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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-06-14 Bd Comm minutes ',' " ~' ; .. ot"l , ,,~ ". , ..C'" (\)1 . : I I ! I i! I I I I 1'b.1 I. , I' I !,I ) ~ \.. ,'\";-,' . , '~t_:'" !~".~' :),\\[i$i,l"", lito;" "",.,1",., _'.""'.1 (-- 0 \' ; ~ . "l' '0''.'1,', , ~ ,c .. " :~, . 'j" ". . .::~..,~..~-~: . " ' - - . . . , .. ~..__ ... __<, .'" " ,','l:."_.~ \C.'.,... ~__'~, ,l", ..",C ''''._.,..:.~~,,~,-, >~ ,....~ "0, C"'_;'_A__'_. ". . . ro' .,,--..-<...- .... ....~-,---"'--....,' . MINUTES IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MAY 11, 1994 - 4:30 P.M. IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS I' ""7>1<"'" l"~" 't." ~.I",:' \,;,\" !1<~ ~~y ...,1' 1.,1' \:1 !' .:.::..&~\~~m~ ~~ f. ~~. , "UiJJilCt to Approval, MEMBERS PRESENT: Patricia Eckhardt, Bill Haigh, Tim Lehman, Catherine Johnson, Rich Vogelzang , MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Bormann, Rockwell, Denney OTHERS PRESENT: Pauf Bowers, Joe Holland, Weldon Decker, Michael Brenneman, Frank Fleming, Michael Lensing CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Vogelzang, called the meeting to order at 4:37 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 13, 1994, MEETING: Haigh moved and Lehman seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the April 13, 1994, meeting. The motion carried 4-0. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEMS: 1. EXC94-0007. Public hearing on a request submitted by First Mennonite Church for a special exception to expand a religious institution in the RS-8 zone, and a special exception to permit a yard modification for property located at 405 Myrtle Avenue. Rockwell gave the staff report. She noted that this item had been deferred from the April 13, 1994, meeting, because the Board did not have a complete application to evaluate. The request was for the construction of a two story classroom and offices and constituted an enlargement- of a use permitted only by special exception. She stated the applicant had also applied for a yard modification to place the classroom closer to the east property line than is permitted by ordinance. Rockwell said a religious institution in an RS-8 zone may expand provided it meets certain additional regulations. She said one of the regulations is the site must be at least 40,000 square feet in size. Rockwell said the site of the First Mennonite Church is 3.7 acres, well above the site size requirement. Rockwell said another requirement is that the religious institution must have access to a street that is either an arterial or a street that has a pavement width wider than 28 feet. She said in this case, Myrtle Avenue and Greenwood Drive have a pavement width of only 25 feet and neither one is considered an arterial street. She said an amendment to this part of the Zoning Ordinance has been submitted to the City Council to allow religious institutions to be located on arterial or collector streets, or on streets with a pavement width over 28 feet. She noted that both staff and the :-,! J '17 ~ ' ,-"~ j""-, '''','' """"''',',:'''' "'"''',''''' 1 "'.'" "" '. .'--, ., ;:,.> "Y'.:'.. ..', ' ,..':,...."....\.,' ''''''','l' i5' D,...,., i uO -~ - , . ,0" "':,1,,", \, :::~~: ,\ .\' j ',~ " . ~ t: I't ' , . '" .. " , .'.' ". . ,.' ..-.-.:-..--.-......,..." . . _.. _."'H 'd'."..,.,_.....,.......,..~,",."'.,."..'~ "-,'...:", Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 2 Planning and Zoning Commission have recommended approval of the amendment. Rockwell stated the City Transportation Planner has also determined it is appropriate for a collector street to circulate the amount of traffic generated by a church. Rockwell said the Board's approval of the exception still relied on the Council's approval of this amendment to the Ordinance. Rockwell stated the third requirement for the exception was that the building must be set back from the property line two feet of horizontal distance for each foot of building height measured from the nearest lot line to the nearest point from which the height is measured. She said the classroom addition is proposed to be 25 feet from the east property line which would require a setback of 50 feet. Rockwell said there would be a 25 foot encroachment into the required yard, but the qualitative effect would be lessened by the proposed 89 foot setback from Myrtle Avenue. Rockwell stated in this case the peculiarity of the property pertains to the topography. The property slopes from the northeast down toward a drainage way along the south boundary of the property. She stated the addition is best located on the higher ground on the east side of the existing building as the applicant has proposed. .""- 1. J'~~"~ ( \ \) \ f~ ii' Rockwell stated the exception, if granted, would not increase population densities or affect the use of municipal facilities. She said there would not be a substantial change or detriment to the character of the neighborhood produced by the exception; the addition should be architecturally compatible with the existing church structure and the setback makes the impact negligible on the neighborhood's overall sense of light, air, and open space, Rockwell said according to the applicant, there will be no increase in the size of the congregation, because the size of the sanctuary itself would not be increased. She noted there may be some increase in use of the facilities during the week, but the amount of traffic generated at anyone time should not increase as a result of the classroom addition. I ~ Rockwell said staff also considered whether there is a feasible alternative in lieu of the exception. She noted the church could put the classroom and office additions in a detached building elsewhere on the property, but this may be problematic with the wet soils and drainage at lower elevations. She stated that staff believes overall the interests of justice will be served in granting the request. She said in looking at the special exception standards 2 and 3, the addition should have minimal impact on adjacent properties and should not prevent other development that is already permitted in the RS.8 zone. I I' , I : i , I ! I~:~ 1(' ,~~ ,it,,',',~',' /~m i~(; L. < Rockwell noted access for the church onto Greenwood Drive and Myrtle Avenue is appropriate in this case, because no parking is allowed on either street. She said the sight distance at the middle entrance is not optimal, but this should not be a problem because peak traffic times at the church correspond with times of expected low traffic flow on the adjacent streets. She said the Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow religious institution access on collector streets must be approved by Council, and noted Council had set the public hearing for this item on May 24, 1994. Under expedited consideration, approval of the amendment could occur by June 7, 1994. I,! ILl 1 ~ " \ ~C-'o"".~~.~~~" . "\"~ -, () ~']" . , -"'.0.".'.' .W". _ - .. - ...'.1'."... OJ r;. , " ~J, 80:"'i"... . W " ,. '. ""'~.,'" I ~~;,'_~':r":"" ' ," , .. ~ , '.'. I., ...~;:;_..... , , :'-, ,I \:: Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 3 Staff recommended that EXC94-0007, a special exception to permit the expansion of a religious institution, that is, the construction of a two story classroom and office addition on the east side of the existing First Mennonite Church, be approved, and a special exception to permit a 25-foot reduction in the setback requirement along the east property line for the length of the proposed classroom addition be approved for property located in the RS.8 zone at 405 Myrtle Avenue, subject to Council approval of a Zoning Ordinance amendment to permit religious institutions in the RS-S zone to access collector streets, and subject to compliance with the City's off-street parking regulations. She noted the RS-S zone did not exempt religious institutions from compliance with City parking regulations, \ :, Eckhardt asked why the parking lot was not in compliance. Rockwell said the church lot has enough parking spaces and there is room for providing handicapped-accessible spaces, but it does not meet the tree planting requirements and needs other small adjustments like striping. She said these changes should not be difficult to accom- plish, but the condition that the church comply with the parking regulations should be on record as part of the special exception approval. " , .! ._h ." i I , I i Lehman asked if City staff had heard from adjacent property owners. Rockwell stat"ed staff had heard from Frank Fleming, who owns the property immediately to the east. Fleming had expressed his desire to rezone his property for multi-family residential uses. She noted a multi-family rezoning would be unlikely considering Fleming's lots were in the middle of an RS-8 zone. Lehman asked if this addition will affect Fleming's chances of getting his property rezoned. Rockwell said she didn't think the Board should consider this, because the standard is whether or not the exception will affect development that is permitted in the existing zone. Bormann agreed and said the Board should consider whether the addition will adversely affect Fleming's ability to develop under current zoning. The Board should not consider whether it will affect Fleming's ability to rezone, because he doesn't have a pending application to rezone. '" ',: : ~. i I Lehman asked about the general standards under #2 where it discusses lots adjacent to the addition. He noted the report says these lots are not likely to be redeveloped and, looking down the road, he wondered if the addition would affect the residential development. ,Rockwell responded the properties are in an RS-8 zone directly across the street from an RS-5 zone, a strictly single-family residential zone. She noted the type of development allowed in the RS.8 zone should not be affected by the proposed church addition. I~-:"t"'! (I r'"~l',": , , \, ...., ," r'-,f'.: ,;. " . /':v. I' I I ~ I 1 I AI if ,~"~- ~, Iq7~ 'I' " . .' . 'Ii.:..'.... . ,I', .....'.j''.:,,' ~' ",-',' ,", . " .,'.... .' . . ,,,,. /)~,~'~..~: ~""'"'I~'~"'''''''''''''<""''''''''''''''''''''''''''"'''''''''I'':T'''~~'7,,' 'I" " I.r.:, .....,.!,:~':~.'~,..-\' "<;:'~'. .i.:\ ","'::;,::;"~':'~,,,:< \;/i{:lr;~;::.~;.:.".;::,"'-,,::\.' '"'.' '" '.', "''':' "..' ',.t':> ',;'>:';'-.:1 0': ~},; :.J.. ,...,.:,:.)).I.~,\, ""Ut"".']' ", .:',,", ,':""'''';',''... . ,,:~}'5" ~.. " ,! ,.!!:,.:,.~',-' -,.',' -1- ',I '.' ". .' ,,,.pi I, ,1:~~\\:.:':,I:,~:.;:f:;,;::,':"I.\':.">-'I'-:'....'.,,'" . \, , ....",., ':~:,'.f: :'<:':;"";;"i:,:;~...i...:~':: lA' - ~. IlI1 ~~_nJ.i.~,l .~~~..J_lf.dl ;"1"','" . ,.,....,....,." .;. ..' . ,;\ "- _3 " ....-......~ ',c"'- ' 'I If: ~', ,': I' I . '.: ! Ii,.... .-1 '; I II I !II ! I I : I ' , I I I I l r~ It "",i ' ,:\'v-' , (~ : 0 ;\.' -.- "Lf1 ~ '.d. ""1'"",,,... a "i .. ,5' uD, \, " , ~ , , .. . ," ~t\ ~ i' " ,I'.. '., .. ..... "..1 , ". . :."" . . . . . . ..__..,.._._,^,."..,_ ':""'-'~. ^..........,.__...~_ ,_".._'~'h_'" ..v..~....'___ _ Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 4 PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Michael Brenneman. attornev. stated he is a member of the First Mennonite Church. He noted his agreement with the staff's recommendation. He noted that he, the architect, and other church members were at the meeting to answer any questions the ' Board might have. He encouraged the Board to rule in favor of the requested exceptions. Paul Bowers. 704 Whitnev Avenue, said he is also a member of the church. He said the site plan has been approved by the City Building Department. Johnson asked if the widening of the driveway will force them to cut down a tree, because she had noticed one cut down as she drove by. Bowers said no, the tree that was cut was in the middle of the building the church planned to construct. He noted the tree they were to plant .was on the east side of the drive, and they hated to take down the tree they did. Frank Fleminq. 2786 N. Libertv Road. North Libertv, said he was the property owner the Board had discussed earlier. He said he wasn't sure about the legal standards, but he believed that notice was to be given and that, as of 7:30 p.m. the previous night, Dale Hack, Ben Stevenson, Bob Weber, Chris Klymer, and himself--none of the people on the property owners list submitted by the church--had received written notices. Fleming said he was fortunate enough to wander by the site last Friday and see the notice posted on the property. Fleming said additionally, the church had already started construction. He was glad to know Johnson had gone by the property to see that the church had taken out a beautiful hardwood tree already. He said they had done demolition work on the church as it stands and were well on their way to doing construction. He said he has friends and a person he works with very closely who are members of the church, and no one had mentioned anything about the new church addition to him. He pointed to Brenneman's appeal to the Board that stated the property owners to the east had no objections when, in fact, the last contact he had with the church was last football season. He didn't feel the church had made any effort to work with him on the project. In fact, he felt they had gone to great efforts not to inform him. Fleming said the appeal submitted by Brenneman represented that the addition would be well behind the properties and structures that exist on his property. He took the measurements of the plat and walked them out. He stated the proposed addition would tower over his garage and a beautiful screened-in front porch that he constructed nearly 15 years ago. He noted he chuckled when the Board asked about the number of parking spaces, because the church has a runway there now with 126 parking spaces, which has covered the ground in concrete. He stated the parking area has impacted him already, perhaps not in an illegal way, but it has taken away a beautiful and spacious view. In., rr-"~" II ~l _.~ ).,'....'..' " , ., .' ~r_ () ,. . .a..._~__._..."._.. . '\ I ~ !l .....,..........,-'., ...' ^ ...,.,...,;.,.,', '~~J..":.I J" ." (-~" \ \ i~ I, ., , I I : I I : I , I I ~'; \ [ ~ "~ . V 1.1"'.' !.~.: .: ;'."f"!' ", ," "'. \' i ~ . "t', ;.\\l', ", .. ;~, 'I , ....'1'.... . ':.' ' - ... .. .. ",. ... " .,. ..... ','. ".~ Board of AdjustmelJt May 11, 1994 Page 5 Fleming contested that Sunday is the busiest traffic day for the church, Fleming said he felt Saturdays are far and away the heaviest traffic day for the church. He said the church is now the largest, closest to the University, for-lease, paved, public parking in the City. He said the church offers a reasonably priced and close alternative to parking on-site at the University. He said members of the church who commute do park there. He didn't have a problem with this. He parks there as well. The leased parking causes traffic during peak hours, because some of the leased parking is to people who work at the University. He didn't have any objections to the church allowing a daycare to use the church, but it has impacted his and his tenants use and enjoyment of his property. He said, in addition, the church parking lot is lighted so you can not go out and look at the stars, because of the big, high wattage street lights that are on all night long. He said the parking lot seems to industrialize this area, which is supposed to be residential, and has changed the character of the area since he bought his property in 1980. Fleming noted on the application that the church said they had been working on the project for years and have had architects working for some time. He said nobody has talked with him, and it seemed like a huge encroachment considering the requested reduction of the setback. He noted the church will be beautiful and they will spare no expense, but he didn't want a two-story building towering over his screened-in porch. He noted they have already cut down a tree that offered shade to him before the church received City approval to do anything. Fleming said he had tried to contact the City traffic people. He called the police who assured him there will be no question about retaining the no right turn barricade. He said the residents close to the University have petitioned for a no right turn barricade so that people going west on Myrtle Avenue can not turn right onto Melrose Court. He said, when he was talking with a neighbor for about fifteen minutes, he witnessed 18 to 20 cars make that turn illegally and two to three cars actually used the church driveway to turn around and come back straight. He knew the church probably did not appreciate people using their drive in this way, but this will probably just get worse. Fleming pointed out on the map that the church has a gravel drive on the east part of its property which is six feet from the door of one of his properties. He said he Imd the church had a mutually satisfying agreement where his tenants would park in the drive and prevent through traffic on the driveway. Fleming said the church represents on the application that they have looked around and found that this is the only location for the addition, but he has talked with church members and understands that their long-term plans are to put in an old folks home or student housing for Mennonite students to provide some affordable housing. He said if they have these plans, there should be some other area on the almost 4 acre plot where they can put this proposed addition. Fleming thought the laws were in place to protect small property owners like himself from others just coming in and saying yes, we know the law is there, but we want a variance from that. He believed the Board should allow the law to stand and leave the status quo there to help him protect the value and enjoyment of his property. ,,.. . :"':.', '~_.:':.,..". I I , , I o J .! ~ ''"'1 i (' --. , 0 . _.____ u__ o '. , ..~=' . 'j' ,,',' " '0;" ,,:, ,co, .". ~"'.,,,.- _.' .:~.. .i. ......1""... 'is \ '10::. .'h... _, ' I, ~'1ID~.I', I [ , (" , \ ,,?l '"~''' . , I' I I I I t ~\ '7. , 1~'" '/; '" ~' ki:' I I ... , \t:.~ \, I I '~ . "t' "\" , . ~ .. "..' ~ .. ".. . . :.' " ... '_~'.' .. . ,"_"".' '.:' _, ~'._<, ~','.. ,; -,_ ;." ..._~."':"..', : c. .........A. Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 6 Lehman asked Fleming to show on the map the lots he owns. Fleming responded he owns the three plots surrounded by the church and these are 315, 317, and 309 Myrtle Avenue, Johnson thought the area at the base of the church's property looked like it might be in the floodplain or at least be very wet land. Fleming responded the church had been putting dirt in that area. Joe Holland. attornev. said he wanted to comment on the issue of due process. He stated he believed it grossly unfair to proceed with the hearing on the assumption there were no objections from neighboring landowners when at least 7 of the 16 people listed on the applicant's list of neighboring property owners did not receive written notice of this public hearing nor the fact this request for a special exception was pending. He believed these people were entitled to more notice than a sign placed in an obscure place on the property. He said these people should be given the opportunity to be heard and this matter should come back to the Board of Adjustment. Holland said that there were three problems with what the church wanted to do. He noted that first of all, the church needs a special exception for expanding its facility. He said second, the church was a nonconforming use, because it is not located on an arterial street. He said third, according to the application submitted by Brenneman, this building is intended to be used as a daycare center, and as a classroom for students learning English as a second language. He believed the church needed a special permit to do this in an RS-S zone. He said his concern about this is the church was here for a special request for a structure, and then it would come back in with a request for a special exception for other uses. The Board will be hard pressed to say no knowing they allowed the exception for the building with these intended uses. o Holland said it was important to consider the use of the property. He noted it was appealing just to say this was a religious institution coming in and asking for the ability to expand its religious uses, when the church has over the years turned the site into more and more of a commercial use. He said they have taken advantage of the location to create a public parking facility next to the University campus. He wasn't sure if the church needed 126 parking spaces. He thought the purpose of these spaces was to make money. : .~ Holland said that before the Board grants the exception, there should be a clear definition of what the structure is, what it is going to be used for, and how it forms part of the religious institution. He stated the comments in the application were somewhat vague in this respect. Holland also took serious issue with Davidson's report about analysis of the traffic and how churches generate a modest amount of traffic. He assumed what Davidson did to come up with a 2500 per day vehicle count was to look at the traffic manuals under church where it says a church generates 2500 vehicles trips per day at its busiest time. He asked the Board to remember this isn't just a church, but a commercial parking lot use. He said secondly, the examples Davidson used were threefold: one on Phoenix Drive in southwest Iowa City in a solely residential area, the second off of Muscatine in the Village Green area, and the other on East Washington Street. He said f lf1 J ,I d'~ v- .'." "'~" ',,' ,'J ,-'" CY". ")5 ,",- ... v -- o )".'.'.'.' :. .",::'" " ".,". ,'I,,' '-"""""\' - ., ~. ,\ i'l .' . "t' ""\" . '~ ',' , ", ".' . . ':~ . . . - ._-, ..-.~.. . ~.. ._......,.. ",.__._.. ~''-'....... ."..".-...., .ot' "....:__'..;... ..... '.," ..."'...b''',_. a...."...~~."... Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 7 the thing these three churches had in common was they were all in almost exclusively residential areas and not located next to any major employers. He said their parking lots are not used as commercial lots during the day. Holland said the Board needs to look carefully at what is going to happen to the traffic at the First Mennonite Church. He said this related to two concerns. He said the first was the traffic that will be shunted off onto Greenwood Drive. He stated that Fleming's concern was this driveway would be a primary means of ingress and egress off of Myrtle into the parking lot. He noted it was not as convenient as the other driveway off Myrtle which is there now, but the current driveway will be closed, and the gravel driveway will be the sole entrance from Myrtle Avenue. He said the driveway is located just ,over the crest of the hill on the downhill side of Myrtle Avenue, and the concern is that the sight distances which are moderate with respect to Greenwood Drive, are more serious with respect to the driveway on Myrtle. He thought it also had serious impacts on the quality of life for the tenants in Fleming's 'rental properties. He said the quality of life affects the amount a landlord can garner for rent. Holland said he had represented Fleming since the resolution of a construction case, and knew from his experience that Fleming's attitude toward his rental properties is not just taking out a return, but rather an attitude of investing in the properties and having quality rental properties. He thought this was the reason why Fleming was here today, because if Fleming were truly an absentee landlord that didn't care about the quality of life of his tenants, he wouldn't be at the meeting today objecting and paying Holland to be there as well. I I D r' , ' He said in terms of the legal criteria, he didn't see anything about the peculiarity of the properW that said this addition had to be in this exact area. The church has a 4 acre lot. He said they have chosen the most convenient location to expand the building to the east. There is no reason why they couldn't have a freestanding building as there' has been talk of an additional building to the back of the existing one. He stated the church has more space than they need and they have available space if they convert the floodplain to parking and put a building at the top of the hill or vice versa. He believed the church was asking for a very substantial encroachment into the setback, 50% or greater. This was not a situation where they were asking for a minor change in the setback requirement. f .l ,L: (-', \ l ~ 11."';" . " \ , "I I Holland said one of the requirements in considering special exceptions is that the exception does not increase population density or affect the use of municipal facilities. He said that Myrtle Avenue and Greenwood Drive are both narrow streets, and Myrtle Avenue is very heavily traveled, particularly between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning and 3:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon when work shifts at the University are changing. He said the change in the configuration of the drives on the property are going to affect municipal facilities and this is not even considering the effects of the daycare and other uses. He stated the church has commented in the written materials that the facility could be available to a wide number of community groups such as the Sweet Adelines and 4-H. Holland noted these people are going to drive to this site. . . . I ~ i ; i I ~, ! I. , I II (~Il." \~~~; ,jl " ~ 0, ltl";" ;1. '" "'~r;., , ' l_,; 1'-11 B {(~ 0 .. -,--~ J , 0) ,,:' .:: " . ,0'.':"_, _:.'t,. ".0...""."',, ".'..1". . IS' 'T""',''"' , ~. ,,' ' ., ,', ,\. r I ., ',~r~ " 'j- , .. '". . ~ . ',' ',' , , "- " . , I,. . . _,..~_... ._.., ,''''_ _.....<"..., ,~"'...._. .;..__,._"." ,.: ~.:'._:' "". _., ;., """~4".. "'~'''H''_'' Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 8 Holland said if you look at all these concerns starting from the due process question on down to whether the criteria have been met, it would be inappropriate now or ever to grant the special exception withounerious study and serious changes on the part of the applicant. Eckhardt asked where exactly the gravel drive is, because it was not shown on the site map. Fleming clarified by showing a map he had drawn and pointing to the gravel drive. Brenneman asked to respond to some of the concerns that had been raised. He said, first of all, the gravel drive is on an empty lot that is not used by the church, but has mostly been used in the past by Fleming's tenants. He said the church would be happy to have this blocked off, and did at one point put a barricade across so that it wouldn't be used. But Fleming's tenants move it so they can use the drive. Brenneman reminded the Board that the exception was for a new structure. He noted there had been a lot of discussion about parking, and the church was willing to discuss this, but the new building would actually take away some of the parking spaces and would not increase parking at all. , " J (-" \ 4 , Brenneman said the use of the church needed to be clarified. He noted there would, be no daycare in the church. He noted the church at one time allowed its building to be used as a daycare for abused children during the day, but the funding ran out for that program. Daycare was no longer an intended use. He said the intended use of the proposed educational wing classroom was for Sunday school classes and three offices for the secretaries and pastors. He said the Sunday and youth group classes were meeting now in the building in various places, sometimes even in the stairways. He said the church had no plans in the future to apply for special use permits, such as for a daycare. He said as far as the notice, he felt badly about this. The church did fill out the application and listed the neighboring property owners with their addresses with the understanding the City would be mailing the notice out. He said the fact that Fleming was here with his attorney proved Fleming had some notice. ~ Brenneman stated the building would have a 25 foot setback, and will not be a large looming building unless you consider the building that is there now a large looming building. He said the roof lines will be the same as the existing building, but set back 25 feet from the edge of the lot. I I , I , I , , , I I i I I ~' I, U.i ''iii, ~~ Johnson said as she understood it, the church addition would be behind the residential property, 89 feet back from Myrtle, so that it won't be right across or beside the residential property. Fleming stated this is not the case, his garage and screened-in porch, which are used by the tenants will be eclipsed by this addition. Bormann said that, because the item was on the agenda, the Board was obligated to s'end out notice. She said there wasn't anything required in the Ordinance, but there is a provision in the Board's by-laws that the neighboring property owners be notified and, if they were not, she had real concerns about closing the public hearing today. ",,"'~' if' li " ;1'.- ;;'''' 'I! ~. . - , i I ,I Q ! .! " I '11 r . ':ft-=-~_~ = -_.~, )\i:'~"":::"" ,.,.,." , ",0 . ' .',' ',I 1 - ',......1".. I :;:, ,.Id~ ',' ':"'" ., .... , \, ,( ~' \-"', ,1." , . '~ . "t;. ".'..'.\I.j , . ~ '. ':,' 1 '-.,., ...' , . . '. ._._."J :.,' " .' .. . " " ._.". ...."-'-..,,..,......,.._. .:....,~_,,,.;~.....~,..,..,,...,, ,..:..'",J. ~~.~..~ ~._ ... _.. - .Q_..,_..-.~- . " Board of Adjustment May 11/ 1994 Page 9 She recommended that the Board not close the public hearing, but make a motion to defer the item to its next meeting when written notice had been provided to neighboring property owners according to the Board/s by-laws. Vogelzang asked if notice is sent out by certified letter or what the procedure for written notice is. Rockwell explained the notice letters are sent through the regular mail. She had directed a member of the secretarial staff to mail the notice letter to the list of the property owners, the contact persons, and the applicant. She expected this would occur, but the Board has Fleming/s statement that he and others did not receive notice. She was concerned, because the City did not get any letters back in the mail, and thought it possible that her direction was not carried through. Brenneman stated he did receive the letter, which had been sent to his office. He noted the practice in his office is to stamp incoming mail with the date it is received and his letter was stamped as received May 4/ 1994/ a day after it was sent on May 3, 1994, and signed by Melody Rockwell. He knew that at least two letters on the list were sent and received. Bormann said the secretary may have just sent out the letters to the applicants. Rockwell stated because there was a question, it was probably better to defer than to risk due process problems. She said the case could be deferred to June 8/ 1994, a day after the earliest possible date the Zoning Ordinance could be amended to allow religious institutions to access collector streets. " Brenneman asked if there was any way to act on the, request tonight and then check in the morning to see whether the letters were sent. He said if the letters were not sent, then they could go ahead and defer to the next meeting. Bormann said the problem is there may be other property owners who object. To act on the request in their absence would constitute a due process violation. Brenneman said if they .did have notice and they didn't object, then an action would not be improper. Bormann responded that it would be, because the Board' s decision would appear to be a foregone conclusion and it wouldn/t matter whether the property owners showed up at the next meeting or not. She said this would send the wrong message and would then be a due process violation. She said in absence of verification that the letters were sent, she thought the Board should defer it. She noted the Council's reading of the Zoning Ordinance amendment is the day before the next Board meeting. The deferment would not put the church behind since the Board's approval is subject to that reading anyway. ,I.!, ./~ , 1 (-.\ \ \ f,~ I', , I i i ! I , I : i I I i ~. I ~. \ ~u ~ "-~! Lehman clarified that Brenneman' s name did not appear on the list that the Board was questioning, because Brenneman was the applicant. Johnson asked Brenneman why the Harmony Day Care appeared on the application under item D #1 when he stated the church does not plan to have a daycare. Brenneman said the Harmony Day Care for abused children was the one that is no longer functioning. He said the daycare was not run by the church and the daycare did not pay to use the facility. 'I'" '.!~", " ~~" ~!; ~ 1\ !"'L I Lf18 ,Ir-=.,"-, :-~- :''lm e ---.. -.- r - '" ')'..'.... .0" " ;, ,-, ," '1" ''',' "':'1"--':' , /5', ,0', ....> ,,,,.,,J"; \, '':.L:M;i~ " , , ~ . . ~t: I .,.', " , ~, ~ -. ".. . . :.' . ...'_.,-....."...c;... ,- I Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 10 .~ .:: Vogelzang asked whether the building permit would not be issued until after the June 7, 1994 reading of the ordinance amendment. Rockwell stated June 8 was the earliest possible date the permit could be issued. Rockwell noted if the Board chose to defer, the applicant could use the additional time as an opportunity to address some of the concerns raised at this meeting. She encouraged Fleming tq do the same thing if he had further comments to submit the Board. I , Johnson said she had two concerns, She was first concerned with the fact the group had already started construction on the project. She asked Fleming whether the parking lot was filled every day. She noted the lot was not filled when she went by that morning. Fleming estimated there were about 50 cars there on a regular basis and about 25' of those were parishioners. He stated the church could give better information about this. Johnson stated the signs in the parking lot made it look like a commercial use. She asked Rockwell if a commercial use like this is permitted. Rockwell explained that a commercial parking area is not permitted under the Code in the RS-8 zone. She said the City would have to investigate when the use began to determine whether or not it was a grandfathered use. Rockwell stated that the lighting would need to be downcast when the church modified the lot to comply with City parking regulations. Johnson noted the Board dealt with a similar situation on Market Street. r , ( (' Fleming said he wanted to clarify the discussion, because they were discussing trees and parking. He said his problem is that the church wants to build in an area where they are currently not allowed to build. This was the infringement he wanted to address. He said he has been living with the parking for some time. He just wanted to stop the carnage of the neighborhood. He said if they were to build within the existing standards of the neighborhood, that would be fine. He was not real worried about the lights. He just wanted to paint a picture of how the neighborhood had declined. He said the decline is certainly not reflected in his property taxes; they still go up. o f1 Rockwell addressed Johnson's question about why the work had already started. She stated the church was not aware that a special exception was needed to expand. She related they began the preparatory work and came in for a building permit. At that time, they found out special exceptions were needed. Brenneman clarified the church stopped construction as soon as it was discovered they needed a permit. , .! ~ Holland said he wanted to make a point about communication. He said it seems a large part of the problem is the church did not communicate their intentions to either the public bodies or the people in the neighborhood. He suggested the Board should come to grips with what was going to go on in the building before it ruled on the request. He suggested the Board require the church to formulate their plans to a degree where the neighbors can respond. He guaranteed if the Board decided to defer, there would be other interested property owners at the next Board meeting. He said since there won't be a delay to the construction, because the church has to wait for the final ordinance reading anyway, he felt there should be an opportunity for maximum public input. .~ il'~ ( !' I Lfl i l[-'-;;-~" . .- - - o. <),':':::". -,.'." ", '.<1.. '[;5 " 10,. ,\ ~ .. .' 'r~ ~: I" ,...... ,(. (:'\ \ \ ~ ~ : " # i I i I I, i k, I f; II II II . ~,(,,,). \.....' , ,~ ~"'; ~:,~ '~' " ,! ' If j 7~L ' lr:~ ,(~ou \, \"1 , .~ . "t " " \\'!,,~ " '~; .', . ~ ", .... . ..~ '. . . . ...._.....,:,' .._~..~,~,~I_..~...'."._,'-',..,;. '.'... ,u:.',;:~'. ;,\:,....;.."..,." _:,'..~,', ,..-~',."-'"...-......_- Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 11 BOARD DISCUSSION: MOTION: Johnson moved to defer EXC94.0007, a request submitted by the First Mennonite Church for a special exception to expand a religious institution in the RS-8 zone and for a special exception to modify a yard requirement for property located at 405 Myrtle Street to the June 8, 1994, meeting. Haigh seconded. Vogelzang said what really disturbed him was there hadn't been a problem in the past in verifying whether written notices had been sent. He said if due process is in question, he certainly was not prepared to vote either way. Johnson agreed. She also had a concern about the adjoining lots whether they were occupied by renters or owners. Vogelzang concluded that both parties had heard the others concerns and have the opportunity to act on them at or, hopefully, before the next meeting. He urged the Board to stay focused on the true issue at hand. The motion carried 4-0. 2. EXC94-0008. A request submitted by Michael and Vicki Lensing for a special exception to permit expansion of a funeral home for property located in the in CO-1 zone at 605 and 617 Kirkwood Avenue. Denney stated those who were on the Board in October 1993 would remember a , special exception was approved on the property at 617 Kirkwood to allow construction of a garage and conversion of the first floor of an existing residence for use as meeting rooms and offices for the funeral home. He noted the Lensings have decided instead to expand the existing building at 605 Kirkwood Avenue for the same uses and the building will then be located on both of the properties. Denney said the first standard for a special exception for a funeral home was the funeral home must have access to a secondary or primary arterial street. He said the second standard was the site should have a minimum frontage of 120 feet and minimum lot area of 40,000 square feet. He said Kirkwood Avenue is identified as an arterial street and the two properties at 605 and 617 Kirkwood have a combined frontage of 202 feet and lot area of 51,974 square feet, which exceeds the minimum for these requirements. Denney noted the requirements for screening in Section 36- 76(j) will apply because this is a commercial use abutting residential areas. In this case the residential areas are located to the east and north of the commercial property. He said staff recommended in lieu of an arbor vitae screen, the applicant should provide an evergreen screen approved by the City Forester. He said the parking areas on the east side will need to be changed to accommodate this. He said the three parallel spots should be eliminated and the two handicapped-accessible spaces should be relocated to the southeast parking area. He noted these changes result in 60 parking spaces being provided on- site, which is above the amount of parking required for this use. 0, ".. . , ,.1 I 'I,! . , 1'-11 t ~'. ~ - ."'1' Jt.J <l d '.". ',.,'J;..-<"'.~:\'....-... ,0 '" "I' . ., ," .'" " " , '. "~".~,,, --:<;,:,.:. . , - . -...-- ',........1"......'.," 15 ! ltJ',', . . '..",".',,-,"'''. , " . 'I . .!~ JZU1~i!,' . J' .t (~') \ \ "~ r~~""1 ! " " I I I , I I i i I ~, 'I' ~ " " *"1' '~'l~ t~1!';~" I.' ~i i U t~o \, " I ~. . . "'It'. "Ii: "!, 1 '...... . , ":.'. , .... ".. ....-'.--."-..........-.... . ,.,...."....,~."...._"._._" .....~--"',..~... ...,,_._c ,~~"~.,___~,,_,",, Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 1 2 Denney said the proposed use would not negatively impact adjoining properties if adequate screening was provided. He said the layout for the building addition does not include any new curb cuts to Kirkwood. The existing entrances to the funeral home adequately serve the building. Staff recommended that EXC94-Q008,a special exception t6 allow expansion of a funeral home for property located in the CO-1 zone at 605 and 617 Kirkwood Avenue be approved subject to 1) development of the property in general conformance with the site plan, 2) reconfiguration of the eastern parking area to allow adequate , screening, and 3) approval of a landscape plan by the City Forester. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Michael Lensing, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, said he has no problem with staff's recommendation. They want to provide an adequate buffer for the neighbors as well. He explained the reason they were coming back to the Board was their original plan of renovation was so expensive. Even though the new building would be more expensive, they decided that the new building would be more functional for them and the community. Weldon Decker. 614 Kirkwood Avenue, stated he had many reservations about the commercial property adjoining his house to the west. He was surprised the Lensings' plans had changed, but the changes seem less adverse to his property than what was originally approved. He would like the Board to require the Lensings to provide a fence in addition to screening, because he has small children at his property. Lehman asked if Decker had received a letter. Decker responded he didn't know. He saw the sign up and had talked with Lensing. Johnson noted it looked like Decker would have more room on the west side of his property with these changes rather than with the first project. Decker said he thought so, and noted the Lensings have been good neighbors in the past. He said he trusted the Lensings to make the property look nice with the changes. BOARD DISCUSSION: MOTION: Lehman moved that EXC94-0008,a special exception to allow expansion of a funeral home for property located in the CO-1 zone at 605 and 617 Kirkwood Avenue be approved subject to 11 development of the property in general conformance with the site plan, 21 reconfiguration of the eastern parking area to allow adequate screening, and 3) approval of a landscape plan by the City Forester. Haigh seconded the motion. Johnson stated she would appreciate a fence, as Decker had suggested, if she were living on his property. She said with nice landscaping, the proposed project would be very nice, and the fence could be incorporated into the landscaping. Vogelzang stated he was not in favor of mandating whether or not the landowner has to put up a fen,ce, especially in this case, considering the City is already requiring an enhanced screen as " I ! .! , Lfl i ~r---' ---.... . I A ..,. ,.,)"~"":,,,, ,0 .", "',: ' '" . ~:' :"-1" ':;..'\"''-:'' 'i;,' \-,.'....".-., e" ... -~ ,'''-' ''1'....,. /51 , I.~d', ",j... I , " , \, ,~". . ' "Ii '1'..- ~ , .,~ - '0,1' .', .~ . , /' " .' .,:.l", .. ':.... " " '".;, , '~~:,. ' ,,;' '" ".. . . , . . ::.', .-. --'-~"-"'--'"""'" . ", .' ' . . , .". ... .-"-" ,-'~""..~..~ ~ ._--,_...._.,~..."~" .".... ;"_&,,>.,...# -......-....-- -.-." :;' , - " ~ Board of Adjustment May 11, 1994 Page 13 a buffer. Lensing noted he didn't have any problem with providing a fence, but asked whether he would have to provide it all the way along the property line or whether he could just provide it from the corner of Decker's house to the end of Decker's back yard. He thought a fence along the entire property would look very bad. Vogelzang said this was something Decker and Lensing could work out. Eckhardt said this seems like a better use of the property than the previous project. It would provide more open space in the neighborhood. . Haigh said he liked the improvement on the driveway on the east side of the building. He said this way the area will be clearer for traffic to get onto Kirkwood Avenue. Vogelzang stated he agreed with Haigh. He'd never really liked the east driveway at all. Lehman said he would go along with staff recommendation. He notea the people who attended today seemed to be in agreement. He expressed concern that these adjoining property owners may not have gotten their letters, Denney and Rockwell said the letter problem with the First Mennonite Church was an isolated incident. Johnson said the funeral home qualifies in that it is located on an arterial street and exceeds the minimum standard for lot area, She stated with adequate screening, the proposed use should not negatively impact the adjoining properties. She noted the distance between the proposed building and the residential area will increase with these changes. She noted there will be no new curb cuts and one curb cut will be eliminated as per the condition of the first exception. I I I 'Ii Vogelzang said the changes to the proposed project make a lot of sense. He thought this will be better than two separate buildings. .C'" (\) ,.