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Home My WebLink About1994-07-19 Correspondence ,.;,,,;::,;,:,:,,,, .,."!'".., ~" ."'j. ' " ,to., ' ~':~:.'(.>;i:,,;;,:"'" ..',<.);:' " ] ;'. ,.. .'[ .' " , " .' ,". " , ,,~_.,'-""-""'-.--.-.' City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM , .\ ., DATE: July 14, 1994 TO: Mayor and city council City Clerk~ FROM: Marian K. Karr, RE: Field House ,.~ You will note that the Consent Calendar contains an application for a new liquor license for Mark Eggleston at the Field House. You may recall that the liquor license, under the same owner, was ordered suspended for seven days last September. That suspension was never carried out as 'the establishment was sold. That 'order clearly stated that should the Field House or its owner obtain another license in the future a seven day suspension would occur prior to the issuance. , In discussing this matter with po:t.ice Chief Winkelhake, County Attorney White, and a representative of the Alcoholic Beverages Division for the State of Iowa it is understood that the license will be suspended immediately upon issuance and therefore a one week delay will occur between issuance and opening of the establishment. , ~. For your information I have been informed the establishment is currently undergoing remodeling and will reopen a new restaurant portion in late August. .~':-r-- h'.;,. " 'I: .' .'-'" '1 , 1'.( , ~. r~ I ~ i \ I , ! I I I I I ' , I' . "'. I '.. I ~ "',l c ,- " 0 - '" ~-_..--_.~_.- . .... I, Ah. ,- .'1:' 'I:;, ,~'\,..;..I' : l~-N""'''''''''"''''''''!'''~.''>'';~'''''''~''''T''''~'~'~T,..:T"....''""'fl'':''~~~',.... .,', ;.' ',..: I;' ", ,", ,.. .,...... ~','" .~......,....,ll~',{,.\".' ,:,.",r"'i'I'I)" ,": ,,~,..' . [] ,. .:' ,:":,'" ,..">);:':.,::,:.,:;':/.,',.':,.({,,:~:,:~~':':' '\;':J/V:::;:":',:I.:::,:",::",:\",,,/., .,' ':' ":"::?"'.":::.':,,'~:'"'./:: "". '~'i' .,'. ~. ."",,.,,.,,.,,,,.""., 'h,'"",,, . . ii,S...... ,. ',:",' ;,."..:...;," ':,' ,,', '.,.... r:'\~':':: ;;.'.:<:>1,:.:>".:':' ",,' ',-'".....,.. ',: <,'i'..;". i:u\p"..';,t"{" '1'0 " "_. -~:;~',~?~i'~:":.t(,<;';' ",~ j" ", ,,\:~~',,'~:, ~:':':..r,\" ;-,/",''' . ":~. ,<',,::,. "~:":':" " "" ,I , iL, , ,', , ., ., '. . 'I>, . I , . ,;' '.', ". ::"'l'-\ to' . . ,,',' , t ' . . . . ~\\\P~ ~~ ., I , I I 1 I) i I J ! --Th~-A-R If -, ~-~~. -~-itib{r:le;g~h : g- if4tJq (i:'1~~.lJ- . . I. ---ntJ''':-iE-HE~~ItJ--~-ZELQ!tiL19-~ ' WI- _ -.It'~-.....--__ -.. - :>-w I -IJ..--;::)-~--- ::> w=:: - :::t U -,. - 0'\ G> ..(l.....-- i . ) D6:;f~ C( '~-LrD-u-!)c.JI . .. ~el2J. bQ;.s . ~g.o .to. t" l }Qq V' R 11\ J 0 t J..' . LJtJyltl1fKt-LLkC 0 :35~12 L.1y-:e_eT -J.g~Lgecve f-) rJ tv bklJ_LJ. 6 fd C4 J? to l1LC{kLT~_CL~fQ $ree-rL- : ,,\ " ., 'I r , ('" \ I 'I"~ , i"j >,.,>Ii r:::i~ It ~ ~.j ,-\/-.,,~--~~ . -v-- -_.. - -Yo-- ", , ~ ~. ' !\P \:1 ~ n '1rl . , .. " "~,I' 1- '" ..(........'" i. 0 ' ~ i ;," -----~------ -'''# " .11 ;' . III ,........ -"'-"""'0'" "';""'1';:"':1;" 'ti'1'n'I''''''''-<''~'\>;'",'J''''I""~,r'\'''''''''l..",t.,,.,.__ 0" .. :....:.0,.o:'.".:.....'.,";J:::~-:'.".:'.,,:\;I .' '.'.'. ".<2,5'':' .,..J: : ".' ...,'....:.:........(:~.:', ,:,.,.:;~..~:/:":.:,: :i,''.,:,:(': . . .' . '.. ""'_'"'.''' , . " .-, ','1"', __ . ~-- " . """, ---'.-;.; '., ",', '~', ~., 'i' .~ /", ),0;'" .. , ;.' I ('" \ .', ~ I' i I I I ~ ~ ;~i .., f.! !i;J t( 0 ..,-~",..~ . ~~ , ,. .,.' . '>\t~,~'l' ,.: .' :" .," (' ; ,. " ',".:' .~ "~... ' .' \. If" " . - , '"""~'" .::....". ':'1'.."'- ...,-.".....,..,-.....: .......---.. "'- J ~ -I ---r , .....,~i, ""';"0 '"'1'",),,,:- ',1 - \, " ].-..'. " ! .:. ',' '.':,' ~.'~:~',:I'! ..1-', .~'It.'.', ',,',1:\"' "", :':i'''-'' ' <:',',. - .' , . \" .f,:..~:..~.';jr,;:;::.-(,::"N'..' " ,. ',1" ".,... . . .."..I'...v.... . ~.::>. ",,\.' "',"."'" . 1/"':"'" .' 25 ... " Q) .:.I.! ;,'1' ..0.....;': . ,,'. . . ,,", ..".:! "":''-,.1 ...,.~,~.!" -' .. 