HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-05-01 Bd Comm minutes
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MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS
MARCH 28, 2007
EMMA J HARVAT HALL -IOWA CITY/CITY HALL
APPROVED
CALL TO ORDER:
Carol Alexander called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michelle Shelangouski, Ned Wood, Michael Wright, Carol Alexander,
Edgar Thornton
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
STAFF PRESENT:
Sarah Walz, Eric Goers
OTHERS PRESENT:
Steven Ramirez, Glen Siders, Anna Bus, David Fry, Jerry Anthony
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (become effective only after separate Council action):
None
CONSIDERATION OF THE JANUARY 10, 2007 MINUTES:
Wright said that the word "motioned" as used in the minutes should be replaced with the word "moved,"
as in "Michael Wright moved..." instead of "Michael Wright motioned..."
Wright said that on page two of the minutes, fourth full paragraph, there is an incomplete word that
currently reads, "b," when it should read "by." Wright said that on page six, third full paragraph, his name
is misspelled-it should read "Wright" and not "Wrights."
Alexander said that on page six, last paragraph, the word "apart" should be two words: "a part."
MOTION: Shelangouski moved to accept the changes on the minutes for January 10, 2007. Wright
seconded. The motion is approved 5:0.
EXC07-00001: Discussion of an application submitted by Bryan Svoboda for a special exception
to allow a reduction of the required front yard setback for property located in the Low Density
Single-family (RS-5) zone at 526 W. Park Road.
Walz said that Eric Goers is assisting the Board of Adjustment today. She said that Goers is an assistant
city attorney. Sarah Holecek was away and Mitch Behr recently moved to Colorado, and so Eric was
filling in their absences. Walz said that the Board has updated zoning codes on their desks for their
review.
Walz read the staff report. Walz said that the property at 526 West Park Road is located in the RS-5 zone
at the corner of Hutchison Avenue and West Park Road. As a corner lot, the property is required to
provide a minimum 15-foot front setback along both the Hutchison and West Park frontages. Walz said
that the lot has an irregular shape. Walz said that in the early 1970's a kitchen addition was put on and
the then property owner had to purchase an addition, which was built without a permit. Walz showed a
visual of the lot and pointed out an undeveloped alley way to the rear of the property.
Even though Hutchison has all the characteristics of a private drive, it is in fact a street right-of-way-it
does belong to the City. Walz said that the subject property is a corner lot and so it must provide a 15-foot
setback on both street right of ways.
Walz said that this portion of Hutchison functions as a private drive but should the property owner at 524
every want to develop his land it has very limited development potential but it does provide the frontage
necessary for deveiopment to occur. Walz said that there is a garage and carport the rear of the house at
526 Park Road; both are set back 15 feet and thus nonconforming, as the code requires 25 feet. Walz
said that the applicant, Brian Svoboda, is requesting a setback adjustment along the Hutchison Avenue
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 2
frontage in order to build an addition to the house, which includes an expansion of the kitchen and a
ccvered porch! entryway. The addition would close off the non-conforming garage and carport.
Walz said that staff finds that this situation is peculiar to the property because of the odd situation of
Hutchison Avenue. Walz said that the street is serving these two lots as a private drive. Walz said that
staff finds that there is practical difficulty complying with the setback standards. Walz said that the
applicant has indicated that the existing side entry is more accessible than the front entry for visitors and
others entering and exiting the house, since all parking for the property is on the north side of the house,
and that a small covered porch would provide an entrance that is more protected from the elements. The
addition would provide better circulation between the kitchen and the interior of the house.
Walz said that staff finds that granting the special exception will not be contrary to the purpose of the
setback reguiations. Walz said that the purpose of the setback requirement is to maintain light, air,
separation for fire protection, and access for firefighting; provide opportunities for privacy between
dwellings; refiect the general building scale and placement of buildings and between residences; and
provide flexibility to site a building so that it is compatible with buildings in the vicinity. Walz said that this
special exception will not intrude on the property across the street. No other homes are located or will be
located along the frontage.
Walz said that the reduction in the setback is mitigated by the fact that the applicant is closing off access
to a non-conforming garage and carport. Walz said that the specific or proposed exception will not be
detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare for the reasons she's
talked about. Staff feels there will be no endangerment. Walz said that the specific proposed exception
will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the property in the immediate vicinity and will not
diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. Walz said that the setback will not be contrary to
the purpose of the regulations in that it will not reduce opportunity for light, air and separation for fire
protection and firefighting as the right-of-way provides separation between the only two properties along
this portion of right-of-way.
Walz said that establishment of the specific proposed exception will not impede the normal and orderly
development and improvement of the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which the
property is located. Walz said that the only property that could be impacted is that land behind the
frontage, but the City has no intention of extending that road. Walz said that adequate utilities, access
roads, drainage and necessary facilities have been or are being provided. Walz said that The only traffic
needing ingress or egress to the streets are those accessing the two West Park Road properties, thus
ingress and egress was adequate and unaffected by the proposed addition. Walz said that except for the
specific regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed
exception, in all other respects conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it
is to be located. Walz said the proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as
amended.
Walz said that the Comprehensive Plan encourages maintaining and improving the safety and conformity
of all housing and promotes the preservation and integrity of existing single family housing. Walz said
staff feels that by closing off those garages, applicant is bringing a safety issue into closer conformity. The
applicant intends to build a conforming garage on the property at some future time. Walz reads that staff
recommends that EXC07-00001 be approved subject to general conformity with the submitted site plan.
Wood asked if Walz to show an image where the garage would go. Walz then showed the Board where
the garage would go and said that it is flat, although they might have to grade the area and build a
retaining wall to support it. Shelangouski asked why the City doesn't vacate. Walz said that the neighbor
at 524 objects and this seems like a more straightforward approach, which all neighbors affected can
agree to. Walz said that the neighbor was adamant that he wanted to maintain frontage for his property.
Thornton asked if Walz had a picture of the porch design. Walz brought up a sketch and noted that the
sketch is a little deceptive because the door is not flush with the house. All of this is shown on Walz's
illustrations and photographs. Shelangouski asked about the 1974 exception. Walz explained that it was
not a special exception. A previous owner was required to purchase a portion of the public right-a-way to
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 3
get the addition onto their property. Wright asked if any portion of 604 was nonconforming. Walz said
possibly the garage, though she was not certain.
Public Hearino Open
Brian Svoboda. applicant, said that the addition will not encroach and the new garage will create a better
parking situation. Svoboda said that the parking will be further around the corner, which will make it safer.
Shelangouski asked if he'd be able to achieve the 25-foot setback for the garage. Svoboda said yes.
Public Hearino Closed
MOTION: Wood moved that EXC07-00001, an application submitted by Bryan Svoboda for a
special exception to allow a reduction of the required front yard setback for property located in
the Low Density Single-family (RS-5) zone at 526 W. Park Road, be approved subject to general
conformity with the submitted site plan. Wright seconded.
Shelangouski said that situation is peculiar to the property. She said that there is practical difficulty
complying with the setback standards. She said that granting the special exception will not be contrary to
the purpose of the setback regulations as only the two homes are situated along this portion of Hutchison
and the right-of-way is unchanged. She read the purpose of the regulation from the staff report.
Shelangouski said that any negative impacts of the special exception will be mitigated by closing off the
garage and carport. Shelangouski said that the special exception will not be detrimental to or endanger
the public health, safety, comfort, or general welfare due to the reasons stated before. Shelangouski said
that the proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of the property in the
immediate vicinity and will not diminish or impair property values in the neighborhood. She cited the staff
findings, including that only the two houses were along this street. Shelangouski said that the
establishment of the exception will not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of
the surrounding property for uses permitted in the zone in which the property is iocated. She said all the
utilities are already in place. There will be no impediment to access to or from West Park Road. The site
plan will comply with all zoning standards. The Comprehensive Plan encourages maintaining and
improving the safety and conformity of all housing and promotes the preservation and integrity of existing
single-family housing. For these reasons, Shelangouski voted to approve.
Wood agreed and said he will also vote to approve. Wood said it will not be making the setback less than
what already exists. Wood said that what is gained by taking away the garage will be a large
improvement in comparison.
Wright said that he agrees with his colleagues and he too will vote to approve. Thornton said he agrees
with what has been stated. He voted in favor as well. Thornton noted that the applicant is going to be
making a significant improvement to the property. Alexander said she will vote in favor.
The motion is approved 5:0
EXC07-00002: Discussion of an application submitted by Nordstrom oil for a special exception to
allow a drive-through restaurant facility for property located in the Community Commercial (CC-2)
zone at 1902 Broadway Street and 1906 Broadway Street.
Walz said that the property is being rezoned from CC-1 to CC-2. Walz read from the staff report. Walz
said that Nordstrom Oil is requesting to have a drive-in restaurant at this site. The property is subject to a
Conditional Zoning Agreement, which was described in the staff report. Walz listed some of the major
conditions: Walz said that a substantial buffer area of no less than 35 feet will be established along the
southern property line of the parcel rezoned to CC-2. This buffer must be screened to the S3 standard
and includes both a decorated masonry wall of a minimum of 5 feet in height located within the northern
ten feet of the buffer area and a dense planting of deciduous and evergreen under-story and over-story to
the south of the wall. Walz said that the Hollywood Boulevard vehicular access point to the CO-1 property
will be closed and both properties will have a shared vehicular access point from Broadway Street. Walz
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 4
said that there will be a landscaped setback of no less than 20 feet along Broadway Street. Walz said that
there will be a limit of one free-standing sign located in the northwest corner of the property. Walz said
that there will be S3 screening along the eastern and southern property lines of the CO-1 parcel. Walz
said that any building or structure including canopies should be of a quality design appropriate for
property abutting a residential neighborhood, including features such as masonry materials, standing
seam metal foots in muted colors.
Walz said that the proposed drive-in restaurant includes a 1,728 foot building which provides kitchen,
storage, and restroom and a 32-seat covered patio. Walz said Iowa City doesn't have anything like this
proposed restaurant in that all customer activity is outdoors or in cars. Walz said that one of the canopies
has room for nine cars, the other for eleven cars. There is an order board at each parking space. Walz
said people will place their order at the order board. Walz said that the intensity of use is high, since the
facility is completely outdoors. A drive-through window and order board would be located on the
northwest side of the building. Walz said that it will be close to residential housing.
Walz reads the specific approval criteria for drive-through facilities in the CC-2 zone. Walz said that the
number of drive-through lanes, stacking spaces, and paved area necessary for the drive-through facility
should not be detrimental to adjacent residential properties or detract from or unduly interrupt the
pedestrian circulation or commercial character of the area where it is located. To promote compatibility
with surrounding development, safe pedestrian access, and efficient and safe vehicular circulation on the
site, the Board of Adjustment may require certain conditions, including but not limited to, restricting the
location of the drive-through to rear or side access, requiring directional sign age, limiting the number of
lanes and/or paving, and limiting of prohibiting the use of loudspeaker systems.
Walz said that the drive-through window, order board and associated stacking spaces are all located to
the north and west of the building, towards the adjacent commercial center and Highway 6 and away from
view of the residential properties to the east and south. Staff believes this provides an essential screen
from the residential areas. Walz said that all 20 drive-in canopies are located on the east side of the
building closer to the residential property, which raises some concern.
Walz said that the site plan shows all of the screening required by the CZA, including the 35-foot
landscaped buffer on the south end of the property as stipulated in the CZA. Walz said that the site plan
also shows the required 20-foot landscaped buffer on the west side of the lot and S3 screening around
the perimeter of the adjacent CO-1 lot to the east.
Walz said that drive-through eating facilities are one of the most intensive CC-2 uses and thus have the
potential to negatively affect neighboring residential property. Walz said that, as for the proposed facility,
all customer activity takes place outside the building via the drive-through window, drive-in canopies, and
the outdoor seating area. Walz said that because of the intensity of the proposed use in close proximity to
residential uses, Staff recommended to the Planning and Zoning Commission that the site included a 50-
footlandscaped buffer, including a 5-foot wall at the south end of the property. Walz said that the CZA
requires a 35-foot landscaped buffer with a 5-foot minimum masonry wall. Walz said that Staff
recommended and the applicant agreed to increase the effective height of the wall by increasing the
height of the wall to 6 feet or 5 feet with a one-foot berm.
Walz said that the site plan shows a 10-foot drive lane around the north side of the building for stacking at
the drive-through order board with an additional 1 9-foot by-pass for vehicles circulating around the
building. Walz said that Staff believes that this drive is more than what is required the space required to
safely and effectively serve the one-way circulation on the lot. Walz said that the applicant has indicated
that this wide drive is necessary for turning radiuses for trucks but has not offered evidence to support
this. Walz said that on the west side of the building, the drive-through lane is separated from the parking
aisie by a 2-foot landscaped median as required by code. Walz said that this median is intended to direct
drive-through traffic around the building and provide separation from vehicles entering and exiting the
parking spaces on the west side of the building. Walz said that staff believes the median is adequate to
serve the safe circulation of the drive-through window. Walz said that the applicant has proposed one-
way aisles of 24 feet on the east and 22-feet on the west sides of the lot.
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 5
Walz said that City Council has raised concerns about school children who cross the drive entrance along
Broadway Street. In response to Staff suggestion, Walz said that the applicant will set back the wall 10
feet from the sidewalk to maintain good visibility for both cars and pedestrians along Broadway. Walz said
that Staff recommends that vegetation adjacent to the drive entrance within ten feet of the sidewalk be
kept to a 3-foot maximum height. Walz said that because drivers exiting the site may not look for
pedestrians traveling south along Broadway, Staff recommends that a pedestrian crossing sign or stop
sign be posted before the sidewalk where the drive exits on to Broadway.
Walz said that the applicant has submitted information indicating that sound emitted from the intercom
system will not be readily audible from the neighboring residential uses. Walz said that the activity of
vehicles and customers in this area remains a concern particularly during late night hours. Walz said that
Staff recommends that canopy hours be limited to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm Friday and
Saturday. Walz said that because it is located on the opposite side of the building, Staff believes the
drive-through window will not be detrimental to the nearby residential and thus could remain open later
into the evening. Staff recommends that when closed, the canopy lights be turned down to 50% to reduce
glare.
Walz said that the transportation system is capable of safely supporting the proposed use in addition to
the existing uses in the area. Walz said that an adequate amount of stacking spaces must be provided to
ensure that traffic safety is not compromised. Walz said that CC-2 uses, such as commercial recreational
uses, eating and drinking establishments, and sales-oriented retail are likely to generate consistently
high-volume traffic flows throughout the day and into the evening. Walz said that the intersection of
Broadway and Highway 6 as well as the transportation system illustrated in the site plan is designed to
support the level of traffic generated by the drive-in facility.
Walz said that traffic will enter and exit the drive-in facility via a shared, private drive off of Broadway
Street. Walz said that this access drive is designed to circulate traffic to the drive-in lot as well as onto the
adjacent CO-1 site. All drive-in traffic will circulate counterclockwise around the building. Staff finds that
the placement of the drive-through window service on the northwest side of the building, away from the
drive-in canopies is appropriate to separate vehicles accessing the drive-through from those entering the
drive-in portion of the restaurant. Walz said that Staff believes that while the application indicates stacking
space at the drive-through of 4 cars between the service window and the menu order board and 4
additional stacking spaces at the order board, the site plan actually shows 3 stacking spaces at the
window and 2 stacking spaces for the order board. Walz said that at peak times, there may be some
conflict between vehicles parked or attempting to park at the canopies and cars attempting to enter the
drive-through lane. Walz said that Staff does not feel that this presents a safety issue. Staff recommends
traffic control signage and low level vegetation to provide safe pedestrian access to the site.
Walz said that the drive-through lanes must be set back at least 10 feet from the adjacent lot lines and
public rights-of-way and screened from the view of all non-residential property to the S2 standard. The
property must screen to the S3 standard from residential property. The Board of Adjustment may increase
or reduce these standards according to the specific circumstances affecting the site.
Walz said that the lighting for the drive-through facility must comply with the outdoor lighting standards
and must be designed to prevent light trespass and glare onto neighboring residential properties. Walz
said that the proposed exception will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, comfort, or general
welfare. Walz said that the proposed exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other
property in the immediate vicinity and will not substantially diminish or impair property values in the
neighborhood. Walz said that establishment of the proposed special exception will not impede the normal
and orderly development and improvement for the surrounding property for uses permitted in the district
in which such property is located. Walz said that adequate utilities, access roads, drainage and necessary
facilities have been or are being provided. Walz said that adequate measures have been taken to provide
ingress or egress designed to minimize traffic congestion. Walz said that except for the specific
regulations and standards applicable to the exception being considered, the specific proposed exception,
in all other respects, conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone in which it is to be
located. Walz said that the South District Plan identifies this area as apartments. The Comprehensive
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 6
Plan encourages CO-1 zones as appropriate transitions between residential and more intense
commercial uses, Walz said that staff recommends applicant submit a litter control plan.
Walz said that Staff recommends that EXC07 -00002 be approved subject to compliance with the
submitted site plan and elevations, all conditions in the conditional zoning agreement for the property, and
the following additional conditions:
Drive-in canopy hours will be limited to 10 pm Sunday-Thursday and 11 pm on Friday and
Saturday and all canopy lighting, including lighting in the outdoor seating area will be dimmed to
50% when not in operation.
Canopies wiil comply with the CZA for the property and be constructed of materials in a muted
cclor, similar to the outdoor patio cover in order to reduce light reflection and visibility to adjacent
property.
The S3 screening aiong the east side of the CO-1 property must be a minimum 4-5 feet in height
when instailed.
Include S3 landscaping to screen view of the dumpster from the CO-1 property at the northeast
section of the iot.
Vegetation directly adjacent to the drive entrance/exit from Broadway will be held to a maximum
of3feet.
All illuminated signage is limited to the west and north sides of the building.
Trash bins will be provided at both ends of each drive-in canopy and at the south end of the lot,
west of the building.
The applicant will provide a litter control plan for addressing litter in the public right-of-way and on
adjacent properties to the east and south of the subject lot.
The applicant will install pedestrian signage or a stop sign adjacent to the sidewalk at the exiting
drive onto Broadway Street.
Ail other aspects of the site design will be subject to substantial compliance with the site plan
submitted.
Public Hearino Open
Glenn Siders. Southoate Development Services, said this project has been an interesting journey with
many compromises. Siders said they have developed a project that will be beneficiai to the community.
Siders said he has concerns with some of the Staff's recommendations. Siders provided illustrations
showing the turning radiuses for delivery trucks traveling through the lot. Siders said he can answer the
Board's questions. Siders said he is in concurrence with the CZA and happy to comply. Siders said he is
in concurrence with the masonry wall height, as listed in the Staff report. Siders said that he has proposed
a 19-foot width of the median, which will be reduced to a 17-foot width. Siders referred to a document
passed out showing the path of a semi-truck going in and out of the facility in relation to the surrounding
area. Siders said the document shows that they need every square inch. Siders mentioned the need for
an S3 screening near the dumpster area. Siders said there will be iandscaping placed back in that area.
He questioned the necessity of S3 screening. He said there wiil be a wall or fence surrounding the
dumpster area. Siders said an S2 screening wiil be adequate to screen the buffer area.
Alexander asked the difference between the two documents regarding truck traffic moving through the
site handed out to the Board. Siders said the difference is two different sized trucks. Siders said that the
S3 screening seems a bit redundant. Siders said he concurs with pedestrian signage. Siders mentioned
page 5 of the Staff report, which mentions the S3 standard indicates that screening must be a minimum of
3-feet tall when planted but Staff recommends that the screening be 4-5 feet tail in height when installed
along the east side of the CO-1 property. Siders said there is about 200-feet from the end of the CC-2 to
the east side of the property line of the CO-1 and he's not sure how beneficial that foot or foot and half will
be. This smail jump will be very expensive. Siders mentioned page 6, the trash ccntainer placement.
