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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-04-25 Info PacketCITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET CITY OF IOWA CITY www.icgov.org April 25, 2013 IN Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IP2 Joint Meeting Agenda APRIL 29 JOINT MEETING MISCELLANEOUS IP3 Open House & Public Input Session: Burlington Street Dam and Iowa River Improvements Study IN Memo from City Clerk: City Code at Public Library IP5 Civil Service Preferred Hiring list: Mechanic II — Equipment IP6 Civil Service Preferred Hiring list: Mechanic II — Streets IP7 City Council Economic Development Committee — Draft April 17 minutes DRAFT MINUTES IP8 Board of Adjustment: April 10 �5- 3— �►d:+ City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule IN ,r It Subject to change April 25, 2013 CITY OF IOWA CITY Date Time Meeting Location ( I ��I V J, 2 t��Iq I� r II h ��'- ' �) �; a $t "( 1 p {¢ r -,'Ilr ��� �6 i,tl - d I�, ��, rr �i t„, {bI � I - F( T , ( it !!, , "` r Monday, April 29, 2013 4:30 PM Joint Meeting JC Human Services �11I9�t tl'r� ( . `n= �, TPIII�I�i �� iy t G .','�r.�'I� t 9 AP � L ni Tuesday, May 14, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting Emma J Harvat Hall ,� "t'p'(I� (�) I) 1 TTV I dr4.. wI 1!I IW J" 5 "6iii ���o ii 5 i. `k, y� Tuesday, June 4, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J Harvat Hall T11 -61111111111111 1'- 4tni11 `: �� Ii i'F d F iii `4v 7° Ii�I�!� Tuesday, July 23, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7.00 PM Special Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall `18, (� =" h III r ii i '� �, �, T i� h-i i l �� �i �� n +i' `'. h�E s�,.., V" P' k hip �( �akT firs' lt.° Tuesday, August 6, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall ' Tuesday, August 20, 2013 �i 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat H' all 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall II .. Tuesday, September 3, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J Harvat Hall Tuesday, September 17, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall i Tuesday, October 1, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Tuesday, October 15, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Z� •, Tuesday, November 12, 2013 5:00 PM Work Session Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall 7:00 PM Special Formal Meeting Emma J. Harvat Hall Tuesday, November 26, 2013 Noon -6PM Strategic Planning TBA el Tuesday, December 3, 2013 5:00 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall Tuesday, December 17, 2013 a 5:00 PM Emma J. Harvat Hall ■ 'r CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM IP2 Date: April 25, 2013 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerko_ Re: Joint Meeting —April 29 Johnson County will be hosting the next meeting of area communities and school districts (agenda attached) on Monday, April 29th, at 4:30. There will be light refreshments and an opportunity to mingle starting at 4:00 PM. BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Janelle Rettig, Chairperson Terrence Neuzil John Etheredge Rod Sullivan Pat Harney Agenda Joint Meeting Johnson County Board of Supervisors Iowa City Community School District - City of Iowa City - City of Coralville - City of North Liberty - Other Johnson County Municipalities and School Districts Rooms 203B and 203C Health and Human Services Building 855 South Dubuque Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240 Monday, April 29, 2013 INFORMAL MEETING Call to order 4:30 p.m. 2. Discussion/update of the following: a) Welcome and Introductions b) School district diversity policy (School District) c) School district facilities master plan (School District) d) 2009 MPOJC Affordable Housing Subcommittee recommendations (Johnson County) e) Justice Center (Johnson County) f) Road and community projects for 2013 -2014 (All) g) Legislative Updates (All) h) Future meeting items (All) i) Date and time of next meeting j) Other Inquiries from the public 4. Adjournment 913 SOUTH DUBUQUE STREET, SUITE 201 ♦ IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 -4207 ♦ PHONE: (319) 356 -6000 ♦ FAX: (319) 356 -6036 W W W.JOHNSON- COUNTY.COM Burlington AND Street Dam www.i(gov.org /ExploreOurRiver including fisheries), and whitewater and dam safety. (ontact Steve Long, City of Iowa City Planning & (ommunity Development 319 - 356.5250 or sieve- long @iowa- city.org IP3 •nnuMM Ir�. CITY OF IOWA CITY I� �I z Z--- MEMORANDUM Date: April 24, 2013 To: Mayor and City Council From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk 01- Re: City Code at the Public Library At your April 23 formal Council Meeting there was a question regarding availability of a hard copy of the City Code at the Public Library. The Iowa City Public Library does have a hard copy of the City Code. The City Code is in the Reference Collection and can be used by anyone whenever the library is open. It is updated whenever a supplement is received. The Library had a circulating copy at one time but it had such infrequent use that they opted to keep only the Reference Copy. An electronic copy of the Code is also available. Cc: Susan Craig, Library Director Maeve Clark, Coordinator Adult Services 04-25-13 IPS ;Qk L--1 '—;;TAWZXW i CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826 (3 19) 356 -5000 (319) 3S6-5009 FAX www'Icgov,org April 23, 2013 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Mechanic 11 — Equipment Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Mechanic 11 — Equipment. Terry Miller Josh Williams IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Lyra Dickerson, yra Chair -MT-r-fr- 1P6 N. CITY OF IOWA CITY 410 East Washington Street Iowa City, Iowa 5 22 40 -1 82 6 (3 19) 3 56-5 000 (3 19) 356-5009 FAX www.icgov.org April 19, 2013 TO: The Honorable Mayor and the City Council RE: Civil Service Entrance Examination — Maintenance Worker 11 - Streets Under the authority of the Civil Service Commission of Iowa City, Iowa, I do hereby certify the following named person(s) as eligible for the position of Maintenance Worker II - Streets. James Villhauer IOWA CITY CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION Lyra W. Dickerson, Chair EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY IP7 MINUTES CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE APRIL 17, 2013 EMMA J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL, 8:00 A.M. Members Present: Susan Mims, Michelle Payne Members Absent: Matt Hayek Staff Present: Wendy Ford, Tracy Hightshoe, Jeff Davidson, Tom Markus, Eleanor Dilkes Others Present: Mike Hahn (A &M Development); Pat Shaver (Corridor Business Journal); David Kieft (University of Iowa); Kevin Monson (Neumann Monson Architects); Dan Broffit (architect); Nick Lindsey (architect), Kent Jehle MidWestOne Bank); Charlie Funk (MidWestOne Bank); John Kenyon (City of Literature); Charlie Cowell, (planning intern) RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Payne made the motion to recommend the MidWestOne Bank/University of Iowa /City of Iowa City Letter of Intent for the discussed project to the full City Council. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0, Hayek absent. Payne made the motion to approve the extra $10,000 funding for the October 2013 book festival and budget a placeholder of $60,000 for FYI 5. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0; Hayek absent. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Mims at 8:04 A.M. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS: Chairperson Mims welcomed everyone and asked that those present introduce themselves. CONSIDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairperson Mims asked if there were any comments, changes, etc., to the minutes. Payne moved to approve minutes from the February 12, 2013, meeting as submitted. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0, Hayek absent. PRESENTATION BY MIDWESTONE BANK ON DEVELOPMENT PLANS: Jeff Davidson introduced Charlie Funk and Kevin Monson, who were present to speak to the Economic Development Committee regarding development plans for MidWestOne Bank. Davidson noted that the City has been working with the University and the bank on this project for months. He added that City legal staff has drafted a Letter of Intent and noted that City Attorney Dilkes was present to answer any questions about it. EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY Davidson also noted that staff is seeking a Committee recommendation to forward to Council on the Letter of Intent for the project. The project presentation began with CEO Funk giving some history on MidWestOne Bank. Starting in 1934, MidWestOne opened in downtown Iowa City with five or six employees. Now they have about 200 employees in Johnson County, with approximately 170 in the downtown location. They are now the fourth largest Iowa - based bank in Iowa. Funk shared how the Bank has moved their operations over the years, stating that they have done what they feel is best for the community. After many discussions, he noted that they were able to secure the Sabin site. Continuing, Funk pointed out that they will also be doing some building updates to their original Washington and Clinton corner building late this summer or early fall. He reiterated that MidWestOne Bank is dedicated to the community and to staying downtown. The presentation continued on the topic of parking. Funk noted that with more than 80 employees in the Sabin building alone, there will be a need for parking. He concluded his portion of the presentation by stating that the bank will not be applying for TIF for their portion of the project. He then turned the presentation over to Kevin Monson. Monson noted the historic designation of the original MidWestOne building and the tax credits they can take advantage of because of it. Monson noted the significance of the building, stating that this is one of the reasons they are restoring it. Regarding the new location, he noted that there will be a drive -up bank on the first floor of the five story building; two floors will be available for sale or lease; and the roof will have a break area for employees of the building. Davidson then clarified the exact location of the new building and that it falls within the Riverfront Crossings area of downtown. Monson continued, showing how the new building will be laid out. It is planned to be very light- filled and airy, and energy- efficient, and employees will want to come to work here, Monson stated. Once the new building is complete and operations that are