HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-05 Bd Comm minutes
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - January 16, 2007
FINAL/APPROVED
I 4b(1L
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice-Chair Elizabeth Engel called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Candy Barnhill, Loren Horton
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Greg Roth, Michael Larson
STAFF PRESENT:
Staff Julie Voparil
STAFF ABSENT:
Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh
OTHERS PRESENT:
None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
(1) Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #06-04.
MOTIONS
Motion by Barnhill, seconded by Horton to forward the Public Report as amended for
PCRB Complaint #06-04 to City Council.
Motion carried, 3/0, Roth and Larson absent.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion for adjournment by Horton and seconded by Barnhill. Motion carried, 3/0,
Roth and Larson absent. Meeting adjourned at 8:02 a.m.
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POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
(Meetine Date)
TERM 1/9 1/16
NAME EXP.
Candy 9/1107 X X
Barnhill
Elizabelh 9/1108 X X
Engel
Loren 9/1/08 X X
Horlon
Greg Rolh 9/1109 X OlE
Michael 9/1109 X OlE
Larson
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5041
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TO:
City Council
Complainant
Stephen Atkins, City Manager
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Officer(s) involved in complaint
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FROM:
Police Citizens Review Board
RE:
Investigation of PCRB Complaint # 06-04
DATE:
January 16, 2007
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board's (the "Board"). review of the
investigation of Complaint PCRB #06-04 (the "Complaint"). .
BOARD'S RESPONSIBILITY
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8-8-7B (2), the Board's job is to
review the Police Chiefs Report ("Report") of his investigation of a complaint. The City
Code requires the Board to apply a "reasonable basis" standard of review to the Report
and to "give deference" to the Report "because of the Police Chiefs professional
expertise", Section 8-8-7 B (2). While the City Code directs the Board to make "Findings
of Fact", it also requires that the Board recommend that the Police Chief reverse or
modify his findings only if these findings are "unsupported by substantial evidence', are
"unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious" or are "contrary to a Police Department policy or
practice, or any Federal, State or local law", Section 8-8-7 B (2) a,b,c.
BOARD'S PROCEDURE
The Complaint was received at the Office of the City Clerk on September 15, 2006. As
required by Section 8-8-5 (B) of the City Code, the Complaint was referred to the Chief of
Police for investigation.
The Chiefs Report was due on December 14, 2006. The Chiefs Report was filed with
the City Clerk on December 11, 2006.
1
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The Board voted to review the Chiefs Report in accordance with Section 9-9-7 B (1) (a),
"on the record with no additional investigation".
The Board met to consider the Chiefs Report on December 18, 2006, January 9, 2007
and January 16, 2007.
FINDINGS OF FACT
The Complainant alleged that during a routine traffic stop on July 10, 2006, he was
arrested when he refused to sign a seatbelt ticket. The Complainant was charged with an
"Expired Registration" violation and "Failure to [properly] use seatbelt". The Complainant
did not dispute the expired registration violation, but asserted that he was wearing his
seatbelt. He was wearing the strap under his arm, instead of over his shoulder, as is
required. After his arrest, the Complainant was transported to the Johnson County Jail.
The Complainant asserted that the action of the officers involved was "inappropriate
behavior" and the arrest was "wrongful". Following his release from Jail, the Complainant
returned to the Police Department to discuss the incident with a supervisor. The arresting
officer activated his in-car recorder and the recording. was reviewed twice during the
meeting. The Complainant appeared in Magistrate's Court on September 20, 2006 on
the seatbelt charge. Prior to this appearance he had pleaded guilty to the expired
registration violation. The Magistrate found the Complainant guilty of the seatbelt
violation.
CONCLUSIONS
Bya vote of 4-0 with one member absent, the Board set the level of review at 8-8-7 (B)
(1) a, "on the record with no additional investigation". After reviewing the complaints and
the Chiefs Report, the Board concluded that the complaints were not substantiated. The
evidence from the in-car recorder did not uphold the Complainant's version of events.
Allegation # 1: Inappropriate Behavior. NOT SUSTAINED. No evidence supporting this
claim was contained in the documentation or the video of the incident.
Allegation # 2: Wrongful Arrest. NOT SUSTAINED. The verdict in Magistrate's Court
demonstrated that the arrest was correct according to state law. The policies and
practices of the Iowa City Police Department were followed.'
COMMENTS
The Board commends the officer(s) involved for activating the in-car recorder so a video
could be reviewed. State law does not require an officer to summon a supervisor upon
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refusal of a citizen to sign a citation. State law does require that the se@belt be.c;worn
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POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - January 9, 2007
FINAUAPPROVED
c::
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Michael Larson called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Candy Barnhill, Elizabeth Engel. Loren Horton (6:45 p.m.). Greg Roth
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Staff Kellie Tuttle
STAFF ABSENT:
Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh
OTHERS PRESENT:
Chief Hargadine, Captain Widmer, Lieutenant Jackson of the ICPD
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None.
CONSENT
CALENDAR
Motion by Barnhill and seconded by Roth to adopt the consent calendar as
presented or amended.
. Minutes of the meeting on 12/18/06
. ICPD General Order #00-01 (Search and Seizure)
. ICPD General Order #01-01 (Racial Profiling)
. ICPD General Order #01-08 (Criminal Intelligence)
. ICPD SOG #01-21 (Disaster, Communications, Incident Command)
. ICPD SOG #07-01 (Disaster, Communications. Incident Command)
. ICPD Use of Force - November 2006
. ICPD Quarterly/Summary Report (all quarters) - IAIRlPCRB, 2006
Motion carried, 4/0. Horton absent.
Barnhill requested that the next time General Order 00-01 (Search and Seizure) is
reviewed to go back through and double check the numbering on Definitions (should
be III) and on page 9, item G would be a, b, c, d.
Engel asked for clarification as to when it's necessary to have the video or audio
running during a traffic stop. disturbance call. etc. Chief Hargadine explained that
they would like to have officers have it on all the time, but there are instances where
there is a foot pursuit and the officer does not have time to turn it on manually. The
only thing that automatically triggers the system to turn on is when the overhead
lights on. Engel asked if it was expected to have the recording device on if an officer
is called to a residence. It is not expected of the officer, Widmer explained that part
of the problem is the range of the system. Many factors need to be taken into
consideration as to whether the system can transmit: range, atmosphere, building
type, battery strength, angle of vehicle. etc.
Chief Hargadine said it probably would be expected if an officer was called to a
domestic disturbance. The officers have a transmitter on their belt that they can turn
PCRB
January 9, 2007
Page 2
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION
BOARD
INFORMATION
STAFF
INFORMATION
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
the system on from which should activate it. Widmer stated that all traffic stops now
should be recorded. Other interactions and encounters are a learning process and
more and more should start being recorded. Chief Hargadine also explained that the
time it takes a supervisor to review an incident, if on video, is about 20 minutes. If
the incident is not on video, it takes about 40 hours to investigate the complaint. This
was one of the reasons the policy was changed to "shall" was to save time during
investigations. Barnhill asked if there was a backup process if the lead officer is
involved in interviews etc, and the recording device has not been turned on, can
someone else turn it on? Chief Hargadine stated there is an indicator light on the
vehicle that let officers know who is recording and who is not so that other officers
can trigger the system. Barnhill asked if Field Interviews were considered field
activity and were they previously considered discretionary? Widmer responded that
it was field activity and previously and currently officers "should" record. It is
encouraged strongly, and if they don't it is the supervisor's responsibility to find out
why and try to get officers in the habit of doing it. Barnhill asked for clarification with
verbal field interview cards and the dispatchers. Widmer explained that for additional
information that normally would not go on reports, but the officer wants to remember
it just in case, they have the dispatchers make a blotter entry. A blotter entry is when
the dispatcher through the CAD system is able to type in information that will stored
in on that call.
Citv Code Section 8-8-6(E\ / Policv & Procedure for extension reauests -Motion by
Barnhill and seconded by Engel to table the discussion until legal counsel was
present and until the March meeting so Barnhill could be present.
Motion carried, 4/0, Horton absent.
None.
None.
None.
Tuttle mentioned that the City Council was scheduling times for Boards and
Commissions to discuss the FY08 budget.
Motion by Barnhill and seconded by Roth to adjourn into Executive Session based
on Section 21.5(1 )(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are
required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept
confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel
records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and
school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where
disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not
PCRB
January g, 2007
Page 3
required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of
its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the
government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from
making them to that government body if they were available for general public
examination.
Motion carried, 4/0, Horton absent. Open session adjourned at 5:48 P.M.
REGULAR
SESSION
Returned to open session at 6:02 P.M.
Motion by Barnhill and seconded by Engel to move Item 9 on the agenda to discuss
the meeting schedule.
Motion carried, 4/0, Horton absent.
MEETING SCHEDULE
. February 13, 2007,5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
. March 13, 2007, TBA, Lobby Conference Room
. April 10, 2007, TBA, Lobby Conference Room
. May 8,2007, TBA, Lobby Conference Room
The Board agreed to cancel the February meeting if an extension is requested for
the Chief's report on PCRB Complaint #06-05, due to a lack of Board business.
Barnhill will not be available during most of the month in February for meetings.
RETURN TO
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion by Barnhill and seconded by Engel to adjourn into Executive Session based
on Section 21.5(1 )(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are
required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept
confidential as a condition for that government body's possession or continued
receipt of federal funds, and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel
records of public bodies including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and
school districts, and 22-7(5) police officer investigative reports, except where
disclosure is authorized elsewhere in the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not
required by law, rule or procedure that are made to a government body or to any of
its employees by identified persons outside of government, to the extent that the
government body receiving those communications from such persons outside of
government could reasonably believe that those persons would be discouraged from
making them to that government body if they were available for general public
examination.
Motion carried, 4/0, Horton absent. Open session adjourned at 6:05 P.M.
(Larson left the meeting due to a conflict of interest.)
REGULAR
SESSION
Returned to open session at 8:30 P.M.
PCRB
January 9, 2007
Page 4
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Horton, seconded by Barnhill to request an additional 60-day extension for
Complaint #06-03, due to further investigation.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Motion by Roth, seconded by Barnhill requesting staff to send a letter to the
complainant of PCRB Complaint #06-03 advising them of the extended timelines.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Motion by Horton, seconded by Barnhill asking staff to send a letter to the Police
Chief requesting additional information relevant to PCRB Complaint #06-03.
Motion carried, 4/0, Larson absent.
Motion for adjournment by Roth and seconded by Barnhill. Motion carried, 4/0,
Larson absent. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 P.M.
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
(Meetinl!. Date)
TERM 1/9
NAME EXP.
Candy 9/1107 X
Barnhill
Elizabeth 9/1108 X
Engel
Loren 9/1/08 X
Horton
Greg Roth 9/1109 X
Michael 9/1/09 X
Larson
KEY: X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
IJ:1:
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 1,2007 -7:30 P.M.
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - CITY HALL
APPROVED
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Brooks called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Wally Plahutnik, Beth Koppes, Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Terry
Smith, Bob Brooks, Dean Shannon
CALL TO ORDER:
STAFF PRESENT:
Bob Miklo, Mitch Behr
OTHERS PRESENT:
Glenn Siders (Southgate Development, P.O. Box 1907, Iowa City), Allan
Axeen (HACAP Properties Housing Supervisor, 706 10t' Avenue A,
Coralville), Glen Meisner (1917 S. Gilbert Street), Larry Kleinmyer
(4633 Rapid Creek Road)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
Recommended approval, by a vote of 5-2, of REZ06-00028: an application submitted by the Southgate
Development for a rezoning from Commercial Office (CO-1) zone to Community Commercial (CC-2) zone
for .91 acres of property located at 1902 and 1906 Broadway Street subject to a conditional zoning
agreement addressing the need for a transition and buffer for the adjacent residential zone.
Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of SUB04-00011: an application submitted by John Oaks for a
preliminary plat of Lyn-Den Heights Part III, a 38-lot, 38.5 acre residential subdivision located on Rapid
Creek Road NE, subject to compliance with the Johnson County Road Standards.
Public Discussion of Anv Item not on the Aoenda
No discussion.
Rezonina/Development Item
REZ06-00028: Discussion of an application submitted by the Southgate Development for a rezoning from
Commercial Office (CO-1) zone to Community Commercial (CC-2) zone for .91 acres of property located
at 1902 and 1906 Broadway Street.