'l ~~l\llYl , . ',- ".,. ,.,' ...., ' . ,~,'-__~~"~'.::~......;.':i~~::;",'~',;;,:"..,;..",~:",J;.:,~.~..i;;..;.L.i::.,--.,;",~~ ~ ,;' ~, ..1 .j .. .'. I .........;..... , ;:-::'i .~,; . (. ,~. . ,," , ,....' ." '....;' , . ! . ..'~.:., . ',"0\, . : :'~~\~'I.i~ ': ..... .,.,' :' ,'..' . ';~'. . '." ..~ ,.,-' . .. , " ,. - ".'.' ~ ", ...' _.' .-..-.--.-.........-.... :.-._-_._._-~-- 1948 Hafor Drive 0 ~ Iowa City, IA 52246 C') ."" .. :e;:!- r~ - 0::0 '..~. - 1LI- July 12, 1994 ~l "'- -1~ Q.. '-'I- D C') - ~ - >-'-' ..... g~cil u... i Ovic C5fnter i$1O E. Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 '".; . . Dear City Council Members: My family, which includes three young girls, resides near Willow Creek Park, so I am very interested in slowing traffic down on Teg Drive. I was present at one of your council meetings, and have read all of the information sent to our neighborhood. " "-,, I wish someone would explain exactly why stop signs are not a viable option. Why can't a three-way stop be installed at Teg and either Graslon Drive or Hafor Drive? There are a number of three- way stops already in place in Iowa City, so I assume there is no legal problem involved. New stop signs are continually popping up around the city with bright flags attached for the first several months to call attention to them. People do stop, and traffic is slowed down. This speeding problem isn't going to just go away. I understand that we do not have the police power to enforce the speed limit the way University Heights enforces the speed limit around Melrose, but to simply say, "There is speeding all over the city even worse than on Teg," is like telling everyone, "Go ahead and speed. We can't do anything about it." .1.1. ,'" , I I I '. ~.'i,.. ..~~ t~j. t~ Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I sincerely hope you will all consider the problem that has been created on Teg Drive. (I would appreciate a response to the question of why a three-way stop cannot be installed.) . , Sincerely, 1.~?;L Marsha Karniski :i. , ,.. ,"'- ".: ':.'" ,.:.,,.", - ~"--'.. '. ~ .~.,. ....', - \191. . J ..... ...............,........."...........".,...,.",.,.'...-'''0. "1""'.';;';' <",'/',0.""\ 'i:',!:"":,'.'.\... '. ." ..." ....;..,..',n;, ., '",.,' ",\""" ',."". ",.... . ..25 l.J. , ': . ' " ,,'~"t' !,(~';'.';:::-:'.,'/::':';~,~:,:),,':',;;:""," '" ~'" ,_, .,' ; "':..,,.,,~'.,,'.i..'.';/~}:; , :it[ 0 r- r\l ..', '".. ,.' ffg;~~::;:':/I'C'j ~;' '~ '-""0'''-. .' , . < ': -"'-"'.1 '.,. ,'- " "', , !~.,--,~_.~.._ :~,...:;~ ~:~~...;':':';;:':,,~,,;~':.,.'_',';.':....~~:'.......i'.'.:...0,'::'.'.i.J":'';'''I~''~~'':'''::;..,"';.....;.:....-:..'.:.. ~:.::.-'-. '\ I~lr,.' ':'\\'- '( (i' " ; , 'I, , ", i .;, , i : .r-:O^' r"l \\ " , , " .':> . .:~t\~i,; r' : -.,. \.:_ . '", ....... , !; .' .\~,> . . , , :" ,10;..-,_ "'. , ,. : f. ,,' . , . " " " '. " . .._;_c_____~.....'.~......_.........;._,""".,'_..'...,'.c', '"'c,,".~,..,."'. ...-'_~,.,._,.. ...'~M~'.._'>..~::Y......,.~<1..."'.. ."..............__.,,: " RE: TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES July 5, 1994 Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association ,Sally Crowe, President 1126 Teg Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 Dear City Council Members: Thank you for your interest in seeking solutions to the speeding problem along Willow C~k~~ ' . Marcia Klingaman sent the enclosed document on traffic calming to our neighborhood. association, We found many of the traffic calming techniques Interesting and relevant to the speeding problem along Willow Creek Park on Teg Drive. The Office of Neighborhood Services developed the following list of traffic calming techniques to be considered by city staff In order to develop recommendations for Council: 1, Speed limit signs, children play signs 2, Large planters on alternate sides of street 3. Raising one or more intersections 4. Textural surface 5, Transverse bands 6, Bike lane on