HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-06-28 Info Packet
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org
CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
June 28, 2007
IP1 Council Meeting and Work Session Agenda
JULY 2 SPECIAL FORMALlEXECUTIVE
IP2 Memorandum from Mayor Wilburn: Staff evaluations:
IP3 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Updated Salary Information
JULY 2 SPECIAL WORKiSESSION
IP4 Memorandum from the City Attorney: City Manager Recruitment Process - Consultant
Selection
IP5 Memorandum from the Personnel Administrator: City !Manager Recruitment
IP6 Memorandum from the City Clerk: Timeline for 1986 Selection of Executive Recruitment
Firm/Consultant
MISCELLANEOUS
IP7 E-mail from Dr. & Mrs. M.M. Ghoneim to Michael Tharp: Hazardous and low flying
planes landing/departing from IC Airport [staff resJDonse included]
IP8 Letter from the Transportation Planning Intern to Resicllents on Wales Street: Neighborhood
on-street parking
I
IP9 Invitation: Roundtable on Global Community & Div~rsity - July 2nd - Coralville Marriott
IP10 Housing and Inspection Services Customer Servic~ Survey - June 2007
IP11 Approved Minutes: Economic Development Committee: May 29, 2007
PRELIMINARY/DRAFT ~INUTES
IP12 Historic Preservation Commission: May 31,2007
IP13 Historic Preservation Commission: June 12, 2007
IP14 Board of Appeals: June 4,2007
IP15 Human Rights Commission: June 26, 2007
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
City Council Meeting Sche~ule and
Work Session Agendas
I Dips: J
June 28, 2007
www.icgov.org
. MONDAY, JULY 2 Emma J. Harvat Hall
9:15a Special Formal Meeting (Separate Ag~nda Posted)
Executive Session: Evaluation, of City Attorney and City Clerk
Bring calendars Special Work Session immediately fqllowing
. Consultant Selection Process
TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETINGS! AND AGENDAS I
. MONDAY, JULY 9 Emma J. Harvat Hall
6:30p Special Council Work Session
. TUESDAY, JULY 10
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. MONDAY, JULY 23
6:30p Special Council Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. TUESDAY, JULY 24
7:00p Special Formal Council Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. WEDNESDAY, JULY 25
7:30a Joint Meeting
Johnson County Fair
. MONDAY, AUGUST 20
6:30p Council Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
. TUESDAY, AUGUST 21
7:00p Formal Council Meeting
Emma J. Harvat Hall
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CITY OF IDWA CITY ~
MEMORV\NDUM
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
June 25, 2007
City Council
Ross Wilburn, Mayor
Staff evaluations
I have requested the City Attorney and City Clerk come prepared to respond to the same
questions as last year during the evaluation Monday.
. Accomplishments since last evaluation
. Accomplishments most proud of
. Biggest single frustration
. Most significant contribution to the organization
. Goals for the years to come
. What you want to accomplish with Council thi$ coming year
. Where do you anticipate encountering difficulties
. Most helpful within the organization
. Next steps
U:evaluation2007.doc
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CITY OF IOWA CITY ~
MEMORANDUM
DATE:
June 27, 2007
TO:
Mayor & City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~~
Updated Salary Information
FROM:
RE:
Attached is updated information for the City Attorney flnd City Clerk from various cities
in Iowa. Compensation package comparisons are at tillnes complex and we've done our
very best to summarize the information.
Also attached is base salary history for the City Attorney and City Clerk; and pages 4 & 5
ofthe classification/compensation plan for confidentia~ and administrative employees
approved by City Council in April by Resolution 07-134.
The City Attorney and I will be available during your ~xecutive session Monday if you
have further questions.
Salary
Length of Service
Additional Compensation
Car Allowance/Yr
Deferred Compensation (%)
Cell Phone/Yr
Longevity Pay
Other
4 % match
$384.00
5% of base salary
$1,440.00
$1,050.00
Cash value 80 hrs
vacation ($2916.00)
to be paid directly
to flension fllan
5%
3%
$120
match ($1
(if for personal
$750.00
K max)
bus)
$360.00
5yr-$400,10yr-$600
5yr-$700, 25yr-$1200max
$92,925.00
21 yrs
Emp contribution only
$77,937.60
31 yrs
50%
$61,513.30
New Hire
$84,136.00
27 yrs
$73,715.00
7 yrs
$114,283.00
17 yrs
$60,060
17 yrs
$3.624.00
$94,707.00
16 yrs
Sioux City
Cust Serv Div Managerl
City Clerk
West Des Moines
CC/Dir of Admin Services
Ames
(reclass eval)
Marion
Finance Dir/CC
Salary
Length of Service
Additional Compensation
Car Allowance/Yr
Deferred Compensation
Cell Phone/Yr
Longevity Pay
Other
FY07
(%)
Des Moines
4-1/2% match
$324.72
5% of base salary
Cedar Rapids
$1,200.00
Iowa City
Cash value 80 hrs
vacation ($3,236.00)
to be paid directly
to flension fllan
Dubuque
5%
base
3% match ($1 K max)
$120 (if for personal bus)
$750.00
$360.00
5yr -$400, 1 Oyr -$600
5yr-$700, 25yr-$1200max
$96,177.00
22 yrs
Emp contribution only
$81,515.20
32 yrs
2.00%
$64,272.00
1 yr
28 yrs
$75,920.00
8 yrs
$117,711.00
18 yrs
2008 Not Avai
18 yrs
$3,960.00
$97,548.00
17 yrs
Sioux City
Cust Serv Div Managerl
City Clerk
West Des Moines
CC/Dir of Admin Services
Ames
Records
Manager/CC
FY08
Pop.
(Ia League of Cities)
Des Moines
98,682
Cedar Rapids
120.758
85,013
SALARY COMPARABLE
CITY CLERK
Iowa City
62.380
Dubuque
57.686
51
744
50.731
Marion
Finance Dir/CC
26.294
Salary
Length of Service
Additional Compensation
Car Allowance/Yr
Deferred Compensation (%)
Cell Phone/Yr
Longevity Pay
Other
* $108.784.00 FTE
4%
$600.00
4% of base
$1,440.00
Emp contribution only
.50%
City Furnishes
FT Health
FT Disability
5%
3% match ($1 K max)
$120 (if for personal bus)
$350.00
$3.300.00
$154,967.00
17 yrs
FY07
Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Sioux City
Iowa City
Dubuque
$115,000.00
West
Salary
Length of Service
Additional Compensation
Car Allowance/Yr
Deferred Compensation (%)
Cell Phone/Yr
Longevity Pay
Other
$3,300.00
10% match
$324.72
4 % base
$1,200.00
Emp contribution only
$163,091.00
18 yrs
$114,691.20
22 yrs
2008 Not Avai
24 yrs
o yrs
$110,448.00
32 yrs
$123,050.00
8 yrs
$120,640.00
1 yr
FY08
Des Moines
Cedar
Rapids
Sioux City
owa City
Dubuque
West Des Momes
Ames
26,294
Marion
$74,017.50
(max 750 hr/yr)
$98.69/hr over the max
-------
-------
-------
-------
Annual supply reimb
$2,500
Marion
$71,858.00
(max 750 hr/yr)
$95.81/hr over the max
-------
-------
-------
-------
Annual supply reimb
$2,500
$109,699.20
21 yrs
$90,667.20
23 yrs
65270.4 (60%)*
9 yrs
$107,224.00
31 yrs
7 yrs
$116,000.00
New Hire
Des Moines
Ames
2.00%
City Furnishes
5% base
3% match ($1 K max)
$120 (if for personal bus)
$350.00
Pop.
(Ia League of Cities)
98,682
120.758
85,013
62,380
SALARY COMPARABLE
CITY ATTORNEY
57,686
51
744
50,731
City Council Appointments
Base Salary Histqry
ATTY.
Incumbent Hire Dateo 9/97
CLERK
Incumbent Hire Date' 4/83
Salary Addt'l Salary Addt'l
Benefit Benefit
1997 New Appointment 4%
$70,000 1 $52,284.54
1998 5.7% 5.2%
$74,000 $55,000
1999 6.5% 7.28%
$78,811 $59,009
2000 6.59% 6.76%
4
$84,011 $63,003
2001 3.25% 6.5%
2,5 3
$52,041 $67,100
2002 3.25% COl 3.25% COl
3.5% merit 5 3.5% merit 3
$55,623.36 $71,718.40
2003 3% , 3%
5 3
$57,295.68 $73,860.80
2004 2.65% 2.65%
5,6 3
$58,818.24 $75,816.00
2005 2.75% 2.75%
5,6 3
$60,440.64 $77,896.00
2006 8.0% 8.0%
5,6 3
$65,270.40 $84,136.00
1 - New hire
2 - Pension plan payment
3 - Cash value of 80 hours accrued vacation paid directly to pension plan
4 - 60% FTE effective October 3, 2000
5 - Full health premium
6 - Disability
clerk\salaries2007.doc
July, 2007
After
Step
10, employees are eligible for a 2% Increase per year until they reach maximu", pay.
FY08admln2.xls
$31.32
$2,505.60
$65,145.60
$33.06
$2,644.80
$68,764.80
$34.89
$2,791.20
$72,571 .20
$36.80
$2,944.00
$76,544.00
$38.11
$3,048.80
$79,268.80
$39.43
$3.154.40
$82,014.40
$40.81
$3,264.80
$84,884.80
$42.22
$3,377.60
$87,817.60
$43.67
$3,493.60
$90,833.60
Page 4
$45.23
$3,618.40
$94,078.40
$49.18
$3,934.40
$102,294.40
City Engineer
31
Assist PCD Dir/JCCOG
Personnel Administrator
Police Captain
Recreation Suprintndnt
ITS Coordinator
Deputy Fire Chief
First Assistant City Attorney
32
$28.97
$2,317.60
$60,257.60
$30.54
$2,443.20
$63,523.20
$32.20
$2,576.00
$66,976.00
$34.01
$2,720.80
$70,740.80
$35.20
$2,816.00
$73,216.00
$36.44
$2,915.20
$75,795.20
$37.71
$3,016.80
$78,436.80
$39.00
$3,120.00
$81,120.00
$40.33
$3,226.40
$83,886.40
$41 .79
$3,343.20
$86,923.20
$45.03
$3,602.40
$93,662.40
30
Battalion Chief
Community Dev Coord
Library Coordinator
Police Lieutenant
Wastewater Suprintndnt
Senior Center Coord
Senior Planner
Supt of Parks & Forestry
Supt of Streets
Water Superintendent
Housing Administrator
Equipment Supr
Sr Systems Engineer
economic DevetopmentCoord
Parking Manager
Transit Manager
$26.71
$2,136.80
$55,556.80
$28.23
$2,258.40
$58,718.40
$29.75
$2,380.00
$61,880.00
$31.39
$2,511.20
$65,291.20
$32.53
$2,602.40
$67,662.40
$33.66
$2,692.80
$70,012.80
$34.78
$2,782.40
$72,342.40
$36.03
$2,882.40
$74,942.40
$37.29
$2,983.20
$77,563.20
$38.59
$3,087.20
$80,267.20
$41.19
$3,295.20
$85,675.20
PAYGRADE:
STEP
STEP 2
6mo.
5.50%
STEP 3
12 mo.
5.50%
STEP 4
18 mo.
5.50%
STEP 5
2.5 yrs.
3.50%
STEP 6
3.5 yrs.
3.50%
STEP 7
4.5 yrs.
3.50%
STEP 8
5.5 yrs.