Miklo said that normally, the staff would be hesitant to recommend a CC-2 zoning next to a residential
zoning. Staff is recommending approval subject to several conditions. Their intention is to make this
application have a positive effect on the neighborhood. Some of the concerns are lighting, intercom
sound, and the visual appearance of a large paved area. Staff is also concerned that the remaining CO-1
property be visible and have good access to Broadway Street. Miklo said that staff prepared a concept
plan which allows a 50 foot buffer along the south boundary of the proposed CC-2 property, which is a
potential drive-thru site. The drive-thru would be a special exception to the CC-2 zoning which would
have to be approved by the Board of Adjustment.
The applicant is concerned that orientating the CC-2 zoning east to west to achieve the 50 foot buffer
would not allow adequate space for development on the remaining office site. The staff feels that there is
sufficient room for development; the plot is almost an acre in size, has good visibility, and has vehicular
access to Broadway. Staff analyzed several other office spaces in the neighborhood and many were
smaller in size than this proposal.
Miklo said the applicant has submitted a new concept plan with a 35 foot buffer for the proposed CC-2
zone rather than the 50 foot buffer recommended by staff. He said the applicant's plan relies on a
vacation of 6 feet of right of way which would require a separate application. Mikio said that with the
applicant's plan, staff is concerned about access to the remaining office commercial office site in that
there is no line of sight to Broadway and vehicular traffic would have to circulate around to the CC-2 site
in order to get to the office.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 2
Miklo said staff recommends approval subject to the conditions designed to provide a transition and buffer
for adjacent residential zone. The applicant has agreed to all the conditions except for the 50' buffer.
Eastham confirmed that there is considerable CC-2 zoning to the west of the proposed lot. Eastham
asked about the lighting reguiations for CC-2 zoning. Miklo stated that there is a maximum foot candle at
the property line and the lights must be downcast. If it's within 300 It of residential property, the poles
must be lower than 25 feet.
Eastham asked about the signage regulations in CC-2 zoning. Mikio stated that as a condition to this
approvai, the applicant would be limited to one free standing sign on the corner nearest to the
intersection.
Brooks stated that the boundary line on the east was different between the applicant's map and the staff's
map. Brooks asked how to determine where the boundary line is in terms of this application. Miklo
responded that the concept plan that staff has proposed would extend the CC-2 zoning line 65 feet in
order to get the east-west orientation. Brooks stated that if we approve the application, we are not
approving enough to cover everything in the concept laid out in the staff's concept plan. Miklo stated
rezoning would have to cover the larger area.
Eastham asked what happens if the Commission does not approve this application. Miklo stated that the
applicant could revise their plan to meet any recommended requirements or they could present their
application to the City Council with a negative recommendation.
Smith asked about the hashed area on the south side (which is a driveway and easement) and confirmed
that the property line fell in the center of that area. Smith also confirmed that the width of the driveway is
25 feet. He stated that the setback from the property line was 48 Y, feet if you add the 12 Y, feet which
represents half of the driveway to the applicant's proposed 36 foot setback.
Eastham confirmed that 48 Y, feet is the total amount of distance between the property line and the north
side of the buffer zone.
Smith confirmed that the 50 foot buffer requested by staff is in addition to the 12 Y, feet that represents
the applicant's half of the driveway. The 12 Y, feet of the driveway is land that the applicant cannot use.
Smith stated that the letter Miklo passed out was in support of the application and asked if there was any
written opposition. Miklo responded that there was not.
Brooks asked if it was possible for the applicant, with the approval of the adjacent property owner, to
access the back office parcel using this drive. Miklo responded that this would not be possible because
of provisions in the code that would not allow commercial traffic to travel over residential property; this is
something the staff would not recommend.
Behr stated that it would be a zoning code violation in the sense that it would commercial use of the
property to the south which is not zoned for it.
Eastham stated that the Comprehensive Plan for the South District shows everything east of Broadway
as apartment buildings. Eastham stated that staff had some discussion as to if the plot conforms to the
comprehensive plan generally. Miklo stated that the Comprehensive Plan (and land use map) shows the
area as multi-family, which was recognized as the general character of the area. The small size of the
area may account for the fact that its commercial zoning was not specified. When there is a smaller
space, sometimes the distinction is not shown. Also, office space is considered compatible with
residential and that is perhaps why it was not indicated differently in the plan.
Eastham stated that the plan calls for new development in the area, including providing a commercial
development on Sycamore, south and east of this application. This would be an attractive way to include
commercial zoning in the south district. There is language in the existing commerciai zoning along
Highway 6 may be adequate in its current state. Eastham does not read anything in the plan that calls for
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 3
additional commercial development and CC-2 zoning along Highway 6. He feels that the plan calls for
further commercial development along Sycamore.
Smith stated that Sycamore has not been developed in this way and is mostly residential. Eastham
stated that this pian is specified for an area that hasn't yet been developed.
Glenn Siders, applicant with Southgate Development Services, wanted to address some comments that
were made at the informal meeting. He stated that the 12 Yo feet is an easement for use as a driveway by
both properties. Their intention is to relocate the property line and give the 12 Yo feet to HACAP as it
provides a liability for Southgate since they cannot use it. HACAP has indicated a willingness to take
ownership. He said Southgate's concept plan would require obtaining a 6 foot right of way to the north
from the City. There is an 8 foot trail that cuts diagonally through the property. Staff has assured them
that, should the property redevelop, the trail could be rerouted at the cost of the applicant. The space
would be used for infrastructure or parking.
The applicant agrees that the orientation could be changed to be east-west but they feel that this would
make the office lot unmarketable. Siders stated that the staffs concept plan showed a 10,000 square foot
office building, except that it would only be 9,000 square foot due to restrictions on the number of parking
stalls that would be able to be located in this lot. Applicant stated that they would not be able to make the
50 foot buffer work, but are offering 35-38 feet of buffer (as the lot is not square).
The applicant does not see why residential housing is allowed on the second floor of commercial lots but
not across the buffer. He feels that the wall would reflect light back up into the second floor housing.
The City's concept plans have only one access point to Broadway Street, directly across from the
driveway on the west. The applicant has agreed to do this, however nothing in the plan limits them to one
driveway on the property. The City wants to share an access point with the property to the east. He
doesn't feel that having two driveways is any less awkward than the plan that the City has presented. He
thinks that signs wouid help to alleviate this awkwardness. The applicant stated that they have the right
to put a second entrance to the east in but that they do not want to do this because the City is trying to
limit them to one driveway. The Board of Adjustment might set other requirements for them.
Siders stated that if the application was not approved, there may be three other options for development
of the land. 1) The engineering department has stated that the lot could have two access points off
Broadway, a minimum of 50 feet apart and a minimum of 6 feet off the property line. If both structures
were raised and the property was level, there could be a 23,000 square foot, 143 parking stall facility that
would be a CO-1 user. This is a higher parking ratio than the 1 per 300 parking ratio required but there is
no maximum set. This does not show accessing the current joint HACAP/Cornet use. 2) Multiple
buildings with 26,668 square feet (single story) with 120 parking spaces (1 per 200 ratio) and using the
existing driveway. If the City does not allow use of the existing driveway, a third lane could be added for
a maximum of 36 feet from the current 25 feet. The addition to the north of the driveway would allow the
driveway to still be used. 3) This scenario shows a possible use for the lot under the current zoning
restrictions if the law office were to stay in piace. The applicant would place a 2-story structure, 27,500
square feet, 93 (1 per 300 ratio) parking stalis. The driveway to the south would probably have to be
reconstructed or another access to Broadway could be constructed complying to the regulations of the
City. The applicant Is more than happy to stick with one access point to improve traffic but they cannot
understand why their application is any more obtrusive than any other proposed use in the current zoning.
Koppes asked if all three plans could be built on the property as it is zoned today. The applicant stated
that all three of these options could be built under the current CO-1 zoning.
Miklo stated that the City's access management standards would not allow these to be built as shown.
He stated that the City would require that the access points line up and that there not be multiple access
points. He also stated that second story residential use is not guaranteed in CC-2 zoning, but rather is
granted by special exception. Through that process the Board of Adjustment examines the use on the
ground floor to determine whether the quality of life would be acceptable. Mikio stated that the trail is also
a storm water area with piping that the City purchased an easement for. He does not feel that it would be
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 4
easy to relocate the trail Siders also stated that his three scenarios do not depict the 10 foot buffer that is
required for all CO-1 zones.
Eastham asked if Southgate reviewed the Comprehensive Plan before applying for this rezoning and
determined that it was compatible. Siders answered that he had and stated that he does not think this
application is incompatible with the current development. He doesn't think that it would be a wise
development to redevelop the area with more apartments considering the scattered housing task force's
recent deliberations.
Plahutnik stated that he does not see the disadvantage of building something on the iot that conforms
with the current zoning since the applicant was able to present scenarios that would be compliant. The
applicant responded that something needs to happen with the property after the apartment building is
raised and that he was simply showing different alternatives.
Shannon asked what would be the problem with taking the other 12 Y, feet of the driveway to add to the
buffer. Siders stated that they have an access agreement with HACAP at this point and that HACAP has
the right to use it. It is aiso a liability to have the 12 Y, feet and it works better for HACAP to use it.
Smith confirmed that the buffer is just shy of 36 feet and in the staffs proposal the orientation is changed
90 degrees to gain an additional 14 feet of buffer. Staffs concept uses 65 feet of the property adjacent to
the lot on the east. We would be losing 65 feet to gain 14 feet. Miklo confirmed that the other gain is
clearer vehicular access and visibility from Broadway Street. The applicant stated that they would be
willing to look at another access point if the current access point is not clearly accessible.
AI Axeen with HACAP Properties stated that there was no discussion between Southgate and HACAP
until after Southgate's first hearing with the Commission. He stated that the property has reached its
usable life and that any other development will likely cost more than its worth. The HACAP property will
likely only be able to be used for another 7-9 years. He has spoken with the tenants and they had no
objections, and are generally pleased. He stated that most of his tenants do not have vehicles and he
likes the possibility of his tenants being able to walk to work as transportation is an issue. Most of his
tenants do not have any income at all. Their objective is to get their tenants into permanent housing
within two years. He feels that the redevelopment of the area is a positive change for the tenants.
Without the 12 Y, feet from the driveway, it would be necessary to reconfigure the driveway to allow
vehicles to be able to back out. He confirmed that the City of Iowa City still owns the property and
HACAP is buying the property on contract. He was involved in the City government of Coralville for
several years and looked at their current code. It stated that there could be up to 50 feet for these
transitions. He feels that with the wall and the right type of foliage that 25 feet would be sufficient. He
doesn't feel it would provide any greater noise and light than is currently provided from the highway. He
says that the prospective user will be a great neighbor and that they have dealt with them before in Cedar
Rapids and various other properties.
Freerks asked if his statements were on behalf of HACAP or himself. He has cleared the non-objection
with the HACAP Executive Director and speaks on behalf of both himself and HACAP. He believes
strongly in affordable housing and having housing available for all types of people.
Eastham asked if it mattered to him whether the employment opportunities were on the west side of
Broadway instead of the east. Axeen stated it did not. Eastham asked if it mattered if the property was
developed in another way that provided employment opportunities. Axeen stated that that would be
agreeable to him as well.
Brooks closed public discussion.
Freerks made a motion to approve the application subject to the conditional zoning agreement which
includes the six items stated in the staff report including:
1. Providing a buffer strip between the CC-2 property and RM-44 property of no less than fifty feet
wide to inciude a minimum 5 foot tall masonry wall located within the northern 10 feet of the
buffer, and evergreen and deciduous over story trees and shrubs plantings to a minimum S3
standard.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 5
2. Closure of the Hollywood Boulevard access point to the CO-1 property and use of a shared
access point. The shared access should utilize the existing access for 1902 Broadway and
extend to the CO-1 property but shall not infringe on the 50 foot buffer.
3. A landscaped 20' setback from the property line along Broadway Street.
4. Limit of one free-standing sign located in the northwest corner of the property. No building signs
on the south or east sides facing the residential development. Other fascia and monument signs
permitted per the code.
5. S3 screening of the remaining CO-1 parcel along its southern and eastern property boundaries or
alternatively along the east boundary of the CC-2 parcel.
