for not makinQ it in time for the Public
Discussion item. Beasley said he does not believe that the Irving Weber statue is placed
right and if possible should be moved more into downtown Iowa City welcoming people
into City Plaza. He noted that as it is situated, the statue is at the periphery of downtown,
and seems to be waving at people leaving downtown. Beasley said that it would be neat
to have him located in the walkway between Plaza Towers and the Public Library, or at
the other side where the Jazz statue is located.
Beasley said that sometimes pieces find the right home, and the best example in Iowa
City is Doug and Linda Paul's bronze piece of kids working to rescue a cat from a tree.
He said there is no better location in the world than the Ronald McDonald house. He
added that the location of the bronze Nile Kinnick at the south of the football stadium is
great, and Weber needs to be in a better place. Martin said she approaches downtown
Iowa City from that direction and is actually greeted by the Weber statue.
Walsh said the Lions Club came up with the location because they came with the
proposal. Franklin said the location was chosen in a collaborative process. Staff was
directed to investigate the cost of relocation and discuss the possibility with the Lions.
David Hale
Franklin said the artist is a University of Iowa student and proposes a piece of 12 feet in
height using steel and stone.
John Barlow- Hudson
Franklin said the artist had submitted 3 proposals: Sentinels, Trident and unnamed.
Walsh said the Trident inspires a sen se of motion.
Howard Kalish
Franklin said the artist submitted a proposal titled Rainbow Sheaf. She noted the piece
will be 18 feet tall. Walsh said it is a good radial piece. Martin said the colors change as
one drives around it. Fosse said the motion goes in the wrong direction of the
roundabout. Franklin said that is an issue that can be rectified in production.
Mark LaMair
Walsh said the piece is good looking. Fosse said the piece points in the wrong way.
Walsh said that it is similar to the blades of a blender.
Tuck Langland
Walsh said the dancer could denote the direction of the roundabout. Franklin said there
will be 3 or 4 identical dancers located where each road com es in the roundabout. Walsh
said she would not like to have the same statue 3 times, and there should be some
differences. Franklin said if the Committee is interested that could be an issue open for
negotiation with the artist.
Mark Leichliter
Franklin introduced the two proposals submitted by the artist: Pharaoh's Dream and
Duet. Martin said the Duet seems too vertical.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
August 3, 2006
Page 4
Peter Michel
Franklin said the proposal consists of arrows with smiley faces. Felling said the piece
looks friendly. Martin asked what the budget for the sculpture is. Franklin said the budget
is not mentioned. Fosse said the piece is functional. Seabold said he would like to see
something more professional. The committee unanimously decided to eliminate the
proposal.
Don Mitchell
The author submitted 3 proposals: Road Map, Road Trip, and Roundabout. Walsh said
she does not dislike it. Martin agreed. Seabold noted that it is too crowded.
Tim Otis
Franklin said Otis is a University of Iowa student. Walsh said the piece is too airy and
with too much negative space. The committee unanimously decided to eliminate the
proposal.
Lois Teicher
The artist submitted 2 proposals. Martin said this proposal is similar to the smiling arrows
piece shown before. Walsh said it will be really hard to envision it. Felling asked if the
bright color is the issue for not liking the proposal. Seabold said the color does not
bother him, but would like to see a refined professional looking piece. Walsh said she
does not like the subject; it is not interesting. Seabold said he does not see the
roundabout location as a whimsical site. The committee unanimously decided to
eliminate the proposal.
Christopher Weed
Franklin said the artist submitted three proposals: Sun Flowers, Bulls, and Reflections.
Martin said she likes the sunflower, but for another location. Walsh said the overall tone
is not adequate for the space. Seabold said the pieces will be too prominent. Walsh said
there is also the negative space issue. Martin said that the sculpture would definitely
attract people. The committee unanimously decided to eliminate the proposal.
Steven Woodward
Walsh said the proposal is very straight forward and very functional. Franklin said it is
constructed of corten steel which will rust. Walsh said that material is easy to keep-up.
Franklin said the committee needs to decide when and how to involve the University of
Iowa and the Melrose neighborhood in the selection of the project process.
Fosse said the committee should not feel forced to select one sculpture if nothing
exceptional that would benefit the site was proposed. He added that they can always
have the option of working with a landscape architect. Walsh said this was the strongest
response the committee has seen for a call.
Walsh said there were issues that would have to be addressed with each proposal, but
she could see some of the pieces selected for the site.