temporarily in Sabin are moved into it, the bank will exercise its option to purchase the property, which the University will then deliver to the bank after they remove the Sabin building. It is on the site of the Sabin building they desire to build a parking structure and townhouses. The parking structure would have approximately 560 spaces, according to Monson. He noted several features of the parking portion of the project, and talked about how the townhouses will line the exterior of the parking, thus minimizing the views of the parking structure. Monson stated that they believe this fits into the City's vision for this area, especially with the pricing of some of the townhouses for workforce housing. He explained how the townhouses will each have their own front door at street level and each will also have a back door into the parking structure. At the third level, there will be a walkway over the alley connecting the parking structure to the building. Monson noted that they strongly desire to begin the construction of the new building yet this fall. Davidson noted that staff has vetted the project to date and that the terms in the Letter of Intent outlining a partnership between the City and the property developers are worthy of the next steps in negotiating a development agreement. 2 EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY Davidson opened the discussion for questions and comments. Mims began by thanking MidWestOne Bank and the University for the work they have done over the past few years on this project. She added that she is excited to see things starting to happen here in the Riverfront Crossings area and that she is comfortable in recommending this to the full Council. Payne stated that she agrees with Mims, and that she believes this is a very exciting project. She added that she likes the townhouse idea and believes that this will help move development along in this area. Payne made the motion to recommend the MidWestOne Bank/University of Iowa /City of Iowa City Letter of Intent for the discussed project to the full City Council. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0, Hayek absent. REPORT ON BUILDING CHANGE FUNDING AWARDS: Wendy Ford spoke to the Members regarding this report. She noted the types of project they sought to fund being fagade updates, fire suppression sprinklers and improving second -floor office spaces for higher uses. The public benefits of the program are to provide fire safety, to increase property values, and to target those under - utilized areas in the downtown. This will help to improve the vibrancy, and the look and feel, of downtown Iowa City, according to Ford. All property owners and businesses in the area were notified of this program, as was the media, according to Ford. She noted that they ended up with 16 different proposals, some being multiple proposals from the same business owner, for a total of more than $1 million worth of improvements in the area. Ford noted that after thorough review, staff came up with the recommendations in this report. Funds for the Building Change program will come from Economic Development Opportunity Funds and remaining CDBG Economic Development Funds. Ford briefly ran through the list: 1. 30 S. Clinton, formerly home to Gilda's. This will be a $621,000 renovation which includes fagade updates, sprinklers, and remodeling of both the second and third floors into apartments. Staff is recommending funding of $37,729 from the Economic Development Fund for this project. 2. Bo James building. This project will include an extensive fagade renovation and is a $100,000 project. Ford noted that this qualifies for $40,000 in CDBG funding. 3. Atlas Restaurant. Fagade renovation similar in scope to what Mickey's did recently. A new awning will replace the umbrellas used during the summer months. This is a $119,000 project, of which $47,704 can be funded with Economic Development and CDBG funds. This should begin in the fall, after the busy summer season is over. 4. Quinton's storefront in the Paul -Helen building. Ford noted how the facade currently looks and owner's desire to match this fagade with the rest of those in the building, bringing it nearer to the historic storefront it once had. This is slated as a $69,000 project, with $27,733 in funding from CDBG and Economic Development funds. 5. Panchero's building. Ford described the current fagade along Washington Street, noting that the plan is to add another window here. This is a $66,000 project, of which $19,857 could be provided from the Economic Development fund. 6. Chait Gallery building. This is the building where Busy CoWorking area is located on the third floor. There is more office area on this floor, but it is unusable now EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY due to the need for renovations including roof and window replacement. This project would assist with the window replacements as that would qualify in the fagade renovation portion of the program. Roof replacement is not part of the program, according to Ford, and therefore the City would only assist in the window replacement portion of the project. The $8,028 from the Economic Development fund is a 30% match for the window portion of this project. 7. Active Endeavors building. Ford noted that this is a fagade renovation project that involves replacing the entire glass face of the building. This project will also have significant energy efficiency benefits and comes in at $47,000, with $16,000 coming from the CDBG and Economic Development funds. 8. The Yacht Club building is seeking funds for fire suppression and a fagade renovation, according to Ford. She and staff from Housing and Inspections Services will be doing a walk- through with the owner to learn more about the specifics of this proposal before awarding a final match amount. Ford noted that expenditures from these funds fall under the spending authority of the City Manager, and require a report out to the Economic Development Committee afterwards and that this report serves that purpose. Ford also noted that there are many other potential projects that funds such as these could leverage and that staff would be seeking approval about whether to offer another round of this kind of funding in the coming fiscal year. Mims stated that she believes these projects will be a very good thing and they have leveraged significant investment in the downtown. CONSIDER REQUEST FUNDING IOWA CITY BOOK FESTIVAL AS NEW PROGRAM FOR CITY OF LITERATURE: Ford began the discussion by stating that the purpose of this agenda item is two -fold. One is to bring the Members up to date on the new need for funding for the Iowa City Book Festival which is now a program of the City of Literature. Second, is to gain the Economic Development Committee's support for the annual budgeting of funding for the City of Literature. Ford gave Members a brief background on the transition of the Book Festival from the UI Libraries to the City of Literature, noting, primarily, changes in the leadership at the library and staffing priorities. She then introduced John Kenyon, Executive Director of City of Literature. He noted that the UI Library's Iowa City Book Festival began as a way to thank the community for their help saving books during the flood of 2008 which also coincided with the Library having acquired their five millionth volume at that time. It was a small festival hosted on the grounds near the library. By the fourth year, it had to move due to Library renovations and then the Library had decided they were not going to present the book festival any longer. The City of Literature Board saw the Book Festival as an event that should continue in a City of Literature, and adopted it. The City of Literature then moved the festival to October from July to involve more of the community, visitors, students, staff, and faculty to be around when it takes place. Attendance is anticipated to grow substantially with the change in schedule. Kenyon continued, stating that the City of Literature budget essentially pays for the administration of the festival in his salary, but added the desire is to create a pool of funds that they can then use for programming the Festival, which they do not have in their existing budget structure. The UI Libraries had presented the festival on a budget of between $35,000 and $40,000, not including administrative expenses. Kenyon stated 4 EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY that they are aiming for a similar budget, and he believes they can do more with less money, as they have more flexibility than the University Library did when they ran the event. Regarding fundraising, they have requested funding from the University and are now requesting funds from the City, as well. The Iowa City Public Library will be reviewing a request at their upcoming Board meeting, and the Convention and Visitors Bureau has also received a request. Kenyon noted that they are trying to balance the public dollars with private sponsorships, and that this endeavor is just beginning. He added that he did secure $5,000 yesterday from the Eastern Iowa Airport, and that Knutson Construction has also contributed funds. Kenyon continued discussing the event, stating that the hope is to sort of reinvent the Book Festival this year, to really bring in the entire community, and also bring in people from all over the area. Ford clarified that the $10,000 for this year's Book Festival could come from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund. An additional $10,000 would then be added to the City of Literature's annual appropriation, going from $50,000 to $60,000 beginning in FY15. Mims asked for clarification on the timing of funding for the book festival, since FY14's budget is only approved for $50,000. Ford explained that the $10,000 for this fall's festival could be paid any time in the current Fiscal Year 2013 or next Fiscal Year 2014, from Economic Development Opportunity funds. FY14 Begins in July of 2013, and the City of Literature will receive their originally budgeted $50,000 soon thereafter. Budgeting for FY15 begins in the fall of 2013 and would include a budget placeholder for the City of Literature of $60,000 which would cover their FY15 operations including the October 2014 book festival. The City Manager suggested it may be appropriate for the City of Literature to request an adjustment for inflation in future requests for funding as the costs of doing business continue to increase. Payne asked that Kenyon send a fundraising letter to her at Mid American, as well, as he pursues private dollars. Members continued to discuss this proposal, stating that it sounds like the City of Literature has some great plans for the Book Festival. Payne noted that she appreciates how well done the web site is for the City of Literature, and that she looks forward to the new October time for the event. Kenyon further clarified how they believe this time of year will work even better and he shared some of the partnerships they are forming to further strengthen this annual event. Payne made the motion to approve the extra $10,000 funding for the October 2013 book festival and budget a placeholder of $60,000 for FY15. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0; Hayek absent. STAFF TIME: Davidson mentioned to Members that the first public meeting regarding the Burlington Street dam renovations has been scheduled. Funding has come together from a variety of sources, according to Davidson, so they were able to hire a premiere designer for this. He added that more information will be forthcoming. Hightshoe spoke next about the Towncrest Medical Office building having taken out a building permit and how great it is to get another new project going in that area. Ford stated that things have been very busy and there are a lot of projects in the works. She shared some of what is going on with the corner of First Avenue and Muscatine, and responded to Members' questions. 5 EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY COMMITTEE TIME: Payne stated that it's great to see the Towncrest area getting some news. Hightshoe responded to questions, giving Members an idea of how things are progressing in this area. OTHER BUSINESS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Payne moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 A.M. Mims seconded the motion. Motion carried 2 -0, Hayek absent. n EDC April 17, 2013 PRELIMINARY Council Economic Development Committee ATTENDANCE RECORD 2012-2013 Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused TERM o 0 NAME EXP. N N -I Michelle 01/02/14 X X Payne Matt 01/02/14 X O Hayek /E Susan 01/02/14 X X Mims Key: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused IP8 MINUTES PRELIMINARY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APRIL 10, 2013 — 5:15 PM CITY HALL, EMMA HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Larry Baker, Brock Grenis, Gene Chrischilles, Will Jennings, Becky Soglin MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Sarah Holecek OTHERS PRESENT: Lars Anderson, John Shaw RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM. ROLL CALL: A brief opening statement was read by Grenis outlining the role and purpose of the Board and the procedures that would be followed in the meeting. CONSIDERATION OF MARCH 13. 2013 MEETING MINUTES Jennings moved to approve the minutes with minor corrections. Chrischilles seconded. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEM EXC13- 00003: Discussion of an application submitted by The Crisis Center of Johnson County for a special exception to establish a general community service use in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 1105 S. Gilbert Court. Walz said the public hearing had been left open on this item at the last meeting. She said the Traffic Engineering Planner has provided a memo that concludes that there are no safety issues on Gilbert St. but that there are parking issues, and it will be the responsibility of property owners to call the City if cars block their drives. She said that Traffic Engineering used volume Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 2 of 8 criteria to determine that no additional stop signs or crosswalks are needed in the area because there is not enough steady car or foot traffic. Walz noted that the Crisis Center recently hosted a meeting to look at neighborhood issues in general. She said the upshot of that meeting is that a neighborhood association may be formed to address issues on an on -going basis. She said that the ICPD records show some vandalism in the neighborhood over the past twenty -seven months. She said they don't have enough information to tell if the number of incidents is outside the norm for a commercial area near downtown or in the larger Gilbert Street commercial area in general. Some reported activity is also linked to a bar in the neighborhood. She said that some homeless people use the rail corridor regularly and that has created some issues for neighboring properties. Jorey Bailey, the Crime Prevention Officer will be working with Neighborhood Services on ways to address neighborhood crime issues. Board members said that answered the questions they had. Jennings said it's good to see the neighborhood meeting and the people in the area beginning to see their businesses as part of a neighborhood or group —as an active part of the community. Grenis agreed with Jennings. Grenis closed public hearing. Soglin noted discrepancies about sidewalks in the staff report and the Traffic Engineering Planner's memo. Baker said it seemed that the two major issues were traffic and safety issues, and it appears that agencies in that area are working on those issues and getting them resolved, so he thinks this proposal is a good idea. Jennings moved to approve EXC13- 00003, an application submitted by The Crisis Center of Johnson County for a special exception to establish a general community service use in the Intensive Commercial (CI -1) zone at 1105 S. Gilbert Court subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant will provide one bicycle parking space per one - hundred and fifty square feet of floor area based on the size of the cafeteria dining area. The building official will calculate the requirement based on the floor plan submitted with the building permit application. 2. The bicycle rack design must be approved by Transportation Planning Staff. 3. Installation of parking area shade trees to the extent possible given the constraints of the lot. Chrischilles seconded. Baker said he feels the specific standards as outlined in the staff report have been met, specifically the standard 14- 4B -4D-4 that the proposed use will not significantly alter the overall character of the zone and will not inhibit future development of uses for which the zone is primarily intended. He says he believes that standard has been met as outlined in the staff report because of the mix of uses that are already there, public transportation is available, this Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 3 of 8 particular proposal is perhaps going to alleviate some of the on- street parking concerns by adding some spaces, and bicycle parking will be included on the site. Baker said he feels the general standards one, two, five and six are especially convincing. 1: "The specific proposed exception will not be detrimental to or endanger the public health, safety, comfort or general welfare." He said as outlined in the staff report, public transit, sidewalks and increased parking will all alleviate some of those concerns. 2: "The specific 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." He said in particular he looks at the improvements in internal parking, the addition of trees, and the terminal islands making the parking area much safer. 5: "Adequate measures have been or will be taken to provide ingress or egress designed so as to minimize traffic congestion on public streets." He said as noted in the staff report, the Crisis Center will combine two lots and two driveways to improve ingress and egress, and this will help solve some of the on- street parking problems. The two drives currently occupy approximately 60 feet of curb space; the new drive will occupy less than 30 feet of curb space." 6: "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." He said the site review process will help to satisfy those standards, and even though the application is not required by Code to come into compliance with the landscape and screening standards for the parking area, given the amount of paving on the site, staff has recommended, and the Board seems to approve, the installation of shade trees in accordance with the parking area standards to the extent possible given the constraints of the property. Soglin said she agrees that there are a number of good physical changes that will be made as a result of this. She said regarding general standard seven this is important support for human related services, which is what is expected by the Comprehensive Plan. Grenis said he agrees with everything that has been stated, especially with General Standard Two regarding not impeding the property values of the neighborhood in light of what the Board learned from the police and traffic report, which further validates the standard. Chrischilles said he agrees. He said he thought it was a good idea last month, and it's still a good idea, and he supports it. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0. Grenis declared the motion for the special exception approved, noting that anyone wishing to appeal the decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after the decision is filed with the City Clerk's Office. EXC13- 00005: Discussion of an application submitted by JMK Holdings LC for two Historic Preservation special exceptions to allow multi - family residential units at or below street level, and a special exception to reduce the off - street parking requirements Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 4 of 8 for property located in the Central Business Support (CB -5) zone at 529 South Gilbert Street. Walz said that the vast majority of properties that come to the City looking to redevelop can provide the required parking but the Board only sees the exceptions. She said The Vine building is currently going through the process of becoming a historic landmark. She said there are very few historic industrial buildings left in the city, and the property owner would like to preserve this one. She said it has had unanimous support from the Planning and Zoning Board and the Historic Preservation Board and is now before the City Council. Walz said the building has a street level entrance on Prentiss Street as well as one that is a few feet above grade on Gilbert Street, but is still considered street level. She said in a Central Business Support (CB -5) zone the street level floor must be reserved for commercial uses. Walz said two exceptions are required in this case and both exceptions are available only to historic properties. She said these are the exception to allow multifamily rather than commercial at the street level and to waive certain development standards (reducing off - street parking requirements) that prevent the re -use and preservation of a historic building. She said the entire renovation plan has to go through the Historic Preservation Board on April 11"'. Walz said the Code requires parking for all residential uses in the CB -5 zone but does not require parking for commercial uses. One parking space is required for each one - bedroom unit. She said the twelve proposed units are all one - bedroom or studios. She said this area falls into an existing parking district that allows a waiver administratively of seventy -five percent of the parking spaces that cannot be provided. She said a one -time fee that contributes to planned parking structures is required for these spaces. She said there is a parking structure planned in this area two blocks to the west, which is where this one -time fee would be directed. She said the Board must determine if they should waive any of the three remaining parking spaces. She said the property can't develop as planned without the waiver of those spaces. She said this building is within the Riverfront Crossings District, which will be governed by a new form -based Code. She said when the new Code is initiated, only certain properties will be required to have ground floor commercial —this property is not one of those designated properties. She said staff feels the best way to address the parking demand in this building is to impose the parking impact fee on any spaces that are not provided. She said staff is also recommending that certain conditions be placed on approval. Chrischilles asked for clarification on the parking. Walz explained that the number of apartment units proposed by the applicant can get is twelve. The City can waive 75% of the required parking (spaces) by imposing a parking impact fee. The Board is considering whether to waive the remaining three spaces. Staff recommends waiving these final three with the same condition, that the applicant would be charged the parking impact fee. Grenis asked if there is currently any parking available for any of the proposed units. Walz said there is no off - street parking available. She added that there is no public parking facility at this time, but there is a planned one. She said there is very little on- street parking available and that there is metered parking behind the building. Walz explained that the planned ramp will be built within the next two years at a site yet to be determined. Grenis asked if currently, residents of this building could park on the site of the former St. Patrick's Parish Hall. Walz said they would have to apply to do that, and it wouldn't be a permanent solution, as it will eventually be a construction site Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 5 of 8 to include some structured parking. Grenis asked if this new fee would entitle them to a spot in a future ramp. Walz said it would not, though residents can apply for a permit. Baker asked Walz to explain the parking fee policy in terms of when it's due. Walz said she was not sure, but it's either before the building permit or the occupancy permit. Baker asked if City policy requires it to construct a lot or else the money is returned. Holecek said the funds have to be pledged within five years or the money gets returned. She said there is a deadline for how long the City can keep the money without the construction. Soglin asked what the boundaries are in the parking district in which The Vine is located. Walz said it doesn't go further east than this side of Gilbert Street. Grenis invited the applicant to speak. Lars Anderson said he is the lawyer representing the applicant. He said the first floor of the subject property has not been used for ten years. He said it is not well suited to commercial. He said there is no way to put parking on this site. Baker said the floor plans show studios for all twelve units, and he asked if that is going to be the final layout. John Shaw, architect for the proposed project, said some of the units actually have a single bedroom. He said the units will be between 500 and 600 square feet. Baker asked if the applicant will have any policy in place that regulates the occupancy of the units. Walz said the Code has an occupancy limit. She said you theoretically could have two tenants in a one - bedroom unit. Baker said one - bedrooms usually end up with two people while studios limit themselves to one. Shaw said these units are of such a size that the likelihood of having two tenants is less Grenis opened public hearing. Grenis closed public hearing Baker asked if there is interest on the Board to have a position suggesting the Council apply fees in a different way under a schedule. He said he has always been bothered by these fees being applied 100% up front for something that doesn't exist and not knowing how long it will be until the money is used. Walz said the fee allows an applicant a privilege and a right that gains much return for the property that could not otherwise have as many or any residential units. Jennings said if this were new construction, he might have questions about parking and fees, but he feels that the fact this is a historic property puts a boundary around the consideration of this and fees and issues of parking and what might be coming down the road. He said he likes incentivizing the preservation of the historic structure with units that clearly meet a need and that don't necessarily encourage car ownership due to the location near downtown and campus. Walz clarified that the Board cannot waive the fee imposed on the first seventy -five percent of the required parking —nine of the twelve parking spaces. The Board may waive the final three Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 6 of 8 spaces without imposing a fee, but that staff is recommending that the fee be imposed to address parking demand. Baker asked if there was interest on the Board about waiving the requirement for the three parking spaces and not imposing the fee. Grenis said he agreed with that idea. Chrischilles said he agrees with Baker that it's backwards to ask for all the money up front, He said he thinks that the applicant should be required to pay for all the parking spaces if they are allowed to have ground floor units. Jennings said he is willing to waive the fee for the three parking spaces. Soglin said she thinks it's important that there be a fee to cover the actual cost of parking. She said that has not been done in this community. She said she thinks the applicant should pay the fee for the three additional spaces. Baker said his reasoning is based on the fact of this particular application and the historic nature and trying to incentivize other people doing the same thing to historic properties. He said on new construction he is not inclined to waive that sort of requirement. There was agreement about that statement from other members of the Board. Soglin asked how many other buildings there are in the city that would be in a similar situation. Walz said she doesn't know. Shaw said there are three potentially similar buildings along Gilbert Street Baker moved to approve EXC13 -00005 an application submitted by JMK Holdings LC for two Historic Preservation special exceptions to allow multi - family residential units at or below street level, and a special exception to waive the minimum parking requirements for residential uses to be established at 529 South Gilbert Street subject to the following conditions: 1. All apartments will be one - bedroom or studio apartments. 2. Historic Landmark status (rezoning to historic overlay) for the building must secure final approval from City Council. 3. The applicant must secure a Certificate of Appropriateness for the historic rehabilitation of property from the Historic Preservation Board. Jennings seconded the motion. Baker said regarding EXC13 -00005 he concurs with the findings set forth in the staff report of April 10, 2013, and concludes that the general and specific criteria are satisfied. Unless amended or opposed by another Board member, he recommends that the Board adopt the findings and staff report for the approval of this proposal with the exception of the staff recommendation that an impact fee be imposed for the additional three parking spaces and proposes that it be waived as an incentive for historic preservation development of this property. Board of Adjustment April 10, 2013 Page 7 of 8 Grenis concurred with Baker's statements. Soglin said she believes the fees should remain for the three additional spaces. She said, however, that she particularly concurs with these standards: Specific Standards 1. The modification will help preserve the historic, aesthetic, or cultural attributes of the property. She said this is an excellent reuse and rehabilitation of an existing building. General Standards 1. The specific 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. She said it will actually help increase values and that the property, by being located in the Riverfront Crossings, is not required to have a storefront on the first floor. She said even though they received a letter expressing concern about that, given the original nature of this building, it's been difficult to put anything in that first floor space and that in some ways it's not a first floor when you get to the back of the building. She said she believes that this standard has been properly met. 2. The proposed use will be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as amended She said this is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and as noted in the staff report regarding preserving important historical features of the town. She said we are losing many of those weekly, and this type of residential is in very short supply. A vote was taken and the motion carried 5 -0. Grenis declared the motion for the special exception approved, noting that anyone wishing to appeal the decision to a court of record may do so within 30 days after the decision is filed with the City Clerk's Office. OTHER: Holecek gave the Board an update on previous cases that are now being appealed. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION: ADJOURNMENT: Jennings moved to adjourn. Baker seconded. The meeting was adjourned on a 5 -0 vote. z W N D 7 Q LL O O m V W w W z Q z W H a M r O N N T" O N 0 x x x X x LU M X X X X co WO X X x X N X x x X N N X X X X x v x x x x x c x x 0 x o x x X X LLI ti x X x x M x x x o x X X X x x x x 0 x x I1 co v LO oo co w o 0 0 0 0 0 LLI H W z W LV z ~ Y J O U W J w U J m N m = rA U Z z ui x N J W CD Z m V 0 W t= N N X C CL¢¢ II II 11 XOD w Y N 0 z I I