6. The building and canopy should be of a quality of design appropriate for a transition to residential
zoning, inciuding features such as stone, standing seam metal roof and neutral colors.
Shannon seconded.
Behr confirmed that this motion is to rezone the .91 acres and the additional 65 feet from the other
property. Freerks confirmed that this was the intention of her motion.
Smith feels that he cannot support the motion because of the 50 foot buffer which goes against the
applicant's wishes and the neighbor who would be affected by this is in support of the plan. Smith is a
resident of this neighborhood and supports the applicant's proposal as is.
Koppes feels that she cannot support the motion with the 50 foot buffer and feels that 35 feet is sufficient
so there is no reason to force them to 50 feet. She is a resident of the neighborhood as well.
Eastham feels that he cannot support the motion because he does not feel that extension of CC-2 zoning
east of Broadway is supported by the Comprehensive Plan and the district plan in this area. He feels that
there is adequate CC-2 zoning and has not heard anything that indicates that there is a compelling
reason for increasing the amount of CC-2 zoning in the district. There are excellent planning principles
that support separating residential and community commercial zoning at least by streets. There are only
a few instances of residential and CC zoning being adjacent. He drove through the area and feels that
establishing the proposed use will substantially change the potential enjoyment for residential properties
on the east of Broadway. There will be much more traffic and lighting and the character of the corner will
change. He feels that other development options would be much more compatible with the existing
residential uses. He recommends a review of the comprehensive plan to see if there is some overall
reason for adding CC-2 zoning in this general location. He doesn't feel it is a good idea to rezone on this
ad hoc basis.
Plahutnik cannot support the motion because he feels that it is zoned CO-1 because it is transitional into
residential. He doesn't feel that it is a zoning principle to grant zoning simply because there is a buyer
that requests a certain type of zoning. Especially for the most intensive use allowed in the CC-2 zone. If
rezoning was appropriate, he has no problem with the plan that has been submitted. He agrees that 35
feet is sufficient and feels that the applicant has made a substantial effort to increase it and create as few
problems for the residents as possible. He said that he would consider rezoning if the RM-44 becomes
unusable but not at this time.
Behr said perhaps it would be best to vote on this motion and follow-up with an alternative motion if it
fails.
Freerks feels that this application does not require a change to the Comprehensive Plan and that the plan
currently supports this. She feels that the buffer should be as large as we can make it to minimize the
effects on the residential properties. She supports the rezoning but is concerned about the transition to
the RM-44, the visibility of the remaining office lot, and the viability of the CO-1 to the east.
Motion failed 1-6, Freerks voting in favor.
Smith made a motion to approve the application as submitted subject to the same six conditional zoning
agreement items in the previous motion except for a change in the first point regarding the buffer
requirement to a 35 foot minimum instead of 50 feet. Koppes seconded.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 6
Smith stated that he agrees with Eastham that redeveloping with apartments would be favorable if it were
not for the heavy traffic of Highway 6. We want to move the community commercial zoning to along the
Highway 1 and Highway 6 corridors. In this specific site, he can see value in the application as
submitted.
Freerks feels that this will be a good development. She would like to see a larger buffer but feels that
employment opportunities are important. She hopes the redevelopment is done well and is good for the
area.
Koppes thanked Southgate for working with HACAP Properties in this effort.
Brooks sympathizes with the staff's efforts in getting to this point but he feels that there are other buffers
that are substantial enough (masonry wall, foliage, and highway traffic). He prefers that this lot remain
office but that it seems reasonable to have commercial on both sides of the highway. He hopes that the
access points can be worked out to make the remaining office plot viable.
Eastham stated that he does not disagree with having commercial along an access road, but he feels that
the plan as it exists does not intend that in this area. It would be necessary to look at a plan revision if
warranted. He still will not support the motion.
Motion carried 5-2, Eastham and Plahutnik voting no.
Koppes would like to add discussion of a revision of the comprehensive plan to the work schedule so it is
not forgotten. She feels that it will have to be addressed at some point since the apartment buildings will
not be viable for many more years.
Brooks stated that it would not be a high priority, but could be added to the work program.
REZ07-00001: Discussion of an application submitted by City of Iowa City for a rezoning from Community
Commercial (CC-2) zone to Intensive Commercial (CI-1) zone for approximately 12 acres of property
located on Ruppert Road.
Miklo stated that this issue area was rezoned recently. The Comprehensive Plan was amended to change
the area from Intensive Commercial to Community Commercial zone. The original plan had Identified the
area to the north which is currently zoned Intensive Commercial as appropriate for more retail uses. The
thought was that they might be able to move to the south to the CI-1 zone and that the CI-1 zone might
be used for development of uses associated with the airport. This did not occur. Wal-Mart approached
the City to buy the property. It was thought that bringing in a major anchor retailer would spur
development throughout the entire area along the highway. Wal-Mart did not purchase the land. There is
now a question if Ruppert Road is viable as a CC-2 use. There is interest in CI-1 wholesale warehouse
type users in the area. This will require an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. Staff is also looking
at improving the area to the west by changing the streets to improve visibility to spur redevelopment.
Another item on the agenda is to amend the Comprehensive Plan.
Staff is recommending that the eastern area of 12 acres be rezoned CI-1. It is suggested that this is not
voted on tonight until the Comprehensive Plan is addressed.
Smith confirmed that the road rerouting that Wal-Mart had proposed is not on the table at this point. Miklo
said that is correct.
Freerks stated that there was discussion at the informal meeting about rezoning the entire area. Miklo
stated that this is not on the table at this point but may be a possibility at some future point. He
suggested the Comprehensive Pian explain options in this area. CC-2 may be appropriate and viable if it
is possible to have better access to the area.
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 7
Koppes stated that Miklo said at the informal meeting that the road would not be a long term fix and
confirmed that we would want to zone CI-1 now. She stated that we would not want to put a restaurant
back in an area which it was not zoned for.
Freerks stated that the Commission should be outlined in the Comprehensive Plan would be the long
term intentions for the lot and that they should rezone depending on what happens with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Miklo stated that the staff recommends that the area to the west stay CC-2 until the road situation is
addressed, which could be within the next few years. If that did happen, the area would have to be
rezoned back to CC-2 and this would take away any stability in the zoning.
Koppes stated that she did not want to see someone buy land and build something compliant with CC-2,
and then change it in the future to CI-1.
Miklo stated that the City controls the area and the sales and that they will know what is going to be viable
based on larger interest. Miklo stated that he doesn't anticipate that the land would be bought by anyone
using a CC-2 zoning because of the poor access.
Plahutnik asked if it would be possibie to resubmit the zoning with a more long term vision. Miklo stated
that because of the current offer staff would recommend the CI-1 zone for the eastern area and that in the
long term the western area along Ruppert Road be studied for the most appropriate zone.
Smith confirmed that CC-2 exists all along Ruppert Road and out to Highway 218 and north to Highway 1.
Miklo responded that this was true with the exception of the school district. Smith asked if this would
create a spot zoning situation. This would create 3 contiguous CC-2 zones whereas before there was
one large CC-2 zone. Miklo stated that because the area is over 12 acres that it would not be a spot
zoning. The plan intends large retailer development along the highway due to the increased visibility of
these properties. Smith confirmed that this motion should be tabled until the Comprehensive Plan Is
discussed.
Behr confirmed that at the next meeting, the Commission would not be able to rezone more to CI-1 than
is being contemplated tonight. Behr also stated that when the purchase agreements are negotiated, the
buyer conditions the sale on the land being rezoned. Council then approves the purchase agreement but
does not authorize the zoning. The rezoning must go through the normal process.
Brooks closed public discussion.
Smith made a motion to defer to the February 15 meeting. Plahutnik seconded. Motion carried
unanimously.
Comprehensive Plan Item
Setting a public hearing for February 15 to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the South Central
District Plan to discuss commercial development scenarios for Ruppert Road.
Smith made a motion to approve. Plahutnik seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Development Item
SUB04-00011: Discussion of an application submitted by John Oaks for a preliminary plat of Lyn-Den
Heights Part III, a 38-lot, 38.5 acre residential subdivision located on Rapid Creek Road NE.
Miklo stated that a revision plat was received and reviewed by the City engineers. They have approved
the plan subject to approval of the waste water treatment system by the DNR. A letter has been received
by the Solon Fire Department stating that they would serve the area. The only outstanding issue is that
this application does not comply with the County road requirements but this is not a consideration for the
City to make. Staff recommends approval subject to DNR approval of the waste water treatment system
---_._,--"-----_._...,_._--^._-_.~~------------'--_.-
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 8
and resolution of the County road requirements (either having the requirements waived or the applicant
complying with them).
Smith confirmed that the Solon Fire Department has stated that they can serve the area but would need
the support of the Iowa City Fire Department because there are no hydrants nearby.
Brooks opened public discussion.
Glen Meisner, on behalf of the applicant, stated that they have no further comments except to say that
they have worked with the City to remove any problems with their application.
Larry Kleinmyer stated that he has come up with some numbers to give the Commission an idea of the
scope of this development. The daily usage of water goes up to a maximum of 45,000 gallons per day.
On an aqua system, this water would be drawn from under the aquifer that Kleinmyer is currently drawing
from at 135 feet. He questions how long the systems can handle this kind of demand. His well is within
the 1000 feet boundary of their proposed well. He is afraid that his well will dry up so that this
development can have water.
He is also concerned with where the run-off will go--over 11,000 gallons of sewer per day. The original
proposal was a two mound system which would be on the lot closest to Rapid Creek, directly across from
his well, which he feels was insensitive. Now they are proposed a larger, single mound system.
Kleinmyer has doubts that a single mound system can handle 11,000 gallons per day and be in
compliance this close to the creek and an open pit quarry. He feels that the development could be scaled
back to make it more user-friendly for everyone involved.
He was not able to get the traffic count from 2005 but he is aware that as of now, the traffic flow is over
1000 cars per day. This new development would likely add 200-300 cars per day. He feels that replacing
the road would be a tax burden to him but that he would not see any benefit. He is asking the
Commission to reconsider this application. Land value has increased significantly since this plan started
in 1996. At the time, 1-3 acres per house was adequate. He still supports this. He feels that the total
revenue that Mr. Oaks can make now is at least as much, if not more, than he could make then. He does
not feel that Mr. Oaks would have to put down 38 houses just to make a profit. A development like this
puts a burden on natural resources and jeopardizes his livelihood.
Freerks asked about having to sign off on the mound system. Kleinmyer stated that he must sign off on
this system because it is within 1000 feet of his well system. The DNR can override his denial. He has
consulted with MMS and has told them that there was nothing to discuss because their plans were
unacceptable to him. If the development was scaled back, each home could have individual sewer
systems. He feels that the Commission's input has an effect on how the County treats this application.
He understands that clustering is the preferred development method in Johnson County but he feels that
this area is too small to merit this size of a development. Kleinmyer asked that this motion be denied so
that the applicant can make this development more user-friendly.
Smith asked if Kleinmyer had talked to the DNR about their requirements. Kleinmyer stated that he called
Ames but they did not have the 2005 traffic count on Rapid Creek Road but in 2002 it was 940 and has
increased significantly.
Kleinmyer stated that he understands that the property is zoned residential and he is not trying to stop the
development process, but felt it should be at a density appropriate for the site.
Brooks closed public discussion.
Brooks asked Behr about the Commission authority and responsibility in this application. Brooks is
concerned about the sanitary sewer system's effect on the area and the environment. He would like to
make it clear when the application is sent forward that this is an important consideration that should be
handled properiy. Behr stated that the scope of review is the Fringe Area Review which does not get into
the details and relies on the County. Miklo stated that an area that is already zoned and meets the
requirements for a subdivision an application should be approved. There is no question that the road
Planning and Zoning Commission
February 1, 2007
Page 9
requirements are not met They must improve Rapid Creek Road or get an exemption from the County.
The other concern is waste water treatment, which is why the staff recommends DNR approval be a
condition to this application.