~ ;"'-l (" . I" \ , , " :i The motion carried 4-0. ADJOURNMENT: Johnson moved and Lehman seconded to adjourn the meeting at 6:08 p.m. Minutes submitted by Lisa Schweitzer. " Rich Vogelzang, Chair ",> Ibo.5.lt I -"'\."~ I LJ1 ~ '. tC,,' 0 ,}, ---.------ "f - -; j..c....".....".""."."'."". . I' .",' '\ \ O ' ' , " :... f< '" ..,' ,..','. . "'.,~~-s'-_. 'I'D, '1'...A..'" 'I',' \" '. '.-...," ".."'j ~I:';'" ;;~ , i',~ : ~\Y i - , 1 , I I I," ,.1 1".'\ ' \, .~ '. ',',. '., . "t.:,' , ;' ;-. .\\l.'~' " ....... .j' . . I..... ",1". " -.- _._.;:...._.....:~.;.~'.._~.__.... ~',~'--~.'. . 'Ii -I.... " . . J1" , ' , ' . .. ,_ ...:_.~_..,"'.;_...~"..,..,..~......."_''''.,,''-'-,,........'<'''.04'''''"'".,~~..........._,..I.~......._....__.___m a..__~_~.__ MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION May 11, 1994 MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: GUESTS: FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: WEBER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND: Tom Bender, Bill Brandt, Liddell, Matt Pacha, Vanderhoef Jana Egeland, Deb John Pel ton, Dee John Beasley, Bruce Maurer Howell, Kriz, Moran, Trueblood Carl Klaus, Kate Franks Klaus, Susan Bender, Sara Crosby, Celia Burger, Jeffrey Max, Renee Pessin Bender made a correction to the commission minutes of May 11; on page 5, second paragraph, the second sentence should be deleted. He explained that the playground equipment was never included in the bond referendum. Moved by Liddell. seconded bv Pelton. to a~~rove the minutes of the May 11. 1994 meeting. with the above deletion. Unanimous. 'I Moved by Pacha. seconded by Egeland. to make a recommendation to the citv Council to ~urchase this parcel. using parkland acquisition funds to do so. AYES: Bender, Brandt, Egeland, Pacha, Pelton, Vanderhoef. ABSTENTION: Liddell. The motion carried. . \ " Bender introduced members of the public, Sarah Crosby, Jeff Max, Renee Pessin, Celia Burger, and Susan Bender, who were present relative to the request for funding by the playground fund raising committee for Weber School. Sarah Crosby stated she moved to the Hunters Run area last August, and chose this area because it was an ideal area for families with small children, with the promise of the new school. She was surprised there was no safe, structured play ar.ea for the children within walking distance, and after seeing other beautiful areas in Iowa City it was evident the city has not provided adequately for this area. She indicated during last summer her concern mounted when children began using the construction areas for their play yard. She stated she would like the city to donate funds to develop the playground area at Weber School because it is centrally located and easily accessible to Hunters Run, Southwest Estates and the development between both of these areas. She stated the area in Hunters Run the city is planning to develop into a small park is not ','j J~l~ .. , . -" ", ',., 0 ',,', ;,,,,,,\\"!~C::,.,:,,,,:\"""""'M,'\"n ''''Tj''Z'''''''''' "'0':,' '1_;'1 \'.".:':.;/'_.~'.<:~,~)//.~", \' ::,',\, ", , " . -;.,f' ,'~,'~,::""\''''i,,,,,,,,,,:;':/i' (r;~o ~-- ,- l. . ~'~"I':~ a.__~~:~. - _ ., .'., . ''''-.,' "r:, mzl,< ...",,' , " 1 . l~ C.., \ ~ I I I I ~ iJ ;\- '~ ", ~ .~,~,' "1" f~l~, lU {(" 0 '.'. . ..r"'j' ."".. ~ . . ',' ',' , '. , , ~. , . \, .' ,~. ~ ...' . . :,','.' , .:.. " .. .. . '.. . .'. ... ..,..~.. ,_....,'",.~._,~._,._.~,....."....L. .""".",.~."c,"".,.,,,.......~....~~,.___...__. adequately suited for playground equipment, has limited access and is frequently too wet. There are also safety concerns due to the creek and wooded area. She stated due to the Weber School parents having done a great amount of leg work in trying to get this playground developed and the fact that there is no existing park in this area, it is a very natural place for the city, school district and parents to collaborate on a community recreation site that will accommodate a great number of people at once. Renee Pessin indicated she was on the committee that met with Trueblood regarding development of the park in the Hunters Run area. She stated the consensus of the committee is it would agree to delay developing this area for a number of years if the Weber School playground was developed as a neighborhood park. crosby indicated there were four families present, but if the commission wanted to see numbers they could circulate a petition to this effect. celia Burger, Weber Elementary School Principal, updated the commission on the fund raising efforts, indicating $30,000 has been raised to date to develop the playground area. ',' I C;\ \jJ Brandt asked how much money the Hunters Run neighborhood wants the commission to donate, with Bender stating at a previous meeting Bob Ross indicated $10,000, adding the fund raising group had no expectations but were hoping for a little collaboration and assistance. The feeling of the playground committee is, given the amount of money available to develop the park in Hunters Run, the committee is looking for a more significant contribution since they are willing to forego development of the area near Duck Creek. .' ").! pacha questioned whether the school playground area would be accessible during the school day to pre- school children and their parents. He stated he understood the need for security, but this would be putting city funds into an area for city park-type use. Burger stated schools were available and accessible around the clock when school is not in session. She indicated the high usage and desire for use of the playground and building is 3:00 p.m. on and there would be no conflict. She stated security is an issue with children and knowing who is on the school grounds, but felt this would not 2 ILl19 11'I" ... . , ,']'"''''';':;'i''''' 'OJI .,! ,,'" , I '.J (':, ::'::;;'.'_:~~' ",..P';'::'> ".: ".,,':i"'~'.-"'"'''''' , \ ,. .., '....1;:'5'<' 1'0,:. ,".-,..,,,.....". .1' --,,:._-'.'" ',;.'::': ~".'.. '1 '," " ~ " , I .. f '. 1 ~ , Ii I -~l (f::" :;, 0 . " .''''':''''T'- .".~.....,~ '.\ "~ ' , .'.... ' : ..< l~ ' ~':'.,:'~ \Y. . ,".:.. ,,' ",-:, " " .... .~, . , , , .' .' . "" , ':. , ...,:":~ ,:,; '-'._"-_-'-. ..:. ..'__~'M.._..........,~.._.........=,......-"~~....<..,,~..-.iJ..t.;.;.;,~i.>>v-,~~J~-"..,.,....;."",.....""._.n...____ ___..._ . . ~".. A.... ._,,~..~:..... , \ prevent pre-schoolers from using the playground. crosby stated from late October/early November to late April parents normally do not take their small children out due to tne cold weather. She indicated it is normally after school hours when her children want to go out and play, and it is her experience that most pre-schoolers have the same schedule. , I Pessin stated on the plans there is a separate playground area for pre-school children, and it would be isolated from where the older children would be playing. Liddell indicated she was under the impression this area would not be developed until some time in the future, and it was incorporated into the plans to accommodate the school at a future date when it offers a pre- school. Burger stated there were plans for possibly offering a pre-school, with Crosby stating the date for development of the pre-school playground area would be determined when funds are available. Crosby stated it was the priority of the committee to put up a structure for K-6 grade children. , , i Brandt asked what the group' felt the perception of the community would be - the Parks and Recreation Foundation having completed a major fund raising drive to raise funds to help restore the flood- damaged parks and then turning around and using tax dollars to help build the Weber Elementary School playground. Bender stated the city did not budget for the flood but for park development, and felt the citizens would not have a problem with funds being used to develop the playground. Burger stated the concept was not to build Weber Elementary School's playground, but it is an opportunity for people in the area through collaboration to maximize funds and avoid duplication of services. Liddell asked if the School District Foundation has assisted with this project, with Bender stating it is acting as a receptacle of funds, enabling donations to be tax deductible, and is working in an advisory papacity. Bender as]<ed if it would be helpful if the neighborhood group conducted a poll of the neighborhood to see how they feel about this proposal, with Trueblood stating i.t would be helpful. Susan Bender stated she has been working with Marcia Klingaman"and they could work together to develop a survey and get it distributed to the 3 . ..,' . .~. Tr - I Lf 1 " '" ., )'5< .Io}, . ;,'...,...;"..-'.......-:.;', f"'" ,'I , ---.. " ' .', ' :,"',~l-{'::':~).;_.;\~._.._"'..;_.u , " .,"f """0,',"'''' ," ' , .' '. ' " -<':-1":".'::'.':""::' .;"::, .. ':i":~~~> -' .'i?:".':., ;., . ,. . '---;,\, - , ~ ~ .' . ff~~~: I"~ ~ "I:, , -"<. -:...,. ....~ I, <\ .~ ~" '" !~r~'l I ' ' , . [ I I ,jl, , ' (-~ , 0 \f . \, . .,,~. "'. - -. ':-"'::~-W,;' . .~ ", . ," .;" ;, , .....- ." . I l~' ,~-, 1 " . f" . ~-. .' . ,.' ': ,,'. ...: ,,", ;'. '-" ;.., __ ..... .." _"~.............._",-,,.~,=-- ~~"".~..;,:...;.''"'' .>_'.....~........~.~..........;._ _, 'u. '. __A...-.__':.~__.. neighborhood. Liddell stated it would be important to her if the survey was taken of not just the Hunters Run area but also homes along Rohret Road and in Southwest Estates. Bender proposed this matter be tabled until next month's meeting, with the neighborhood group reporting on the survey results at that time. Trueblood stated it would be helpful to know how the, School District has assisted in this project; i.e., developing outdoor recreational area and play fields. 1 j I , , Pelton stated the school board has a substantial money flow and if a playground is a high priority for the school and the parents it should be possible for them to find the money somewhere. He had serious reservations about using city money for school equipment. He stated an alternative thought would be the city assisting in developing a natural area, preserving the area that can be used by the public for learning and relaxation; the city could possibly donate some trees. Vanderhoef stated her concern is there is 26.6 acres in Hunters Run undeveloped and there is a budget line going forth on it. This includes a lot of natural area, and questioned whether there is duplication already with the school's natural area they are proposing to develop. Her other concern is on use of the school ground - will the community space and playground be open to the community, will there be an open door and will this door be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. for bathroom facilities, etc., or will there be a need to build a shelter and bathroom. She stated if this is the only park to be developed west of the highway it must have these facilities available to the citizens for their use. Crosby stated the group is not saying whatever help they get from the city should be in lieu of developing other parkland. The school opens in 1994 and has an immediate need. Vanderhoef stated before she could consider using this as the city'S area for a developed park, she needs a commitment from the school district with respect to use of the building and grounds. Brandt thanked the group for corning, and asked the group to attend next month's meeting with the survey results and information on how the School District has assisted in this project in order for the commission to make a decision. Trueblood reminded the commission if it recommends funding that it is only a recommendation, with the city Council making the final decision. He stated if the commission \ ,I,i 4 , 'i1 ~ ), ..",......"..,"""",.."..,..,......,...."........,..,..1"..,........,."'1"""1',' "".:,'.,()/ ',;1:;"':<':\...".,'.' '. "J":' O. '.' _ :,'.~:...;:::~:::-,.: ,"::"'.' :,';'.:.,~'.: ,~,~;,;:'::'::':'" '::' ,:,:,' ," ' ' ',:,~ ~.,' ,;;',:,.,""".-,.~.,::A ",\;' .01 __...-. :.,.,--~-_.,.,. .- , . ' , , ' . , . - , ,.,:...~,~..,..,: .~! ;"'.' ';",'1.' ,.:" ~~. ~.' 'f' '....:i;",..'. , '. > ; .- ~ i , I....~...' I,. .; r.1 h'>.j. .,',' (~. , \ ' ,':' , ~&,.. ,l .. ~~;:""'\',: :;..' ~; , ,;, , -,"" , '-..--. '. " \ c.....-...... .I" ", ('I ,I .. ,.. ":,',.'".:'",:, ,:.?h~'ll-~, ,',. .'~ . ' RENO STREET PROPERTY: WATER RETENTION AREA: lJ ~ I 1.\1 ~ "r'~""" . 15 ;, ~ I, :~', , . " . " .. - .. ", c' ., , .', , ,. ..__;..,~~"~'~'..~~:...~~_~.;:.....~..;:....: _~-:"~;~~.;.,..,,",';.n......':"_:~._~'~":'" _~. recommends funding, it should also be' prepared to recommend the source of funding. Carl and Kate Klaus were present on behalf of the Reno Street neighborhood, to address the commission relative to possible property acquisition to expand Reno street Park. Kate Klaus'gave a brief history on the park. The Montessori School is listed for sale and the city has the right of first refusal to purchase the property (25 feet) north of the school and adjacent to Reno Street Park. Klaus stated the park is becoming more heavily used, with younger families moving into the area. She indicated the neighborhood would be willing to help move the hedge they planted when this parcel was purchased in 1990, If this parcel was purchased by the city, the neighborhood would like to develop it into a small picnic area. Vanderhoef asked what the purchase price would be, with Trueblood indicating the covenant states the city has a right to purchase the parcel at the same price which was paid ($17,500) or has been offered. Vanderhoef indicated according to the Neighborhood Open Space Plan this area has a deficit of .22 acres. Moved by Pacha. seconded by Egeland. to make a recommendation to the City Council to purchase this parcel. using parkland acquisition funds to do so. Liddell stated her children attended the Montessori School and would not vote on this motion due to possible confl ict of interest. AYES: Bender, Brandt, Egeland, Pacha, Pel ton, Vanderhoef. ABSTENTION: Liddell. The motion carried. with respect to the maximum purchase price, the consensus of the commission was they would defer this judgment to staff. The first conceptual drawing from MMS to develop the water retention area south of Kiwanis Park was shown to the commission. Trueblood reported he met with the Kiwanis Club and the neighborhood association, with the outcome being to have both a prairie grass area and traditional park development. He stated there was the possibility of acquiring the water retention area (approximately 10-12 acres) south of Kiwanis Park. If acquired, the area could be moderately developed and would make a nice addition to Kiwanis Park. Staff feels the area could be acquired inexpensively, with the water retention area possibly being a liability for the present owner. The consensus of the commission was acquisition of this property should be pursued. 5 ~ .' ''', (Oi:7','::ilj,v~',::c1'r~:,;"::":'\"''':'''''''''':''':"C' .';'_t_", .......:..'. , , , ;'\1,,-;,', -- -;... I 1'" .... . ..... --"---_._.~-,... 1 i , I I '.1 I , I " , ' II: , .. , I ..,',.,"',",',',0",,' .0,',..,1 , ~,' .."~",.. _".-' I".i 'ii ""'-~".-':\: .':. 'A_! ~",I, '/,':','.. .;,' ':;;"~~~~\'I::i~':':, ,~ . :.',,':. '~ .' 1','(.-_,.' .'.::.....-;. ,i.. PENDING ISSUES LIST: CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION RE WEBER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND: ", ~~ '...-:. L (-"'~ \ \ /..::.,.. 11. I ~; l l . :.1 'r', ;;;;:;-.""""'i;i''''~'''''' ''"'',..:r..... .;, ' 0 " '", ,1,.' ' , '. .,,' '. ,,'. " ',':, .,.' ,;., ,-' , , ' . . ., ,"::, : ,-,-'" ',:." ,'.' ',"',-:' :' ; . , ,:' . .~~;;_....:~.;.k.ru~)f...j~.1""''';:''''''''''~ ",.'I.';::';~~'';'IiH:.J",",--''.__",-''-'..,,,'____._.,.~.. Brandt stated the prioritization of pending issues would be deferred to next month's meeting. He felt it was important to continue discussing the Weber School playground issue. (Liddell and Pelton had other commi tments and had left the meeting earlier. ) Brandt stated he personally felt the commission has a chance, regardless of what previous commissions have done, to do something new and different to help the School District. He stated the School District in the past has not been very receptive to the city, noting there is now a new School Board. He did not like the fact that development of the playground was not included in the bond referendum, but stated this was a chance for the commission to help by making a contribution that would also benefit citizens west of Mormon Trek. He stated the commission needed to forget this is school property, in that it would be the city's and school's jointly. He pointed out without the School District and commission working hand-in- hand, the Mercer Park Aquatic Center would never have been built, and noted this was very good representation that the city and School District can work together. He stated if the city makes a contribution, the city will not incur any cost as far as maintenance since it would be taken care of by the school. He stated it was time for the School District and city to work together, and was in favor of making a contribution to the school regardless of what the money is used for, i. e. prairie, playground equipment. ..,..'-,A___,,' , , , ,',1 I , ' "1 i " Bender stated he did not intend to vote on this issue. He noted the city wants to develop partnerships between different entities, and as the School Board's representative he is to facilitate this cooperation. He stated he was a taxpayer and pays money to have access to park and recreation facilities, noting lack of any facility in the Hunters Run area and the fact there probably will not be anything for a long time. He stated this was an opportunity, for a relatively small amount of money, to share on a cooperative basis with the School District to help put recreational facilities in a large neighborhood. Trueblood stated during the last eight years, the city has made great strides in cooperating with the School District, noting cooperation with the Horace Mann School when the city funded and installed 6 ;11 '1.' ,'l.Jl, . ," j.'.'''''"'' "....... ",..",'.;,...,'......--,......... ,.., 'I........., "I""'" ~!, ,,',',' ,'.':i ' !..,.' <::"-"'\, , " , r',.. "'0:' ""',, ,0..", ')' ' 'j. C;.." " , ..~'.';."'/',:",<'",.-'.,",.. ;:.-' :~:i,i.; ..,:;,/:':' . ~,,_...:. .', . '. '. ~ ',~. :~'.':i~~,:....".,~:~',..I..ji\: rl' -".,;,~\,:',: '~':i" .:':" . 1 ~'" ~ EEiI' , ..;.i.~ , ," " , ';'.', " "~'. ' '..' 'I!' " ' , . , ,-, . .... . ": . "', / ,. I'. ,""..". ..,,;': . . '.' ',:;"~'.~".;~:~,,,'~.2...:~~~.~~~....:.,~,,~~~~~~,t~;:..;:.~,).~~:,~,,~,~,',~,.:i~.:~~::~.,_.~__.~'" " '..> , . ...' _'+'M"___~"" . "'- f ~ playground equipment in North Market Square Park, in accordance with the school's priori ties. He indicated money should have been included in the referendum for development of the outdoor area. Bender agreed, but noted the main mission of the School Board is to educate children and playground equipment is not a top priority when funds are very short. He stated the commission's primary mission is to deliver parks and recreation, and this was an opportuni ty where the commission could allocate money to provide recreational facilities for this area, when the School Board does not have the money to do.so. " Egeland felt it was important to foster the relationship with the school board, but had a number of questions. She was concerned where the money would come from to help fund this proposal, what would sUf,fer, and when the playground area would .not be able to be used as a park. She stated taxpayers pay for schools and also pay to support recreational areas. She noted there was land purchased close by for park purposes and questioned what would happen to it. Bender stated $200,000 was allocated in the budget to develop the open space in the Hunters Run development, and did not think $10,000 taken from this would affect this project. Trueblood stated this funding was tentative, with $79,000 budgeted in, 1995 for this purpose. pacha stated he was still concerned with access to the playground area during school hours, noting a small .portion of the Hunters Run area was represented here tonight. Brandt stated the Hunters Run area, is one of the most populated subdivisions as far as families are concerned, and the area does not have any nearby park or playground equipment. Trueblood stated this was due to the fact that adjoining parkland had only recently become city-owned. Egeland stated there was no question of need, but did not know whether approval of this proposal was in the best interest of all the taxpayers in Iowa city. Bender stated development of Hunters Run realistically would only be used by people who live in the Hunters Run area. Vanderhoef stated development of the school playground would impact how the city designs the open space in Hunters Run. She also questioned the availability of the school playground to the general public. Bender stated the policy with the ), " ,...... ',I 1.- , ! ",1 I I I I > . I '.~..;. ~' ; , ." I (~ " \1 '~ , ,,' ''''.1 I " I t ' I ~ i I ~ i , 7 . ,..- ,.... ';,:r.".' .' ""', ..~, , '-11 ~ . ..--,1 .'.' . . ".".."! ..'" ... ~" ...... ..; I . j."..""'.."""""""'""""'''....'''"'..''--.....'.....'r.--- I 'I' ;?::':J,;:ii,:,~U::';:.> ',l':""'\ '... "',.: ,\:> .' '....', ,..",;., ." ,,,.., '."", .,s [1, '.d ' , : ,~.;'. . .'..,' . ..-1"''- ,',', . " '''.,. " ,_ " ." ',: ..;, " .\- "'. ,~__',,",,:. " , ,:::.'. . -,--: .,' ,~I . ([*:0 ...... ..-.-.:'- -"~':-;,: ',. :l~' ~i~yf." .. :,'.1 , ' t .... e- \ ~ I ~ ~ "'~ ~, !!I! , ,. ~~, 'I " "/'i -.,',' '-''-:'-.., "" '~ " '..' , " , I ., ,~., .' , "', " ".' ',~ .:' .' , , .. ....- ----'--.- .',. :. " .' . .' .' ....~_..n _.. ~.,....