one side, I , ' This document Indicates that traffic calming can take place If It Is self-enforcing (I.e" a combination of techniques applied, (including physical alteration of the street and lowering the speed limit) and the public is Involved In the process, We would like to point out that the neighborhood's suggestions of "environmental road closure" (p. 15), lower speed limits, and the use of stop signs are "traffic calming techniques", and we would appreciate the Council considering those along with those being studied by the city staff, We are disappointed In the delay of yet another month, but appreciate Council's Interest and expressed desire to reduce the speeding that Is restricting safe access to and use of the park by city residents, \ Sincerely,. ,,-y /,/ ,'/C) ~, {itu,,( <-1 C:/tA:;U~<tf1./ Sally Crowe and Lucy Ch Isser Penny Bryn Neighborhood Association ,I. \11l ,'\i " '. ,-:,;;~;.':. J - .. ---,.,-..--.....""..''''"'. .. '-'1"'"""'" ' I. . - ,', ' >0' ,-:":' ':., ,,'''' ,,\ " '" ,;'~ ",. 'O.i' 'r"'-:' '~I,~ I"" (:-:~ .-~'~ '.":""",,','-1:::<(; , l,t_~_~_,., '. . '_ I: "r,- . .' -"".':,:,' ';.' " _ .!'. 'y-'I ~;. ,0' ! f~l~l~"'" , " ,r (-' \ \ y:I:jl I- i i ~ Ir. I" \ , , l\:' '.. n; . ':: ; !;,!. fir. '.C'" =-r-';'~'- '. '. . . , -..- --. -- .. "t.'" ':--\\" :' . ~ , .. .~. ,"' , .....,. '".,1 " ~ ;',',' '" c. . ,- . . '.. :~". .' " ' , .. ... .~.. ;h., ~...~,...~_.;.... _ ....,......~, ',p_ .._,~~._._._.__._._._~,...... .._. h.. _~...__.:._... ~ ....M...~ 'h'_ ......._.~_-.._..__~...',~. '. ......"~_.,,....;.........Q ..~-_..~ . <<:~l fp\) r' ~kJ\;.1M 94 jUL I Z M~ I I I I 3 CI1Y CLER\\ \OW~ cli~, IOWA 1126 Teg Drive Iowa City, IA 52246 July 10, 1994 Dear City Council Members, I am writing to add my voice to the chorus of concern over the traffic problem on Teg Drive. Since the Park West subdivision has opened, speeding on Teg has increased; for instance on one day nearly half the traffic exceeded the speed limit by at least 10 MPH. This situation will only worsen with the connection of Teg and Aber creating a thoroughfare between West Benton and Highway 1. Large volume retailers will open soon near the intersection of Aber and Highway 1, as well as Mormon Trek and West Benton, virtually guaranteeing that traffic on Teg will increase in speed and volume. The Cub Grocery expects a cash flow of over a half- million dollars per week and Farway expects $150-200 thousand. Menard's will contribute its share to the volume as well. The Teg-Aber connection, being the path of least resistance between Benton and Highway 1 because of the absence of traffic signals and school zones, predictably will become popular a cut-through. @ The dangers posed by the traffic situation are compounded by Willow Creek Park on Teg Drive because it is heavily used by children. Double-sided parking, a hilltop and a curve create several blind spots where traffic has little reaction time for unexpected pedestrians. . '.j.j All of us who live near Teg have experienced children running across the street in front of our cars. Personally, I have found that I must reduce my speed to 15 MPH on congested days to provide adequate reaction time. Will dri~ers using Teg as an occasional shortcut know this? What can be done? A bollard would be ideal--preventing speedy access to Highway 1. This is also an opportune time to implement traffic calming measures before traffic patterns become established. I am writing to ask your help in preventing a possible misfortune. " w~ .'^ '."V .I~ " \ .. \1~ ,~ .' ,.~., .." . .L)';Y:..:c':".....;.:\:"........'.......;..'...--r-", , ..... ".'1.'...'" \' ~jo "I o,r) r.., n : ,,: ,"''''.:..'''i::-' ::.':',~::;,. -:.5..-:"'" '...,':::,: :.', '. ,./ ~:'~- ,;.: ;;:-"h~':':';' I'. " ;'" ., "-:,~, k (~'. ,I. . ~ ~r . .....