Plahutnik asked if a vote was required tonight before the application goes is approved by the DNR. Miklo
stated that the application deadline expires tonight Plahutnik does not like the idea of putting in a
condition that is not met before the Commission approves it
The Commission asked Meisner about the status of the DNR permit Meisner responded that a
preliminary plat is a planning tool to allow you to go on to the next step of design. The DNR would not
give them a permit unless they completed the entire design. He feels that this is an unfair requirement at
this stage. This is a tool to help them to move forward. The cost of designing a system like this is
significant because it takes a lot of time and skill. They have qualified staff that has designed many septic
systems in the past When the final plat comes back, the whole system will be permitted and installed to
those standards. There will be a monitoring system to meet DNR regulations of testing, monitoring, and
maintaining.
Eastham asked if there were other developments in the area that were generating similar amounts of
waste that were using this same system. Miklo stated that he could not answer that question with any
expertise.
Brooks stated that the technical requirements of the Fringe Area Agreement have been met with the
exception of the waste water treatment and road standards. Behr agreed and feels that it is reasonable
to put the DNR approval. Smith confirmed that the final plat would come before the City of Iowa City
again because it falls under the Fringe Area Agreement
Smith made a motion to approve subject to approval by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
concerning the waste water disposal system and the application meeting or being exempted from the
road standards of the County. Eastham seconded.
Freerks suggested that Kleinmyer should contact the DNR and write letters with neighbors to get this
issue heard.
Smith shares those concerns. He thinks that the application should go forward to the next stage to see
what the technical specifications are and that this approval by no means suggests that the final
application would be approved.
Eastham stated that he would be more confident if the City's interests were being considered and
protected by the DNR. Because the sewer water would drain into Rapid Creek which eventually goes to
the Iowa River about the City's water treatment plant
Plahutnik thinks that this development is something that the County should not consider because the
residents of the county have chosen to live there because it is a rural and relatively undeveloped area.
This development significantly changes the county. He understands that this is under the purview of the
County but does not like the fact that all he can do is confirm that the applicant has checked off all the
necessary items.
Motion carried 7-0.
Other Items
Consideration of the Januarv 18. 2007 Meetina Minutes
Smith made a motion to approve as amended. Eastham seconded.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Megan Weiler.
s/pcd/m in ulesfp&zl2-1.07 .doc
Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission
Attendance Record
2007
FORMAL MEETING
Term
Name Expires 1/18 2/01
Brooks 05/10 X X
Eastham 05/11 X X
Freerks 05/08 X X
Koppes 05/07 X X
Plahutnik 05/10 X X
Shannon 05/08 X X
Smith 05/11 X X
I INFORMAL MEETING
Term
i Name Expires 1/29
,
i B. Brooks 05/10 X
,
; C. Eastham 05/11 X
I A. Freerks 05/08 X
I E.Koppes 05/07 X
, W Plahutnik 05/10 X
! D.Shannon 05/08 OlE
I T. Smith 05/11 X
i
,
I Key:
X = Present
I 0 = Absent
I OlE = Absent/Excused
,
,
I
,
I
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MINUTES
Youth Advisory Commission
January 17, 2007 -7:00 P.M.
Lobby Conference Room, City Hall
FINAL
Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 7:00 P.M.
Members Present: All. Keranen, Stubbers, Bleam, Nelson, Weeks, Segar, Ziegenhorn
(arrived late).
Others Present: City Council Liaison Correia, City Clerk Karr, DI Liaison to City
Council Austin Baeth
Recommendations to Council (become effective only after separate Council action):
. to support the late night bus service
Introductions
All present gave introductions.
Approve Minutes
Typo was identified in section "Discussion of Budget Requests". "Volunteer Fair" should
read "Website" under the figures of funding requested.
Motioned by Stubbers to approve the minutes. Seconded by Weeks, approved
unanimously 7-0.
Election of Officers
The positions of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary were open for election.
Bleam moved to nominate Keranen to serve another term as chair, seconded by Stubbers.
No other members were nominated. All present members voted in support of Keranen 6-
O.
Stubbers moved to nominate herself, seconded by Keranen. No others were nominated.
Bleam moved to close nominations for vice-chair. All present members voted in support
of Stubbers 6-0.
Ziegenhorn arrived and was given a briefing of what had occurred since the start of the
meeting.
Clerk Karr explained the responsibilities of the secretary. Nelson moved to nominate
himself, seconded by Stubbers. No others were nominated. All members voted in support
of Nelson 7 - O.
Youth Advisory Commission
January 17, 2007
Page 2
Motion to support Late Nil!ht Bus Service (deferred from 12/6 meetinl!)
VI Liaison to City Council Baeth summarized his proposal for late night bus service. He
noted that the original proposal of his predecessor was for a bus line to run from 9pm to
2:30am on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with Iowa City providing the
paratransit service. To reduce costs he has revised the proposal to run only on Friday and
Saturday evenings, with Cambus providing the paratransit service using the Bionic Bus.
The route would run on a northern border of Market or Church Streets, eastern border of
Summit or Governor Streets, southern border of Bowery, and western border of Clinton
Street.
The main justification for the new bus service was safety, noting the instances of assault
occurring in the past few months. He stated the bus route could protect pedestrians at
night by providing them with a safe ride home. It could also reduce instances of drunk
driving, providing an alternative way to get home.
The second justification for the bus service was to reduce parking congestion in the
crowded downtown area.
The third justification for the bus service was to provide a more environmentally-friendly
option for transportation during the evening.
Keranen asked when during the year the route would run, noting that during the summer
when the potential ridership would be lower the route could be suspended to lower costs.
Baeth responded that the route would run 28 months of the year to coincide with the
university and high school community, since he anticipates that a majority of the riders
would be students.
Baeth closed with nothing that the route would be open to everyone in the community,
and that it would provide a safer option for transportation during the evenings.
Keranen noted that the Youth Advisory Commission had expressed interest at previous
meetings of making a motion of support for the proposal as a suggestion for the City
Council.
Keranen motioned to support the late night bus service, seconded by Stubbers. All
members present voted in support 7-0.
Councilor Correia noted that there are three ways to support the late night bus service
proposal. The first and most passive is that the motion of support will be present to all
council members in the packet in the commission minutes and Recommedations to
Council. The second option is to submit a letter to councilor memo, which could be
included in the meeting packet. This would highlight the issue to the press. The third
Youth Advisory Commission
January 17, 2007
Page 3
option would be to present the recommendation meeting during the public discussion
time at council meetings. Karr noted that the timing should be considered.
Keranen expressed support for presenting the recommendation at a city council meeting,
and asked Karr about possible dates. Karr noted that on February 6 and February 20
Student Citizenship Award presentations would occur, at which commission members
would be present. Ziegenhorn was scheduled for Februrary 6 and Bleam was scheduled
for February 20 to present the Student Citizenship Awards.
For February 6 Ziegenhorn and Keranen will present the recommendation to city council,
while Nelson will write a memo. Baeth noted it would be more effective to have multiple
people presenting or writing letters to the council. Karr said she would send Baeth's
previous letters and transcribed speeches to Baeth, Nelson, Ziegenhorn, and Keranen. At
Correia's suggestion, an ad hoc subcommittee was formed with Nelson, Ziegenhorn, and
Keranen working together to draft a memo and presentation in support of the late night
bus service to the City Council.
Karr noted that the memo could be included in the packet or handed out the night of the
city council meeting. Correia noted the main audience if presenting during the public
input time of the council meeting is the public and council, while the main audience of
the memo included in the packet is the press.
Discussion of budl!et reQuests FY08
Keranen summarized the budget request and its breakdown decided at the previous
meeting, citing $3000 for mini-grants, $500 for the Global Village, and $200 for the
website.
Correia and Karr noted on January 29, the city council will be hearing arguments for
funding requests of commissions and community entities. Since the commission has not
completed all of the paperwork, the only documents the council will have are what they
are presented with by January 29. Every organization has 15 minutes to present, with a
suggested 10 minutes for presenting and 5 minutes for questions. Keranen expressed
interest in providing a handout briefly outlining the requests and their uses. Stubbers will
draft a summary ofthe budget request with explanations.
The mini-grant proposal was discussed again. Correia noted that at the previous meeting
it was discussed that the mini-grants could fund recycling or other community service
projects. Keranen stated the basic goal would be to promote youth involvement. To
promote youth-led involvement, a rough working target age for the mini-grants of 15-21
was tentatively decided. The projects funding would be for one year. A specific plan of
action for the project would be presented to the subcommittee. Karr noted the
determination of specific details such as the application process would be useful to fine-
tune when presenting the budget proposal to the City Council. Of the $3000 requested,
Stubbers suggested having one project with $1000 potential funding and four projects
Youth Advisory Commission
January 17, 2007
Page 4
with $500 of potential funding. Bleam noted that he preferred to leave details and
evaluations of success open for consideration based on an individual basis. Keranen
suggested a subcommittee should be formed to monitor the success and appropriate use
of funds. Correia noted that the commission could publicize the projects supported by
the mini-grants using the website. She further noted that by March the applicants would
know if they received their funding, since it is dependant upon council funding. The
applicants would have their funding available in July at the start ofthe new fiscal year.
Karr noted the legal ramifications of the funding allocations would have to be worked out
later, which could determine the age range of potential youth-led projects. Correia noted
the value in having a community organization or group, such as a church or school, co-
sponsor the youth-led project for accountability and sustainability over time.
For the January 29 presentation to City Council, Keranen agreed to present the
commission budget request, which Stubbers also attending. They chose the 6: 15 pm
timeslot.
UDdate on Website
Nelson noted the pictures and biographies of all members ofthe 2006 commission were
posted. Weeks and Segar needed to submit their biographies and photos. An archive
section of past members will be created to include those whose terms have expired
without renewal.
Summer of the Arts UDdate
Keranen noted that she has a community contact from Ghana as a source of ideas, music,
and artifacts. Karr noted other options to explore would be through the international
program at the University of Iowa for community members from Ghana. In a letter to the
commission, Deb Green expressed interest in working with a subcommittee. Correia
noted former members Kamps and Subramanian had expressed interest in working with
the subcommittee.
Formulation of Subcommittees
Ziegenhorn, Segar, and Weeks will serve on the Summer ofthe Arts subcommittee, with
Ziegenhorn as the chairperson.
Keranen noted Nelson had been working on the Website subcommittee with Kamps.
Bleam will now serve on the subcommittee with Nelson as chair.
Nelson, Keranen, and Stubbers will serve on the Grant Programming subcommittee with
Stubbers as the chair. The subcommittee would deal with the mini-grant program, further
developing the details such as the application process.
Karr noted that the subcommittees could meet independent of the full commission.
Public Discussion
Youth Advisory Commission
January 17, 2007
Page 5
None.
Announcements/Invitations
None.
2007 Schedule
Meetings were set on Wednesday evenings. Monthly meetings were scheduled, with
subcommittees meeting more frequently.
February 21 - 7:00 PM
March 21-7:00 PM
April 18 - 7:00 PM
A May meeting was not yet scheduled due to potential conflicts with exams and events.
Meetings on June 1 and 2 were tentatively scheduled for the setup for the Global Village.
Stubbers asked about a volunteer opportunity on April 21 for a 50K run by the
Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County.
Bleam motioned to adjourn the meeting. This was seconded by Stubbers and the motion
was carried unanimously, 7-0.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Minutes prepared and submitted by Nelson.
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2006-2007
(Meetine Date)
TERM 3/23 3/30 4/13 4/20 5/25 6/14 7/10 8/14 9/6 10/4 11/1 1/17
NAME EXP.
Andrey 12/31/07 X X X X X X X X X X X X
Keranen
Sarah 12/31/07 X X X OlE OlE X X X X OlE X X
Ziel!enhorn
Lin Weeks 12/31/08 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X
David Segar 12/31/08 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- X
Maison 12/31/07 X X X OlE OlE OlE 0 OlE X X X X
Bleam
Jacqueline 12/31/07 X x X X X X X OlE X OlE X X
Stubbers
Michael 12/31/08 X X X X X X OlE X X X X X
Nelson
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
I
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I
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APPROVED
DECEMBER 2006
I][
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
DECEMBER 19,2006
G08/09 SENIOR CENTER
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM
Robert Engel, David Gould, Jo Hensch, Jay Hanahan, Betty Kelly,
Sarah Maiers, Nancy Wombacher
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping
Lynn Campbell, Lisa Tatge
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the November minutes as distributed. Motion carried on a vote
of 7-0. Engel/Gould
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
Kopping introduced Lisa Tatge. Tatge is the second of three MSW practicum students working at
the Center this year in conjunction with the MSW Practicum Partnership Program.