Siders said he's not convinced that the locations suggestions are the appropriate suggestions. Siders
said he would like to place the trash containers where they will be more beneficial. Siders said he will let
Mr. Fry (a representative for the applicant) talk about the hours of operation before he comes back to
summarize his requests.
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 7
David Frv. Nordstrom Oil Comoanv, said he has concerns about the suggested hours of operation. Fry
said he would like to suggest that the canopies on the east end and close according to the hours
mentioned in the Staff report and keep the canopy adjacent to the patio open for the same hours as the
drive-through window. Fry said that they are doing a lot of screening on this property. Fry said that he is
complying with the lighting standards as mentioned in the Staff report and as far as sound systems, Fry
has submitted documentation that shows it should not be a concern.
Siders said that when you come into a drive-in stall, you drive in and turn the car off. You place your
order, wait for food, and that's it. There's not a lot of noise in the process.
Fry said that with the dimming of the lights, they have a safety concern. Fry said that the way the property
is laid out, there are fairly natural buffers to screen out light and sound. Fry said that the amount of traffic
from 10 until midnight is not significant. Fry said that in terms of trash, he intends to operate a clean
business. Fry said they have a restaurant in Cedar Rapids with seven trash containers and no iitter
issues. Fry said it is very important for customers to know they are coming to a clean restaurant.
Alexander asked about the loud speakers. Fry showed the Board a picture of a typical Sonic site. Fry
showed Alexander how the speaker board works. Walz said that the applicant did submit a great deal of
information about the sound system and Staff is not as concerned with the sound system. Walz said
Staffs concern had to do with the activity of cars and customers coming and going. Alexander asked
about Fry's proposai regarding the patio seating. Walz said the patio seating doesn't need to close at an
eariier hour. Fry said that he understood that the patio would close at the same time as the canopies and
he didn't agree with that. Waiz said the Board will clarify that issue. Fry said it would be his hope to keep
the patio open.
Wright asked about parking on the west part of the property. Fry said it was staff parking open to
customer parking.
Thornton said he lived in New Mexico and so he is famiiiar with Sonic. Thornton asked if the outer parking
spaces will have speakers and order boards. Fry said the west side parking is parking only. Thornton
asked about the semi-truck path diagram. Thornton said it didn't look like the truck would find enough
access to turn, according to the diagram. Thornton was concerned about traffic surrounding the turning
truck. Fry said that deliveries typically take place in the morning, twice a week, during hours that are not
busy. Fry said this system works well in Cedar Rapids.
Wood asked about litter control. Is there a program in place? Fry said that part of the operation is that
carhops have responsibilities to pick up trash when they are not serving customers. Fry said this is done
six times a day on schedule, not including during their free time. Wood asked about the wall around the
dumpster. Is it simiiar to the brick wall from the illustrations? Fry said he wasn't sure but he imagined it
would be similar to the building masonry.
Thornton asked about the requested reduction from an S3 to an S2 screening of the dumpster.
Siders said he would summarize his requests and then respond to further questions. Siders said that they
would ask the Board to adjust the hours of operation limited to 10 pm, Sunday through Thursday on the
east canopy. They would turn the lights completely off, probably. Siders said they request the west
canopy be open the same hours as the drive-through. Siders said that he wasn't sure if he wanted to
obiigate himself to the darker colors as mentioned by the Staff but he was willing to comply. Siders said
that he would ask that S3 screening be no more strict than what is mandated by the code. Siders said
that they are asking the area around the dumpster be changed from S3 to S2. Siders said that council
approved the CZA and through the entire approval process, there has not been one individual from the
neighborhood or general public that has spoken in opposition of this project. Everyone gave a favorable
recommendation. Siders said that this is important. Siders said that the HACAP people sent a letter
recommending they do it. Siders thanked the Board for their time and consideration. Siders addressed
Thornton's original question. Siders said that around the very northeast corner, around the dumpster,
Staff is recommending S3 zoning, while everything else is S2. Siders said this is a bit much when this
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 8
dumpster is completely enclosed with some type of wall unit. Walz said that the proposal for the S3
screening was made before they knew what the dumpster looked like or if there wouid be a structure
surrounding it. Siders said he wasn't enthralled with the idea of closing Hollywood Blvd. He wanted to
leave it open. Siders said that the one point of access is a part of the CZA.
Shelangouski asked if that property has an ingress/egress easement across the property. Is it one
property? Siders said yes. Siders said that they will have to do something if the Sonic people sell the CO-
1 to someone else, they'd have to come up with some kind of agreement. Siders said there is an access
to the south of this site. He said that the 35-foot buffer is actually a driveway and the other 12 and a half
feet is on HACAP property. Wood asked where it goes, what does it access? Siders said it goes to the
existing apartment complex and HACAP apartment complex. Siders said he would leave the bike path
open. Shelangouski asked if Siders anticipates people accessing the property from the bike path. Siders
said that whiie they are not proposing an access way in this area, he couldn't guarantee that people won't
do it anyway.
Wood asked about the buffer around the dumpster and if they are going to keep the S3 screening around
the area in question. Siders said yes. Sheiangouski said that item B of the CZA is not stated well at all.
She thought there would be no access to this lot, as stated in the writing. Siders had no comment.
Thornton asked about the recommendation from the applicant about the change in lighting. Thornton
asked if Walz could talk about another business that has faced similar issues. Walz said that she couldn't
think of another facility that has faced this problem of having to alter lighting. Alexander said that there's a
recommendation that the lighting be dimmed but in the applicant's material there is a photometric study
that would confirm 0 foot candles along the southern and eastern property lines. Walz said Staff's
concern was the view from the adjacent apartments. Dimming, Walz said, would be appropriate. Siders
said he hopes to be given a chance and if there's an outburst of neighborhood complaint, they could
adjust their hours and lighting.
Thornton asked about security in terms of dimming the lights. Walz said that Staff initially asked to turn off
the lights and the final compromise was dimming the lights 50%. Walz said this was reasonable in that
dimming lights 50% provides lighting for security issues while discouraging people from being in that part
of the lot. Fry said that in the original proposal they would dim the east canopy lights.
Wood asked Fry about people pulling in and turning off their car. Wood said he envisions people pulling in
and keeping their radios on whiie they eat. Fry said that is not the norm, at least not in Cedar Rapids. Fry
said the food does come in a to-go package and so if they want to leave they can. Fry said he couldn't
recall anyone keeping their lights on. Alexander asked if they'd be operating during the winter. Fry said
yes.
Alexander called for a 5-minute recess.
Eric Goers said that he called and litter violations are a municipal infraction, which could amount to a fine.
Walz said that it's not a matter of if you're not picking up your garbage because the City would do it at a
certain point, but a fine would be exacted.
Shelangouski said that, on page 5, second paragraph, it talks about the color of canopies, which is not
mentioned anywhere else in the CZA. Walz showed her where the CZA does in fact mention color issues.
Anna Bus. manaaer of orooertv in the RN-44 zone, said that while she does welcome Sonic, she is
concerned about the noise from their speakers. Bus advised the Board to go listen to the Sonic speakers
in Cedar Rapids. She said the sound would travel up, which will disrupt her tenants. Bus said that she is
concerned about trash. There have been complaints about trash in the area of her property and nothing
has been done by the City. Bus said the City doesn't do "jack" about the trash. Bus returned to her issue
about the speakers. Bus said if they could keep the volume of the speakers low, that would be sufficient.
Bus said that no one objects to the hours of operation. Bus said if someone calls and complains about the
noise, she would like immediate action done by the applicant. Bus had concerns about the statement that
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 9
no one in the neighborhood compiained about the proposed facility. Bus said that tenants tend not to care
about a plan until it has already been established and something becomes unacceptable. Bus said her
only concern is having a line of communication between herself, her tenants, and the applicants.
Shelangouski asked if there was a neighborhood association. Bus said yes but very few tenants are
members. Bus said there is a gang issue and spray-painting property often occurs. Bus said that the
applicant will find out soon enough that they are going to need to leave some lights on. She offered her
own experiences as a point of reference. Bus said that the lighting will be an issue soon enough. Bus said
that her tenants are most concerned about the noise from the speakers. Thornton asked her opinion
about Sonic's hours. Bus said she's willing to give them whatever hours they want. Their business wili
bring in more business to the neighborhood. Bus repeated that her concern is noise.
Jerrv Anthonv. chairoerson of the HCDC, said he will speak in opposition to the application. Anthony said
that this application should not be approved for many reasons. Anthony said that he will focus his
attention on two issues. The first is the criteria concerning a proposed exception being detrimental to
public health. Anthony said that with a drive-through, traffic will increase. Anthony said that the
Broadway/Highway 6 intersection will become more dangerous if the special exception is granted.
Anthony said that the Staffs suggestions will not decrease this danger. Anthony said that the applicant
has tried to demonstrate compliance on many issues, but on traffic and pedestrian safety, there is no
evidence that the applicant has attempted to mitigate this issue, and this is something they have to do
before a special exception is granted.
Anthony said the Staffs recommendations are elevated to the status of requirement than the chances of
this drive-through not having an impact on properties to the east are reduced. The property values will be
effect. If they are affected, property owners can files suits against the city. If this happens, the City and
taxpayers will have to pay for the privilege of having a Sonic drive through. Anthony said that if the
applicants of this speciai exception are confident that such a scenario will in fact not happen, then they
should absolve the risk.
Thornton asked Anthony to explain his last point. Anthony said that people living in RN-44 and RN-12
have an expectation that any new development must not have a negative effect on their property values.
Anthony said that if Sonic does in fact have this negative effect, then they can claim the losses from the
City. Anthony said if the owners of Sonic are confident that this will not happen, they should pick up this
risk.
Bus said she's also a real estate broker. She said that she doesn't believe Sonic will have anything but a
positive effect on property vaiues of the surrounding area. Bus said that it is a beautiful building and there
will be more business for Pepperwood place and property values should go up. Bus said the only reason
she is here tonight is to comment on the noise and garbage. Bus said that she doesn't think that anybody
has ever sued the City and won on a property de-valuation, unless the property had been condemned.
Wood asked Bus if she is concerned about traffic danger. Bus said no. Bus said it wi Ii be safer because
her tenants won't have to be worried about traffic coming at 60 miles an hour. Wood asked about school
bus stops. Bus said those are not on Hollywood. Bus said there is nothing but car traffic on Hollywood.
Anthony said repeated that if the applicants are confident that the Sonic will have no negative effects on
property values, they should absolve the risk.
Walz reminded the Board that she submitted two emails to them. Alexander said they received them. One
of the issues was volume of the speakers. Alexander called up the applicant. Fry said that there are
volume controls inside the device. Fry said his intention is to be a good neighbor and he would be happy
to keep in contact with Bus' neighborhood association. Fry said if there are issues with sound, he'll be
open to work through them and find a compromise.
Pubiic Hearino Closed
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 1 0
Alexander asked Walz if traffic engineers looked at this, Walz said they did and they did not believe there
was a problem. Walz said they looked at a standard for what a fast food restaurant would generate. Walz
said they did not find a concern.
Thornton asked about the hours of operation. He said that the staff reccmmendation said that drive-in
hours would be limited. Thornton asked about the confusion voiced by applicants. Walz said the
confusion was that the outdoor seating area could close with the rest of the building. Walz said Staff's
concern was that the canopies themselves should close at an earlier hour. Walz said the patio could
remain open. The drive-through could remain open. Walz said Staff's concern was the activity of cars
coming and going from the lot and cars remaining after 10 pm. Thornton said he was concerned about
people just "hanging out."
Siders attempted to clarify this point. Goers said that unless there was a motion from the Board to reopen
the public hearing then he was not allowed to speak. Siders said that he just wanted to be clear about the
patio hours. Walz said that the Board could make the recommendation about the patio hours more clear.
Alexander said she'd like to go backwards with the recommendations. She recommended the Board get
some of the easier recommendations out of the way. The Board agreed on the last three
recommendations as listed on the Staff report. Shelangouski said she thinks it might be overboard to
have a litter-control plan. Wright said he's all for it. Alexander said it couldn't hurt. Alexander asked about
the trash bin recommendation. Shelangouski said she'd like to see the trash can locations as part of the
litter-control plan. Thornton agreed. The Board agreed. Alexander said that the illuminated signage as
listed in the Staff recommendation is not disputed. The Board agreed. Alexander said the vegetation
being limited to 3 feet is not up for dispute. The Board agreed. Alexander asked about the
recommendation about the dumpster being S3 or S2. Wright said that the enclosure is a good idea and
the landscaping is not going to fully mask the dumpster. Wright said that in terms of graffiti, taller
landscaping might keep people away from the wall. Wright said a dumpster enclosure would be inviting
for someone to want to spray paint. Shelangouski said that it S2 or S3 won't make a difference-if
someone wants to paint it, they'll paint it. 5helangouski recommended a structure around the dumpster at
52 for visibility purposes. Walz said that the issue of unless the board felt that vandalism to the wall was a
public issue, that the board should not be concerned with this, but what was appropriate screening for the
dumpster. 5helangouski said the wall's function, as far as the Board is concerned, is to hide the
dumpster.
Wood said the 52 is 2-4 feet and the 53 is 6. Walz confirmed this. 5helangouski said that if it's just on the
East side, what value is it adding? Thornton said that if they're 53 on one side, they should be the same.
Thornton then said he could live with the 52. Wright agreed. Alexander said the 52 would be fine as long
as there would be a specification that there would be an enclosure. Alexander brought up the S3
screening dispute regarding a height of 4-5 feet when installed. Alexander said under the 53 it can be 3
feet in height when installed but it can grow 5 to 6 feet. Alexander asked if the bullet was even needed or
if they should strike that, being that it is already required in the CZA. Board agreed with striking.
Alexander brought up the recommendation regarding the canopy colors. Board agreed with the
recommendation as stated in the Staff report.
Alexander moved to the question of hours of operation. Thornton said his issue is that he is not clear
about Staff's recommendation. Thornton said he can live with 10 pm but he is not in favor of moving the
hour to midnight. Walz clarified that the applicant has indicated that he thinks it would be doable to close
the east canopy and allow the west canopy to stay open. Walz said the Staff recommendation was to
close both canopies but to allow the drive-through and patio to remain open until midnight. Thornton said
he liked that. 5helangouski said she liked the compromise that the applicant came up with, of closing one
canopy. Shelangouski asked how customers order at the patio. Walz said there are speakers. Thornton
said that he recalled that customers could simpiy walk up to the door and order something. Aiexander
asked if the Board would recommend that the east canopy lights be turned off while the rest of the lighting
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 11
remains on until closing. Wright and Shelangouski said they'd prefer the lights dimmed, not off. Board
agreed. Alexander said that the stipulation for the earlier hours be confined to the east canopy.
Shelangouski said that the site plan shows they are building 6 feet into the right-of-way and they are
going to have to vacate the right-of-way and purchase it. Walz said this would be subject to the applicant
being granted the vacation and then purchasing the right-of-way. Wright said Board should indicate that
all recommendations are subject to site plan approval.
MOTION: Shelangouski moved that EXC06-00002, a special exception to allow a drive through-
facility in a CC-2 zone, located at the corner of Highway 6 and Broadway Streets be approved
subject to compliance with the submitted site plan and elevations, and all conditions in the
conditional zoning agreement for the property, and the following additional conditions:
That the east drive-in canopy hours will be limited to 10 pm Sunday through Thursday and
11 pm Friday through Saturday and all canopy lighting, including lighting in the outdoor
seating area will be dimmed to 50% when not in operation.
That canopies will comply with the CZA for the property and the material and colors to be
submitted for Staff approval.
That the dumpster located along the CO-1 property line at the northeast section of the lot
located in an enclosure and that S2 landscaping be around the enclosure.
That vegetation directly adjacent to the drive entrance/exit from Broadway will be held to a
maximum height of 3 feet.
That all illuminated signage is limited to the west and north sides ofthe building.
That the applicant will provide a litter-control plan, including the location of trash bins, to
control litter in the public right-of-way and on adjacent properties to the east and south of
the subject lot.
That the applicant will install pedestrian signage or a stop sign adjacent to the sidewalk at
the exiting drive onto Broadway Street.
That all other aspects of the site design will be subject to substantial compliance with the
site plan submitted.
Wood seconded the motion.
Wright said that when he looks at the specific criteria for a drive-through facility in a CC-2 zone, he
believes it meets most of those criteria. Wright said that pedestrian circulation is a concern for him. Wright
said that this might remain an issue. Wright said that a fair amount of sound will come from this facility.
Wright said that as far as general criteria, he believes that this facility fails the criterion that states the
facility must not be detrimental to public health. Wright said that the idling cars and thumping stereos are
going to be an issue that has not been mitigated by the applicant. Wright said that this facility is not
consistent with the Comprehensive Plan at all. He said that a CO-1 zone is supposed to be a step down
to residential zoning and they're chopping down the CO-1 to two residential lines. Wright said this is a
radical change that is not fitting. Wright said he will be voting against this special exception.
Thornton said that he doesn't think the facility is going to be that intrusive on the community but instead a
good business to have in the community. Thornton said that he feels good about the screening. He said
that this business is making attempts to deal with pedestrian traffic, traffic circulation, and sound.
Thornton said he liked the applicant's compromise in regards to lighting. Thornton said he feels
comfortable with the litter-control plan. Thornton said that in terms of traffic flow, it sounds like Staff has
made an attempt to look at this and he'll go with their findings. Thornton said the risk of property loss
wasn't an issue for Staff and Thornton will go with this. Thornton said he will vote in support of the motion.
Wood said that in terms of the specific approval criteria, he doesn't have concerns. Wood said that good
answers have been developed. Wood as far the general criteria, he has reservations. He said that traffic
is a concern. Wood said that rezoning this area makes him hesitate but then to add an outdoor eating
facility is what he is most concerned with. Wood feit that this is inviting more commotion and noise and
traffic than other fast food restaurants. Wood said that neighbors will be impacted negatively by this
facility. Wood said that none of these issues have been clearly addressed and so he will be voting against
the motion.
Board of Adjustment
March 28, 2007
Page 12
Shelangouski said that she has heard thumping music from the apartment building that is already there
and this business will actually control that. She said that the owner of the property will be in more control
of the noise taking place on the grounds. She said this will be an improvement. Shelangouski said that
this ccmplies with the Comprehensive Plan, the area is being improved by the new development, and so
she will be voting to approve the motion.
Alexander said that she is convinced this will be an improvement to the area. She had ccncerns with the
Comprehensive Plan but felt that those issues were dealt with by Planning and Zoning when they
recommended for the rezoning. Alexander said that she will be voting in favor of this motion. Alexander
encouraged applicant to be that "good neighbor" that he talked about.
Motion is approved 3:2
OTHER:
Walz read from a young woman, a junior at a local high school, who had researched the Shelter House
case and had written to say she wanted the Board to know that they did the right thing. Walz said there
will be an April 11th meeting. Walz said there is only one item on the agenda and it should be pretty
straightforward.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Meeting is adjourned at 8:00 pm.
s/pcdlmin utes/boa/2007/3-2S-07 .doc
Board of Adjustment
Attendance Record
2007
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/10 3/28
Carol Alexander 01/01/08 X X
Michael Wright o 1/0 1/09 X X
Ned Wood 01/01/10 X X
M. Shelangouski 01/01111 X X
Edgar Thornton 01/01/12 X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
-- = Not a Member
I
I
I
,
I
!