~....... _, ~ _,_~ ._. ~k. _... , School District has been to cooperate with outside groups, and school buildings are offered on a space available basis. He stated Weber School is designed to serve the entire community, with expectations that the school will be utilized after hours for meetings, etc. He indicated the decision with how the school is utilized is largely made by the principal, noting if the ci ty made a contribution he would expect a lot of cooperation. He stated if there was a specific request he would be happy to take it to the administration and School Board. I COMMISSION TIME: Vanderhoef complimented staff on the new brochure. She asked if it would be possible to use art from children in the Recreation Division's art classes for future brochure covers, possibly running a contest. with respect to the listing of parks located in the back of the brochure, she stated the address for Ryerson's Woods needs to more specific, and she would like to come up with a plan to rename parkland listed as the South Treatment Plant site and the West Landfill park. Vanderhoef asked who would be sponsoring the three day Junior Olympics meet, if ~here was any possib~lity of contracting with ISI to make the Mercer Park Aquatic Center the home for the State Junior Olympics, and hosting zone meets. Moran stated the Iowa City Swim Club was sponsoring the Junior Olympics meet, and he would be attending an upcoming meeting to discuss the other items. Vanderhoef stated she would like to schedule a park tour this year; this item will be put on next month's agenda. Brandt stated the order of next month's meeting would be changed, to reflect discussion of this proposal to be held at 5:35 p.m., with public discussion beginning at 6:30-6:40 p.m. He asked commission members to be prepared to make a final decision. Bender stated he would ask the group to furnish him with the survey results one week prior to next month's meeting, in order to give the commission time to review them prior to the meeting. Vanderhoef stated she would like to get an update on what the school's policy will be with respect to use of the building, with Bender stating it would be difficult to determine this in the absence of a specific request for use. Bender stated the School District's philosophy is to make maximum use of its facilities. ,': t:1\ \;J '. ,i".l 8 , , !(Lo -t.. . -" -,' I Lf1 , '" j^"'.."'''''..'..''.... .'"" '."...'''......--....1'.'.''. '"" .,..-. """ :,,',':0> .,U'- ".,,\" " ",. '.'.,'<: .'i ,Ij ',' ".;.:.'" " . 15.0, , ' I . ' . '::.; " ',' .' ,'.' ': ,...: ;.' .:.._~;,:..'.;..,..'.".,I ,,;.:: ,,\.', , .....'. <:,.~':;.~;:;:' 't\::>,..\/',.. . ~':"';I,' '/," .' _'./__,;.:.1,;"',..','" .;.... , , ' ',. . .,. i':.", ,.',..A..._._---'.'.... . with respect to City Park, Egeland indicated the park is looking great. Brandt stated at one commission meeting Guy Drollinger indicated he would be planning an appreciation day, and he would like to follow-up on this. Brandt asked if staff checked into installing a basketball court in Wetherby Park, with Trueblood indicating it was included on the list of ,possible items the Optimist Club could contribute towards. Also, staff is waiting to see what the cost is to replace the basketball court in City Park before proceeding further. , i " ,'. ,; ,'" \, ! COLLEGE GREEN PARK. A rededication ceremony of College Green Park is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 1994. CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT STAFF. Sheri Thomas, CBD Supervisor, had a bicycle accident in which she fractured her hip, and will be off work for at least 6-8 weeks; therefore, the CBD crew is operating short-handed. , DIRECTOR'S REPORT: Trueblood reported on the following: '1..: '~ ~'. w OTHER BUSINESS: Vanderhoef asked if there was any further information on land acquisition around Wetherby Park, with Trueblood indicating the land management company in charge of the property asked the city to make an offer. I '.'1 i ul '1 , ! .- , ,;. f;' (-"\ \ I" I ~ I I I ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Pacha. seconded by Bender. to ad journ. Unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. I ~ , , " 9 .. I' ,~ I~, "I ,: ,.,',;. "'. '1,'.--:.:.,: '\' , ;' .'~ , 1'171 '::: ..",,' :j "-~-""'''''''''''''''"-'''-------''''''''-r~-'' I I . : I,' \\,~, ~) "\' : ' \' I ' , OJ" ." ,r" 0'" :t, "'j' I' ',I" ' , ":'-' C' ;'" ....1'1,;:>. ,.\"" :.'. I,:'" :':J S ',', ;: .......'..:..' ~... ;,\' 'i",-', ' ,r" ~ ""f~."/~/"t,'h ,,', -' '([' ,'~"-' "", ',""'" . 0 . I ., . " ' , , " ' ." '. .b.,""....'-. ... ":, ,.':' ;'-". , "I~' . " .-"'" ,-' -: , " ,\: ,~~ri;)' \1) \ J\ QJ~ , 0' (~ \ ~ " I , I; I Ii i I ,~ i l ~~ rj~' ,,,,I '."j n 1\' ~T: I" tr,','="....... :'L 0 \, i' . .' , '~t ~ ) , ,\ ..~, , ,~, , -. . ,:,' '. MINUTES INFORMAL MEETING/STREET SYSTEM ITEMS IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MONDAY, MAY 16,1994-7:30PM SENIOR CENTER CLASSROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks, Dick Gibson, Jane Jakobsen, Tom Scott, George Starr MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Bormann, Denney, Davidson, Miklo, Rockwell, Haring CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Scott called the meeting to order at 7:44 p,m. STREET SYSTEM ITEMS: 1. Discussion of the extension of Foster Road between Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien Road as it relates to a concept plan submitted by Plum Grove Acres, Inc. for proposed development north of Shimek School on Oaklawn Avenue and St. Anne's Drive extended. Davidson said he had received a memorandum from Larry Schnittjer of MMS Consultants, representative of Plum Grove Acres, Inc., dated May 5, 1994, that states that the applicant has submitted a concept plan/pre-preliminary plat of a portion of the area located between Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien Road for staff review and comment prior to submission of a preliminary plat. Schnittjer submitted a pre-preliminary plat to get comments and suggestions for changes, before all the work that is necessary to submit a preliminary plat is undertaken. This memorandum from Schnittjer notes that the areas for which the proposed road alignment is to be constructed are not entirely under the ownership of Plum Grove Acres, which is in the process of securing an option on approximately 15 acres of the Alberhasky property. However, this does not include the westerly portion of the proposed road alignment. Plum Grove Acres asks that the City be willing to participate in the acquisition of necessary property and the construction of the westerly portion of the street. The memorandum from Schnittjer further notes that staff has indicated that without the complete construction of Foster Road, a recommendation for approval of the proposed subdivision probably will not occur. Plum Grove Acres requests a recommendation be made to the City Council that it is now time to consider Foster Road as an item of significant priority, The memorandum from Schnittjer concludes by stating that Plum Grove Acres is unwilling to proceed with the preparation of a preliminary plat if there is little likelihood that the City will participate in the construction of the street, and that the time limitation on the purchase option will not allow for significant delays in the review and approval process. Davidson noted the memorandum from himself dated May 10, 1994, in response to the Schnittjer request. Davidson said the major issue with this proposal concerns the functional classification of Foster Road. Davidson said Foster Road is proposed as a collector street and it would clearly have some collector street attributes. However, with arterial street intersections at both termini, Foster Road would also have some arterial street function. Davidson does not believe an absolute distinction can be made as to whether the Foster Road extension would be a major collector or a minor arterial street. Davidson said the significant design distinction has to do with street width and J Lf ~O 0'),,':':' ":.... .,."'i""; ".. . - (); , i.! .1 r l' 5 ' 10', "'...,'.. ' l~~", ..f. " ..C~' (-<..\ , \ \1 \ !'/'\""~ ;' 1\ , '" I I I I I I ! i I ,I I ' I I b I 1<" I i,l.e) , ..../ L_~,,: fl'- 0 ~- \, r i ~ . "~to " i,~!.;, . , ,~. ~ ~. . . :.,,'. ...~._; -.'-'. .'--,.... .'.~'" . '" PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 2 whether or not direct lot access is allowed. Davidson thought this link of Foster Road could be established as a major collector street with the following stipulations: it should be constructed immediately, there should be no extension of Foster Road east of Prairie du Chien Road, and direct lot access to Foster Road should be minimized. Davidson felt the entire Foster Road corridor between Dubuque Street and Prairie du Chien should be constructed immediately so it is not mistaken for a local residential street. Davidson felt designating a corridor or acquiring right-of-way for the portions of Foster Road not included in this concept plan is not enough. If the City allows Foster Road to be established without the connections to Prairie du Chien and Dubuque Street, there will be extreme pressure once residential development is established to never connect Foster Road to Dubuque Street and/or Prairie du Chien. Davidson noted that experience with other subdivisions has shown the City that residential lots are typically marketed without regard to street functional class and that this can lead to difficult political decisions for the City Council in subsequent years. Street patterns may be established for the benefit of a small residential area which are not adequate for the community as a whole. Davidson said staff views it in the City's interest from a community-wide traffic flow perspective to see this corridor established. Therefore, it is appropriate for the City to be involved in acquiring property not controlled by Plum Grove Acres in order to extend Foster Road. Construction should occur concurrently with development of the Plum Grove Acres property. , ' Davidson noted that there should be no alignment of Foster Road east of Prairie du Chien that would create a northeast Iowa City bypass. Davidson said this position is consistent with Planning and Zoning Commission decision-making which dates back to 1979. Davidson also noted that direct lot access to Foster Road should be minimized to the degree possible, so as not to obstruct the even flow of traffic. Davidson noted that there are several large scale traffic issues associated with the proposed road development. These issues are not created solely by the Plum Grove Acres development, but the proposed development will hasten the need for the City to address these issues. First, the size of the Foster Road/Dubuque street intersection should allow it to be signalized eventually. This will become necessary with further development of the peninsula area and the upgrading of Foster Road west of Dubuque Street. The necessity of the traffic signal at the intersection was evaluated a few years ago in conjunction with the Idyll wild project, and was very close to being warranted for signalization at that time. Second, there are congested road conditions on North Dodge Street between Governor Street and Dubuque Road. This corridor, especially the North Dodge/Prairie du Chien intersection, is among the most congested in the community during peak periods. The need for capacity improvements to this corridor is detailed in the JCCOG North Dodge Street Corridor Study, and the JCCOG Arterial Street Plan. ,I.! '.. Davidson stated construction of Foster Road will be beneficial in that it will reduce traffic on Kimball Road and Ridge Road. Kimball and Ridge are under-designed with respect to any street standards the City has, yet they are the principal collector streets in this area. And as far as transit usage, Davidson did not project significant transit usage from the type of development proposed, but thought the extension of Foster Road would create the opportunity for more effective transit routing in this area. / I.J ~O . '. j5', ~:tt ,- -"'I_'~'" _d ,0 ')",',;"~:""2" '.-::,-",;;, , .,t.",,,, . , .~, .,.....'.-".. I ~ S'O I'"'' is ~-iJ1l. " .1'; ~ . "t ". '.\1, ~ ", .. , '-- . ,\., :,', . ..,,'...,....'...H.. ..~..__. .,_u__.Q. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 3 Davidson noted land acquisition and assistance in the construction of Foster Road anytime in the near future would require a reassessment of the CIP priorities by the City Council. The City does not presently have this project high on the CIP priorities list. Immediate concerns include the east-west arterial through the American College Testing (ACT) property, Rochester Avenue, etc. Davidson noted the development pressure to pursue arterial street projects in northeast Iowa City has quieted down some. Bovbjerg wondered about the implications and justifications of bumping another project. Starr asked if this project was moved up on the CIP, would this include only the acquisition of the necessary land, or the actual construction as well, and would there be cost sharing involved. Davidson said the initial phase would concern the acquisition of the land, but the road would be constructed concurrently with development of the Plum Grove Acres property. Davidson said it would be more advisable to establish the road up front before it is a matter of necessity and becomes more difficult to acquire. Davidson stated the City may pay for overwidth paving on the collector street. In that case, the City would pick up the cost associated with the additional pavement width beyond 28 feet. The City may propose a type of tap-on fee beyond the Plum Grove Acres property, such as has been done for sewering future development. Jakobsen asked about the possibility of sensitive areas and ravines as she is aware some exist in the area. Davidson said there are some sensitive areas and ravines to be concerned with. Davidson noted the approximate location and form are noted on the Sensitive Areas Inventory Map, but Public Works would need to determine exact sites and how these may interplay with development. j c"'~ \ \ ~ , , Starr noted that the proposed street appears to go through some RFBH zoning, which is primarily low cost/income housing. Starr wondered if the proposal intends to reduce land for this purpose. Davidson said the proposal would reduce some property zoned RFBH, although it does not displace any existing dwellings. Scott mentioned the right-of-way on Bjaysville Lane is intended to be expanded. Davidson said Bjaysville Lane is slated to be expanded with this project, but neither this expansion nor the connection with Prairie du Chien Road is expected to displace any existing structures. " Glasgow said Interstate 80 came through Iowa City in 1963. He had acquired his first property in the vicinity of Prairie du Chien and Dubuque Street in 1968. He has had the 60 foot wide parcel at the eastern end of the proposed road on Prairie du Chien Road since that time. Glasgow said he would be damned if he held onto the property any longer, waiting for the City to decide what it wants to do up there. He said the City has 90 days to decide. Otherwise, he may sell or develop the property with 6-7 lots and close off all access to Prairie du Chien permanently. Glasgow said the only reason he is before the Commission tonight is because he believes the route would be beneficial to the City. Glasgow wanted to give the City a last offer, but the City needs to act and condemn land for this to proceed. i i I 1 I I . I II . I 1117. I' U .~ Starr asked what recommendation the Commission would make to the Council if the Commission felt it would be advisable to proceed. Davidson said the Council would need to move the item up in the CIP. Bormann added Council needs to authorize staff to begin work, legal to negotiate, Public Works to examine for sensitive areas and probable routes, etc. Gibson asked if a CIP amendment is necessary, as the process may get bogged down. A second alternative is to condemn. I~' " !l' ~ ..;.' :'~i 1 {:i~l L. i (, ';:"~ ',-r1':(jt.'AJ. "',-' . 0 . '. ~- ;~. 0,.. "".,;,)i, r'l--;::1JJI!i- 1'" . () l.i ". ,10"'1 U. /, "".,.;.. I . ,'. i~J:1'," :,"': .i....-:-"~ I, [.' C~\ i , ~ I ~ , I I I I ; ! I lb. i I I. ) ~ .::.f : ( , ,,'f 'I'" :1,'" ," ~i ~ [ft',: ............. (~-" : 0 "I, f '-1 fO '1'-' ,S ,t, , :". \, .1"") .,.,' ~ . "t' , ,'O\li. , ~. '. 't , .. 1~' ',',-:, , .....,.. '., . " :~. ' , " , . _ _......._,..._ """h""'"'''''~''''.'''.''''.''_''''''''' '~,'M'O"_'.",'" "'-_""".___,,_";'..,., PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16,1994 PAGE 4 Dierks asked how much flexibility there is in determining the route. Davidson said its pretty flexible at this point, but environmentally sensitive areas need to be determined first. Davidson mentioned there is federal money available for streets projects that were proposed for local funding, so CIP priorities may not have to change very much. Scott questioned whether the project alleviates any north-south traffic, because this is where most of the problem in this area exists. Scott said the problem in traffic flow is not so great in terms of east-west flow, which this street would be. Gibson said the road wo'uld be terribly important for the area, as it would redistribute much of the traffic currently bottling up on Prairie du Chien and Dodge Street. Davidson reiterated that the construction of Foster Road will be beneficial to Kimball Road and Ridge Road. Kimball and Ridge are under-designed with respect to any street standards the City has, yet they function as the principal collector streets in this area. Davidson added the reason the stree't would be defined as a collector street is because it is envisioned to handle 2,500 vehicle trips per day or less, Scott did not see this route as solving , much more than short-term traffic problems in the Prairie du Chien/Dodge Street area. Scott said that there are severe environmental constraints in'the area. Perhaps the road network should be cut back. Perhaps a lower density with larger lots is more suitable. Perhaps the road does not need to go all the way through. Gibson said the City needs the political courage to stand up and determine where the street should go. He said he is tired of having the developer determine where the streets should go. The end result is usually a boxed-in street that goes nowhere. It was asked by Rhodes, a member of the public, whether an OPDH may be appropriate for the site. Scott said he would love to have an OPDH for the area, but this is virtually impossible as the City does not have the capacity to require an OPDH. Rhodes also noted that the Sensitive Areas Map shows the existence of some very steep slopes and wooded areas in the vicinity. Rhodes urged the Planning & Zoning Commission to encourage tile developers to come up with a planned area development that would concentrate the dwelling units in a small area, preserve a significant amount of open space in the more sensitive areas, and give the City a transportation artery in a more appropriate place than is presently planned. Dierks requested to know the extent of these sensitive areas and their position in relation to the alignment of the proposed road. Another member of the public mentioned that the Riverfront and Natural Areas Commission has examined the area carefully and has determined there are sensitive areas that need to be taken into consideration. He said these plans should be referred to. Starr said if the area is only developed at an RS-5 or RS-12 density, it behooves the City not to provide streets through here such that planned development cannot occur. Starr said that this area can provide more than 200 acres of RS-12 development, and asked the process involved in achieving il zoning change. Bovbjerg noted the north wastewater treatment plant is ~Iready at capacity. Glasgow said the only way possible to develop a sensitive area is with multi-family dwellings, and that this would not be possible with an RS.5 Zone or individual lots. Glasgow said he does not have the time for OPDH Mickey Mouse maneuvers. If this is the direction the Commission decides to go, he will go in and cut down all the trees before he ever submits a plat. Gibson noted Glasgow is not making points with him or the Commission by making such comments. Bovbjerg said she did not understand r- '. , -', --- '.--' )' .""."..."'"",'..""" ,....",,,,..,,.,,..,.... o ,,' ,',':.\\:~.:':.".t' . \. ", " \ ",~:L,:' .:.)':\:: ".':... .. , -, - " ".. . A.... ).( " 10, ,"'i,,,'i..r, ' ~: r , r \' .'-'.'.\ ( , I \ \ ~ , r. , I " I I I I I , i , I I ~: 'I. I' , I I' ! I ,~l,~) '~ ' , ~ "',': ~ J.;li' it~ \(-=- 0 !lIg0 "T'" '/t . t.. ~ ... ~) ., .I"i .', . ,t",\I" , , ',' ~ . ..;. , ~'I. " . :.' . .' ".-",,-. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 5 the air of immediacy pertaining to this project and felt pressured. She requested more information from staff and Public Works. Cooper made the recommendation that staff evaluate the situation. Bovbjerg said that should a recommendation be made, staff should keep in mind an environmentally aligned route. ,Bovbjerg also suggested the process should happen in steps, with the acquisition occurring one year, the road construction the next, as she does not feel the necessity for this to occur overnight. She asked, if the land has been sitting there for 30 odd years with little pressure for it to develop, why should development be forced ,to proceed overnight. Glasgow said there is the option of opening up the ends of Buresh, Oaklawn, and St. Anne's Street to provide a means of secondary access. Glasgow intends to develop single-family lots. This would result in an approximate RS-5 or RS-8 density. Miklo reminded the Commission that Glasgow has the option to build the easterly portion to City standards, but the westerly portion is not constructed to City standards. That is the issue. Davidson said the City would like to have the road come through to a signalized four-way intersection at Foster Road and Dubuque Street. Davidson said the connections with Buresh, Oaklawn, and St. Anne's are not clear at this point. Glasgow said secondary access via Bjaysville Lane may be possible as he has acquired an option on the street from Alberhasky. Scott said that he would write up a recommendation for the City Council regarding the extension of Foster Road. He said if the developer comes in with a subdivision proposal that shpws an alignment of the proposed road that is acceptable to the City, then the Commission will recommend to the Council that the City acquire the necessary right-of-way to complete Foster Road to the intersection with Dubuque Street, and that the City may need to condemn land to acquire this right-of-way on the western portion of the proposed road. Scott said the item would appear for consideration Thursday night at the May 19, 1994, formal meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission, under the category of "other" on the agenda. 