Tatge provided an update on the planning and implementation of the Memory Training course
that the MSW students are organizing for the Center. The Memory Training course, which was
developed at UCLA's Center on Aging, targets people who are experiencing "senior moments"
and teaches techniques to improve memory skills. At this point, over twenty-three people have
expressed interest in taking the training to become volunteer teachers for the course. It is hoped
that the teacher training will be complete and two Memory Training classes underway by the end
of the University of Iowa's spring semester.
Tatge is also working with Center member and local Historian, Loren Horton, to develop an
Elder Trivia game to be held on January 26, 2007. Horton and Tatge are working together to
determine the program format and develop questions for the game. Groups may sign-up to
participate in the game as early as next week.
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Engel agreed to write the summary of to day's meeting for posting on the web site and to
report on the meeting to both the City Council and Board of Supervisors.
Gould agreed to write the web article for the January 2007 meeting and to report on that
meeting to the City Council and Board of Supervisors.
1
APPROVED
DECEMBER 2006
ADJOURN TO A MEETING OF lOW A CITY SENIOR CENTER FUND, INC.
Motion: To adjourn to a meeting of Iowa City Senior Center Fund, Inc. at 3:59 PM.
Hensch/Kelly-Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION MEETING RECONVENED AT 4:02 PM
UPDATES AND DISCUSSION OF THE PENDING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA CENTER ON AGING--Honohan
The University ofIowa's Center on Aging sent a letter terminating the partnership
between the University ofIowa and the Iowa City Senior Center to form Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute at the University ofIowa. Following a discussion of the situation,
Commissioners reviewed, edited and approved a response letter outlining the issues that
ultimately resulted in the termination of the partnership. The letter will be mailed this
week to all involved parties, including the staff and Director of the University ofIowa
Center on Aging, the Board President and Program Advisor for the Bernard Osher
Foundation, the Iowa City City Council and the Advisory Board for the Osher Lifelong
Learning Institute at the University ofIawa.
STANDING COMMITTEE STATUS REPORT
Promotion Committee-Hensch
Hensch reported that the Promotion Committee met on December 15 and discussed a
variety of ways to link new and existing members. As a means to help members start
new groups and clubs at the Center the committee proposed a "Participant Bulletin
Board". The board would be a place where participants could post notices to help
identify people who share common interests and want to form a new group or club at the
Center. The group suggested having a similar board on the web and a column in the
Post.
The Committee discussed several ways to increase participation in the Newcomers group,
such as changing the name of the group and moving the meeting location. They also are
planning an Activities Fair to promote Senior Center groups, clubs, classes and programs.
Gould updated the Commission on the progress made on the Legacy Letters program.
Advertising for this program is scheduled to occur in January.
Community Relations and Outreach Committee-Wombacher
The Speakers Bureau met on Thursday, Nov 30 to work on developing a presentation that
can be easily adapted for a variety of audiences. Their next, and most likely last, meeting
is scheduled for February 1,2007.
2
-_._--~~~-_._~._,-----_.__.~-,~---"_._----------_._--'----
APPROVED
DECEMBER 2006
Finance Committee-Maiers
The Finance Committee has not met since the last meeting.
OPERA TlONAL REVIEW-Kopping
Staff reports were reviewed and questions answered.
Kopping reviewed the quarterly report that was sent to the Johnson County Social
Services Director, Amy Correia.
ELECTION OF COMMISSION OFFICERS FOR 2007
The nominating committee offered the following slate of officers: Honohan as Chair,
Kelly as Vice-Chair and Wombacher as Secretary.
Motion: To accept the slate of officers as proposed. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Hensch/Gould.
Motion: To elect Sarah Maiers as Senior Center Commissioner representing
Johnson County for a term of three years. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
W ombacher/Engel
COMMISSION DISCUSSION-Honohan
Honohan reported to the City Council. He reported on the Drill Team and current
membership. He also invited the Council to attend the December programs.
Motion: To adjourn. Wombacher/Engel-Motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
3
APPROVED
DECEMBER 2006
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2006
Name Term 1/24 2/21 3/21 4/18 5/23 6/20 8/15 9/19 10/17 11/20 12/19
Expires
Bob Engel 12/31/08 X X X X X OlE OlE OlE X X X
David Gould 12/31/08 X X X X X X X OlE X X X
Jo Hensch 12/31/06 X X X X X X X X X OlE X
Jav Honohan 12/31/07 X X X X X X X X X X X
Bettv Kellv 12/31/07 X OlE X X X X OlE OlE X X X
Sarah Maier 12/31/06 X X X X X OlE X X X OlE X
Nancv Wombacher 12/31/06 OlE OlE X X X X X X X X X
Key:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
Present
Absent
AbsentlExcused
No meeting
Not a member
4
APPROVED
JANUARY 2007
I :~&.
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
JANUARY 16,2006
205 SENIOR CENTER
Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM
Robert Engel, David Gould, Jay Honohan, Betty Kelly, Sarah
Maiers
Nancy Wombacher
Craig Buhman, Michelle Buhman, Linda Kopping, Susan
Rogusky, Julie Seal
Lynn Campbell
Call to Order:
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the December minutes as distributed. Motion carried on a vote
of 5-0. Engel/Gould
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Gould agreed to write the web article for today's meeting and to report on it to the Board
of Supervisors. Honohan plans to attend the City Council's January Work Session for
Boards and Commissions to discuss the projected FY08 operational budget.
Maiers volunteered to write the web article summarizing the February 2007 meeting.
STANDING COMMITTEE STATUS REPORT
None of the standing Committees met since the December Commission meeting.
OPERATIONAL REVIEW-Kopping
Operations- Kopping
Kopping reported that she has accepted and invitation to speak at the University of
Iowa's Emeritus Faculty Council meeting next month.
1
APPROVED
JANUARY 2007
Volunteer Programming- Rogusky
Rogusky reported on the following topics:
I. The operation and success of the Eldercraft Gift Shop needs to be reviewed.
Volunteer clerks are still needed to staff the shop on an ongoing basis and
customer traffic in the shop is not reaching expectations.
2. A participant committee is being created to look at room usage in the building and
develop a room reallocation plan that will accommodate the use of one room for
weight training equipment. Following their evaluation, the committee will make
recommendations to the staff and Commission.
3. Volunteers in Senior Center Television continue to work with Intermedia students
from the University of Iowa who provide training on new technology.
4. During the fall of2006, the members of the chorus decided to implement a
participation fee that would generate enough revenue to provide the chorus
director and accompanist with a small stipend. The fee was implemented in
January 2007 and will be collected every 6 months thereafter.
5. Following the resignation of Richard Tiegs, Becky Fields has been hired to be the
director of the Voices of Experience. Unfortunately, she is only available through
the spring semester of this year, so they are already looking for a replacement.
The University ofIowa's School of Music has been approached for help in
permanently filling the position.
General Programming- Seal
Seal distributed list of programs (attached) offered since June of2006. She discussed the
speakers she uses and asked the Commission for feedback on programming.
Finances and Membership- M Buhman
M. Buhman reported that over the past year, approximately 125 new people have
purchased a Senior Center membership; however the total number of members has
remained around 925. In light of this fact, M. Buhman and afternoon receptionist Larry
Lynch conducted a telephone survey of participants whose memberships had expired
between June I and October 31,2006. The purpose of the survey was to find out why
they decided not to renew their membership.
By means of the telephone survey, it was found that a large number of people moved
away without providing a forwarding address or phone number. Of those who Lynch was
able to contact, most were very friendly and reported that they had not renewed because
they had found other things to do, lacked money or simply forgot. Several people asked
to have another renewal form mailed to them. A summary of the responses (attached)
was distributed. Commissioners expressed support for this project and recommended that
it be continued.
Facility- C. Buhman
C. Buhman evaluated the building as being in a "fair" condition and noted that several
areas will require extensive work in the near future. The most pressing concern at the
moment is the roof membrane, which needs to be replaced. In addition, the chiller and
2
APPROVED
JANUARY 2007
boiler systems are aging and will need to be replaced at some point in the near future. C.
Buhman suggested developing a comprehensive plan to replace the roof membrane,
chiller and boiler simultaneously in order to save money.
Additionally, all of the rest rooms in the building need work. Many of the stalls are not
ADA accessible and will require renovation. He asked that the Commission keep an open
mind when developing plans to update and renovate the building.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION-Honohan
Engel visited the Board of Supervisors and City Council. Engel reported on the progress
of the Promotion Committee and Community Outreach projects.
Motion: To adjourn. KeIly/Maiers-Motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
3
APPROVED
JANUARY 2007
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2007
Name Term 1/16
Exoires
Bob Enael 12/31/08 X
David Gould 12/31/08 X
Jay Honohan 12/31/07 X
Bettv Kellv 12/31/07 X
Sarah Maier 12/31/06 X
Nancy Wombacher 12/31/06 OlE
Key:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
Present
Absent
Absent/Excused
No meeting
Not a member
4
IJ:[
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2007, 6:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
APPROVED
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order at 6:35 pm
Members Present:
Steve Crane, Holly Hart, Brian Richman, Thomas Niblock, Andy Douglas, Marcy
DeFrance
Members Absent:
Jerry Anthony, Michael Shaw
Staff Present:
Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long
Others Present:
Steven Ramirez
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action):
None
Approval of the November 16, 2006 Meeting Minutes
Niblock motioned to approve the minutes as submitted. Hart seconded the motion and the motion carried
on a vote of 6-0.
Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
Hightshoe introduced the Commission's newest member, Andy Douglas, as well as the new minute taker,
Steve Ramirez. Richman suggested that everyone at the table introduce themselves.
Long announced that HACAP submitted a letter yesterday stating that they were not able to spend all of
their allocated money for FY06 sO they returned $71,466. Long said that the number should read
$71,446. Long said that the money will go into the allocation for FY08. Richman asked how much they
were allocated last year. Long said $300,000, but that wasn't quite enough to purchase the final
condominium. Crane asked if they said how much more they needed. Hightshoe said that it may not have
been so much the amount of money but more the terms. Hightshoe said when they accepted the money it
was a 100% payback loan and when they provide transitional housing they accept households that may
only pay $25 a month in rent. It is difficult to pay back a 100% loan when some of your tenants pay such
a small monthly rent. Hightshoe said that $70,000 might have purchased another unit in conjunction with
private financing, which they have done in the past, but not under those terms.
Long said that, two weeks ago, City Council approved some flexibility in the lending terms for housing
projects. The commission can look at a project and look at the Pro Forma and see what each individual
project can afford to pay back. Hightshoe said that the Commission will talk about the Pro Forma
because with the flexibility some of the housing providers might come in requesting a 0% condition
occupancy loan; however may be able to afford some level of repayment. Staff will be doing more
underwriting, such as looking at their debt-coverage ratio, past revenue, rent generated and discussing
payback terms in more depth with applicants. Crane asked if such a large return is uncommon. Long said
yes. Crane asked if the entity would have a better option or first choice when money is allocated later this
year. Long said that is up to the commission. Hightshoe said that an entity takes the risk when they return
the money that HCDC might decide they don't get it back. Hightshoe said they only have 5 years from
allocation to spend that money. Long noted that they have 2 years now for those funds.
Richman said that the HCDC should make a note to housing developers that the HCDC has a high
degree of confidence that the developers will in fact spend the money allocated to them within their
required time period. Hart noted that that amount isn't enough to buy anything. She could think of only
one piace in town where the returned amount would cover the cost of a condominium. Richman clarified
that it can be combined with additional funds. Long noted that in March the HCDC can discuss situations
in which developers request something and the HCDC can negotiate what works best. He restated the
Commission's flexibility. Richman asked for any other items not on the agenda up for discussion. There
were none.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 18, 2007
Page 2
NEW BUSINESS
Review of the FY08 Allocation Process & Pro Forma Basics
Hightshoe brought Commission's attention to the packet with the allocation timeline. Hightshoe referred to
February 22'd as the date that the HCDC will be able to meet with applicants and this date is in fact not
the third Thursday of the month. Long said that next Monday, applications are turned in and appiicants
sign up for time to speak to the HCDC on February 22'0. Long said that they will only ask very specific
questions within 5 to 10 minutes.
Hightshoe said that ranking sheets would be provided on or before the Feb. 22 meeting and due to staff
on Feb. 27. Hightshoe explained that for these ranking sheets, the HCDC evaluates each application and
assigns points as directed on the sheet for items such as organizational capacity and leveraging of funds.
Hightshoe said that turning in these forms is not a meeting. Hightshoe said HCDC members can email
them to her, mail or drop them off. Hightshoe said that once she has all the ranking forms, she puts
together an Excel spreadsheet to present the information for further discussion and recommendations.
Hightshoe said that on March 8 HCDC would receive a packet with a consensus of everyone's ranking
and funding recommendations. Hightshoe said that on March 22 HCDC will meet to discuss the final
funding recommendation sent to Council. Hightshoe said a recommendation must happen on that night.
Hightshoe pointed out the commission will need to create a subcommittee after the final recommendation
has been made and complete a justification memo for the Council packet. This memo will be due to staff
March 27. Hightshoe said that after the recommendation is sent to Council, staff starts working on the
annual action plan, a HUD requirement that identifies the funding allocations, what the projects are and
how the projects meet our CITY STEPS objectives. Hightshoe said that once the action plan is complete,
the public comment period begins. Hightshoe said that staff always encourages a few of the HCDC
members to attend the City Council meeting on May 1. At this meeting the Council will have a public
hearing on the FY08 Annual Action Plan and approve a resolution to accept the plan. At this meeting
Council can modify or accept HCDC recommendations. Richman said he went last year. Niblock did as
well. Hightshoe said that they will only have a joint meeting with city council if needed.
Hightshoe said that FY08 projects begin on July 1. Richman clarified that there was no meeting on
February 15 or March 15th Hightshoe said that is correct. Hightshoe said that HCDC is back to the third
Thursday of the month schedule in April. Hightshoe then said that the February 22'd, March 8th and March
22'd meetings will take piace in the Iowa City Public Library. Long said the applicants will be there as well.
Douglas said he will be out of town on February 22. Hightshoe said he will get the minutes. Long said
they will also inform him of any concerns or questions. Crane asked if the meetings start at 6:30.
Hightshoe said yes. Richman said that the meeting on the 8th could go late. Hightshoe said that the
applicants are aware that they are not to submit new information after the initial relevant information,
unless requested by HCDC. Long said that there may be some lobbying as well. Hightshoe said that
every year staff reviews all applications and includes a staff report for HCDC members, including an
analysis of the housing pro forrmas for rental projects. Hightshoe said that, in its most basic form, the Pro
Forma provides the information as listed in the document titled, "Annual Operating Pro Forma. Hightshoe
said comments by Crane, a commercial lender, will be valuable as well. Hightshoe said using the
standard form allows them to compare rental housing projects.
Hightshoe requested HCDC to review the Bank Ability pages and look at the proforma. She stated staff
requires the proforma to review each project's revenues and expenses to review project viability for rental
housing projects and to determine the appropriate amount of subsidy to maintain the project over the
period of affordability. Hightshoe said their goal is to make sure the project is viable for the next 15 to 30
years. Hightshoe said they will look at the debt coverage ratio (DCR), which is the net operating income
divided by total debt service. Anything under 1.0 means the project is not viable; the project does not
generate enough revenue to pay its debt. Long said that this ratio is something staff figures out and then
includes in their staff analysis. Long referred to the example, this listed the ratio as 1.15. Long said that
some lenders prefer DCRs above 1.20. Long noted that the applicants on the example applied for 8 units
and, he guessed, $800,000 and they were only given $175,000. Long said when it comes time to put the
agreements together they do this allover again and discuss and figure out what's feasible.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 18, 2007
Page 3
Richman asked where the City Council is in terms of the scattered site policy. Richman asked, "Are we in
a different place than we were last year?" Long said no, then maybe. Long said there actually is no policy.
Long said there was never one apprDved, just recommendations. Long said that there is a nDn-profit that
will be proposing a project in an area that the Council previDusly requested not to have additional assisted
housing. Richman asked if the Council was going to deal with that issue prior to February to early March.
Long said yes.
Long noted a private developer's proposal to put in a fast food restaurant Dn Broadway, where there are
currently apartments, as mentioned in the Gazelle. Crane said he heard this. Long said that there is a lot
of affordable housing at stake. Long said that another development, on Broadway and Crosspark, with 48
units, may be turned over tD private hands soon. Long said all of this plays into the scattered site issue.
Marcy asked if they tear down the corner apartments on BrDadway and put up the fast food restaurant,
does that mean more scattered housing is opened up? Long said yes, in theory, however the apartments
proposed for demolition are affordable but not subsidized. No public subsidy was provided for those
apartments and they were not considered when scattered site looked at concentrations. Affordable
hDusing provided by the private market with no subsidy is nDt considered assisted or subsidized housing
when analyzing "concentrations" of public/assisted housing.
Long said that Southgate started giving notice tD the tenants last June, so it's not like it just happened this
week. Crane said that Southgate owns most of Broadway. Marcy said that through her work, she knows
the massive amount of money they put into that complex trying to update everything.
Discussion returned to the proforma. Hightshoe said that the Pro Forma also gives a IDok at the return Df
investment of the project. A lot Df non-profits don't put a IDt Df owner equity intD the project, but require
government funds and different grants. Hightshoe said the return of investment in the example looks
funny because it doesn't have any applicanUowner equity. Hightshoe said that if you had a different
developer and the developer prDvided an applicant contribution (owner equity/cash infusion) you would
see a return of investment for that.
Hightshoe said that the second page deals with the implications of tax, or cash flow after tax. Hightshoe
said that since most of their developers are non profits, it really doesn't apply to them because they're not
paying tax. Therefore, for these developers, you're going to be looking mostly at the first page.
HightshDe said if it's a IDw-incDme housing tax credit project you're gDing tD see that portiDn completed
and be able to figure a tax benefit frDm year Dne through twenty. LDng said that, when iODking at these,
staff ensures that non-profits consider vacancy. Long said to make sure there is a reserve on line 12.
Long said that as for management fees, even though they're self-managed, they still have to consider
adding this expense. Long said that when they figure out the debt coverage ratio they project
expense/revenues over the 20 year period and if necessary will discuss deferring payments until income
has raised enough to cover expenses. Long said they can talk more about this in March.
Richman asked if lines 18 and 19 include tax credit. Long said no. Crane asked if there is a certain
percentage required for reserves and management fees. Long said there is nD standard. Long said that
for management fees they see 4 to 8 percent. LDng said they have been encouraging nDn-profits to
include a developer fee which can range from 3 to 10 percent. Long said that City Council didn't allow
developer fees as of 5 years ago for non-profits.
LDng asked Crane if debt coverage ratio is flexible. Crane said that with real estate it's usually 1.15 tD
1.25. For an operating business, the DCR is usually higher, but not with real estate. Hightshoe stated that
since they're encouraging applicants to acquire private financing or leverage funds, they must consider
that different banks have different credit guideiines. Marcy asked how developers determine what they're
going to charge for a unit. Hightshoe said that under the HOME program, rents are capped by HUD
established fair market rents (FMR) based on the local community. Iowa City FMRs would most likely be
higher than small town Iowa, but less than major metropolitans. Hightshoe said developers could charge
less than FMR, but can't charge more than this figure. Crane asked if these loans are for acquisition of
land and reconstruction. Long said loans can be for both. Hightshoe said acquisitions are nice because
you have a better idea of costs.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 18, 2007
Page 4
Consideration of Potential 2007 Agenda Items
Hightshoe said they've discussed affordable housing design guidelines, inclusionary zoning to some
degree, and investment policies. Hightshoe said that HCDC needs to consider if anything else needs to
be added during 2007 so staff can place it on the agenda. Long said that everything is on hold in regards
to scattered site or affordable housing issues/policies until the City sends out a request for proposals (RP)
for this housing market analysis for the Iowa City metro area. It was released last week and has resulted
in a lot of interest. Long said we don't have the information yet to make policy decisions. Hart asked if City
Council is looking for bids to hire a consultant to look into this. Long said yes, the contracted firm will be
looking at the entire housing market for the Iowa City area (includes Coralville and North Liberty). Long
said the survey/analysis will be done in six months. Hightshoe said results would be put on the HCDC
agenda. Richman asked for a copy of the RP. Hart asked for one as well. Hightshoe said she could email
it to everybody. Richman said that HCDC doesn't' have to decide on agenda items all tonight but
someone can bring an item to the HCDC's agenda anytime in the future.
Discussion of the FY06 Down payment Assistance Program
Long said we've had interest in the past month, one developer in particular who proposed that Johnson
County Housing Trust Funds be used in conjunction with HCDC funds. Long suggested that the HCDC
defer discussion of this program until March 8. Richman asked how much money the program has. Long
said $30,000.
OLD BUSINESS
Monitoring Reports
Crane said that he talked to Steve from Community Mental Health and there was $18,230 allocated for
building Improvements. They put in a new fence this fall. Crane said that the Community Mental Health
still needs to do the concrete in the spring. Crane said they spent $3,200 of their originai $18,230. Crane
said that they serve 1,500 open case clients per year.
Visiting Nurse Association - Operations
Crane said he talked to Sue Ellen and they had $2,500 for operation expenses and they've used $1,400
on three patients. Crane said Sue Ellen talked to Hightshoe and was advised to "slow down on the
spending". To this, Hightshoe said VNA billed for almost the entire award in August for two clients.
CDBG rules require that at least 51 % of the clients served be low-to-moderate income. Staff can't
reimburse 100% of the award until all federal reporting requirements and other requirements are met.
VNA was informed the City would withhold the final 10% until later in the year when all reporting
requirements and income information were received. This is standard practice for public service
appiicants. Hightshoe said that she didn't have any documentation that the clients were low to moderate
income so while they could allocate up to 90 percent, they had to hold onto that last 10 percent until they
could verify the status of the clients. Crane said that Sue Ellen stated VNA could use a lot more funding
but they're really happy to be taking care of those patients.
MECCA - Facility Rehabilitation
Richman said that MECCA was given $22,000 for carpet replacement the previous year and he spoke
with Ron Berg two weeks ago. The project was finished last summer but we are having issues with billing.
Richman said hopefully that gets resolved.
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation
Richman said that since Shaw is not present HCDC would push back DVIP until April.
FY04 Whispering Garden - Affordable Rental
Long said that Whispering Garden, 12 units of affordable rental housing, is completed.
Compeer - Operations
Niblock said he called the wrong person at Compeer so he wasn't able to get through. Staff suggested
calling Sherri Zastrow. Will defer to April.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 18, 2007
Page 5
FYOS United Action for Youth - Facility Rehabilitation
Niblock read an email from VA Y stating that the project is completed, the entryway is done, and the
reception office is open. The childcare area was completed earlier in the year; access to reception area
includes an opener for persons in wheelchairs. Niblock said it sounds like they're done.
FYOS The Housing Fellowship/ICHA - Rental Construction
Long said they finished 6 units of affordable rental housing. Long said the whole Longfellow project in not
done, just the 6 units. Long said they've hired an architect for the units and they look great. Marcy asked
Hightshoe how they disperse the funds. Marcy asked if they payoff bills from the general contractor. Long
said they pay the non-profit and the non-profit pays the general contractor. Hightshoe said that usually the
architect approves the bill and submits to the non-profit for payment. The non-profit will send it to us for
reimbursement. The City reimburses the non-profit, not the contractors. Hightshoe stated that as a
project gets closer to the final billing, staff requests the developer to not pay the final bill until staff informs
them if all documents were submitted and approved as trying to get the appropriate documents from a
contractor that has already been paid is difficult. The City can't reimburse the developer until all
paperwork has been received and approved; this creates a problem for the developer who may not have
the cash flow to cover this expense if they have already made payment.
Douglas asked if the monitoring reports were a matter of contacting the person who is in charge of the
project. Hightshoe said yes. Long said you can phone, email, or even visit the site. Richman asked if they
were going to schedule site visits this year. Long said yes. Hightshoe said that typically, the Commission
visits public facility sites. Hightshoe said she'd try to schedule visits before the question/answer session.
Adjournment
Crane motions to adjourn the meeting. Richman seconded the motion and the motion passes 6:0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:40 pm.
sfpcd/minutesfhcdcf2007/1-18.07. doc
Housing & Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
2007
Term
Name Expires 01118
Jerrv Anthonv 09/01108 OlE
Steve Crane 09/0 I 109 X
Marcy De France 09/0 I 109 X
Andv Doul!las 09/01108 X
Holly Jane Hart 09/01/07 X
Thomas Niblock 09/01108 X
Brian Richman 09/01107 X .
Michael Shaw 09/01/09 OlE
Charlotte Walker 09/01/07 -- --
Key:
X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICA nONS COMMISSION FINAL
MONDA Y, JANUARY 22--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
rnm:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Saul Mekies, Nicholas Parker, Margaret Wieting, Gary Hagen,
Brett Gordon
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
Drew Shaffer, Dale Helling, Bob Hardy, Mike Brau
OTHERS PRESENT:
Beth Fisher, Josh Goding, Craig O'Brien, Lee Grassley
RECOMMENDA nONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Grassley reported that Iowa Senate Govermnent Oversight Committee will be holding a hearing
regarding the dispute between Sinclair and Mediacom. The CEOs of both companies will be
present. Grassley said that on the state level that a statewide franchising bill very similar to the
one promoted last session by Qwest is in draft form. The FCC recently announced that they will
be issuing rules designed to streamline the franchising process. Shaffer has been participating in
weekly conference calls with people from around the country to share information and develop
strategies to deal with deregulatory legislation that is being promoted by telecommunications
companies in state legislatures. Shaffer said he and Mekies have been working on a presentation
for the City Council's budgeting process. Included in the presentation will be an overview of the
City Cable TV Division budget and why there are reserve funds and why it is important for them
to remain intact. Mekies will be addressing the Council Thursday evening. Mekies said it is
important to inform the Council of the range of cable activities. Shaffer reported that the FCC
approved the A TT/SBC merger. As part of that agreement the parties agreed to the principle of
network neutrality for Internet services. The FCC recently took steps towards national
franchising in a rulemaking that would limit a municipality from requiring full build-out of
infrastructure, put a 5% cap on all fees, set a 90 day time limit to negotiate a franchise, and
remove consumer protection enforcement from municipalities. In Iowa City P A TV's operating
subsidy and the $0.55 pass-through would exceed the 5% limit. The rules have yet to be
published.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hagen moved and Gordon seconded a motion to approve the December 18, 2006 minutes. The
minutes were approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Mekies commended the City Cable TV stafffor the program on the SinclairIMediacom dispute
and said it was very well done and informative. Mekies referred to the transcript of an interview
regarding wi-fi in the meeting packet which noted that a number of countries are ahead of the
U.S. in adopting wi-fi. Parker said that urban sprawl and the geographic nature in the U.S. have
made adoption slower than in more dense countries. This is demonstrated in the G3 broadband
cell phone coverage.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted there were I 0 total
complaints and that all that could be resolved have been. Shaffer said he received a number of
compliments on the Sinclair/Mediacom program.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley reported that the Iowa Senate Government Oversight Committee will be holding a
hearing regarding the dispute between Sinclair and Mediacom. The CEOs of both companies
will be present. Grassley said that he participated in a conference call that included Senators
Inouye, Grassley, Leahy, and Rocco Commissio, CEO of Mediacom. Inouye was chair of the
committee that developed the must carry/retransmission consent law. Inouye said that at that
time he was asked what would happen if an agreement could not be reached and he replied that
the bill anticipated arbitration. The dispute between Sinclair and Time Warner for
retransmission consent on their systems was resolved at the last minute before the .Sinclair
stations were to be taken off the systems. Mediacom issued a press release saying they would
accept the terms reached in the Time Warner agreement sight unseen. Grassley said that on the
state level that a statewide franchising bill very similar to the one promoted last session by Qwest
is in draft form. The FCC recently announced that they will be issuing rules designed to
streamline the franchising process. Mekies asked about the retransmission consent negotiations
between Sinclair and Comcast. Grassley said that those negotiations are continuing. Hagen
asked how many customers Mediacom has lost. Grassley said that the chum numbers are about
5-7% higher than normal. Grassley said 20,000 antennas have been given away by Mediacom in
Iowa. Overall Grassley said that Mediacom is pleased with the overall consumer reaction to
their efforts.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
Shaffer reported that McBride emailed him that he would be unable to attend. A copy of the
University channel's annual report was included in the meeting packet.
PATV REPORT
Goding reported that the next Open Channel program will be Jim. 31 from 6-9. The next
Guidelines class will be Feb. II and the next studio class Feb. 28 from 6-9. The next Board
meeting will be Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. Goding, Shaffer, and Gordon have been working on a survey
of PEG channels in Iowa that inquires how they are organized and their revenue streams.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE REPORT
O'Brien reported that student productions will be gearing up after the semester break. Students
will be covering Kirkwood's basketball game on Feb. 10. Development has started on 3-5
minute programs on some of the educational programs at Kirkwood. A jazz Christmas special
was produced that put video to the jazz music selected by KCCK radio. Work is continuing on
moving to a digital server for program transmission. Mekies asked about the proportion of
educational to entertainment programming. O'Brien said about 20% of the programming is
academic in nature.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Shaffer said Rogusky em ailed him that she would be unable to attend.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS REPORT
No representative was present. Mekies noted that there was no programming on the channel
after 9 p.m. Mekies said that the channel space is very valuable and in high demand and that the
schools are not doing as much as they could with the channel. Mekies noted that the job
description was included in the meeting packet. Shaffer said he was glad to see that the
description included supervising students. Finding someone with all of the job skills required
will be difficult. Hagen said that if a national or statewide franchising process were to eliminate
the City's existing franchise it is possible that only 3 channels would be available to
communities. Mekies said the schools are putting themselves in a place where they would be a
possible choice for elimination. Mekies asked if the schools had contacted Hardy to discuss the
recommendations he developed regarding equipment for the schools. Hardy said he had not
been contacted.
LIBRARY REPORT
Fisher referred to the quarterly report included in the meeting packet. There were some
problems in transferring data from their old server to their new one. The new series of
international programs on Mondays will be beginning soon. The library has been experiencing
equipment failures with the remote control system in Meeting Room A.
CITY MEDIA UNIT REPORT
Hardy reported that the Media Unit and the Community Television Service have been a bit
slower as expected in December. The Media Unit was asked to tape the 7 II, hour City Council
budget hearing. The program will be split up into several programs. The first League of Women
Voters Legislative Forum will be shot in January and every month thereafter while the Iowa
General Assembly is in session. A new piece of equipment purchased with Community
Television Group funds has been received and tested. The equipment allows graphics to be
inserted while taping which greatly reduces post production time. The CTS will be taping a
program with an agricultural economist on how food production can contribute to economic
development, a lecture celebrating the State Historical Society's 150th anniversary, a music
competition benefit for the Emma Goldman Clinic at the Englert Theater. More programs are
now being offered through streaming video on the citychannel4 website and on Infovision.
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Shaffer thanked Goding and Gordon for their assistance in conducting the survey of access
operations around Iowa. Shaffer has been participating in weekly conference calls with people
from around the country to share information and develop strategies to deal with deregulatory
legislation that is being promoted by telecommunications companies in state legislatures.
Shaffer said that after looking at the access channel's quarterly reports he was impressed with
how much programming is being accomplished.
CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION
Shaffer said he and Mekies have been working on a presentation for the City Council's
budgeting process. Included in the presentation will be an overview of the City Cable TV
Division budget and why there are reserve funds and why it is important for them to remain
intact. Mekies will be addressing the Council Thursday evening. Mekies said it is important to
inform the Council of the range of cable activities.
MEDIACOM/SINCLAIR DISPUTE
Mekies noted that this item was discussed under previous agenda items.
LEGIS LA TIVE, FCC, AND LEGAL UPDATE
Shaffer reported that the FCC approved the ATT/SBC merger. As part of that agreement the
parties agreed to the principle of network neutrality for Internet services. The FCC recently took
steps towards national franchising in a rulemaking that would limit a municipality from requiring
full build-out of infrastructure, put a 5% cap on all fees, seta 90 day time limit to negotiate a
franchise, and remove consumer protection enforcement from municipalities. In Iowa City
PATV's operating subsidy and the $0.55 pass-through would exceed the 5% limit. The rules
have yet to be published.
WI-FI
Mekies noted that there was a memo from Crawley in the meeting packet regarding wi-fi.
Shaffer said Crawley had to devote a lot of time to debugging the playback system and was
unable to get a full list of hot spots. Mekies said the list will never be perfect and will need
constant updating. Parker said that in a few years he expects free wi-fi will be readily available
and there will be web sites that will offer advanced mapping services. Wireless may make a
technological leap with the wi-max, which has a much-extended range.
ADJOURNMENT
Wieting moved and Hagen seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was a 6:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Date Kimberly Saul Melkes Brett Castillo Terry Smith Jim Pusaek
Thrower
6/2/03 . X X X X x
7/28/03 x x x X X
8/25/03 X X X X ole
9/22/03 X x x x ole
10/27/03 x x x x ole
11/24/03 x x ole x x
12/15/03 ole ole x x x
1/2/04 x ole x x x
1/26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x ole x ole x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/ 26/04 x x x x OIC
5/24/04 x x O/C x x
6/28/04 x x x ole x
7/26/04 ole x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
10/25/04 X X
11/04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet
X X X X X
12/20/04
1/24/05 X X X X X
2/28/05 X X X X
Garv Haaen
3/8/05 X X X X X
3/25/05 X 0 X X X
4/25/05 x ole X X X
5/23/05 X 0 x vaeancv X
James X x Bebe x
Ehrmann Balantvne
6/27/05 X x X X . X
x Michael
Chritians
7/25/05 0 X X X X
9/26/05 0 X X 0 X
10/31/05 X X ole X X
11/28/05 X X X X X
1/23/06 ole X X 0 X
2.27/06 X X X 0 X
3/27/06 ole X X John X
Weaterson
X
4/24/06 X X X X X
5/22/06 0 x x10 0 X
6/26/06 0 X Vacant 0 X
Nick Parker
7/24/06 x x x X
8/24/06 X x M. Wietina ole X
9/25/06 x x x Ole X
10/23/06 x X x ole X
10/30/06 x x x vacant X
11/27/09 x x x X
12.18/06 X X X X
Brett
Gordon
1/22/07 X X X X X
2/26/07 X X X X X
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O/C) = Absent/Called (Excused)
MINUTES
lOW A CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, January 23, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
APPROVED
Glr
Members Present:
Beverly Witwer, Sehee Foss, Martha Lubaroff, Kate Karacay, Sherry Hunter, Eric Berger,
Sara Baird, Joy Kross.
Members Not Present:
Scott King
Staff Present:
Stefanie Bowers
Others Present:
Theresa Wagner
Call to Order
Witwer called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Recommendations to Council (Become effective only after separate Council action): None.
Consideration of the Minutes of the December 19.2006 meeting
MOTION: Baird moved to accept the minutes as submitted, and Foss seconded. The motion passed on a vote of8-0.
Introduction of new Commissioners:
New Commissioners Berger, Hunter and Kross were introduced.
Elections
Baird was nominated for Vice-Chair, Baird accepted. Foss moved for Baird to be Vice-Chair, and Karacay seconded. The motion
passed on a vote of8-0. Witwer was nominated for Chair, Witwer accepted. Lubaroffmoved for Witwer to be Chair, and Foss
seconded. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0.
Human Rights Proiect
Lubaroff, Baird and Witwer have discussed planning a project with Dorothy Simpson-Taylor with Opportunity at Iowa in the near
future.
Creation of subcommittee for Youth Awards
Witwer, Foss and Kross will plan on how to incorporate the Youth Advisory Council into the Youth Awards preparation and program.
Cultural Diversity Dav: Commissioners Baird, Kross, Witwer, Foss, Hunter, Lubaroff and Berger signed up to participate in the annual
program.
Speaker for Human Rights Breakfast: The Commission selected a speaker for the Breakfast and Bowers will contact the person to see
whether they are available to be the keynote.
Handouts for International Non-Native Speakers Pamphlet
This item was skipped as King was not present.
Film Series
The Commission will show a film in the middle of March addressing homelessness, they also created a list of other possible films to
show later this year.
Scholarship Fund
Witwer discussed the fund and the various ways the fund could be promoted in the community. Commissioners will think of how they
want the fund described and for what activities.
Relational Aggression
Witwer spoke with the presenters of this program and mentioned the Commission would be interested in the progress of the program in
the future.
Group Picture
Reoorts of Commissioners
Witwer spoke of a recent program on diversity she attended. Baird reported on a University of Iowa program she had recently
attended and also spoke of her desire to hold a roundtable discussion concerning affordable housing.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, Lubaroff moved to adjourn. Hunter seconded and the meeting was adjourned
at 8 :46 p.m.
2
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
{Meetin Date
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/23 2127 3/27 4/24 5/22 6/26 7/24 8/28 9/25 10/23 11/27 12125
Bev Witwer 1/1/08 X
Sara Baird 1/1/08 X
Scott King 1/1/08 OlE
Martha 1/1/09 X
Lubaroff
Kate Karacay 1/1/09 X
Sehee Foss 1/1/09 X
Joy Kross 1/1/10 X
Eric Berger 1/1/10 X
Sherry Hunter 1/1/10 X
KEY:
x = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
NMNQ - No meeting, no quorum
3
[;
FINAL I
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 10,2007
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bourgeois, Craig Gustaveson, Margaret Loomer, Ryan
O'Leary, Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, John Watson, John Westefeld
MEMBERS ABSENT: Phil Reisetter
STAFF PRESENT: Mike Moran, Terry Robinson, Terry Trueblood
GUESTS PRESENT: Del Holland
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Moved bv Gustaveson. seconded bv Raaz to approve draft #4 of the memo to Council
emphasizinl! the importance of the PeninsulalRockv Shore Pedestrian Bridl!e Project and
encoural!inl! them to approve it in the CIP plan; that it be sil!ned bv the Chair and Vice
Chair; and that it be included in the Council's information packet. Unanimous.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN:
Moved bv Westefeld. seconded bv Raaz. to approve the December 13. 2006 minutes as
written. Unanimous.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
No public discussion.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBER:
Pacha introduced new Commission Member David Bourgeois, who in turn told a little bit about
himself. Each member introduced themselves and welcomed Bourgeois to the Commission.
UPDATEIDISCUSSION RELATIVE TO PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN:
Trueblood distributed the memo regarding solicitation of qualifications for master planning
services to the Commission for their review and comments. He also distributed the list of
companies that the memo has been sent to. These companies include GreenPlay LLC,
Broomfield, CO; PROS Consulting, LLC, Indianapolis, IN; Leisure Vision Institute, Olathe, KS;
MIG, Portland, OR; & Genus, Des Moines, IA. This information is also available on the City of
Iowa City website and a news release will be going out locally. Trueblood reviewed the tentative
procedures and schedules with Commission Members. A committee will be created consisting
of at least three commission members and four staff members by January 19. RFQ's are to be
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 2 of 7
submitted by January 29. The committee will review and select finalists by February 14. RFP's
will go out to finalists by February 21 and are due back by March 21. Selection of firms to be
interviewed will be done by April 6 and interviews will be conducted the week of May 14.
Commission members who are interested in being on this committee are Jerry Raaz, Matt Pacha
and Ryan O'Leary. Staff will check with Phil Reisetter to see ifhe is interested as he was absent
for this meeting.
Raaz asked if the company that North Liberty hired is on our mailing list. Trueblood stated no
but that as it is available on our website, and they will have the opportunity to submit a list of
qualifications.
O'Leary asked Trueblood what he believes the duration of this committee to be. Trueblood
stated that once the consultant is selected, the committee will no longer need to exist. He also
indicated that he thought the entire planning process would take 6 to 12 months once the
consultant is hired, and this will involve the entire Commission from time to time, but not the
committee.
CONSIDERATION OF LETTER TO CITY COUNCIL
PENINSULAlROCKY SHORE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PROJECT:
REGARDING
Per the Chair's request, Trueblood distributed four draft letters to go to City Council on the
Commissions' behalf. Commission Members were asked to review and select the letter they
would like to be sent to City Council. This letter emphasizes the importance of this project,
explains why the Commission feels it is such a high priority and encourages the Council to
approve funding for it in the CIP plan. Factors noted include traffic issues through the Peninsula
neighborhood due to the popularity of the new dog park and disc golf course; parking issues for
the same reason; providing better access to the park for Iowa City residents; encouraging more
bicycle and pedestrian traffic while reducing motor vehicle traffic; reducing the need to park in
Coralville as an option to access the park; follow through with the original plan to provide such a
bridge as an important connection within the Iowa River Corridor Trail. Trueblood noted that
the CIP Committee is scheduled to meet with the Council on January 16.
Moved by Gustaveson. seconded by Raaz to approve draft #4 of the memo to Council
emphasizinl! the importance of the PeninsulalRocky Shore Pedestrian Bridl!e Proiect and
encoural!:inl!: them to approve it in the CIP plan; that it be sil!:ned bv the Chair and Vice
Chair; and that it be included in the Council's information packet. Unanimous.
PROGRESS REPORT ON USAGE OF GRANT WOOD GYMNASIUM:
Moran reported that we first started utilizing this facility during the summer of 2006, most
notably the Summer Camp for kids with special needs. Since school started this year, the use has
really picked up, especially for rentals. He also referred to the 28E agreement between the City
and the School District, which states that Grant Wood School has use of the facility until 3 p.m.
Monday - Friday during the school year. Programs that take place after 3 p.m. will be scheduled
by the Parks and Recreation Department. Recreation Division staff meets with Grant Wood
School staff in August to determine school needs for evening/weekend programming, and the
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 3 of 7
Recreation Division schedules around those. Moran noted that a request from City High to use
the facility for daily basketball practices was denied because it would have basically eliminated
any after school hours for recreational use; occasional practices are permitted. He also reported
that the use of Grant Wood Gym has allowed the Recreation Division to use the Robert A. Lee
Community Recreation Center Gym and Scanlon Gym for more drop-in activities.
Gustaveson asked if there are any other schools that we may be able to develop such a
relationship with. Moran reported that we do use West High and City High for our Sunday
Volleyball program, however, beyond that we seldom use other schools.
O'Leary stated that it was nice to hear ofthis positive relationship with Grant Wood.
DISCUSS FACTORS TO INCLUDE IN CELL PHONE TOWER POLICY:
Trueblood announced that while a staff committee has been formed to draft a city-wide cell
phone policy, they have only met once and he was not able to attend due to illness, but Terry
Robinson attended to represent the department. The committee has asked that he draft some
parameters relative to towers on Parks and Recreation property. These preliminary thoughts
were presented to the Commission for their review and comment. He noted that whatever policy
is adopted will be for all city-owned property, not just parks.
The following are the recommendations submitted by Parks & Recreation staff to the Assistant
City Manager and City Attorney:
Any request involving Parks & Recreation property should be referred to
P&R staff and Commission.
Recommendations for approval should be submitted to City Council with
Commission endorsement.
Recommendations for approval should occur only if:
~ Tower and building designs are considered to be compatible with
surroundings.
~ Tower and building are not detrimental to P & R operations.
~ Monetary considerations are sufficient to benefit P & R Dept.
~ Revenue gained is placed in a special account to be used for
P&R projects and/or special needs. (Based on the
Commission's vote relative to the Verizon proposal, they may
not support any towers in parks without this provision).
~ Neighborhood residents (in residential areas) are given the
opportunity for input.
~ The installation of a tower/building does not conflict with any
adopted policies.
He also distributed follow-up information received from the Assistant City Manager.
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 4 of 7
The Commission did confirm that they are not interested in locating cell phone towers in
parks unless the revenue goes directly to the Parks and Recreation Department.
O'Leary has concern about what happens to the structure after there is no need for the cell tower
any longer. Otherwise, he feels there is a lot of benefit to additional towers for phone users.
Westefeld asked if staff has been in contact with other cities to get their views on the placement
of cell towers. Trueblood stated that he has with mixed reviews. One city was not happy with
the tower placement while other cities said that it provided great revenue to the city. Westefeld
also stated his desire for flexibility in the policy as all properties are not equal.
Watson reiterated his previous concerns of using public property for such purpose simply for
increased revenue.
Loomer asked that staff emphasize that the neighborhoods need to have input before towers are
placed on any property.
Gustaveson stated that the policy needs to be looked at Oil a case by case basis and must leave
room for flexibility. He also said that he feels the revenue needs to go to the Parks & Recreation
Department when placed on park property. He said that these are key items to be included for
him to approve. Trueblood stated that this may become an issue in some instances.
Trueblood will keep the Commission apprised of this as necessary.
COMMISSION TIME
Gustaveson announced that there is a Johnson County Commission for Trails being created. If
anyone is interested in applying, call 356-6000 for more information. The deadline for
applications is Friday, January 12.
Raaz reviewed some Parks & Recreation magazine articles with the Commission. One article
referred to diversity of their Commission and Raaz thought this was something to keep in mind
when appointing future members to the Commission.
He also mentioned an article that talked of the relationship between health departments and parks
and recreation departments and their common goals. Again, he feels that perhaps we should
involve the health department when putting together our master plan.
Raaz also talked of an article that reports the number of acres of land and how much money is
spent per capita in other communities. Thought this may be good information to give to Council
when looking at parks and recreation programs and facilities.
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 5 of 7
Trueblood noted that it can be difficult to compare when you don't know what they are including
in their counts, such as golf courses etc. that we do not have. He also noted that the
neighborhood open space plan requires 3 acres per 1000 people in Iowa City.
Raaz referred Commission to the DNR website and to a survey they did asking people in
different areas what they find most important in their community. According to the survey,
parks & recreation, fitness and trails were most important.
Westefeld noted that his daughter's soccer team played at Grant Wood recently and he has
received very positive feedback about the facility.
Bourgeois asked about golf courses and why there is no municipal course in Iowa City. He also
suggested that perhaps the golf courses in Iowa City could offer special rates for residents as
other courses do around the country. Bourgeois also asked if we have talked to other
communities about collaborating on a master plan. Trueblood stated that he did contact North
Liberty, Coralville and County Conservation some months ago and none of them expressed any
interest.
Loomer brought in the book titled, "Iowa City, A Sense of Place, Volume II," by local historian
Bob Hibbs, pointing out references to City Park.
O'Leary said he also supports the idea of a municipal golf course in Iowa City. He also stated
that we should be proud of the facilities we currently have in place and is looking forward to
seeing the master plan come to fruition. In response to an earlier comment, he stated his feelings
that Commissioners should be appointed based on their qualifications, with diversity being just
one consideration.
CHAIR'S REPORT
Pacha announced and recognized Dee Vanderhoef for her personal donation to the Foundation to
be earmarked for the Sand Lake Recreation area. All members expressed their gratitude.
Pacha asked to move the February meeting due to scheduling conflicts. It was determined to
schedule the next meeting for Wednesday, February 21 at 5 p.m. in Meeting Room B.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Trueblood announced that the CIP meeting with the City Council is scheduled for Tuesday,
January 16. Council did adopt the fees that Commission approved and the 28E agreement for use
of Grant Wood Gym.
City Park Riverside Festival Stage restrooms/sidewalk project is moving ahead as scheduled.
Trueblood distributed updated roster to Commission for their review.
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 6 of 7
Nothing new to report on the boat house other than a meeting is scheduled for January 17th.
Tammy Neumann announced that the Parks and Recreation Department is forming a team to
participate in the Stride & Ride Program. This is a walk/ride that takes place on Saturday,
February 24 at the Coral Ridge Mall that raises money for the MDA Association which sponsors
A.L.S. research. This team is walking in honor of Marilyn Kriz. Contact Tammy if interested.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved bv Gustaveson. seconded bv Raaz to adiourn the meetinl! at 6:25 p.m. Unanimous
Parks and Recreation Commission
January 10, 2007
Page 7 of 7
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
TERM
NAME EXPIRES 1110 2/21 3/7 4/11 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 II114 121I2
David
Bourl!eois Ill/II X
Craig
Gustaveson 111111 X
Margaret
Loomer 111/08 X
Ryan
O'Leary 111110 X
Matt
Pacha 1/1/09 X
Jerry
Raaz 1/1/08 X
Phil
Reisetter 1/1/09 OlE
John
Watson 111111 X
John
Westefeld 11111 0 X
KEY:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
LQ=
Present
Absent
Absent/Excused
No meeting
No meeting due to lack of quorum
Not a Member