The committee said the best time to involve the University and the Melrose
neighborhood would be during the next regular monthly meeting of the Committee.
Iowa City Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes
Augus13,2006
Page 5
The Committee re-reviewed the slideshow of proposals.
COMMITTEE TIME/UPDATES- DEDICATION SCHEDULES
Franklin said the dedication for the Wetherby Shelter will be on October 14 at 2 PM. The
Committee will be represented by Williamson.
Franklin said the dedication of Just for Kicks will be on October 21 at 10:15 A.M.
Seabold will represent the Committee at the dedication of Just for Kicks.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 4:47 P.M.
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
REGULAR MEETING
THURSDAY, September 28,2006
5:00 PM
Agenda Item 3A
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;!:iii)jUi:j:
Members
Present:
Thomas Dean, William Korf, Thomas Martin, Linzee McCray, Mary New,
Meredith Rich-Chappell, Pat Schnack, Leon Spies, David VanDusseldorp
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Barb Black, Terri Byers, Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Heidi Lauritzen, Patty
McCarthy, Elyse Miller, Hal Penick
Guests Present:
CALL TO ORDER: McCray called the meeting to order at 5:04 pm,
PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Terri Byers announced that this would be the last meeting she
would be attending for some time as AFSCME contract negotiations begin October 12, 2006,
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The minutes of the regular meeting of August 24, 2006 were approved. Korf/Rich-Chappell, 6-0.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Leased Space. Craig spoke to Kevin Hanick this week. A law firm from Cedar Rapids has
looked at the basement space twice. The law firm brought in an architect to assess the space,
which is a positive sign of interest.
VanDusseldorp entered at 5:08. The agenda order was changed by McCray so that committee
member Dean could participate in the public relations plan discussion. The FY08 Budget
discussion was the first item of New Business, with the Public Relations Plan item after.
NEW BUSINESS:
FY2008 Budqet Discussion: This was Board member New's first budget discussion. Craig
described the intricate process. Staff prepare budget recommendations for the Board, based
on the strategic plan as well as increases in use or costs. The Board discusses projects and
makes decisions. Craig takes the recommendations to the City, which means they go to the
City Manager and Finance Director, who prepare the City's staff recommendations to City
Council. It is the City Manager's decision about what is in his recommended budget. Craig
gave an example of increased building hours that were not in the City Manager's initial budget
last year. An interested council member advocated for increased hours at the annual Library
budget meeting and the money for increased hours was allocated. Labor contract negotiations
are underway and are not included in the budget at this time.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 28, 2006
Agenda Item 3A
Page 2
Schnack entered at 5:10 pm.
Craig explained that staff have put the budget together based on the Library's strategic plan.
New asked if everything in the budget proposal gets into the City Manager's budget. Craig said
that in her experience it is difficult to get permanent staff approved. In the past, the City
Manager has made modest adjustments to certain allocations such as travel and education.
New wondered whether Craig prioritizes the Library budget before it goes to the City Manager.
Craig said that she does not prioritize the budget because she meets with the City Manager
and they discuss various items. Typically, Craig does not know until the budget is published
which items have been approved. It may be that the City Manager does not know exactly how
big the budget is until after he meets with all of the City departments. The City Manager
always submits a balanced budget. McCray wondered about how typical it is to have
something be recommended by Council that wasn't in the City Manager's budget. Craig said
that it works both ways; money is sometimes put back into a departmental budget, and
sometimes money is taken away and given to another department. For example, the
increased hours will stay in the budget and do not have to be reallocated year after year. If the
Library budget were to be cut, it is the Library Board's decision where to make the cut, not the
Council's.
Korf wondered about gift money and if it could only go through the Foundation. Craig
explained that the Library does have a gift account into which funds could be deposited if a
donor wished to make a contribution and not go through the Foundation.
New asked about NOBU funds. Craig said that these monies are not otherwise budgeted, for
example, direct state aid money, enterprise funds, monies that we can carry over from year to
year, unlike budget monies. Spies asked about increasing two permanent part-time positions,
knowing that it's difficult to get permanent positions approved and budgeted. Craig said that it
is helpful because the Library identified a revenue stream for some of the hours.
McCray asked for budget highlights. Craig suggested that the Board look at the Excel chart to
see what has been budgeted in FY07 and what has been requested for FY08. There is a 6%
increase in personnel for what the City has budgeted plus ten hours each for Maintenance and
Webmaster, and hourly positions. Craig explained that the overtime budget line is used to pay
permanent part time people who work extra hours as well as for overtime, so it looks like we
don't spend it but we do.
