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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977-06-14 Bd Comm. MinutesMINUMS IOM CITY HOUSING CMUSSION JUNE 1, 1977 CITY MANAGERS CONFEPE24ZE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT - Hibbs, Owens, Pollock, Smithey MF7,SERS ABSENT - Kamath, Lombardi, Whitebook CITY STAFF PRESENT - Seydel, Kushnir, Kimball Welud" C f_ 7 MM 1. The Housing Ca mission moved that.. the PHA proceed with application for Traditional Public Housing. Application to be made'for forty units, consisting of single family dwellings, duplexes, and four-plexes, with sites scattered throughout the City. These units to be directed to large low income farmilics, -- elderly would not be included. SLR4Q Y OF DISCUSSION AND MFMAL ACPION TAKEN 1. Hibbs called the meeting to order. 2. It was moved by Smithey and seconded by Pollock to approve the minutes of May 4, 1977. 3. Coordinators Report - Twelve applications were submitted for approval. 202 units are presently under the Section 8 Program and 68 under the Section 23 Program. The request for conversion of the remaining Section 23 units has been approved by HUD. 0 4. Traditional Public Housing - Seydr_1 reported to the Housing ConnUssion that the Departw--nt of Housing and Urlx-in Develolanent has issued a Notification of Housing Assistance Availability W Public Housing Agencies. It was noted that there is a definite need in Iowa City for units consisting of three or more bedrooms. Smithey moved that the Housing Conmission approve the plan for Traditional Public Housing and that a Public Hearing beset. Notion was seconded by Owens. Nbtion passed 4/0. 5. Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Code - General discussion was held to acquaint new Housing Ccxrmission members with the draft of April 14, 1977 and the preliminary draft from the legal staff. Formal discussion will take place at the July 6th meeting. 6. Tenant Landlord Ordinance - Cmmissioners were asked to familiarize themselves with this ordinance for future discussion. /2/y page 2 Housing Cortmiss•Mi.nutes 6-1-77 • Smithey moved that the meeting adjourn, ration seconded by Pollock. NEXT MEETING: July 6, 1977 3:30 p.m. City Manager's Conference Ron Approved Robert Hibbs 0 0 MINUTES COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COORDINATING COMMITTEE MAY 23, 1977 -- 7:30 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Blum, Cain, deProssc, Jakobsen, Ogesen, Vetter MEMBERS ABSENT: Neuhauser, Perret STAFF PRESENT: Geshwiler, Keating, Kraft, Martzahn, Simpkins Chairman Blum called the meeting to order. LANDFORMS REPORT Geshwiler distributed revisions to the "Watersheds" section. A motion to adopt the report was made by Jakobsen and seconded by deProsse. The report was adopted. ECONOMICS REPORT Revisions of the "Future Development", "Retail" and "Selected Ser- vices" sections were discussed. Kraft noted that these did not include all the material that needs to be added to the report. The committee suggested changes and agreed to review the entire report again when the additions are complete. COMMUNITY FACILITIES It was the consensus of the committee that this report should be sent for review to the governing boards and commissions of the various community facilities. The committee will then examine the report. ZONING WORKSHEETS Geshwiler distributed the Zoning Worksheets and explained how to read them. He pointed out that these zones had been based on different characteristics of Iowa City such as topography, and should therefore fit into the Comprehensive Plan. It was suggested that the special problems of zoning in areas of existing construction (e.g. preserving the character and uniformity of older neighborhoods) be kept in mind when discussing these work- sheets. Committee members raised questions about maintenance and taxation of open space areas in the proposed RS -10 district. Ogesen asked if anyone outside the Planning Department had iz is 0 0 MINuns COMPREIMNSIVE,PLAN COORDINATING COMM11"ITH May 23, 1977 Page 2 reviewed the worksheets. Geshwiler answered that the worksheets had been sent to city department heads for comment and that the Iowa City Homebuilders Association had been asked for input. It was agreed that no input from other groups would be sought until the committee had further considered the worksheets. MEETING SCHEDULE A meeting was set for 4:00 to 6:00 P.M., Thursday, June 2, 1977. Cain objected to the present weekly meeting schedule. It was suggested that this schedule be changed to three meetings per month on the first, second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:30 P.M. The committee decided to work on the schedule at the June 2 meeting. NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVATION STUDY A joint CPCC/Planning and Zoning Commission meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 13 at 7:30 P.M. A presentation on the Northside Neighborhood Preservation Study will be given at that meeting by the Northside Neighborhood Impact Group. The meeting was adjourned. ✓` Prepared by: �66e Debb�b^e Simpkins; DUD Approved by: k4'.carta / Patricia Cain Secretary, CPCC MINUTES • • IOWA CITY HOUSING BOARD OF APPEALS April 24, 1977 ENGINEERING CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Atkins, Burger, Frantz, Louis, Pattschull MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT; Barnes, Bowlin, Burke, Siders SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN: Chairman Pattschull called the meeting to order and a roll call of the members were taken. All present. Chairman Pattschull asked if there were any additions or corrections to the minutes of the meeting held on May 24, 1977. A motion was made by Frantz, seconded by Burger, to approve the minutes as written. The motion carried unanimously. .MRS. ALICE SCHROOTEN'S APPEAL Board to consider appealing Section 9.30, Minimum Housing Standards in reference to a letter dated March 3, 1977. Appeal was requested by Mr. Alice Schrooten, the proprietor of 715 N. Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa. Chairman Pattschull asked the staff to review the staff report and verbally comment at this moment. Staff Member Barnes reported that Apartment N4, which is located in the basement of 715 N. Linn Street,- has a bedroom which does not meet .the 10% window requirement. Barnes asked that Mrs Schrooten remove the bed because it does not comply with the Minimum Housing Standards. Mr. Schrooten, representing herself, pointed out the fact that in this 'corrective letter she opposed only the 10% window area in this one apartment and did in fact state that the rest of letter was complied with. Mrs. Schrooten also commented to the fact that the window does not meet the 10% requirement but is large enough to get in and out of, as her tennants sometimes do now. She also remarked to the fact that she had Fire Marshall dorm to look at the apartment and asked about the feasibility of a .ladder on the interior to make the window easy to get out -of. Fire Marshall Kinney reported that this was not an uncommon instance and would be acceptable as far as egressing standards go. Mrs. Schrooten proposed to install this ladder as an alternative to the 10% window requirement, plus she agreed to install a fire detector in the bedroom to alert the dweller in case of fire. 1116 1 0 Staff Member Barnes presented the Board with some pictures of the area to better acquaint the members with the situation. Staff Burger noted that the stairway crossed immediately in front of the window and would be difficult the enlarge the window. He then asked if it was possible to cut another window in a different location to provide £or the 100. Mrs. Schrooten said said this would