I ;5b(~)
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2007
EMMA. J. HARVAT HALL
Approved
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Brennan, Richard Carlson, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim,
Tim Toomey
MEMBERS ABSENT: Esther Baker, Michael Gunn, John McCormally, Tim Weitzel
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, Jim Buxton, Kurt Dyer, Jamie Powers, Jason Powers, Terry
Rozinek, Steve Stalke
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chairperson Brennan called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Certificates of Appropriateness:
938 Iowa Avenue. Rozinek, the contractor for this project, said that there had been some question about
the soffits, and everything else seems to be acceptable to staff.
Terdalkar stated that this is a contributing property in the College Street Conservation District. He said the
property was badly damaged in last year's tornado. Terdalkar said the applicant is considering restoration
of the building beyond the normal repairs for tornado recovery. He showed photographs of the building
taken in c.1960 and c. 2003 and various alterations including the roof addition. He said the roof was
damaged severely in the tornado. Terdalkar showed the photograph of building taken in c. 1900-06 and
said the building was moved from College Street in late 1960s and had iost its tower-roof and the front
roof dormer before it was moved to Iowa Avenue.
Terdalkar said the applicant is proposing to restore the building to match the condition in c.1960. The
work includes rebuilding the roof with a configuration that would be somewhat similar to the original roof,
installing the roof dormer, rebuilding the brick chimney, removing the aluminum siding and restoring the
front porch columns and railing to match the original. He said the applicant has begun work prior to the
application review and without a building permit.
Terdalkar said the questions raised in the staff report involve details for the front porch, including the
details for the railing. He said he has requested detailed drawings from the applicant for the porch. He
said that other issues include a stairway to be built in the back and some details for a portion on the side
gables. Terdalkar showed a photograph from the 1960s showing an extended portion on the gables. He
said the project details should include whether that is to be rebuilt, and if not, what would be an
alternative for that. Terdalkar said the review will also require details about the openings and whether
they will be filled with appropriate windows. He added that it also is not very clear what will be done with
the soffits, although now the applicant has indicated that he plans to rebuild the soffit to its original
configuration, which was bead board or shiplap.
Terdalkar showed some photographs of how the structure looks now. He said that the Commission's
packet includes a sketch of the roofline and an elevation. Terdalkar said that in reality, the roofline is
different than it would have been in the 1960s or what the elevation shows. He said there is an additional
peak that has been added. Terdalkar said that therefore, in the elevation, there will be a higher peak
above the main elevation. He said that the additional roof would be similar to a pyramid roof behind the
two cross-side gables.
Terdalkar said the chimney has been rebuilt. He said it is different than it was in the 60s, but it does have
similar characteristics of the Queen Anne style. Terdalkar said that the chimenry that was demolished in
the tornado did not have any significant features and although the new chimney is not identical to the
original, this is an improvement over the pre-tornado appearance.
Miklo said there are two issues to be resolved: the porch railing and the detail at the end of the gables. He
said the entry at the north side may come before the Commission at a later date.
Rozinek said that at this time he did not have additional information about the porch, other than his plans
to replicate it the best he could, based on the historic photographs. He said that everything he is doing is
based on the historic appearance.
Swaim said that in the photograph, the railing appears to have a horizontal below the rail. Rozinek said
that he plans to match the detailing up above and would not just use straight spindles. He said, however,
that he would have to alter the height to bring it up to code.
Rozinek said that he would use attention to detail to replicate everything acccrding to the old photograph.
He said he has already put the door back in its original location, using a door that he salvaged from St.
patrick's Church. Rozinek said that there will be another door that he got from the salvage barn where the
existing door is now. He said that it will be beveled glass and will tie right in. Rozinek said he plans to
have the windows match the stained glass pattern that is in all the other fioors.
Miklo asked If the gable end would be redone. Rozinek confirmed this and said that he is still looking for
photographs, especially of the back. Regarding the back part of the roof, he said he did the best he could.
Rozinek said he thought the Queen Annes typically had a sundeck. He said that was the only thing that
really made sense was to come up to a flat roof situation, which really doesn't work well in this climate. He
said that is where he came up with that higher peak. He said there are ten:twelve pitches, going into
twelve:twelve pitches. Rozinek said that it made sense up to that point, and the only explanation is a flat
roof in that section. He said he just carried the existing rooflines up to what looks like a witch's hat up
there. Rozinek said it may not be exactly what was there before, but it really flows and ties in with all the
other pitches.
Swaim asked about the side porch to the back. Rozinek replied that that is where the drive-through
carport used to be. He said the remaining pole is holding the weight there, and he will have to do
something about that and submit that for review.
Toomey asked if there was a doorway there. Rozinek said there was originally, but because of the grade
and the parking, it won't be safe to have any kind of structure there between the houses. Michaud asked
if that would be some kind of balcony. Rozinek said that he would just side over that. He said that
because of the grade and because there is already access in the rear, there is no need for that door,
which was put in for handicapped accessibility.
Rozinek said that the actual railing down below will resemble what is up above. Terdalkar pointed out that
the house was originally on College Street and later moved to this location. He said he believed that was
when the turret and chimney were removed.
Rozinek said that the shed structure that was up there was not safe and was not water tight. He said he
went through with the demolition to save the house, as it has been taking water on all four floors since the
tornado. Rozinek said that to save the house, he needs to get a roof on quickly.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 938 Iowa
Avenue, with the stipulations that the front porch railing be rebuilt as per the original photographs
using paintable wood with the appropriate height to meet City Code, the gable ends be built to
reflect the original extension as per the 1960 photograph, the windows be consistent with the
recommendations in the staff report, and with the back entry stair to be submitted, reviewed, and
voted on separately at a later date.
Carlson asked if it was clapboard in the little triangle on the gable ends. Rozinek said he believes that is
fish scales and said that he intends to incorporate that up there.
Swaim seconded the motion.
Miklo pointed out that the staff report suggests alternatives if the contractor cannot find salvage windows,
including that wood or metal clad windows would be acceptable in that case.
Swaim said it is wonderful to see that last house on that block on that side of Iowa Avenue be fixed up.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
946 Iowa Avenue. Buxton said that he owns this house and that Dyer and Stalke are working for him on
the house.
Terdalkar stated that this is a contributing structure in the College Street Conservation District. He said
that the application is for the demolition of an 18 by 20 foot garage on the corner of Evans and Iowa
Avenue behind the house. Terdalkar the garage has a perimeter roof with open rafters, and the garage
has shiplap-type siding on it.
Terdalkar said the back/west side of the garage has two barn-sash windows. He said the applicant
proposes to demolish the garage and rebuild a garage that is two feet longer. Terdalkar said the
application proposes eight-inch lap cedar siding, although, since the application was submitted, the
contractor has informed him that he wants to use the same siding that is on the house, three-inch lap.
Terdalkar said the applicant is also open to the suggestion that he use barn-sash type windows instead of
double hung.
Terdalkar said that it is wonderful that the owner wants to rebuild this, but the Commission needs to
consider the integrity, architectural significant and condition of the garage. He said that there is some
leaning toward the north. Toomey added that there are a couple sags and bows in the roof. Terdalkar
said that he believes that it is possible to fix the garage.
Buxton said that he wants to put brand new siding all around the house. He said he wants to do the same
thing to the garage so that it matches the house and plans to use the same shingles for both structures.
Buxton said that after going inside the structure, he has come up with a whole page worth of defects. He
stated that the bottom plate is all rotted, the two by fours are on 24-inch center instead of 16 so that it's
not a very strong building. Buxton said the actual building is out of square by four inches.
Buxton said there is a lot of damage to the building for which his insurance company will be reimbursing
him, and he would rather spend that money on a brand new structure with new siding and paint it the
same as the house, so everything looks the same. He added that the garage door is unusable the way it
is right now.
Dyer said that it would be hard to fix this building so that it would sit level again. He said that the siding is
in really bad shape too, as it is rotted all along the front.
Toomey asked if new fittings would be poured. Dyer said that he would have to. Buxton said he would be
able to reuse the garage door, but the building is currently twisted in its tracks so that the garage door
cannot be used there.
Stalke said that he does not think it would be feasible to repair the garage. Dyers said that the whole plate
on the bottom is rotted. Buxton said that he does not want to invest money to redo a structural framework
that is substandard.
Miklo suggested the Commission consider this as compared to some of the carriage houses; he said it is
not an exceptional example of architecture. Swaim said the garage appears to have been built a decade
or two after the house. Terdalkar said the garage was built in the 1930s, and the house was built in the
early 1900s. Carlson confirmed that the garage was built few decades after the house and has different
styling than the house.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 946 Iowa
Avenue to include staff's recommendation regarding the windows and the siding. specifically for
the siding to either match the house or be replaced with shiplap. Toomey seconded the motion.
Terdalkar said that approval of a demolition needs to be considered on the basis of condition, integrity,
and architectural significance. Carlson said that one can tell that this is an early 20.h century garage, but it
has no outstanding features, and there are lots of other garages like it around. He stated that the building
is in poor condition with compromised integrity.
Michaud added that the double car door is a recent feature; one would not see those in the 1920s or
1930s. She said it is therefore not an original opening. Michaud added that given that the sillS and siding
are rotten and the studs are substandard, she thought that demolition of this structure would be
acceptable.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
1029 Bowerv Street. Terdalkar stated that this building is a contributing structure in the Clark Street
Conservation District. He said the proposed project is designed to accommodate a newer addition and a
new garage. Terdalkar said the building was originally designed by local architect J. Bradley Rust and
was buiit to his specifications, except for a small change in the roof peak.
Terdalkar said the application is to convert a garage addition into a bedroom space, which would require
removai of the garage door and would then utilize a French door with three panels. He stated that the
other part of the application would be to add a 14 by 17 foot three-season porch that would be separated
by about six feet from the existing wall planes of both the garage and the house, with a connector space
to be built between the porch and the existing structure. Terdalkar said the porch would have a hip roof,
sort of a perimeter roof, and the connector would also have a pitched roof. He said they would have very
shallow roofs, enough to get the water off. Terdalkar said that the new roofs would not compete with the
original roofline of the house.
Terdalkar showed the location for the new garage, which would lead from the existing driveway and be
set as close as possible to the west and south property boundaries. He said the new garage wouid have
a 24 by 22 foot footprint. Terdalkar said there would be two garage doors, and they would be identical to
the existing garage door. He said the designer has made an effort here to maintain the integrity of the
building and build a compatible structure on the site. Terdalkar said staff has suggested using a French
door with half lights, instead of full lights, to better mimic the garage.
Miklo said that in the initial discussions with Sue Licht, the architect, there was discussion about what to
do with the roof, whether to try to match the roof on the house, to compromise and do something in
between, or to do a more shallow roof. He added that Tim Weitzel, the Commission Chair, was also
involved in those discussions. Miklo said the three agreed that it was probably best to do a minimal roof
so that it would not compete with the house. He said the only aspect staff has a concern about, although
it is not real strong, is that if the doors were half light doors, they would better mimic the garage door.
Jason Powers said that the existing driveway that goes into the current garage will be removed and
landscaped. He said the plan is to have some landscaping with bushes and a private garden, which
would block probably half of the visible window anyway. Jamie Powers said that in keeping with the
original, there won't be any windows on the west side, and there will be two very small windows on the
east side. She said they would like to have the east to south sun during the day, and so they came up
with the plan for the three doors.
Swaim said that the French doors with several lights in them would tie in with the other windows better
than one solid window. She asked about the east elevation. Jamie Powers said there are no changes
proposed.
Jamie Powers said that this is a very special and quaint house, and she is not in favor of a huge addition
that pops out. She said they want to keep it quaint and tried to have as modest of a plan as possible.
Swaim said that the west elevation drawing shows French doors, and she asked if they are there now.
Jason Powers confirmed this. Swaim said there is already a precedent for them on the house then. Jason
Powers said the French doors would step out to a private patio and would mimic the view on the west
side with the bushes and landscaping in front of the doors so that one could not see the bottom.
Carlson said that his one concern is the loss of the breezeway, because it looks so great now. Jamie
Powers said she agreed. She said they have decided to keep all of the archway systems and either use
stucco or some type of a window in that area. Carison asked if the wall would be built right up to the
existing arches. Jason Powers confirmed this and said the existing arches will remain. He said they may
keep the gates or have some semblance of the gates there. Jason Powers said that where it looks
through toward the west there will be a bathroom window, so there will still be some continuity.
Carlson asked the owners if they had considered some other configuration. He said that as it is now, if
someone wanted to go back to having a breezeway, it would be very hard to reverse. Jason Powers said
his only concern would be that there would be two finished living spaces separated by open air if they
kept the breezeway as is. Carlson agreed that with the new construction in the back it would be kind of
pointiess anyway, because one wouidn't have the view through.
Toomey said that the breezeway could be preserved with a triple pane piece of glass through the whole
thing. Michaud said that one couldn't use that then for a bathroom. Jason Powers said they couid use a
iarge opaque window.
Swaim said the plans show the breezeway coming out but staying the dark brown. Jamie Powers said it
would stay dark brown, but the stucco in the window would be the backdrop so that one could see the
arches, the poles, and how the breezeway was built.
Toomey said that he has no problem with the garage. He said that the screened-in porch, however, looks
like Greek revival stuck onto the end of a building. Toomey said there are moving rooflines on everything,
and then this would have a shallow roofline.
Miklo said staff's concern was not biocking the view. He said the house has a distinctive design with a
fairly complex roof now. Miklo said that adding yet another complex roof would compete with the original
design. He said this approach is to show that this is not original, which is one of the guidelines in the
Secretary of the Interior Standards, to set off an alteration so that it doesn't look like a false piece of
history. Swaim agreed that it would be misleading to have a steeper roof, because it would suggest that
that is how the original was.
Terdalkar said that the cottage is always going to be small, because it was built as a cottage. He said the
garage is an extension, an original addition. Terdalkar said that the plan is to build a third part of the
structure, which would also need to be connected with another breezeway or connector of some sort. He
said that it would be unusual to have three parts of the building being connected by breezeways.
Terdalkar said that it would also be unusual to have the new porch looking like an original part of the
house.
Jason Powers added that he didn't want to change the appearance from Clark Street. Miklo said that with
the shallowness of this particular hip roof, the roof itself won't be that noticeable, so he did not believe
that one would get that Greek revival look. He did a sketch showing what it would look like if one tried to
match the roof on the house.
Michaud said the plans make the house look harmonious. Jason Powers said they wanted it to be
minimalist.
Jamie Power said that the architect originally had transoms on the house, but it was suggested that they
be taken out, so now it's just windows. Terdalkar said that suggestion came from him. He said the reason
this has a Greek revival look is because of the heavier columns and heavier beam. He said those are
elements of a Greek revival elevation, and he had suggested more vertical features and making the
columns to support the roof thinner so that they disappear somewhat. Terdalkar said one of the features
of the original house is its verticality in terms of narrow windows and lights.
Toomey said it goes back to the issue of does one make it conform to the existing architecture or,
because it's a new addition, does one have to make it so different so that it doesn't appear to be part of
the original. He said that when he works on a project like this, he tries to make it look like it has always
been there. Toomey said that he likes to see an addition look harmonious.
Carlson said there are various schools of thought on this. He said he agrees with the Secretary of the
Interior Standards, which say that an addition should be compatible with the main structure, but one
should be able to see that it's an addition. Carlson said an addition should be harmonious but not exactly
the same. He said this addition is minimalist, and that at least is a good thing.
Miklo said he does not think this will have a Greek revival look once it is built, because it will be dark in
color like the rest of the house. He said the hip roof will not give the appearance of tablature.
Swaim said she prefers the minimalist look. She said that screened-in porches often have a way of
vanishing to the eye. Michaud agreed and said that this porch has a low profile.
Toomey said that screened-in porches often get converted to living areas as time goes by. Miklo said that
this is being built with windows behind the screens.
MOTION: Michaud moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 1029
Bowery Street, as proposed.
Toomey asked about the garage details. Jason Powers said it would be a detached two-car garage,
designed to mimic the original garage. Jamie Powers said it will not look a carriage house, and the focus
will not be on the garage. She said they would be reusing the garage windows and will use the same
siding. Mikio said the guidelines discuss having the garage subordinate to the main house.
Ponto seconded the motion.
Swaim discussed Terdalkar's suggestion regarding using narrower verticals on the porch. Terdalkar said
that Licht did make some attempt to make those narrower but had some concerns about the structural
stability. Terdalkar said that he suggested that the multiple columns should be able to go down to six
inches, but Licht did not want to go that narrow.
Miklo said staffs recommendation was to approve this as is, subject to the window specifications to match
the existing in terms of the material. Carlson asked about the plans for the windows. Jamie Powers said
she assumed they would be double hung, because that's the way the rest of the windows are. Terdalkar
said that almost all of the windows on the house are double hung.
Toomey said that he would vote to change the garage, but he believes that the proposed screened-in
porch would detract from the original building. Jamie Powers said that, regarding converting the
screened-in porch to a living area, Licht originally planned to have heating and air put in the porch, but
Jamie Powers did not want that. Jamie Powers said they have enough living space, and they made a
choice here for a porch. She said she didn't want the option of turning on the air, because that makes it
the same living space as the house. Jamie Powers said they specifically made a choice to have a
screened-in, three-season porch.
Regarding the French doors being half-light versus full light, Ponto said he was fine with full light,
considering there are already other French doors in the house that are full length. Brennan agreed. He
said that for this house, one's attention is not drawn to the garage door exposure. Brennan said he did not
think the half light doors would be a problem.
Carlson said that although he regrets the loss of the breezeway, which is a significant feature of the
house, the breezeway is not significant enough that he would vote against this just on that basis.
The motion carried on a vote of 5-1. with Toomev votina no.
Minutes for February 8. 2007 MeetinQ.
Carlson said that in the first full paragraph on page seven, in the first sentence, the word "objective"
should be changed to "subjective." He said that he also had typographical corrections to submit.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve the minutes of the Commission's February 8th meeting, as amended.
Carlson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
Other:
Preservation Leadership Trainina - Application Information and Tvpical Scheduie. Terdalkar said more
information was distributed about this. He said that it is a week-long training session. Terdalkar said that
Friends of Historic Preservation has offered to match the $350 fee for one member.
Burford said that one of the members of the Board has taken this training session and felt it was very
good. She said the intent of the Board in matching the $350 fee was to have more than one person
receive this in-depth training.
Terdalkar said there is also a possibility of applying for a scholarship from the National Trust. Miklo asked
if any of the members were interested in attending, although he agreed with some of the members that a
week is long time. Burford said there may be other opportunities that are for a shorter period of time.
Potential Proiects. Terdalkar said the Commission previously decided that it would not write a work plan
for year 2007, but review and gather public comments on the Preservation Plan Update instead. He said
the draft for the Preservation Plan is expected soon from the consultants, and that will take a lot of the
Commission's time. Terdaikar said if the members have ideas for projects that shouid be taken up later in
the year, along with the Preservation Plan review the Commission should discuss those.
Terdalkar said once we get the draft staff will prepare a schedule of public meetings for public comments
on the Preservation Plan. As the plan is part of the Comprehensive Plan, after HPC consideration, the
plan will then go before the Planning and Zoning Commission for a recommendation and later will be
forwarded to the City Council for adoption.