Craig pointed out that the supply budget barely changed. She talked about the increase in
Park n' Ride program numbers. McCray asked about the money for utilities in the basement.
Craig explained that a percentage is used that is based on square footage. Schnack asked
about using parking revenue for Park 'n Read. Parking revenue does go to the general fund.
Korf wondered about restrictions on ILL; especially about frequent users of ILL services.
Currently, this service is only provided to residents of Iowa City and contract areas. Costs have
increased, but are not significant overall.
Capital expenses: less than 5% in materials budget overall. With the understanding that
personnel costs are not yet known due to AFSCME contract negotiations, a 5.26% increase in
the overall budget seems reasonable.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 28, 2006
Agenda Item 3A
Page 3
Project sheets: One of the project sheets was for implementing the Public Relations plan. This
is an expensive budget item. Craig iterated that this is an important item for Board members to
think about. New wondered about hiring a person for 10 hours per week; she felt it would be
difficult to find a person who would be willing to work and wondered if contracting with an
outside firm should be considered. Craig said that Dana Engelbert, our consultant for the
Public Relations plan, could help us with this. We could hire her as a consultant instead of
putting her on staff for 10 hours; but it would be more expensive that way.
Craig talked about mailing The Window four times each year. She provided some publishing
history as tied to previous budgets. Staff feel that The Window should be widely distributed.
Martin wondered about where we get our mailing lists. McCray wondered about whether the
value of The Window is anecdotal. Craig said it was anecdotal but strong.
One new proposal is using a city bus to bring people to the library in the summer. This item
ties to the strategic plan in which it was identified that we would increase service to
underserved children. Staff brainstormed ways to accomplish this. Summertime outreach was
identified as a potential program. Staff visited other libraries in Iowa who were doing outreach
programs, but none of the other libraries had a model similar to what we wanted to do. We
wished to start our program next June, grant funding time was running out, and we had the
idea to use Iowa City buses to help with our outreach efforts. This will cost a reasonable
amount of money. It is hoped that we will get a gift to help fund this program. As conceived,
the program may work like this: Iowa City Transit bus and driver will travel on a few published,
identified routes, three times each week, in a structured, organized way. This will be a ten-
week program beginning when school gets out in June. Schnack thinks this is a great idea.
Spies wondered about a child being left behind on the bus or in the library and if the library
assumes any special responsibility because of this new program. It was discussed that
someone might volunteer to be on the bus. Martin thinks it's a novel idea; New wondered if
Craig talked to Iowa City Transit and to the City attorney. Dean said that this would be the
same kind of responsibility we have for any child that walks into the Library now. Spies
wondered about if transfers would apply. It was moved by Spies and seconded by Meredith to
approve the FY08 budget request; unanimous.
Adopt Public Relations Plan: Dean described the process for the Board. The Public Relations
Committee is comprised of both Board and staff members, and worked with consultant Dana
Engelbert. The whole committee met thrice during the project. The first time was to discuss the
situational analysis; at the second meeting the committee developed a goal. Staff committee
members spent several meetings and weeks coming up with strategies and tactics; the entire
group met again, the plan was modified, and the result is presented for Board approval. Dean
discussed how he personally wondered about how objectives were part of the public relations
plan. He reconciled these as outcomes: measurable parts of the plan that are directly related
to part of our strategic plan. Dean feels it might be helpful to view the objectives as the end
result of our public relations efforts, a way for us to measure that our communication has been
effective.
Schnack wondered if our goal was to increase usage. Craig explained that we wanted to
increase usage by identified popUlations: at risk youth, Spanish language speakers, persons
over 55. We wish to communicate what we have to offer to these groups in a more organized,
focused way than we have before. All of our regular communications to patrons will continue,
but we will specifically market to these identified populations. Craig discussed how targeting
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 28, 2006
Agenda Item 3A
Page 4
groups, something the Library has not done before, is part of marketing. VanDusseldorp
wondered if the goal of the public relations plan might shift over time and if the objectives
would always address the diversity of services. Craig said that the budget shows that the
public relations plan will be revisited after FY08 to see if it needs to be continued, changed,
etc. She said that if this plan is successful, we would hopefully change our priorities in the
future. Martin suggested that the public relations plan is a dynamic document and that there is
room to reflect on its success and how we've communicated our goal to the community. Spies
felt that the plan was top heavy on marketing when he first read it and thought a survey might
be necessary but after reading through the plan, he felt that the plan does satisfy what he
believes to be Johnson County circulation area concerns. Craig explained that we do have a
professional survey every five years by professionals. She said that it is an expensive process
but it helps us learn to ask better questions about what we need to do at the Library and how
to address our constituencies.