2. Discussion of the incorporation of an east-west arterial parkway into a preliminary plat submitted by Sycamore Farms Development Company for Lake Calvin Estates, a 161 acre, 376 lot residential subdivision located south of Highway 6 and Bon Aire Mobile Home Park. Miklo noted that staff had received a partial preliminary subdivision plat for Lake Calvin Estates, which is proposed to cover the northern portion of the Sycamore Farms annexation area. The annexation has been approved by the City Council and forwarded to the City Development Board. The City Development Board's consideration of the annexation has been deferred at the request of the applicants. The conditional zoning agreement for this property and supporting documents, including a wetlands mitigation plan, conservation easement, and wetlands delineation and conservation values documents, have been reviewed by the City. However, the supporting documents have not been finalized. They require several corrections and clarifications. The zoning cannot be approved until the City Development Board acts on the proposed annexation and the conditional zoning agreement documents are approved. - .. .)1W - - ']',,',...,.,',, ....'.- . ,..i'., o ~- ,.. f , . .. I o 1 ',I.! lo, ,."","',,. 'I l~fO I ',- :I~ . ' \, .?r&~j' " i ',' , '~'? '. . ::', PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16,1994' PAGE 6 The applicants have requested that basic subdivision design issues, including the location of an arterial street, be resolved prior to the annexation being approved, and prior to completing the preliminary plat application and the required supporting documents. As designed, the preliminary plat of Lake Calvin Estates has access to Highway 1 via Heinz Road, which would travel to the south and intersect with Calvin Drive, an east-west street. The proposed east-west street would travel the width of the subdivision from the RFBH zoned area to the RS-8 area. Another north-south street is located in the RS-8 area and would connect with Whispering Meadows Drive in the Whispering Meadows subdivision. A series of residential streets, including private RFBH streets, intersect with these streets to provide access to individual lots. It should be noted that, as currently designed, the through-streets described above ,also provide access to numerous individual lots. As designed, the proposed street network for this subdivision is undesirable in terms of neighborhood design and in terms of creating a street network which will circulate traffic within this and adjacent neighborhoods. The proposed street network creates a major thoroughfare through the neighborhood which will function as an arterial, but will not be designed to carry future traffic volumes. Staff believes it is important to establish an east-west arterial street to serve this and adjacent developments. In addition to serving developments in the immediate area, such a street would be important for the overall street network of southern Iowa City. r , r' .\ (~.~ '\ ~ ,"i 1 Staff envisions the east-west arterial as a minor versus a major arterial street. It should be designed as a parkway which would include a buffer strip between the development and the Snyder Creek Bottoms. By incorporating a buffer strip and an 8-foot wide sidewalk on the south side of the right-of-way, the recreational needs of future neighborhoods in this area could be partially addressed and the aesthetic and environmental values of the Snyder Creek Bottoms could be enhanced. In addition to accommodating general vehicular traffic, the parkway would provide a transit route and would incorporate a pedestrian underpass and a pedestrian and bicycle route for the neighborhood . " In the absence of an east-west arterial, staff anticipated conflicts between traffic and residential development within the proposed subdivision. As designed, numerous lots have direct access to streets intended to carry traffic through this neighborhood. This may make these lots undesirable' and will lead to conflicts between driveways and through traffic. The Lake Calvin development alone is anticipated to generate 3,500-4,000 vehicle trips per day. This will exceed acceptable limits for collector streets, which staff feels should not exceed the 2,500 range. These vehicles will be forced to use residential and collector streets shown within the development if a properly designed arterial street is not provided. In addition, adjacent developments can be expected to generate additional traffic onto these streets. The street network established with this subdivision can be expected to continue onto adjacent properties. Therefore, the design of this subdivision, if approved, may have negative consequences for adjacent properties as well as the individual properties within this subdivision. ' , I I, , I . ; If I I. , ; [I , I \ \ ' ~ " b~f 1{;~' I i~~ I~~~' L.~ Miklo said staff proposes the development incorporate an arterial street along the southern border of the development. This street would be designed with no access 'rt--'o"~'~='~ : ']'....',' .0 .., ....' ,:::.:' ---,,~ - ::::B..., _ ".' . .. , , I ,I ,1.1 ..~.d.. )~~o J'" 'is I,' A . .,-,;' .. . \, ElEIi:JJl, !, ~. j "t ','>\\1 ... ., . .... ~ . .... .' "- . -..--.:.."".. :~ . -, ,_.....~.. ....., ~._.- PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 7 to individual lots and limited access to local streets. In this way individual properties would be buffered from the consequences of being located adjacent to an arterial street and the intersections designed in a way to minimize traffic conflicts. As the neighborhood becomes fully developed, the arterial street would be the preferred route of motorists entering and leaving the neighborhood and traveling past/around the neighborhood. In the absence of such an arterial street, traffic from this and adjacent developments would effect a more extensive area and individual residential lots. For these reasons, Miklo recommended the proposed subdivision be redesigned to include a parkway along the ridge on the north side of Snyder Creek Bottoms. The design of the parkway would include two lanes with 31 feet of pavement, built within an 85 foot right-of-way. The pavement width would increase at intersections to provide for turn lanes and bus pull-oft lanes. An underpass would be included to provide pedestrian access to the conservation easement located to the south. The parkway should include 8-foot wide sidewalks and should ,incorporate designs for pedestrian access to the Snyder Creek Bottoms. Miklo added the Commission need not take formal action on this subdivision, but has been asked by the applicants to indicate whether or not there is a consensus among the Commission regarding the location and design of an arterial street in this subdivision. Scott said at issue here is the definition of the street to be used. If the Commission decides to go with an arterial street, this would likely be a downgraded version with 40-foot setbacks, but still incorporating no direct lot access, and minimal street entrance and exit availability to the neighborhood. If a collector street is chosen, this would likely be a collector upgrade in which direct lot access would be minimized, but neighborhood street entrance and exit patterns would not be restricted. , ! ..\ (~.. \ \ Jakobsen said she would want collector streets in neighboring developments connecting to this development. Miklo said this would occur. It just wasn't shown on this plan. He added that arterials to the west would connect with Sycamore Street, and to the east with Sioux Avenue. Bovbjerg would like to see the right-of-way made wider to bufter the ravines and provide better control of storm water management. ,~ r';~~ ! t, Scott believed a thoroughfare is needed as the present plan is insufficient in this aspect. However, he believed a compromise was in order. Scott suggested a 75-foot right-of-way, and a 28-foot wide street with bus pull-ofts and turning lanes at the intersections. He said direct lot access should be minimal, and the street alignment should run along the ridge along the south edge of the development. Scott said Carol Thompson had noted a 150 foot setback is required from jurisdictional wetlands and that a buffer strip is probably appropriate. t; i , I , I I I! I I ~I" , , I I \ I ~i., \,~ :~'~' " f.l P l:t,j" L. Gibson felt a parkway was an appealing concept, if direct lot access was restricted. He thought the pavement width could be more narrow than 31 feet, especially on the straight away portions, but would incorporate bus pull-ofts and turning lanes at the intersections. Davidson felt additional right-of-way would be needed at the intersections. Davidson also felt if an arterial is used, at some point, he would like to see this arterial connect with other arterials at both ends. Gibson said the size of the road is something to be dealt with on a regional basis. {(~;~=~~- -- " ":~' ~ : ,', ,0>.,],,:- , , ... ..~..:.... .". ..:~:.. ,.--"..--.. ,--,_.... . ,. .-. ..' . Q..._..~_..." . r::\ \:J ! .f ~'d, ,,,,,", .",,'J. t ~ : .' ,i- !" -;1 .,; i .. ! , j , , i , , , ',~ I, .,~ n \ t>-i r! I ' , , I t 4[ 'I" " Iliac . ".,. "";:::;/'.','.:i'O.~(.,.:,.:"::,l],,,., -'":JG,?'j,:?!''"':y",u~':;;c7~:\':.:7'''':r'7'''':'''''';':I~.'.CJ:"':il\: '.'." ,,',' ",' .".,',J"~".":"};'"'''''' ,\,(..:1,,' \,1'.';1,;."",...".."",: '.' ,r) t.,.;\,H" , . .,', ','.,';. ,.,-, '.':"::"~: 'f':';.',,: :'[.,,',',,,,,..,,: .j~,;+~,:.;':',;':~gi':~;~~\.>-:" ".', , . ,. ,,\..;,,~,'f' ~:.";;:;i:~~::"iL.u:', ),;~ . ':",1'_ . , ' ' ,,_-'.. ,;..:.:.i.~':''';':;''''_'''~~~~__~_~''':'~I':';:''.''-''''''';:':';;';''':'.._:.,..., PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 16, 1994 PAGE 8 Bovbjerg said' a downsized arterial with limited direct lot access would be more appropriate, that 28-foot wide pavement with bus pull-offs and turning lanes at the, intersections, a 75-foot right-of-way with perhaps a 40-foot setback would be adequate. Bovbjerg added that the route on the south side does provide an invitation of openness to the conservation easement to the south side of the road. Steve Bright, the developer, said the premise of the proposed roads js to provide travel for the development only and that the collector streets proposed will do this just fine, that the purpose of these is to get the people to the arterial streets. Bright said a parkway to the south would eliminate about 100 of the best lots, and that if the City feels this parkway would be a community asset, then perhaps the City should pick up the cost. Scott said he feels the Council is going to have trouble accepting a full blown arterial and that he knows the Council will be willing to compromise. Miklo said staff feels an arterial is needed for proper traffic circulation, that usually an arterial uses 100 feet of right-of-way, but staff was only asking for 85 feet in this location. Scott said the south route does appear to impinge on some of the best lots of the development, so he asked staff to keep designs to the minimum necessary. Scott also noted that there appears to be a 4-vote consensus to proceed, therefore, he asked that the plat be redesigned to include: 40-foot setbacks, 8 foot sidewalks, 28 foot wide streets with bus pull-offs and turning lanes at the intersections, and minimum or no direct lot access. Scott recommended some modification of the setback requirement is probably in order. Scott also noted that if the City wishes to have community asset amenities, then perhaps it should pick up the cost of the oversized road (beyond 28 feet); pedestrian underpasses, and oversized sidewalks. Scott said every indication that he has heard tonight favors the south route. Minutes submitted by Jeff Haring. mins\P&Z5- 16. o ,/., .. . I ,'~. .''''~, """,,',;';',:' " , ',;" ;,..,,' .....',.. .. ,'0'- @ 2.::;TJ!1l', ,.:..... ..' ,",d ;", '" ':'.'. \, ,~ ,". '~ " , .':1'.111 ' -', , . .~ " .. " .,.... ; .: ... I , ". f" . . ... ~ ,-", , ~lYl~ . ' . ._'~,.':-.. '. > ,,:' '.:' . ". ._.~,,- ..,-~,-_.~..,~",~......_~._._....._.,-.,-,-""..-~~~....". .,.'~"",~" ......-..-...-.. -. -.- MINUTES IOWA CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION THURSDAY, JUNE 2,1994 -7:30 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Ann Bovbjerg, Pete Cooper, Sally Dierks, Dick Gibson, Tom Scott, George Starr i j I I I . STAFF PRESENT: Bormann, Rockwell, Haring PRELIMINARY Subject to ApprOVal , MEMBERS ABSENT: Jane Jakobsen , :.a: RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: 1. Recommended approval, by a vote of 5-1, with Gibson voting in the negative, of REZ94-0008, an application submitted by Daniel L. Bray and Lori L. Klockau to rezone property located at 402 South Linn Street from PRM to CB-5. ~ 2. Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, to amend Section 36-4(d)(4) of the Zoning Ordinance to state: "Disability. With respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment attributable to, but not limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or another similar neurological condition; dyslexia resulting from an above disability; or a mental or nervous disorder which constitutes a substantial impairment expected to be long-continued and of indefinite duration." 3, Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, to amend Section 36-4(f)(3) of the Zoning Ordinance to read, "Family care facility/family home. A community-based residential home, such as a residential care facility, a child foster care facility, a community supervised apartment living arrangement, or other small group residential arrangement that is licensed or accredited, and provides room and board, personal care, rehabilita- tion services, and supervision for not more than eight (8) people with disabilities, in a family environment by counselor(s) or a resident family. However, family care facility does not mean an individual foster care family home licensed under Chapter 237, of the Code of Iowa." 4. Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, to amend Section 36-4(g)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance to read, "Group care facility. A government licensed or approved facility which provides resident services in a dwelling to more than eight (8) individuals not including resident staff, but not exceeding 30 individuals. These individuals are people with one or more disabilities, are aged or undergoing rehabilitation; are in need of adult supervision; and are provided services in accordance with their individual needs. Group care facilities shall not include nursing homes." , ,I i I I I I' ! I I 'r I I ('. I I i \,\~~ \1..-- ./ 5. Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0, of S-9007, an application submitted by Paul M. Kennedy for preliminary plat approval of Kennedy's Waterfront Addition, Part Three, a 30.29 acre, 12 lot commercial subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, south of Stevens Drive, subject to legal papers for the final plat addressing the provision for sanitary sewer service to the subdivision and the extension of Southgate Avenue. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Scott called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. _-JI \~ ("- :" ---~-_--.:. I LI fO -~ - " ':]".:'.:.':':'..:"."..'" o ' ' ,'.',', :,::,.,1,,'>"',' i<::;,~<'..'::"" j:,~'>.',:.',..'.'" , 'S5~' '..16:: -, ","""",'.1,"", , ;. \, YM!.!n-'. , \' I ~ . "r' , '~. 'I"~ "'r . ....' " ,.;, ~ '-, ".. . . ..: . _ ...... .,...,.... '.L"~'.".' ".,.',.' ."..'.,".~'.' ,.:.:_,; ,'-"'-',,,.,-, .'~ ,... ....._... '..4. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 2 PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA. There was none. ZONING ITEMS: 1. REZ94-000B, Public discussion of an application submitted by Daniel L. Bray and Lori L. Klockau to rezone property located at 402 South Linn Street from PRM to CB-5. (45-day limitation period: June 13, 19941 Rockwell noted that there had been no changes since the last review of this item. Staff continued to recommend denial as the request does not comply with the Near South Side Development Plan. Although this is only a minor adjustment to the zoning boundary, it represents an encroachment on a clearly identifiable boundary between the residential properties to the south of Court Street and the commercial properties to the north. Public discussion: r .r .-.\ r , \ '\ ~ I Lori L. Klockau. 150 E. Court Street, said she is a co-applicant with Daniel Bray. Klockau felt rezoning this property would merely be a small jot across the street. Klockau said staff is correct that this property lies in an area that is primarily suited for residential uses. But, she noted comments made at the May 23, 1994, City Council meeting when Council members agreed that this area should be reserved primarily for residential development with "sprinkles of commercial development within the area." Klockau said her request would be merely a sprinkle of commercial within a primarily PRM zone. Klockau said she and Bray have contacted property owners within 200 feet of this parcel, and not only does everyone agree with the rezoning, but they are all vigorously in support of it. _,I " Klockau said the property is already deteriorating. She displayed photographs of the site. Klockau said the property was residential for years. In 19B5, Youth Homes purchased the site and put in a lot of improvements, including two new furnaces, two new air conditioners, a new roof, new plumbing, new electrical, etc.. It will be many years before this building deteriorates enough to be cost effective to tear it down and start ,over. The property does require further improvements. Klockau contended if the property were to remain zoned PRM, it would deteriorate even further. Klockau noted this is a highly visible area on a corridor leading to downtown. She did not think it was in the best interest of Iowa City property owners to let this site deteriorate any more. The impact of the requested rezoning on the PRM zone would be minor. She felt this would be a spot-zoning request, but would allow essentially the highest and best use for the property. The properties next to this cannot be purchased and added onto this property to make it a higher density residential area. Although staff feels the existing structure may be torn down to house up to sixteen dwelling units, Klockau felt this was erroneous as it is a very small parcel. ,I,!. . I I I I , I , I i , , I ~, ll' ~ . . ~; . Public discussion closed, Scott noted the minutes from May 19, 1994, say "Miklo stated that given the PRM zone, the zone would allow for eight units at the base density, and this could be -.' Iq~o I:(~__'- " ,_J< " - Ilf ,""" '.',.. .' .',,' ',', ,0 ),'"..,,;",. .~~., .' -,"'. ,;' ,""'. ".~." ..-.-. \ ''''. , , :/5 I ld: ".",." ..,. ,.' .. J ( \ r:q , ! I i I ~ I I I [ I ~ II II ',I , , ,~ iJ'1 'a! ..,,) ,\1\ :':r 1"~ ([0 . . : ~'t' \. ;":l " "t' , ... .\\J.~ , <~. " ~ , " , " ~. . . ':~ ' :. _.".M....~"...:'..'_..,'~.,. ,..,..,u,,,._....'..;....:..;.':-.:_".:.'~;...... _.__... L'..~...'.;:..,':.....~...'--"_:..._.,,.'-_ .. .. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 3 2. ..;o.~ increased significantly with bonus points." Scott said Miklo went on to say that all of the parking would have to be incorporated within the building, and this was not noted in the minutes. MOTION: Dierks moved to approve REZ94-0008, an application submitted by Daniel L. Bray and Lori L. Klockau to rezone property located at 402 South Linn Street from PRM to CB-5. Starr seconded. Scott said although he certainly did not come out and say at the May 19, 1994, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting that he would support the item, he intended to support the rezoning. He felt the arguments made by the applicants at the last two public meetings were legitimate. Scott speculated that the City Council may view an additional change in the boundary of the CB-5 zone to include additional commercial space south of Court Street. Dierks said in terms of keeping up the condition of older structures, this would be a good opportunity to upgrade the structure. Gibson urged the commission to favor the staff recommendation on this issue, to deny the rezoning. Gibson said, in terms of spot-zoning, this request entails a jot for one small parcel of land, in an otherwise nice straight zoning line that was thoughtfully considered. This comes about the closest to spot-zoning that he can imagine. Gibson also was not sure that it had been demonstrated that the PRM zone is not a viable zone for this property. The property right adjacent to this property has been developed with parking underneath, and apparently this is economically viable. Gibson pointed out if this property is rezoned, there is no guarantee it will continue with the proposed use before the Commission tonight. Gibson suspected that a rezoning alone would in- crease the value of the property and would ultimately encourage something else to happen to the property. Gibson said it had not been demonstrated, nor should the Commission conclude that the property will deteriorate if it continues to function as a residential use. This is dependent on the landlord, not the use, Gibson advised the Commission to be very cautious and not base its decision upon an economic difficulty that someone had gotten into. He said the lines of a viable zone should not be changed. Gibson said the Commission should keep an eye a little farther on the horizon than the immediate proposal before it tonight. Cooper said he was in favor of the rezoning as he likes the house, does not see that it will continue to deteriorate with the proposed commercial use, and cannot envision a better use on the.lot. Bovbjerg said, as it is now, the house blends in very well with the properties surrounding it in terms of size and lawn. Bovbjerg did not see zoning boundaries as inviolate lines. Although the Commission should be cautious, she did not feel this would be an enormous change to the zoning. Starr said although a nice straight line is handy and easy to read, he did not feel this little jot would create any insurmountable problems. In addition, the proposed use may be appropriate for this particular site. The motion carried on a vote of 5.1, with Gibson votlng.in the negative. REZ93-0013. Public discussion of an application submitted by Dean Oakes to rezone a 31.5 acre tract of land located south of Interstate 80 on Quincent Street extended from RR.1 to RS-5. Iq~o IJMl:llifll ,j',.,.~:.,-,::,,,.,:'," , "0""'" . -". ',-,' , ..:.