3.50%
STEP 9
6.5 yrs.
3.50%
STEP 10
7.5 yrs.
3.50%
MAX.
EXECUTIVE PAYPLAN - FY08 (JUNE 30, 2007)
MINIMUM
33
Fire Chief $33.91
HIS Director $2,712.80
Library Director $70,532.80
Prkng & Transit Director
Parks & Rec Director
PCD Director
34
Assist City Manager $36.73
Finance Director $2,938.40
Police Chief $76,398.40
Public Works Director
MAXIMUM
$53.74
$4,299.20
$111,779.20
$58.77
$4,701.60
$122,241.60
FY08admln2.xls
Page 5
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CITY OF I<pWA CITY~
MEMORANDUM
I
From:
June 27,2007 . I j
City Council f\ \ I ~.
Eleanor Dilkes, City AttorneyV(y
Date:
To:
PLEASE BRING YOUR
CALENDARS TO THE
MEETING ON JULY 2
Re: City Manager Recruitment Process - Consultant:Selection
The Mayor has asked me to facilitate your discussion on July 2 regarding the City Manager
Recruitment Process. The nature of and schedule for the consultant selection process are the
first decisions the Council needs to make. Here is a brief oliltline to structure that discussion.
A. Define Nature of Process for Consultant Selection
1) RFQ(Request for Proposal) as outlined by Personnel Administrator; Modified or Other
Process?
2) Information to be included in RFQ - Additions/Modifications to list provided by Personnel
Administrator
3) Who will make decision on which firms to interview?
4) Interviews
B. Schedule for Consultant Selection
1) RFQ Distributed - July 17
2) Response Deadline - July 31?
3) Council meeting date to select those to be interviewed (if necessary) - _?
4) Council meeting dates for interviews-
?
Please give me a call if you have questions.
Cc: City Manager
Ass't City Manager.
Personnel Administrator,
City Clerk
c;:]
HUMAN RESOURCES/PERSONNEL
MEMO
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
June 26, 2007
City Council .~
Sylvia A. Mejia, Personnel AdministratorJ)V"
City Manager Recruitment... Consultant Selection
As you prepare for your discussion on July 2 I would recommend that you
issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a consultant to assist with the
recruitment of a City Manager. This is a method commonly used to seek
information from search firms and is the proc~ss Cedar Rapids recently used
to select a consultant to assist them in their City Manager recruitment.
An RFQ would be sent to national Executive Search Firms presenting an
opportunity for them to then provide a list of their qualifications for your
review. Firms would be identified through the International City
Management Association (ICMA) and International Personnel Management
Association (IPMA) publications and recommendations from other cities or
organizations that have used a search firm. An internet search would also
identify regional firms to include in the mailing if you so desire.
Attached is a list of information commonly requested in an RFQ. You may
also wish to identify other things you want included in the RFQ at your July
2 meeting. After that, the RFQ can be preparred and distributed. A
proposed schedule for the beginning of the process would be:
July 17
July 31
Mid-August
RFQ Distributed
Response Deadline
Interview Consultants
It is anticipated that such a request will generate a number of responses
which will need to be reviewed. You will need 'lto determine how you will cull
the companies down to a manageable number of firms for the council to
interview. Three possible options to identify the firms to be interviewed
include a review by the entire council, a review and recommendation by staff
or a review and recommendation by a council subcommittee with staff input
if desired.
The decision you need to make at this time is which search firm to hire to
assist you in the recruitment. You do not need to identify the details of the
recruitment process that will be used, although it is certainly important that
as you think of things you keep them in mind for future discussion with the
consultant you select. Once a consultant is refained you will have ample time
to meet with them to determine the methodology to be used. This is their
area of expertise and they will guide you through the exercise of identifying
the particulars of the process. The consultant will also work with you as you
identify the qualifications you are looking for i!n the next city manager.
Discussion of the recruitment process and the desired attributes of the
successful candidate are items for discussion with the consultant. The
immediate decision to be made is the selection of the consultant who will
guide you through the rest of this very important process. I'm sorry that I
will be unable to attend your meeting, however, I have had discussion with
the City Manager, City Attorney and City Clerk regarding this issue and I
believe they will be able to address questions that you might have regarding
this recommendation.
CityManagerConsultant .doc
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RFQ PREPARED BY THe CITY
BACKGROUND:
Summary of information regarding Iowa City
SCOPE OF SERVICES:
Publicize the opening including contacting potential candidates that may not be actively
seeking employment
Screening candidates and providing a list of preferred candidates to the City
Performing background checks including verification Of education, past employment,
criminal checks, credit checks and all other due diligence verification regarding previous
work performance
Arranging interviews (initial and 2nd if required)
Assisting with negotiations with selected candidate if requested
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE RESPONSE FROM THE CONSULTANT
STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS:
Name of firm, owners & brief history of firm
Specific qualifications ofthe individual proposed for this project including geographic
location, major current assignments and availability
Firm capabilities & experience including a detailed delscription of their technical
capabilities relating to executive search services in the public sector and a description of
a minimum of three executive level searches the firm has conducted including timetables
and outcomes
References from projects similar to the proposed project including a description of the
project, client name, year completed and responsibilities on this project of any personnel
proposed for the Iowa City project
Other information the firm wishes to have considered during the evaluation of
professional qualifications
ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE:
A schedule reflective of the anticipated time necessary for an executive recruitment
ANTICIPATED FEES:
A fee schedule to include professional fees and anticipated expenses
Requestlnformation.doc
Position Title:
City Manager
Department:
City Manager's Office
Immediate Supervisor: City Council
Job Summary
This position is the highest level of management within the municipal organization; serves as the
City's chief administrative officer; manages the City's affairs under broad policy direction from the
City Council.
Job Scope
Directly supervises department directors and an administrative assistant. Indirectly responsible for
all city employees through department directors. I
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
PLANS, DIRECTS, CONTROLS AND EVALUATES City operations and services. MANAGES
AND SUPERVISES all departments to achieve goals within available resources.
!
COORDINATES the budget development process for the city; REVIEWS departmental budget
submissions and RECOMMENDS the annual operating budget and three-year financial plan for
City Council approval. .
DEVELOPS long-range fiscal management plans and strategies; IMPLEMENTS the approved
budget and monitors revenue and expenditure trends; DIRECTS the debt and cash management
processes for the city; RECOMMENDS a five-year capital improvements program.
INITIATES policy recommendations for City Council consideration; PREPARES comprehensive
reports to assist City Council in policy making decisions.
RESPONDS to requests from the City Council and the public.
REVIEW and OVERSEE significant projects and issues; WORK with department directors and
other management staff to determine the best course of action and management strategy.
ASSESS and MONITOR work loads, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting
relationships; IDENTIFY opportunities for improvement; DIRECT and IMPLEMENT changes.
OVERSEES administration of personnel management system; APPROVES hires, promotions,
salary increases and related personnel actions; DETERMINES disposition of employee grievances.
DIRECTS the preparation of City Council agenda.
ASSESSES the current and long-term needs in various program areas; ASSISTS the City Council
in developing strategic goals and IMPLEMENTS said goals.
ADVISES the City Council concerning the status of current projects.
DEVELOPS programs and strategies to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of City
operations.
OVERSEES the City's economic development efforts.
BUILDS mutually beneficial partnerships with citizens, outside agencies, developers, local
community groups and others.
ATTENDS City Council and other public meetings; MAKES speeches and community
presentations as required.
NEGOTIATES contracts and other agreements; SIGNS agreements and contracts for purchase of
goods and services; N EGOTIA TE and RESOLVE sensitive and controversial issues.
PREPARES correspondence necessary to direct or document City business decisions.
PERFORMS other related duties as required.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Ability to transport self from building to building and to attend various functions and meeting at
other sites either within or outside the city.
Education, Experience and Certification
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public administration, political
science, business administration or a closely related field required; graduate degree preferred.
Significant experience in municipal government preferably as a City Manager or Assistant City
Manager required. Possession of a valid Iowa driver's license and an acceptable driving record
required. Must reside within the city limits of Iowa City.
Knowledqe, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of principles and practices of public administration including financial
administration and human resources management; extensive knowledge of the principles and
practices of managing and motivating people; extensive knowledge of municipal operations and
standards and practices for provision of municipal services; considerable knowledge of business
English and composition; considerable knowledge of principles and practices of economic and
redevelopment programs; considerable knowledge of land use policy and municipal planning and
zoning concepts; considerable knowledge of municipal law principles and practices.
Skill in written and verbal communication; skill in preparation of clear and concise reports; skill in
planning long-range projects; skill in analyzing and synthesizing data in order to make sound
decisions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City Council, department
directors, City employees, the general citizenry, other government officials, community leaders,
news media, and professional peers; ability to deal tactfully, courteously and professionally with a
diverse group of people; ability to exercise sound and effective judgement; ability to manage
people and programs; ability to delegate authority and responsibility; ability to establish priorities to
accomplish an extremely wide range of duties and responsibilities; ability to adjust to changing
situations, priorities and deadlines; ability to select, train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate
subordinate personnel.
Jdcitymgr.doc 10/18/04
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DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
[jf;J
June 27, 2007
Mayor & City Council t
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk ~
Timeline for 1986 Selection of Executive Recruitment Firm/Consultant
At the request of Mayor Wilburn I researched the timeline used in 1986 when Iowa City
hired an executive recruitment firm. A summary of the 1986 consultant selection process
follows:
February 3
February 11
February 18
February 25
Public announcement of resignation; discussion of national firms
Information packet announced schedule for interviews with four
firms and included information submitted by the firms
Four firms interviewed - 45 minutes a piece
(20 minute presentation/25 minutes for questions and comments)
Resolution adopted naming firm and included estimate of time
March 10 -Interviews completed with Council & key staff
March 17 - Approval of specifications and placement of Ads
March 21 - Distribution of recruitment letter
April 18 - Prescreening of qualified applicants; semi annual
spread sheet completed; closing date
Week of May 26 - Final Candidate selection interviews
Marian Karr
~
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Michael Tharp
Thursday, June 21,2007 1 :39 PM
'Shams Ghoneim'
Council
RE: Hazardous and low flying planes landing/departing from IC Airport
Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ghoneim:
I agree that if there is a safety hazard, then there needs to be prompt and predictable
measures taken to correct the situation.
Any information, that I would gather, and subsequently thought to be a situation where
regulations were violated, I would forward to the Des Moines Flight Standards District
Office. They have the local FAA jurisdiction regarding enforcement actions. You're
certainly welcome to contact them and their contact information is as follows:
Des Moines FSDO
3753 SE Convenience Blvd.
Ankeny, Iowa 50021
Phone: (515) 289-3840 Fax: (515) 289-3855 Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., Monday -
Friday
If there is any other information I can provide, please let me know
Sincerely,
Michael Tharp, C.M.
Operations Specialist
Iowa City Municipal Airport
1801 S. Riverside Dr
Iowa City, IA 52246
Phone: (319) 3565045
Fax: (319) 3511290
-----Original Message-----
From: Shams Ghoneim [mailto:shams-ghoneim@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 12:15 PM
To: Michael Tharp
Cc: Council
Subject: Re: Hazardous and low flying planes landing/departing from IC Airport
Dear Mr. Tharp:
Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful response to our concerns.
Unfortunately from our undertsanding of the information included in your letter,it appears
that the burden of instigating action/ collecting proof is left to the neighborhood
residents which often may be rather unrealistic and impractical. Many, if not most of
these occurrences take place while we are indoors and by the time we reach a window, the
offending plane has already screeched away. All other suggested identification markings
are also rather unattainable when one is rudely awakened, frightened, or shocked by such
loud and terrifying planes?