Spies thought the public relations plan is a wonderful effort. McCray and Dean said as
committee members they were surprised by the process, how hard and challenging it was to
put the plan together, and how important having a professional was to the process. A motion
was made by New, seconded by Spies and approved unanimously to adopt the Public
Relations plan. Martin proposed that we keep the Library's public relations efforts as an
agenda item every month to see how we're doing. Craig said that a report on our public
relations efforts will be provided regularly.
STAFF REPORTS:
Departmental Reports: Adult Services, Circulation, Information Services
Adult Services:
One year later than we hoped and said, Eaudio is here. It went live yesterday and so far there
were six downloads. The service has been publicized on the website and by word of mouth,
but there has not been a big push to let people know about this service until we are
comfortable with how it actually functions. VanDusseldorp talked about how the price range for
mp3 players has really come down in the past year and that the players are affordable now.
Penick relayed that patrons are complimentary about the service.
Circulation: McCray voiced excitement about email courtesy notices. New talked about the
shifting project for the 741s (graphic novels). She also described how great the process was
for asking the Library to order a new book by making a purchase request online.
Information Services: McCray asked about Express Nonfiction. It was explained that this is a
method the Library has of getting many copies of popular books for a short period of time at a
reduced rate. ICPL keeps the books for a specific amount of time; and then they're returned to
the vendor. The Library gets to keep one of the "rented" copies, which helps to beef up the
collection with popular materials. These collections are not used to fill holds, which is often the
reason why we "express" these materials, so that more are available for people to check out.
Black explained about how the process works.
Open Access. Report included in packet. Martin appreciated it.
ICPL BOARD OF TRUSTEES
September 28, 2006
Agenda Item 3A
Page 5
Maintenance Staff Increase from Buildinq Manaqement Funds. Craig reported that we have
requested an increase in maintenance staff hours to be paid for with the money we have
saved by acting as property manager for New York NY Deli and Capanna instead of hiring a
management company. City Council will consider the request next week.
Book Cart Drill Team. The Book Cart Drill Team is alive and well and will be performing at the
University of Iowa Homecoming parade on Friday, October 6, 2006. Circulation graciously
loans their book carts to the team for practices and on the day of the parade.
Miscellaneous
Craig reminded the Board that Lolly Egger's book signing for her book about Irving Weber is
October 9.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
None.
ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MEMBERS:
VanDusseldorp mentioned that six museums in the Boston area permit library cardholders to
checkout a museum pass. Craig said that Cedar Rapids has a similar program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Friends Foundation:
The Foundation board met 9/6; Colin Hennessy was elected President and Don Thompson as
President-elect. Tyler Kruse is a new Director at Large, filling the spot vacated by Tom Saxen.
Invested funds continue to grow though the rate has slowed. Plans are underway for the 2007
Building the Collection event.
COMMUNICA liONS:
None.
DISBURSEMENTS:
Visa expenditures and the disbursements for August 2006 were reviewed:
VanDusseldorp 1 Martin, unanimous.
AGENDA ITEMS FOR OCTOBER MEETING:
ILA Conference report
ADJOURNMENT: McCray declared the meeting adjourned at 6:24 pm:
Rich-Chappell 1 Schnack, unanimous.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
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~Public Library
MINUTES
Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees
Regular Meeting
Thursday, October 26, 2006
5:00 pm
FINAL
Members Present: Thomas Dean, William Korf, Thomas Martin, Linzee McCray, Mary
New, David VanDusseldorp
Members Absent: Meredith Rich-Chappell, Pat Schnack, Leon Spies
Staff Present: Barb Black, Maeve Clark, Susan Craig, Kara Logsden, Heidi Lauritzen,
Patty McCarthy, Elyse Miller, Hal Penick
Call to Order: McCray called the meeting to order at 5:09 PM.
Public Discussion: No public discussion.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the regular meeting of September 28, 2006 were approved after a minor
revision was made to page 3, with the replacement of the word "thrice" for "twice" as the
number of times the whole Public Relations Committee met. New/Martin, 6-0.