---. t;,' C'"\ ,\ I : ~ I I I i I : I i I I I k. I II'" ll) ,...:..," . ..'; _.f, . .... " . ':,~t~\"I"" . , .. . . ..... ,~t I'" , .' '~.,.. MICHAEL GARVEY 5 Heather Drive Iowa City lA, 52245 Ms.Susan Horowitz Mayor & Councilor, 410 East Washington Iowa City, Iowa 52240 [""r' r ~ L ~.',:, t} 9\\ JUL \ 3 PM \: 30 CITY CLERK IOWA CITY, IOWA July 13, 1994 Dear Ms. Horowitz: Along with our three children, my wife and I have lived in Iowa City for nearly nine years. I have listed below some thoughts and concerns. I realize your job as a councilor is not always easy. Perhaps input from community members can help, Much slower growth for Iowa City is desirable. Growth may be great for some businesses, but on balance it is detrimental to the general population. There are more people competing for limited facilities. Traffic is worse with each passing year. (The city must be more proactive about traffic problems), Even after adjusting for time and inflation, property taxes and city services in Iowa City and Johnson County are /Illlch higher than our previous taxes in Minneapolis or Sacramento, Last year a friend and I compared property taxes for similarly priced middle income homes in Iowa City and Columbia, MO, a college community about the size of Iowa City, Iowa City had substantially higher taxes. Can anything be done about the level of property taxation? Many of the things that make Iowa City a desirable community have little or nothing to do with spending money. Iowa City should not be in the welfare business, even though some of the goals may be worthy. For example, the city subsidizes buses that travel in off hours totally empty 01' nearly so, There are other such programs. I support environmental improvements, but at times the cost in dollars or time is out of proportion to the benefits. Hundreds of people sorting certain categories of trash, that arguably have limited landfill impact, may be an example. I love trees and have planted many, but the recent proposal about trees on private lots might best be described as kooky. Developers should continue to be encouraged or required to contribute open recreational areas to accompany the congestion they create with their developments. TCI cable TV (the corporation) has been arrogant in its dealings with customers. Regulation of monopolistic rates was badly needed. However, to the extent possible the city should eliminate the community access channels and any subsidy that goes with them. Customers of other monopolies such as the phone company or IIG&E are not required to subsidize community services, nor should cable TV customers. To the extent the city becomes involved with drug education and enforcement, I would encourage officials to realize that the most serious drug problem any community faces is alcohol. The scientific data verifing this is substantial. Thank you for your consideration of these issues. Sincerely, ~~ Michael Garvey l J -I,' ,.. . " . ~'" ""'," . "AJ" ~~." f " I.. r I, ,I .!. I". '.. I " l' ILaJ ~ I ",,:'-"(.7'::':'':':';:':';:'' . J...."".., " 0; )S\" "':: , '. ,;.....'",.,:...".....1.',:,., ~"'" .' . '. '.:...., .' 0 '.\ \ . ' ".,.' -~--- ;]".,',.,..,',,1'.,. :::,O".:!";'",,i':'i"': . :.'~ '. ~~\':.+'r.'-,," .....;-'.:.,..f ::;1"'_, .,,~~. ,;. . 1 !;"i<:~L~__,~,_,"'-":"-""-"~;_"'--':"i:::',~~_,"-"~ . ',',' ) (Ii) "1 ,~x\. , ,'1 '! I i ;,'. ;.-j~::i~0.:.:!.~:~.,L-~'_'~'_~~:~'~_~..~'_~L.;.~~..._....~.",.~...~.....~.-..,,'....._"'::_-':'-":~6_~. ":1 '1 . -~ C\J If) ~ r~'" iY> x::J;: u""" a:: 0 N ~_; ::: WJ- ........... 