- ,... '.. "- ",' " , .,....:," ;,:'-"".'-,' ...i",,'~;" "'f:':,, . . \'~I....'."J';'''' .I...<.....~~: . .......~.. " I'" i5 ..V' , I I '1 I t:':\ \;I ,I.! ~ Id: ',,' .._".,~ '..,- I:' '., . ~~: (;. " ....-~.,. ,( (-'\ \ \\ , 1 , ;C~!~ ., ~. I '~ , . ,.,~t; " ,I'" " . ,~, .'" ,'.,l , '~...' ~. . ~ . :~ ' _' ~', .,.,;_.,..,.,-, "'.,...~...o":~"""'>'" >,.C.' ",_~, ."~_,,,,,,'.,,,' .A__...__.._._.....', PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 4 I , I Scott noted there is no new information for this item. Staff still awaits resolution of the sanitary sewer service problems for this and the adjoining properties. Public discussion: There was none. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to defer REZ93-0013, an application submitted by Dean Oakes to rezone a 31.5 acre tract of land located south of Interstate 80 on Quincent Street extended from RR-1 to RS.5, to the formal meeting of June 16, 1994. Cooper seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. 3. Public discussion of a City-initiated amendment of the definition of "developmentally disabled" in Section 36-4(d)(4), "family care facility/family home" in Section 36-4(fl(3), and "group care facility" in Section 36-4(g)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance. Rockwell said. the current Zoning Ordinance definitions for developmentally disabled, family care facility, and group care facility were written at a time when group residen- tial facilities were primarily provided for persons who were diagnosed in infancy or early childhood as mentally retarded and/or physically handicapped. In recent years there have been dynamic changes in the whole residential care system. People with a broader range of disabilities are eligible to reside in these group home settings. The number of residents, as well as the amount of supervision, has often been reduced so a more independent setting is provided when appropriate. Funding streams now favor less institutional residential placements. Recently court cases, State Code amend- ments and the enactment of the ADA indicate that group residences should not be discriminated against through the use of additional zoning regulations. Rockwell pointed out the proposed amendments represent a first effort to respond to the changes in the residential care system. Staff intended not just to tinker with the edges, however, but to make the Code flexible and usable over time. Staff noticed the definition for "family care facility/family home" was tied very specifically to particular State legislation. Staff felt it would be more effective to implement a more general definition. Because this particular level of residential care is allowed in lower density residential zones, it should continue to be limited to eight or fewer persons, Staff also noted in the family care facility definition that it limited supervision to a resident family 'or counselors. Increasingly supervision in group residential facilities is provided by non-resident counselors who may stay overnight, but do not reside in the facility. Staff attempted to clarify this part of the definition. '. Rockwell said the definition for "developmentally disabled" limited eligibility to people who were disabled before the age of 18. However, people can suffer a brain injury or the onset of mental illness, and other disabilities after the age of 18. Staff felt it would be advantageous to remove the age requirement. I 't 80 ,~s--,IB, :-.~ )...,',','.. ,,0 " " ',: ',' ,\,':,-.,,'- ;.',.,':-:",'.' ,.;.-......:<';".:.".. .,..:"",.,./,'; - ',"'. " ;' , .' . '. ',~t \ 1 ' ,I,: " .i1i::r.m ',' t , " ,.. . . :.,',. .. . PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 5 Rockwell said staff recommended the term "developmentally disabled" be changed to "disability". The age limitation in the definition of developmentally disabled has been removed. The "family care facility/family home" definition was changed as described above. The age limitation for "group care facility" has also been removed, because it refers now to "disability", rather than to "developmentally disabled." Dierks referred to the definition of developmentally disabled, which states "With respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment attributable to, but not limited to mental retardation...." She asked ifthe definition would include interim care facilities for people who are not sick enough for a nursing facility, but cannot be in their own home. Rockwell said no, the definition states the condition must be "long-continued and of indefinite duration". Dierks said there are illnesses, such as diabetes, that are of indefinite duration. Starr understood where Dierks was coming from. He said in terms of the information from the ADA he had forwarded to staff, the ADA seemed to be able to handle the definition more easily without specifically referencing mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, etc., etc. Starr wondered whether the definition of disability currently being examined couldn't encompass the issues Dierks had brought up, e.g. diabetes. This would be a disability that would be covered under the ADA definition. Rockwell said this was something staff had examined, but it appeared too open-ended. Bormann said the definition under consideration mirrors the State Code. The most important aspect, as far as the applicant was concerned, was to remove the age limitation. Bormann said staff would like to examine the definitions more closely. As the ADA has a very complex set of rules, staff felt more time was necessary to examine this issue thoroughly to address issues beyond the age limita- tion. Starr said he was in favor of the current changes, although these definitions need to be examined in terms of the new federal regulations. Rockwell said staff considers the removal of the age limitation as a first step. I I () ,. [ r.'~:~ \ " \ i~ , I I" I I Ii , I j Gibson said if the definitions are broadened to include shingles, diabetes, etc., as discussed, it seems to him that this quickly enters the realm of the nursing home. Although that may not be an incorrect approach, it may be entering into a deeper aspect of the Code than was intended. He felt such amendments should be thought out very carefully before any hasty changes were made. Dierks added that Section 36-4(f)(3), refers to child foster care facilities. She wondered whether foster care for adults, on a day care basis, a temporary thing, or long term, should also be considered. Starr and Rockwell said this is more of a respite type of facility and is a separate issue from the current discussion. Rockwell said that one of the reasons she added "or other small group residential arrangements" to the definition was to accommodate a "greying" population. As the population gets older, there will be cases where frail elderly people who have physical or mental disabilities might be able to live together semi-independently in a residential facility like this. She said the definition should not preclude these people, as the previous definition did in only referring to children and young adults. Bovbjerg asked if the five bed facility proposed by Dr. Mosher would be considered a "family care facility." Rockwell said this is correct. : .l ", I: , k, , r:.- .~ ,q~~' I~~ ~,' '.'! {; 1~t. . \..",1;. , ." Scott suggested that Section 36.4{f)(3I, read, ... "or other small group residential arrangement that is licensed or accredited, and provides room and board, personal care, rehabilitation services, and supervision for people with disabilities, in a family environment by resident family or counselor{sl for not more than eight persons. However, family care facility does not mean an individual foster care family home /QfO ,(~l>-_ ~-..., , 0 \ - _._~~--~- ..- -. ,',0. 'j':' . ,:.. 'I' , ~:,.:, :':\, ' .,."..".,..,,,..... r . , t. t ,) , 'I', .. 'i" , , '0,', " /lJ80 I . l' i':.Urt~J' ,\ \"j '. ::t ~ \" . '. . , ".... . . ~, .' , , ". . :,\, , ;,'-' "'_;'~""'."-' ,. . -.,'...-,':...,', ~.'." ""'.- PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 6 licensed under Chapter 237, of the Code of Iowa." Rockwell said the word "counsel- or(s):' was moved in front of "resident family" to make it clear that the counselors did not need to be residents of the facility. Gibson felt this made the definition more clear. Public discussion: Craie Mosher. 914 Dearborn Street, Regional Director of Hillcrest Family Services, supported the changes staff proposed. Mosher said although things appear to be moving in the right direction, the whole definition could use some overhauling to bring it more up to date. The proposed changes would allow people with mental illness, as well as mental retardation, to be served. Larrv Schnittier. 1917 South Gilbert Street, asked whether the eight residents included the resident family, or was the family considered to be in addition to the eight resi- dents, as Scott's proposed changes no longer made this clear. Public discussion closed. MOTION: Starr moved to amend Section 36-4(d)(4), of the Zoning Ordinance to read "Disability. With respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment attributable to, but not limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism or another similar neurological condition; dyslexia resulting from an above disability; or a mental or nervous disorder which constitutes a substantial impairment expected to be long-continued and of indefinite duration." Cooper seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. ,"'-1 .( (~'\ m'! \ r , I" I I Cooper moved to amend Section 36-4(f)(3), of the Zoning Ordinance to read "Family care facility/family home. A community-based residential home, such as a residential care facility, a child foster care facility, a community supervised apartment living arrangement, or other small group residential arrangement that is licensed or accredit- ed, and provides room and board, personal care, rehabilitation services, and supervision for people with disabilities, in a family environment by counselor(sl or a resident family for not more than eight persons. However, family care facility does not mean an individual foster care family home licensed under Chapter 237, of the Code of Iowa." Bovbjerg seconded. Gibson said Schnittjer has a point, that the "eight persons" are now left dangling. Gibson said this could be corrected by moving the "for not more than eight persons" up above and including it with the "people with disabilities" phrase. Gibson said as the motion was currently stated he was not sure a person could definitively say whether the "eight persons" included the people who are giving the care. : '~' , I " i I'. i I \'~,''''' 't~v' . . r , AMENDED MOTION: Bovbjerg moved to amend the main motion for Section 36-4(f)(31 of the Zoning Ordinance to read "Family care facility/family home. A community-based residential home, such as a residential care facility, a child foster care facility, a community supervised apartment living arrangement, or other small group residential arrangement that is licensed or accredited, and provides room and board, personal care, rehabilitation services, and supervision for not more than eight people with disabilities, in a family environment by counselor(s) or a resident family. However, :r.";;;;,~ .'...~-' "-'-.' )".'......"..'" " '. ..,,':....... . \ ','0'" " ,-'...'.... ":','.:, ,,'Oi ",';, c' 'm~J.1 -. i '-.-~1 f" . a I.! .:1"0': '. ".. " ~ /.' ~~~,' .\.. , ' " ,( c-. \ , ,\ I ~ I I ~ .1 Ii , I : I , , I Ii I ~:, ~ ";~'~" ,I, !;t'~ 1-:" ,':::I<- tr, 0 ,~~- /qgC r ~~' :, ., " , " "~t:.\'t: ~ '. " , '., . :,'. ' . .......__..._.._ ..".."...,...._ .r.."..."'"''_''''''''' ..';." ....,.._.,.. _.h ._., PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 7 family care facility does not mean an individual foster care family home licensed under Chapter 237, of the Code of Iowa." Gibson seconded. The motion to aoorove the amendment of the main motion carried on a vote of 6-0. The amended motion carried on a vote of 6-0. MOTION: Gibson moved to amend Section 36-4(g)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance to read "Group care facility. A government licensed or approved facility which provides resident services in a dwelling to more than eight (8) individuals not including resident staff, but not exceeding 30 individuals. These individuals are persons with one or more disabilities, aged or undergoing rehabilitation; are in need of adult supervision; and are provided services in accordance with their individual needs. Group care facilities shall not include nursing homes." Bovbjerg seconded. Starr noted that 36-4(g)(6), also includes the statement, "are persons with one or more disabilities", and asked whether this should be changed to make it consistent with 36-4(f)(3), and say "these individuals are people with disabilities". AMENDED MOTION: Starr moved to amend the main motion for Section 36-4(g)(6) of the Zoning Ordinance to read "Group care facility. A government licensed or approved facility which provides resident services in a dwelling to more than eight (8) individuals not including resident staff, but not exceeding 30 individuals. These individuals are people with disabilities, are aged or undergoing rehabilitation; are in need of adult supervision; and are provided services in accordance with their individual needs. Group care facilities shall not include nursing homes." Bovbjerg seconded. The motion to aoorove the amendment to the main motion carried on a vote of 6-0. The motion to aoorove the amended motion carried on a vote of 6-0. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: 1. SUB94-00 1 O. Public discussion of an application submitted by Dean Oakes for final plat approval of Scott's Fourth Addition, a 13.4 acre, 7 lot commercial subdivision located in Johnson County, west of Naples Avenue and south of Highway 1 West. Scott said this item was previously deferred pending resolution of the issue of paving Naples Avenue prior to Council consideration of the final plat. Rockwell said that she had talked to John Shaw, a planner with the Johnson County Zoning Department. Shaw indicated the County is very firm in its position that the road should be paved prior to the subdivision being approved by the County Board of Supervisors. The Iowa Department of Transportation is requiring language to be included in an agreement for intersection improvements to ensure that a signal will be provided at the intersection at some time in the future. Rockwell stated it was her understanding that the County and the property owners involved are npt in agreement with this. Therefore, a stale- mate exists as to whether Naples Avenue will be paved in the near future. Bormann asked whether the, County will hold up building permits as a result. Rockwell said the County will hold up final plat approval. Scott said the DOT has created 90% bJ J..",.'..,'..:'..."""...."" ...... "'. , " , ' ::,' "\:' -I.~" ".:/ '.,' , --q- , ',0 ,.. . '" &;I v ! .~ I [j'~: '..""..".:1-. ., ,'.' . , .~i;rii. .,1." " I , ! I I, I j ~' 'I" I i I i ~L; (~.~ ~. i , '. . .,~ . ~ I \ I I ' .' '~ , ~ . , '-, . ":~ . -,....-."...~.._.....~...'-'..... .. "..,.."".:;." "....""..,'~I_-~ "_".._. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 8 of the problems of access to this part of the highway. DOT will not signalize Mormon Trek Boulevard. Therefore, the City is obligated to annex this property to signalize that hazardous intersection. Scott said when the DOT publicly recognizes that the intersec- tion needs to be signalized from a safety aspect, and they do not signalize, then it seemed to Scott the liability should lay with the DOT, and not the City or the County. Bovbjerg asked whether signalization of the intersection at Mormon Trek Boulevard would negate the need to have a signal at the Naples Avenue intersection. Scott envisioned what the DOT wanted was to have the access roads to Highway 1 on both sides of the interchange signalized. Scott said although that was not a bad idea, it seemed to him if the DOT and the County fail to signalize the intersection of Mormon Trek Boulevard and Highway 1, a place where an accident is waiting to happen, and then the State says it would not allow them to pave, because they think a signal should be there and the developer should pay for this, it is not consistent or fair. Scott and Gibson felt if the Highway 1 and Mormon Trek Boulevard intersection is signal- ized, it will not make much of a difference to the intersection in question. Scott said in the long-term, the DOT would like to signalize roads as they come onto Highway 1 on both sides of the interchange. Scott was not sure these were issues the Com- mission or the City needed to become involved in. Scott said if the Commission was inclined to go along with staff's recommendation, the item should be deferred until Naples Avenue is paved. A verbal waiver of the 45-day limitation period was granted by the developer's representative, Larry Schnittjer, to June 16, 1994. MOTION: Gibson moved to defer to June 16, 1994, SUB94-0010, an application submitted by Dean Oakes for final plat approval of Scott's Fourth Addition~ a 13.4 acre, 7 lot commercial subdivision located in Johnson County, west of Naples Avenue and south of Highway 1 West. Dierks seconded. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. 2. S-9007, Public discussion of an application submitted by Paul M. Kennedy for prelimi- nary plat approval of Kennedy's Waterfront Addition, Part Three, a 30.29 acre, 1210t commercial subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, south of Stevens Drive. Rockwell said basically all technical deficiencies had been addressed except the inconsistency between the title and the labeling of two lots on the plat. When this discrepancy was resolved, staff recommended the preliminary plat be approved, subject to legal papers for the final plat addressing the provision of sanitary sewer service to the area and the extension of Sputhgate Avenue. Rockwell noted the Commission had received a revised plat tonight. After conferring with Bormann, staff felt the labeling discrepancy still remained. Lots 12 and 13 are listed, but the note below says that the final plat would include Lots 1-11. This leaves Lots 12 and 13 on the preliminary plat, but not included in the final plat. Scott asked why staff wants Part Four, Lots 1 and 2, included in the preliminary plat. Rockwell responded to make the plat consistent between the title and the note label- ing. Scott thought the notes specifically eliminated or excluded Part Four, Lots 1 and 2. Scott said the notes say "no additional subdivision of the remaining parcels." This means that when Part Four, Lots 1 and'2 come in, these have come in as a preliminary plat. Schnittjer said initially staff wanted him to include the pond and everything to the north and west, so they could see what was going on out there. Schnittjer said staff ... . ... I I ,I , i .!. . I~eo . },m.",.... \ ..~.::.... 1 .1." '.. " . - - ',,-,'.'.., ",.."..,' ." ,0." r 'J t. .. ~) ,"10'; " ,'...;..,'., ~ . ':,: , . .\ I, ~ , I /: \ ~ ,. j ~, , ". ... . . :: ' . .... '~-"""-'-"'- . .. PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 9 initially approved 11 lots, but not Lots 12 and 13, which will not be included in the final plat. Schnittjer said the sewer is extended to the south treatment plant, then they will bring in the future development concept for Lots 12 and 13. Rockwell said staff does not have a problem with that. The problem involves the labeling and making it consistent between the title and the plat. Rockwell said the preliminary plat in the Commission's packets shows the title for only Part Three, but on the plat, it designates Part Four, Lots 1 and 2. Schnittjer said this was an error he had made. Schnittjer said he had decided to think of the lots in question as a "future development" part of the subdivision, but forgot to change the labeling at the top. Bormann said the labeling should show this, because if you preliminary plat and show all of it, the final plat must ' also show all of it. ,...~ , ' Scott said he has a problem approving a lot that is presently a pond. It is a little difficult to build on a pond. The plat states clearly that "the filling of the pond shall not be permitted until applicable permits from the City of Iowa City, Corps of Engi- neers, and/or the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, as applicable, have been secured." Bormann agreed with Scott. She felt the lots should be labeled as "future development." Schnittjer said a label west of Lots 1-5 says this is "future develop- ment, concept only," and essentially covers the entire area. Scott said the preliminary plat approval shall consist of only Lots 1-11, Outlots A-E, a dedication of Southgate, Avenue right-of-way from Gilbert Street to the westerly right-of-way line of the Crandic Railroad, a 40-foot easement parallel to the westerly right-of-way Crandic Railroad with Outlots B, C, D & E intended to be sold to adjacent property owners. Outlot A is intended to be acquired by the adjacent property owner as compensation for the existing private drive, that is, Metro Pavers private drive. Then the note on the preliminary plat further says no additional subdivision of the remaining parcel shall occur until resolution of the sanitary sewer deficiencies. Scott said this refers to Part Four, Lots 1 and 2. Schnittjer said he would change the labelling back to be consis- tent. ,\ c-'i \ ' ,\ \ i~ : I, " Bovbjerg asked if the intention in the future is to completely fill the existing pond. Schnittjer said part of the notes are a remnant of more than a year ago, and a permit has been secured from the Corps to do some filling and shaping around the pond. Schnittjer said Kennedy is presently in the process of attaining a permit to change some of the boundaries around the pond. According to the current Corps of Engineers requirements, the pond cannot be filled entirely; not more than an acre of the original pond can be filled. Schnittjer said for the Commission's information, there are two small parcels of wetlands to the south of this subdivision for which permits will be secured. He said'there is a spot of wetlands to the east side of Gilbert Street. Al- though that property is not being looked at now, some sort of enhancement for the area may be looked into. Schnittjer said cleaning up this eastern property may entail cutting down some trees, and when discussed with the Corps of Engineers, they said there was no problem with cutting these down, only you can't go in with a piece of equipment to pull the stumps out, because this would disturb the soil. Schnittjer said he found this a bit contradictory. . I I I , I I , i I ! ,~: 'I' . ' "i.l,: ,~ ~ Richard Rhodes. II. 2014 Rochester Avenue, had some comments about the subdivi- sion, one of them being about the wetlands. Rhodes felt not having the jurisdictional wetlands east of Gilbert Street on the plat was a significant and potentially misleading omission. Rhodes displayed an overhead projection of the site whi.ch he said was the 'i; '~: "1' ~: '~~, I,' "t""), .I.