The minutes of the Special Meeting of Corporate Members of Friends Foundation, of
August 24, 2006 were approved. VanDusseldorp/Korf, 6-0.
Unfinished Business
Leased Space. Craig met with Hanick. There are two things going right now with the
basement space. The law firm has not communicated with him. This month, an individual
interested in creating a number of small offices out of the larger space contacted the
realtor. Craig told him that Library would be willing to have a master lease, but not 15
individual leases, for example. Hanick also reported that the University of Iowa is
interested again.
New Business
Alcohol at Library Fundraisinq Events in the Library. The Friends Foundation has asked
about holding an event at the Library at which alcohol would be served. Craig said that
the City Council has allowed alcohol on City property for non-profit events: Riverside
Theatre Shakespeare Festival at City Park. Craig noted that the Senior Center Board is
also interested in having fundraising events and receptions at their facility where alcohol
could be served. Craig provided the members with a bit of history. In the 1980's, an
event called Dinner in the Stacks was held at which alcohol was served. The Library had
to get a liquor license for that event but the law has been changed since then to disallow
this. VanDusseldorp wondered about the kinds of options there are for Foundation
events. McCarthy said that both cost and demand for space is increasing, making it
difficult for places like hotels to donate their space or offer it in-kind. Members wondered
where in the Library a fundraiser would be held. Meeting Room A was suggested as a
spot where such an event might occur. It is not a large enough space for the Spring
auction event, but is a good size for other types of fundraising activities.
Martin talked about fundraising and how expensive it is to go elsewhere for space. He
itemized the different costs associated with events such as catering and setup.
Foundation Board Committee members spent much time and energy transporting food
from the catering vendor to the event space last year. It was decided to go to the
Coralville Marriott this year as they offered the best deal, it's new, and it has pizzazz.
The Foundation Board Committee thought these pluses offset moving the event out of
Iowa City. Martin is confident that the event will return to Iowa City next year.
The Board is interested in finding out more about allowing alcohol in the Library at
Library events and asked Susan to investigate this issue and report back.
The meeting moved to Training Lab at 5:34 pm for website demonstrations.
Website Demo. Staff demonstrated some new Library catalog features. Suggestions for
our Collection is a form used to suggest an item for purchase by the Library via the
catalog. Reading history, which keeps a record of items checked out by a patron, is also
accessed from the ICPL catalog. NextReads is a service to which patrons can subscribe
which identifies new titles recommended by selectors in areas of interest. New modules
from III (the Library's online library system vendor) will rank the relevancy of keyword
searches, present related resources for topics such as indexes and abstracts, reviews,
full text, and recommended web resources from within the catalog.
Staff Reports
Departmental Reports.
Svstems Services. McCray enjoyed the Systems report.
Development Office. November 12, 2006 is the annual Book Gala. This event is held in
the evening at Prairie Lights. The bookstore "closes" and opens itself to Library friends
and supporters. A percentage of the bookstore's receipts is donated to the Library.
Friends and supporters of the Library are encouraged to stop by Prairie Lights and buy
books!
ILA Conference Report. The ILA conference was successful and well attended by library
people throughout Iowa. Five ICPL staff members attended the annual meeting, and a
former staff member (Samantha Wikstrom) came back to give a presentation.
Craig has her annual budget meeting with the City Manager on Monday, 10/30/06.
President's Report
McCray has been traveling lately and appreciates the Library's travel holdings.
Announcements from Members
Dean gave kudos to the ICPL Book Cart Drill Team.
Committee Reports. None.
Communications. None.
Quarterly Financial Reports
First quarter Receipts. Members are interested in seeing how email courtesy notices will
affect fines.
First quarter Expenditures.
First quarter Gifts and Bequests.
Quarterly Use Reports
Three month Output Measures. Martin noticed that most output measures were up.
Craig said that this shows that the increased hours are being used.
Three month Circulation bv Area and Agencv.
Three month Circulation bv Tvpe and Format.
Disbursements
Visa expenditures and disbursements for September 2006 were reviewed.
VanDusseldorp/Dean; 6-0.
Agenda items for November meeting
November meeting is a week before Thanksgiving, 11/16/06.
Policy review.
Budget update.