0... .....J>': p (.jl- :: g >-(3 tft1Wa~tY~Council 410 ~t WaSBington 10waCCity IA 52240 358 Magowan Iowa City IA 52246 29 June 1994 " , ,. '>: To the City Council: This is regarding a recent editOlial in The Press Citizen. The writer appears to favor growth without regard to quality, Further movement in this direction is likely to lead to the major problems of pollution, crime, social decay, and disease which characterize our large cities. Growth without quality is the method used by cancerous tissue. The failure of that method in the social setting is demonstrated by the mass of Californians fleeing the consequences of growth without quality. Let us also consider the proposed widening of Melrose Ave. I do not believe that it is in the best interests of Iowa City to degrade the quality of any neighborhood in that way. Iowa city is so far a decent place to live largely because it is not choked with traffic as is Los Angeles and because the size is manageable, Neighborhood quality should have a higher priority than speeding up traffic flow. The desire to speed up traffic flow only arises because bad decisions were made in encouraging excessive growth of the community, Let us avoid the major problems of pollution, crime, social decay, and disease which characterize our large cities. A sensible alternative to provide beller access to the hospital would be a park and ride system. A bus which delivers people to the hospital door would be preferable to a long walk through the parking ramp, I oppose any widening of Melrose Avenue, .1 '.: ' '-I , ) ',,' " ~,>.',: , , ,. r .~ '\,: , ~ ~~t, , j Thank you. t '. ~ " <;. \' , M Sincerely, ~Lb I, It. I,~) ":;'--:' " 1/83 . > ",..,', ,,,'," ,,,"'J., :7- '.'~"'.' ,I '.... ,1'\ "~ ~ . '-"', .:.' "~"',,, ;:i:,.,o7;;P'\\:},>':' ';-\ ,'...., . '" ~~::u':""'"'I,, I. . ',,,,:':,:. ,.;L~jl';, .-.._.~~.~,~-~".,~". '."",~}m:"'I\"f':l\,~1""'" ',', l"1 " ,}-", , "". '" , ".,'," . [)"" '.' ",' '. ..""....".. ,. '.' < "".. ,.,~?~")~..:...,'.,',}; . , Co 'l -:-,~ 'r,'li.:.,.", "":;,- , .~' ,)~l ~I' (' \ ,/I.' ,,, I : ~ I. : I il , n. I~~ il. ~~\ , \ 'lB~ ...J;.K'...".:..".'...:...'....-..--.'...'.'. X'l i ,. : .'.',~t :.~'t; . "," '~' "' , ,:.., , . '~'1 . , :,1:, '," ". _.'. ..~.' ._..;,....~...,_~_,....~.'~~n.._'..-,-"........~.-.....'."'....._.. .".....,.. > _~ ..... .'.""'_' , tftt IcL 7~?-C;1 Ms. Nancy Seiberling 209 Black Springs Circle Iowa City, Iowa 52246 Dear Nancy: I write you as member of the Tree Preservation Committee, and ask that you take my remarks in substance or as a whole to the Committee and to appropriate Iowa City administrators as you see fit. The press to date has given me some sense of how a fundamentally enlightened project has become a point of some contention. I thus have benefited from the Committee minutes of 5/24, the 6/17 draft of sections 36-31 through 40, and other documents in coming to the conclusions below. It seems to me indisputable that the more trees a community can have, consistent with appropriate development, health, and safety, the better that community is, according to all real measures of public benefits. Fly over Iowa, or drive the highways, and feel the difference when a city is well-bordered with woodlands, marked by stands of old oak, pine, walnut, cedar or other prize trees. Walk in Iowa City from a neighborhood sparse of trees to one where mature trees shade yard, sidewalk and street. Anyone can appreciate the difference of temperature and mood; early morning and evening note the frequency and variety of bird calls and the masking of other urban sound. Consult realtors to learn the value of trees on a residential property changing hands. If there were ever an issue on which common ground should be available, this is an example. Even some of the most prestigious or expensive developments in Iowa City and the surrounding area from the past five years have nonetheless seen massi ve and heal thy mature trees bulldozed down. It is needless, and heedless both of common interests and of individual benefits alike. Why are some of our better developments interests and others resisting the ordinance? Is it convenience, or habit? is it reaction to what they think are the motives or who they think are the sponsors of the proposal, rather than the substance of the recommendations? When the City of Iowa City replaced a bridge here where I live on the Camp Cardinal Road, one of the great farmers, house-designers, and