~ P .',< .- \c~_ . ~--~.,;: - ,0. ",')...~',.".."..., " ',',"\", ",' :/'" ' r.,\ '".,"'.",," /QiO I ') t. \ ". ,,) ld, - ..,,-,1 ',' " " ,~",i ..r-:~ .t! r~'\ ~' id'~\ 1. \, " I : j . ! i i I I toj ll,?;..J;-" . "7f ), l...... (rJ4 't'L_ 0 fl ~ , , '.~t: \,. "."'1 .'~, " , , ~. " 1 '~... . .' , ,...,-"'+.;.:.0......-.....-. ".'.'. ,'''---...''_..._......"'~... PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 10 preliminary plat given to the Corps of Engineers for the jurisdictional determination. To quote the Corps letter dated April 22, 1994, regarding the March 30, 1994, site visit: "A representative of our office conducted a jurisdictional wetland delineation at the above sites." These wetlands appear on the east side of Gilbert Street. Rhodes said if the small wetlands appeared on the plat map, then the large wetland should also have appeared. This should be a discrepancy/deficiency until it is so noted. Secondly, a trail right-of-way between the Iowa River and Sand Lake had been dis- cussed. Rhodes felt it was fantastic that an easement was being attained, but thought this land should be dedicated to the public and the City of Iowa City. As long as Sand Lake exists, there is no other purpose for it than a riverfront trail, and it is not even ideal for this. Scott said even the smallest of wetlands shown on the map is in the future develop- ment concept. Schnittjer said the reason the area to the east was not shown on the preliminary plat is because the Corps of Engineers determined that the plat under review would not affect these areas. Scott added that one of the original plans for the area had shown a small cul-de-sac going into the area that now shows only wetlands. MOTION: Dierks moved to approve S-9007, an application submitted by Paul M. Kennedy for preliminary plat approval of Kennedy's Waterfront Addition, Part Three, a 30.29 acre, 12 lot commercial subdivision located west of Gilbert Street, south of Stevens Drive, subject to legal papers for the final plat addressing the provision for sanitary sewer service to the subdivision and the extension of Southgate Avenue. Cooper seconded. Scott said regarding the 30-foot easement, the legal papers for the final plat should include provisions that this easement would be guaranteed in perpetuity for public access. The motion carried on a vote of 6.0. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 19. 1994. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETINGS. Scott noted on page 2/ under number S/ the last sentence should say" ",by the benefitting parties, which may include developers." Further in the same sentence, insert "the" prior to "public sector," On page 19, the main paragraph beginning with "Gibson" should say "Foster Road," instead of "Foster Street." On page 20, the second paragraph, line 4/ should read ",,,there is public interest involved in extending Foster Road," In line 5/ there should be a period after "addressed," and then read "Scott assured.,," Gibson said on page 14/ three quarters of the way down in the paragraph beginning with "Scott added," the "s" should be deleted from the word "exists." On page 19, under the paragraph starting with "Gibson said," the fifth line should read "".difficult todetermine how to get the street in"." Bovbjerg moved to approve the minutes of the May 19, 1994, Planning and Zoning Commis- sion meeting as circulated and amended. Gibson seconded. ... . - I ) '! 1'180 . . 0 -. . ',."', )'....'.'.".,' ."'. .~ "....',. . ;',;:.' . i~~,,':,<\:::\ :",:' . ". "~.'.'.-"" ,. . r' ,) to. " ~) ,ld. " "."...\'.',;'.1 i ";"\'h\;/\,~:.:~,\i:;.":,,, ' ~;"").,, .;.,:.:.,~~)/".II",...." ' \ ;".1 " 1 '.i! , PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1994 PAGE 11 OTHER BUSINESS: ,\ I " , The motion carried on a vote of 6-0. Rockwell said that the Urban Planning Division and the Legal Department are experiencing short-term staffing shortages, due to a combinatiol1 of vacations, conferences and resigna- tions. Therefore, the dates of the Neighborhood Open Space Committee and Tree Preser- vation Committee meetings would need to be postponed. She said the members of those committees would be called tomorrow for rescheduling. Bormann introduced Sarah Holecek, the new land use attorney. Bormann said Holecek will be present at the next meeting and will be the sole legal staff at the July 7, 1994, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. .' ;i' ! , , ':1 I I ,,; 1 , I I I I ,...1 Cooper noted that he will not be present at the June 16; and the July 5 and 7, 1994, Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. Minutes submitted by Jeff Haring. \ \ '" ,> Dierks said she will not be present at the June 16, the July 5, 7, and 18, August 1, 4, 15 and 18, 1994, meetings, although she can be present, if needed, at the July 21, 1994, meeting. . -1 I ADJOURNMENT: , 'I I I ! ...:"~ The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. 'I( G ""'.\ (~',1 " \ '.' \ George Starr, Secretary ppdadminlminsIP&Z6.2.mln ~ ~ :,1' ',! o ",', 1'180 ",". ):/ -':"'~)"':.'~ ~\.~:j/:;' ,'. I.. ',!'., '. ~"\',I,;,r":,:~.,,,~n,.~\,_,,,:',;,~~,,".~,';:,'~,'',",,',:.',. ~,','..'\,::"l,,',,~,,::.:J;~:~~.~'~OP;:,' '. "--:0'-77';~',',',~:,l,'t',":",.:r~~::7::,':,,::,,',~'.:',,:'1 ::: 0' ,',:, . ~\',;(,,;,:"'::' ;..,"',..,.".,:".:,..,:!,;,:!,',:.;,:~~!,:,:'I,~:,'I,;)\,':;."'p. .,':,;I':,~"~~~:~::,'::(, '.' . . 5,'..-.. '. . ..... ,....~,,:,>.;,'::;:,~.;'.r\~;:..,>', '. ..,'~ ,,',,- ,':.. I .,', ;r ""'" "}.,.,,,,"" ," ,." ,') ," '. ' . '. . .. " . .' .: I . " " " '.'...,. ,', ,~," ~"',I-," "" :-'1'~ '!,' :"( , , ' ~ , , I ~a.mE.: ' , i , -. I -~.J " ,I .. .j , j - J. , Lrf' , I J./-\. G~ '..1 3. -, , 4. /uJ-o.J~)t ! ,'f " $. I, ., i ! i ,. 7. 8. 9. ~ 10. .....,.,::.\..', '''',~!.,.'~::~!' mmf:..,.:.::j"':""" ,-..~ ' ,', ,_'t..., ," 0" .;-:.: " ',"', .. .: ,:::3r\,~'I';j':" '~ '..... ." i~. " ......J . ,L, ';, "'" I':,:, ,'- -', " ' , , .' ".. . '~ , . .' . . ::. ',.)',' ..' ',,: :'- .. " ; ,',' .~. "'.' ", ,','.. ~.._ __...._ . ",:,.c :,.J, ,._" ~ -. L. ...~......;,.;~...:.._i:", ':. :.... ..;;....:.'~"""i~..'_. .~___ ...... ._._.._...,."",:.~A.,.. . ... .... . . , ...._._.--_.._,----~--,.... , , , .p~ m€Et'nJ~ .:::} . It'JnJ. .~ , 1':30 'P. m. '?i€.a.5E. SiS~ IN: R.ES U.la.R ~Uh~ p.d.a~e.s.s~ ~"~l VJ'<1l C'~ --=rl!:LD ~ Qf JJf)-f Lt +(:9/1 frJ. (;~ ~1(l S.l:.l(....F.:,~l2-T 'ST , I I lotC{ ~.. ~. .:t.r ~ ,-1. f,,!, It. 11. 13. '#. ',' " ,Ir', '^ ~o - ~-' , ' , '-- t,,' "-",. : ',", .. ..,r,'" . " '.', _.~ :~,'.., ''-;'::; ~I;.;." -l"~,.."""""'C''''".'''~'''''.'''''"'".'',",''m"-....r-- '....'..'11':' ,"'_ r. :.-" ,.,' ..",:: :',.", ';",l ,,":::,.:' :" ";;:<;:"'::'fr":, !'. ,'..:' '~,,\ ,I' .' :.. .', " ''''''' ':. ':.,,~'.,' , ',' '"i~':' .".";,:",-"..,0"',1>;"" ,\'1': ' '}5'" ,n" ....',..'..'-:,: .....:'-."."d,...... ./-?'<' ,::'.",.' ,~,." ..v~'-. 1-,"r::""':':'l'.i:.,~:':,~i '.. " ~ '", ,\ ~d i \ ',' ,.'- ' , ,.... P' . . , ;~ ," , ..' ..._~'--. -~'.' .. .,...,--,,' ',.- ,,,.-,,,...... .........~. ..' .~'.",....'"_..., ,..........'.-~, ... A.. ..._. w MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 4,1994.5:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Trey Stevens, Eric Rothenbuhler, Tim Finer, Roger Christian MEMBERS ABSENT: Cordell Jeppsen Shaffer, Brau, Helling STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: John Jennowein, Lida Cochran, Rene Paine, Doug Allaire, Carol Spaziani RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL None. LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION/COUNCIL DISPOSITION Cable TV franchise renewal process. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION Shaffer reviewed the progress made on refranchising negotiations following the outline of a document entitled Cable Communications Negotiations (provided to Council in a packet prior to Jean Rice's presentation to Council). o CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. (- ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS None, 1.1' rl CABLE TV REFRANCHISING Stevens explained that this special meeting was called to review the progress of the refranchising negotiations prior to the City Council discussion of the issue at its May 9, 1994, informal meeting. Shaffer reported the City's consultant, Jean Rice, will attend the informal Council session and Commissioners should also attend if possible. Shaffer then reviewed the status of negotiations I I referring to the documents previously distributed. j'l i I! B. SUBSCRIBER NETWORK ", I i \ ~. " ,/ 1. Channel Capacity. The Company has proposed a 550 MHz systems spaced for 750 MHz capacity. This means the Company will start with 77 channel capacity and be upgradeable to 100 channels. It will cost the Company about $8.7 million to build 200 miles of plant. q.!, j\; ;;/ I'.,', '.1 ~. C' , .' ILJ~ I :((, ',.:::0-...., 0 ".- '\.. .. - ,~_. . ,0 'j.,'.'~" ,,' ,,' " rc"..., ,..".........."h..... . )5,10" , "'.'1,,",1 ',-,' '.f .' \, ~"I' f.,' ~ " I, , '~ . " , .' ,'~f\"l' '\'.l.~ . " ....~ . ,'i , , , ". ,-' : f" . . '.',-' " ":~, '. __ _..,:....~"'!".,,''',.. .4....,... ..:.<:;."....l..;..."....'~, '..,~'....h.'_..'"... ...'-.u.~..... ",..:' _. .Q . r...,. Broadband Telecomm~nications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 2 , i l I , I I 2, Fiber Architecture. The system is designed for 600 homes per node. The City's consultant says this is acceptable. About 100 miles of the plant will be fiber, the rest coaxial. The system will be completely passive which will help reduce outages. ~. Rebuild Schedule. The Company estimates the rebuild will take 18-24 months. A construction schedule on a neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis will be provided to the City. Included will be the number of workers to reduce the possibility that someone might impersonate a cable employee to gain access to someone's home. 4. Construction. There will be a 1-10 ratio of supervisors to laborers. 100% of all drops will be inspected. A list of contractors will be provided to the City. . ' ,. 5. System Design Maps & Equipment. The Company will provide the City with system design maps including design specifications and list of equipment to be used. 6. Service Area. The Company will provide service to all areas inside the city limits including areas not now served. City Block 81 and the Old Capitol Center will be served. 7. New Developments. The Company will wire all newly developed areas within six months, three months for aerial. This schedule accommodates winter weather. 8, Subscriber Drops. The City is requiring an audit of 100% of all drops. Free drops will be provided to public buildings within 300' of the network. The extension policy will remain the same as it is now, ......~........ " ' r ,," (', \\ '1 9. Backup Power. Backup power has been part of the problems with outages in -the past. The City has been requiring backup power throughout the system. The Company has offered a 20,000 watt standby power supply at the head end. 10. Upstream Channels. The Company has agreed to a 1 GHz return line, which is a great deal of capacity. The return line will be activated from each node. The City will propose a proportion of that capacity to be used for public purposes. Upstream usage to the City and Library will be free. 11. BTSC Stereo. The City desires BTSC stereo on all channels. The Company said it will provide it on all broadcast channels and will provide a proposal for sateilite channels, excluding channels such as news channels which do not need stereo. 12. Emergency Alert. The Company will offer current service and has agreed to provide a crawl over the picture when available at a reasonable cost. Currently an audio alert is uS9d. The City wishes for a visual warning to accommodate the hearing-impaired. 13. Turnover and Preventive Maintenance Plans. The Company will provide a detailed plan how the transition from the current system to the new system is to take place. 14. Subscriber Friendly Technology Policies. The Company will provide a plan including the percent of channels that will be unscrambled. Universal remotes will be offered. Because the rebuilt system will incorporate various converter boxes for VCRs, scrambled channels, etc., there is a need to make them easy, to use by subscribers. " P, . _on ~. l'-IrJ ;" 1, "'~',"""'''''''''''''''''' "".."..,......_,..........1.. . ..'.....1. ..,:if " :,"'\' '.', ".'. '. 0":'; .."...0, "'.." ,........ . , ,'11:;." ,", , .... - ','. "',1" .,~>'_'_ '.::, . .rC."'~ ",..;.. i_" ,..~:. C';' -._,,- , 0 " ~ ' :), , " ........---...." Jl1 ~~.;{ - ...--.', '1\" \, " j' ~ . : :i"., . , :'~W:. . ~ - ... :.~. .'; ..c. " ' .',"1' , " ., , , ,.' . . .- " ," , ' ,,--~,,^.._..;-::'...:':'::~;:.'.. . ' , .., '. . . . .. .. :_~.,n~'U'..~,....(.." ~",,,,,,,,,-,:,,<,.,.,:;....",,"~':''''-''_'~''''\' ,.,_. ~,_",..,~..,,,, ,,,.~..'. .......__.. . ...._ A...._....'_..__. Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 3 15. ,Converters. The Company will provide a timetable for providing new converters. The Company is looking at the Jerrold 550 converter which the City's consultant says is a good choice. Stevens said after the rebuild everyone will have a converter. A digital ' addressable system requires converters. The FCC is moving towards universal remote standards and the new system will incorporate those standards prior to or at the time of the FCC implementation schedule. Finer asked about the need for converters for each TV set in a home and the cost involved. Shaffer said a converter will be needed for each set and some charge will be affixed to it, however this cost has not been discussed in detail. Stevens said more discussion with the Company is needed in this area. 16. Audio Scrambling. In the past the Company scrambled only the video signal. After the rebuild the audio will also will be scrambled. 17. Signal Quality Problems. Channels 19 and 12 have had problems. The Company will be moving Channel 19 and claim the problem with Channel 12, the Fox affiliate, originates with the broadcaster and is beyond its control. ~ .... Stevens said the Ottumwa Fox Channel has been requested. Shaffer said the access channels will have fiber return lines which will improve their quality. The Company now , does weekly checks for volume inconsistency and will add some equipment to alleviate this problem. 18. Headendlmprovements. Broadcast Channel 2 has had problems. The Company will provide an analysis regarding elevating the antenna array as a possible solution. A list of headend improvements will be provided and the headend will be enlarged. 19. Test Equipment. The Company has agreed to permanently locate test equipment in Iowa City. This should alleviate some technical problems. 20. Underground qonstruction. The Company will be using Iowa One Call. This should help prevent problems with broken cable, cables not being buried sufficiently deep and lack of permission for right.of-way construction. The City will develop a permit process for the rebuild. 21- Outage Reduction. The passive fiber technology will help. In the interim the Company will do some sweeping at night, monthly testing, replace power supplies on a regular basis, add backup power supplies and institute a drop compliance program to replace a drop whenever a subscriber upgrades or downgrades service. 22. Specialized Equipment. The Company will offer closed caption equipment for sale and i I will be checking into TOD equipment for customer.related calls. I r:; i 23. New Technology Introduction. This refers to a state-of.the-art clause that will be \ I I ;.,~) incorporated into the Franchise Agreement. ~ .' , ............. Iq~J ,,".,:,' " -')"" .."...,......"..,..,',"".'..,' .. ",'......."..,.'..-.... "T ': ." \.. ~.:' , .. ." ,- . 0;\, ':): .'. '.' , ,~." <}:.': :':' ." -, I"~ 'J (;. " " ..) . .'1"'''':; .0, -~. , Ir" ,..,. -,-,'- ,..,- ;\.~. 0 'lJrIll '. ..- , '-':"'''''...>,'':..:.', ,c~(ki' ,(: r" J ~ m" , ":Or',' I. , : '" i I I I ; I I ' Ii 1 I I 1 I ~:. ' i( ,J lJ ~\'~,l~, ~::~~ -'~ \ en 0' \, ,~ . . . ". 71\.\(: .' , " . :~ " . ._.. ....-,_ ,....,,,'.'._.,... _,,,,,_~,, ,.,.. J,-"',:"c: -.., .'...' ~.~, _ ~:",....',...., ','.. Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 4 C. CONSUMER PRACTICES 1. Outage Rebates. The current policy ;s that for any 24-hour outage the subscriber is credited for 1/30lh of the bill. The City wanted a rebate for any 4-hour outage. The City will propose a rebate for a 12.hour outage. 2. Consumer Handbook. A consumer handbook will be provided upon installation or upon request. A notice will be provided annually of its availability. 3. Payment Stations. There will be three payment stations for consumer convenience. Finer suggested including a means for electronic payment and/or payment by phone. This will be brought up, ' 4. Telephone Service. Improvements need to be made in this area. Subscribers have sometimes had difficulty getting through. New FCC rules require the Company have' seven lines. After 10:00 P.M. calls will be transferred to a central office in Des Moines. Data on the number of calls and times handled by the transfer system will be provided to the City. 5. Interrupting Channels for Pay.Per.View. Blough has promised interrupting a channel for a Pay.Per.View program will not occur, but a TCI corporate decision could override his decision. 6. Repair Calls. The Company will set up repair calls with 2.hour windows, including after 5:00 P.M. and on Saturday. Phone calls will be made prior to leaving for repairs. , 7. Senior Citizen and Disabled Discounts. A 12% senior citizen discount will continue to be offered. 8. Installation. The Company agreed to provide standard installation within seven days unless FCC standards change. 9. Encore Rebate. The City is developing a proposal for how the Company might implement the rebate. The Company will be providing additional information. Late Fees and Disconnects. Actual time frames for late fees and disconnects will be included in the franchise. The Company wanted the disconnect time frame to be reduced to 45 days. The City wants 60 days. The Company will not budge on late fees, but will clearly explain policies to the subscriber. 10. D. CONSUMER SERVICES 1. Programming After the Rebuild. A complete list of channels after the rebuild will be provided by the Company. The following are channels being considered: WHBF, KWQC, the Sci.Fi channel, WTN, El, Cartoon Network, Comedy Channel (fulI.time), BET (full. time), Bravo (full.time), Travel Channel, Mind Extension University, Court TV, VISN, C. Span II, 24.hour sports, Fox (KYOU Ottumwa), news service on basic, The Learning Channel, CNBC Sports Channel (full.time), home shopping, and the pay services.. Showtime, Starz and Request II. The Company agreed to conduct a subscriber survey ~- .. ~i~ .:: ~ l J ".. , ,.0,,:;]\,\":"'''':' :',,',1',.',',-.-,,,, - -- ". ".. . '" ,I.! '. I ifi'J ....r. ')t.. " fl.,} , lIt -,"",', " ' lmma " \' i .', . . .'.h.\l" ~ . ',' ....' , '.. . :~ " .,.- ",."","'. . Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 5 prior to the rebuild and the results provided to the City. The City has requested that there be no more shared channels. Stevens said the Univision situation has made it clear that additional special population programming needs to be considered at this time. For example, Iowa City has a large Asian population. TV Asia and the Disabilities Channel were mentioned, 2. Ala Carte Programming. The Company will offer ala carte programming when available. 3. Interactive Services. The Company will offer XPRESSfXChange, The Company will connect the schools to the Internet provided the Company can become an end-line provider. Future interactive services have been discussed, but nothing is on the drawing board. E. ACCESS 1. Channels. The City has required three government channels, three educational channels, and one for PATV. A proposal by the City for a second community access channel and a trigger mechanism for additional access channels will be made. The three government channels include the Library channel, one City video channel, and one for the interactive service. The three channels for the schools include one for the Iowa City School District, one for the University, and one for a future educational channel. The educational channel will be allocated to the Iowa City School District, not the ECC. 2. Initial Equipment. The Company has proposed $1.1 million for facilities and capital equipment expenditures for PEGL needs. The amount is still being negotiated. This , amount will be passed through to subscribers. $1.1 million amounts to about .50 cents per subscriber per month in pass-through cost. The payback period will be 7 to 8 years. ( Stevens said that this is an important issue because balancing needs to be done between an increase in subscriber rates and money for access. Shaffer said the Company has agreed to provide $145,000 annually for public access operational funds. These funds will continue to be included in the rate base. Stevens said the CTG facility is high priority for the $1.1 million. Shaffer said PATV will, have to eventually move as the Library wants the space they currently occupy. There may be some economic efficiencies of scale consolidating the staff and resources of the access channels into a single facility. Shaffer said that Blough has said that in TCl's opinion the maximum rate of a pass-through fund is around .50 to .80 cents. Stevens said most subscribers will be interested in the number of channels and the cost. Finer noted that extending the payback period to the life of the franchise would reduce monthly pass-through charges. Shaffer said the pass-through fees will be a sensitive political issue and the City Council will look closely at this and will be looking to the Commission for guidance. Finer said the Commission must feel comfortable that those funds will be well spent and a value for the subscribers. f~ Replacement Equipment. [included in the $1.1 million] Interactive Service Channel. [included in the $1.1 million] Free Drops. A list of public buildings to receive free drops will be provided to the Company. All the schools will be included. 