Adjournment. McCray adjourned the meeting at 6:41 pm. Martin/New; 6-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
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MINUTES
Youth Advisory Commission
October 4, 2006 -7:00pm
Harvat Hall, City Hall
FINAL
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Keranen, Nelson, Subramanian, Bleam, Kamps,
Excused Members: Stubbers, Ziegenhorn
Others Present: City Council Liaison Correia, City Clerk Karr
Recommendations to Council (effective onlv after seoarate Council action)
None.
Chairperson Keranen stated there would be a brief Commission meeting and then move
on to a public forum to discuss the results of the Iowa Youth Survey.
Aoorove Mioutes
Subramanian motioned to approve minutes from September 6, 2006 meeting, seconded
by Nelson, motion carried unanimously 5-0.
Introductions
Commission Members introduced themselves to the audience.
Uodate on Website
Subcommittee member Nelson reported that a working copy of the proposed web site was
being reviewed, and is a format that the Commission can build upon. Nelson stated that
every Commission member under the age of 18 would have to have consent form signed
and returned to the City to use their bio information and picture on the site. Keranen
asked if the design would look like the City site. Nelson said the committee is working
more on content rather than appearance at the present time and that the appearance would
be looked at later.
Public Inout Session
Correia introduced this topic with a power point discussion of what the Iowa Youth
Survey is; asking how many in attendance how what the Survey is and how many took
the Survey this last time. Correia asked the percentage of II th graders who reported they
had a happy home. Audience guessed: 15%; 85%; 65%; 92%; 4%; and 50%. Correia
stated that 85% of 11 th graders who took the Survey reported they had a happy home.
Correia stated the purpose in getting information from a lot of folks provides a more
accurate picture to lead us in formulating what we may want to do. The purpose of the
Survey is to have schools and communities identify youth development related needs, to
develop relevant programs, and assess program outcomes. Correia stated that Survey
started in 1975, and is taken every three years. Beginning in 1975 and through 1999 it
Youth Advisory Commission
October 4, 2006
Page 2
wasn't the same Survey every year so they couldn't do comparisons, however in 1999 the
same Survey has been delivered and so we can start to do trend data. Correia stated that
all 6'\ 8'\ and II th grade students in 359 ofIowa's schools take the Survey (last year
over 98,000 students). In Iowa City School District over 2,000 students took the Survey.
Responses are all self reported behaviors, but there are validity checks to see if people are
answering questions consistently and are reporting in a truthful way. With these checks,
if something is inconsistent, than they just throw out that survey and don't consider it
when looking at the results. Correia stated that the likely hood of valid information is
very high. She reported sections in the Survey include: behaviors and experiences,
beliefs and attitudes, peers, schools, family and community. Communities can use the
results to target activities, funding, and development programs around the Survey; and
then start to get data on whether the things that they are doing having an impact on areas
we have concern. Correia stated that data was pulled out from the Survey on alcohol and
marijuana use, results from 1999 through 2005, as well as comparing our (school)
District with areas of similar size, and then have Audrey and Subha lead our small group
discussions.
Commission Members and audience broke out into two groups (marijuana use and
alcohol statistics) Survey graphs were distributed.
After a focused group discussion results were presented. Commission Chair Keranen
presented the following chart her group developed for alcohol use:
Alcohol Flip Chart
10-04-06
Focused Discussion
Obiective
When started using alcohol
Increase in thinking use of alcohol wrong
Amount of people using alcohol increasing as get older
Alcohol consumption at City I West football games
Reflective
Once hit high school- #'s dramatically jump forever used
Huge jump in peers think it is wrong - when get to high school
Even a small percent of 6th graders report drinking in last 30 days is a concern
What is impact of older sibling
Not that surprised by findings
Surprised by huge jump in age of onset between 11-12 and 13-14
Seems to be an equal amount who use alcohol, and those who've never tried
Encouraging the # who report never used (from 1999 to 2005 from 33% to 41 %)
There could be different results based on method oftest -taking
Youth Advisory Commission
October 4, 2006
Page 3
Interpretive
Big enough issue to talk about
#'s seem to be going down (improving for the better)
Our district compares better to other districts our size
Wonder of access to alcohol #'s are not accurate? And IC doing well considering the
location
Like more info on relationship between high school and college students
Decisional
Drop in alcohol use in last 30 days
More categories
Where are youth drinking
Wonder about effect ofthe college
What are their sources of alcohol
Like to see comparisons to districts
Smaller, same, larger
Focus on youth 12 and under
Awareness groups and parents, teachers, community getting involved
Analyze awareness methods
Have youth with bad experiences come in and speak
Don't just feed "facts" but try to impact the emotional
Have kids be the ones to talk to kids
Look at impact of age ordinance
Commission Member Subramanian presented the following chart her group developed
for marijuana use:
Marijuana Flip Chart
10-04-06
Focused Discussion
Trends
Most people tried between 13-16
2005 results show a decrease
6th grader increase in 2005
Access is not difficult
II th graders do not think using is wrong
Disappointed in the decrease in the perceived wrongness of using
Would like to see community's perception of wrongness
6th graders don't know where to go for marijuana, but II th graders do
On avg. ICCSD is lower than other districts
Perceived wrongness increased over the years while use has decreased
D.A.R.E. - shock factor presentations
MECCA - counselors - mock accident
Interested in correlation between drug, alcohol use and crime
Youth Advisory Commission
October 4, 2006
Page 4
Increase in age = increase in freedom
Societal influences stronger in older kids, parental influence less
Assumptions of peer use, right or wrong, influence decisions
Teachers / administrators can use technology - face book, cell phones -for monitoring
youth conversations
Increase adult awareness of issues
Disciplinary actions as a consequence
Pay attention to internet / technology use in correlation to crime - drug use
How to decrease use?