all- round curmudgeons of Johnson County, George Petsel, insisted that they not damage a remarkably beautiful red oak shading his pond beside the road. It was in a position that would have been easy to encroach upon, but the City wisely and justly avoided the tree. George sa~1 to it that the penalties would be substantial if they had not done so. The tree still stands, a patriarch and a memory of George, who was no mean patriarch himself. Trees can be preserved, and they will outlive all of us if we do it right. I trust the democratic process and respect the hard work, consultation, and expertise that has gone into the drafting of the OWC document. It is time to bring this work to a close, and to recognize it as a friendly motion for good developers, good neighborhoods, and a variety of community benefits. G - -, - ..:1.. - ,L '. O. ,1" . , .A____... l';\ \::J ~ ,1 "'1""" . 15 '8" '. wOo ,',>,,,:,,,"':,'! ...,l .""",11 .> Alan F. Nagel ",'\' I do not see points of contention in the record to date that can not be reasonably resolved by compromise and by trust in a city forester or other responsible office. Personally I have a few concerns, especially about the trade-off of payments to the city for trees lost and not replaceable, and about the minimum trunk diameter of two inches. At that size we reach the lower limit of sturdy trees likely to grow well in even mildly exposed circumstances without very careful tending. Maintaining a considerable number of trees myself, I can understand concern that the ordinance not overvalue trees like box elder or mulberry, thorny locusts which endanger children and even vehicle tires, or elms which are less likely to survive, in contrast to the benefits of trees like oaks. Yet much development land is supplied with just these lesser trees, and larger specimens or appropriate stands of these are of great value in contrast to what can be planted at anything but prohibitive costs. Anyone who consider the hackberry a trash tree needs a walk through woods and residential areas, or a reading of Iowa State extension recommendations. ,Count me then a thorough-going supporter of the Tree Preservation Woodland Conservation Overlay Zone (please correct the name if neededl, Its benefits will redound to public goods and to the private property interests of landowners alike. I shall when possible this summer make an effort to join in discussion. In the meantime, let this letter provide my contribution to the record. Sincerely yours, cc: L. Baker S. Horowi tz K. Kubby E. Lehman N. Novick B. Pigott J. Throgmorton ",.....,>.".,..;. 1,:,,1,':"';: ,';/~~ 118~ "......,' :,', ,.:, ", " :':.... ; " ',;'> ~."':c..,..;:.::.:.".,..,..'.,-""_'~...""~"'."., -:",;;""",":"'1';; . I "."',H'r,',,"l"""\" . .'" ',..'" ",\t.':...c""",'l., I' ~ ;';:',,::~',,';'.'; ~":~!,'>''':''~i~I,:;~::'OI./:~ J;;j!::",",:, -;~<:;::'I':'t.'?"":' ':.:,,'.':':':,',:.': ,~",', .':, ".:' "'.: . , ,',:' ~,t' :":, ....._',..'.:.. ;,:;,,,: : ::,::,' ').;; ".:,....'.,.,..!"...,'..~'~/.' ..'"1,.,,..,,'.... ..' .,')5 :\,,'7') ",,,,,:..., '. ,- "~" ',',' ,};t:,'!''-::'/':'.;:;it::'.<.:::,:,(_', "r.o, .. ;'i'~';''>,!: ,,-""';"~;C~:,d;",~(;i .',' {[,.,.,," , ;' -", . 0 . '. "'. "_'I .,._.'.l" ,-',,-' " '. ,-'" _1 .',,' - : - \<~r: ,<. ',-; -, ..;,.. .' : ~:~:/.. ". ;~, , .'., '..' .",C. :: ':' .:}~~.~.,~'!~'~,"",:"",. ",'{'" ":.,'.' . ': , "," . '~ . _",._~c.~_...c..~:"~~..':;;:;....L.. :~,~,<,.,..,,;i;C;.