be impossible because there was an interior wall close to the window not allowing her any more space on that wall. Board Member Burger asked what type of wall the interior structure was and presented the possibility of eliminating that wall and combining the living and bedroom area with the windows that exist in the living room area to make it one room and comply with the 10%. Mrs. Schrooten said that was a concrete wall and would be a difficult task to do so. Board -Member -Louis --pointed out the fact -that the concrete wall was probably a load bearing wall, and stated that it would probably be quite 'a job to remove that wall to make it one large room. He also stated that this was probably not the most economical -way in which to approach the situation. Board Member Atkins asked if the bed could be located in the living room area and if it could comply with the code. Staff Barnes said the living area did have the 10% plus an exterior door and the living room could be slept in. However, she pointed out that the room that does not have the 10% could not be used for any habitable purposes, could be merely used for storage or similar purposes. Chairman Pattschull closed the discussion and called for a motion. A motion was made by Burger, seconded by Frantz, to move the bed into the living room or increase the area of the window in the bed- room to 10% or eliminate the dividing partition between the bedroom and living, and combine it as one room. A motion was voted on and carried unanimously. Chairman Pattschull then directed the Secretary of the Board to notify Mrs. Schrooten of their decision in writing. BULLOCK' COMPANY'.INC. Board to :consider-appeal'of Aspenite Roof Sheathing as an alternate method of construction. There was no representative present from the Bullock Company to state their position, however, there was some written data submitted to the Board indicating their position. -2- 0 0 Chairman Pattschull asked if the Board Members all had an opportunity to review the data in the packet. A discussion among the Board members was held, and Chairman Pattschull closed the discussion, and asked for a motion. A motion was made by Louis, seconded by Atkins to approve Aspenite Roof Sheathing as an acceptable alternate method of construction in accordance with BOCA Report No. 76-2. The motion carried unanimously. A motion was made by Frantz, seconded by Louis that this meeting be adjourned. The vote carried unanimously. Complete proceedings of this meeting are recorded on Tape #3, Side I, No. 303 thru 878, and kept in the General File. Prepared by: �� p Glenn Siders Secretary, Board of Appeals Approved by: ✓V ��✓VVVV Dick -Pattschull Chairman, Board of Appeals -3- MINUTES • • HUMAN RIGHTS OMISSION MAY 23, 1977 7:40 P.M. CITY MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM 104BERS PRESENT: Oleson, Braverman, McComas, Gilroy, Scott, Woodard, Madison, Matsumoto (8:00) MEMBERS ABSENT: Costantino (excused). STAFF MDU ERS PRLSENr: Morgan, Ryan, Ragland. REOO&MMATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL The Commission is forwarding a written report from the Outreach/ Advocacy Committee of the Committee's activity plan for 1977. �, REXOMMENDATIONS TO THE STAFF AND CITY MANAGER The staff is to contact the Iowa Civil Rights Carmission requesting infornation on how many complaints would be involved in a deferral relationship. That is, the number of complaints which would have been deferred during the last calendar year and an estimate of the number of complaints for next year. This action was moved by Oleson, seconded by Braverman. The motion passed. 'this information was requested because of the Council's concern that a deferral relationship would significantly add to the case load and staff time of the local Commission. PENDING ITEMS BEFORE THE CITY COUNCIL None, SUMMARY OF RELEVENr DISCUSSION The meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M. Oleson moved, Madison seconded, to accept the minutes from April 25th and May 10th. The notion passed. New Comnissioner Chuck McComas was introduced. There was no public discussion. Visitors were Katie Bush( KCJJ) and Jim Fleming (KXIC). A. COMPIAINi' PROCESSING 0081= The Committee met on May 23rd at 3:30 P.M. in Candy Morgan's office. In attendance were Scott, Gilroy, Ragland and Morgan. The Committee made the following recamrendations on the cases still in conciliation: 1. H-7603 and H-7604 - On the motion of Woodard, seconded by Madison, the Commission excepted the recd nnendation of the Committee which was to notify the respondent by letter that the signed conciliation agreement should be received by the Commission no later than June 15th or the Commission would have to move to the next step in the process. McComas, Braverman and Oleson abstained from action on this recommendation as they are designated as hearing officers for this complaint. 1217 . IRC MINUM • -2_ • 5/23/77 1r-7603 - A revised agreement is to be drafted which includes a request that the company periodically advertise in the local media that they are an equal opportunity employer, male/female, and an employment report for the balance of 1977 be submitted. The motion was made by Woodard, seconded by Madison, and passed. McComas, Bravelman, and Oleson abstained from action on this complaint as they are designated hearing officers. 3. E-7515 - A letter is to be sent to the respondent requesting another meeting. 'hie case is to be referred to the attorney's office for determination as to whether to proceed to the next step. The motion made by Woodard, seconded by Madison, passed. McComas, Braverman, and Oleson abstained from action on this case because they have been designated as hearing officers. 4. E-7503 - The Committee recommended that the case be closed. The Chair was to talk with the complainant and apprise her of the determination. Gilroy moved, Woodard seconded, the motion passed. Oleson, Braverman, and McComas obstained because they were designated hearing officers in this case. n �a•�� 1. Scott reported he had spoken with Mayor Neuhauser regarding the confusion over the policy v, procedure issue. Scott stated they had agreed to keep each other apprised of the issues in an effort to lessen any confusion. Scott recommended that individual Commissioner's make personal contact with Council members to keep then apprised of the Cmmissions activities. 2. Mall Merchants - Ryan reported that the giving of coffee or flowers by a business was not to be construed as a private gift and would care under the jurisdiction of the ordinance. Special nights at area bars - 'the practice of offering drinks to Waren Only or Men Only at reduced rate was considered a violation of the ordinance. The practice of the Commission has been to have Staff respond with an informational letter when the issue was raised by a member of the public. Scott stated that if there was no desire to change this policy, the practice would continue. No change was suggested and the Staff will continue to operate in this manner. C. CONCILIATION WORKSIDP AMID C'RAIRPMMN CORRESPONDENCE 1. A letter to the Civil Rights Commission concerning the cancella- tion of a Conciliation Workshop will be sent. Chairperson correspondence - The letters sent to area Legislators (as directed in the April 25th meeting) were passed around to Commissioners for review. HRC MINUTES • -3- . 5/23/77 D. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES FOR NEW ORDINANCE The Ordinance Implementation Committee met May 2nd to discuss developing administrative rules for the new ordinance. Drafts for 4 areas were presented to the Commission for consideration. They were: (a) hearing procedures, (b) guidelines on private clubs, (c) probable cause definition, and (d) rule making procedures. In the discussion the question was raised as to whether the Commission has authority to issue subpoenas. The issue was not resolved. Since the Commission received the draft for the Hearing Procedures and the Criteria For Private Clubs only that evening at the meeting, Braverman moved aTd—CF1eson seconded, to defer action on these two items until the June meeting. The motion passed. Probable Cause - Oleson moved and McComas seconded to make the following changes in the probable cause determination: (a) To change reasonable man to reasonable person, (b) to use the he/she pronoun, (c) in the last sentence of the first paragraph change "defendent" to "Commission", and (d) on the second page take out all reference to EEOC. A corrected version is attached to the minutes. Procedure for rule making - Woodard moved, Madison seconded, to accept the proposed rule making procedure with the addition of the phrase "providing there is a quorum" to be added to Point #3. Then Matsumoto moved and Oleson seconded to change.L3 3 to themajority of those present and voting. Following discussion, the vote on the amendment was: Yes: Matsumoto, Woodard, Madison. No: Gilroy, McCombs, Braverman, Scott. The motion failed. The original motion to accept the proposed rules passed. E. Oleson moved, Gilroy seconded, that on a three month pilot basis at least one Commissioner attend the informal Council meetings when the Council receives minutes of the Commission. The purpose being to answer questions. The motion passed with Scott abstaining. Morgan reported on the historical status of deferral status with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission. The Commission first applied for deferral status in 1973. In June of 1974, a letter from Joe Tate, Executive Director of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, was received and rejected the Commissions application. The major deficiencies pointed out in that letter were the lack of a professional staff and the lack of a public hearing. There was a discussion on the merits of entering into deferral status. Before taking action, the Commission requested the Staff provide information regarding the number of complaints that would be involved in the deferral relation- ship. « � •i�a•�• •ow iia n• r The Chair requested that Committees submit written reports of their meeting to the Commission. There have been problems regarding HRC MINUTES • -4- • 5/23/77 action taken by Committees when there was no written record. Also the written reports would be useful to the recorder for compiling the minutes of the meeting. Any formal action recommended from Committee action to the Comnission will be included in the Commission's regular minutes. 1. Outreach/Advocacy - On the notion of Madison, seconded by Oleson, Madison presented a $39.52 bill from Ted Hawkins for the design of the discrimination poster. The motion passed. The Committee submitted to the Commission a written report of their proposed activities for 1977 which was to be forwarded to the City Council. Motion was made by Oleson, seconded by Madison and passed. 2. Affirmative Action - Braverman reported that informal meetings with Human Rights groups in Iowa City were being arranged. 3. Complaint Processing - Committee meeting was set for June 21st at 7:30 A.M. to work on the by-law revisions. 4. Staff report - Ragland reported that all open cases had been investigated and she expected to have the investigative reports completed before leaving her position. The first complaint based on the expanded coverage was received and resolved. This was a disability complaint under public accommodations. I. OOMPLAINr PROCESSING 1. Cases in Litigation: Westinghouse Learning Corportation - No status. Yellow cab - A motion to dismiss has been filed. 2. Conciliation - Action regarding these complaints is found tinder Complaint Processing Committee reports. 3. Complaint processing under new ordinance - There was discussion as to how to procede. Potential examining officers for a complaint will be appointed at the meeting where the investigated complaint is presented to the Commission. The conciliation team is appointed by the Chairperson at completion of investi- gation. The team receives the written report. The team decides to accept or reject the staff recommendation. The Conciliation team consists of three members. In the event that there is disagreement amoung then as to the determination of the case, two additional Commissioner will be assigned to assist in the review of the complaint. 6 HRC MINUTES • -5- • 5/23/77 Based on this, the following action with regard to complaints was taken: a. No new cases were opened during the month. b. Cases closed - E/R 4-1-7707 - Satisfactorily adjusted. E/R 4-7-7705 - Recommended probable cause. Gilroy, Chair, McCanas and Oleson. In the event of a disagreement over the recommendation, Scott and Braverman were assigned. If the conciliation team agrees with the recommnda.tion they will proceed immediately to conciliation. Examining officers for this case are Matsumoto, Madison, Costantino. Woodard disqualified herself from consideration of this case for personal reasons. E-7610 - Reco nEded no probable cause. Conciliation committee: Madison, Braverman, Scott. The committee was not ready to make a decision and agreed to meet later to review the case. 1. A short time was spent on training. The Commission received two sets of allegations and were asked to play the roll of investigator and establish a line of inquiry. 2. June meeting is set for June 27, 1977 at 7:30 P.M. The agenda setting is June 17th. 3. Mid -Year Review - The Chairperson requested that the committees make written evaluations as to their performance to date and their goals for the remainder of the year. Other mmemnbers of the Commission were requested to make the same evaluation of the Commission as a whole. H. The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M. 0 0 OUTREACH/ADVOCACY COMMITTEE REPORT MAY 18, 1977 PRESENT: Oleson, Madison. In compliance with the January 24, 1.977, Human Rights Camdssion Organi- sational Plan for FY77, 4. Outreach/Advocacy a. Plan a civil rights awareness seminar or similar activity for the City Council, City staff/department heads, and mmbers of the connaunity. The following outline was devised: I. Goal Implementation To structure a series of high quality and economically feasible programs to carry through the above charge. A. Civil Rights Seminar or similar activity for the City Council Rationale: To identify persons with institutional ties in the housing, employment and social life of Iowa City as it relates to our Black co mnmity; to share general observations and information from such persons about the Black experience with city leaders; to focus not on individual complaints but on general perceptions and experiences for the appreciation of the awareness and sensibilities of the Black canmmity. Program Ideas: Two program ideas were discussed. 1. An informal meeting at a Comnissioner's home or private meeting roan where the City Council, Carmission and invited city staff would meet informally with invited citizens. The total group to be around 35-40 persons. No scheduled panel or presentation but simply conversation and person-to-person exchanges for approximately 1} - 2 hours. Light refreshments to be served. Cash bar. Members of the Black ecmntmity to be invited to include the following: (1) Representative(s) of the Ebojiy Sisterhood, an organi- zation of Black women, many of wham work full time in the home, to share the experience of family life in Iowa City; the situation of working full time in the home and seeking paid outside employment outside the hone; child rearing; the social experience of the Black family. (2) Representative(s) from the Black Student Union; explanation of the activities and structure of the organization of Black students; student views of the visibility of the City's services and relevance of same. (3) Representative(s) from the UI Athletic Department; a graduate athlete sharing experiences of living and studying in Iowa City; the City as a recruitment reality for the Black athlete; an institutional representative to explain the interaction between the athletes' needs and city services. (4) Representative, Special Support Services, UI; what it does; how it can do it better; the Black student and identification of support systems. (5) Representative, Mark IV housing complex; services and support for the Black caanunity in the housing context. Other members of the Iowa City community with ties to the service needs and experiences of our Black population shall be identified and asked to participate as space and time permit. Cost Estimate: Room Rental $ 35.00 Mailing Invites 7.50 Refreshments 15.00 47.50 II. A panel presentation of films, slides and speakers by graduate students at the UI Department of Sociology to the above identified group of persons. Approximately a 40 minute presentation. Cost setimate: same as above, there may be a small charge for the film rental. This presentation can be set up in conjunction with to above or as a separate event. It should be scheduled during the school year. B, Civil Rights Seminar or similar activity for the City staff/department heads Rationale: Tb present persons who are working in nontraditional jobs; i.e., jobs which have usually be dominted by one sex; to have these persons tell their actual experience in doing the job, share the reactions of their co-workers and recite how they enjoy and deal with their job. Program Ideas: To have a panel discussion for city department heads, during working hours, focusing on the above topic. Panelists to include: (1) Moderator. Commissioner to make introductions, explain purpose of the session, handle a question and answer period. (2) Female fire fighter. (3) Male steno -typist. (4) Female truck driver, heavy duty laborer. (5) Female carpenter. 'there is a known person in this ccmmmity for each of the above categories, except #2. We shall work on trying to find such an individual. C. Civil Rights Seminar or similar activity for the General Public Rationale: 3b present a program on civil rights of interest to the general public; to feature a well known advocate of civil rights or to present someone occupying an important role in the enforcement of civil rights legislation or to feature a minority member occupying an important civic position and discussing the implications of civil rights. Budgetary and travel restraints make it difficult to think of the 'perfect' persons. This idea is still at the "barn storming" stage. Some ideas include: Jesse Jackson, Chair of the Seattle or Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission, or similar cormdssion with a strong enforcement record. N '. MINUTES IO11A CITY PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION JUNE 2, 1977 -- 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Jakobsen, Lehman, Cain, Vetter, Ogesen, Blum MEMBERS ABSENT: Kammermeyer STAFF PRESENT: Schmeiser, Boothroy, Ryan, Child RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: 1. To approve S-7719, preliminary and final Large Scale Non -Residential Development plan of American College Testing Program, Inc. located south 'of Old Solon Road and southeast of North Dodge Street, subject to the submission of legal documents for the dedication of Old Solon Road right-of-way and an area to be used for the possible eastward extension of Old Solon Road. 2. That the City vacate and dispose of that portion of Parsons Avenue which extends south of the vacated street right-of-way formerly known as William White Boulevard (V-7703). 3.. To approve the proposed ordinance to amend the parking regulations of Section 8.10.25 of the Zoning Ordinance. REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER FOR INFORMATION OR STAFF ASSISTANCE: None LIST OF MATTERS PENDING COMMISSION/COUNCIL DISPOSITION: 1. P-7317. Creation of a University Zone (U). 2. P-7410. Creation of a Mobile Home Residential Zone (RMH). 3. P-7403. Revision of M1 and M2 Zones. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN: Chairperson Cain called the meeting to order and asked if anyone wished to discuss items not included on the agenda. No one responded. The Commission unanimously approved as written the minutes of the meetings held on May 12, 1977 and May 19, 1977. Review of a proposed ordinance to amend the parking regulations of Section 8.10.25 of the Zoning Ordinance was deferred to the end of the P&Z agenda. S-7719. Preliminary and final Large Scale Non -Residential Development plan of American College Testing Program, Inc. located south of Old Solon Road and southeast of North Dodge Street; 45 -day limitation period: waived. 1218. • -2- 6 Douglas Boothroy, Assistant Planner, stated that the Staff recommended approval of the plan subject to the completion of legal requirements and documents. The Engineering Division found the plan to comply with the storm water detention ordinance, he said. Chairperson Cain noted that the plan includes approximately fifty more trees than required by the Tree Ordinance. Jakobsen suggested the possibility of designating some areas for shade trees. Don Schmeiser, Senior Planner, stated that the Staff felt the Innovative Parking Design met the intent of the Ordinance, however, the P$Z Commission could request particular types of trees to be planted. Mike Kammerer, Shive Hattery $ Associates, stated that ACT plans to heavily screen the property. Commissioner Ogesen stated that ACT had previously constructed a fine facility and he considered the present proposal to be a "fine plan". The plan should not be held up because of the Tree Ordinance, he said, and the intent of the Tree Ordinance is clearly met. He pointed out that more trees will be planted than called for by the Ordinance, and noted that the intent is to plant trees which will provide shade. Commissioner Vetter concurred with Ogesen's statements. The Commission unanimously approved a motion to accept the Innovative Parking Design Plan of American College Testing Program, Inc. as meeting the intent of the Tree Planting requirements. Mr. Boothroy stated that the deficiencies noted in the May 19, 1977 Staff Report had been corrected. Ogesen questioned whether the street, if widened to the greatest extent possible, would extend into the storm water retention basin. Mr. Schmeiser explained that widening the street to the greatest extent possible (24' from the centerline) would not extend into the storm water retention area. Lehman questioned what length of time the water would be held in the basin. Commissoners noted that the basin should be completely drained within 48 hours, i The Commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of 5-7719, preliminary and final Large Scale Non -Residential Development Plan of American College Testing Program, Inc. located south of Old Solon Road and southeast of North Dodge Street, subject to the submission of legal documents for the dedication of Old Solon Road right-of-way and an area to be used for the possible eastward extension of Old Solon Road. 7703. of an Robert D. Commissioner Jakobsen stated that she would abstain because of the close proximity of her property to the subject property. Ed Lucas, attorney representing Mr. Robert D. Kupka, explained that the purpose of the vacation and conveyance would be to clear title objections to the land which has for many years been considered by Kupka's as part of their lot. He said there was probably an intent to vacate the area at one time but the vacation was never effective. 0 ISE 0 Ogesen questioned who should be responsible for paying the cost of the vacation. Schmeiser noted that the applicant has been paying taxes on the property for many years. Blum suggested that the property owner should collect any fees incurred from the people who told him he had clear title to the property. Vetter felt the cost should not be borne by the City. After further discussion, Commissioners agreed that the collection of fees or the recommendation regarding fees is not within the purview of the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission approved by a 5-0 vote (Jakobsen abstained) a motion to recommend to the City Council that the City vacate and dispose of that portion of Parsons Avenue which extends south of the vacated street right- of-way formerly known as William White Boulevard (V-7703). Review of a proposed ordinance to amend the parking regulations of Section 8.10.25 of the Zoning Ordinance. Commissioners reviewed in detail the proposed ordinance to amend the parking regulations and requested that two corrections be made. The Commission unanimously approved a motion to recommend to the City Council approval of the proposed ordinance to amend the parking regulations of Section 8.10.25 of the Zoning Ordinance. Commissioners Vetter and Jakobsen were designated as P$Z representatives to an Institute on Zoning and Planning in Champaign, Illinois June 16-18. (Chairperson Cain will attend if Jakobsen is unable to attend.) The meeting adjourned. Prepared by: 'f Sherry ChiW, DCD Secretary ��- Approved by:�if.Lr �4. fi✓' JuFfita Vetter, &Z Secretary MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION June 3, 1977 2:00 P.M. Civic Center Members Present: Hubbard Anderson Staff Present: Higdon RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL None RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY MANAGER AND STAFF None RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY ATTORNEY None SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION The Civil Service Commission met at 2:00 P.M. and went into executive session to review test results for 34 applicants for firefighter positions. Twenty were chosen for interviews to start at 9:00 A.M. on June 7, 1977. June Higdon was requested to contact and arrange schedule for interviews. Meeting adjourned Prepared by June Higdon 0 /2/7 0 STAI:P RH IORT L To: Planning and Zoning Commission Prepared by: Doug Boothroy Item: S-7719. American College Testing Datc: May 19, 1977 Program, Inc. GENERAL INPORNATION Applicant: American College Testing Program, Inc. Requested action: Purpose: Location: Size: Existing land use: Surrounding land use and zoning Comprehensive Plan: Zoning history: 45 -day limitation period: 60 -day limitation period: SPECIAL INVO141ATION Public utilities: Public services: Transportation: Physical characteristics: Highway 1 and I-80, P.O. Box 168 Approval of a preliminary and final Large Scale Non -Residential Development plan. To develop an office and research facility. The development of a tract of land located south of Old Solon Road (old Dubuque Road) and southeast of North Dodge Street. Approximately 8 acres Agriculture South - Agriculture, RIA and ORP West - Agriculture and RIA North - Office and Research and ORP Bast - Agriculture and R1A Area designated for suburban residential Council approved zoning change from R1A to ORP, 9/16/76. 5/30/77 6/14/77 Adequate water and sewerage service are available. Sanitation service and police and fire protection are available. Vehicular access would be provided from Old Solon Road. The topography is nearly level to steep with a slope range from 2 to 20 percent. /22S' 0 ANAINS IS -2- 0 American ColJegc 'Testing Program, Inc. (ACI') is requesting the approval of a Large Scale Non -Residential Development Plan (LSNRD) which proposes to expand their current facilities by developing a tract of land located south of Old Solon (toad (Old Dubuque Road). The future extensions of First Avenue and Scott Boulevard are important considerations with the development. Plans for the extension of First Avenue would have it make a T -intersection with an easterly extension of Old Solon Road. Engineering and Planning are in general agreement that Scott Boulevard should also tie in with this easterly extension of Old Solon'Road. Both of these arterials, then, are proposed to intersect east of the proposed ACT tract. The convergence of these streets will require provision of adequate street rights-of-way, i.e., a minimum of 80 feet for Old Solon Road. RECOMMENDATION It is the Staff's recommendation that 40 feet of right-of-way from the center line to a maximum of 80 feet of right-of-way dedicated for the easterly extension of Old Solon Road be provided. Approval of the LSNRD plan should be subject to the resolution of the deficiencies and discrepancies noted below. It is, therefore, recommended that action on this preliminary and final I.SNRD plan be deferred if the applicant waives the 45 -day limitation period. If the deficiencies and discrepancies are resolved, it would be the Staff's recommendation that the plan be approved. DEFICIENCIES AND DISCREPANCIES 1. The plan does not comply with the Tree Regulations. 2. The plan does not comply with the Storm Water Management Ordinance. 3. Not all legal papers have been submitted. 4. The water main location and size, hydrants and necessary easements should be shown. S. The plat should show the entire tract owned by ACT. G. The proposed building should be fully dimensioned from all property lines. 7. The location of existing structures on adjacent property should be provided. 8. The sanitary sewer should be extended to the east property line and all necessary easements shown. 9. Drive and parking cross-section should be shown. 10. The chord length and bearing for Old Solon Road needs to be provided. 11. The construction plans for all public improvements need to be provided. i 0 12. 'Ilie angle of intersection of the east drive needs to be changed and only a forty-two foot opening provided. 13. The radius sizes of all drives should be shown. A'PfACHMENTS Location map. ACCOMPANIMENT Preliminary and Final LSNRD plan. Approved by: Dennis R. Kraft, Di ector Dept, of Community Development to. T'. 11L D to/' (l( O1�, y. + �1�' �' 1,.Y1 \\t.. i.J M1FV './ ' 1 J �\ '� �I I�+. ;r 'It oq A POSSIBLE SCOTT BLVD. EXTENSION r Y Z, It EXTENSIONSI1r W T, P o) wt"i I-, b c %. -Will: 17o) -qV\ L ANT -J. / I. l[I l.'� (r /' ,. T '.,.I, (I , l�� I i(� I4�lJ/ /%,(� )�' 1`si, k. �{j!'� _�: )C 0� \7 FILE 5(I Q 690 12010 1890 NUMBER: POT -,I NORTH GRAPHIC SCALE: 1"c 660' J-7719 STORII, STORAC AW. CONTROLLED M 1,61,\ • i NOTICE THE CITY COUNCIL OF IOWA CITY IS CONSIDERING AN APPOINTMENT TO THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEE: COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS One vacancy - Unexpired Term June 14, 1977 - March 1, 1978 It is the duty of members of the Committee on Community Needs to coordinate communication channels between groups and citizens of Iowa City and the City Council and staff and then to responsibly respond to program proposals as solutions designed to meet the community's needs. Iowa City appointed members of boards and commissions must be qualified voters of the City of Iowa City. This appointment will be made at the June 14, 1977, meeting of the City Council at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Persons interested in being considered for this position should contact the City Clerk, Civic Center, 410 East Washington. Application forms are available from the Clerk's office upon request. CITY OF IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER, 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY, IOWA 52240 319.354-1800 izz KAY/ KA7 CIVIC CENTER, 410 E. WASHINGTON ST. IOWA CITY.IOWA 52240 /V��/j//�/y'/� 319.3541800 . '�K711VfL' June S, 1977 Dear Residents: 4s you may know, Iowa City has received $190,000 from the federal government for neighborhood site improvements in older neighborhoods of Iowa City over the next few years. The purpose of the site improvements program is to help cities provide public improvements to neighborhoods, particularly in areas where housing rehabili- tation programs are currently operating. In response to this, the City Staff is initiating a neighborhood site improvements program in the central corridor of Iowa City, beginning with your neighborhood and eventually spreading to other areas. Hopefully, this federal money will help revive City public improvements programs (sidewalks, tree planting, alley repair) which have recently been discontinued by the City Council due to budget constraints. The City Staff held four meetings in your neighborhood where we received suggestions about the kinds of improvements you want in your neighborhood. From these suggestions, we have organized five proposed projects that fall within the scope and intent of the neighborhood site improvement program. Before we submit these proposals to the City Council for the final decision, we would like to know how you would like the projects to be implemented and which projects you think are most important. YOU ARE INVITED TO A SLEETING THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 1977 AT 7:30 P.M. at the Longfellow School Gym to discuss the enclosed projects and to give the City Staff some direction before we submit proposals to the City Council. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE SLEETING, PLEASE CIRCLE YOUR PREFERENCES ON TOPICS 1 THROUGH 5 AND RETURN TO: Susan Sheets, Civic Center, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240, ALONG WITH ANY OTHER CO,%51ENTS YOU NIGHT HAVE. Not all of your suggestions could be included under the neighborhood site improvements program, however, many of the neighborhood concerns can be addressed by other City programs. Topic 7 of the enclosed materials summarizes why certain suggestions from residents were not chosen for this program and explains staff recommendations for treatment of various problems through other City programs. I hope to see you at the meeting next Thursday. Sincerely, Susan Sheets Redevelopment Specialist Encls SS:sc _227 0 0 PROPOSED AGENDA FOR NEIGHBORHOOD SITE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT MEETING JUNE 23, 1977 I. Call to Order II. Purpose of Meeting A. To obtain input from neighborhood residents concerning: 1. Preferred options for implementing proposed projects suggested by residents. 2. Priorities among projects. B. To report on other neighborhood concerns. III. Discussion of proposed projects A. Bus Stop Benches and Shelters (Topic 1) B. Mini -Park at Longfellow School (Topic 2) C. Sidewalk Repair (Topic 3) D. Alley Repair (Topic 4) E. ,Tree Planting (Topic 5) IV. Establish Project Priorities (Topic 6) V. Other Concerns (Topic 7) VI. Adjournment. TOPIC 1 BUS STOP SHELTERS AND BENCHES At several meetings residents suggested placing benches and shelters at various bus stops throughout the neighborhood. This project would be easy and relatively inexpensive to implement. In addition to providing comfortable places to wait for a bus, the project could conceivably serve a number of uses, such as, establishing focal points or "rest stops" for residents, expecially those who are elderly and mobility restricted, who want to use sidewalks for physical exercise. The cost for such a project has been estimated at $75 per bench and approximately $3000 per shelter depending upon design. Decision from Residents -- circle "all or "b" and List addresses OR circle "c" a. Submit a proposal for purchase of benches. They should be located at: b. Submit a proposal for purchase of benches and shelters. They should be located at: c. Do not submit a proposal for purchase of benches or shelters. Staff Recommendation The City staff recommends placing three bus,stop shelters with benches at the loca- tions shown on the attached map. I4,r City High V COURT SL O�f'�,= �o<Ci fNrG/ O W —ARAvtE +' <w ANn CI \\ kl corner of Court and Muscatine ST. N2 corner of Bowery and Summit #3 corner of Rundell and Sheridan SEYMOU0. AYE. ECENTER� VE i- �-<-�SmRf:7R!'1 >� i W N. RS t r {{f .o ST.` W I WAIN S T.. �C \ { o F S Q w000 VE. \I G C EVryCE 0 �KgKW .WOOD IT A E. E. IRIENDL AVE ST. N2 corner of Bowery and Summit #3 corner of Rundell and Sheridan 0 0 TOPIC 2 MINI -PARK AT LONGFELLOW SCHOOL At previous meetings residents expressed the value of the Longfellow School area as a playground for children and expressed a desire to develop and enhance the area as a neighborhood recreation site for residents of all ages. By discretely combining school and neighborhood uses on the playground, residents felt that this natural "people place" could be used more effectively throughout the seasons to the benefit of a larger percentage of the neighborhood. An estimated $1000 is needed to buy picnic tables, garbage/trash facilities, benches, shrubbery and playground equipment. The project would be jointly undertaken with the Longfellow School P.T.A. which will contribute an additional sum of approximately $500. A similar project was successfully implemented last year by the City and the Horace Mann P.T.A. Decision from Residents -- circle one a. Develop a mini -park with picnic facilities, benches, landscaping and play- ground equipment at Longfellow School. b. Develop a mini -park without picnic facilities but including landscaping, playground equipment and benches at Longfellow School. c. Contribute only to the purchase of playground equipment at Longfellow School. d. Do not develop a mini -park or contribute to the purchase of playground equipment at Longfellow School. Staff Recommendation The City staff recommends developing a joint project with Longfellow P.T.A. of a design and type that neighborhood residents decide upon. Hopefully, in later stages of implementation, this project will involve neighborhood participation with residents volunteering to assemble equipment and to plant greenery. I 0 TOPIC 3 SIDEWALK REPAIR Adequate sidewalks are an important consideration in planning for neighborhood improvements. In addition to being pedestrian pathways, sidewalks are safe play areas for children; they provide a place for neighbors to meet and a place for physical recreation for older residents of the neighborhood. A preliminary plan for sidewalk repair and new construction has been compiled from field studies of the neighborhood and from comments made at previous neighborhood meetings. Specific areas chosen for repair and construction appear on the attached map. All of these repairs can be undertaken for an estimated cost of $31,000. Decision from Residents -- circle your preference. If you choose "b" or "c" or both, then Zist locations. a. Repair sidewalks at locations as shown on the map with no additions or subtractions. b. Repair sidewalks at locations shown on the map and, in addition, repair the following sidewalk(s) at: c. Repair sidewalks at locations shown on the map with the exception of those at: d. Do not submit a proposal to repair sidewalks. If you think it is important to the improvement of your neighborhood to have side- walks repaired, what do you think would be the most equitable way to pay for the repairs assuming that each of these options can be implemented; -- circle one e: Special. tax assessment, based on sidewalk footage to be repaired. For example if you want 8 feet of sidewalk repaired on your property, you would be assessed about $68 to pay for the repairs over a 10 year period. In this case you would pay $6.80/year for repairs for 8 feet of sidewalk. f. Sliding scale tax assessment collected from property owners based on income level. For example, if you want 8 feet of sidewalk repaired on your property and your income is 80% of the median income for Iowa City, then you would be assessed for 80% of $68 or $54 to be paid over a 10 year period. In this case, you would pay $5.40 per year for sidewalk repairs for 8 feet of sidewalk. g. Special tax assessment to cover the cost of repairs and a 50% rebate given to property owners from the neighborhood improvement grant. In this case, if you want 8 feet of sidewalk repaired in front of your house Topic 3 -- Sidewalk Repair Page 2 you would be assessed $6.80 per year for the repairs, but you would receive a $34 rebate from the neighborhood improvement grant. h. All repairs should be funded by the neighborhood improvement grant. Staff Recommendation The City staff will recommend firing only those sidewalks that residents choose to have repaired and only those sidewalks which are in need of repair. If the cost of repairing these sidewalks totals over $10,000, the staff will consider tax assessment as a means to supplement the cost of repairs. Since it is generally considered less expensive to have the City make repairs in one area at one time, there is some advantage to having all necessary repairs completed at the same time regardless of total project cost. TOPIC 4 ALLEY REPAIRS Neighborhood residents have expressed much concern about the condition of the alleys both at neighborhood meetings and through individual contact with City staff. In some cases, gravel washes from alleys into the street blocking existing storm sewers, while in other locations potholes and dips create problems in using the alleys. A preliminary plan for alley repair has been compiled from individual requests by residents and from comments made at previous neighborhood meetings. Specific areas under consideration for repair are shown on the attached map. Cost estimates for this project can vary a great amount depending upon the number of alleys that need to be repaired, the type of problem that needs to be solved, and the methods and materials used in making specific repairs. Decision from residents -- circle your preference. If you choose "b" or "c" or both, then list locations. a. Repair alleys at locations shown on the map with no additions or subtractions. b. Repair alleys at locations shown on the map and, in addition, repair the following alley(s) at: List location c. Repair alleys at locations shown on the map with the exception of those at: List location d. Do not submit a proposal to repair alleys in my neighborhood. If you think that repairing alleyways is an important element in a neighborhood improvement program, which of the following do you think would be the best method 'i- of repairing them: circle your preference e. Grading and gravel on all alleys considered for repair. For a typical length one block alley the cost is estimated at $400 per alley and repairs would last one year. f. Asphalt surfacing on all alleys considered for repair. For a typical one block alley the cost is estimated at $16,500 per alley and the surface would last for about 20 years without much maintenance. I Topic 4 -- Alley Repairs Page 2 g. Concrete surfacing on all alleys considered for repair. For a typical length one block alley the cost is about the same as asphalt ($16,500 per alley) and the surface would last for about 30 years without much maintenance, however, if soils sink, concrete will crack whereas asphalt will flex. h. Asphalt or concrete surface on heavily traveled alleys considered for repair and gravel and grading on alleys that are not heavily traveled. If you think alleyways should be repaired, which of the following do you think would be the most equitable way to pay for the repairs: circle your preference i. Entirely through a tax assessment collected from property owners along the alleys which are repaired. For a gravel surface each owner would pay approximately $2.50 per year (for 10 years) for each foot of his property along the alley. (If you have a lot 60 feet wide the most you would pay to have a hard surface put on your alley would be $150 per year for 10 years.) j. Half of the cost should be covered by a tax assessment from property owners along the alleys which are repaired and the other half of the cost should be covered by the neighborhood improvement grant. In this case, the cost to the property owner would be half of the amount one would pay under alternative "i". k. Alley repairs should be paid for entirely by the neighborhood improvement grant. Staff Recommendation The City Department of Public Works recommends putting a concrete surface on alleys that need a hard surface because an asphalt cover will be difficult to spread in narrow alleys. The staff will recommend fixing only those alleys that residents choose to have repaired and only those alleys that are in need of repair. Lo 0 • TOPIC 5 • TREE PLNTINGS In addition to providing shade, trees contribute to neighborhood improvement in several ways. They can be used to ameliorate negative effects, such as traffic fumes, stormwater run-off, and dust, or in a more positive vein they can be used simply to provide a pleasing visual environment. Residents have suggested tree planting projects consistently at each previous meeting. Preliminary plans for this project include the purchase and planting of approximately 100 trees at an estimated cost of $3,500 to $5,000 depending upon the size and type of tree acquired. The estimate of trees to be purchased was based upon requests from citizens and forestry field surveys in your neighborhood. Some locations within the neighborhood may have underground or overhead wires which would prevent planting a tree on that location, however, all of the following decisions should be based upon the possibility of purchasing and planting 100 trees. Decision from Residents -- Circle one. a. Submit a proposal for a tree planting project to be fully funded by the neighborhood improvement grant. b. Submit a proposal for a tree planting project with residents paying one-half of the cost and the neighborhood improvement grant paying one-half of the cost. c. Do not submit a proposal for a tree planting project in my neighborhood. Staff Recommendation In order to spread the grant money as far as it will go, the staff recommends a tree planting project with costs shared by neighborhood residents and grant funding. If the project is implemented, residents who want trees would place an order with City Staff and would pay half the cost of the tree. The City would pay the other half of the costs in addition to ordering and planting trees. 0 0 TOPIC 6 PROJECT PRIORITIES If it will not be possible to fund all of the preceding projects, which projects do you think are most important to the improvement of your neighborhood? Rate each project by putting a "1" by the highest priority project, a "2" by the next highest priority, etc. i Bus Stop Shelters and Benches Mini -park at Longfellow School Sidewalk Repair Alley Repairs Tree Planting Other projects (specify) LJ TOPIC 7 OTHER CONCERNS 0 The Neighborhood Site Improvement Program meetings generated a considerable amount of input from residents. Though many of the suggestions for improvements did not easily fall within the scope and purpose of this program, all of the neighborhood concerns have been earnestly considered. The following summary covers items discussed with residents that were not included in a project proposal, and it further explains the decisions made about each suggestion and how the City Staff is responding to your concerns. Specific requests 1. Fix basketball court at Creekside Park. Initially, there was a frame around the court to provide ice skating facilities in the winter, however, that arrangement did not work and it was removed leaving a rim. This item was referred to the Parks and Recreation Department who will be putting a dirt slope around the edge of the basketball court to make it safer. 2. Put a street sign on the east end of Maple. The Department of Public Works will put up a Maple Street sign as soon as possible. 3. Provide a low interest loan for housing rehabilitation. This has been referred to the Housing Rehabilitation Program staff, however, the final decision rests with the City Council. 4. Cut bushes on Summit Street bridge. The Summit Street bridge and the fence along the railroad track belong to the Chicago -Rock Island -Pacific Railroad, and the City has had problems in the past in getting the railroad to fix its property. Both the Forestry Division and the Department of Public Works are aware of the problems in these areas and they will be contacting the C.R.I.P. railroad about cutting bushes and boarding up holes in the fences. 5. Clean up litter and junk. Hopefully, at a later stage in program implementation, it will be possible to organize neighborhood participation projects to "clean- up". Until then, specific complaints are being referred to the Department of Public Works. 6. Enforce speeding and control vandalism in the neighborhood. This request was forwarded to the Police Department. Chief Miller will send officers to patrol the neighborhood as often as possible, however, he would like residents to understand that because of worse problems in other areas of Iowa City, the police cannot be there all the time. 7. Provide ice skating facilities. This has been considered many times in the past. At present the Department of Parks and Recreation prefers to keep all ice skating facilities in City Park because first-aid stations and warming stations can easily be set up there. It is also a problem to main- tain the ice surface in good condition at sites other than City Park. Large scale projects 1. Transportation/Traffic. Transportation problems are impossible to evaluate or solve at a neighborhood level, primarily because transportation facilities Topic 7 -- Large scale projects continued Page 2 are networks connecting areas, cities or regions. Any change in the traffic patterns of one neighborhood affects traffic patterns throughout the city. For this reason all transportation -related concerns have been referred to the City Staff working on the Comprehensive Plan for Iowa City and to the Department of Public Works in order that these issues receive comprehensive, long-term consideration by transportation planners. The projects suggested by residents include: a. closing Court Street at Muscatine, b. closing Summit Street to through traffic, c. building a cyclist/pedestrian bridge across the railroad tracks at Summit, d. prohibiting on -street parking, e. fixing the Summit Street bridge, f. placing more stop signs throughout the neighborhood, and g. extending bus service at night. Some of these projects would require great expense and long-term budget commit- ments by the City Council which cannot be paid for by the neighborhood improve- ment grant. In addition, there were considerable differences of opinion among neighborhood residents about the existence of transportation problems and about the methods that should be employed to solve them. The Department of Public Works is opposed to using stop signs as a traffic control device primarily from a safety standpoint, i.e., children in the neighborhood start to cross streets expecting cars to stop at the signs, however, motorists very often do not look for stop signs when they are not used to seeing signs on major streets. The issues are complicated, necessitating careful study of neighborhood trafficways in relationship to the rest of the city. 2. Underground utilities. Residents suggested this project in order to remove utility poles from the neighborhood. Placing utilities underground for this purpose was estimated at $200-500 per house, an expense this program cannot support. While underground utilities may remove unsightly utility poles, they also cause problems for trees growing in the area. 3. Lighting projects. It has been the policy of the City Council to expend funds for lighting only at street intersections and only as it is required for motorists to see oncoming cars and pedestrians. Street lights are installed and maintained by Iowa -Illinois Gas and Electric Company, and the city pays a yearly fee for electrical power (about $50 per year per light). Additional lighting projects at this time are considered infeasible for several reasons: a. adding street lights will adversply,effect .the City energy conservation program, b. adding street lights will involve long-term budget commitments in terms of utility payments, and c. power sources in many neighborhoods are presently operating at capacity -- street light additions may require the expense of putting in new power lines. 0 Topic 7 -- continued E Page 3 As consolation to residents who requested lights to prevent vandalism, the Police Department says studies across the country show that lights do not deter vandals and, in fact, lights are a frequent target for vandals. Long-range trends and concerns Several important concerns voiced by residents at previous meetings raised policy questions which cannot be addressed by the neighborhood improvement program. ,111 of the long-range issues were referred to the Planning Division of the Department of Community Development for consideration in the development of the Comprehensive Plan for Iowa City. In addition, the Planning Staff has recommended possible approaches for alleviating several of the following dilemmas: 1. Spot zoning, multi -family housing. The City Council makes the final decision on zoning matters. Your concerns about encouraging single- family housing and prohibiting multi -family housing will be referred to the Council, and you, in turn, could ask the Council to consider "down -zoning" your neighborhood. 2. Upkeep of rental properties. Enforced maintenance of rental properties is a problem throughout Iowa City. The City Housing Commission has been considering a landlord -tenant ordinance which would give landlords an incentive to maintain their property in good condition. Your concerns will be forwarded to the Housing Commission and the City Council. 3. Negative effects from mixed land uses, i.e., dust and noice from light industrial areas. The city and the University are currently involved in a project studying the negative effects of mixed land uses and the possibility of changing zoning laws to remedy some of the negative effects. The study may develop techniques which would be useful in providing compatible land uses in your neighborhood. Many of these issues are complex planning problems for which successful solutions are not readily apparent. Since the City Council is responsible for directing staff effort and for making all final decisions, it is important that they be informed of issues that you feel are most significant in the development of your neighborhood. The staff will refer your suggestions to the City Council and appropriate City Commissions. At the same time, if you feel very strongly about a particular issue, you are encouraged to individually contact Council and Commission members.