Terdalkar said, however, that if anyone has ideas for surveys, CLG applications, or HRDP applications,
he/she could bring them before the Commission. Mikio said that the Preservation Plan will probably take
a couple of months before it gets through the City Council consideration. He said that will bring up several
recommendations for implementation so that the Commission will have a fUll plate this year just dealing
with the Preservation Plan. Miklo said if there is any other burning issue, members will want to consider it.
Carlson asked about deadlines for grant applications. Terdalkar said that the HRDP grant is due at the
end of the summer. He said that the CLG grant the City applied for was denied, but there was a
suggestion that the two surveys, one for Manville Heights and one for the near South Side, be done in
separate surveys. Terdalkar suggested that Manville Heights could be nominated for an HRDP project.
Burford said that one concept discussed at the Friends of Historic Preservation Board meeting was a
review of incentives for preservation. She said the discussion centered on the Northside Marketplace and
building a consensus to consider once again whether residents would want to see a historic district there.
Burford said that a lot of the offered incentives are based on being on the National Register and then
being designated locally, and it takes quite a bit of work to get to that point. She said that there was a
feeling that once one gets to that point, when the owner tries to use the designation to obtain financial
assistance, there are very few programs that are available. Burford said the Board discussed ways to
make money more available so that it is more meaningful to people to go through the process. Miklo said
that the Preservation Plan will be addressing some of those issues.
Carlson said that at the last State nomination review committee meeting he attended, one of the
members handed out brochures regarding vastly increasing the amount of money available for projects.
He said he did not know where that is in the process. Terdalkar said he thought that was being
considered in this legislative session or at least an attempt was made to have it considered.
Miklo said the City staff was asked to fill out a survey by an Iowa municipality lobbying group regarding
the staff's experience with State tax credits. He said the response was that there has been no experience,
because it really is not beneficial in Iowa City. Miklo said the property values are so high in the City that it
is hard for someone to invest enough to take advantage of the tax credits. He added that the State has a
very low cap on what is available, although there is some movement in the State legislature to make the
Iowa income tax credits more attractive, restructuring it so that it would be more feasible to use.
Burford said that there are two other inhibitors. She said that the way the program is set up now, the tax
credits are only available for commercial properties. Burford said that another inhibitor is that to receive
property tax relief in Johnson County, if one makes this kind of substantial investment in his property,
there is a two-step process. She said the owner has to go to the State first with the planned investment.
Burford said the project has to receive State approval, and then it has to come back before the Johnson
County Board of Supervisors for the owner to ask for this tax relief. She said that it all has to be done
within a certain time frame. Burford said she understands that there is a way to locally change that to
make this a one-step process.
Carlson asked if staff could get Commission members information regarding this subject so that people
can write to their legislators and get the word out. Miklo said staff could do that.
Miklo said it sounds like there is some interest in submitting an application for Manville Heights or the
Near South Side for the HRDP grant. He said that once the Preservation Plan comes out with its
recommendations and is adopted, the Commission could adopt a program for the rest of the year based
on the Preservation Plan.
Discussion of Annual Preservation Awards. Terdalkar said it was discussed postponing the awards until
fall. He said that Burford has booked a room in the Library in October, and the Commission needs to
discuss starting the application process. Terdalkar said he needed a volunteer to work with Burford and
himself to review the applications.
Miklo stated that, years ago, people nominated themselves and others, and it led to some hard feelings
when self-nominated properties did not receive awards. He said that after that, the Commission and
Friends had a committee to select properties for nominations, to make sure that a project that was not
appropriate was not nominated and then insulted by the whole process. Miklo said that recently the self-
nomination process was revived, but the Commission may want to rethink that. He said that nomination
by the Commission itself, along with Friends, also simplifies the awards program, because it's a matter of
volunteers going out in the community and finding eligible projects.
Swaim said that the system by which people nominate themselves or their neighbors only works
successfully if the word is out there about the awards. She said that in coming up with its own
nominations, the Commission has a better understanding and awareness of all the different projects.
Terdalkar said that one concern is that the Commission is not always aware of projects outside the
districts. He said that nominated projects do not have to be within districts.
Michaud asked by what date the projects have to be completed. Terdalkar said that is up for discussion.
He said that the nominations done for the National Preservation awards give a window of three years.
Terdalkar suggested that the time period be extended a little bit, because some of the projects fall
through because of the timing. He suggested using a time period of the last two years or so, so that credit
can be given to those who have done significant work.
Miklo said that the anniversary of the tornado is April 13'", and the City Council Is holding a meeting on
April 17'h He suggested the Commission may want to consider presenting some awards at that City
Council meeting for projects, outside of the regular awards program, that deserve special attention.
Swaim asked what the criteria for those awards would be, and Miklo replied that it could be whatever the
Commission wants. He said there have been some outstanding projects. Swaim said that it would be
good press for preservation, especialiy since preservation month is in May, and the reguiar preservation
awards wili be held in the fall.
The consenSUS of the Commission was to pursue the granting of awards for tornado restoration at the
April City Council meeting. Terdalkar said the Commission couid make a recommendation to the City
Council to recognize these efforts. Miklo said the awards could be from the Commission and presented
by the Mayor. He said staff will discuss this with the Mayor and pursue this.
Miklo said that for the special awards, staff would send a staff-compiled e-mail list of potential winning
properties to Commission members. He asked that if someone objects to any property or properties to let
staff know of that objection.
Swaim volunteered to work with Burford and Terdalkar on pulling nominations together for the fali annual
preservation awards.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
s/pcd/minsfhpcJ3-B-07.doc
Historic Preservation Commission
I Attendance Record
2007
I
Tenn
Name Expires 2/08 3/08
Baker 3/29/09 X OlE
Brennan 3/29/08 X X
Carlson 3/29/07 X X
Gunn 3/29/07 X OlE
McCormally 3/29/08 OlE OlE
Michaud 3/29/09 X X
Ponto 3/29/07 X X
Swaim 3/29/09 X X
T oorney 3/29/09 X X
Weitzel 3/29/08 X OlE
Key:
i X = Present
I o ~ Absent
OlE ~ Absent/Excused
NM ~ No Meeting
i -- -- = Not a Member
I
I
I
I
s1pcd/minslhpcl3-8..Q7.doc
D:r
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal- 5:45 PM
FINAL
Members Present: Randy Hartwig, Chair; John Staley; Janelle Rettig; Howard Horan,
Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp,
Others Present: Dean Thornberry, David Hughes, David Leshtz, Harry Wolf, Jay
Honeck, Phillip Woolford, Mike Hall, Dave Larson, Ron Duffe
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The Airport Commission recommended to
remove the covenants on Lot #'s 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10, II, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17,
and to have the covenants remain on Lot #5, pending Council's approval.
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Hartwig called the meeting to order at 5:45 PM.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS:
The first order of business was the election of officers. Hartwig moved to elect Horan
as Chairperson, seconded hy Staley. Motion carried 5-0. Horan moved to elect
Rettig as Secretary, seconded by Farris. Motion carried 5-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 8, 2007 MEETING:
Chairperson Horan asked if there were any changes, additions, or deletions to the minutes
from the February 8, 2007 meeting. Rettig moved to accept the minutes of the
February 8, 2007 meeting as submitted, seconded by Farris. Motion carried 5-0.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Dean Thornberry addressed the Commission regarding a new hangar, stating that he sees
a need for new hangars. He is willing to construct a couple of new T -hangars, but needs
the Commission's decision on this. He asked if they could do this in a fairly quick time
frame, as he would like to start construction. Thornberry continued, stating that he would
like to put in hangars just like the ones currently there. Hartwig suggested that Tharp
come up with a list of items that need to be addressed at the Airport, in addition to the
need for T-hangars. Members asked that this item be added to the next meeting's agenda.
Thornberry stated that, for the record, his phone number is 337-5316. The Members
thanked Thornberry and stated they would look into his offer.
I
Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Page 2 of6
Rettig noted that they have a couple of guests at tonight's meeting. One, Dave Leshtz,
District Representative for Congressman Dave Loebsack, spoke briefly with the
Commission. Rettig also introduced Mike Hall, who flies helicopters for the University
ofIowa. Hall spoke briefly with the Commission, as well.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A, Aviation Commerce Park - Harry Wolf updated the Commission, stating
that they are scheduled to close on the sale of Lot #5 to IWI Automotive Parts
before the end of April and that so far, everything is on track. He stated that
Mitch Behr with the City Attorney's office is leaving, but that Sue Dulek will
be handling the matter. Wolf stated that they have had some inquires from
around the Midwest on what is available in Iowa City, and that he does have a
fairly serious inquiry on Lot #1. The discussion then turned to the existing
covenants on these lots. On Lot #6, Wolf stated that the previous party he had
spoke of is still interested in this parcel, contingent upon the covenants being
amended. Hartwig stated that he feels they need to do what is necessary to
encourage the interest in these lots, further stating that he would be in favor of
removing the covenants. Rettig noted that she made this motion at the last
meeting, but it died due to no second. Hartwig noted that passage ofthis
motion will be a recommendation to the City Council, and that the lots would
be under the current zoning regulations. Rettig moved to recommend the
City Council remove the covenants on Lot #'s 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9, 10, 11,
12,13, 14, 15, 16, and 17, and to have the covenants remain on Lot #5;
seconded by Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0. Wolf stated that he would be in
touch with the Commission, and will pass along the information about the
covenants being lifted.
Hartwig asked if they could move Item C up to this place in the agenda, due to
the fact that Mr. Larson has another appointment that he needs to leave for.
Rettig moved that Item C be moved up in the agenda, seconded by
Hartwig. Motion carried 5-0.
B. JJR David - Drainage Easement - Tharp noted that the Members have
received some information from Dave Larson regarding this project. Larson
addressed the Commission, stating that the main reason for his attendance is
to get a drainage easement adj acent to Dane Road, to the west of the Airport.
He pointed out on a map the location he was referring to, stating that their
goal is to have a ditch next to John Dane's farm lane, and even more
importantly, they need to have a drainage path off of Dane Road, between
Dane's fence and new lane. He further stated that the FAA has tentatively
sent out an email stating that they do not have any problems with this project.
He also addressed the proposed detention pond on Dane's property. Larson
responded to Members' questions about the proposed development in this
area. (TAPE ENDS) Rettig stated that until she sees the study regarding the
2
Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Page 3 of6
capacity of the creek where these drainages go into, she would rather not
make any decisions regarding this easement. Commission Members asked
various questions of Larson, agreeing that more information is needed before
a decision is made. Larson gave the Members further details of this project,
with David Hughes of Earth Tech joining in. Rettig moved to table this
agenda item until further information from City Engineering is available,
seconded by Horan. Motion carried 5-0.
C. FAA/IDOT projects - Earth Tech - David Hughes
I) Runway 7/25 - Hughes stated that they have met with the City
regarding the engineering services' agreement. The next step will
be to send this to the FAA for their approval.
a) Consider a resolution approving Supplemental Agreement
No.8 with Earth Tech, Inc. for engineering services related to
the paving and lighting of Runway 7-25 extension -- Hartwig
moved to approve Resolution No. A7-02, contingent to FAA
approval; seconded by Staley. Carried 5-0.
II) South Aviation Development Study - Hughes stated that they are
moving ahead with some alternative layouts for this area and will
be trying to schedule a meeting with the advisory group sometime
in this month. He asked Members to get their comments to him yet
this month.
III) South Taxilane Rehab - Hughes stated that they are taking plans
and specifications on this and hope to get these out by mid-March
for legal review. Hartwig asked ifthis includes asphalt, which
Hughes stated it does. Horan asked if they would be starting on
this in the upcoming building season, and Hughes stated that they
hope to start soon. Dulek stated that a resolution setting a public
hearing can be combined with the resolution setting a public
hearing on the hangar A floors.
IV) Hangar A Rehab - Hughes stated that he has a quotation process
regarding the doors that he needs to run by Dulek before he can
move any further with that part of the project, and plans to do this
in the next few days.
a) Consider a resolution setting public hearings
(Wednesday, March 28, 2007 at 5:45 PM) for the plans,
specifications, form of contract, and estimate on cost for
the construction of "Hangar A Concrete Floors" project
and the "South Taxilane Rehab" Project - Rettig moved
to consider Resolution A7-03, seconded by Hartwig.
Carried 5-0.
3
Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Page 4 of6
V) Terminal Apron Rehab - Hughes reported that they are waiting
for the closing ofthe Hagen Parcel to do more work.(TAPE
ENDS)
VI) Obstruction Mitigation - Hughes stated that he does not have a
time frame on this yet, but it will be prior to the runway opening.
VII) 405 Approach Surveys - Hughes stated that they have submitted
these to the FAA, but have not had any response yet. He briefly
responded to Members' questions regarding this item.
Rettig stated that the DOT grants are due March 30th, and she asked who is
writing these grants, what is being applied for, etc. Tharp stated that
Hughes is writing most of these. After last month's discussion, Tharp
stated that they were applying for the Jet Fuel Pump and Avgas
Replacement, as well as repairs ofthe North Taxilane leading from the
North T-Hangars.
D. "Hagen" Parcel- Dulek gave a brief overview of this item, stating that she
has not heard anything further on this. She stated that the next step would be
to confirm in writing that the deal is off, and then perhaps check with the other
two parties who had shown interest. They can then decide if they want to
market this parcel of land themselves or have a broker do so. Dulek stated
that she has written a letter stating that this party can no longer park cars on
this property, and she will keep the Commission up-to-date on what is going
on.
E. Security Plan Annual Review - Tharp noted that they need to do a yearly
review on this plan and need to update some miscellaneous items in it. The
Members agreed and briefly discussed various items, stating that Tharp needs
to update the necessary items. Horan suggested putting a contact in for the
Airport Commission with Tharp as the contact person. Farris moved to
authorize Tharp to make the necessary changes, seconded by Hartwig.
Carried 5-0.
F. Airport "Operations": Strategic Plan-Implementation; Budget; and
Airport Management - Horan asked Dulek about the sharing of information
via email, stating that he has some information to share with Members. Dulek
gave some suggestions on the best way to handle this type of thing.
G. FBO Staff Report -- Duffe stated that last Thursday they had an emergency
that ended fine, with a plane from Texas landing in the storm. Rettig asked
what the procedures are in a case like this.
H. Subcommittees' Reports - Farris stated that he has some info to share on the
viewing area plans, and has a meeting set up with Terry Trueblood with Parks
and Rec to see how they can work together on this. He suggested they will try
4
^_,______,_...,.~____.......~._._..~.___.._.m___.~'___....__~._~.._M'__.__'.___._.______._.._.__"__._ ,. __ ____'___'._M_'_'.' ~__,__.___._..____... __,__________n__._._..
Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Page 5 of6
to find groups in the area that are willing to help with this, as well. Rettig
stated that she would be willing to help out on this subcommittee. Farris
briefly noted some of the ideas that he has so far.
Tharp gave Members a draft of the newsletter. (TAPE ENDS) He asked for
the Members to contact him with any corrections, changes, etc., to the
newsletter. Rettig asked for some clarification on the City's web site and the
ability to receive this newsletter from the web site.
I. Commission Members' Reports - Hartwig brought up the idea of a wall
map for the Airport, and is looking into this. He also brought up the topic of
FAA Reauthorization. He stated that the current proposed legislation could
have serious impacts on the Airport, and that the commission should be
monitoring the situation. Staley thanked Hartwig for being the Chair ofthe
Airport Commission for three years, and thanked Horan for taking the Chair
position.
J. Staff Report - Tharp noted that the "Day on the Hill" is the chance to meet
with State Legislators on March 14th and asked if anyone else would care to
join Rettig and himself at this event. He also noted that the 2007 Iowa
Aviation Conference is coming up in April, and gave Members a brief
overview ofthis two-day event.
SET NEXT REGULAR MEETING FOR: March 28, 2007 at 5:45 (Special Meeting)
and April 12, 2007, at 5:45 P.M.
ADJOURN: Meeting adjourned at 7:38 P.M.
Chairperson
Date
5
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Airport Commission
March 8, 2007
Page 6 of6
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
lMeetin!! Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1109 X X X
Greg Farris 3/1113 OlE X X
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X
Howard Horan 3/1108 X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1112 X X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE ~ AbsentlExcnsed
NM ~ No meeting
--- = Not a Member
6
C[
APPROVED
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 22"0, 2007
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ROOM A
Members Present:
Jerry Anthony called the meeting to order at 8:35 pm
Jerry Anthony, Steve Crane, Marcy DeFrance, Andy Douglas, Holly Hart,
Thomas Niblock, Brian Richman, Charlotte Walker
Call to Order:
Members Absent:
Michael Shaw
Staff Present:
Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Sue Dulek
Others Present:
Steve Ramirez, Charlie Eastham, Chris Harms, Tom Walz, Beth Koppes, Mike
Townsend, Steve Rackis, AI Axeen, Dawn Newbill, Mark Patton, Suellen
Novotny, Jesse Burns, Josh Weber, Deb Briggs, Maryann Dennis, Laura Dowd,
David Dowell
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after seoarate Council actionl:
Housing and Community Development Commission Funding Recommendations:
FY08 CDBGIHOME Projects
PROJECT NAME
Housing - Home Eligible Activities
Blooming Garden - Homeownership
Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing
Habitat for Humanity - Homeownership
HACAP - Transitional Housing
ICHA - Homeownership
IC - Housing Rehabilitation (Lead)
The Housing Fellowship - CHDO
The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing
Housing Subtotal:
HCDC RECOMMENDATION
$80,000.00
$125,000.00
$117,000.00
$115,000.00
$0.00
$50,000.00
$31,000.00
$347,772.00
$865,772.00
Public Facilities, Non-HOME Eligible Activities
Crisis Center - Accessibility $18,529.00
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation $5,895.00
Extend the Dream - Facility Acquisition $0.00
Free Medical Clinic - Accessibility $29,500.00
Goodwill Industries - Facility Rehab $30,000.00
NCJC - Facility Rehab $88,000.00
Wetherby NA - Splash Pad $30,000.00
Public Facility Total: $201,924.00
Public Services
Extend the Dream Foundation
Free Medical Clinic
Local Foods Connection
Shelter House
Visiting Nurse Association
Public Service Total:
$1,500.00
$7,500.00
$2,474.00
$7,500.00
$2,500.00
$21,474.00
Total Available to Allocate:
$1,089,170.00
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 2
Approval of the February 21", February 22"., and March 8'h, 2007 Meeting 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. Waiker said on the March 8th, 2007 minutes, first page, third paragraph of Public Comments, the
word "people" should be replaced with "equal."
Richman motioned to approve the February 21", February 22"., and March 8th, 2007 minutes with the
corrections made by Walker. Crane seconded the motion. The motion was passed 8:0.
Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
None
Anthony said that there is a new item on the agenda, Staff/Commission Comment. Anthony said that
there will now be a time at meetings where commission members can announce things that will not be
discussed. Anthony said he liked this to be moved up to the next item. Walker motioned to move
Staff/Commission Comment up to the next item. Hart seconded the motion. The motion passed 8:0.
Staff/Commission Comment
Anthony said that HCDC received a request from Charlie Eastham. Anthony said he's going to read it but
it will not be discussed. Anthony read the leiter, which stated Eastham's concerns with HCDC member
Walker's comparison between the Housing Fellowship's board and staff and a recently indicted non-profit
organization's board and staff. Eastham's lelter ended by saying such a comparison calls into question
the integrity of HCDC. Anthony said this lelter will be placed into the agenda for next meeting.
Douglas said that he spoke with a local advocacy group, FAIR, and they are sponsoring an event. He
read a letter saying that Michael Bodakin, president of the National Housing Trust, will be discussing
maintaining and preserving affordable multi-family housing at the Iowa City public library on April 24th. He
will be available to answer any questions.
Walker said that she heard about some housing for homeless people available now, 2- and 3-bedroom
apartments in Burlington. Walker said that this is an option to consider.
Staff/Commission Comment closed.
Discussion of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Request to Amend the Financial Terms and
Budget for its FY07 Affordable Homeownership Project.
Hightshoe said that Habitat for Humanity was awarded 220,000 dollars for a FY07 homeownership
project. As a project site had not been secured, an agreement has not been entered yet. Hightshoe said
that when they did apply, the council's policy was that homeownership projects must be placed in a land
trust to ensure permanent affordability or the funds would be available as a loan that must be repaid.
Hightshoe said that Habitat did find 6 lots and they're asking for $168,000 for land acquisition costs and
$52,000 for construction and landscaping costs. Instead of the land trust option, Habitat is now requesting
a silent second mortgage be placed on the lot and when the lot is sold, the city would be repaid the
original investment.
Niblock asked if the city is going to reconsider the land trust option at all or would this be one exception.
Hightshoe said that with FY08 funds the policy is flexible; however the language/preference about the
land trust remains. Richman asked if someone could explain Habitat's rationale for moving away from the
land trust option.
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 3
Mark Patton, director of Habitat for Humanity, said there are two aspects. One is the buyer's concerns
and the board of director's concerns. The board doesn't know what the neighborhood will be like in 10,
20, or 99 years and they just don't know what the future is going to hold. Mark said that the homeowners
have a hard time accepting such a long-term plan. Mark said that this is a more traditional structure where
the cost of land will be paid back.
Charlie Eastham, president of Board of Trustees for Housing Fellowship, said that his organization has
also received funds to purchase iand for homeownership assistance. Eastham said that the proposal
states they will use the land trust. Eastham said he has an interest in any change in the ccuncil's present
policy, which is that homeownership assistance is to mostly be directed through land trust methods.
Eastham stated he had put some useful information together and sent it to Jerry Anthony. Eastham said
that even though CITY STEPS places homeownership assistance as a much lower priority than rental
assistance, they are both dealing with the same income groups. Eastham said that they are looking at 30-
60,000 dollars of assistance per homebuyer. Eastham said that this is a substantial amount of public
money, which puts them at an obligation to use it wisely. Eastham said one must balance the ability of
homebuyers to get asset accumulation as well as protecting the public's interest in maintaining
affordability. Eastham said there are a number of methods, including the land trust model. Eastham's
request is that before a change is made, staff reviews the information he has gathered.
Anthony asked Mark what Habitat for Humanity has used in other places and has it worked. Walker said if
something works, why change it. Anthony said he would like to hear Mark's response to his question.
Mark said that he is proposing a hybrid of models and they're trying to do good for at least 20 years so
that they can pay the city back the money. He apologized that he couldn't be clearer.
Hightshoe said that this request, basically "recapturing" the funds at sale would change policy regarding
Habitat homes. Past assistance has been under a "resale" agreement that ensures affordability over 15
to 20 years depending on the agreement. During this time period, Habitat must place another income
eligible household into the unit if it should be sold. With this proposal, it would change to a recapture
provision; that is if the home is sold at any time the funds are repaid to the city and the affordability period
expires for that home. The funds are returned to our CDBG/HOME line of credit to be reallocated to
another eligible project. The homeowner can then sell to whomever on the private market. Richman
asked if a $40,000 (HOME assistance provided) house is sold fifteen years later, do we get back exactly
that or do we include any appreciation. Hightshoe said those are terms that can be negotiated; if
HCDC/Council wants to include that type of provision it is allowed. Richman asked if there is a council
policy with respect to land trust. Hightshoe said the policy states the land trust option or a pay back loan,
both are allowed and part of the policy. The policy also states an exception to provide some flexibility.
Richman stated that $40,000 today and $40,000 15 years from today to be used for the construction of
another unit will not be the same and must be considered. Richman said he'd like to hold this item for the
next meeting.
Anthony said there are two requests and asked the commission if they'd like to move both to the next
meeting. Crane agreed.
MOTION: Richman motioned to move the item to next meeting. Crane seconded. Motion passed 7:1
(Walker voting against).
Discussion Regarding FY08 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment
Partnership Program (HOME) Requests
Hightshoe said that she passed out the revised Pro Forma for Builders of Hope. She said that there are
some changes to the amounts available to allocate. Basically there are more funds available for public
services and less for HOME eligible projects due to lower than expected HOME project income, but
higher than expected CDBG program income. Hightshoe stated that when staff prepares the budget they
must consider how much program income that the city estimates will be received for the year and must
look at how our projections came in for the last year. The City did not receive the projected amount of
HOME program income, thus we must lower the amount of HOME funds to allocate to ensure that there is
enough money to fund the projects recommended tonight. Hightshoe said that there is $654,381
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 4
available to allocate to HOME eligible projects and $21,474 in public services. Hightshoe said there is
$434,789 available with CDBG funds. That amounts to approximately 72,000 dollars less in HOME and
39,000 dollars more in CDBG.
Anthony decided to start with public services. Niblock asked if they are required to spend all of the
allocated money. Hightshoe said no. Crane started with Extend the Dream. He noted that most everybody
wanted to give it some funding. Crane said he put the full amount. Richman read his allocations for each
of the projects under public services. He advised Steve Long to type them into the overhead screen and
then the commission can discuss them and change them as they see fit. Richman said he allocated 1,500
dollars for Extend the Dream, 6,000 dollars for Free Medical Clinic, 1,500 dollars for Local Foods
Connection, 6,700 dollars for Shelter House, and 1,000 dollars for VNA. Hightshoe said that in previous
years, the commission can start making motions for each allocation proposal. Crane motioned to approve
the Extend the Dream for 1,500 dollars. Richman asked if they need a motion for each line item. Anthony
said it may be beneficial to look at the entire block instead of each item at a time. Richman said that we
don't need a motion for each one. Anthony agreed. Motion died due to lack of second.
Walker asked if we can keep money to be allocated later. Hightshoe said that typically there is only one
allocation round per year and this is it. A second allocation cycle is uncommon. If we don't spend the
public service funds within the year, Hightshoe said, we lose it. There are time constraints with both
CDBG and HOME funds. CDBG funds must be spent on a faster disbursement schedule than HOME as
HUD evaluates the city based on our CDBG expenditure rate.
Anthony said he has a concern about Extend the Dream. He didn't allocate any money to them because
he felt that the organization should appiy for funds from the Council Economic Development Fund
(CDBG). Anthony said there is a lot of money sitting in the Economic Development Fund. Hart asked the
time frame for applying for funds from EDF. Anthony said it works on a rolling basis. Anthony said he has
no strong objections if the commission feels they should fund Extend the Dream through this pot of funds.
Anthony asked about the Free Medical Clinic. Niblock said it scored very high on his sheet and
recommended 7,500 dollars, others agreed. Anthony moved on to Local Foods Connection. Douglas said
he wants to increase the funding from 1,500 dollars to 2,500 dollars. Douglas said he'd take the 1,000-
dollar difference from Shelter House. Niblock said he'd take the 26 dollars that they are exceeding the
limit by from VNA. Hart said she'd like to put more in that category. She was concerned that cutting the
funds from VNA would render it non-viable.
Suellen Novotny, VNA applicant, said it would limit the number of people they could help but they could
apply for funds elsewhere. Hart said that she'd take money out of Extend the Dream and give it to VNA.
Walker said that the clients that VNA targets don't have insurance but do they have SSI? Novotny said
they do not have Medicaid and they are not income eligible. Walker asked why they should fund it.
Novotny said these are very poor patients who don't qualify for Medicaid. Richman said he has an issue
with the numbers. Richman said he has a problem taking Extend the Dream down to zero. Richman said
they don't request more than they need, it's a relatively small request and he's not comfortable taking it
down to zero. Richman recommended taking it back to 1,500 dollars, putting VNA at 2,500 dollars, and
taking Shelter House to 7,500 dollars.
Anthony asked for suggestions regarding Local Foods Connection. Anthony said he'd like to increase
Local Foods to 3,000 dollars and lower Extend the Dream to 1,000 dollars, however not enough support
to change. Richman says he feels comfortable. Walker suggested taking the 26 dollars from Local Foods
Connection. The commission agreed.
Anthony suggested moving on to public facilities. Richman suggested that Crisis Center, DVIP, and Free
Medical Clinic receive the funding that they want: 18,529 dollars, 5,895 dollars, 29,500 dollars,
respectively. Crane said that he would not fund Extend the Dream. Anthony stated that this application is
also eligible under the Council CDBG Economic Development Fund and asked how much is available
through this fund. Hightshoe stated there is $337,000 in the CDBG Economic Development Fund. The
commission agreed to not fund the application. Hart said that she would take a couple thousand dollars
from DVIP for one of the other projects. Richman said he is going to have some difficulty with finalizing
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 5
numbers for the Splash Pad and Goodwill projects before discussing housing. Richman said he would like
to allocate 88,000 dollars for NCJC and come back to the public facilities later. Anthony said they can put
some numbers in there and always come back. Crane said he put in 80,000 dollars for Goodwill. Douglas
mentioned that a majority of the commission wished to not fund the Splash Pad. Richman said that 3
members chose to fund the project, which is just under half of the commission, and that is no reason to
single it out as one to be ruled out completely.
Richman asked how much they would need for the project to be viable. Beth Koppes, Splash Pad
applicant, said that 120,000 dollars is the minimum amount needed to make the project viable.
Crane suggested that the commission move on to housing. Commission agreed. Walker said she likes
Blooming Garden because of their specificity and attention to detail in presenting their project to the
commission. Walker said that Blooming Garden could build those houses faster than the rest of them.
Walker said the neighborhood is nice, the people will be qualified and they are hitting all of the criteria.
Walker recommended funding Blooming Garden the whole thing: 240,000 dollars. Richman asked, if the
Blooming Garden property is resold within the 15-year period does it have to be sold to a qualified buyer?
Hightshoe said yes, and then corrected the number to a 10-year affordability period. Hightshoe stated if
under a recapture provision the affordability period ends upon sale. Hightshoe read the terms of the
proposal in the application. Hightshoe stated under the application the proposed homebuyer will have two
options: twenty-year loan with no payments until the homeowner sells or monthly payments at 0 percent
interest.
Anthony addressed the commission members who did not want to fund this project. Crane said that he
put 0 because you can get 100 percent financing from a bank. Richman said he wasn't comfortable with
the structure of the program at first but after listening to the applicant, he would like to give something but
he'd be more comfortable if there was a 15-year afford ability period. Long said the commission can
always propose this. Richman says his concern is if the house is sold after the period, we lose an
affordable unit on the market and even though 40,000 dollars gets us an affordable unit today, it won't in
ten years.
Anthony suggested putting up numbers for all the projects. Commission asked Josh Weber, Builders of
Hope, the minimum amount required. Weber stated he would need 125,000 dollars, with a private lender
providing the rest. He stated he has spoke with a private lender and they are willing to finance the
project, but it will have to have 6 rooms. Hightshoe asked if the buyer will sign a purchase agreement for
a closing after July 1. Weber stated yes. Niblock said 125,000 dollars sounds like a good starting point for
Builders of Hope. Anthony asked about Habitat for Humanity. Crane said 94,000 dollars. Anthony asked
about HACAP Transitional Housing. Anthony said 106,000 dollars for HACAP. Niblock said 130,000
dollars for ICHA. DeFrance said 40,000 dollars for Iowa City - Housing Rehab. Crane said 31,000 for
CHDO. DeFrance said 300,000 for The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing. Anthony noted that the
commission has to cut 220,000 dollars. Walker said the easiest one to cut would be the Housing Rehab
because they already have money somewhere. Crane asked her to explain. Walker said because it's
fiexible, there's no set amount for each house. Crane said the purpose of dealing with lead based paint to
make the home safe is very important. Richman said he would cut down Blooming Garden to 160,000
dollars. Richman said that with this amount, Blooming Garden will be able to build 4 out of the 6 duplexes.
Richman said he'd propose to take Goodwill down to the average allocation of 50,000 dollars. Richman
said that half the commission likes Builders of Hope and half is uncomfortable with it. Hart said to take her
o funding out of the initial rankings because she's re-evaluated her decision. Walker said that we do need
group homes for their target population. Anthony said they funded Melrose Ridge a couple years ago.
Walker said that those are apartments.
Weber, owner of Builders of Hope, said that Builders of Hope is for individuals who are disabled. An
individual spoke for Builders of Hope. He said that Josh is helping him with his ability to live on his own in
the community. He said that this house would provide a good environment for him to study and be
introduced to different living skills.
Anthony said the average allocation for Builders of Hope is 50,000 dollars. Richman said that one of his
concerns is that this organization has no experience owning a housing project. While they have managed
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 6
projects, this is there first one that they would own. Richman said that for this reason he recommended
not funding this project. Anthony asked if anyone besides Richman feels it should be brought down to
zero. Crane said he's confident in the project. He said that the bank is backing them and everyone has to
start somewhere. Hart said that she'd like to keep the project funded. Hart suggested cutting Blooming
Garden down to 80,000 dollars. Anthony said the commission has to cut 110,000 dollars more. Walker
said she still feels uneasy about buying condos for homeless people. Richman reminded Walker that it's a
rental agreement to the occupant. Anthony asked about the 94,000 dollars on the board for Habitat.
Niblock said he feels good about it. Anthony asked how the commission feels about allocating 40,000
dollars to Housing Rehab. Richman said he'd like to see them get 50,000 dollars. Hart asked where
Richman would get the 10,000 dollars from. Richman said he was still trying to figure it out. Crane said he
feels good about the Housing Rehab and he's comfortable with 50 or 60,000 dollars. Walker asked if the
house must have children in it. Hightshoe said no. Crane said that his point is the lead based paint, not
necessarily children living in the houses. Richman proposed taking HACAP up to 115,000 dollars.
Anthony asked about the CHDO application. He said the average allocation was 27,000 dollars. Anthony
said he is comfortable with the 31,000 dollars on the board. The commission agreed. Anthony asked
about the last project, The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing. The applicant said they are comfortable
with 300,000 dollars. Anthony proposed a ten-minute break now that all the numbers have been filled in.
Richman proposed his changes to the Housing allocations. He allocated 80,000 dollars to Blooming
Garden, 0 dollars to Builders of Hope, 325,000 dollars for Housing Fellowship, and 50,000 dollars for
Splash Pad. Walker did not agree. Crane said that commission should decide on what they're thinking
about Builders of Hope. Niblock said he'd rather see a housing project funded over a Splash Pad.
DeFrance said she would like to see the 50,000 dollars stay for the Splash Pad. Richman said this "seed
money" would encourage applicants to raise more and it serves a lot of people and the neighborhood as
well. Walker said this should be funded by the recreation department. Richman said maybe the recreation
department can help them come up with the rest of it.
Hart brought up Crane's point to make a decision regarding Builders of Hope. She would like to see it
funded. Walker said single room transitional housing for mentally disabled people is a great and unmet
need. Anthony said that for Builders of Hope it's either 125,000 dollars or nothing.
MOTION: Crane motioned to fund Builders of Hope 125,000 dollars. Hart seconded the motion.
Discussion followed. Richman said that the other similarly sized project to Builders of Hope is the Housing
Authority project. Where do people stand? Niblock said that if he had to make a cut, it would be HACAP.
Niblock said that if he had to compare the Housing Authority, Builders of Hope, and HACAP, the latter two
are favorable. Niblock said more requests from Builders of Hope In the future would be a good thing.
Walker said that Builders of Hope helps a "hard to place" population. Anthony reminded commission of
the motion. The motion passed 6:2. (Anthony, Niblock opposed) Builders of Hope receive 125,000
dollars.
Richman proposed taking Goodwill down to 30,000 dollars, making the total about 100,000 dollars over.
DeFrance said that Goodwill does so much good for people and she'd like to see the money put back in.
She said that if they had to cut money, it should be from the Housing Authority, who will be helping the
least amount of people, one family in this case. She stated $130,000 only assists one household. Walker
said that the Goodwill request is for facility rehab and the rehab doesn't seem as urgent as the other
requests. Walker said that 30,000 dollars is well enough for them and they can fund raise additional
funds. Richman said that for the most part Goodwill applies every year for funds, it's a good organization,
and the upgrade is an ongoing project but we don't have to do it all at once. Anthony said that the money
given to public services and facilities works like a grant while the money for housing, by and large, comes
back. That is, except for three of the projects: The Housing Fellowship (CHDO), IC Housing Rehab, and
HACAP Transitional. Crane asked if 50,000 dollars for the Splash Pad would help at all.
Beth Koppes, Wetherby Friends and Neighbors, said that it would encourage fund raising programs and
start them out towards getting enough funds to proceed.
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 7
Richman ;s corrected by a Goodwill representative regarding his statement that Goodwill applies for funds
every year. The representative said that Goodwill has not applied every year for funds. Richman
apologized. As for the Housing Authority, Hart said that she could go either way. She liked the idea of it,
because of the difficulties of the housing market in Iowa City. She said there's a problem with a certain
economic bracket not being able to live in town. Hart said that while it's not her favorite way of dealing
with the problem, it makes sense in the short term. Hart said, however, that one house may not be cost
effective. Anthony asked the commission how many are strongly for funding the Splash Pad. Richman
said he's for funding it at some level. Anthony asked how many are comfortable funding the Splash Pad
at 50,000 dollars. 40,000 dollars? Anthony asked if support would increase if it was brought down to
30,000 dollars. Niblock said it would change his stance.
MOTION: Niblock motioned to fund the Splash Pad at 30,000 dollars. Walker seconded the motion. The
motion passed 8:0.
Niblock said that one of the housing projects will have to be cut down to 0 dollars. Niblock said he would
cut down HACAP to zero dollars. Richman said that rental housing is a top priority and he doesn't feel
comfortable making big cuts from rental housing projects. Walker said that if we fund the Housing
Authority, they're going to rehab an existing home, which is in their favor and something to consider.
Richman said that Blooming Garden, Builders of Hope, HACAP, and the Housing Authority are all viable
at the number on the board, which is the minimum number. For these projects, it will be either all or
nothing. Walker asked if we cut the Housing Fellowship to $100,000, wouldn't they be able to combine
that money with other funds?
Maryann Dennis, The Housing Fellowship applicant, said they have no other money for acquisition of lots.
They must have site control to proceed with the L1HTC appiication. She said they know what the cost of
the land is in the entire community.
Richman said that the only way to make this work is to entirely get rid of a project. Anthony agreed.
Walker said Blooming Garden will help two families and Housing Authority will help one family. Hightshoe
said that the Housing Authority is proposing a 0 percent conditional occupancy loan for 15 years. Walker
asked the applicant of the Housing Authority if she knew what the selling price of the house was going to
be. Applicant said that it won't be higher than the appraised value. She stated if the appraisal is at
130,000 dollars, 75% will come back to the city immediately upon sale to a household. Walker said that
they're not going to sell that house for 130,000 dollars. Niblock said that it would help if the commission
took a vote whether to cut a homeownership or transitional housing project. Anthony asked who's in favor
of cutting a transitional housing project. Niblock said he is in favor. The final vote was a dead lock: 4:4.
Hart said she would like Niblock to elaborate on why he would cut HACAP. Niblock said he would cut a
transitional project because of the city's (financial investment) preferences. He said that homeownership
would be a better investment in the city money. Niblock said that since HACAP money won't ever come
back into city funds, he wanted to cut it. Anthony agreed with Niblock. He said that HACAP is a good
project but to break the dead lock vote, he would vote to cut it entirely. He agreed with Niblock's
arguments. Richman said that transitional housing projects (high) are a higher priority than home
ownership (low) according to CITY STEPS. His concern is that HACAP is the only housing project that is
serving traditional "bottom rung" homeless people. Richman said he's not comfortable cutting a
transitional housing project to 0 dollars. Walker asked if HACAP could take part of that and use other
funding to buy a condo. A representative said there's a chance to get state funds. Hightshoe said HACAP
has used private funding, such as private bank loans. Axeen, HACAP, agreed. DeFrance noted that
115,000 dollars for HACAP will place one family. DeFrance said that if the Housing Authority is cut, that
just means that one family will not be able to buy a home, but that hypothetical family will still have a
piace to live whereas the transitional housing projects place a roof over a household that has no home.
Crane agreed with DeFrance's position on The Housing Authority. Richman proposed to cut the 130,000
dollars for the Housing Authority and use the surpius of 15,000 dollars and split it between Habitat and
some other rental program. Walker said maybe part of it could go back to the Splash Pad. Richman
proposed taking Habitat to 117,000 dollars and using the balance of 23,000 dollars to put into the
Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing, which would take it up to about 348,000 dollars. Walker said that
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 8
the Splash Pad could use the money better, noting that the Housing Fellowship already said they could
get by on 300,000 dollars. Richman gauged the support from the commission. Anthony asked if the
commission was happy with the final numbers.
Motion: Niblock motioned to accept the allocation amounts as they stand to forward to Council. Crane
seconded the motion. Discussion: Walker asked if there can be amendments. Anthony said yes. Anthony
said he agreed with the numbers, however he was not comfortable cutting the Housing Authority. Anthony
also said that he wasn't comfortable giving the Splash Pad 30,000 dollars. Other than those two, this is an
okay compromise. Richman agreed. The motion passed 8:0.
Housing and Community Development Commission Funding Recommendations:
FY08 CDBGlHOME Projects
PROJECT NAME
Housing - Home Eligible Activities
Blooming Garden - Homeownership
Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing
Habitat for Humanity - Homeownership
HACAP - Transitional Housing
ICHA - Homeownership
IC - Housing Rehabilitation (Lead)
The Housing Fellowship - CHDO
The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing
Housing Subtotal:
HCDC RECOMMENDATION
$80,000.00
$125,000.00
$117,000.00
$115,000.00
$0.00
$50,000.00
$31,000.00
$347,772.00
$865,772.00
Public Facilities, Non-HOME Eligible Activities
Crisis Center - Accessibility $18,529.00
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation $5,895.00
Extend the Dream - Facility Acquisition $0.00
Free Medical Clinic - Accessibility $29,500.00
Goodwill Industries - Facility Rehab $30,000.00
NCJC - Facility Rehab $88,000.00
Wetherby NA - Splash Pad $30,000.00
Public Facility Total: $201,924.00
Public Services
Extend the Dream Foundation
Free Medical Clinic
Local Foods Connection
Shelter House
Visiting Nurse Association
Public Service Total:
$1,50000
$7,500.00
$2,474.00
$7,500.00
$2,500.00
$21,474.00
Total Available to Allocate:
$1,089,170.00
Hightshoe said that the commission must form a subcommittee of 2 to 3 commission members to submit
a memo to the city giving a rationale for their decisions. Anthony will be on the commission and he needs
one or two more members. Hart agreed to do it.
Adjournment
Walker motioned to adjourn the meeting. Niblock seconded the motion. The motion passed 8:0 Meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
sfpcd/minsfhcdcl2007/3-22.07. doc
I Housing & Community Development Commission
Attendance Record
2007
I
Term
Name Expires 01/18 2/21 2/22 3/8 3/22
Jerry Anthony 09/01108 OlE X X X X
. Steve Crane 09/01109 X X X X X
i Marcy De France 09/01109 X X X X X
I
I Andy Doul!las 09/01108 X OlE OlE X X
Holly Jane Hart 09/01107 X X X X X
Thomas Niblock 09/01108 X OlE OlE OlE X
Brian Richman 09/01/07 X OlE X X X
Michael Shaw 09/01109 OlE OlE OlE OlE OlE
Charlotte Walker 09/01107 -- -- X X X X
Key:
X = Present
0 = Absent
I OlE = Absent/Excused
,
NM = No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member
I
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,
I
I
I
,
I
I
I
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G[
MINUTES
Iowa City Airport Commission
March 28, 2007
Iowa City Airport Terminal- 5:45 PM
FINAL
Members Present: Howard Horan, Chair; Randy Hartwig; John Staley; Janelle Rettig
Members Absent: Greg Farris
Staff Present: Sue Dulek, Michael Tharp
Others Present: Dean Thornberry, David Hughes, Jay Honeck, Mary Honeck,
Phillip Woolford, Greg Zimmerman, John Yeomans
DETERMINE QUORUM:
Chairperson Horan called the meeting to order at 5:46 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. South Taxilanes - Plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate on
cost for the construction of "South Taxilane Rehabilitation."
(1) Public Hearing - Chairperson Horan opened the public hearing. No
one spoke at the public hearing. Chairperson Horan closed the public
hearing.
(2) Consider a Resolution accepting Plans, Specifications, Form of
Contract, and Estimate on Cost for the Construction of "South
Taxilane Rehabilitation" - Staley moved to consider Resolution
#A07 -04, accepting plans, specifications, form of contract, and
estimate on cost for the construction of "South Taxilane
Rehabilitation," seconded by Rettig. Resolution carried 4-0. (Farris
absent.)
B. Hangar A - Plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate on cost
for the construction of "Hangar A Rehabilitation."
(1) Public Hearing - Chairperson Horan opened the public hearing. No
one spoke at the public hearing. Chairperson Horan closed the public
hearing.
(2) Consider a Resolution accepting Plans, Specifications, Form of
Contract, and Estimate on Cost for the Construction of "Hangar
A Rehabilitation" - Hartwig moved to consider Resolution #A07-05,
accepting plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate on cost
for the construction of "Hangar A Rehabilitation," seconded by Staley.
Resolution carried 4-0. (Farris absent.)
I
Airport Commission
March 28, 2007
Page 2 of 5
C. Hangar A & B - Access Door Replacement
(1) Consider a Resolution Approving Replacement of Access Doors to
T-Hangars A and B and Authorizing an Informal Bidding Process
- Dulek explained the informal bidding process being used for this
project. Rettig moved to consider Resolution #A07-06, approving
replacement of access doors to T -hangars A and B and authorizing an
informal bidding process; seconded by Staley. Resolution carried 4-0.
(Farris absent.)
D. Farmer's National
(1) Consider a Resolution Granting Limited Power of Attorney to
Farmers National Company with Respect to U.S. Department of
Agriculture Programs - John Yeomans from Farmers was present to
respond to Members' questions. Tharp explained what this Power of
Attorney is for. Horan noted that this is not a change in anything that
they have previously done in this area. The lease will be terminated on
September 1, per Yeomans. Staley moved to consider Resolution
#A07-07, granting limited Power of Attorney to farmers National
Company with respect to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs;
seconded by Hartwig. Resolution carried 4-0. (Farris absent.)
E. Thornberry Hangar - Proposal by Dean Thornberry to Build aT-Hanger
_ Horan began the discussion by noting that Dean Thornberry would like to
build a T-Hanger somewhere on the Airport property. He continued by asking
if there is a clear need for this hangar to be built. Tharp stated that as far as
people waiting for hangars, they have quite a few who are waiting for a space.
Tharp gave Members a current waiting list. Dean Thornberry then joined the
Members to further discuss his proposal. Tharp stated that he and Thornberry
met recently to discuss this, and came up with a proposal of a block often
hangars, to be built near the University's hangar. Tharp stated that currently
this is the only area they could do this building in. Hartwig asked for David
Hughes' opinion on this area. Horan stated that he spoke with Hughes earlier
today regarding this proposal, and he shared his thoughts on specific areas for
building. Thornberry stated that he is looking at spending about $400,000 to
build this proposed hangar. He also stated that they would need to fill this
area before they could begin construction.
The discussion continued, with Thornberry stating how he would like to
recoup his money for the proposed hangars. Rettig asked for some
clarification on the proposed arrangement. Thornberry explained how the
land needs to have a "fair market value" on it, that this project is a loan from
him to the Airport, and that he would then recoup his money in a set number
of years through monthly payments. Members then began discussing the
various aspects of a project such as this, and how they would need to handle
the various parts of it. (TAPE ENDS) The discussion turned to the expenses
2
Airport Commission
March 28, 2007
Page 3 of5
associated with building T -hangars, with Thornberry stating that the doors are
the most expensive part of the construction process.
The discussion turned to what type ofloan this would be and what type of
interest rate would be associated with it. Dulek responded to Members' legal
questions regarding the proposed project by Thornberry.
The discussion then turned to how a 300-foot building is configured for T-
hangars. Members also gave their opinions on the various options available,
with Chairperson Horan stating that he would like to get as far as possible
with this decision at tonight's meeting. Hartwig suggested a subcommittee be
formed to work on this.
Rettig then asked Tharp for clarification on his proposed payback plan on
Thornberry's proposed T-hangar project. Tharp explained how he laid out
several options for this. Rettig stated that they do not currently charge enough
rent to help retire Airport debt, and therefore, she feels the proposed plans
would also not help retire Airport debt. Thornberry stated that he planned on
putting in individual meters so tenants would pay their own utilities. The
water would be the only Airport utility. Rettig stated that she feels the Airport
may not be at the point to retire debt on a new hangar, until they have more
property to sell so as to relieve some of their current debt. She further stated
that the Airport's budget is stretched thin at this point, and she is not
comfortable with taking on more debt at this time.
Hartwig stated that he feels they should start out with what they truly want,
and then they can work from there, once they know cost issues. Thornberry
asked what they could charge for a large corporate hangar. Woolford stated
that about $500 would be fair for a citation jet. Staley asked about a
feasibility study being done on this project, stating that he thinks it would help
to address all of the questions being raised. Horan stated that he would like to
get some type of consensus from Members at this point. He stated that: 1)
they would provide a 40-foot hangar for Dean Thornberry; 2) they want as
few north- facing hangars as possible; 3) they want to maximize any
remaining opportunities in the undeveloped space between the University
hangar and the highway, keeping in mind that the University may become an
even more important tenant. He asked if Members agreed at this point, to
which they responded positively. Horan continued, stating that Rettig is
correct about the budget and that if they can, they use rents to repay
Thornberry's project. Tharp asked if they could do something in the range of
a lO-unit T-hangar, with one square hangar on each end, leaving six hangars
in the middle. This led back to the need for a feasibility study, with Staley
asking Hughes ifhe had any idea what a study like this would cost. Horan
stated that he feels if they are able to do this, they should definitely break
ground this building season. He asked if Members are interested in forming a
3
".~ --,...--------.---,.--------..-.---.--------'."-...---.---,---_.__...__._--..__.-_.~- ---.
Airport Commission
March 28, 2007
Page 4 of5
subcommittee, stating that he would like to see Rettig on the subcommittee.
Hartwig stated that he would join this subcommittee with Rettig. (TAPE
ENDS) It was decided that this item would be on the next meeting's agenda.
The discussion continued, with various Members giving their final thoughts
on this project. Horan restated again for the group what the subcommittee's
task is: they are to understand the nature of the feasibility study that Earth
Tech could perform, as well as cost for this study.
Rettig asked if anyone else was attending the Iowa Aviation Conference next
week. Horan stated that he plans on going for the day on Thursday. A brief
discussion followed, with Rettig asking Dulek for clarification on several
Members being present at such a conference.
ADJOURN:
Meeting adjourned at 6:55 P.M.
Chairperson
Date
4
Airport Commission
March 28, 2007
Page 50[5
Airport Commission
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
IMeetine Date)
TERM 1/11 2/8 3/8 3/28
NAME EXP.
Randy Hartwig 3/1/09 X X X X
Greg Farris 3/1/07 OlE X X OlE
John Staley 3/1/10 X X X X
Howard Horan 3/1/08 X X X X
Janelle Rettig 3/1/12 X X X X
KEY: X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM ~ No meeting
--- ~ Not a Member
5
G[
APPROVED
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
APRIL 5, 2007 -7:30 P.M.
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charlie Eastham, Ann Freerks, Terry Smith, Wally Plahutnik, Beth
Koppes, Dean Shannon
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Bob Brooks
STAFF PRESENT:
Bob Miklo; Sarah Holecek
OTHERS PRESENT:
Cindy Parker, Marsha Grady, Dan Broffitt, Kim McDonald, Chris
Stephan, Mark McCallum (811 E. College)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0 (Brooks absent), of REZ07-00003: an application submitted by
Alpha Chi Omega Sorority for a rezoning from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-20) zone to
Planned Development Overlay / Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (OPD/RNS-20) zone and a
Sensitive Areas Development Plan to the allow grading of regulated slopes on approximately .77 acres of
property located at 828 E. Washington Street.
Public Discussion of Any Item not on the Aqenda
No discussion.
Rezoninq Item
REZ07-00003: Discussion of an application submitted by Alpha Chi Omeqa Sororitv for a rezoninq from
Neiqhborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-20) zone to Planned Development Overlay / Neiqhborhood
Stabilization Residential (OPD/RNS-20l zone and a Sensitive Areas Development Plan to the allow
qradinq of requlated slopes on approximately. 77 acres of property located at 828 E. Washinqton Street.
This property is located at the corner of Washington and Governor Streets. The current zoning (RNS 20)
allows for fraternity and sorority houses. This particular project is within the requirements for density and
setbacks. The property has some steep slopes that are regulated by the Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
There are three levels of slopes: steep slopes (18-25%), critical slopes (grading 25-39%), and protected
slopes (grading 40% or greater). If more than 35% of the critical slopes on the property are to be graded,
the ordinance requires the development plan to be approved by Planning & Zoning and the City Council.
That is the proposal in this case.
The ordinance also requires that if protected slopes that were previously altered are going to be further
graded, this must also be approved. The reason for that is that such steep slopes are usually found in
environmentally sensitive areas, such as wooded ravines or larger wildlife habitats. In this particular
case, this is more of an urbanized area and these slopes don't serve as part of a natural ravine system.
However, for slopes this steep, the grading must be done very carefully to avoid erosion that might affect
the property and neighboring property. An engineer or geologist must submit a plan for such grading.
This has been done and reviewed by the City Engineer who found that the proposed grading is
acceptable and is likely to be more stable than the current slopes.
The plan calls for the construction of a 2 Y, story house, near the east and south portions of the property,
which will appear to be 4 story from the back due to the grading. There will also be a two-level parking
garage. The lower level will be entered off Washington and have 18 spaces; the upper level will be
entered off Governor and have 17 spaces. A similar example is the deck at the corner of Market and
Dodge which serves Mercy Hospital. Most of the garage will be concealed by the house itself. The view
from Governor will be similar to a surface parking lot and the view from Washington will be a two-level
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 2
deck garage. The garage will be faced with a stone veneer, similar to that of the house. The design will
be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission.
The plan is in order and staff recommends approval.
The current plan shows a shared driveway with 17 S. Governor, the adjacent property. Staff would
approve, subject to DOT approval, an alternative location for the driveway so there would be two
driveways as opposed to a shared driveway. Although we usually like to minimize the number of
driveways on arterial streets, in this case two drives may be preferable given the grade in this area.
Freerks asked about storm water drainage. Miklo stated that a low point on the site provides for drainage
to this point and the water would be piped underground to an existing intake in the alleyway that runs
through the center of the western portion of the block. City engineers have reviewed this and it meets
their specifications.
Eastham asked if the storm water eventually drained to Ralston Creek. Miklo confirmed that this is
correct.
Smith asked if this zoning item had any affect on the density of the house. Mikio responded that it did not
since the current use is well within the zoning requirements. They actually have zoning for more density
but likely would not be able to house the requisite number of parking spaces for a higher number of
residents.
Smith confirmed that the primary reason for this application is the grading concerns for the slopes.
Freerks asked about the Historic Preservation Committee review. Miklo stated that the Planning and
Zoning Commission has jurisdiction over the layout and its job is to approve the grading and the site pian.
The Historic Preservation Committee approves the exterior design, setbacks, and placement of the
building on the property. Their meeting is set for next Thursday, April 12. If this plan was not approved
by the HPC, a revised plan would come back before this Commission. Staff is preparing a report for the
HPC which will be mailed tomorrow. If anything, the HPC would deny in favor of a smaller footprint. Only
if the footprint was made larger would the plan have to come back before the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
Freerks asked if the S-2 screening had been met on the north and east. Miklo responded that it had and
showed the areas where screening was provided. Freerks also confirmed that there were evergreens to
screen the lights of the parking garage from Governor Street.
Koppes asked if the retaining wall along the driveway was tall enough to screen light from the neighbors.
Miklo stated that you would still see the garage because you would be looking down on the property. The
garage door faces the west, and not the street. It meets the guidelines for structured parking in a
neighborhood setting.
Smith asked about the height of the building and any related issues. Miklo stated that the western side of
the building exceeds the 35 foot maximum, but the average of the height of the house is within the
required limits. A turret is proposed which exceeds the limit and is approximately 38 feet. The applicant
has applied for a minor modification for a height increase, and the Director of Housing Authority has the
authority to grant within 10% of the height requirement.
Cindy Parker (President ofAXO House Rebuilding Board) & Marsha Grady (Rebuilding Project Manager
for the AXO House Rebuilding Board). Clarified that the previous house had an occupancy of 49 and the
current proposal has an occupancy of 47.
Parker gave some background on the sorority. AXO Sigma chapter is almost 100 years old and has
resided at this property for over 80 years. The property is owned by a nonprofit corporation consisting of
alumni members of the chapter and its Board of Directors is a volunteer organization. They feei that they
have been good neighbors for these 80 years. They keep the property well maintained with a full
occupancy. They are a financially stable property owner that has been able to maintain it within the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 3
requirements of the Historic Conservation District. It has been a difficult year for them since the tornado
with insurance settlements and the demolition of the old house. They thanked the City staff for guiding
them through this process and hopes that they have been responsive to their inputs. They want to be
good neighbors and citizens and comply whenever they possibly can. The slopes on the lot are
historically significant and they would not have chosen to grade them if not for the tornado's damage
which made them unable to leave them as they are. They ask for expedient approval of the application
since they are working under unique timelines based on the academic calendar in order to gain
occupancy by August, 2008. They cannot afford to be in temporary rental housing for another year.
Smith asked about the additional on-site parking. Parker said previously, the lot had eight spaces. Most
of the collegiate members were parking on the street. As landlords, they feel that the parking situation
will provide more safety for their residents as the area will be off the street and well lit. This seems to be
a win-win situation because parking is taken off the street and loosens up congestion with on-street
parking and also provides more safety for their residents.
Dan Broffitt and Kim McDonald (architects) stated that the building height does exceed the requirement
with the turret. They feel that they can work around the height requirement if necessary because the
turret is mostly aesthetic. They feel they have a good case for the 10% approval because the previous
house was 41 feet tall.
The current storm water system is bare bones and there is a good chance that the applicant will pursue
on-site retention. They hope to have the project LEED certified.
Eastham asked if the water would be stored on the site. Broffitt responded that they could likely use the
re-graded area between the house and the driveway. They may also pursue a system which would allow
the water to be reused for landscaping purposes. Somewhere down the line, they hope to get the system
worked out to be used for flushing, but they're not there yet.
McDonald stated that a solution that would be a compromise and would meet the intentions of the
Historical Preservation Committee. The plan may require the 10% minor modification but they may leave
room to pursue a variance to allow an increased height. This would be a three-month process and is
something that could occur after construction starts. Freerks confirmed that this plan would not throw off
their current construction schedule.
Broffitt reiterated the importance of their tight schedule. He would appreciate our approval tonight subject
to the Historic Preservation Commission approval.
McDonald stated that they would like to be in the house by July, 2008 and that the construction project is
scheduled to take one year.
Chris Stephan (MMS) stated that part of the intent of the double deck parking garage was to minimize the
footprint and preserve the historic nature of the neighborhood. He stated that the exposed level of the
parking garage will look fairly close to what you can see now if you drive by on Governor Street. The
approach off Washington will go down into the lower level, over a sidewalk and around a curve.
Shannon asked if there was anywhere to expand the number of spaces in the future. Stephan responded
that there was not at this point, but he was not sure if it had been discussed.
Mark McCallum (owner of 811 College St.) stated that he was on the Historic Preservation Commission
several years ago when the language of the Conservation Zone was put in place. He stated that he was
responsible for some relief from the language that would have restricted new construction or rebuilds to
no more than the size of 1200 feet in a Conservation Zone. He was a member of a Greek house and
owns a building that has a larger.than 1200 foot fa~ade on College Street. Therefore, he noted that this
district is different and contains many large, old buildings, such as Summit Street Apartments. He worked
hard to get language into the plan that would make the victim of a tornado or a fire whole again.
He stated that the Conservation Zone language does include a grandfather clause that would allow the
current applicant to rebuild an equal sized house if theirs was destroyed. He didn't think about the
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 4
impiication of parking. It was his intention not to increase parking requirements but to allow people to
rebuild their structures as they used to be. He stated that AXO has a unique situation because they own
a very large lot and they are able to add parking.
He appreciates the parking garage because it will alleviate parking pressure on the lot. He is concerned
because Pi Phi house and the Summit Street Apartments would not be able to be rebuilt as they currently
are due to the parking requirements.
He is concerned because other properties would not be able to rebuild if their structures had been
damaged to the extent that the AXO house had been. The parking requirements prohibit them from
rebuilding. He encourages the Commission to look at the language so that other property owners can
rebuild on their lots.
The intent wasn't to inhibit existing property owners from rebuilding; it was to prevent developers from
coming in, buying multiple parcels, and developing the land.
Miklo pointed out that the code preservation guidelines limit single-family and duplexes to 1200 square
feet fayade but this does not apply to multiple family buildings. McCallum asked if this meant that
deveiopers could come in, buy multiple lots and build a large structure. Miklo responded that they could if
they had the underlying zoning for it but that there were other safeguards that would prevent this from
happening in the Conservation District, such as prevention of demolition of a historic building if one was
already there.
Freerks closed public discussion.
Smith made a motion to approve an application submitted by Alpha Chi Omega Sorority for a rezoning
from Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-20) zone to Planned Development Overlay I
Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (OPD/RNS-20) zone and a Sensitive Areas Development Plan to
the allow grading of regulated slopes on approximately .77 acres of property located at 828 E.
Washington Street, subject to approval of the building and parking structures by the Historic Preservation
Commission. Koppes seconded. Eastham clarified that the address of the lot is 828 Washington.
Koppes asked if minor building modification for height needed to be added to the motion as a stipulation.
Miklo responded that it did not because in any case the building height requirement must be met before
they can build.
Plahutnik is happy to see a new, large, beautiful building coming back on that corner.
Shannon thought the building was beautiful before and was sad to see it go. He feels that this is a good
use of the property.
Freerks thinks that the applicant has met the requirements for a plan such as this. She is happy to see
this being built again.
Motion carried 6-0 (Brooks absent).
Miklo stated that Bob Brooks, who was absent, had chosen to recuse himself from this case because he
owns property in the area.
Other Items
Complete Streets Policy presentation.
Yapp said that on Tuesday night the City Council approved a Complete Streets Policy for the City of Iowa
City.
Miklo stated that the he had asked Yapp to make this presentation because the Commission often deals
with street designs during their subdivision review.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 5
Yapp said that Complete Streets are streets that serve all potential road users, some of which are often In
conflict with each other. Iowa City, for most of their new construction, already follows a Complete Streets
policy with sidewalks, bicycle lanes, public transit facilities, bus pull-offs, etc.
Yapp said the Complete Streets policy states that all public street projects or public street reconstruction
projects (not Including maintenance) In the City of Iowa City shall be designed to accommodate travel by
pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit, and motorized vehicles and their passengers with the following
exceptions:
1. bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law (such as interstate highways);
2. pubiic transit facilities are not required on streets not serving as public transit routes; the
desirability of bus turn-off bays and other transit facilities will be determined on a case-by-
case basis.
3. where the cost of the facility is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use,
defined as 20% of the project cost. This would occur when there is a reconstruction process
which might include a pedestrian tunnel or bridge. In these cases, the City has the option of
delaying this part of the project until more funding becomes available.
These policies are implemented on either subdivision design standards, which this Commission is the first
public body to review, and design of public street projects and city-funded projects.
Yapp showed a picture of an incomplete street and pointed out the deficiencies of this example.
Not every street under the Complete Streets policy requires sidewalks. A shared roadway is appropriate
for lower volume, lower speed situations like alleys. Where a road is wide enough to include bike lanes, a
road can be made more complete by adding them. Many local bicyclists do not support bike lanes.
Bicyclists prefer to ride with traffic because sand collects in the bike lane. Another option which functions
similar to bike lanes are paved shoulders. They are often used in rural areas.
Most Iowa City arterial lanes are designed with wide curb lanes where there is enough room to share
traffic with bicyclists.
Another option is division between parked cars and pedestrians, often in the form of landscaping. This
helps make a street more complete.
Eastham asked whether there were any subdivision regulations since this policy has been adopted. John
responded that there are changes being made to the subdivision code, but they are unrelated to the
adoption of this policy. Miklo stated that they are working on a draft of the new code and that it should be
ready within the next few months. The subdivision code currently requires sidewalks. Those design
requirements are not changing dramatically but they are adding some requirements about where the
sidewalks should be located.
Yapp said sometimes the Commission gets requests for waivers for sidewalk requirements, especially in
industrial zones. However, the City has gotten complaints from employees in industrial zones who like to
walk over breaks and lunch periods but there are no sidewalks. There are also people who bike to work
or have to walk from the bus stop.
Koppes asked about pedestrian crossings, such as in-pavement flashing lights, as installed on Benton.
Yapp stated that they thought this would help encourage traffic to yield when the lights were flashing.
This plan only worked for a few months and then local drivers, without enforcement, began to ignore
them. The City does not want to create a false sense of security for pedestrians by using those.
Eastham asked about any costs to developers. John stated that there were none aside from any
changes required in their designs. Typically, the changes are to make the streets narrower to encourage
slower traffic. This would actually decrease the cost.
Shannon asked Yapp's opinion on speed humps. John responded that they are only effective when there
are speed issues. It has helped around City High. He doesn't recommend them as a matter of course
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 6
because it creates irritated drivers which can cause them to break other laws. Shannon said they were
probably a better alternative to gates, such as the one on Lexington Street.
Eastham asked if Yapp had a map of which streets meet the Complete Streets policy requirements. John
stated that he did not but his thought is that most streets do.
Freerks stated that this has been an initiative for quite some time. Yapp confirmed this and stated that
this has been an initiative of the City but hasn't been in writing.
Miklo stated that most of the streets that don't fit these criteria are private developments.
Update on Central Planning District.
Karen Howard said the Central Planning District surrounds downtown. Since most of the land is
developed, this plan is different than most other district plans. A public workshop was held in October
and more focused group discussions have been taking place since that time. The focused discussions
covered the Northside Marketplace, parks, trails, and open spaces, streets and transportation, housing
and quality of life, and Gilbert Street Commercial Area. There will be another public workshop in late
spring.
The planning workshop gave people the opportunity to get into small groups to discuss issues of concern.
Attendance at the October meeting was approximately 90. Most attendees were thankful for the
opportunity to get together to discuss the future of their community.
The focus groups have a maximum of 20 participants. The discussion is more detailed and focuses on
one set of issues. Staff presents background information and issues identified at the October public
workshop.
Howard summarized the meeting discussion to date and said the next meeting will be April 10- Housing
and Quality of Life. University officials have been invited to discuss the proximity of the neighborhoods to
the University.
She said the next steps will be:
. focused group discussion on the Gilbert Street commercial corridor
. 20d public workshop
. Pubiic review draft and presentation to the public and P&Z
. P&Z public hearings
. Council public hearings
. Adoption
Freerks asked about the mix of participants. Miklo stated that there was a wide variety of property
owners, students and business owners and that the meeting was very worthwhile from that perspective.
Eastham asked how much time the Commission would have to review the draft before they need to make
a decision. Howard stated that it was up to the Commission. In the past there has been a presentation to
the public of what the plan is and then allow a period of public review time. Most people who have
participated are fairly satisfied with the plan as presented.
Shannon asked if anyone had mentioned parking on the north side. There are no places for residents to
park in front of their homes because people are parking there and then walking to work at the University.
Shannon suggested restricting the parking between 8am and 5pm. It would force people to pay for their
parking or to use public transit. Miklo stated that this has been a problem for years and that suggestions
have been made to issue residential parking permits. Miklo stated that they might get more ideas during
this process but might not get a resolution from this process. Eastham suggested parking meters.
Other
Smith asked about the subdivision draft. Miklo stated that the draft was nearly complete and that it would
be shared with Home Builders Association and other groups before the public hearing.
Planning and Zoning Commission
April 5, 2007
Page 7
Eastham has been considering inviting people to get together with him monthly and discuss planning
issues in general. He has thought about inviting the people who applied for the Commission but were not
selected. His intent is to further his education and knowledge about locai outlooks on planning issues.
Freerks feels that these meetings should be public if you're going to form opinions about projects and
policies. If the public hears that Eastham is meeting outside of the meetings with private parties, this may
become an issue. She recommends using the beginning of the meetings to have people come forward
with other items. Koppes also said she feels uncomfortable with this idea.
Smith asked about the legal concerns. Holecek stated that if Eastham will be discussing applications, it
would be inappropriate to do so. Holecek cautions Eastham because he could be subjected to criticism
that he had already made up his mind before coming to the meetings and hearing the public's input.
Smith asked if it would be more appropriate to discuss applications that have already been heard,
discussed, and decided on in public. Holecek stated that there was a danger from discussing
applications that have been decided and comparing them to future and current applications. Holecek
feels that it would be difficult to harness these discussions to things that are appropriate.
Eastham asked what methods he could use to educate himself. He stated that he is aware that he can
read information, etc. but he would like a way to learn through dialogue. Holecek stated that the
Commission is always approached with questions but that they must keep the discussions to hypothetical
questions and not discuss specific applications.
Koppes recommended going to the education meetings that are offered by the American Planning
Association. Miklo stated that the City will reimburse any costs of going to these meetings.
It was the consensus of the Commission that it was best not to have ad hoc committees. If there are topics
for which they would like to get public input they could place those on the agenda and get the word out to
the public. This could be similar to the way staff gathers input for the District Planning meetings.
Consideration of the March 15. 2007 Meetina Minutes
Eastham motioned to approve. Koppes seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Adiournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Megan Weiler.
sfpcd/minutes/p&zf20Q7 f4-S-07. doc
I
I Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission
Attendance Record
I 2007
A. FORMAL MEETING
Term
Name Exoires 1/18 2/01 2/15 3/01 3/15 4/05
Brooks 05/10 x x x x X DIE
Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X
Freerks 05/08 X X X X X X
Koppes 05/07 X X O/E X X X
Plahutnik 05/10 X X O/E X X X
Shannon 05/08 X X 0 X X X
Smith 05/11 X X X X DIE X
B. INFORMAL MEETING
i Term
Name Expires 1/29 2/26
B. Brooks 05/10 X X
C. Eastham 05/11 X X
A. F reerks 05/08 X X
E.Koppes 05/07 X OlE
W Plahutnik 05/10 X X
D.Shannon 05/08 OlE X
T.Smith 05/11 X X
Key:
X = Present
0 = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
I
I
I
I ;5~{;)
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
MARCH 14,2007
FINAL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ryan O'Leary, Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter, John Westefeld
MEMBERS ABSENT: David Bourgeois, Craig Gustaveson, Margie Loomer, John Watson
STAFF PRESENT: Terry Trueblood
GUESTS PRESENT: Christine Harms, Diana Harris, Del Holland, Elizabeth Koppes
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
Moved bv Westefeld, seconded bv Reisetter to support the three PIN Grant Proposals
related to Parks and Recreation which include a Harvest Party and Movie at Fair
Meadows Park, Wetherbv Park Benches and Development of a Master Plan for North
Market Sauare. Unanimous.
OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
Moved bv Westefeld. seconded bv Reisetter to approve the February 21. 2007 minutes as
written. Unanimous.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
Elizabeth Koppes was present and updated the commission on her progress regarding the splash
pad proposal for Wetherby Park. They are applying for a Community Development Block Grant
to finance this project. She stated at the last CDBG meeting there seemed to be about 50%
support for this project, but will know more after their meeting scheduled for March 22. She did
ask the Commission to consider adding this project to their Capital Improvement Program list.
Trueblood explained that the Commission prioritizes CIP projects yearly and then submits their
list to Council for their approval. He also noted that it can take several years for a project to be
funded. Koppes encouraged the Commission to keep splash pads in mind when planning for
future park projects. Pacha assured her that the Commission would consider this when working
on the master plan. O'Leary suggested looking into a trail placement for people traveling from
Wetherby Park to the proposed Sand Lake Recreation Facility. He also suggested that perhaps a
splash pad could be placed along this path. Trueblood stated that to an extent this may be a
possibility as part of the Sand Hill Development requires a connection area to go toward
Wetherby Park. Pacha suggested that this item be placed on the April agenda with hopes that by
that time the Commission will know the CDBG results and can then take action. The consensus
was to agree to add to the C.I.P. list.
Del Holland was present and mentioned that while on the bike trail in the Scott Park area he
found there to be limbs on the trail near Beech Street. He contacted JCCOG who forwarded him
Parks and Recreation Commission
March 14, 2007
Page 2 of 6
to Terry Robinson. Holland suggested that Parks and Recreation add a line item to the budget
requesting more parks maintenance staff feeling that as more trails are added there will naturally
be more maintenance needs,
DOl!:PAC PRESENTATION:
Diana Harris, President of DogPAC gave a report to Commission on the Thornberry Off-leash
Dog Park. She thanked the Commission for their past and ongoing support. She stated that the
park has been an amazing success. For example, they initially ordered 1000 tags and have
actually sold over 2400 tags to date. According to statistics the daily use of this park is higher
than any other dog park in the area. DogPAC's mission is to encourage the development of more
off-leash areas in Iowa City and is hoping for continued support from the Commission.
Westefeld asked if DogPAC had any locations in mind for future areas. At this point they have
been discussing the possibility of fencing off areas in existing parks and would also like to look
at other city property that may be available for a dog park. She noted that they are not, at this
time, considering another large park similar to Thornberry, but smaller parks with no frills.
Westefeid also asked her to discuss any problems that they have incurred. She said that while
there is an occasional issue between dogs and the need to educate some of the owners regarding
clean up, smoking, etc., there have been no major issues to report.
Harris noted that there is a no-smoking policy in place for inside the fenced area. Raaz inquired
as to how they were able to get this policy in place. Harris stated that since it is considered a
safety hazard, rather than health, and the fact that it is a fenced-in area, making it easier to
enforce, made it easier to get approval.
More discussion ensued between Harris and Commission members regarding possible properties
for dog park construction such as the old landfill area. Also discussed the decision to shut down
the park for the time being due to wet conditions and worn out turf. Parks and Recreation staff is
monitoring this very closely and will send out a media release as soon as the park is re-opened.
REVIEW AND DISCUSSION OF PIN GRANT APPLICATIONS:
Trueblood reviewed three of the PIN grants that are related to Parks and Recreation.
"Harvest ParlY & Movie at Fair Meadows Park"; The Grant Wood Neighborhood Association is
requesting $750 to provide movies at Fair Meadows Park on an afternoon/evening in July or
August. There is a $200 permit fee and they would like to provide refreshments. The Harvest
Party would be scheduled around Halloween and would include food, games, prizes, candy,
costumes, and be offered to all 960 households in the Grant Wood Neighborhood Association
area.
Parks and Recreation Commission
March t4, 2007
Page 3 of6
Wetherby Park Benches:
This is a PIN grant request from the Wetherby Friends and Neighbors. They are requesting
$2,675 for benches at Wetherby Park. In the event that the splash pad for this park is approved
the benches would be placed around the splash pad. If the splash pad is not approved, they would
still like to go ahead with this request feeling that there is still a need for benches in this park.
Development of Master Plan for North Market Square: The Northside Neighborhood Association
is requesting $5,000 for the development of a park master plan which they feel "would lead to
improvements that would maximize its potential as a meeting place and recreational destination
for the diverse population that inhabits the Northside Neighborhood."
Discussion ensued between Commission members and representatives for these requests.
Moved bv Westefeld. seconded bv Reisetter to support the three PIN Grant Proposals
related to Parks and Recreation which include a Harvest Party and Movie at Fair
Meadows Park. Wetherbv Park Benches and the Development of a Master Plan for North
Market Square. Unanimous.
PENINSULA P ARKff AFT SPEEDWAY TRAIL CONNECTION:
Commissioner Raaz requested this item be placed on the March agenda. This has been discussed
in the past and is currently included on the list of unfunded projects in the City's Capital
Improvement Program. Trueblood mentioned a couple of obstacles to overcome regarding this
project. He stated that there are two property owners (Elks Club and one private owner). The
second is that there are large rocks in this area which may make it necessary for the construction
of a support bridge or the need to build the trail behind and around the rocks. In the past the Elks
Club has indicated they have no interest in selling the property as they want to keep it for future
development opportunities. Trueblood has not spoken to the other property owner to date. Raaz
mentioned that this would be a great way to get to/from the Peninsula Park. O'Leary voiced his
support to move forward with this idea and feels that a trail would compliment the area. Dell
Holland, present from the public, also gave his support for this idea. It was the consensus of the
Commission to continue to pursue this option. Trueblood will contact the Elks Club as well as
the other property owner in an attempt to re-open conversations.
CELL PHONE TOWER UPDATE:
Trueblood directed Commission to copies in their packets of two tentative proposed locations for
cell phone towers, as well as drawings of the same. Verizon has done some preliminary work
knowing that the city has not committed to anything at this point. Trueblood also included in the
packet a letter from Cook Appraisal who was contacted for help in determining how these types
of leases are structured, what are the typical rates and to research various competitive edges in
the sites, towers and leases. They indicated that the City could reasonably negotiate a $2,000 per
month lease with the tower owner paying all expenses on a five year term with four 5-year
options.
Parks and Recreation Commission
March 14, 2007
Page 4 of6
Trueblood also included in the packets a list including parks that could be considered as
acceptable locations for cell towers. Westefeld asked what criteria was used when making this
list. Trueblood stated that they made an effort to keep them out of the small neighborhood parks
and parks where they just wouldn't be appropriate (such as Hickory Hill). He pointed out that
Option A includes a 70' pole while Option B includes a 115' pole. Option B would require a
much higher pole due to significant fall-off of the property. Trueblood informed designers that
any buildings proposed need to match the pool building.
Trueblood noted that the Committee has not been able to meet smce the last Commission
meeting so policy development is still pending and moving slowly.
UPDATE ON PARKS. RECREATION AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN:
Trueblood has contacted the four finalists for this project. He expects to have RFP's out within
the next couple of weeks, then proposals available for review approximately a month later, and
schedule interviews in late Mayor early June.
COMMISSION TIME/SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:
Westefeld asked for a damage report due to the ice storm. Trueblood noted that there was a lot of
tree damage which caused a lot of work for the Public Works Department as well as the Parks
and Forestry Divisions. The City did offer tree debris pick up for residents at curbside as well as
the option of taking tree debris to the Landfill.
Westefeld also asked for an update on the Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park closure. The Parks
crews continue working on the facility daily. They have ordered hardwood mulch to put down.
Once this material is in place and compacted it will significantly improve the entrance areas.
They will also being planting a great deal of grass seed, and exploring heartier cultivars. It's also
possible that a temporary fence will be installed around the worst area, then open the remainder
of the park. A media release will be sent out as soon as the park is reopened.
Raaz noted that he was at the Peninsula Park recently and noted that there were approximately 40
people using the disc golf course. He suggested placing something on the dog park signs on
Dubuque St. letting people know that the Dog Park is closed. Trueblood stated that staff is
already in the process of investigating different possibilities.
O'Leary stated that he is looking forward to the possibility of a trail extension from Scott Park to
Creekside Park. He also mentioned that he thinks we can probably plan on an armual closing of
the dog park in early spring. He supports the idea of further investigating more off-leash dog
parks in Iowa City.
,,-~---,-""-,,-----,-,-,~---"----'-'---'---'~-----'------.-.------...-
Parks and Recreation Commission
March 14, 2007
Page 5 of 6
CHAIR'S REPORT
Pacha asked Parks & Recreation staff what it would take to place a dog park in Sturgis Ferry
Park. At one time it was deemed not large enough for a dog park, but since we now have a large
dog park in place, this might be a more feasible idea.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Trueblood discussed the possibility of acquisition of property near Shimek School. He said that it
appears that the City may be asked to accept this property and retain it as natural parkland. It is
about 13 acres in size, mostly forested and is currently owned by the Johnson County Heritage
Trust. It is located adjacent to Shimek School, primarily west and northwest of the school
grounds. Trueblood feels that this would provide a great education opportunity for students.
While the City is not ready to do any1hing official in this regard, he is asking for Commission
input. The consensus of the Commission is to continue pursuing.
Trueblood has had a discussion with Jane Meyer from the University regarding the
Commission's concerns about the proposed boathouse, i.e. no opportunity being planned for a
community room to be included in this facility. He asked her to come back to a Commission
meeting soon to update the members on the proposed plans to date.
Pacha asked if Commission would consider moving the next meeting to Tuesday, April 10.
Trueblood will contact all members and get back to Pacha as well as the rest ofthe Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved bv Raaz, seconded bv Reisetter to adiourn the meetinl!: at 6:45 n.m. Unanimous
Parks and Recreation Commission
March 14, 2007
Page 6 of 6
PARKS AND RECREA nON COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
TERM
NAME EXPIRES 1/10 2/7 3/14 4/11 5/9 6/13 7111 8/8 9/12 10/10 11114 12112
David
Boul"2eois 111111 X OlE OlE
Craig
Gustaveson 111111 X OlE OlE
Margaret
Loomer 111/08 X X OlE
Ryan
O'Learv 111110 X X X
Matt
Pacha 1/ 1/09 X X X
Jerry
Raaz 111/08 X X X
Phil
Reisetter 111/09 OlE X X
John
Watson 111111 X OlE OlE
John
Westefeld 111110 X X X
KEY:
X~
O~
OIE~
NM~
LQ~
Present
Absent
AhsentlExcused
No meeting
No meeting due to lack of quornm
Not a Member
IOWA CITY TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FINAL
MONDAY, MARCH 26--5:30 P.M.
CITY CABLE TV OFFICE, 10 S. LINN ST.-TOWER PLACE PARKING FACILITY
JJ:r
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Saul Mekies, Gary Hagen, Brett Gordon
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Margaret Wieting
STAFF PRESENT:
Drew Shaffer, Dale Helling, Bob Hardy, Mike Brau
OTHERS PRESENT:
Kara Logsden, Alex Johnson, Susan Rogusky, Lee Grassley, Doug
Frank, Josh Goding, Laura Lowe, Cameron Coker, Craig O'Brien,
Hans Hoerschelman
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL
None at this time.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION
Grassley introduced Doug Frank who will be the new Mediacom manager for the Cedar
Rapids/Iowa City area. Frank said he was impressed that the City and the Commission take such
an interest in the programming and quality of the access channels. Grassley said the article in the
Cedar Rapids Gazette regarding effective competition in Iowa City contained a statement by a
Mediacom spokesperson that was inaccurate. Mediacom does not have a petition with the FCC
for Iowa City asserting the existence of effective competition. Mediacom does expect to raise
the basic tier rate by $1 iftheir rate filing with the City is approved. Goding reported that the
recent chili supper fundraiser was quite successful. Goding introduced Hans Hoerschelman who
has joined the P A TV Board of Directors. Goding reported that a staff member from P A TV
attended the recent national Media Reform Conference and taped some interviews. O'Brien
reported that Kirkwood students have been producing a newscast and have covered two live
Kirkwood basketball games. Kirkwood is working with the Heritage Agency on Aging on a
Joint project involving a series of programs. Educational programming on the Kirkwood
channels is now about 40%. Rogusky reported that the SCTV presentation on their web
streaming and video activities was well received at the National Conference on Aging. Lowe
reported that Perry Ross, Director of Instruction, sent an email to all staff requesting their ideas
for program ideas for the school channel. One idea is to produce a showcase program on each of
the district schools that would be kid-driven. Lowe said the district is looking at purchasing new
cameras for the Board Room and some portable cameras. Logsden reported the Library will be
hosting Irvin Webber Days in May. Many of the events will be cablecast. A program in
conjunction with Kirkwood Community College called Jazz at the Library featuring Latin music
and a Spanish translation will be taped and played back on the library channel. Shaffer reported
he has been spending most of his time on the state franchising legislation. SF 554 passed the
Senate and is now in the House Commerce Committee. Shaffer and Brau have been working the
Iowa League of Cities on amendments and changes to the bill. Mekies said the City Channel web
site is working on an interactive map to show wi-fi hotspots in Iowa City.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Hagen nominated Mekies for Chair. Gordon seconded the motion. Mekies was elected
unanimously. Mekies nominated Hagen for vice-chair. Gordon seconded the nomination.
Hagen was elected unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Hagen moved and Gordon seconded a motion to approve the amended February 26, 2007
minutes. The minutes were approved unanimously.
ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS
Hagen said that Commissioner Nick Parker is moving to Minnesota and has resigned from the
Commission. Hagen said Parker's expertise will be missed and urged interested people to apply
for the Commission.
SHORT PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
CONSUMER ISSUES
Shaffer referred to the complaint report in the meeting packet and noted there were 5 complaints.
One complaint dealing with a technical problem has not been resolved. Grassley will look into
that problem. Hagen said he was glad complaints were down.
MEDIACOM REPORT
Grassley introduced Doug Frank who will be the new Mediacom manager for the Cedar
Rapids/Iowa City area. Frank said he has only been in his position for a few days and is excited
to be working for Mediacom. Frank said he was impressed that the City and the Commission
take such an interest in the programming and quality of the access channels. Grassley said the
article in the Cedar Rapids Gazette regarding effective competition in Iowa City contained a
statement by a Mediacom spokesperson that was inaccurate. Mediacom does not have a petition
with the FCC for Iowa City asserting the existence of effective competition. Mediacom does
expect to raise the basic tier rate by $1 if their rate filing with the City is approved. Mediacom is
working towards establishing a uniform rate for all their systems. Hagen said he came to the
Commission wanting to encourage competition. In that time he has come to admire Mediacom.
In the recent dispute with Sinclair, Mediacom won the public relations battle. Hagen said he was
disappointed that Mediacom announced a rate increase only 2 weeks after caving in after a 2-
month public dispute with Sinclair. The increases in the basic tier rate hurts the poorest the
hardest. If it weren't for the local access channels Hagen said there would be little reason for
him not to get a satellite dish. Grassley said that in regards to the dispute with Sinclair that
Mediacom was faced with difficult choices given the loss of subscribers. Grassley said the FCC
has released the Report and Order on franchising. The Order does not apply to existing
franchises or state-issued franchises. Regarding the state-franchising bill in the Iowa General
Assembly Grassley, said Mediacom has taken a neutral position but would prefer to see it fail.
UNIVERSITY OF IOWA REPORT
Shaffer said he received an email from Michael McBride saying he would be unable to attend the
meeting.
PATV REPORT
Goding reported that the recent chili supper fundraiser was quite successful. Goding introduced
Hans Hoerschelman who has joined the P A TV Board of Directors. Goding reported that a staff
member from P A TV attended the recent national Media Reform Conference and taped some
interviews. A program on the conference will be produced. The next guidelines workshop will
be April I from 12-2 and the next studio workshop will on April 28. Goding said P A TV has
been contacting other access centers in the state to inform them of the state-franchising bill.
Grassley said that if the bill does pass that does not necessarily mean Mediacom will abandon
their existing franchises. Mediacom would be more likely to request a modification to existing
franchises.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE REPORT
O'Brien reported that Kirkwood students have been producing a newscast and have covered two
live Kirkwood basketball games. Kirkwood is working with the Heritage Agency on Aging on a
Joint project involving a series of programs. Educational programming on the Kirkwood
channels is now about 40%.
SENIOR CENTER REPORT
Rogusky reported that the SCTV presentation on their web streaming and video activities was
well received at the National Conference on Aging. SCTV now has 4 University ofIowa
students working with SCTV.
IOWA CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS REPORT
Lowe provided a written report that was included in the meeting packet. Lowe reported that
Perry Ross, Director ofInstruction, sent an email to all staff requesting their ideas for program
ideas for the school channel. One idea is to produce a showcase program on each of the district
schools that would be kid-driven. Lowe said the district is looking at purchasing new cameras
for the Board Room and some portable cameras. Lowe said she will have more time for video
production work in September. More new video productions are expected then. While many of
the programs currently cablecast on the school channel are older, more new programs are being
incorporated into the programs schedule. Mekies said it is the job of the Telecommunications
Commission to prod and push the access channels to improve and to ask hard questions. As a
result of the Commission's efforts there has been a movement in the school district to make
improvements and it should be acknowledged that this is due to the efforts of the Commission.
Hagen said that in fairness to Lowe it should be noted that the Commission has been trying to
motivate the school district long before Lowe was hired.
LIBRARY REPORT
Logsden reported the Library will be hosting Irvin Webber Days in May. Many of the events
will be cablecast. A program in conjunction with Kirkwood Community College called Jazz at
the Library featuring Latin music and a Spanish translation will be taped and played back on the
library channel. The new playback system has been up and operating without problems.
Transfer of old programs to the new digital playback system continues. A new intern for the
channel will be hired to replace the intern who finished the semester.
CITY MEDIA UNIT REPORT
Hardy reported the Community Television Service has been quite busy. Bugs in the cablecasting
software are slowly being worked out. Crawley has been working on the wi-fi project and has a
listing of hotspots on the citychannel4 web site. Hardy said he has held several conversations
with Laura Lowe and is impressed with the efforts the school channel is making.
CABLE ADMINISTRATOR REPORT/ LEGISLATION
Shaffer reported he has been spending most of his time on the state franchising legislation, which
is the next agenda item so he would combine the two items. SF 554 passed the Senate and is
now in the House Commerce Committee. Shaffer has been working with the Iowa League of
Cities on amendments and changes to the bill. Shaffer has been working on a possible op-ed that
has the backing of the City that could be submitted on behalf ofthe Commission. There were
two amendments that passed with SF 554, which made the bill a little better. The FCC issued
their Report and Order on franchising barriers for new entrants. The lawsuit regarding franchise
fees will not be resolved for some time. Helling said that the City needs to careful what can be
put forward as the position of the City. An opinion piece on the city channel, example would not
be appropriate. The Commission could write an op-ed taking a position, but for the City to do so
would not be a good practice.
WI-FI
Mekies said the City Channel web site is working on an interactive map to show hotspots in
Iowa City. Mekies asked if the wi-fi map might also be placed on the City website. Shaffer said
the City will be approached when the person responsible for the City's web siteretums from
vacation. Mekies said it might also be sent to the Press Citizen and Daily Iowan. Hagen asked
what might evolve over the next 5 years regarding wi-fi if the Commission did nothing and noted
that Parker had expressed an opinion that wi-fi would likely be ubiquitous in 5 years.
Hoerschelman said that the next technological evolution, wi-max, requires some recovery of
allocated spectrum and has some hurdles to jump. Development ofwi-fi may depend on industry
realizing it could generate a revenue stream. Mekies said the downside of many scenarios for
wi-fi mesh networks is that it would be privatized.
ADJOURNMENT
Gordon moved and Hagen seconded a motion to adjourn. The motion passed unanimously.
Adjournment was a 7:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Drew Shaffer
Cable TV Administrator
TELECOMMUNICA nONS COMMISSION
12 MONTH ATTENDANCE RECORD
01/01/03 to CURRENT
Meeting Kimberly SaulMeikes Brett Castillo Terrv Smith Jim Pusack
Date Thrower
6/2/03 x x x x x
7/28/03 x x x x x
8/25/03 x x x x ole
9/22/03 x x x x ole
10/27/03 x x x x ole
11/24/03 x x ole x x
12/15/03 ole ole x x x
1/2/04 x ole x x x
1/26/04 x x x x x
2/23/04 x ole x ole x
3/22/04 x x x x x
4/ 26/04 x x x x OIC
5/24/04 x x OIC x x
6/28/04 x x x ole x
7/26/04 ole x x x x
8/26/04 did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet did not meet
9/27/04 X X X X X
10/25/04 X X
11/04 Did not meet Did not meet Did not meet Did not Did not meet
meet
X X X X X
12/20104
1/24/05 X X X X X
2/28/05 X X X X
G~rv Haoen
3/8/05 X X X X X
3/25/05 X 0 X X X
4/25/05 x ole X X X
5/23/05 X 0 x vaeanev X
James X " Bebe x
Ehrmann Balantvne
6/27/05 X x X X X
x Michael
Chritians
7/25/05 0 X X X X
9/26/05 0 X X 0 X
10/31/05 X X ole X X
11/28/05 X X X X X
1/23/06 ole X X 0 X
2.27/06 X X X 0 X
3/27/06 ole X X John X
Weaterson
x
4/24/06 x x x x X
5/22/06 0 x x/o 0 X
6/26/06 0 X Vacant 0 X
Nick Parker
7/24/06 x x x X
8/24/06 X x M. Wietim! ole X
9/25/06 x x x Ole X
10/23/06 x X x ole X
10/30/06 x x x vaeant X
11/27/09 x x x X
12.18/06 X X X X
Brett
Gordon
1/22/07 X X X X X
2/26/07 X X X X X
3/26/07 Vaeant x ole x X
4/23/07 Vaeant X X X X
(X) = Present
(0) = Absent
(O/C) = AbsenUCalled (Excused)
FINAL ~3
MARCH 2007 ~
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
MARCH 19,2007
G08/9 SENIOR CENTER
Call to Order:
Meeting called to order at 3:45 PM
Chuck Felling, David Gould, Jay Honohan, Betty Kelly, and Sarah
Maiers
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Robert Engel and Nancy Wombacher
Michelle Buhman and Linda Kopping
None
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: To approve the February 20, 2007 minutes as distributed. Motion carried
on a vote of 5-0. Maiers/Kelly
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
None
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Kelly volunteered to write the web article summarizing the March 2007 meeting and
report on it to the City Council.
Honohan agreed to write the web article from the April 2007 meeting.
REPORT OF FOCUS GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEWS ADDRESSING
SENIOR CENTER SA TISF ACTION - Kopping for Cigrand
Anna Cigrand is a MSW student currently completing her practicum at the Senior Center.
In addition to organizing the Memory Training program, Cigrand was assigned to put
together some focus groups to explore the concerns and opinions of the people who use
the Center in regard to the proposed merger with the Parks and Recreation Department.
There were a total of sixteen focus group participants and seven individual interviews.
The majority of participants were looking for answers related to the proposal, what does
the merger mean and how will it impact the Senior Center and its members. Concerns
were voiced that the merger would result in a decline in programming and concerns that
membership dues would be used to support the operation of the Recreation Center.
Cigrand asked what people liked about the Senior Center. People commented that they
liked to be around people their own age. They feel comfortable learning new things or
I
FINAL
MARCH 2007
participating in activities with their peers. Others commented that the programming at
the Center addresses the entire area of wellness. It is more than just physical fitness; it is
the social and emotional connections that make it work. The Center provides a
supportive and energetic environment.
Copies of the complete report are available for review at the Senior Center.
Motion: To accept and forward the report from the focus groups to the City
Council. Motion passed on a vote of 5-0. GouldlMaiers
REPORT ON THE REALLOCATION OF BUILDING SPACE- Kopping
Kopping prepared and distributed letters to all Senior Center members summarizing the
space reallocation plans for the upcoming months. Kopping summarized the timeline for
the room changes.
STANDING COMMITTEE STATUS REPORT
Promotion Committee- Gould
Gould reported that letters are starting to come in for the Legacy Letters project.
Members of the media have expressed a high level of interest in this project and should
result in great publicity for both the project and the Senior Center. Gould, Mitchell and
M. Buhman were interviewed on KXIC's Your Town program this morning promoting
the project. Gould asked that each Commissioner contribute to the project.
KGAN is interested in promoting the project and the Senior Center in April.
OPERATIONS - Kopping
Last fall Kopping and C. Buhman began working to develop a plan to make the restrooms
ADA compliant. Recently a water leak and moldy wall were found in the ground floor
rest rooms. The restrooms were closed and the mold removed. Rather than putting the
restrooms back together the way they were prior to the water leak, the City Manager,
Steve Atkins, approved bringing the ground floor restroom up to ADA standards. Shortly
after the approval, architects recommended upgrading the first floor restroom at the same
time, since the pipes to the first floor restrooms are aligned with the ground floor.
Completing both levels will save the expense of doing the projects separately. Staff is
working on pulling this project together at this time.
On March 9, the water main to the Senior Center broke. The water main is in very poor
condition and is need of replacing. This work will be done in conjunction with the
ground floor restroom repair/restoration work.
The Center received a check for $21,737.65 from the Community Foundation that was
deposited directly into the FY07 Operational Budget.
The Committee working on the Assembly Room upgrade is scheduled to meet with the
designers to make the final decisions on tables and chairs for the Assembly Room. The
sound system has been installed in the Assembly Room which will enhance quality of
programs broadcast through City Cable channel 4 and Senior Center Television.
2
FINAL
MARCH 2007
COMMISSION DISCUSSION-Hanahan
Honohan reported on the City Council and the Board of Supervisors meetings.
Motion: To adjourn. FellinglMaiers. Motion carried on a vote of 5-0.
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FINAL
MARCH 2007
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2007
Name Term 1/16 2/20 3/19
Exoires
Bob Engel 12/31/08 X X OlE
David Gould 12/31/08 X X X
Jav Honohan 12/31/07 X X X
Bettv Kellv 12/31/07 X X X
Sarah Maier 12/31/06 X X X
Nancv Wombacher 12/31/06 OlE OlE OlE
Key:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
Present
Absent
Absent/Excused
No meeting
Not a member
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