Explain pluses and minus to youth, Junior High and High School
Start drilling info into them while they are young and continue through school
Influence early and often
Support for those not using - good to know others don't use
offset vocal pressure from using minority
Not enough focus on marijuana
mock accident is about alcohol
Instead: mock arrest
Drug rehab counselors
Share real life stories
Safety Issue: with current events, does your safety feel at risk with users?
"Stoners" not relegated to one group; occasional users & regular uses are intermixed
Include behavior adjustment literature in curriculum
Teachers should create an open, non blaming forum for kids to discuss
Individuals should be more vocal about not using
Will give confidence to other nonusers
Where does the conviction not to use come from?
Announcements/ Invitations
The next meeting dates were confirmed to be at 7:00 PM on November I, and December
6.
At approximately 8:30 P.M. it was moved that the meeting be adjourned. This was
seconded, passed unanimously 5-0, and adjourned.
Minutes prepared and submitted by Karr.
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MINUTES
City of Iowa City Civil Service Commission
November 8, 2006 - 8:15AM
Lobby Conference Room - City Hall
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order at 8:15AM.
Members Present:
Lyra Dickerson, Bill Cook, Dorothy Maher
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Sylvia Mejia, Karen Jennings, Fire Chief Andy Rocca, Eric
Nurnberg
Others Present:
None
Recommendations to Council (become effective only after separate Council action): None
Approval of Minutes/Consent Calendar:
The first item of business was certification of the hiring list for the position of Firefighter.
Dickerson asked if the Commission had any questions about the recruitment process or
the outcome ofthat process. There were none. Cook moved to accept and certify the list
of Firefighter candidates as presented, Maher seconded and all were in favor.
In old business Mejia provided an update on the upcoming Firefighter promotional
exams. There are II candidates for Lieutenant, 3 candidates for Captain, 4 candidates for
Battalion Chief and 3 candidates for Deputy Chief. Assessment centers are being
planned for the weeks of November 27th and December 4th.
In new business Mejia notified the Commission that the certified Police Officer list is
nearing the end of its viability and that the Commission will be receiving a
recommendation for a recruitment in the near future.
Maher motioned to adjourn, Cook seconded and meeting was adjourned at 8:24AM.
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November 8, 2006
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council
RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination - FIREFIGHTER
We, the undersigned members of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City,
Iowa, do hereby certify the following named persons as eligible for the position of
Firefighter.
Andrew Recob
William Shanahan
William Schmooke
Timothy Recker
Scott Jennings
Andrew Wulfekuhle
Darren Jenson
Brian Clark
Kelly Kumm
Branden Sobaski
Christian Penick
Wendy Scholz
Joel Gill
Merritt Grah
Merv Miller
Jeff Sadler
Andrew Winter
Sean Lenihan
Clint McFarland
Andrew Lueck
Matt Burke
Matt Norris
Kurt Kraemer
Jamie Norton
Ryan McShane
Martin Lacina
IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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Lyra . Dickerson, Chair 1:\ }
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William M. Cook
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Dorothy M. Maher
ATTEST: ~:_....,) 1(. *"~
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk