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Home My WebLink About2007-05-03 Info Packet I:;; 1 --= -~- ~~~~~~ ~... _....i\t'__ ........- - ~ CiTY OF IOWA CiTY www.icgov.org CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET May 3, 2007 MISCELLANEOUS IP1 Tentative Council Meeting and Work Session Agenda IP2 E-mail from the Finance Director to the City Manager: General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007A IP3 Memorandum from the Director of Parking & Transit and the Transit Manager: April 30, 2007 Work Session IP4 Memorandum from the City Attorney: New Assistant City Attorney IPS Article: American Public Works Association - Tornado makes direct hit on Iowa City [submitted by City Manager Steve Atkins] IP6 Memorandum from the Recycling Coordinator: Recycling Update IP7 Building Permit Information - April 2007 IPS Invitation: Memorial Day Veterans Trail Dedication Ceremony, May 2S, 2007 IP9 Invitation: Coralville 4th of July Parade - Celebrating 25 years IP10 Invitation: Willowwind School Open House, May 15, 2007 PRELIMINARY/DRAFT MINUTES IP11 Parks and Recreation Commission: April 10, 2007 IP12 Economic Development Committee: April 12, 2007 IP13 Planning and Zoning Commission: April 19, 2007 IP14 Housing and Community Development Commission: April 19, 2007 I';' J f~.:r.~~'t -.;;;,... ......" -~ CiTY OF IOWA CITY City Council Meeting Schedule and Work Session Agendas 05-03-07 IP1 May 3, 2007 www.icgov.org TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS I . MONDAY, MAY 14 5:30p 7:00p Emma J. Harvat Hall Special Council Work Session Special Formal Council Meeting . MONDAY, JUNE 4 6:30p Emma J. Harvat Hall Council Work Session . TUESDAY, JUNE 5 7:00p Emma J. Harvat Hall Formal Council Meeting . MONDAY, JUNE 18 6:30p Emma J. Harvat Hall Council Work Session . TUESDAY, JUNE 19 7:00p Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . MONDAY,JULY9 6:30p Special Council Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall . TUESDAY, JULY 10 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . MONDAY, JULY 23 6:30p Special Council Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall . TUESDAY, JULY 24 7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall . WEDNESDAY, JULY 25 TBA Joint Meeting TBA . MONDAY, AUGUST 20 6:30p Council Work Session Emma J. Harvat Hall . TUESDAY, AUGUST 21 7:00p Formal Council Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Steve Atkins rnJ From: Sent: To: Subject: Kevin O'Malley Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:59 PM Steve Atkins FW: Iowa City (City of) IA ~/ J rAtr -----Original Message----- From: GID - Moody's Investors Service [mailto:epi@moodys.com] Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2007 3:57 PM To: Kevin O'Malley Subject: Iowa City (City of) IA MOODY'S ASSIGNS Aaa RATING TO CITY OF IOWA CITY'S (IA) $8.9 MILLION GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007A Aaa RATING AFFECTS $94 MILLION OF OUTSTANDING GOULT DEBT, INCLUDING CURRENT OFFERING Iowa City (City of) IA Municipality Iowa Moody's Ra t ing Issue Rating General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007A Aaa Sale Amount $8,870,000 Expected Sale Date 05/01/07 Rating Description General Obligation Unlimited Tax NEW YORK, April 26, 2007 -- Moody's Investors Service has assigned a Aaa rating to the City of Iowa City's (IA) $8.9 million General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007A. The bonds, which are secured by the city's general obligation unlimited tax pledge, will finance various city-wide capital projects. Concurrently, Moody's has affirmed the city's Aaa rating, affecting $94 million of outstanding general obligation debt, including the current offering. Moody's highest quality Aaa rating is based on the city's strong and diverse local economy, benefiting from the presence of the state's flagship university; sound financial operations characterized by healthy reserve levelsj and favorable debt profile. STRONG AND DIVERSE LOCAL ECONOMY BENEFITS FROM PRESENCE OF UNIVERSITY Moody's expects the city's local economy to remain strong due to the stability afforded by the University of Iowa (revenue bonds rated Aa2) and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (revenue bonds rated Aa2/negative outlook). Significant employment opportunities for more than 20,000 people at the University and its medical center, complemented by a mix of service and light manufacturing entities, result in economic stability and continued moderate economic growth. The University of Iowa is the flagship public institution in the state, with fall 2006 full time equivalent enrollment of 26,902. These positive economic factors continue to drive tax base growth, with assessed valuation increasing at a steady 6.2% annually over the last five years and full value estimated to be a sizable $3.9 billion in 2006. The city retains considerable amounts of land for development, and continues to see significant residential and commercial construction. Employment opportunities within the area continue to remain ample, evidenced by a low unemployment rate of 2.9% as of February 2007, compared with the state rate of 4.1% for the same time period. Despite the significant student population, the city's wealth levels are healthy, exceeding state averages. Full value per capita is solid at $62,467. SOUND FINANCIAL OPERATIONS CHARACTERIZED BY HEALTHY RESERVE LEVELS 1 Moody's expects the city's financial operations to remain sound given a demonstrated record of prudent management; conservative budgeting practices; and healthy reserves. The city ended fiscal 2006 with a General Fund operating surplus of $1.1 millionl resulting in a General Fund balance of $17.1 million, or an ample 37.8% of General Fund revenues. City officials have budgeted a General Fund drawdown for fiscal 2007 to 30% of General Fund expenditures to pay down additional debt service based on a recent council request to maintain reserves at a minimum of 20% of expenditures and a ceiling of 30%. At this timel Moody's does not expect this new policy to have a significant effect on the city's credit profile, but notes that the median reserve balance for Aaa-rated municipalities is currently 29.0% of General Fund revenues. Although the city is taxing at its General Fund levy limit of $8.10, it retains has the flexibility to utilize a $.27 Emergency Levy to support General Fund operations. The city derives the bulk of its revenues from property taxes, comprising 46% of core revenues during fiscal 2006. Expenditures related to debt service for fiscal 2006 were slightly above average at 18.1% of total operating funds expenditures. FAVORABLE DEBT PROFILE; AGGRESSIVE PRINCIPAL AMORTIZATION Moody's expects the city's debt profile to remain favorable given continued tax base expansionl limited capital needs, and rapid principal amortization. The city's overall debt burden is average at 3.2%, with the majority (2.4%) directly attributable to the city. Principal amortization is rapidl with 87.9% of general obligation debt repaid in ten years. In keeping with its policy of not issuing more than it retires in a given yearl the city plans to issue approximately $9 million per year for the next three years for continued city-wide capital improvements. KEY STATISTICS 2002 Special census population: 63,380 2006 full valuation: $3.9 billion Full valuation per capita: $621467 1999 Median family income as % of state: 120% 1999 Per capita income as % of state: 103% Iowa City metropolitan area unemployment (June 2006): 2.9% (70.7% of state) Overall debt burden: 3.2% (2.4% direct) Principal amortization (10 years): 87.9% Fiscal 2006 General Fund balance: $17.1 million (37.8% of General Fund revenues) Post-sale general obligation debt outstanding: $94 million ANALYSTS: Sharone Levy, Analyst, Public Finance Group 1 Moody's Investors Service Beth A. Dougherty, Backup Analyst 1 Public Finance Group, Moody's Investors Service CONTACTS: Journalists: (212) 553-0376 Research Clients: (212) 553-1653 Copyright 20071 Moodyrs Investors Service, including Moody's Assurance Company 1 Inc. All rights reserved. Inc. and/or its licensors and affiliates (togetherl lIMOODY'Sn). ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW AND NONE OF SUCH INFORMATION MAY BE COPIED OR OTHERWISE REPRODUCED, REPACKAGED, FURTHER TRANSMITTED, 2 I ~ j !~~!:-r '-'" ....l1li., ........~ CITY OF IOWA CITY~ MEMORANDUM May 1, 2007 To: City Council From: Joe Fowler, Director Parking & Transit -;r.;: - Ron Logsden, Transit Manager RL Reference: April 30, 2007 Work Session The following is a summary of actions the Council directed the Transit Division to take following the April 30 work session: Provide special events transit service for Arts Fest, Jazz Fest, and the Hancher Anniversary. The exact hours of service will be determined after the hours of the events are known. Pursue Job Access Reverse Commute funds for the extension of the Manville Heights and North Dodge bus routes. Pursue Job Access Reverse Commute funds for after hours cab service. Use existing reserve fund for local match on six heavy duty buses on order. Begin a marketing campaign to businesses to encourage employees to use transit to commute to work. We will continue to send updates to Council as we address these issues. Cc City Manager Director JCCOG I ~ j ~~~~Ilt -..;::.... "IID'~ ...,.. .. CITY OF IOWA CITY~ MEMORANDUM Re: May 2, 2007 V City Council Eleanor M. Dilkes, City Attorney New Assistant City Attorney Date: To: From: I have hired Sara Greenwood as the new Assistant City Attorney to replace Mitch Behr. Sara is a 2005 graduate of the University of Iowa College of Law and has been in private practice with a firm in Boone, Iowa since that time. Her first day will be Monday, May 7. cc: Steve Atkins Marian Karr Dale Helling eleanor/mem/greenwood.doc ""''''''''''''''''~'''I'''''-'-''-- _. . ._ _, _'~ :z LL._~_ ..,~~'" I-.....,.,l,""'" "nMorn",~th ",::Irh ;:mri everv Due ot wreCKaQe. UUWIlt:U WlIl:::O ;\I'W;\ Reporter Onlinc' SlIhlllil1ed by City Millla~l'r Stcv(' Alk11ls WWWMWANnUW ~ ~- -. . AMIH/(A."1 P1JIWC WOltKS ASSO("JAflG.. ~.;~ "Neb-Friendly VH~,iol', Tornado makes direct hit on Iowa City AI Olson Public Works Administrator City of Ankeny, Iowa Member. APWA Facility & Grounds Committee On Thursday, April 13, 2006. Iowa City took a direct hit from an F2 tornado packing winds over 150 miles per hour. No tornado had ever made a direct hit on Iowa City, home of the University of Iowa. Historically only 15% of the tornados in Iowa have been an F2 or higher. This storm was the beginning of a rare tornado outbreak sequence that struck across the country throughout the following week. The first sighting of a funnel cloud occurred around 8:30 p.rn Before the tornado had finished cutting its path through Iowa City, Public Works Director Rick Fosse was calling out crews and working with Fire and Police Departments to put the City's Incident Management Plan into action The tornado tore across the south edge of the university's campus, then ripped through the heart of downtown Iowa City and its historical districts leaving a 3-1/2- mile path of destruction one-third of a mile wide. This was one of a number of tornados reported in Johnson County that evening The ferocity of the storm caused significant property damage destroying buildings, dropping power lines, causing gas leaks, crushing cars, and forcing many residents from their homes. Johnson County opened their Emergency Operations Center to manage the responses throughout the county while Iowa City established a Command Post to coordinate intensive response activities within the city Day 1 following the tornado (Photo Iowa City Press Cttizen) Public Works crews hit the streets running in darkness, some contending with bumper- to-bumper traffic, and sidewalks overflowing with people exploring the damage. Crews were in an emergency response operation for the first three days following the storm The crews' focus was to move the mixed roadway debris to the shoulders of the roadway and along the right~of-way to open This facilitated the vital movement of emergency vehicles. emergency access routes leading to hospitals and devastated areas and allowed law enforcement to provide the necessary security It was soon evident that the extent of damage was beyond local response capabilities Governor Tom Vilsack declared a state of emergency for Johnson County that evening. The National Guard, Iowa Department of Transportation. and the Highway Patrol handled crowd control, provided security, and assisted with traffic control at intersections where traffic signals were damaged and not functioning. Police. fire and ambulance crews from neighboring communities were also quick to respond. As darkness prevailed throughout the City, safety was first and foremost in the minds of the first responders in clearing and moving the debris off the roadway. City crews reacted as if there were bodies underneath each and every pile of wreckage, Downed wires were commingled with the debris, requiring close coordination with Mid American Energy before the debris could be removed. Fortunately, Mid American Energy had deenergized much of the area, because of more than 50 reported gas leaks. Darkness and conflicting reports made it difficult to determine the limits and severity of the damage. Damage assessment teams were deployed Thursday night to focus rescue efforts and again on Friday to examined the path of the tornado and prepare a comprehensive estimate of public damages and a map of the storm's path. The total damage was assessed at $12 million. FEMA arrived in Iowa City on Saturday and was provided with a detailed damage assessment and map. http://www.apwa.netlPublications/ReporterlReporterOnline/index.asp?D I SPLA Y = IS SUE". 4/26/2007 APW A Reporter Online Page 2 of2 The focus of the City's efforts shifted from emergency response to debris management and removal on Monday morning. Huge volumes of debris would need to be removed and properly disposed. Quick, convenient removal and conservation of landfill space were established as priorities. The City of Iowa City issued a news release providing residents with debris management information. Two drop sites were established for tree debris. Building and tree debris could also be placed at curbside for removal by the City, but residents were asked to separate building debris from tree debris. It was important to get the information out to the public quickly to separate their waste before placing it at the curb. All fees for these services were waived for a period of two weeks as a service to the citizens, and to expedite the cleanup process for public safety. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources was contacted to obtain approval to place commingled waste in the landfill. City staff met and a systematic approach to debris management was implemented. Curbside cleanup crews were split into two teams. Solid waste crews started at the perimeter of the storm path while personnel from city streets, forestry, Johnson County and the Iowa Department of Transportation started in the center of the path of the tornado. One important aspect of the debris removal was to keep the 50 crew members hydrated, fed, and with access to portable restroom facilities. Two contractors with grapplers were hired to load tandem axle trucks supplied by the Iowa Department of Transportation, Johnson County, and local city contractors. Skid loaders with clam buckets were also used to pick up debris at curbside. As fast as debris was being hauled away, it was piling back up as people continued to clear their properties. Curbside pickup continued for two weeks. One of the other problems facing Iowa City was that their landfill didn't operate a construction and demolition (C&D) area. After the initial cleanup of debris, homeowners and businesses started to demolish their damaged buildings producing a second wave of waste arriving at the landfill. With the approval of the DNR a C&D cell was permitted, constructed, and up and running in a short period of time. During the first two weeks of cleanup, over $88,000 of fees were waived at the landfill. The drop-off sites remained free all summer and ultimately processed 25,000 cubic yards of tree debris into 7,000 cubic yards of wood chips which were given away free of charge. Many cities in eastern Iowa offered to help by providing staff and equipment through the towa Mutual Aid Compact (IMAC). The Iowa Mutual Aid Compact is an intrastate voluntary program that allows for one political subdivision to assist another political subdivision in a disaster that has been declared either by the local member political subdivision or the governor. Crews from Cedar Falls and Waterloo were used to help with the restoration of traffic signals. The City of Bettendorf provided a vacuum street sweeper to remove all the glass off the streets. Each of the cities that provided mutual aid was reimbursed for their hard costs such as hotel accommodations, food, and fuel expenses. All the cities waived reimbursement for their labor costs Information on the IMAC can be found at iowahomela ndsecu rity .0rg/asp/IMAC. Iowa City's total cleanup operation took about two months to complete. Cleanup proceeded faster than expected and within a week of the storm all streets were back City crews work to clear debris. open. The traffic signal system was fully restored which included replacing 7 signal poles, 53 signal heads, a control cabinet and 75 signs. After 60 days of contemplation, FEMA's Damage Assessment Team concluded that this event was not a federal disaster and no assistance was provided. Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive, and City staff was commended for their remarkable work in the cleanup operation. Fosse is especially thankful that only one crew member sustained an injury during the entire cleanup process. Al Olson can be reached at (515) 963-3525 or gQ!$9n(ci)c(gnk~.nv.ia. u~. Sources: . Iowa City Public Library web site, "Iowa City Tornado Storm, April 13, 2006" . Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management - Iowa Mutual Aid Compact . USA Today, "Tornadoes rip through eastern Iowa: 1 dead," April 14, 2006 http://www.apwa.net/Publications/Reporter/ReporterOnline/index.asp?D1SPLA Y =ISSUE... 4/26/2007 I ~ I -....= -~ f~W~'t -..:;:..... ...IID.' ...... ... CITY OF IOWA CITYlo~-~ir, MEMORANDUM From: Jennifer Jordan ~- ~~ Date: 27 March 2007 To: Jon Thomas, Dave Elias, Rick Fosse Re: Recycling Update Household Hazardous Waste . Permanent facility: 22 scheduled appointments last week, plus mobile collection Saturday (-40 appointments) . Upcoming mobile collection events: o April 28: City of North Liberty o May 5: Creekside Neighborhood Association (NA) o May 10: City of Coralville o May 19: City of University Heights o June 2: Windsor Ridge NA o June 9: City of Solon o July 21: River Heights NA . Mobile collection events in planning stages for fall o Washington Hills NA o Turkey Creek NA o City of Hills CESQG HHW . Permanent facility: 2 appointments in this week (both new customers) . One mobile event last week (this was our second mobile event since the program began in November; it was for the same customer) Compost . Chose "Iowa City Community Compost" as new brand name (submitted by Eric Goers, who will receive a load of delivered compost and an Earth Day T-shirt) . Working with Doc Services on logo to showcase brand name . Working on new brochures with new brand name and logo . We have been moving LOTS of large loads of compost for three main customers (two want 100 tons each; the third has not determined an amount) and many smaller loads for residents. . We will be having a screening demonstration by a new salesman when the compost dries out enough to screen. . UI food waste composting pilot project has taken in approximately 15 tons to date (-1 ton/week) Recycling . Working with Parks & Rec to order 10 new recycling bins for Kickers Soccer Park, Napoleon Park, Mercer Park, and City Park . Continue to work with Iowa Waste Exchange to find reuse or recycling alternatives for landfilled materials . Working with the University of Iowa to enhance the campus recycling program. They may be interested in a drop-site on or near campus. --,-,._---,--~---_.,----".,.._,--_.._-_.._---"-_.._---~.._-----,._-_.,.,..._-_.,----_.,--,.,....,_.--- April 27, 2007 Page 2 . Received call from Coral Ridge Mall. They may be interested in hosting a drop-site. Will work with City of Coralville on this. . Working with Professor Redlawsk at UI to participate in a summer Research/Survey class. I hope to be able to incorporate a few questions for the public about the current recycling program and commingled recycling. The survey is planned to reach about 400 citizens, enough to give a statistically accurate reflection of public opinion in Iowa City. . Summer of the Arts recycling meeting next week. East Side Recycling Center . Working on new DNR grant for urban stormwater practice . Meeting weekly with planning team and Shive Hattery to move project along Advertising, outreach, and education . Landfill staff spoke with about 400 people at the Annual KXIC Lawn, Garden and Home Show March 30-April 1. Main areas of focus: compost, HHW, and the East Side Recycling Center . Becky and I attended a day-long "media awareness" training event on Tuesday, March 27, just in time for a series of interviews: . Radio: o April 16 on KXIC, "Your Town" interview o April 19 on KCJJ, interview about Coralville HHW mobile collection in conjunction with their other clean-up events the second week in May . Articles: o April 20 Earth Day pre-coverage in Press Citizen o April 22 Earth Day coverage in Press Citizen and Gazette o April 26 East Side Recycling Center coverage in Daily Iowan . Took day trip to Dubuque on April 3 to tour Landfill and MRF, examine curbside compost collection, and gather information about their food waste composting process and experiences. This was very helpful in benchmarking where we are; I think we all came away feeling very good about what the City of Iowa City has accomplished and where we are going. My take-away for the trip: we have com posted as much food waste from one building at the University of Iowa in 3 months as the City of Dubuque has collected from 100 households in one year. This definitely shows me where to focus for future food waste composting. . Landfill & Recycling Center tour for seven 6-year olds and two teachers from Willow Wind School on April 24. The kids were very excited about recycling and compost-they told me they had already learned about the "rot squad" that breaks down the compost. . Kristin Simon (ECICOG) was at Grant Wood Elementary on April 23 and at Van Allen Elementary on April 24 to talk about recycling and composting. . Kristin and I will be at Longfellow Elementary on April 27 to talk about recycling Earth Day at East Side . Earth Day at East Side Recycling Center was held on Saturday, April 21. . Results: o HHW collection took in 1,654 pounds from 39 households (42.4 poundS per HH) o Electronic waste collection (weights not yet available) o Creek clean-up with volunteers (about 40 volunteers, approximately 1,500 pounds of trash, weight/volume of wood chips not yet available) o "Bring a bucket" compost give-away (gave away 4,100 pounds) o Educational displays: . Furniture Project . Garlic mustard . Salvage Barn April 27, 2007 Page 3 Miscellany . Started gathering information regarding Construction & Demolition waste from the tornado. C&D tonnage from May 19, 2006, to January 27, 2007 (dates C&D cell was open): 20,972.88 tons Cc: Steve Atkins Kathi Johansen 6"; rjV" ,,,>' f1~ eh'{ ~ ,;P tA~ BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION April 2007 KEY FOR ABBREVIATIONS . Type of Improvement: ADD - Addition ALT - Alteration REP - Repair FND - Foundation Only NEW -New OTH - Other type of construction Type of Use: RSF - Residential Single Family RDF - Residential Duplex RMF - Three or more residential RAe - Residential Accessory Building MIX - Mixed NON - Non-residential OTH - Other ----,-----~--_..._----_.._-_._--'~--'- ....,.--..---,--...-------..----...-------.-...... -..-... ,.,-_._-,._...,,-_._._---_.__._---~.__._.,.._-------'--_.'- Page: 2 City ofIowa City Date: 5/1 (2007 Extraction of Building Permit Data for To: 4/lf2007 Census Bureau Report From: 4/30(2007 IW IW Permit Number Name Address ImDr Use Stories Units Valuation BLD07-00006 MARK HOLTKAMP 711 E JEFFERSON ST ADD RDF 2 $180,000 ADDITION AND ALTERATION TO SFD TO CREATE DUPLEX Total ADD/RDF permits: 1 Total Valuation : $180,000 BLD07-00169 BRUCE & MARY GANTZ 214 WOOLF AVE ADD RSF 2 $270,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00150 MARY WILSON 724 BAYARD ST ADD RSF 2 $65,068 ADDITION AND AL TERA TION OF SFD BLD07-00172 MARCIA KLINGAMAN 1749 WINSTON DR ADD RSF $45,000 ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00147 JERRY HILGENBERG 2027 RIDGEWAY DR ADD RSF 2 $24,000 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00I38 GREGORY HAMOT 704 ARBOR DR ADD RSF 2 $20,460 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00180 CHARLES & KERRI MEAD 18 RlDGEWOOD LN ADD RSF $18,000 SCREEN PORCH AND DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00192 CHAD & REBECCA CAILLIEJ 129 CARDIFF CIR ADD RSF 2 $15,756 3 SEASON PORCH ADDITION AND SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD AFTER THE FACT BLD07-00153 CARL & BEATRICE BEYERH 1721 GRANTWOOD DR ADD RSF 2 $11,000 SCREEN PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD06-00738 JAMAKE G DUDLEY 1206 KEOKUK ST ADD RSF 0 $10,000 3 SEASON PORCH/DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00203 ROBERT CAPUTO & SAMAN 228 FAIRVIEW AVE ADD RSF 2 $7,500 SKYLIGHTIDORMER ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00136 KITTY E LAKE 911 SOUTHLAWNDR ADD RSF 2 $4,000 FRONT PORTICO ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00171 CARLOS & KIMBERLY CAPI 2521 NEVADA AVE ADD RSF $2,400 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00181 MAUREEN A HALLAS 1923 E COURT ST ADD RSF $2,300 DECK ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00179 BRYAN SVOBODA 526 W PARK RD ADD RSF $2,000 FRONT PORCH ADDITION FOR SFD BLD07-00164 DANIEL & JERRI LOTEMPIO 3029 COURT ST ADD RSF $500 DECK STAIRS ON REAR OF HOUSE Total ADD/RSF permits: 15 Total Valuation : $497,984 BLD07-00084 GOODNEWSBIBLECHURCI845PEPPERWOODLN ALT NON I I $748,705 CHURCH IN FORMER RETAIL STORE--BASEMENT AS STORAGE/MECHANICAL WITH PLUMBING ROUGH-IN ONLY FOR RESTROOMS & KITCHEN BLD07-00191 BLUE FIRE BAR & GRILL 503 WESTBURY DR ALT NON $350,000 BAR & GRILL TENANT FINISH BLD07-00158 PANCHERO'S MEXICAN GRI 32 S CLINTON ST ALT NON 2 $14,999 RESTROOM ALTERATION FOR RESTAURANT Page: 3 Date: 5/1/2007 To : 4/112007 From: 4/3 012007 City ofIowa City Extraction of Building Permit Data for Census Bureau Report Permit Number Name ~ ~ Address Imor Use Stories Units Valuation 785 MORMON TREK BL VI: ALT NON 1 $12,000 130 N LINN ST ALT NON 2 $11,000 531 HIGHLAND AVE ALT NON 2 $6,800 123 S LINN ST ALT NON $5,000 Total AL TINON permi.. : 7 Total Valuation : $1,148,504 BLD07-00168 MRMOV1ES ALTERATION OF TENANT SPACE BLD07-00196 NICOLE & RON NEEMS RSVP STORE TENANT FINISH BLD07-00188 MARCY PONCE REMODEL COMMERCIAL TENANT SPACE BLD07-00163 IOWA CITY PUBLIC LlBRAR CREATE RETAIL AREA IN LIBRARY BLD07-00152 JASON & LEAH ROHLF 1303 DODGE ST CT. ALT RDF 2 $6,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR RDF UNITS AND CODE UPDATES FOR BOTH UNITS FOR CONDO CONVERSION Total AL TIRDF permi.. : 1 Total Valuation : $6,000 ~ BLD07-00167 TOM STEWART 1532 CHURCHILL PL ALT RMF $65,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR RMF UNIT BLD07-00159 REGENCY HOMES 708 FOSTER RD ALT RMF 2 $10,800 BASEMENT FINISH FOR TOWNHOUSE UNIT Total AL T/RMF permits: 2 Total Valuation : $75,800 ~ BLD07-00143 DARRELL & SHIRLEY WYRJ 132 POTOMAC DR ALT RSF 2 $35,800 BEDROOM/BA TH REMODEL FOR SFD BLD07-00187 CARY & CATHY COVINGTO 2755 HICKORY TRL ALT RSF $22,000 MASTER BATH REMODEL FOR SFD BLD07-00189 ELEANOR STEELE 1416 BURESH AVE ALT RSF 2 $17,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD07-00080 JON THOMPSON 70 QUAIL V ALLEY CT ALT RSF 2 $10,000 BASEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD07-00135 TOM & CHRJS MENTZ 627 S GOVERNOR ST ALT RSF 2 $10,000 REMODEL KITCHEN AND ADD 1/2 BATH FOR SFD BLD07-00156 MARK A BROCKMEYER 28 GREEN MOUNTAIN DR ALT RSF 2 $5,000 CONVERT SCREEN PORCH TO 4 SEASON PORCH BLD07-00176 TIM & DAWN KABRJLL 1703 F ST ALT RSF $4,000 BAEMENT FINISH FOR SFD BLD06-00608 ANN KHAN 923 DEARBORN ST ALT RSF 0 $1,000 ADD 2 SKYLIGHTS TO SFD ATTIC BLD07-00139 HEIDI A LAURJTZEN 752 DEARBORN ST ALT RSF 2 $1,000 CONVERT ENCLOSED PORCH TO SCREENED PORCH BLD07-00165 2006 REVOCABLE TRUST 3010 STANFORD AVE ALT RSF $700 PICTURE WINDOW Total AL TIRSF permits: 10 Total Valuation : $106,500 ____._~~__.__..__.__,______~______-_______~__"~_____...____m.._.u__...____,_.__.__._._.__.._~__.___'____ ~ ~ ImDr Use Stories Units Valuation NEW NON 0 $5,000,000 NEW NON 0 $4, I 00,000 Page: 4 Date: 5/1 /2007 To : 4/112007 From: 4/30/2007 City ofIowa City Extraction of Building Permit Data for Census Bureau Report Permit Number Address Name BLD06-00072 MENARD, INC 2605 NAPLES AVE NEW LUMBERYARD FACILITY BLD06-00077 MENARD, INC 2605 NAPLES AVE NEW LUMBERYARD FACILITY WAREHOUSE SEE BLD06-00072 FOR MAIN BUILDING Total NEW/NON permits: 2 $9,100,000 Total Valuation: BLD07-00173 BUXTON, JAMES B DETACHED GARAGE ADDITION FOR RMF 946 IOWA AVE NEW RAC $8,000 Total NEW/RAC permits: I Total Valuation: $8,000 BLD07-00127 LARRY J LEE CONSTRUCTI( 3521 MIDDLEBURY RD 4 UNIT TOWNHOUSES WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGES 3521-3523-3525-3527 MIDDLEBURY RD. NEW RMF 2 4 $597,905 Total NEW/RMF permits: I Total Valuation: $597,905 BLD07-00149 W ALTON BUILDERS INC 4451 TEMPE PL NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00182 JASON LEE 3412 IRELAND DR NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00145 W ALTON BUILDERS INC 4471 TEMPE PL NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00162 ALLEN HOMES INC. 445 THORNBURY AVE NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00183 ALLEN HOMES INC. 50 MARY CT NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00129 SOUTHGATE DEVELOPMEN 29 KENNETH DR NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00174 SOUTHGATEDEVELOPMEN 883 MCCOLLISTER CT NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00123 THREE BULLS LLC 1410 WETHERBY DR NEW RSF SFD WITH A TT ACHED 3 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00130 ALLEN HOMES INC 3670 GLASTONBURY ST NEW RSF ZERO-LOT LINE SFD WITH A TT ACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00131 ALLEN HOMES INC 3672 GLASTONBURY ST NEW RSF ZERO-LOT LINE SFD WITH ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE BLD07-00141 DAVID J LENOCH 1121 PRAIRIE DU CHIEN R NEW RSF SFD WITH ATTACHED I CAR GARAGE 2 $271,700 2 $225,000 2 $208,000 $200,000 $199,763 2 $177,500 $174,120 2 $159,996 $151,087 $151,087 2 $110,000 Total NEW/RSF permits: II $2,028,253 Total Valuation : BLD07-00018 KEYSTONE PROP MANGEM 622 ORCHARD CT DECK REPAIR FOR RMF OPD-5 REP RMF 2 $2,000 Page: Date: To: From: 5 5/112007 4/112007 4/3 012007 City ofIowa City Extraction of Building Permit Data for Census Bureau Report BLD07-00073 C & M INVS FIRE REPAIR FOR SFD BLD07-00200 ANTHONY HAUGHTON PORCH REPAIR FOR SFD BLD07-00114 KIM CAPDEVILA WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR SFD II I EVANS ST 1:= I= Imor Use Stories Units Valuation REP RMF 2 $1,276 Total Valuation: $3,276 ~ REP RSF 2 $50,000 REP RSF 2 $10,000 REP RSF $5,000 Total Valuation : $65,000 Permit Number Name Address BLD07-00160 PRESTIGE PROPERTIES LLC 21 N DODGE ST WINDOW REPLACEMENT FOR APARTMENT BUILDING Total REPIRMF pennit' : 2 263 WOOLF AVE 252 I NEVADA AVE Total REPIRSF penn it, : 3 GRAND TOTALS: PERMITS: 56 VALUATION: $13,817,222 rnJ DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT, CORPS OF ENGINEERS CORALVILLE LAKE PROJECT 2850 PRAIRIE DU CHIEN RD NE IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240-7820 ./ May 1, 2007 -r~ \-;;:~~ ~:..- .;,'- .~ ~'-' Mayor Ross Wilburn and City Council Members Civic Center 410 East Washington St. Iowa City, IA 52240 N '.' ,-) _.<,' .-:~?' -y " ~'\ v , - Dear Mayor and City Council Members, The following veterans will he honored on Memorial Day at the annual Veterans Trail Dedication Ceremony, May 28, 2007 at 1 :30 PM. Our selections for this year's honor are as follows: James C. Dickerson, III David A. Hintze Michael E. Hull Doug P. Gwinn Larry C. Rummelhart Dorn A. Williams The Corps of Engineers would be honored to have you in attendance at the dedication ceremony. The ceremony will be conducted at the East Overlook Picnic Area located on the east side of the dam. In the event of rain the ceremony will be conducted in the ranger storage area adjacent to the visitor center. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 319-338-3543 ext. 6310. Sincerely, ~AQ~ JeffreyH. Peck Park Ranger ------------"'.-----..-.------'.."..+.----.--------.-"'.,-. ~ "SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL" - 25 Years Coralville 4th of July Parade Celebrating 25 Years - 10 am, 2007 Color This Year: Silver & Purple This is going to be a BIG celebration - Here's your chance to show off your entry with sparkle and enthusiasm. The City of Coralville & the 4th Fest Committee invite you to participate in the grand 25'h annual parade to be held Wednesday, July 4,2007. The parade will begin at 10 am from the GEICOjMcGregor (Hwy 6 West) parking lot in Coralville and proceed over a 2 plus mile route. Entries must be in place by 9 am. HELP, HELP - we are always looking for marching bands if you know of one. Grand Funk Railroad will be performing in the park the evening of July 3". Please decorate - we want this to be another colorful parade. No entrv fee is reauired - sponsors are listed below. Please ONLY ONE VEHICLE PER ENTRY. Remember - we discourage wate~ being thrown or aimed at parade viewers. . ... Please return the bottom form by June 1st to: (" Sherry Carpenter, 1406 10'h St., Coralville, IA 52241 Phone 351-1845 and leave a voice mail for return call if you have questions. (" We will contact yau with the detaiis, map, etc. 1 week before the Darade. All foJiFns mus&)>e returned ASAP. You can get additional forms at Coralville City Hall. BIG THANKS to our parade sponsors: The Community News, hi Limited, Hills Bank, Iowa City Press Citizen, Dick Myers &. US Bank We look forward to your participation in another great parade July 4th. Thanks, Sherry, Sarah & 4th Fest Committee I would like to participate in the Juiy 4, 2007 Parade Name of Person in Charge Group or Business Ad dress City Zip Business Phone Home Phone Describe Entry - Will there be Children, Walkers, Music? Any Interesting facts about Entry? (Send form to: Sherry Carpenter, 1406 10'h St., Coralville, IA 52241) - -"--_._--_.._..~-_._-------_. -- -- -..--,--.......--.-".-.- rnJ w! Ll-Q\rfvc{1 t:'lD 226 S.JohnsonSt. Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Phone 319-338-6061 Fax 319-339-4465 ~.willowWlnd.org U S "':::: April 26, 2007 1 t'.....) -j --, City of Iowa City Mr. Ross Wilburn 410 E. Washington Iowa City, IA 52240 f\.) OJ Dear Mayor Wilburn: Your interest in our community prompts me to share with you some exciting news and an invitation. Willowwind School will soon have a new srare of the art campus at 950 Dover Street, Iowa City. The school will be ready for summer camp in July and I am very excired to extend an invitation to you or your representative to our Open Hause at 950 Daver Street an Tuesday, May 15 fram 12:30 to. 2:30 pm. Yau will have an opportunity to meet administrators, parents and board members and take a tour of our new location. The new school is expected to. be the first independent school in Iowa to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) cerrifled. Our $3.5 million facility will combine the latest in quality learning tools with caring teachers and an innovative and effective curriculum. As you may knaw, Willowwind School's rich thirty-five year histary has been based on igniting a passion for learning in our students. We are delighted to be able to offer our students this fantastic new facility where there are no limits to learning. At Willowwind, you will find teachers facilitating learning thraugh a child-centered approach, instruction that is differentiated by develapmentallevel, and kind, caring children who are involved in and take responsibility in their own learning. Small classes of no more than 14-16 students for our school age classes, and 20-22 for our preschool 'cl~sse~ l\SSJW:. close ~t!ytlti9!1 t"each ,bild'sintellectual and emotional growth. . Our students' love of learning and our teachers' enthusiasm for teaclung are catching and we hope to share them ,vith you at the May 15 Open House. Since you are someone with a keen interest in developing our community to its full potential, I hope you will consider taking the time to become acquainted with Iowa City's newest school. I look forward to seeing you soon. Sincerely, - .~~ Susan A H Smith Head of School I 05-03-07 I IP11 MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION APRIL 10,2007 DRAFT MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bourgeois, Ryan O'Leary, Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter, John Watson MEMBERS ABSENT: Craig Gustaveson, Margaret Loomer, John Westefeld STAFF PRESENT: Mike Moran GUESTS PRESENT: Del Holland, Beth Koppes RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Moved by Reisetter. seconded by Raaz. to support the three additional PIN Grant Proposals related to Parks and Recreation which include Wetherby Splash Pad. Glendale Park Improvements. and Peninsula Plave:round Proiect. Unanimous. OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: Moved by Boure:eois. seconded bv Raaz. to approve the March 14. 2007 minutes as written. Unanimous. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: No public discussion. DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL TO LOCATE CELL PHONE TOWER IN UPPER CITY PARK: Moran reported that Doug Dolan, representative for Verizon Wireless, was planning on attending tonight's meeting but was not able to due to a scheduling conflict. However, he requested that the Commission discuss and then report back to him regarding their thoughts on the proposed location of a cell phone tower in Upper City Park. Moran explained to him that the Cell Phone Tower Policy has not yet been completed. Dolan understood this but was hoping that the Commission could give them some input on their thoughts regarding the location. Raaz reported that he does not want to proceed in any fashion until the policy is written. Pacha also reiterated that he would not support any towers in parks without a provision that states that the revenue gained is placed in a special account to be used for Parks and Recreation projects and/or special needs. This was also the consensus of the Commission members present. Moran will report back to Mr. Dolan. Parks and Recreation Commission April 1 0, 2007 Page 2 of6 REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF ADDITIONAL PIN GRANTS: Beth Koppes was present to discuss progress on the splash pad proposal for Wetherby Park. The neighborhood was awarded only $30,000 of their requested amount from CDBG funds. Koppes again stated that she would like to see the Commission add this and other similar projects to the CIP projects list. She also asked if it was appropriate to run the money through the Parks and Recreation Foundation. Pacha stated that this would be okay. Additional PIN grants are as follows: Wetherbv Splash Pad: After being awarded $30,000 through CDBG funding, the Wetherby Friends and Neighbors are asking for $5,000 in additional funds to install a splash pad at Wetherby Park. Glendale Park Improvements: The Glendale-Morningside Neighborhood Association is requesting money to aid in supplementing city funds for park improvements. Specifically they would like to purchase additional playground equipment, picnic areas, addition of path/sidewalk and landscaping. Peninsula Plavground Proiect: The Peninsula Area Neighborhood Association is asking for support of the purchase and installation of playground equipment for Emma Harvat Square. Discussion ensued. Reisetter expressed concern that the population in the Peninsula neighborhood might not warrant such equipment at this time. Raaz asked what happens to money if projects are denied. Moran stated that it is reallocated between the approved projects. Moved bv Reisetter, seconded bv Raaz, to support the three additional PIN Grant Proposals related to Parks and Recreation which include Wetherbv Splash Pad, Glendale Park Improvements, and Peninsula Plavl!round Proiect. Unanimous. MASTER PLAN UPDATE: Moran distributed copies of the RFP's (i.e. Request for Proposals) for the Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan. These had already been sent to the four finalists being considered for the job. He stated that the City had previously received nine responses to the RFQ (i.e. Request for Qualifications) and selected four companies to submit proposals. These include: Bucher, Willis & Ratliff from Kansas City; GreenPlay, LLC from Broomfield, CO; Moore, Iacofano & Goltsman (MIG) from Portland, OR; PROS Consulting from Indianapolis. The tentative schedule is as follows: Proposals due Evaluation of proposals Consultant interview Contract approved by City Council April 30, 2007 May 1-11,2007 Week of May 21 and/Or May 28, 2007 June 5 or 19,2007 Parks and Recreation Commission April 1 0, 2007 Page 3 of 6 David Bourgeois requested to be added to the selection committee. Moran indicated he would pass this request onto Terry Trueblood upon his return to work. COMMISSION TIME Raaz reported on behalf of Jeff Harper that there were 90 players that took part in the recent disc golf tournament. He noted the fact that the dog park being closed did alleviate parking concerns. The grand opening date is still to be announced. Reisetter asked if bikes are prohibited on the Hickory Hill Trails and if so are the offenders ticketed. Moran indicated that bikes are prohibited, but he didn't think tickets had been issued. (Note: It was later confirmed that tickets have been issued on rare occasion). Bourgeois reported on the status of the golf pass proposal that he brought before the Commission in February. As noted in the minutes of the February 2007 meeting, "the basic concept is for the department to sell these cards which can be used at participating golf courses with the proceeds going to the Parks and Recreation Foundation. The idea is to sell these cards for. a certain amount, possibly $25. They could then be used to get a discounted rate, perhaps $5 off every round for the entire season." Bourgeois reported that he has met with several area golf courses and that all except for Pleasant V alley and Saddleback Ridge have agreed to participate. He asked to have a letter drafted on behalf of the Foundation that can be sent to the participating golf courses showing our appreciation for their participation as well as listing the guidelines for these passes within that same letter. He also asked if these passes could be offered to residents outside of the Johnson County area as well. The consensus of the Commission was that yes they should be offered to anyone who is interested. There was some discussion about contacting golf courses outside the Iowa City area, but consensus was to start with Iowa City area courses only at this time. O'Leary feels that this is a great opportunity to work with Finkbine. He asked what it would take to make Pleasant Valley take part in this program. Bourgeois stated that he has approached them once and does not want to push it at this point. He will contact Saddleback Ridge again since the Commission has agreed to offer this to residents outside of Johnson County. Del Holland asked what the status is of the trail idea below the Elks Club. Trueblood was absent from this meeting so will report at the May, 2007 meeting. CHAIR'S REPORT No report. Parks and Recreation Commission April 10, 2007 Page 4 of 6 DIRECTOR'S REPORT Moran reported in Trueblood's absence. He noted that the Dog Park has recently reopened. The Parks Division fenced off areas for public to use and will open up more areas as conditions permit. He also reported that there will be another disc golf tournament offered in September of 2007. No other information at this time. Moran stated that the Public Art Advisory Committee has approved the idea of having a mural painted on the east wall of the Recreation Center Pool. They will be sending out a call to artists in the next month for this project. ADJOURNMENT Moved bv Reisetter. seconded bv Raaz to adiourn the meetin!!: at 5:50 p.m. Unanimous -----~-----~----~~_._-----~._~-_.._-_._._._---"--------"---_.,-,.~._.._--"---------_._'"_.,"-,_._-----_._-_.-----~--_._~.- Parks and Recreation Commission April 1 0, 2007 Page 5 of 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2007 TERM NAME EXPIRES 1/10 2/7 3/14 4/10 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12 David Bourgeois 1/1/11 X DIE OlE X Craig Gustaveson 1/1/1 I X OlE OlE OlE Margaret Loomer 1/1/08 X X OlE OlE Ryan O'Leary 1/1/10 X X X X Matt Pacha 1/1/09 X X X X Jerry Raaz 1/1/08 X X X X Phil Reisetter 1/1/09 OlE X X X John Watson 1/1/1 I X OlE OlE X John Westefeld 1/1/10 X X X OlE KEY: X= 0= OlE = NM= LQ= Present Abseut Abseut/Excused No meeting No meetiug due to lack of quorum Not a Member Parks and Recreation Commission April 1 0, 2007 Page 6 of 6 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD YEAR 2007 TERM NAME EXPIRES 1/10 2/7 3/14 4/10 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11114 12/12 David Boumeois ]11111 X OlE OlE X Craig Gustaveson 111111 X OlE OlE OlE Margaret Loomer 111108 X X OlE OlE Ryan O'Leary 11111 0 X X X X Matt Pacha ]11109 X X X X Jerry Raaz ]11108 X X X X Phil Reisetter 111109 OlE X X X John Watson 111111 X OlE OlE X John Westefeld 111110 X X X OlE KEY: X= 0= OlE = NM= LQ= Present Absent AbsentlExcused No meeting No meeting due to lack of quorum Not a Member 1m MINUTES CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE April 12, 2007 LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM Preliminary Members Present: Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Bob Elliott Members Absent: None Staff Present: Wendy Ford Others Present: Joe Raso RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL Champion moved, Elliott seconded that the committee recommends to the council the support of an application on behalf of Prep Sports Online for funding from the Iowa Department of Economic Development's Community Economic Betterment Account funds and a local match. Motion carried. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 10:04 AM. Prep Sports Online Application for CEBA and HQJC funds throuQh IDEO Raso gave an overview of the application. Prep Sports Online contacted Raso 6 - 8 weeks ago considering locating headquarters in Iowa City. Real estate in Iowa City is considered better than other regions company is considering and there is a strong desire to be located near the University of Iowa. The nature of the project is noted in the application. Elliott asked how long the tax credits from the state would be for. Raso explained the credits are determined by hard assets, not working capital; and are formuia-based and would yield 1-7% of qualifying investment on a one time basis which must be applied to the firm's State corporate tax liability. The High Quality Job Creation Credit is not yet determined. Kirkwood may sell bonds to fund the creation of a job training program for Prep Sports Online provided that jobs are created; this program has been in place for 23 years or so. If the company were to leave before bonds are paid off, a skilled workforce would remain. 79 jobs are expected to be created with the locating of Prep Sports Online within three years. Bailey asked for clarification on whether the agreement is for 79 jobs after three years or some increasing scale up to 79 in year three. Raso indicated that the State requires that the jobs be created within three years, they do not monitor year to year for employment number targets. At the end of those three years, if those jobs are not cr.eated, the State may consider circumstances and may extend contract by 12 months or prorated paybacks. Bailey asked why this company is looking to locate in Iowa City given that the capitalization here is relatively small. Raso pointed out that Lear Corporation and Procter and Gamble have good access to capitalization and yet located in Iowa City. Bailey expressed the sense that Economic Development groups get criticized for awarding incentives to businesses that do not need them. Champion responded that such requests are a matter of competition. Bailey asked why this firm would want to locate in Iowa City with its higher cost of living and lower unemployment. Raso commented that he asked the firm's representative this as well, why Iowa City and not Chicago or Los Angeles or some other media center. The rep responded that there is an image that Iowa and further Iowa City conveys on the business that is desired. Elliott pointed out that the current location has a relatively lower educated workforce while this company is relatively high tech. Raso added that high tech firms provides a draw for other businesses and people including spouses of employees, etc. He further pointed out that if this venture were to fail, the public entities would be protected. Bailey commented that they [the public entities] are smart and thus would protect their interests. She indicated that Senator Grassley is very interested in the accountability of non-profits. There is concern though with Prep Sports Online's business structure; will the profits be "skirted" away to a non-profit? Elliott indicated that other than the potential risk, he is concerned over the money that schools would get. Bailey indicated that she wants to keep due diligence as the responsibility of the Committee and hence the rigorous questioning of this project since the City would be associating with this company. Elliott expressed concern that schools would only receive a small percentage while the firm would be bringing in iarge amounts of money. Bailey responded that this is not bad so long as the funding is transparent and appropriately structured. She wants to ensure reporting and public accountability; information which schools would then have access to. Elliott mentioned that he maintains his concerns, but is satisfied that they have been answered; the risk is virtually nothing while high quality jobs and a better trained workforce is created. Elliott indicated that he would like to see a letter of guarantee from a financial institution to support this application. Bailey said she wants to make sure that the Committee anticipates the questions that would be raised in public meetings. Champion moved to support the application to the State for CEBA funds with a local match of $100,000 no interest loan, secured with an irrevocable letter of credit from an FDIC insured financial institution. Raso asked if there is anything else that he could ask for from the company to make the Committee more comfortable. Champion indicated that she is comfortable. Elliott seconded. Bailey asked if there was any further discussion; there was none. Motioned carried. Adiournment Bailey moved the meeting be adjourned, Elliot seconded. Motion carried Q) Q) ~ E E o u - c: Q)"C E 0 Q,U o Q) -0::: Q)Q)"" >UC Q)CC Cl'GN (Jog .- Q) E= 0< c: o (J w .- (J c: j o u .... - ~ ~ ~ ;;r '.c> <::> ~ ~ ~ ;;r ..... ..... ~ ~ ~ - '" 'C = ~ ~ ~ - '" t- ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... = ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... '" = ~ ~ ~ - ..... '" ~ ~ ~ ~ ..... '" 00 00 00 E ,~ <::> <::> >::> N N N " Co 3 >::> 3 I- >< "" <::> <::> <::> = 0 >. 'Q. .!! 8 ';; - os = - .c os g U 'c <:;l " " 'c a " .. .c = .. " = 0 z g:: = u '" " ~ " u >< --IS", ~ c c: IU [G ~ ~ ~ 1-0..0..0 (.) 0..<<>< " " II ~ = " " ~ ~$ ~~oo< MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 19, 2007 -7:30 P.M. EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - CITY HALL preliminary~ CALL TO ORDER: Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bob Brooks, Ann Freerks, Terry Smith, Wally Plahutnik, Dean Shannon, Elizabeth Koppes, Charlie Eastham STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo; Sarah Walz, Karen Howard; Sarah Holecek Ann Kohl (709 Giblin Dr., Iowa City); Merle Headington (County Materials, 3705 151 Ave SW, Cedar Rapids); Liz Maas (Transition Ecology; 620 Ronalds Street, Iowa City); Ron Amelon (1917 South Gilbert, Iowa City); Jerry Full (4642 Oak Crest Hill Road); Kevin Hochstedler (1434 Compton Road, Iowa City) OTHERS PRESENT: RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action): Recommended approval with conditions, by a vote of 7-0, of REZ07-00004, an application submitted by County Materials for a rezoning from Heavy Industrial (1-2) zone (14.5 acres) to General Industrial (1-1) zone and Planned Development Overlay/General Industrial (OPD/I-1) zone for a Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow the filling and mitigation of wetlands and the reduction of a wetland buffer on approximately 36.65 acres of property located north of Izaak Walton Road, east of Oak Crest Hill Road. Recommended denial, by a 6-1 vote (Shannon voting no), of REZ07-00005, an application submitted by Ezebube Real Estate Investments LLC for a rezoning from Medium Density Single-Family (RS-B) zone to Medium Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-20) zone for approximately .40 acres of property located at 719 & 723 Michael Street. Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of VAC07-00001, an application submitted by Southgate Development Services LLC to vacate a portion of Hollywood Boulevard located south of Highway 6, east of Broadway Street. Recommended approval, by a vote of 7-0, of CZ07-00001, an application submitted by Tyler Rogers for a rezoning from County Agriculture (A) to County Residential (R) zone for 3.0 acres of property located on the west side of Kansas Ave. SW, approximately y.. mile south of IWV Rd SW and a nearby 3.0 acre property from County Residential (R) zone to County Agriculture (A). Public Discussion of Anv Item not on the Aoenda No discussion. Rezonino Item REZ07-00004: Discussion of an application submitted bv Countv Materials for a rezonino from Heavv Industrial (1-2) zone (14.5 acres) to General Industrial (1-1) zone and Planned Development Overlav/Generallndustrial (OPD/I-1) zone for a Sensitive Areas Development Plan to allow the fillino and mitioation of wetlands and the reduction of a wetland buffer on approximatelv 36.65 acres of propertv located north of Izaak Walton Road. east of Oak Crest Hill Road. Walz indicated that the subject site is located at the southern end of the City limits and is surrounded by County land, most of which is zoned agricultural, although some is zoned residential. On the east side (Izaak Walton Road), land is zoned for recreational uses. There are two parts of the property. The part of the property further to the east is currently zoned 1-2. The western part of the property is zoned 1-1. The applicant is seeking a rezoning to change all of the land to 1-1. 1-2 is heavy manufacturing. 1-1 is Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 2 general manufacturing. The 1-2 portion is currently used as a gravel quarry and there are no wetlands on this area which would require mitigation. The applicant is proposing to fill some portions of the wetland on the north end of the site and to mitigate wetland on the southern half. This will approximately double the wetland on the site. Walz stated that the manufacturing processes would entirely indoors, thus there minimal noise would be generated by the production facility. Also, the outdoor storage for the phase I portion of the site is designed as a series of paved drives interspersed with sand storage beds, which would reduce the amount of dust created by the use. For these reasons staff has classified this project as appropriate for 1- 1 zoning. Because outdoor storage is an accessory use which must be zoned the same way as the principal use, which is the manufacturing part of the facility, the applicant needs to have both portions of the property zoned for the same use, thus the request to rezone the 1-2 area to 1-1. The sensitive areas overlay is required because the applicant will be filling wetlands in order to develop the site and is also seeking a reduction in the required wetland buffer. Phase I includes the development of the manufacturing faciiity and outdoor storage for the concrete pipes. Walz pointed out the employee parking lot, the location of the outdoor storage for the concrete pipes, and the portions of the site that will be paved. The applicant has gone through a special exception to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 78 to 34, which Walz stated was a positive change because a reduction in paved areas is favorable to the wetlands. Walz said thatlzaak Walton Road would be the main access for the site and that S&G Materials has a maintenance agreement with the County to maintain Izaak Walton Road. Phase II includes the western portion of the site, which is where the wetlands are. Walz stated that 1.96 acres of wetlands would be filled as part of the proposed development, and 3.92 acres of mitigated wetlands would be created to replace those wetlands that are filled in. This portion of the site would be used for outdoor storage, and the applicant is not yet sure how much storage they will need. Because the applicant has not submitted a site plan for the extent and design of the storage area, staff will not be recommending reduction for the wetland buffer for this portion of the site. Walz stated that staff received revised plans yesterday. The Comprehensive Plan covers this area in the South Central Plan and indicates this area as open space because the area is in a flood plain and there are wetlands in the area. It is also difficult to get sewer to this area. On the other hand the Comprehensive Plan indicates that industrial development is appropriate for property that has good access to the railroad and highway. Unless the property is purchased by the City or some other entity that wants to maintain it as open space, the owner is allowed to develop the site as the current zoning permits. This applicant is requesting a down-zoning from 1-1 to 1-2, which staff believes is appropriate. The wetlands consultant has delineated 3.45 acres of wetland. The applicant proposes to fill 1.5 acres of emergent wetland and .46 acres of wooded wetland. The applicant's mitigation plan would create .92 acres of wooded wetland, which is required by code, and an additional 3.0 acres of emergent wetland, which is more than what is required. New and existing wetland would be surrounded by a 50 foot buffer, which is proposed as a bio-retention basin. This basin would hold and absorb water from an average storm, allowing the water to infiltrate the soil. During more intense storms, some of the water would drain into the wetlands after being filtered through the buffer. The mitigation plan shows 1.02 acres of existing wetland would be enhanced. Walz said that according to the criteria in the code, the wetland is eligible for a buffer reduction of up to 50 feel. However, the City must consider the design and development of the site when granting the reduction. Staff is recommending approval of the 50 foot reduction to the buffer on the east side of the site (phase I) because of the design of the buffer, which acts as bio-retention to protect the wetland, and because the design of the outdoor storage area with sand beds will allow more water to be absorbed in that area. Walz said that staff does not recommend the 50-foot reduction for Phase II since the plan for the development of that storage area has not yet been submitted for review. The current site plan includes all the required screening (S-3), which is required to grow to at least 6 feet high includes a dense evergreen component to screen year round. The screening will be provided along Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 3 the outdoor storage area along Izaak Walton Road and between the property and the Izaak Walton League property. Along the western portion of the site, there are a number of trees that will be removed, but the plan preserves trees within 40 feet of the right of way. The building official will review this to see that it is adequate for screening the outdoor storage. No screening is required for the wetlands. The last 250 feet of woodlands in the southwest section of the site will be preserved. Staff recommends approval of the applications subject to the following conditions: 1. That the Phase I outdoor storage area be developed as a system of concrete paved drives and sand storage beds in compliance with the site plan submitted. 2. The final landscape will be approved by the City Forrester. 3. That no outdoor storage be allowed outside of those areas designated and constructed for outdoor storage as per the site plan submitted. 4. Prior to development, the phase 2 storage area must be delineated (area and location) and a site plan submitted to staff; the site plan must comply with all code requirements and must be paved with a dust-free material such as concrete or asphalt or with alternative materials to be approved by staff. 5. Approval of the storm water management and erosion control plans by City Engineering staff. 6. Wetland monitoring reports shall be submitted to the City on an annual basis for a period of 10 years. Staff recommends that the 50-foot reduction in the required wetland buffer be approved for phase I of the site (that area east of the wetlands - the phase II buffer reduction to the north of the wetlands is not recommended for approval) subject to: 7. The maximum paved area in the phase I outdoor storage be in compliance with the site plan submitted and pavement be designed to shed water into the sand beds - the design of sand beds to be approved by staff. 8. The bio-retention basins indicated in the mitigation plan be designed to comply with the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual through the use of an engineered soil subgrade to be approved by staff. g. An additional berm to be built to an elevation that will force the water to flow into the wetland area. 10. Substantial compliance with all other aspects of the mitigation and development plan as submitted 11. Subject to approval by the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Eastham asked whether the sewage and water supply would come from. Walz stated that the plant would provide bottled water for drinking and would rely on a septic system. The water for the manufacturing facilities will be from a well. Smith asked what staff does with the wetland monitoring reports. Walz stated that staff reviews these plans and ensures that they are treating the wetland as was intended and as they promised. That if vegetation does not grow or silting in occurs that corrective measures would be taken by the property owner. Freerks asked what would happen if the property changed hands. Miklo responded that these conditions would be a covenant that would run with the land and they would be binding on future owners. Eastham asked about the height of the manufacturing building. Miklo responded that the 1-1 zone has a height limit of 45 feet. There were elements like filters that may be higher. The silos and hoppers will be higher than 45 feet but there is a condition that as long as the buildings are set farther back from the property line that this is allowed-they must be set back two additional feet for every one foot of additional height. Eastham asked about the possible extension in the trail and screening on the east side. Walz stated that the eastern side is already set to be screened with S-3 screening, which includes evergreens. Eastham Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 4 confirmed that there would be screening when the site was viewed from the river. Walz confirmed this and said that portions of the buildings will be viewable over the screening but that the machinery, etc. would be hidden from view. Applicant: Merle Headington: General Manager for County Materials stated that the building will be between 45 and 48 feet in height. The three silos will be approximately 70 feet, but a final height has not been specified yet. Koppes asked if the applicant has reviewed the staff conditions. The applicant stated that he was agreeable to these conditions. Brooks asked how the buffer strip will be working with the pavement and preservation of natural vegetation along the west end of the property. Liz Maas (with Transition Ecology - Wetlands Consultant for County Material) stated that the Army Corps of Engineers prefers mitigation to be on site. She finds this plan to be a good compromise between allowing the space for development and maintaining and increasing the acres of wetland. There is natural wetland on the west of the site which will be maintained. There is currently canary grass, an invasive species, in the area and it will be replaced if possible. A good portion of the wooded wetland area on the site is being maintained. The impact is being minimized to the fullest extent possible. Brooks asked if pervious pavement was considered. Maas stated that this technique has been used in other places and for the type of material that they are trying to store; this is the best option because since the items stored are hard, they will sink into the stand and they won't roll. Ron Amelon (with MMS Consultants) stated that pervious pavement was not considered because the equipment would cause damage over time because of its weight. The bio-retention area will store the water from more intense storms before it is moved into the wetland. Eastham asked about possible contamination due to dust from materials that are stored on-site. Amelon responded that most of the material stored will be cured to the point that there won't be any contamination or residual substances. Eastham asked about the reduction to the buffer of 50 feet based on the expectation that the run-off from the storage areas will be mitigated by infiltration so that a larger buffer will not be necessary. If this is the case, is the applicant confident that the sand cover will actually accomplish the run-off reduction? Walz stated that the engineers from MMS ran some numbers to show that it would reduce the run-off. The condition was put on staff's list to give staff more time to assess the applicant's ultimate design. The goal of the sand beds is that some of the water hitting the pavement will be absorbed by the sand bed and percolate through to the groundwater so it never reaches the wetlands. Johnson County Soil and Water Service found permeable sand beds to be an appropriate alternative for this reason. Miklo stated that the buffer that remains is designed to filter the water before it gets to the wetland. Walz stated that the other alternative would be a detention basin, which is like a ditch and doesn't encourage water to percolate down into the soil. The basins should be designed so that the water will be filtered and percolate through the soil into the ground water or wetland instead of going directly into the wetland. . Eastham asked if the sand would erode over time. Walz stated that this would depend on the design of the bed. Amelon responded that the sand would be contained by concrete borders with a grade of less than 1 %. This won't allow high velocities of water to shed across the site. Freerks opened the floor for public discussion. Jerry Full: lives a mile south on Oak Crest Hill Road. The neighbors have two concerns. He's not speaking for the neighbors but has spoken to them. He is concerned about truck traffic, which has increased, at his estimate, by 10 times in the past couple of years. There is a new sand plant and increases in hog farming. The road is in bad condition and he blames the large truck traffic. There is a large trailer court across from this property. He said the residents walk and bike to town, many of them at night. There are no sidewalks on this road and he is concerned about adding more trucks tothis traffic. Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 5 When he moved, around 10 years ago, there was a proposal for a small sand operation which was well thought out and had a strong environmental plan. Five years later they came back with a larger operation that goes 30 years into the future. Their original hours of operation were 8-5 and now they start at 7 a.m. and go late into the night. He is concerned about a bait and switch program where the plan is increased in the future. He also asked if the building heights have been run by the airport commission. Miklo responded that this has not yet occurred and that the building official will need to determine whether it meets the requirements. Smith confirmed that the 1-2 zoning would allow more heavy industry, which Full is looking to avoid. Freerks confirmed that if this operation wants to expand in the future, it will have to come back before the Commission. Walz stated that the land that is in City limits, the land would still be subject to the 1-1 limitations. If they wanted to change their zoning, they would have to come back before the Commission. Miklo added that, at this point, the applicant is using most of the land on the site that is not being set aside as wetlands so there would be little room for expansion. Smith made a motion to approve, subject to staffs 11 conditions specified in the amended staff recommendation. Shannon seconded. Eastham asked if they could get an analysis of whether the roads could accommodate the extra traffic and how much extra traffic there would actually be. Miklo responded that the Jeff Davidson, Transportation Planner & the City Engineer analyzed the roads in this area. Izaak Walton Road is in the county's jurisdiction. Oak Crest Hill is in better shape on the north half. As part of the conditional use agreement between S&G and the county, S&G improved the intersection of Izaak Walton and Oak Crest Hill. If there is any damage to the road, S&G is responsible for fixing it. Miklo also stated that there is the potential for another access point on the northwest side of the road, which would be to Old Highway 218 which is in good condition and is able to handle the traffic. Miklo stated that the pedestrian issue is a problem, but the development of the manufactured housing park in the County where there are no sidewalks was a decision that was made years ago and is difficult to rectify. Freerks was happy to see that this was a down zoning as it is a compromise since the land cannot currently be used as open space. She felt that the way the wetlands were to be treated was appropriate and the conditions would provide some safe guards. Motion carried unanimously. REZ07-00005: Discussion of an application submitted bv Ezebube Real Estate Investments LLC for a rezonino from Medium Densitv Sinole-Familv IRS-8) zone to Medium Densitv Multi-Familv Residential IRM-20) zone for approximatelv .40 acres of property located at 719 & 723 Michael Street. Eastham stated that he is the President of a non-profit called Housing Fellowship. The non-profit owns two properties in the area on Douglas Court and Douglas Street. He doesn't think there is a conflict with the current application. Attorney Holecek was asked for her opinion and asked if Eastham felt he was able to render an unbiased opinion. Eastham responded that he has considere.d this question and feels that he can. The applicant owns two small properties on Michael Street, a short dead-end off Benton Street. There are numerous apartment buildings at the end of the street. The applicant is requesting rezoning because it was surrounded on three sides by RM-20. However, the Comprehensive Plan and Southwest District Plan calls for this to remain single-family or duplex residential. Howard showed photos of the area and the properties. There are several concentrations of apartments in the area, including 7 apartment buildings and 82 apartments at the end of Michael Street. There is a concern that the small, single- family, affordable homes in the area be maintained. In order to keep this balance, and given that the Comprehensive Plan calls for this space to remain single-family residential, staff does not recommend approval and does not find the applicant's reason compelling. Another concern about increasing density in this area is that Michael Street is substandard and has no sidewalks. Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 6 Eastham asked if the applicant had any option except to redevelop this as two single-family residences. He stated that if the lots were combined and divided into three parts, the lot width would not be sufficient. Howard responded that duplexes are only allowed on the corner lots in RS-6 zones. Currently, one of the homes has been divided into three apartments, which is nonconforming. Howard stated that it would be hard to tell how it would work to redevelop the property in the way Eastham proposes, and that it would be an appropriate question for the applicant. This option would reduce the number of units. Smith asked if the lots were conforming today. Howard responded that the lots are conforming but the triplex is not conforming, but was grandfathered in. Kevin Hochstedler, representing the applicant, gave a background on the applicant who came from Africa in the 1990's, went to Georgia State and got a degree in chemistry. He is currently a research scientist at the University who works with bone marrow transplants for cancer patients and has gone into the ministry. The applicant owns both properties and wants to put more money into them. It would not be financially feasible to bring the properties up to code. Ezebube apologizes for not being here tonight due to prior commitments. He would like to express his interest in working with the City. He would like to build a solid property which will benefit the City, be affordable for many residents, and add to the neighborhood. Ezebube owns other RS-8 property in the area which he is also putting money into. He does not request rezoning on these properties. Each property is worth approximately $115,000. His intent is to put one large building on these lots with underground parking. He feels this would be the best use of the property. Freerks opened the floor to public discussion. Ann Kohl (709 Giblin Drive) feels that there are already enough apartments in the area and that adding more would create too much extra traffic. Freerks closed public discussion. Freerks made note of the letter that was received via email from Mary Knudson-Dion in opposition of the zoning. Howard stated that if the Commission decides to go forward with this rezoning, the Comprehensive Plan would have to be amended. Koppes made a motion to deny the application. Smith seconded. Koppes stated that both of these properties are in good shape and that there is a clear delineation where the apartments stop and the homes start. She feels we should stick with the Comprehensive Plan. Brooks stated that he did not think the street could handle anymore traffic and that it was worrisome that the street was not pedestrian friendiy. He feels that this application would start a slippery slope. He feels that the need for affordable housing is paramount in this case. Plahutnik stated that he doesn't feel that a past intrusion into RS-8 zoning merits a continuation of this intrusion. He stated that this zoning would increase the value of this property to the detriment of the surrounding properties. Shannon stated that he was in support of this rezoning. He feels that the RM-20 zone should be squared off. He is upset that the Comprehensive Plan has not prevented the retirement home down the street on Benton from gobbling up homes surrounding them. He feels that this development would be positive. Smith feels that in order to be consistent with past applications, he is in support of Shannon. In past applications, the Commission has used the Comprehensive Plan as a guide and loose deviations are allowed without changing the plan - he referred to the rezoning for Sonic Burger. Miklo stated that this case is different because of the specificity of the language in the plan which makes it clear that Michaei Street and the larger area should be preserved for small lot single-family homes. He said at the time the Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 7 Southwest District Plan was drafter there was considerable citizen discussion and support for this concept. He said in the case of the Sonic Burger staff recommended approval without changing the Comprehensive Plan because we felt that if a proper buffer was required the development could occur without harming the housing in the adjacent neighborhood. In the case of Michael Street the rezoning has implications for the adjacent single-family homes on Benton Street. Because of the grade of the land the proposed apartments would tower over the existin9 one story homes and would likely lead to request to rezone them. Smith asked if we should be considering the need for affordable single-family housing in deciding zoning issues. Miklo responded that since it's listed in the Comprehensive Plan, it should be taken into account. Howard stated that the main concern of the property owners during this district plan is the need for maintaining the balance between affordable, single-family homes and apartment buildings. Howard stated that this looks to be squaring off zoning on the map but when you go to the neighborhood it would feel differently. Smith asked about the access points for the properties. Howard responded that all single and multi families are accessed from Michael Street. Eastham has reservations about the options that are available to the property owner under RS-8 zoning in trying to take existing properties that don't have the market place that is attractive to rental households. He doesn't have any problem with not distinguishing between rental and owner properties in applying the Comprehensive Plan. He feels that the current flexibility is less than optimal. He feels that combining these lots and building three single-family homes might be attractive as far as housing prices go, but he doesn't know if this is financially feasible. Eastham said that he realizes that the Commission just went through updating the zoning ordinance and perhaps there was not the desire on the part of his fellow Commissioners to revisit the issue. Freerks and Eastham stated that this was a discussion for another night. Freerks stated that she did not think that the applicant's reason was compelling and agrees with the current motion to deny. She feels that there was a great deal of work put into this district plan and that the neighbor's concerns about affordable housing should be taken into account. Motion carried 6-1 (Shannon voting no). Vacation Item VAC07-00001: Discussion of an application submitted bv Southaate Development Services LLC to vacate a portion of Hollvwood Boulevard located south of Hiahwav 6. east of Broadwav Street. Miklo said the request is to vacate a 6-foot wide section of the Hollywood Boulevard right of way. Staff doesn't want to vacate the entire right of way because of the trail and utility lines. The most the staff would recommend to be vacated is 6 feet. They are recommending approval subject to retention of utility easements. There is at least one gas line within the area. This is what was contemplated at the time of the rezoning application. The applicant had asked for as much as was possible, and 6 feet was the maximum that was possible. The applicant declined the opportunity to speak. There was no public discussion. Smith made a motion to approve subject to retention of utility easements. Plahutnik seconded. Freerks stated that the vacation request does not present a problem when she considers things such as pedestrian and vehicular traffic, circulation, access to private property, access for utility vehicles, or operation of public or private utilities. Plahutnik stated that this was considered and discussed during the rezoning application for this property. Planning and Zoning Commission April 19, 2007 Page 8 Motion carried 7-0. Countv Rezonino Item CZ07 -00001: Discussion of an application submitted bv Tvler Rooers for a rezonino from Countv Aoriculture (A) to Countv Residential (R) zone for 3.0 acres of propertv located on the west side of Kansas Ave. SW. approximatelv Yo mile south of IWV Rd SW and a nearbv 3.0 acre properlY from Countv Residential IR) zone to Countv Aoriculture IA). The owner of the property would like to rezone three aces from residential to agricultural and also rezone three acres farther to the north from residential to agricultural. The City has also received a subdivision application for this property that would be reviewed at a future meeting. Staff recommends approval as this generally complies with the Fringe Area Agreement. The applicant declined the opportunity to speak. There was no public discussion. Eastham made a motion to approve. Motion approved by a vote of 7-0. Consideration of the April 5. 2007 Meetino Minutes Smith made a motion to approve. Eastham seconded. Motion approved by a vote of 7-0. Adiournment Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. Minutes submitted by Megan Weiler. sJpcd/minutes/p&z12007/04-19-07 <: o 'jjj en 'E E o o'E "'0 <: l.l ,- .. go:: N..... olJl.lg <:", ",ea <:'" ,- <: <: .. <::t: .!!!<( II. ~ U ea ~ .2 en - X X X X X XX :;;. "' w !2 - X X X X XX . 0 "' X X X w - X X X 0 ;:; - 0 X X X X X XX ;:; "' W W - X X X 0 0 OX Oi - 0 x: x: x: x: X x: x: Oi co x: x: x: - x: X X x: - - <Il 0 co E ~ 0 ~ co ... ~ ~ ~ 0 0 ~ 0 ~ e. - - - - in in - <ll X It) It) It) It) It) f-w 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E '" <: .. .. .. '2: 0 '" ., i! .,- <: ., .s:; c." <: .s:; E 0 - ., c..s:; - 2 <Il ., 'E '" ., l!! o.!! .s:; z lD w LL II:: Q, Ul Ul l.') z i= w w ::!! ..J <( ::!! 0:: o LL .;, U> W ~ x: 0 x: x: x: >< >< - .... U> W '" >< >< >< 0 >< >< >< - '" '" w !:::! >< >< >< >< >< 0 >< ~ <Il CO ... 0 co E ~ 0 ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 e ~ 0 ~ Q;'~ - - - - - - It) It) It) It) It) It) It) f-w 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 E '" <: en <Il en '" 0 '" ea '" l~ - <: .s:; ~ " J: 0 - .. .s:; <: - <ll e en l!! ea ea 'E ea 0 J: E III w LL II:: a: III III '" IIi c..i .;, u.i ~ ci ...: z l.') z i= w w ::!! ..J <( ::!! 0:: o LL ~ IIi '" <ll <Il " " X W --:> c: c: c: <ll <ll <ll <Il <Jl <Jl ~.o.c Cl.<l:<l: .. II II II >0 W <ll - ~><oo MINUTES HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION APRIL 19, 2007 6:30 PM LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL PRELlMINARY~ ~ Call to Order: Jerry Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:45 pm. Members Present: Jerry Anthony, Thomas Niblock, Brian Richman, Charlotte Walker, Holly Hart, Steve Crane, Andy Douglas Members Absent: Marcy DeFrance, Michael Shaw Staff Present: Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Sue Dulek Others Present: Steve Ramirez, Charlie Eastham, Mark Patton, David Dowell, Stephan Trefz, Jennifer Lewis, Steve Rackis RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action): 1) MOTION: Richman moved to recommend to the City Council the approval of Habitat's request to use funds for acquisition, construction and landscaping and the use of the HOME recapture provision instead of the land trust option as discussed. Niblock seconded. The motion passed 6:0. Hart abstained. 2) MOTION: Niblock moved to recommend approval of the FY08 Annual Action Plan to City Council. Hart seconded. The motion passed 6:0. Walker abstained. Approval of the March 22, 2007 Minutes Hightshoe noted that the approval of the February 21", February 22"', and March 8'h, 2007 meeting minutes needed modification to reflect the actual votes taken to approve the minutes. Richman moved, second by Crane, to approve the minutes of each meeting. Passed unanimously. Walker stated she wanted to amend the minutes as she had assumed they were just approving the February 21" minutes. Richman motioned to reconsider the first motion. It was seconded. Walker said that a note should be added on the February 22"', 2007 minutes regarding the deleted recordings. Walkers said that on the March 8'h, 2007 minutes, under Members Absent, the name Michael Shaw is missing. Walker said that there is a name spelled incorrectly. David Dowie should in fact be spelled David Dowell. Walker said on the March 8'h, 2007 minutes, first page, third paragraph of Public Comments, the word "people" should be repiaced with "equal." Richman motioned to approve the February 21", February 22"', and March 8'h, 2007 minutes with the corrections made by Walker. Crane seconded the motion. The motion was passed 8:0. Walker said that Sue Dulek is not mentioned as present at the March 22 meeting. Walker said that a citizen from the community, David Dowell was at the meetings, but he is not mentioned. Hart said that on page 5, the term "Builders of Hope" is used in place of "Blooming Garden." It should read "Blooming Garden" in that section. Housing and Community Development Commission April 19, 2007 Page 2 MOTION: Richman moved to approve the March 22"d minutes as amended. Crane seconded the motion. The motion was approved 7:0. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda None. Staff/Commission Comment Walker said that the HUD apartment complex in Burlington has 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available for homeless people. Walker said they do not have to have a section 8 voucher. Walker said if there are any families that need housing, Burlington isn't that far away, the project has just been renovated, and there are still units available. Walker said that she notified the Johnson County Homeless Coordinating Board and told them as well. Walker said that she'd like to see if they could have a meeting at some point to explain more about the tax credit projects. Walker said there will be more of them coming and it would be good to have a meeting to discuss it and learn more about it in such a meeting. Long said it was a good idea. Hightshoe said that the Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) requested that the Council reconsider the funding recommendations in order to fund the Homes for our Future project. Hightshoe passed out a copy of the ICHA's request for the commission's review. Hightshoe said that this is Niblock's last meeting and she congratulated and thanked him for his service. Hightshoe presented Niblock with a certificate of appreciation and wished him well with his future endeavors. Discussion of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Request to Amend the Financial Terms and Budget for their FY07 Affordable Homeownership Project Anthony noted that this was brought up at the last meeting and deferred to this meeting. Hightshoe noted a letter from The Housing Fellowship, concerning previous concerns raised by Charlie Eastham, Board President. The Housing Fellowship submitted a letter in support of Habitat's request and encouraged the city to continue to review research that may provide new strategies for better homeownership programs. Hightshoe passed out a copy of the letter for commission review. Richman asked Patton about the request. Richman stated that it was a two pronged request: 1) they are requesting to take the money not spent on land acquisition and use it for landscaping and construction purposes; and 2) instead of a land trust, to place a lien on the property to be repaid by the homeowner upon resale. Patton said yes and added that there's a twenty-year resale restriction and at any point, 100% of the money is repaid upon sale. There is no forgiveness of any of that money. Hightshoe said there's a difference between resale and recapture. Under the HOME recapture provision, upon sale the funds are repaid (or a portion repaid based on if forgiveness is granted, etc.) and the affordability period ends. The homeowner may sell to any buyer. The money then returns to the HOME pot of funds to be disbursed in the next allocation period. She said that Habitat has a mortgage for fifteen years with the homeowner and has the option of first refusal -they can buy and then resell to an income eligible household during this period. Hightshoe said for this project, Habitat's own mortgage/program provides a longer period of affordability than what HUD would require at a minimum. The minimum affordability for this project based on HOME funds per unit would be 10 years. Niblock asked how many of the families would typically sell the house within the twenty-year period. Patlon stated to date they've done 44 homes, one person sold within 7 years and two people repaid the mortgage in order to refinance between 7 and 12 years. Richman said that the only downside of moving away from a land trust would be that the $40,000 that the city would get back is not worth as much whenever it comes back as it is today. Richman said that the rationale is to make it more marketable and Patton agreed. Richman said that is valid. Richman said that they've acquired six lots for $220,000. Patlon said they have purchase agreements pending. Richman said that this is substantially less per lot than what they've been hearing about the last couple of years. Richman asked if that was strictly due to the location. Patlon said yes. Long said that it's more that particular subdivision (Whispering Meadows), not particularly south of Highway 6. There are lots south of Highway 6 in other subdivisions that cost more. Anthony asked if they could use the $52,000 to buy additional lots. Patlon said that the city is not Housing and Community Development Commission April 19, 2007 Page 3 requiring garages; however Habitat will add them in order for them to fit in with the homes in the subdivision and provide greater storage. Richman asked the cost of putting in garages. Patton said $4- 6,000. Richman said that the guidelines state that housing should comply with neighborhood requirements. Patton said that the garages will not primarily be used for cars, but predicts most of the space will be for storage. Anthony asked for further comments. Anthony asked if he has any units in the land trust. Patton said no. Hightshoe said they are requiring Habitat to have prospective homebuyers to go through homebuyer education classes, which mayor may not talk about land trusts. MOTION: Richman moved to approve Habitat's request to amend the financial terms and budget for their FY07 Affordable Homeownership Project. Walker seconded the motion. Anthony said he had one concern. He said if these conditions had been known at the initial allocation, his recommendation would have been different. However, Anthony said he believes Habitat is a great organization and he will be voting to approve. The motion is approved 6:0. Hart abstained. Long noted that Habitat had two requests. Anthony said they voted on both. Hightshoe wanted to clarify the motion. She asked if the recapture option is approved and upon repayment the affordability period ends. Richman wanted clarification. Hightshoe said with this motion, Habitat was granted the recapture provision and if the homeowner decides to sell, then they would pay back the money and the period of affordability ends. Richman asked Patton if an owner buys a house, they have to sell it to a qualified family or Habitat buys it back within the 15-year period. Patton said yes. Hightshoe asked Dulek if this discussion warranted a change in the original motion. Dulek said that as long as what was discussed was everyone's understanding, the motion can remain. If not, it can be reconsidered. MOTION: Richman moved to reconsider the original motion. Crane seconded. The motion passed 6:0. Hart abstained. MOTION: Richman moved to recommend to the City Council the approval of Habitat's request to use funds for acquisition, construction and landscaping and the use of the HOME recapture provision instead of the land trust option as discussed. Niblock seconded. The motion passed ,6:0. Hart abstained. Review of the FYOB Annual Action Plan (recommendation to council) Hightshoe said the draft Annual Action Plan was in the packet for review. The commission can edit the plan, if necessary, and then will need to approve the Annual Action Plan and submit a recommendation to Council. The Annual Action Plan is a part of the five-year CITY STEPS pian. Hightshoe said that there's a section for each proposed project which identifies the source of funds, describes the project and states how it relates or fits with the goals and objectives outlined in CITY STEPS. Hightshoe said that it gets sent to HUD and if approved, the funds go into our line of credit on approximately July 1 ,t Hightshoe said the commission must review and recommend approval to City Council. Long said that HCDC can email additional comments if they come to mind later as the public comment period goes to April 30. Hightshoe said that the Annual Action Plan can also be reviewed online by the public. Anthony said these are all the projects they've discussed and approved at the last meeting. Crane asked what happens if the council disagrees with HCDC's recommendations. Hightshoe said the council may make changes they feel are necessary. The council makes the final decision before the document is submitted to HUD. Anthony said that the local objective section links the project to something in CITY STEPS. Hightshoe said that CITY STEPS identifies that each year the City's goal is to allocate 48% of the funds on housing, 21% on public facilities, and 8% on public services. Hightshoe said that this year they allocated close to 70% on housing activities. She said that the goals in CITY STEPS regarding the number of housing units that will be created over this 5 year period might have been over-ambitious and the commission may want to review this when reviewing annual amendments. Richman said he thinks it will be beneficial for HCDC Housing and Community Development Commission April 19, 2007 Page 4 and the community to find a way to turn CITY STEPS into a more user-friendly document. Anthony agreed. Douglas asked how the reconsideration of the housing authority request fits into all of this. Hightshoe said that is up to council to decide. The council may choose not to make any changes or reallocate funds to fund the request. Anthony said that council has changed HCDC's recommendations in the past. Hightshoe agreed. Walker asked why they would recommend approval and then later make comments to change it later. Hightshoe said members could make comments as individual HCDC members if they don't agree with the consensus/majority vote. Walker said she didn't want to go into it, she was just curious about the motion. Anthony said Walker can make use of the public comment period and express any future concerns. MOTION: Niblock moved to recommend approval of the FYOB Annual Action Plan to City Council. Hart seconded. The motion passed 6:0. Walker abstained. Comments Solicited for the Iowa City Housing Authority FY07 Annual Plan Steven Rackis passed out an updated version of the Housing Authority's FY07 Annual Plan. Hightshoe said that the Housing Authority has a 5-year plan that they have to submit to HUD. Rackis said that if CITY STEPS is an essay test, his 5-year plan is a multiple choice test. In the past, they've conducted public meetings to get input. Rackis said a 5-year plan outiines goals and are specific to public housing. He said that the annual plan is mislabeled. He said that the annual plan is a report on the activities of the 5-year plan. Rackis said the only change made was adding a residency preference to the local preference categories. Anthony asked how many have graduated from the homebuyer education program. Rackis did not know, but could find the exact number and send it to him. Rackis said HUD is only concerned with mandatory programs and the Housing Authority has far exceeded the goals required for the mandatory programs. Long noted a mistake on page 5 that reads '06 and '07 when it should just read '07. A member questioned what universal design means. Rackis explained that universal design is making facilities usable by anyone, regardless of handicap status. Rackis stated he is seeking comments on the Annual Plan as there is still time to incorporate changes before presenting it to council. Walker said It's a nice booklet for the public. Patton noted that on page 7, the number .005% shouid read .5%. Anthony asked for other comments. There were none. Discussion of the Community Development Celebration Hightshoe said that every year there is a celebration to gather community awareness about how our entitlement funds are used. She said they like to highlight the recipients by providing "Big Check" awards and by acknowiedging outstanding community development efforts supported with CDBG/HOME funds such as "Outstanding Community Organization." Hlghtshoe said this year she needs a couple members to voiunteer to organize the celebration. Anthony said last year's intern was a great help, making things easier this year. Douglas asked what the date was iast year. Hightshoe said August 15th Anthony volunteered for the subcommittee. Walker unofficially nominated DeFrance. Hightshoe said she'd ask her. Hart volunteered as well. Discussion of FY07 Projects that have not Performed per the Unsuccessful or Delayed Projects Policy Hightshoe said that, for CDBG funds, staff tries to encourage the applicant to get a project done as quickly as possible within the fiscal year that they were funded. There is a policy that requires applicants to spend at least 50% of their funds by March 15. If the project has not met this requirement, the applicant must provide verbal or written comments explaining the delay and providing a timeline for project completion. HCDC would then review the information and decide to grant a time extension or deny the request and recommend recapture of the funds. HCDC would recommend recapture if the project is making no progress or not sufficient progress. Hightshoe said that, in the past, if a project is making a good faith effort and proceeding, HCDC has allowed them to continue with an updated timeline. ._,"-,---~~~---,~---------"-"'--'"-"'------"'""'.'-------~_.__.._.__.._--_..-----_.,._. Housing and Community Development Commission April 19, 2007 Page 5 Hightshoe said that, as far as HOME funds, staff monitors these funds and makes sure the projects are proceeding within the HOME required periods. This year Four Oaks and Community Mental Health did not spend 50% of the CDBG award by March 15. Four Oaks submitted a letter explaining the delay and providing a new timeframe, the letter is in the packet. Four Oaks stated due to ground testing issues the project was delayed. As those have been resolved they moved forward and just awarded the contract to Southgate Industries. They are anticipating it to be done by the end of July. Stephan Trefz, Community Mental Health Center, was present and said that they put the fence before the weather turned, but they weren't able to get the cement done. Trefz said 3 weeks ago the retaining wall developed a major hole in it. Trefz said that he's discussed taking some of the CDBG funds to repair the retaining wail. Trefz said a contractor would still repair the steps going up within the next 3 weeks. Trefz said that one contractor gave an estimate that would correspond with the funds intended for the flat work. Trefz said that the crumbling retaining wall is high priority. Trefz said there is a sense of urgency. The wall can be repaired by July. Crane asked if they'd put off the flatwork until next year. Trefz said yes. MOTION: Hart moved to approve the revised timetable as submitted by both applicants. Richman seconded the motion. The motion passed 7:0. Discussion of Commission Member Communications/Comments Anthony said that as commission members, we feel the need to get information regarding certain projects. He said that if a member feels the need to contact agencies for such information, there are a few ways to get it. The first is as individuals, which is the easiest and best way. Anthony said that another way is to introduce yourself as an HCDC member. To an agency, Anthony said, this comes off as an act on behaif of HCDC. Anthony expressed his concerns regarding the latter. Anthony said that maybe they can have a policy similar to council, which states that the commission must concur with one members intention to obtain information before the member actually seeks it. Anthony said this would be a very cumbersome way to go about things. He said it might be more appropriate for members to just seek information as citizens. Anthony said that without a consensus from the HCDC, it could potentially be a misrepresentation of the HCDC. Anthony suggested that if a member chooses to seek information from an agency as a member of the HCDC, they should present their intentions to the commission before ooing anything. Anthony said a formal policy is up for discussion. Richman said his opinion is that HCDC does not need a formal policy. Richman said he would not support a motion to establish a formal policy. Walker agreed with Richman. Anthony asked if HCDC could then refrain from identifying ourselves as members of HCDC. Anthony said information can be sought as individuals and then brought to the commission at a later date. Walker said she wouldn't agree to it. She said that if she's a member of the HCDC, there's nothing wrong with making it known. Walker said she'd continue to do it, no matter what HCDC decides. Dulek said it wouid be problematic if HCDC passes a motion and one member chooses not to follow it. Dulek said council ooes have a policy that if a member is going to require staff to conduct research, it has to be after a council consensus has been achieved. Richman said that members of the commission need to be judicious and members shouldn't do anything to impede the city's relationship with HUD. Beyond that, Richman said, members of HCDC should remain judicious. Walker said she was. Anthony said that if the HCDC "tagline" must be used, then the member must follow up with a comment similar to "1 am requesting this information in my own personal capacity." Niblock said that his concern is a relationship with local agencies. He said members should use extreme caution when communicating with local groups. Long said that each member signed up to monitor an agency, so seeking information is also a responsibility. Long noted the fine balance. Anthony noted that these monitoring reports are derived from a consensus. Anthony said that when members interact with agencies, they have a right to seek information. Anthony said the organizations are obliged to provide information. Anthony said that members do not have the right to make disparaging comments about specific agencies or individuals. Anthony said he would not identity any names, but it's happened two times in the past 3 months. Anthony said these organizations are run by excellent staff and many times are not highly paid. Anthony said disparaging comments are extremely discourteous and libelous. Anthony said he felt a great need to voice his concerns. Richman said that he respects Anthony's concerns, but he thinks that members should feel free to seek --~----_._.._,--_._-~--"-------~-,--~-------------------"--'.-"'--"'-'-"---'.----"--- Housing and Community Development Commission April 19, 2007 Page 6 information. Richman emphasized that he doesn't think people should feel constrained from making comments, as long as they remain judicious. Anthony agreed. Monitoring Reports Extend the Dream Foundation - Operational Expenses (Hart) Hart said that they were trying to raise 5,000 dollars for a volunteer coordinator. Hart said that they were able to hire a highly qualified volunteer coordinator. They got 1,000 dollars from HCDC and managed to raise the rest. Elders Services Inc., MECCA, United Action for Youth - Aid to Agencies (Douglas) Douglas said he spoke with the 3 directors of the various agencies. Douglas said that each agency gets CDBG dollars through the aid to agencies process. He spoke with Jim Swain at United Action for Youth and he enjoyed getting in touch with these people. Douglas said for United Action for Youth, the funds went to help pay counselors and some were matched with various grants they received. Douglas said that United Action for Youth serves 2,200 people per year. Douglas said that he spoke with David Purdy with Elder Services. He said that the money mostly went to case management, home assistance, family caregiver programs, memory loss program, meals on wheels, and an abuse and neglect of elderly program. Their goal was to serve 1,300 people and they've already reached 1,100 people. Douglas said that their services are very much in demand. Douglas said that he spoke with Ron Berg with MECCA. They've served 2,300 people with the majority of clients under 80% of the median income. The funds went for the medical director's salary. Douglas said that usually the public hears about people who don't' stick with the treatment program but Berg wanted to emphasize that they have a lot of success. Douglas said that Berg invited HCDC members to participate in a "Meet MECCA" event. Douglas said he will email details. HACAP- FY06 Transitional Housing (DeFrance) Long noted that the HACAP project is over. It's been closed for a long time. Hightshoe said HACAP purchased three units and returned the funds for the fourth unit. Long said the funds were reallocated last month. Adjournment Crane moved to adjourn the meeting at 8 pm. Niblock seconded the motion. 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