Policies are great if implemented but sadly it appears that honoring these policies is
left to the discretion of the pilots themselves which in fact is a conflict of Interest
when one is dealing with an offending jcareless pilot!
There is a lack of any form of consequence to these pilots who may very well be repeated
offenders.
We would greatly appreciate it if you would direct us to another venue/direction of how to
address these dangerous concerns affecting us in the neighborhood. This practice cannot
1
continue in its present form without a real and responsive authority . In the absence of a
control tower, lay citizens are now asked to also become investigators and record keepers!
It is similar to having speed limits on our streets and highways without radar or highway
petrol,and expecting citizens to record license plates,vehicle models,etc. of offending
drivers to assure our safety?
We plan to follow this issue further and are counting on your leadership and expertise to
assure that Airport professionals themselves are the gate keepers and protectors of
citizens.
These are serious safety issues and have a long history without resolution and it is time
for the City leadership and the Airport authority to deal with them in a realistic and
predictable manner.
Thank you for your time and we will continue our dialogue.
Sincerely;
Dr.& Mrs. Ghoneim
On Jun 21, 2007, at 11:34 AM, Michael Tharp wrote:
> Dear Dr. and Mrs. Ghoneim:
>
> I appreciate the email concerning low flying aircraft in the area.
> We at the Iowa City Airport do wish to be good neighbors and I will do
> my best to help remedy this situation.
>
> Because the airport does not have a control tower, there is no log of
> aircraft that utilize our airport. This makes tracking down
> aircraft that may be flying in an unsafe manner, a difficult task.
> As previously mentioned the best way to do that would be to have the
> aircraft's tail number or N-Number. This is a unique identification
> number that can be traced to the owner; with a time
> of an issue locating the pilot can be fairly quickly achieved.
> Without that number, the next best items are a description of the
> plane which can help establishing the aircraft identity. Items such
> as airplane color, hi-wing or low-wing, and number and type of engines
> (jet or propeller) all can greatly aid in identifying aircraft, and
> are items that one can see readily and relayed with any complaints.
>
> The airport currently has noise abatement policies in place, which ask
> pilots to maintain safe altitudes when landing over your residential
> area, as well making a turn away from your residential area when
> taking off. The airport, however, is not a regulating agency, and has
> no legal ability to enforce these actions. We ask pilots to do this
> to help minimize the noise effects of those take- off and landing
> operations. I will continue our efforts to make pilots aware of these
> directions and to seek their compliance.
>
> I'm also pasting an excerpt form the Federal Aviation Regulations,
> which are what pilots and aircraft are governed by, which depict the
> general minimum safe altitudes for aircraft operations. pilots found
> operating outside these rules, can be, and often are issued violations
> by the Federal Aviation Administration, which range from fines to
> suspension and revocation of operating licenses.
> --------------------------------------------
> ~ 91.119 Minimum safe altitudes: General.
> Except when necessary for takeoff or
> landing, no person may operate an aircraft below the following
> altitudes:
> (a) Anywhere. An altitude allowing, if a power unit fails, an
> emergency landing without undue hazard to persons or property on the
> surface.
2
> (b) Over congested areas. Over any
> congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air
> assembly of persons, an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest
> obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft.
> -------------------------------------------
>
> If you have any other concerns please contact me at your convenience.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Michael Tharp, C.M.
> Operations Specialist
> Iowa City Municipal Airport
> 1801 S. Riverside Dr
> Iowa City, IA 52246
> Phone: (319) 356 5045
> Fax: (319) 351 1290
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Shams Ghoneim [mailto:shams-ghoneim@uiowa.edu]
> Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2007 10:37 AM
> To: Michael Tharp
> Cc: Council
> Subject: Hazardous and low flying planes landing/departing from IC
> Airport
>
> Dear Mr. Tharp:
>
> For the last 38 years our family has resided on Wylde Green road in
> Iowa City near the Iowa City Airport.
> For several months now we have witnessed several incidents of
> Hazardous and low flying planes landing/departing from IC Airport. We
> have observed these planes grazing the tips of tall trees.
>
> After several phone calls to the Airport, and the State Aeronautics
> offices,we were referred to the Eastern Iowa Airport To~er . We
> reported to the Tower management these dangerous occurrences and were
> told to get back to your offices . The latest incidents occurred
> during the weekend of June 8,2007. We were instructed by the Eastern
> Iowa Airport to attempt to record the number of the plane located on
> its tail to trace the offending pilot. This has not been possible for
> obvious reasons.
>
> This has been an ongoing concern in the neighborhood and with little
> or no response from the leadership of the Airport. As you may recall
> some time ago an actual crash occurred in the West Benton Street area
> when such low flying plane crashed into a residential neighborhood and
> landed in a resident's backyard.
>
> We in Iowa City have the right to be protected from such hazardous
> flights and these practices which are accidents waiting to happen. A
> second real concern is of extreme noise pollution.
>
> We request an immediate investigation of these repeated incidents and
> an evaluation of the rules and regulations practiced at the Iowa City
> Airport that allows and facilitates such hazardous practices by
> pilots.
>
> We are confident that you will address these dangerous practices in a
> timely manner to prevent possible future catastrophic mishaps.
>
> We look forward to hearing from you.
>
> Thank you
>
> Sincerely:
> Dr.&Mrs. M. M. Ghoneim
> 1104 Wylde Green Rd.
> 319-351-5045
3
Date: June 22, 2007
~ ~
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
41 0 E~st Washington Street
Iowa C i Iy. Iowa 5 2 2 40- 1 826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
To: Residents on Wales Street
Re: Neighborhood on-street parking
Recently we received a complaint about on-street parking on Wales Street. The issue is the
narrow width of the road on Wales Street when there are cars parked directly opposite each
other. This creates a situation where emergency vehicles have difficulty getting down Wales
Street.
We would like to see if this matter could be resolved with voluntary compliance by those of you
in the neighborhood. We are asking that you do not park your vehicles directly across from
each other, in order to maintain adequate travel lanes.
As stated previously, we would like to see if we can get voluntary compliance from your
neighborhood. Those who park opposite another vehicle will not be ticketed for illegal parking.
However, if we continue to observe that vehicles are parked directly opposite each other, we
may need to take action to formally eliminate parking on one side of Wales Street. We realize
that taking such an action will be an inconvenience for your neighborhood, and are asking for
voluntary compliance of staggered parking as a first step.
We appreciate your assistance in this matter. Feel free to contact me at 356-5230 or renee-
lorence<cyiowa-citv.orq or John Yapp, Assistant Transportation Planner at 356-5247 or iohn-
vapp@iowa-citV.orq if you have any questions.
Sif~4~
Renee Lorence
Transportation Planning Intern
cc: City Council
City Manager
Director of Public Works
Streets Department
Fire Chief
Police Chief
Director Of Planning
Page 1 of 1
Marian Karr
em
From: toni rubin [toni@tonirubin.com]
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 7:23 AM
To: 'Alan Kern'; 'Alfred R. Ramirez'; 'Andreya'; 'Angela Schmucker'; 'Balpreet Kaur'; 'Barry Thongvanh';
'Becky Schmitz'; 'Ben Kieffer'; 'Beth Ingram'; 'Carol Potter'; 'Charles Swanson'; 'Cheryl Caroll-
Nelson'; 'Chris Klug'; 'Christopher Merrill'; 'Clayton M. Jones'; Council; 'Cyndi Chen'; 'David
Baumgartner'; 'David Jacoby'; 'Dawn Peterson'; 'Dean Borg'; 'Dennis Reese'; 'Diana Cates'; 'Diana
Davies'; 'Dianne Young'; 'Dick Ferguson'; 'Dick Summerwill'; 'Dorothy Simpson-Taylor'; 'Dr. Kevin
Knudtson'; 'Dr. Scholz'; 'Edward Saunders'; 'Ejeshang'; 'Frank Osaka'; 'Gary Fethke'; 'Gayle Luck';
'Gerald Wickham'; 'Gerry Kuhl'; 'Holly Hart'; 'lIima Young Dunn'; "'James A. Throgmorton"'; 'James
Moody'; 'James R. Phifer'; 'James Wozniak'; 'Jeff Ford'; 'Jeffrey Disterhoft'; 'Jim Fausett'; 'Julie
Englander'; 'K. B. Chandran'; 'Karen Brown'; 'Kim Poam Logan'; 'Laura Reed'; 'Laura Rendon'; 'Lee
Clancey'; 'Leslie H. Garner Jr'; 'Lijun Chadima'; 'Lin Ly'; 'Lori Schraderbachar'; 'M. Bahl'; 'Mary
Mascher'; 'Maureen Osako'; 'Mayor Kay Halloran'; 'Michael A. Mauro'; 'Michael Kienzle'; 'Mr. & Mrs.
Gagan Kamal'; 'Mr. & Mrs. V. C. Patel'; 'Mr. Borg'; 'Mr. Kenneth Moore'; 'Mr. Nanjappa'; 'Mrs. Dahle';
'Nancy Hagen'; 'Nancy Hauserman'; 'Nancy Quellhorst'; 'Nancy Schneider'; 'Natlie Wilkerson'; 'Ning
Chia'; 'Paritosh Kasotia'; 'Peter McCormick'; 'Preston Cole'; 'Raul Curto'; Regenia Bailey; 'Richard
Park'; Ross Wilburn; 'Russ Novotny'; 'Sara Rynes'; 'Senator Bolkcom'; 'Senator Dvorsky'; 'Senator
Hatch'; 'Senator Horn'; 'Senator Mary Lundby'; 'Senator Rob Hogg'; 'Shannon Thomas'; 'Shari
Pierkarski'; 'Stephen Bobek'; 'Suresh Basnet'; 'Susan Valentine'; 'Thomas Baldridge'; 'Thomas
Cook'; 'Thomas L. Casavant'; 'Tom Salm'; 'Toni Rubin'; 'Vicki Lensing'; 'Vinh Nguyen'; 'Wendy
Deutelbaum'; 'AIi Ahmad'; 'Jeet Saini'; 'Omar Ahmad'; 'rita arora'; 'Rosy Handa'; 'Uma Mohan';
'Donna Katen-Bahensky'; 'Jay Misra'; 'Meredith Hay'; 'Raj Aggarwal'; 'Walter Reed'
Subject: Roundtable on Global Community & Diversity - July 2nd - Coralville Marriott
Dear Distinguished Panel Guests and Invitees,
Weare looking forward to welcoming you on July 2nd at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.
As you drive up to the hotel main lobby, please follow the signs for SOUTH PARKING LOT and use the
CONVENTION CENTER ENTRANCE.
The Roundtable will be held in the Oakdale Ballroom III.
We will still accept RSVP's until Friday p.rn. Please call Toni at (319) 541-0190 with any questions you may
have.
Thank you very much,
Rita Arora & Toni Rubin
The Community Business Alliance of Iowa
6/2712007
Iowa City Housing and Inspection Services ~
Customer Service Survey - June 2007 ~
,.,Ow A~e we POIN<i?
The inspector was very professional, knowledgeable and efficient. She cited circumstances that
were relevant to single family rentals and explained the reasons for deficiencies. The inspector's
performance of her duties was excellent.
Inspector was: 1) Courteous and professional; 2) Displayed good knowledge of the
requirements of the Code; 3) Offered constructive advice when asked; and 4) Made the process
go smoothly!
Excellent. All corrected. Pleased with everything.
Ok, but we were not told what type of fire extinguisher to buy for the tenants; and consequently,
we had to buy two sets because the first wasn't right.
Keeps me on my toes and brings items to my attention that I have occasionally neglected.
Very pleased. Very good service. Bob Shaver was there on time and discussed options.
Quick, thorough and very helpful with info on upcoming changes to I.C. Code.
You're doing just fine.
Thank you, Art, for all your help and patience since I live out of state and have an unruly tenant
(my son) LOL. We greatly appreciate all your help and time. Keep up the great work.
Bob did a great job. Prompt, efficient.
A very nice, concerned lady. Very professional and nice to work with.
Bob Shaver is fair, direct, knows what's going on, and flexible as to time change of inspections.
Just great. Art was wonderful. Very helpful.
Pat did an excellent job inspecting. She was on time and did not complain about trudging
through the snow. She also handled well the encountering of dogs. She was not intimidating but
was very professional. She is what an inspector should be!
hisadm/comments06-07.doc
1
This was the first time with LeeAnn. She's very nice and thorough.
Mr. Cate was very pleasant and very professional.
Art did a very thorough and professional job on our inspection. I enjoy working with him.
All of your people do an excellent job conducting the inspections and the follow-ups.
LeeAnn - keep up the good work.
You're doing fine. I think you inspect too often - please know the "market" supply will dictate
good, safe conditions for these tenants; not legislation. It's tuff out here. Bob Shaver is good.
This year's experience was not quite as good as in the past. I think the person who did my
inspection the last couple of times was very new. I am sure he/she will learn the ways in time.
Very well. Bob was professional and helpful to me as a property owner. He is an asset to your
department and the city government. Thank you.
Pat was very professional and thorough in her inspection of our duplex. It was a pleasure to
work with her on a few minor problems which we would not have found if we were not
inspected. Thanks.
Bob Shaver - your inspection was fair and very good. We have corrected all items covered in
the inspection. Thanks.
Very good. Very fair treatment. Good flexibility with scheduling.
Inspections went well. Art was right on time. Work completed in timely manner. Very
professional.
It would be helpful to notify the apartment owners of new regulations, like requiring smoke
detectors inside the bedrooms and outside the bedrooms on hallways. Or other new regulations
that are being enforced. .
All went well. Stan was good to work with.
Patricia MacKay was very patient, helpful and professional.
Hisadrn/comments06-07.doc
2
Pat did a very good job (very professional).
LeeAnn was thorough, considerate, politely pointed out improvements that were gladly made. A
Qlg improvement from some of the past inspections. Thank you.
Bob Shaver was respectful, thorough, and helpful during the inspection process. If he is
representative of the overall department, then I would have to say the Housing and Inspection
Services is certainly headed in the right direction. A breath of fresh air for city services.
Patricia MacKay inspected my rental property. She was very helpful, attentive, gave clear and
practical suggestions and explanations about changes that needed to be accomplished. I
appreciated her personable warmth and her efficiency.
Norm - as a non-resident owner my experience with all my city contacts was first rate. I found
everyone to be helpful and professional. Thanks for your help.
I have no complaints about Patricia MacKay's performance of her duties. She was friendly and
helpful - as well as knowledgeable.
Very considerate and very much into detail. Explains regulations very well. Sets a great
example for the City of Iowa City.
Very well. Mr. Anderson was professional and helpful to work with.
Hisadm/comments06-07.doc
3
L Olj;;~ J
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
MAY 29,2007
COMMERCE BUilDING, lARGE CONFERENCE ROOM
Approved
Members Present:
Regenia Bailey, Connie Champion, Bob Elliott
Members Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Wendy Ford, Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long, Jeff Davidson
Others Present:
Brenda, Tom Walz, Jeff Edburg, Allan Young (Extend the Dream
Foundation); Connie and Alex Legaspi (La Reyna, Inc); Joni and Sam
Schrup (Discerning Eye); Melissa Mailloux, Eleanor Matthews, Mary
Bosch (Marketek); Nancy Quellhorst, Lorin Ditzler (Area Chamber of
Commerce); Gigi Wood (Corridor Business Journal)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
Extend the Dream Lease
Elliott moved that the issue be deferred to the June meeting; Champion seconded. Motion
carried.
La Revna Working Capital
Champion moved to support La Reyna at an amount that can be fully secured by equity
they have in their building, up to a cap of $100,000; Elliott seconded. Motion carried.
Hightshoe will report to Council.
Discerning Eve Working Capital
Champion moved, and Elliott seconded to fund at $35,000 and a 3.2% loan. Motion passed.
Hightshoe will present at the next Council meeting.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Chairperson Regenia Bailey called the meeting to order at 10:32 AM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRil 6 AND APRIL 12
Minutes of April 6 and April 12 were approved as distributed.
CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND APPLICATIONS
Extend the Dream Lease
Hightshoe provided funding history for the Extend the Dream Foundation lease for the south
Gilbert street location. 100% funding was provided for the first three years and 50% for the
following three years. The current request is for $10,000 for one year. Extend the Dream
Foundation is working with a consultant (Marlene Perrin) on financial management issues, and
provides business training for disabled persons. Hightshoe recommends that if sufficient
sustained efforts are made to address the financial management issues, and the Foundation
could secure additional sources of funding, a lease option would be preferred.
Elliott inquired as to the federal government's intent in providing the funds. Hightshoe said that
HUD provided funding to communities by formula, but did not dictate how the funding was used.
We choose to use a portion of the funds on business development.
The committee expressed support and acknowledged the importance of the project to Iowa City.
However, concerns were expressed about on-going support with economic development funds
since the organization is a non-profit and primarily serves a social need within the community,
given that the project will always require a subsidy. Bailey said that she wanted Hightshoe to see
the fundraising plans before the committee moves forward.
Elliott moved that the issue be deferred to the June meeting; Champion seconded. The motion
passed.
Extend the Dream Propertv Acquisition
Hightshoe reported that Extend the Dream leases the property at 2218 F Street. It is zoned
commercial but contains a rental unit. Hightshoe provided a brief update of the two micro-
enterprises currently at the property, Mick's Workshop and RAMP UP. Hightshoe stated that
there is a concern that if the property is to be used solely for commercial purposes, the property
would have to be upgraded to current commercial building codes. Hightshoe stated that as this
project deals with a rental unit that may trigger lead based paint and uniform relocation
assistance, Davis Bacon requirements to update the property to commercial standards, and
increased reporting/financial management requirements that the project be deferred until
occupancy and other related issues are resolved. The organization is an all volunteer
organization and compliance with all the applicable regulations will be difficult.
Walz provided further background on the current and projected uses of the building, the positive
effect on the neighborhood, and the positive reception by the community. Currently rented by the
Foundation, the building is located across the street from the building purchased two years ago
with CDBG funds (2203 F Street); Walz stressed their great opportunity to acquire the sister
building. It is a no-risk situation; 2203 F Street has jumped $100,000 in value in the two years
they have owned it. Purchase of 2218 F Street would allow them to occupy the building at $300 a
month rather than the current rent of $1,200, and would therefore allow them some operating
capital. Hightshoe asked if the rental income from this unit appears in the submitted profit and
loss statements. Walz replied that no rent is received from the tenant. The tenant is the owner of
Mick's Workshop. Walz stated if this request is granted, Mick would move to the property across
the street they own. The Foundation is applying for grants from other venues in addition to this
one.
The committee concurs with the importance of the project to the community, but is concerned at
providing a $100,000 grant, and also does not see the project as economic development; rather,
it fits better with public service. This grant will not move forward; no follow-up is needed.
La Reyna WorkinQ Capital
Hightshoe explained the background work she does before making a recommendation. Hightshoe
stated that when evaluating these proposals, like lenders, she looks at the 4Cs: character,
capacity, capital, and collateral. La Reyna is a family-owned specialty grocery store (Latin
American cuisine) established in Iowa City in 2004. They request one-time assistance for
working capital. These applicants have a good history, having been in business since 1985 in
Chicago and then Columbus Junction. They have had great recent growth, their forecasts were
completed with the assistance of the Small Business Development Center and seem realistic
given the assumptions used, and the owners qualify as mid to lower income. They do have high
debt but have a history of being current in their payments. Hightshoe recommends that they be
funded to the amount of equity they have in the building or to the extent collateral is available. In
order to help them get to the point where they can accurately report financial information and
obtain private lender financing at a lower interest rate, she recommends that one of the owners
be required to take a class on accounting/financial management reporting (Quick Books) and
retain an accounting firm to provide ongoing support, such as 8 hours every month for a certain
period of time. Applicant has been denied funding in the past due to reasons such as incomplete
financial information.
Discussion ensued around the cash flow problems, the result of outstanding loans and two years
of lag time between purchase of the building and start of the business. Paul Heath at the Small
Business Development Center provided considerable assistance in writing a business plan and
preparing to apply for regular lower interest financing.
Champion moved to support the La Reyna at an amount that can be fully secured by equity up to
a cap of $100,000; Elliott seconded. Motion carried. Hightshoe will report to Council.
Discerninq Eve Workinq Capital
Hightshoe reported that these applicants provided thorough information. Hightshoe met with their
commercial lender, who strongly supports this applicant and states they have the capacity to run
the business. Applicant's son and business manager has a BS degree from Iowa and completed
the Technical Entrepreneurial Certificate Applicant received a SBA loan, but can't obtain further
financing. The commercial lender has a mortgage on the owner's personal residence. They have
high debt, but are current on payments and have a history of paying the obligations entered.
They are experience a cash flow problem as the build out was significantly more expensive than
anticipated and depleted their funds for working capital. The applicant leases the space and has
little to no collateral available. The project will retain one position that is paid above the CEBA
threshold and does not require more than a high school diploma. Hightshoe recommends full
funding of $35,000 with a seven-year loan at 1 % (interest paid monthly or quarterly), with annual
principal payments due every December, their highest revenue month.
Discussion centered on competition with established businesses. Champion considers
competition to be good. J. Schrup pointed out how they differentiate themselves in the
eyeglasses market; that they have a more stylized, higher end product, for people looking for
something different.
Champion moved, and Elliott seconded to fund at $35,000 and a 3.2% loan. Motion passed.
Hightshoe will present at the next Council meeting.
At 11 :50 a.m., there was a 15 minute recess to allow the consultants time to arrive.
DOWNTOWN MARKET NICHE ANALYSIS - CONSULTANT REPORT
Meeting reconvened at 12:05.
The Downtown Market Niche Analysis is a joint effort of the City of Iowa City, the Iowa City Area
Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association of Iowa City. Mary Bosch and Eleanor
Matthews provided an update on their activities, distributing a schedule of their site visit which
detailed the plans for focus groups and the public meeting, for which flyers have been distributed.
Ford will make introductions and opening remarks for the city at tonight's public meeting. It was
noted that the creative sector is quite different from the other focus group.
In first four hours today Marketek did driving and walking tours of the area. They were surprised
to discover Coralville, not knowing it existed as such a thriving community. Coralville has a
widely dispersed business area, but does not really have a downtown. Iowa City, on the other
hand, has a traditional town center, with parking facilities. Unlike others, the Iowa City pedestrian
mall works, primarily due to the connection to the university. Marketek will comment on the best
and worst of downtown at the Thursday meeting with the council. On first impression they like the
downtown, and found it pretty and clean. They also like the square grid layout. Elliott mentioned
that perceptively Iowa City has three downtowns: the day time, evening, and late night versions.
Bosch asked for someone who knows the properties to walk the town with them. After some
discussion, it was determined that Davidson and Ford would go, along with a banker. There isn't
much vacant space, but some of the other buildings on the fringes of downtown have steps
leading to the entrance-way; which is not viable in the long-term, but can be good for start-up
retail business since rent is cheaper. Other vacant spaces tend to be too big for most
establishments, and rents are high. The intention is to extend downtown southward,
incorporating that area into the downtown area
Bosch inquired about signage, such as the blue sign on Dubuque Street because there is not a
clear indication where downtown starts or that you have arrived. Davidson indicated that current
signage is a University initiative which the Economic Development Committee is coordinating.
Quellhorst responded to an inquiry about banners, flower baskets, etc., saying that students
leaving bars at 2:00 AM. create too much destruction. Matthews stated that this is a typical
college town, and that it is not necessary to spend a fortune.
Marketek then distributed an extensive handout of area population characteristics. We do want to
include high school students in the survey, which is ready to launch. Ford will work to get to the
survey posted on school and university net works. Six weeks are allowed for completion of the
survey because that is approximately the time it will take for some people to receive the survey
announcement via their utility bills.
In other discussion, the committee noted the city's good relationship with the university, but also
mentioned that Johnson County is not a favorite with state legislators; because it is considered
too liberal. Johnson County is, however, one of 5 growing counties in the state (out of 99
counties), and growing without casinos. Drinking age and bar population is a local issue that will
soon be a referendum requiring people to be at least 21 toe in a bar after 10:00 PM. As an
employment area, Iowa City is an Island of growth and financial stability. People come from 60
plus mile radius for employment and shopping. Someone will talk to Nancy Quellhorst to enlist
employers in having their employees complete the survey.
Adiournment
Bailey moved to adjourn and Elliott seconded. The meeting adjourned at 1 :02 PM. .Next
meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, 12:00 noon, in the Commerce Building, large
conference room.
Submitted by Carolyn Kohler
ttee
Economic Development Comm
Attendance Record
2007
Council
Name Term 1/23 2/09 2/20 2/27 3/06 3/12 4/06 4/12 5/29
Expires
Regenia Bailey X X X X X
01/02/08 X X X X
Bob Elliott X X X X X
01/02/08 X X X X
Connie Champion X X X X X X X X
01/02/08 X
Key:
X Present
o Absent
OlE Absent/Excused
Absent/Excused
.doc
s/pcd/mins/ecodev/2007/5-29-07 ed pt
~
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, MAY 31,2007
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Brennan, Esther Baker, Pam Michaud, Ginalie Swaim, Tim Toomey,
Alicia Trimble, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: John McCormally, Jim Ponto
STAFF PRESENT: Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, Shelley McCafferty, John Roffman, Tyler Rozinek
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
AFTER-THE-FACT APPLICATIONS:
Weitzel said that when dealing with after-the-fact applications, the National Trust Forum List Serve query
provided responses from cities how they review the project. Many Commissions treat the work as if you
haven't seen it before and don't take into account anything that has happened before the actual
application was filed. Terdalkar said that the goal is to be fair to all applicants.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Burford said that Friends of Historic Preservation held a Parade of Historic Homes on May 20th She said
the event had 303 paid attendants and received a lot of good feedback from the community. Buford
added that the community would like to see this as an annual event. Weitzel said that in the past, Friends
of Historic Preservation has held many open houses to display renovation work and well kept old houses.
He said making the tours an annual event would be a great idea. Buford said that the tour was done in
conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
923 Iowa Avenue.
Terdalkar said this is a project that the Commission reviewed last year for a new construction of a multi-
family building. He said the Board of Adjustment has already approved a Certificate of Appropriateness
for the multi-family building. He said the applicant is now seeking approval of a handicap accessible ramp
for the primary entrance of the building. Terdalkar said the applicant has provided some material samples
for the retaining wall. Terdalkar said that it is important to make sure the material of the ramp is in some
way integrated with the foundation of the structure.
Weitzel asked Terdalkar to remind the Commission what the guidelines say for ramps and similar
structures. Terdalkar said in Section 5.2, the guidelines were likely written for ramps attached to decks
and porches. He said the guidelines recommend landscaping around the ramp, locating the ramp on the
side of the building, and looking at the historic character of the house and making sure the ramp does not
detract itself from the nature of the streetscape.
McCafferty, the consultant for the applicant, said she has looked at other means for getting handicap
accessibility, but the ramp was the best alternative because there must be accessibility from the sidewalk
to the front door. She said they would like to do a flat face retaining wall system that simulates limestone.
McCafferty added that it will be problematic to match the retaining wall exactly to the foundation of the
building because the materials are completely different. She said that it would require adding a veneer to
the foundation and the retaining wall. Terdalkar said the previous application made no mention of texture
or finish of the concrete foundation. He said the guidelines require the foundation to have some type of
masonry or stucco; it cannot be just plain concrete. Terdalkar suggested that, as the foundation surface
needs to be treated, so it is possible use a similar treatment for the retaining wall.
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31,2007
Page 2
Weitzel asked what was written on the application regarding the foundation. McCafferty said the
application said that the foundation will be painted. She added that it is to her understanding that the
building is approved as proposed.
Weitzel asked if the approval by the Board of Adjustment included the design of the foundation. Michaud
said the foundation was fine because the building had already been approved. Toomey agreed that
because the plans have transpired, the foundation was approved.
Roffman, the applicant, said he was concerned that the plan only shows a 12-inch deep block and doesn't
know if that is deep enough for the height the wall needs to retain. He added that he has no problem with
the face of the wall.
Weitzel said that the best way to move forward would be to specify something of a traditional character.
Michaud said that the samples look traditional. Swaim asked what the difference was in the patterns.
Toomey said that one pattern had uniform stones and the other did not. McCafferty said that the sample
with different sized stones would be considered an Ashlars pattern.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve uniform sized blocks with a simulated stone face on the
retaining wall at 923 Iowa Avenue. Toomey seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 7 -0.
Weitzel said that Swaim did not move to approve the full application. He added that design of the
retaining wall and the accessible ramp itself still needs to be considered.
Baker asked if there is any information on the proposed landscaping. McCafferty said it would be very
difficult to landscape. She said the retaining wall is on the back side of the ramp. She added the only
possible landscaping is something that hangs over the edge. Terdalkar asked about the landscaping in
front of the ramp. McCafferty said she doesn't want to be held to specific type of landscaping. Weitzel
said the Commission cannot consider trees and shrubs as a way to conceal the ramp. He added that it
will be landscaped and will probably look good. Swaim asked how tall the retaining wall will be.
McCafferty said that she estimates the wall will be four to five feet high.
McCafferty said that the easement was the only way to solve this issue. Weitzel said that the Commission
could make a recommendation to other departments to not have the ramp come from the front. Terdalkar
said that it is a health and safety matter to enable disabled persons a way to access the building.
Toomey said the position of the sidewalk being up so far from the street makes the accessibility difficult.
Terdalkar agreed and said a person would have to go to Governor Street to access the sidewalk. Weitzel
said the ramp is not a practical solution to accessibility. McCafferty agreed and said that it would be more
practical to have handicap access from the back. Weitzel said the Commission could defer the application
and see if the authorities would change their mind on the requirement of the ramp to come from the front
of the building.
Terdalkar said the Commission should be reviewing the design and determining whether it is approvable
in terms of design or not. Weitzel said he believes they need to find a solution to the problem. Terdalkar
said the applicant could approach the building official and if it is denied they have an option appeal it to
the Board of Appeals. Weitzel said that because the Commission is not getting any other options, they
feel compelled to approve the project and that is not a fair position to be in. Terdalkar said that this is not
the commission to approve a modification of the ramp. He said the Commission should look at how the
design of the ramp fits into the guidelines and the historic character of the neighborhood.
Swaim said the majority of the ramp will be in front of the brick apartment building to the east. She said
the ramp will be more visually associated with the brick apartment next door and not the proposed multi-
family building. Michaud agreed that the ramp and asked if the retaining wall should match the brick
apartment building. Toomey asked how much of the ramp is on the neighboring property. McCafferty said
about seven or eight feet.
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31, 2007
Page 3
MOTION: Swaim moved to rescind the motion of the approval of the materials for further
discussion. Brennan seconded the motion.
Terdalkar said if the Commission feels that more information is necessary to make a decision, the
Commission should wait and ask the applicant for alternatives or clarification. Baker asked if it would
make sense to table the discussion until the applicant can get more details on other options for the
project. Toomey asked if the Commission can make a motion of support for the exemption of the ramp.
Weitzel said the Commission can make a resolution of support, but it wouldn't be binding. Weitzel said a
tabling would be in order.
MOTION: Baker moved to table. Swaim seconded the motion.
Weitzel said the Commission is in doubt and recommends tabling the discussion.
The motion carried 7-0
938 Iowa Ave.
Terdalkar said the property is a contributing structure in the College Hill Conservation District. He said the
applicant is seeking approval of the installation of two new widows and two new skylights. He said on the
one window will be placed on the west fac;ade between the gabled roof, one window on the north fac;ade,
a skylight on the north pitch of the roof, and a skylight on the west pitch of the roof. He said both skylights
have already been installed, but the windows have not. He stated the applicant would install a window
similar to the existing one in the front dormer. He said it would be an egress-sized window. Terdalkar
added the applicant plans to use metal-clad wood windows that would be consistent with the character of
the house.
Toomey said he cannot see the standard 4-inch trim around the window on the south dormer. He said the
trim should match all of the windows on the house. Rozinek, the applicant, said he could add trim to the
egress window on the dormer.
Terdalkar said the applicant should apply before doing work on the house. He added that applying after-
the-fact is a problem and delays the process.
Rozinek asked if there were any other red flags the Commission saw on the property. Weitzel said the
house will need skirting and a railing, but the window issue should be solved first.
Weitzel said skylights are allowed in Conservation Districts in non-visible areas. He said the new widows
on the west and north gables should match the window on the front dormer and the trim on the new
windows should match the trim on the rest of the house. Weitzel said the windows that are recommended
are metal-clad wood. Baker said it seems a casement window has already been installed on the east
side of the house. Weitzel said because it is an after-the-fact case, the Commission may want to consider
it as if it never happened and use the recommendations. Guidelines to review the change. He added that
casement windows are not allowed unless it was part of the house's style. Rozinek said the problem is
that there are not enough photographs of the fa<;ade. He said the decisions are being made based on the
one photograph that he obtained. Weitzel said the Commission has guidelines, and they must follow the
guidelines. He said if the applicant had a photograph showing a casement window on the east fac;ade,
then the Commission would allow it. He added that the Commission generally does not allow casement
windows.
Terdalkar said the window on the east fac;ade is not the right type or size. He said it should be a
horizontal window and as seen in the photographs should match the width of windows below it. Michaud
said she has vertical windows on the third story of her house. Terdalkar said that a vertical window does
not fit the fenestration scheme on the applicant's house. Michaud asked if the window would be a double-
hung. Weitzel said it should be a single-hung window, but rotated 90 degrees.
Weitzel said the Commission shouldn't get bogged down in the original. He said what is being installed
should be sympathetic to the style of the house and the character of the neighbor. He added that every
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31, 2007
Page 4
project cannot be treated as a restoration. Terdalkar said the Commission approved the dormer to look
like the one in the original photograph.
Michaud said one of the recently reviewed applications the Commission approved casement windows
with simulated artificial mullion. Weitzel recalled that it was an egress window. Rozinek said the windows
in his photograph show a stained glass pattern. Terdalkar mentioned that the original windows do not
have stained glass but colored glass is used with a divided light pattern. Weitzel said you can have a
simulated divided window with nine-over-one panes.
Terdalkar clarified that the applicant is not asking for casement windows in the attic; he has applied for
two double-hung windows to be installed on the west and north gables. He said however, a new
casement window has been installed on the east gable that was not included in the application previously
approved. Terdalkar said the Commission approval is required for this casement window.
Michaud asked if a hopper style window would work on this project. She said a hopper style window is
hinged on the bottom and opens inside. Michaud said it is horizontal and won't stick out like a casement
window.
Weitzel said the Commission should look at approving the proposed double-hung windows on the north
and west gables. He asked if the Commission would approve double-hung windows in these two
locations. Toomey asked if the Commission is looking at two double-hung windows on the two gables to
match the front window. Weitzel agreed.
MOTION: Toomey moved to approve the trim around the window on the front dormer to match the
rest of the trim on the house, the two proposed windows on the west and north gables to meet
egress; with the trim matching the rest of the house, and the installed casement window to be
rotated 90 degrees; with trim to match the rest of the house. Brennan seconded the motion.
Trimble asked what the original request was for the casement window. Toomey said it wasn't in the
application. Rozinek asked if it would be okay to remove the casement window on the east fa9ade, and
install four windows on the attic level to match. Terdalkar said there might not be enough room for a
double-hung window of the size. Weitzel said the gable on the east side is smaller than the other two
gables.
Michaud asked if the window on the east fa9ade could match the square window on the west side of the
porch, and it could be a hopper style window. Terdalkar asked if Michaud is saying that the window east
fa9ade should be the same size as the square window on the west side of the porch. Michaud said it
would be similar to some other elements of the building. Rozinek said the window the west side of the
porch is not operable. Michaud said it could be a hopper style window.
MOTION: Michaud moved to amend the previous motion to have a hopper style window on the
east gable to match the size of the window above the porch on the west fa~ade. Baker seconded
the motion.
The motion failed to carrv on a vote of 3-2-1 (Brennan and Toomev opposed. Swaim left prior to
vote).
Toomey said if the casement window was rotated 90 degrees, it would be difficult to tell the difference
between a casement and hopper style window. He said the only way you could tell that it was a casement
is if the window was open. Weitzel said casement windows are only allowed if the style of the house
allows it. Terdalkar confirmed that the guidelines disallow casement windows if they are not original to the
house.
Weitzel asked for an argument for and against the project. Brennan said he doesn't see how it the
window, as it is, detracts away from the appearance or character of the house. Toomey said that if the
window was rotated to be horizontal, there would be no way he could not tell that the window wasn't
original.
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31, 2007
Page 5
Weitzel said when the casement window guideline was put in, it was debated extensively, and the
argument was when the casement window is open; you can tell it is a completely different window from a
completely different era. He said that was the argument behind it, and that is why it was disallowed.
Weitzel said certain houses from the 1920s on had casements, but others did not ever have them and the
Commission took a very strong line that they did not want that. He added that is what the City Council
approved, and the Commission should make a real good reason to approve it if the Commission is not
going to follow the guidelines. Michaud said because it is a vented bathroom and the window will not be
open. Weitzel said that is a use consideration, not a design consideration.
Terdalkar said the basis for allowing alternative designs, not exceptions, is in 3.6 of the guidelines gives
the Commission flexibility in exceptional circumstances. He said the reasoning for allowing casement
windows in the guidelines is for egress windows where there are bedrooms. He added that this is not a
bedroom; this is a bathroom and the Commission should discuss why there should be an exception.
Weitzel said it is possible to grant an exception if the Commission has a clear reason. Toomey said
because it is a bathroom, an exception could be noted as a safety reason not to have a window that folds
back into the room.
Weitzel said the motion is to approve the two windows in the west and north dormer to match the front
dormer and to put on trim that matches the rest of the house on the front dormer and the other two
windows. Weitzel asked if the motion specified anything about the divided lights. Toomey said to match
the front dormer, so they would just have to be double-hung windows. He said the second part of the
motion is to approve a window in the east dormer of the same size that has been installed, but rotated 90
degrees and have trim around the window to match the rest of the house. He said for safety and design
reasons it would be an awning window that opens to the outside. Toomey said in a bathroom, for safety
reasons, you do not want a window to open to the inside.
Motion carried 5-0 (Swaim left prior to vote).
Michaud said the applicant is still concerned about the railings and skirting. Terdalkar said the previous
certificate the applicant applied for the porCh to match what it looks like in the photograph; it has already
been approved. He added that if the applicant makes any changes in material, size, or dimensions they
need to be reviewed and approved by the Commission. Weitzel said the applicant should talk to Terdalkar
immediately if he has any questions.
Rozinek said that he would like to alter the back stairwell. He asked how long and how it would take to get
this project approved. Weitzel said the Commission would be able to review the project at the next
meeting on June 12th if a completed application is submitted before the deadline.
MINUTES FOR MAY 17, 2007.
Baker asked if on page three, third paragraph, last sentence if the second reference to wood should say
"aluminum." Terdalkar confirmed. Weitzel stated that the part where Pam is speaking should say "would
qualify" and not "would work qualify."
MOTION: Baker moved to approve the May 17, 2007 minutes, as amended. Trimble seconded the
motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 3-0 (Swaim, Brennan, Toomev. and Michaud left prior to the vote).
Buford said she had a problem with casement windows and is something you have to work out with HIS.
She said she ended up having to put a casement window one her own house. She said the brick opening
was only so big and had to make a custom casement window. Terdalkar said Buford had a requirement
for egress
PRESERVATION PLAN:
Weitzel asked how detailed the discussion should be. Terdalkar said the Commission should get a head
start on the discussion, so they don't have to wait until June 1ih when Marlys Svendson will be present.
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31,2007
Page 6
Weitzel said the Commission should discuss anything that needs to be clarified before Svendson is
present.
Weitzel said there should be an executive summary. Terdalkar said it is already in the works. He added
that the executive summary will be limited to ten pages.
Michaud said there seems to be quite a bit of repetition. She said that there could be a summary for all of
the goals. Michaud added it is tedious for anyone to approach. Weitzel agreed with Michaud and thinks
there should be universal goals that apply to all neighborhoods, and then have separate goals for each
individual neighborhood.
Buford said the problem in Iowa City is that most of the historic areas are residential. She said that affects
how people view historic preservation. Weitzel said it would be good to have a specific section addressing
preservation concerns in a commercial district. He said adding a section that outlines specific advantages
through preservation would give commercial property owners an incentive for considering preservation.
Buford said when Glenda Castleberry came to Iowa City and talked about what happened in Sioux City,
she was very specific and direct about what could be done with historic properties and incentives
available to them. She said the Preservation Plan isn't clear about the incentives available to commercial
properties.
Michaud asked if College Green was part of the 1992 districts. Weitzel said East College Street and
College Green was considered part of College Hill, but was split up later due to rental concerns.
Michaud said that it shouldn't be too hard to get the sorority and fraternity institutions to see the benefits
of historic preservation.
Weitzel asked how much power the Commission has in rewriting the Preservation Plan. Terdalkar said
staff and the Commission has power to revise the entire plan. He said that much of the plan has already
been cut down.
Trimble said the Commission needs to be careful because not everyone is going to read the entire plan,
especially if the person is looking at a specific district.
Weitzel said he is concerned about losing content during the skimming process. Michaud said the full
plan doesn't need to be cut down because the executive summary will be distributed to the residents.
Weitzel said the full plan would be at the public library for reference.
Buford asked how the Commission will handle questions about the sample size from public meetings.
Weitzel said Melrose had about 30 people. Terdalkar said Marlys will do a public hearing open to the
entire public.
Terdalkar said Marlys has extended the survey beyond the 50-year mark. He said buildings built prior to
1960 qualify as historic. Brennan asked if 1960 far enough or should it be moved to 1965 due to the 15-
year lifespan of the Preservation Plan. Brennan said on page 36 there are several concrete proposals
and several speculative proposals for new historic districts, but there is no discussion on what additional
resources will be required to facilitate implementation of these proposals.
Buford said the Preservation Plan doesn't give enough community analysis of the Northside
Neighborhood. Weitzel said it is a very public document, so you have to be careful about naming too
many names. He said Mercy Hospital's plan for growth is much different than the Commission's.
Terdalkar said he will ask Marlys about it.
Brennan asked at what point the public should be notified that a the plan recommends historic district
designations for some areas. Terdalkar said the plan recommendations at this point only identify areas
eligible for further survey. This plan is part of the Comprehensive Plan the update is a process for the
amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, so it will be in front of the Historic Preservation Commission and
Planning and Zoning Commission as a public meeting. Weitzel said an open procedure would be a good
idea. He said when a district is being considered by the residents of a district, a public announcement is
Historic Preservation Commission
May 31, 2007
Page 7
in order. Terdalkar said the position of the Commission has been to notify the public once they are
notified by the residents of the district.
Buford said the Commission would have to help residents propose a new historic district. She added that
people don't have the time or energy. Terdalkar said that is where educational perks will help. Buford said
the economic benefits would be a catalyst for a lot of changes. She said there is not body of evidence.
Weitzel said the Commission would be getting a CLG to look at the market analysis.
Buford said the building that holds the Antique Mall is for sale. Weitzel said he doesn't know what to do
about it. He said the Commission would have to get a survey done on the building.
Weitzel said the Commission should have specific comments for Marlys on the 1 ih of June. Terdalkar
said to e-mail comments to him.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Doug Ongie
pc D/mins/hpcl5-31-07. doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2007
Term
Name Expires 2/08 3/08 4/12 5/17 5/31
Baker 3/29/09 X OlE X X X
Brennan 3/29/08 X X X OlE X
Carlson 3/29/07 X X -- -- -- -- -- --
Gunn 3/29/07 X OlE -- -- -- -- -- --
McCormally 3/29/08 OlE OlE X OlE OlE
Michaud 3/29/09 X X OlE X X
Ponto 3/29/07 X X X X OlE
Swaim 3/29/09 X X X OlE X
Trimble 3/29/10 -- -- -- -- X X X
Toomey 3/29/09 X X X X X
Weitzel 3/29/08 X OlE X X X
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
= Not a Member
~
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2007
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Tim Toomey, Alicia Trimble, Tim
Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Brennan, John McCormally, Pam Michaud
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Dave Amelon, Mark McCallum, Mark Norton, Mike Oliveira, Marlys Svendson
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Mike Oliveira, owner of 617 Ronalds Street, said the Commission recently reviewed a window
replacement for 617 Ronalds. He said the original motion stated that all the windows at 617 Ronalds
would be the same height. He added that the window width was not in the revised motion, which was
approved. Oliveira said the Commission's discussion emphasized the windows being consistent all the
way around the house. He said the Commission's decision will make the front and side windows will be
different widths; today all of the windows are the same width. He asked the Commission to revise the
wording of the motion, so all of the windows will be the same width. Weitzel said the Commission would
most likely have to revisit the application. Miklo said procedurally, if the intent was wider windows, then
you would just acknowledge that, but if there would be debate or discussion it would have to go on as a
separate item.
Toomey asked if there was a conflict with windows of the same size. Oliveira said the first motion
included the width of the windows and the second motion did not. Terdalkar said the motion by Toomey
was never seconded. He added the windows in the east and west gable need to be egress size and the
other windows that do not need to be egress, don't need to be changed. Oliveira said he had a different
interpretation of the minutes.
Weitzel said he thinks the Commission should revisit the application and do a full review. Miklo said if
there is a clear majority in the Commission that recalls that the intent was to include the width in the
motion; then the certificate could go ahead and amend it. Toomey said the Commission did not dictate
the size because it is determined by the egress. Terdalkar said egress is required in the bedrooms.
Toomey asked if the windows are consistent right now. Oliveira said all of the windows are consistent
right now. Weitzel said because all of the windows have termite damage, he doesn't think the
Commission would have a problem with changing all of the window widths at once. He said the previous
discussion on this project was about making things match. Miklo said the width of the windows on the
front of the house would increase 4 inches to match the egress windows on the side of the house.
Ponto said he recalls discussion of the first and second floor windows matching. He added that on the
front egress windows are not required, so those windows should remain the same width. Oliveira said the
symmetry would be thrown off if the windows on the house are different sizes. Ponto said there should
have been discussion on the impact of the door if the windows in the front were changed to meet egress.
Miklo said the certificate is as written and it needs to be on an agenda if it is going to be revised.
Terdalkar said the Commission could have a special meeting on the fourth week of June.
Historic Preservation Commission
June 12, 2007
Page 2
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
705 S. Summit Street and 811 E. Colleqe Street.
Terdalkar said these are routine projects that can be approved by consent. He said the Commission
should ask questions if they have any concerns.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Swaim seconded the motion.
Motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
923 Iowa Avenue
Weitzel said the application for this project was deferred. Terdalkar said there are questions regarding
the necessity of the guard rail, which would change the requirement for the height of the railing and the
requirement of balusters. He said the applicants also need to figure out the grading requirement for the
ramp.
Terdalkar said the Commission asked about other alternatives that could be explored instead of the ramp.
He said there is no provision for variance or exception for handicap accessibility. He added that handicap
accessibility must come from the primary entrance. Weitzel asked if other alternatives are acceptable.
Terdalkar said it doesn't have to be a ramp.
919 and 923 E. Washinqton Street
Terdalkar said that these are contributing properties in the College Hill Conservation District. He said the
applicant is seeking a demolition of a garage that is shared between the two properties. Terdalkar said
the applicant has not stated why the demolition is needed or what will replace the structure. He said the
guidelines state the Commission should look at the condition of the garage, the architectural significance,
and its integrity. Terdalkar said he has been to the site and believes it is possible to fix the garage. He
said it is a modest structure and does not have any architectural significance, but was a typical structure
for that time period.
Weitzel said the duty of the Commission is to review applications that are complete. Terdalkar said he
informed the applicant on how demolition applications are reviewed for accessory structures. He added
that he talked to the applicant about what the Commission is looking for on the application.
Dave Amelon, the applicant and contractor, said the back of the garage has ship lap siding. He said the
windows are about two inches out of the square in the back and doesn't know how he would get them
back into place.
Amelon said he didn't know the application was incomplete. Terdalkar said he went over the
requirements when he met with the applicant. Miklo said there needs to be evidence the garage is
damaged beyond repair. Amelon said he doesn't know how the back of the garage would be able to
move over two inches.
Toomey asked if the back of the building is racked. Amelon said the back of the building is racked.
Toomey said that nailing or screwing in plywood on the corners will straighten out the garage. He said if
the plywood isn't enough, using a come along from corner to corner will pull it up. He added that these
garages are not difficult to straighten out.
Ponto asked what the applicant intends on building if the garage is demolished. Amelon said he intends
on turning it into surface parking.
Weitzel said for the Commission to issue a demolition certificate, the guidelines state that plans must be
submitted for what will replace the existing structure. Terdalkar said future plans are required for primary
buildings, but accessory buildings are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and do not require future plans.
Historic Preservation Commission
June 12, 2007
Page 3
Miklo said these garages usually serve as a buffer between lower density housing and apartments. He
said these garages have a role in this neighborhood and should be preserved.
Swaim asked if there would be a change in parking availability between surface parking and if the garage
was functioning as a place to park cars. Amelon said the garage is hardly wide enough to park a car in.
Miklo asked how wide the garage is. Terdalkar said about 16 feet. He added that the garage wasn't
designed to fit two modern vehicles.
Swaim said her main concern is that if the garage is repaired, will it still function as a garage for today's
cars. Weitzel said the main reason for garage demolitions is that they are too small for a modern car to fit
in. He said the Commission typically needs to have evidence of damage beyond repair before a
demolition is issued.
Miklo said the garage is certainly large enough for one car. Ponto asked if the applicant owns both
properties. Amelon said yes. Ponto said sharing the garage isn't an issue. Amelon said there is a
concrete wall going down the middle of the garage. Miklo asked how tall the wall is. Amelon said it is
about six inches tall and is not structural.
Weitzel said the guidelines do not cover the issue of garages as a buffer. He said the Commission
should be looking at if the garage is repairable, if it is significant enough to retain, and what the effects on
the neighborhood will be if a demolition is allowed. Miklo said there isn't enough evidence right now to
know if it is repairable or not, so it would be best to defer the application. He added that an inspector
should go out and look at the garage. Weitzel said a site visit is in order, as long as the Commission has
permission from the property owner. Amelon said the Commission has permission.
Weitzel asked Toomey if he would give a report on the garage. Toomey said he would.
MOTION: Swaim moved to table discussion to the next meeting. Ponto seconded the motion.
Ponto said it would be wise to get more information.
1025 E. Burlinqton Street
Terdalkar said the property is a contributing structure in the East College Street Historic District. He said
the applicant is seeking a replacement of a metal roof. Terdalkar said last year the applicant applied for a
CMNE to repair the metal roof. He added the applicant decided it was too expensive to repair, so now
the applicant would like to replace the roof with shingles.
Terdalkar said he suggested to the applicant that he use a material, such as Acrymax, to paint the roof.
He said this all depends on the condition of the roof. Weitzel said Acrymax is not the only option; there
are other liquid membrane materials. Norton, the applicant, said he is okay looking into the Acrymax
option. He said he is looking into repairing the roof.
Toomey said the Vonnegut House was coated with the Acrymax product and has held up for over five
years. He said if there is any damage or holes in the roof, you can put on a coat and then put down a
nylon-type fabric before the second coat; that will patch up the holes. He said the finished product looks
good as new.
Terdalkar asked if the Commission is now looking at the application as a repair, instead of a replacement.
Norton said he would like to look at the cost of repairing the roof.
Weitzel said the Commission should table until they hear back from the applicant.
MOTION: Swaim moved to table discussion. Baker seconded the motion.
Motion carried on a vote of 6-0
Historic Preservation Commission
June 12, 2007
Page 4
PRESERVATION PLAN:
Miklo said staff wanted to make sure the Commission is comfortable with the Preservation Plan before
releasing it to the public.
Svendson said it is the longest plan in generation she has ever been involved with. She said that the
format is similar to when the previous plan was done in 1992. She said that the final version is still in the
works and will include about 25 photographs. Svendson said Iowa City has one of the most complex
preservation programs in the state of Iowa. She said the plan is a community plan. Svendson said she
believed it would be worthwhile to keep the general format the same, so there could be a comparison
over time. She added that she did not see any new initiatives that showed the need for new goals, but
rather new objectives within the goals. She said she talked about the importance of communication
through the growth of the Internet. Svendson said she would like to hear what the Commission has to
say about the neighborhood sections and the appendix.
Miklo said spelling corrections and comments need to be submitted in writing. Svendson said the
members should turn the entire document in with their corrections.
Weitzel said other than typos and formatting concerns, the concept of neighborhoods was getting mixed
up. He said the language in the Longfellow Neighborhood was getting overlapped due to all of the
historic and conservation districts within it. Svendson said she tried to call it the Longfellow Historic
District wherever she could. She said she would go back and make sure she was consistent with the
language. Svendson asked if there were any specific areas Weitzel noticed. Weitzel said at one point
there was a reference to the "Dearborn Neighborhood". Svendson said if she talked about
neighborhoods as a variation in language, then she tried to put it in lower case. Weitzel said somewhere
there should be a definition of Historic District, Conservation District, and City Neighborhood. Svendson
said she could do expanded footnotes. She added that people in Iowa City like to read footnotes. Swaim
said we think of them as potato chips.
Weitzel said the Preservation Plan is very detailed and does a good job of updating the goals. He said it
should last for at least 15 years.
Swaim said on page 85 there is a chart with completed objectives and future objectives. She said under
Woodlawn doesn't have a newsletter. Svendson said she thought it was part of the Longfellow
Newsletter. Svendson said it should be an open zero. Swaim said there probably won't be a newsletter,
so it should be blank.
Ponto said the definition between a City Neighborhood and a Historic District doesn't always match. He
said on Brown Street there is a newsletter for the Northside Neighborhood Association, but it is not the
Brown Street Historic District Newsletter. Svendson said it should be a solid circle in the chart.
Swaim said the Preservation Plan is difficult to critique because there is so much detail. She said in the
recommendation memorandums is where the Commission has a lot to talk about. Svendson said she
wanted the Commission to see the raw recommendations that came from Clarion Associates. She said
she took whole sections of the Clarion recommendations and put them in the document in Appendix F.
Swaim asked about how the Commission should be rethought in composition. Marlys more information
came from interviews and discussion than from Clarion's recommendation. Svendson said those are
specific things to do to advocate change at the state level, so the Commission has more flexibility at the
local level. Marlys asked about circulating the plan to the state office. Sunil said it has circulated around
the state office and there weren't too many comments that came from the state office. Marlys said her
recommendation was to make the Commission smaller with four at-large members and five from a
Historic or Conservation District. She said section D is a summary of A, B, and C. Weitzel said difficult to
get representatives from each district.
Ponto said he likes a smaller main document, but with very specific appendices. Weitzel said the lighter
main document or executive summary should be distributed widely, but with the appendices at the Public
Historic Preservation Commission
June 12, 2007
Page 5
Library. Svendson said the idea of creating two lists of Certificates of Appropriateness in the appendices,
one by district and the other by sequential awarding, could not have been done 15 years ago.
Ponto said on page D15, he is a little concerned about individually listing the names of the people
interviewed, and not just the title or position of the person. Svendson said the comments would remain
unattributed. Svendson said people made comments that were community-wide. Svendson said she
didn't interview everyone, but still had a pretty good cross section. She added that Clarion thought she
had too many interviews.
Swaim said other university buildings were tracked up until the 1960s, but Greek houses were only
tracked up until 1940. Svendson said WWII seemed to be the cut off point for new fraternities and
sororities. Swaim said if all university components were tracked until 1960, then the Greek buildings
should go up to 1960 as well. Svendson said she can extend the period for Greek houses up to 1960.
Terdalkar said Brennan made a comment at the last meeting about planning for the next 15 years after
1957. Svendson said there is usually a lag time. She said it is very difficult for people in the preservation
movement to look back a full 50 years. Svendson said an exception would be Dr. Van Allen. She added
that we don't know which building to associate him with. Weitzel said the Van Allen Building on campus
was built after he discovered the Van Allen Belt. Svendson said the National Park Service won't consider
the building as a national landmark.
Svendson said the University of Iowa's Master Plan shows that the university is well on its way to a
commitment towards historic preservation. She said the university's consultant encouraged historic
preservation when a case could be made for economic benefit. She added that the university currently
has potential for historic preservation, which she couldn't have said 15 years ago.
Baker asked why some of the objectives do not specify who is responsible for carrying out that certain
objective. Svendson said the last Preservation Plan included tasking abbreviation at the end of each
objective. She added that she did not include tasking abbreviation because there is a staff person for
Friends and the City's staff member has been raised from quarter time to half time, so there is more
capacity for completing the objectives. Weitzel said, as a community, Friends of Historic Preservation
should help out more with these objectives. Miklo said the Preservation Plan should be sent to Friends.
Terdalkar said Helen Burford has a copy and some comments ready for Svendson.
Svendson said she knows this is volunteer time, but would appreciate any comments the Commission
could give. Weitzel said this is the Commission's chance to impact preservation for many years.
Svendson said Miklo suggested that at the end of the introduction, there should be five important points to
summarize what document is all about. She said the fives points are: tell the good news, streamline the
process, focus on neighborhood preservation, tap into the economic development of the city resources,
and learn from ourselves. She said there is a need for neighborhoods to talk among one another.
Svendson said that it would be good for the Commission to go to the City Council and heighten the image
and role of preservation. She added that the Commission needs to keep the good news in front the
Council as much as possible.
Miklo asked when the public forum should be for the Preservation Plan. He said the report will go on as
an amendment to the comprehensive plan. Weitzel said they should come back in week or two and
decide then.
MINUTES
Swaim said on page three on the very top line "resend" should be changed to "rescind."
Weitzel asked if Swaim approved a "material tradition" on the previous motion. Terdalkar said because
the Commission is going to revisit the applications, it would be a good idea for each commission member
Historic Preservation Commission
June 12, 2007
Page 6
to revisit the language of their own motion. Weitzel said he doesn't remember Swaim saying material
tradition. Swaim said she probably said a traditional-like material. Weitzel said he doesn't remember
anyone saying material traditional. Terdalkar said there were two materials being discussed, ashlars
sized blocks of different sizes and uniform sized blocks. Swaim said traditional should be taken out of the
motion. Terdalkar said it should be uniform sized blocks instead.
Toomey said on page four, the reason to grant an exception for a casement window is not in the minutes.
Weitzel said there is some funky stuff in the language of the minutes.
Weitzel said the Commission had a discussion about turning the casement window into an awning
window, and he did not see that argument in the minutes. He said he doesn't feel comfortable approving
the minutes tonight.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:41p.m.
Minutes submitted by Doug Ongie
PCD/mins/hpcl6-12-07.doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2007
6/12
X
OlE
5/31
X
X
5/17
X
OlE
4/12
X
X
-- --
OlE
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
-- --
OlE
X
OlE
X
X
X
X
-- --
OlE
X
X
OlE
X
X
X
-- --
X
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
3/08
OlE
X
X
OlE
OlE
X
X
X
-- --
X
OlE
2/08
X
X
X
X
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
Term
Expires
Name
Baker
3/29/09
3/29/08
3/29/07
3/29/07
3/29/08
3/29/09
3/29/07
3/29/09
3/29/1 0
3/29/09
3/29/08
Key:
X = Presen
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
-- = Not a Member
Brennan
Carlson
Gunn
McCormally
Michaud
Ponto
Swaim
Trimble
Toomey
Weitzel
DRAFT
~
MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF APPEALS
MONDAY, JUNE 4,2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, IOWA CITY CITY HALL
410 E. WASHINGTON STREET
IOWA CITY, IA
MEMBERS PRESENT: Gary Haman, John Roffman, Tim Fehr, Steve Buckman,
AI Gerard, Chad Campion
MEMBERS ABSENT: Doug DuCharme
STAFF PRESENT: Tim Hennes (Sr. Building Inspector), John Grier (Fire
Marshall), Bernie Osvald (Plumbing Inspector), Sue
Dulek (Assistant City Attorney), Jann Ream (Code
Enforcement Assistant acting as minute taker)
OTHERS PRESENT: Jan Adams (public), Brad A'Hearn (A'Hearn Plumbing
& Heating), Eric Brockmire (Nu Flow/Aqua Source)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: none
CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson Roffman called the meeting to order at 4:05PM. Dulek reported that
she was still investigating the proposed state licensing for contractors and how
that would effect Iowa City licensing.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
Minutes from the March 5, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Haman moved to adopt
the minutes. Gerard seconded. Minutes were approved with a unanimous vote.
Request for a Variance from the Iowa City Plumbinq Code.
Tim stated that the application is actually a request for an alternate design or
method of construction.
Eric Brockmire from Nu Flow Technologies presented information on the product
that was in question. Basically, it is a structural pipe reinstatement product that is
cured in place. He handed out written materials for the Board's information. He
said the product reinstates the flow rate through a pipe (of just about any
material) to exceed what it was before when it was in a state of disrepair. The
product has been extensively tested and is listed with IAPMO - International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials. He asked for questions.
DRAFT
Brad Ahearn wanted to address the Board before it was opened to questions. He
said that this system gave property owners more options for the repair of sanitary
sewers and storm drains. He thought it would be a better repair and less
expensive because the sewer line would not have to be dug up. He said that the
system could also be applied to pressure water lines without having to tear out
walls.
Brockmire explained that the company had over 300 franchisees all over the
country. Their product is a structural reliner that not only repairs sewer lines but
prevents future clogs by restoring flow rates. It also prevents infiltration to ground
water. He explained how the process works. A camera is used to find all of the
problem areas in a pipe. The pipe is cleaned and then the product is introduced
to the damaged pipe through existing clean outs and/or manholes. It is a cured in
place product that is very controllable. They can precisely line a pipe to 1/16 of
an inch. He explained that this same system can be used in potable (pressure)
systems as well. For potable systems it is not a structural product -just a barrier
product - very good for repairing pinhole and joint leaks without having to tear
out walls. All of these repairs can be inspected with cameras to make sure the
repair has been done correctly.
Roffman asked that if there was a clay pipe that had separated would the product
be able to bridge that void. Brockmire responded yes -that was one of the
advantages of the product -it can recreate a pipe within a pipe. The transition
between the new repair and the old pipe is feathered so there is no raised edge
or lip that can affect flow rates.
Brockmire stated the significant difference between this product and other CIPP
products was the application process -no other company has their unique and
precise application. Also all of the clean out and application is done while
watching with a remote camera and it is videotaped. So the client gets a before
and after tape of the repair. This could be made available to the permitting
jurisdiction if they wanted it.
Buckman asked what was required of the vendor to become a franchisee.
The company trains employees of franchisees for 4 weeks at their facility in San
Diego to make sure that they know exactly how to use the product. They also
have a 24/7 help line that vendors can call if they have a problem. An installer
from the company also works the new vendor for the first week back in their own
market.
Fehr asked if this product could also be used for underground air ducts.
Brockmire responded yes but there are some application issues to be worked
out.
Osvald asked if chemicals affect the product. Brockmire responded no -it is an
epoxy product -nothing affects it.
Buckman asked if the request on the appeal was just for sewer and potable
water repair or if it was also for air ducts. Since air ducts are covered by the
Mechanical Code, Dulek said this appeal could not be applied -it was just for the
Plumbing Code. Osvald stated that potable water was already approved by
DRAFT
IAPMO - that this application was to allow the use of the product for drainage
systems- sanitary and storm.
Roffman asked if the motion to grant the appeal should be product specific or if it
should cover the whole CIPP industry. He did not feel that any particular
manufacturer should be singled out -that it should be approved for the entire
industry. Dulek said the building department could ask for specific requirements,
such as the video tape, as a matter of department policy.
MOTION: Buckman moved that the CIPP (Cured in Place Product) technology
be approved as an alternate method of construction for the repair of sanitary and
storm drainage systems. Haman seconded.
VOTE: The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Bernie Osvald gave the Board an updated report on waterless urinal systems. He
stated that he had one pulled at the alternative high school that had been in use
for a year and it was clean and in good shape. As a result of that, waterless
urinals were approved for Willowwind School. Osvald said that as long as the
urinals were in a situation with good guaranteed maintenance, they seemed to
function well. He said that maintenance people found that the cartridges needed
to be replaced more often than originally thought. Hennes asked that the
waterless urinal installed in the old Neumann Monson office be checked. He
wondered how they held up with a change in tenants.
The next meeting was scheduled for July 2, 2007.
ADJOURNMENT:
Haman moved to adjourn the meeting. Gerard seconded. The meeting adjourned
at 5:03 PM
John Roffman, Board of Appeals Chairperson
Date
Board of Appeals
Attendance Record
2006
NAME TERM EXPIRES Jan-07 Feb-07 Mar-07 Apr-07
Gary Haman 12/31/2007 x x x NM
Steve Buckman 12/31/2011 x x x
Doug DuCharme 12/31/2009 x x OlE
Tim Fehr 12/31/2008 x x OlE
John Roffman 12/31/2007 x x x
Chad Campion 12/31/2008 0 0 x
AI Gerard 12/31/2010 x x x
KEY
X = present
o = absent
OlE = absent/excused
NM = No meeting
_ = not a member
May-07 Jun-07 Jul-07
NM x
x
0
x
x
x
x
Board of Appeals
Attendance Record
2006
Aug-07 Sep-07 Oct-07 Nov-07 Dec-07
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
TUESDA Y, June 26, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
DRAFT
fliJ
Members Present:
Florence Ejiwale, Sara Baird, Joy Kross, Beverly Witwer, Martha Lubaroff.
Staff Present:
Stefanie Bowers, Jennifer Fath, Alfred Ramirez, Dale Helling.
Call to Order
Witwer called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Recommendations to Council (Become effective only after separate Council action): None.
Consideration of the Minutes of the May 22, 2007 meeting
MOTION: Witwer requested more information to be added to report of Commissioner King. Lubaroffmoved to accept the amended
minutes and Baird seconded. The motion passed on a vote of 5-0.
New Commissioner
Commissioners were introduced to new Commissioner Florence Ejiwale.
Diversity Focus
Alfred Ramirez spoke with Commissioners about upcoming events and new programs of Diversity Focus and also on creating a
strategic partnership with the Commission.
Inclusive Communities
Witwer stated that a planning meeting would be held on June 28 to set more specific goals on Iowa City becoming an Inclusive
Community.
Breakfast Sub-Committee
Baird, Witwer and Kross will serve on this sub-committee and plan to meet October I to go over nominations.
Film Series
Invisible Children will be shown December 151 to coincide with International HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Reports of Commissioners
Lubaroffreported on the success of Respectful Communities and that a larger conference is tentatively scheduled for September 2007.
Kross spoke of attending the ICARE Breakfast and Pride Festival. Baird reported on attending the Pride Festival and also current
issues facing mid-wives. Witwer spoke of problems occurring in the Iowa City Community School District and also on her plans to
attend a roundtable discussion on Global Communities and Diversity.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
eetm ate
TERM
NAME EXP. 1/23 2/27 3/27 4/24 5/22 6/26 7/24 8/28 9/25 10/23 11/27 12/25
Bev Witwer 1/1/08 X OlE X NM X X
Sara Baird 1/1/08 X X X NM X X
Scott King 1/1/08 OlE X X NM X OlE
Martha 1/1/09 X OlE X NM X X
Lubaroff
Kate Karacay 1/1/09 X X X NM OlE OlE
Joy Kross 1/1/09 X X X NM X X
Florence 1/1/09 --- --- --- --- --- X
Ejiwale
(~ ]))
KEY:
x = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
N~ = No meeting
--- = Not a ~ember
N~NQ - No meeting, no quorum