=!;L.,:";:":':';;;~I:."d'i;:.c,-;;,:jC'-:,.:.,::L.'i";.LL~l':;;;.":;",:.:,..::;:,.,c.c,.;.::_:,.,,::c,.i.::"i:::,:,:,,,,,~,:~,:,'"2;:::,","'I'i:'"' ;.,';,". .. \)'Dl01 City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM I ,. I Date: July 13, 1994 To: City Council From: Clara Swan, Chair e-j Design Review Committee , , Re: Changeable Copy Signs Representatives from the Design Review Committee will be present at both your July 18 & 19, 1994 meetings. If you have questions, you may also reach me prior to these meetings at either 338-5352 or 354-9440. At its June 20, 1994, meeting, the Design Review Committee voted, by a 5-0 vote, to request staff assistance to consider amendments to the Sign Ordinance's definition of changeable copy sign. As the attached correspondence indicates, the Committee has concerns regarding the types of signs that qualify asa changeable copy sign, in particular, the new Fieldhouse Bar sign. The Committee appreciates the comments of the Director of Housing & Inspection Services in his letter dated June 6, 1994. However, the Committee believes that the definition of changeable copy sign should be more closely examined to determine the appropriateness of including in the definition large white marker boards with marker written messages, The Committee respectfully requests that the City Council direct staff to consider changes to the definition of changeable copy signs. cc: Director, Housing and Inspection Services Design Review Committee {', ecodev\copyslgn.cc It; 0 ". I",'," ., ,'" " ~ - '...~" . ..,,',','\!:' .;:",;1.../.',': l..--\>\'...~,.''l';.:IJ\ ''1 . '''''''l'y,\l'~~-'' \, ;"'~'1'-' "-1"";':1 ~7["'1Il l'!' I . ,j '.',~" / ,\"'" I""''''~''H."" ,,-, ;"',1" '0" :'!.. . . 0 .'1 .',i 1 ,. '\' ',', . :, '., .~ I' - _\ i.I', I, , ' :::' '), . ,.. ,'" ,',. ,5 '" " , ' , ' " '.... .~,,'.,,\,..:~., ,./.0\"/;: '131 "- . , .,! 1 'I :.-..-----'.-"..-"""<.-w-.~,..--~c.:""-----.J..:""'r,:,.,.:,..,: " City of Iowa City , Ii MEMORANDUM i" , , Date: June 1,1994 From: Doug Boothroy, Director, Housing and Inspection Services Clara Swan, Design Review Committee Chai~ ' To: " Re: Changeable Copy Sign at the Fieldhouse Bar At the May 16, 1994 Design Review Committee, the Committee discussed the "cha(1geable copy sign" at the Fieldhouse Bar, Members of the Committee expressed concerns regarding the new Fieldhouse Bar sign being a "changeable copy sign". Though the sign is to be only temporary and to have a glass case, the Committee has concerns regarding the ability of any business to locate a large sign on the exterior of a building with its components including only a white marker board and changeable handwritten text. Apparently, businesses have the ability to display non-permanent window signs such as this from inside their store windows. The permanent placement of signs such as these on the exterior of buildings seems inappropriate. The Committee does not believe the intent of the .changeable copy sign" definition is to include white marker boards with marker written messages. ""':.:. ':--.... '~. ,;. . _.,>11 .i' -,j :-'.Jj .~ , t I I The Committee would appreciate a response from you regarding your interpretation of the definition of changeable copy signs and your recommendations regarding changing the definition so as to prevent similar signs from being displayed. If you have any questions, please call me (354-94401 or David Schoon (x5236). The Committee thanks you for your assistance. cc: Design Review Committee ( ." . ---~-. ! I ! " , : n (~~':'-' '~ ~ I ~ : ! ',' , ", -',\OJ ..... o '::"':~' :;':. ,,:..;:~::,:.:'~:~,.;;.:;:{ ':)i::::':}~;:LP':i'{'r:'~~:C: > \~3' .....-.-T .',,", " """- w ,.,,,,... .'" ,..,,,, -~ ..... .............: 7',;' :.:.,;.:.....\:::jrl:,:~: "ii';;;,,;;'I:~;,!j.'r;:"~"'~":.V'''l:''.,~,''~:: W'S"':,;,::tlir'l:(:, .1"r""""""/i'_J,.. ',H:".. ',', J;"" .'..... "W'?l {I-i', .... '.-,,',',.L..:. ;1,,'. L, ::.,' .. ".,.", .f'V'''J:'''.\1c1~''''~ .;,.1,; ,f I . ; " .... ",\ r.m' ",/,:'" , ,",' "' , , " , . "r' " \.~I;. , , ~, ~ . .~"'. ~' . . ":,\', . ,_._',_.,_, , '"__;_""'4' '*_h,.'~J"_...'''~o.<..'~' ., .',,: .:~'I.- :.'.'C. ~,~ . ',,;. ".':,,~. .:, '. .....;.A.:c-'_ ~ '. "-':,1", " ", City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM ......-;-'... \ "I _~C~ 0 Date: June 6, 1994 I To: Clara Swan, Design From: Douglas Boothroy, Dii c t of Re: Changeable Copy Signs " In response to your memo dated June 1, 199 , review of the definition of " angeable copy sign" seems the best place to start. A changeabl copy sign is defined as "a ign, such as a reader board, which has components which are easily changeable by physical and not electronic methods" (page 149, Iowa City Zoning Ordinance). The definition suggests reader boards as a type of changeable copy sign by use of the phrase "such as" and therefore, does not limit the type of changeable copy sign permitted. In addition, the components of a changeable copy sign are considered as individual parts: the surface of the sign, the text, the method by which the text is changed, etc.. The intent of a changeable copy sign is to provide a permanent surface upon which copy or text may be changed frequently. Iowa City Zoning Ordinance limits the means by which text may be changed to physical methods .- for example, by using channel letters which are moveable or some other means such as chalk or marker, The ordinance does not specify the type of surface nor does it specify the means by which copy may be changed. It narrows the focus of what constitutes a changeable copy sign by requiring the text to be changed by physical means, and that the change is accomplished easily. In this pl"rticular case, the Field House has secured a changeable copy fascia sign with a permanent surface upon their building, well within the size limit required of a sign in a CB-10 zone (15% of the sign wall). They are utilizing a permanent surface which is written upon with a marker, and then wiped clean prior to changing the text. This sign, albeit unattractive, is considered by Housing and Inspection Services to be a changeable copy sign. I:, As to the concern about this sign being inappropriate or poorly designed, the Zoning Code does not provide standards for "good" design. Any permitted sign can be unattractive; however, this determination is very subjective, The design of signs (notwithstanding size and location) is largely a matter of personal taste. Changing the definition of changeable copy sign will not ensure good sign design. . The problem of good sign design goes beyond the definition of a particular sign, The lack of good design is primarily due to the following reasons: 1. The lack of explicit design standards with regard to color scheme, lettering or graphic style, writing, location, and material. ~ 2. The lack of coordination in sign design among individual property owners as well as tenants located in multi-tenant properties. 18~~ 'vr ..-__ . ".'. \'." ;; ,\ '.' ~ \' '.~. :. x. ;, '., ::';; :; ", "1'5';,1"0, ",.~-. g,',:' ".':''':' i ,," ,',.0, '." ,'.' ],...,..,..",. ': 'i',;; ~..' , , :~ "'.,..,,\ ,'~ . " -'~ri-;' ~. . ,-<,~", .- 'J , , , , . .1 ~ .. rr!" ,. :1 ,', 0 ", " '.'''', 2 The sign ordinance could be amended to improve the quality of signage along streetscapes. Any design standards developed must be as specific as possible to avoid problems of administration and enforcement. The ordinance could require sign programs for multi-tenant developments (Le. malls) with the purpose of integrating signage with buildings and landscaping to form a unified architectural statement. In addition, a sign age bonus program could be offered to encourage contiguous property owners to integrate their signage plans. Developing explicit design standards and regulations to encourage coordination is a major work task; however, the difficulty of this task should not dissuade the pursuit of better sign age if a firm commitment exists in developing attractive streetscapes. I hope that my comments have been of some assistance to you in this matter. bc5.3 "'" . \i3t . T ..f.'n~ ",'J', '" '",..;",:. ;.It '" :' .,', ~ : . ',;,';:',,1:'> ,.';"> :".";:,.r:.'."",:, '~;~':'i~!;;;"~""" ".:J;J~!;~,:"(",."::;;"..,,.,~'~J''''''''i)"ri';;C?1:\;;iJe~:!'!''''''E:,,'B''''''''JI1c. 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