14tl ',((, =~- 0 " ;?'" YO. - , ~_" 0,::)',' "',', . ....- ",.'.......... ~. . .. O. , I,f ~5 110 ..f. . .\ ~.~~~~' \ ;"j .' , '~ , " "t. '''.W' , , . ~ " " .t:. . < ~, ,:' .. ;'.', , '" '-' - . " ..::" " ... . ...., _,"'~..'~'.A""'''__ ....__..._. .,,_V".._...~." ,"'." .._~~..__.~..... Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 6 6. Services. The Company agreed to support current services with the additions to be discussed. Such additions might be a pass to the subscribers. The City has asked for : additional funds for a person to produce community programming. 7. ADA Requirements. The City will meet ADA needs. 8. Equipment Maintenance. Equipment maintenance will be the responsibility of each channel operator. 9. Publicity Services. The City provided plans for promotion of the access channels and the Company responded favorably. 10. Optical Transmission Equipment. The digital transmission equipment package needed to originate programming will be provided by the Company. Each package can originate 8.10 channels so all access channels can use the same package. 11. Access Channel and I-Net Interconnection. This refers to an assurance that those who will be transmitting a signal or channel will be connected to the system. The City has provided a list of sites and the Company has provided the cost for connecting each site. All existing access channels and INET sites will be corrected at no charge. I 12. Converters. The City will provide the number of converters needed for City use, The CD Company will provide the converters. 13. Leased Access. The Company will provide its leased access prices. 14. School Services. Discussions have taken place about the Company providing a grant to the schools in response to a proposal from the schools which will help the school's j eftort to move into new technologies through the Project SchoolNet. " [ ....;~ F. INTERCONNECTION ( , \ 1. Interconnection Plan. The City wants to ensure that as other community franchises I,! ~ come up for renewal they will have the opportunity to interconnect with Iowa City. The Company is responsive to that idea if based on a cost-sharing arrangement. local , ' programming, such as the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, would be of interest in ,1 those communities. The franchise will include language regarding access to the Iowa Communications Network when available. Coralville may have a remote switching I capability so the Government Channel could cable cast both the Iowa City and Coralville City Council meetings simultaneously to each respective community. II ~ I G. INSTITUTIONAL NETWORK , I ^, I' I II~:' 1. Fiber Architecture. The City has required six fibers to each site on the I.Net. The I.Net ~ will pass nearly everywhere the subscriber system reaches. The Company will be bidding on Phase III of the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) so they can be a end-site handler of the system. , , (~. 0 ,~, .-_. IT ~', ....00):': .,.,,_..-..."...,....~.......... , Iqgl ,,' Ss,ld: .' . ..,.......,.'.......,.!.,l, ".._', ~l:~. 'j\. ( " i I I I I , I I I ,; I I . " f' ,,', li'.'~:,"',"J '^' ! "'Iii' ,1i1(/ " ~. '1,,..\,, L_...... 'c~o \, ,'\ .' ~ . ..,~t ~ " . .\1;, " . '< ,':' , " '. . :.'", ......_-...__.,......"._'.,,-,.......,~'...^.__.... "-'-,'-.- Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 7 2. I.Net Sites. Clarification on how the Company will recoup I.Net expenses is needed. It will not be passed through the subscribers. The Company will provide I-Net access to the schools at no charge. The Company and the City are negotiating how they can help the schools get funding for their pilot project. 3. Interconnect to the ICN. The City is seeking to interconnect with Weeg. The Company is willing to assist. 4. I.Net Interconnection to Subscriber Network. The Company will provide routing plans. The Company will be using the SONET equipment package, 5. Specialized Services. The City encouraged a number of specialized services, the major one being Internet access by the schools. 6. Promotion. Training on the optical transmission equipment for each of the channel providers will be provided by the Company. 7. User Grants for Government and Educational Users. The City encouraged the Company to provide a grant to help develop SchoolNet. The Company has been responsive to the idea. 8. Operations. The Company will maintain headend equipment and end users will maintain their own I-Net equipment. H. PILOT PROJECTS The Company is interested only in the pilot project with the schools at this time. The Company will cooperate on any future federal grants. I. FINANCIAL 1. Financial Commitment. A firm written commitment for the financial support needed to rebuild the system is still needed. 2. Financial Proformas. Proformas have not been provided because the amount of the FCC mandated rate reductions are not yet known. 3. Records. The Company has provided most of the documents requested. 4. University. The City is requesting an explanation of why franchise fees are not paid on the University account. This is a long-standing issue between the University and the City. The University maintains it cannot be taxed. Stevens noted that the City right-of-way is used to get cable to the University. Helling said that legal advice received years ago was that money recouped would be less than litigation costs. ' 5., Rates. The City has asked for a projection of rates after the rebuild. , , ~. . ... I 1 I I I I i " , .' .! 14il .....,.1..~. )"',.,-.......'""" 0'.",.;".]\,' " ...", .' ., ,"",v",,~,_,_,,'-"" .. LUI!l1m , , ~ .s',:l[]" . ", '-"":\"LI, ,,:~:.~, ...,.,,:,...:,.,". " \; ':' ,.. ,", 'i,,' ';', :~ I':.'" -,'. ' . . . .._......__n_...____._... . ..;"......< .... .. ~_~..-.:;._,,..,,i.~,..,""""""'.....,........._,................""'~~..........;.._.......;..:....:...:.~;..._~,.~.__ '. . ' ' , " , . - ..,..--_._--~,,,,,;,,,,-,"...:...._~'-";-";--:""'....;'.:. ,'. Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 4, 1994 Page 8 J. REIMBURSEMENT OF RENEWAL EXPENSES . -, .....\ The City has asked for reimbursement of renewal expenses which have amounted to about $77,000 (and could amount to $100,000 by the end of refranchising). The Company was originally reluctant, but now has asked for a proposal from the City. , ' I ! K. TERM The Company has requested a 15-year franchise in three 5-year renewable options. It may accept a 1 a-year franchise. L. TRANSFER ~: ',: The City has left the unapproved transfer from Heritage to TCI on the table. There has been no resolution. '\ ,",> M. DOCUMENTS The Company has asked that if new entities begin providing video programming in Iowa City, such as telephone companies, that the City do what it can to provide a level playing field. N. OTHER i : i I I , , The City has asked the Company to state the value of the fiber connections that are going to be provided free. ADJOURNMENT 'l(C-j l' ,'~ \.'.];'1'.1 \ ' . '.~ \ It was moved by Finer and seconded by Rothenbuhler to adjourn. Unanimously approved. Adjournment at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,. Ii' S-4blc.mln I, l~' \ ...' f '-I fl , ,,' "j .' I ~ t: ~ ~, '-~~-----' ""'.-,:l" "!.. .. ','.,.,.'.'".' :.: .;. , - . . ~l" ............,.......,.". ...~...._..._.__.-.'....r-..T'" :~I"....:.'i;. . .... . ::',;"IIi/::,;);O.,,{,,:,;: .ii!:,?,:".,.",......, .....",,' ... ..,'l5~':'! ,r;1" "f' '.:.', "',.,.'.._,,.,,.,,,.'_,_ ..... "."wl," ;~'I,".!'I:..,\I.I'n''')..:"..., ".' " ".~" .....;. U,(" 1 . i ,,:. "" . .. ,.... , . '-' ;': \ ~ . ..... '." - .:. . . """,' " ! . ,".'; ,j " ~"".' I\'~ '.-. .'_':' ' . "1,: \.: .;<-:ms' ^ , '" .~'\ : ~DJ ,;~ (-. \ \ ~ I " I I I I I , I I I i I ~:. : I \ I ~ \jj '-~~., .', ,,, ,Si " i'\tl, '" " r ,(I" .- 0 :~ . . " " I "' '..1 . ~t \ - ',; . . '.~"~ . ',' .-,' , '. . . :.'.', .' .._ ;,.,"...j_...~.-...........~"..__.-..".'_" 'c. _"..._.':h...... .--.- ..._.~...._---...--.........,.-._". ....- I '-1'/ I js,lB, .......",.......1.'1 MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, MAY 18,1994 - 5:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Trey Stevens, Cordell Jeppsen, Eric Rothenbuhler, Tim Finer MEMBERS ABSENT: Roger Christian STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Brau, Helling, Burnside OTHERS PRESENT: Pat Braunger, John Jennowein, Doug Allaire, Rene Paine, Casey Ashe RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION/COUNCIL DISPOSITION Cable TV franchise renewal process. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION Braunger reported the Educational Cable Consortium (ECC) met and elected new officers. Braunger will be leaving Iowa City to return to international education. Her replacement will be named by the schools. Rene Paine reported PATV has resumed their staff assisted series. PATV is hosting the Midwest Re9ion Alliance for Community Media Conference May 20 and 21. PA TV plans to have some workshop participants assigned to a production to give them immediate hands-on experience and provide volunteer opportunities to work off workshop fees. Allaire reported the PATV Board has set up a finance committee so some Board members will always be working on fundraising. A project facilitator position has been written into the PA TV budget to develop ideas and write grants. Ashe reported an American Library Association teleconference satellite link to the library was facilitated by TCI. Rick Amundson has taken another position and will be replaced by Rick Leach. Shaffer reported he will be meeting with those groups affected by refranchising negotiations such as the library, schools, PA TV and the Senior Center to coordinate further negotiations. Rice, Williams believes Iowa City is positioned to get a good deal. The City Council and/or the BTC will need to hold public hearings on the final franchise agreement. Rice, Williams rate regulation analysis revealed TCI's basic rates are in line with FCC guidelines. Discussion of PA TV's contract renewal focused on public access programming (produced by the public) and community programming - defined as staff produced programs serving a community need, interest or organization. Some Commission members expressed a need, identified by the assessments conducted by the Buske Group and Rice, Williams Associates, for more proactive assistance to serve the needs of community organizations and institutions. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. ~ JrN- - - - ..."..,.........., , o. ",,', )""'" , , . " ,.,"..,.", ,.. . ~ r,> , (}) .I .! '" . . " . , ~ . . ..':r:\I, " .~ . " , .ct'oii~~.\I ~ '"Of" "'. . f ~ . ....~_._......,_... Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 18, 1994 Page 2 APPROVAL OF THE BTC MINUTES Jeppsen moved to approve the April 20, 1994, minutes. It was seconded by Rothenbuhler. Unanimously approved. ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS None. SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS "I I , None. ECC REPORT Braunger thanked the City for support of the schools during the refranchising process. The ECC recently held a formal meeting and elected Joan Kettels of Kirkwood President and Ron Mildner of Regina Vice PresidentlTreasurer. The Secretary will be the representative from the Iowa City Schools. Willowwind Schools has not responded to any communications or paid dues for two years and will be dropped from membership. The ECC plans to review the agreement between Kirkwood and the ECC. Braunger announced that she is leaving the school district to return to international education. A replacement will be named by the schools. Co o PATV REPORT , .( (~. \ ',1 1 Paine distributed an article which explained how Buffalo, New York deals with public access and community programming. Paine also dis'tributed a PATV promotional tape. Paine reported the staff assisted series has been resumed. Series proposals will be accepted to the end of May and begin in June. The staff assisted series is a fair and impartial mechanism for PATV to conduct community programming. Local organizations must show the initiative to write a proposal. Proposals are reviewed by a committee of a PATV Board member, a PATV staff member and a member of the community. Staff assistance will be available for six months; thereafter the organization will need to find their own crew. Staff assistance has also been available for single programs, if requested, and when time is available. Final preparations are being made for the Mid-West Regional Alliance for Community Media Conference to be held May 20 and 21 here in Iowa City. Paine said the annual report shows there are more organizations and individuals using PATV than one might think from watching Channel 2. The PSAs serve as an outreach mechanism. The diversity of programming indicates the broad constituencies being served. Equipment, training and facilities use have increased. The translation of PA TV's services into the dollar amounts used in the report were based on conservative commercial rates. Paine said the 300 volunteer hours is a low estimate. There were about 200 individual volunteers. Stevens asked about the role volunteers play. Paine said planning on volunteer help is not always possible (because volunteers are not paid and it is often unsure if they will show up for an assigned show). Also, volunteer's interest can fluctuate over time. In the future, everyone who goes through the workshops will leave a deposit rather than pay a fee. They will then be assigned to a '. ~ , I' , I" I I I , I i , I 1 I k. i r:. i l \,,' 'i ,:~~/ ,il ~ " ~,', .' ~~. ~ L. Iq~, IF..... _r r" '~__O n - II"" ,:' ,0 ;),,"", ,._,......."...H........ '1",' 'j r.. <, ,) 1d', .: .. " ,\.' &~;.u ,~ ( .:\ r-', \ \ \ ,~ r~~l I r I !'l . I I k,. ; f. I' I i i ,~~ , ':k~'! {.;i'j. 9- ~I I' . ,.1'J;. , -- ((~~ 0 " I '" . '.~h 'j ,\'. "", .. ..... ",,' ~ .~~, , P' " . :,' " .~_..: -- Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 18,1994 Page 3 ~ ~ i production. By initiatin9 this type of apprenticeship system more productions may be produced. By making better use of volunteers and giving them hands-on experience right away, it is less likely they would feel intimidated to take on a project entirely on their own. PA TV has formed an organization, Friends of Public Access, which will be used in fundraising. Some producers have shown interest in soliciting sponsorships from local businesses. Allaire said that the PA TV Board of Directors has set up a finance committee so some Board members will always be working on fundraising. Paine said PATV is continuing to pursue grants. A project facilitator position has been written into the budget to develop ideas and write grants. , I LIBRARY REPORT Ashe reported the pedestal behind the library has still not been elevated. TCI provided a satellite downlink to the library for an American Library Association teleconference on May 12. The library has produced several PSAs and provided them to TCI for playback. Rick Amundson has left the library and has been replaced by Todd Leach. Ashe is working on some problems with the new PA system in Meeting Room A. More organizations have been using Meeting Room A to cablecast their meetings and events. LEGAL REPORT b Burnside reported she is reviewing PATV's guidelines and expects to have them completed soon. TCI REPORT Shaffer said Bill Blough has beenvery busy with numerous meetings related to refranchising. CABLE TELEVISION ADMINISTRATOR REPORT Shaffer reported that the Midwest Region Alliance for Community Media Conference organized by PATV and the City cable TV department was accomplished on a short timeframe because another city had initially committed to be the host but had to withdraw. Shaffer noted that a PA TV PSA was cablecast on TNT during the NBA playoffs. Shaffer said the PSA was very well done. Shaffer and Helling met with the schools to discuss their interest in refranchising and will be meeting with various groups to move towards completion of franchise negotiations. The City's consultant, Jean Rice, recently gave a presentation to the City Council. The Council seemed receptive to the progress made towards refranchising. Shaffer has been working with Johnson County and their new staffperson assigned to cable TV issues. Johnson County is pursuing becoming a franchising authority. Shaffer has been meeting with PA TV to discuss their services and other contract renewal items. Shaffer said that while the University of Iowa has not had an active role in refranchising, they have taken a lead role in putting together a grant proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The grant proposal includes the Iowa City schools, the library, the City, TCI, the University and others. The grant would be used to develop plans for the on and off ramps to the information superhighway. The City Cable TV Office will serve as a judging site for the National Alliance for Telecommunications Officers and Administrators ! .! ILfrl - -- '- '"0 <1,',." ~,.' . ':.' :.,' ..,..,.... '\ ,ld., I is . ' .K..~i. " i;' .:\ (-', \ \ i~ , I" I I I ; , , ~. i I'. ! \ 1 ~J' ,1 !~, '~'. '.. !,; ,~\ "'j'ill i,i\,.,j\,"'II, (' ~~' I ' L_.. (!-.....""~ :\.._-~~ 'Lf~' ?S,lo, " , .. . "t '\\':, , ". , ' , :,1', . ,. ....,-.,..,-".... - Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 18, 1994 Page 4 national video contest. Shaffer reported eight complaints, five about Univision, one about late fees, one about a delay in connection of service, and one about poor signal quality. . CABLE TV REFRANCHISING/RENEWAL Shaffer said negotiations are moving towards completion. Jean Rice believes Iowa City is in a position to achieve a good deal. The agreement still needs to be put in writing and work on the new ordinance is proceeding. Meetings with organizations which are a critical part of the agreement, such as the schools, PATV, the Library, the Senior Center, will be held. The agreement will come before the BTC for suggestions and recommendations before going to the City Council. Public hearings will need to be held by the BTC and/or the City Council. The entire process will likely be complete in 3-4 months. RATE REGULATION Shaffer reported Rice, Williams' rate regulation analysis found that TCI's rates are in line with FCC guidelines. To pursue it further would require an audit. Given the results of the rate analysis it was decided an audit is not necessary at this time, but may be conducted on a random basis in the future. Given the complexity of rate regulations and the changes frequently made by the FCC, it may not be possible to train City staff to conduct rate analyses in the future and assistance may be needed each time rates are reviewed. PATV CONTRACT RENEWAL Allaire clarified that in his opinion "public access" refers to training and making equipment available for groups or individuals to produce their own show. "Community programming" refers to programs being produced by PATV for some group in the community such as PATV's staff-assisted productions. Paine said an or9anization still needs to approach PATV for assistance and as such differs slightly from community programming. If PA TV were to solicit organizations to have programs produced, they would be actively making choices about who gets help and who doesn't. Currently the staff assisted series programs require organizations to approach PATV and as such PATV does not play an active role in making those choices. Stevens noted that the community needs assessment and the Buske workshops showed that there was a community need for organizations to have access to production assistance. Shaffer said he disagreed with Allaire's definition of public access. He said many people, such as Sue Buske, see community programming as just one part of public access. Sue Buske essentially started public access in the U.S. in 1974. Shaffer called Buske and Jean Rice of Rice, Williams to confirm this perspective. Stevens noted that the Rice, Williams community needs assessment and the Buske workshop showed a perceived community need for production assistance. Paine noted that the survey question may be misleading. Most organizations would not turn down tree publicity. Stevens said that many organizations indicated they would pay something for such assistance. Paine said there is a differing of philosophies - paid production assistance is the role of production houses. Allaire said PA TV should not evolve into a cheap production house. Jeppsen said outside payments can help to defray costs, which in turn help support the overall mission of PATV. Allaire said PATV would need more staff and equipment to support more community programming. Shaffer said Tuscon, Chicago and Davis, California are all facing similar situations to Iowa City's. In one ---"r~ 0,')' ,\\ ,--' - ,.. . ~ " ,I I I b : .1 " . ......',.., /. , ;~~f<',Vp:,,' ., '., ':'.)'.::.::'/...:r:'i':. , ".t,\,;, , ",,;",'1,:.. ".!f, , . , :;- .-, ,...,..:'.... _.._.~._:....__.......,.......;._"...:-.-~_;:_-_::.~..~'~"'iI."- "~,''':' Broadband Telecommunications Commission May 18, 1994 Page 5 , , I ':'1 , , instance a Hotline Studio was set up that only certain organizations can use. The studio is highly automated and a fee is charged for its use. Davis has an extensive intern system providing experience for 18-25 students per quarter, In addition, a great of assistance is provided in helping to match interns with organizatio~s needing assistance. Paine will supply , a list of all programs produced in the last year broken out by community programming and public access. This will help give the BTC some indication how, much community program- ming has been done by PATV. '. :.'\ PUBLIC DISCUSSION None. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Finer and seconded by Rothenbuhler to adjourn. Unanimously approved. Adjournment at 7:02 p.m. \', . ,..\ " " . :. . , ( , , I ,I i Respectfully submitted, ','.! ~~ W . ew Shaffer Cable Television Administrator ; i ,-I i I . ! Iblc5'18,n1ln i , i (~ .~! \~ \~ ';~l I i ~ ' I I ! ,1 o ,'.../;,t.;i..,:::,{;'>O),::.:t...:. .<: ....:.,: ;.:",~I~'D.l:,' '~ ..-.........."';l,l..'\'.,.',.."i'J,.~.. :l:"o;o;.-.<:7.I""~";o""''''''''''''.''''.~''''-r.'p.-~-,.._, 1 . "".., 11\' :\\lI'j.,"'?:,',,)'>, ,."..':;' "",.:15' ),\".,' ,'.rwi \1,1,',.,\"<'-""")"-"'" ::":,.,"-',,:.." :'. ~,....;.....,."u?", ~,f' ' .., ".r"~'"'''' ,,'" t", " - " ,. .,,' .,',.~.....I...i,,;,:.I:..," h Iqfl \