HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-04 Bd Comm minutes
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MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JUNE 28,2007
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
FINAL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Alicia Trimble, Tim
Toomey, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Michael Brennan, John McCormally
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sunil Terdalkar
OTHERS PRESENT: Helen Burford, John Hayek, Marlin Ingalls, Liz Finnegan, Mike Oliveira
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Burford said that she had some comments to make on behalf of Friends of Historic Preservation
regarding the Preservation Plan. She said she would prefer to discuss this after the other agenda items
have been resolved.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION:
Deferred Applications:
919 and 923 East Washinqton Street. Terdalkar said that the owner of these properties has requested
that consideration of related applications be deferred until the Commission's July meeting, as he is
currently out of town. Terdalkar added that he and Toomey visited the property as requested by the
Commission. He added that a memo about the condition of the garage has been included in the packet
and the applicant has been informed about Toomey assessment.
Certificates of Appropriateness:
515 East Davenport Street. Terdalkar said that this property is a local landmark. He said the application is
for alterations to the house, including foundation repair, removal of a non-historic cellar enclosure at the
back of the house, and the relocation of the cellar door to replace an existing basement window to the
west. Terdalkar said the applicant is also requesting the demolition of an existing garage to build a new
garage.
Terdalkar said the applicant intends to reuse most of the existing block for the foundation. He showed
photographs of the property and said that the garage is fairly close to the house, and there is not much
room to maneuver a car. Terdalkar said the garage is typical of the time it was built in, probably around
1933. He said, however, there is not much of a foundation for the garage, and the applicant is trying to
save the wood siding on the existing garage to reuse it if possible. Terdalkar said the new garage would
be built behind the house on the southwest corner of the property.
Miklo added that the application appears to meet the guidelines. He said that ordinarily this would have
been listed as a consent item, but because it is a landmark and the proposed change is fairly significant,
staff thought the Commission should discuss this application.
Ingalls, the owner of the property, said there once was a creek running beside the house so that half of
the house is on regular ground and half of it is on made ground. He said the fill has subsided over the
years and formed large drainage cracks and resulted in serious compression issues. Ingalls said the plan
is to put it back as it was - to lift it up and put the foundation back in segments.
Ingalls said the garage had no foundation originally but sat on wood and posts. He said that it is very far
gone and was when he purchased the property. Ingalls said that replacing the garage and moving it up
the hill a little bit will open up the space, help the security for the property, and restore the east side to its
original configuration.
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June 28, 2007
Page 2
Ingalls said that the National Register nomination says that this property is the focal point of the block.
Weitzel asked for the date of the construction of the house, and Ingalls responded that it was built in
1881. Weitzel said that the garage was not in that 1881 context. Ingalls agreed. He said he would be
saving everything he could from the garage, but the block is handmade and very soft.
Ponto asked Ingalls if he would reuse the basement door when it is moved. Ingalls said that part of the
problem with drainage is that when the storm sewer fills up, it drains down both sides of the house to the
door in the basement. He said that he will move the cellar entry up under the sun porch and then raise the
grade.
Ponto asked about the material for the door. Ingalls said that for the casing, he will probably have one
built. He added that he has other original doors from the house that he will probably have fitted in there, if
possible. He said that the original door is gone, but it was a 1920s four-panel door, and he would use a
similar door there and make it look solid.
Toomey asked if the door is below the wood trim. Ingalls confirmed this and said the current door is a
steel door. He said that the casing and door were installed within the last 15 years or so.
Baker asked what Ingalls would use for the garage if enough wood cannot be salvaged from the old
garage. Ingalls said that if he has to use additional material, he plans to make it look like the house siding.
He said he may not have enough siding to reuse to cover the garage. Ingalls said that he would use wood
siding with a similar exposure to what is on the house. Weitzel pointed out that fiber cement board is an
approved substitute for wood.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application for 515 East
Davenport Street, as specified in the application, with the understanding that if additional siding is
needed for the garage, that it be either wood or fiber cement board, with the basement door to be
approved by staff. Baker seconded the motion.
Weitzel said the motion gives staff the latitude to select a historically appropriate door. He added that the
applicant has done an admirable job in making the site plan more authentic and is willing to use
appropriate materials.
The motion carried on a vote of 7 -0.
617 Ronalds Street. Terdalkar said that the applicant is requesting the approval of wider windows. He
said all of the windows that had an original width of 28 inches will now be replaced with 36-inch wide
windows. Terdalkar said the applicant is also asking for approval to not install an awning-style window as
was previously approved by the Commission.
Terdalkar stated that he sent Commission members an e-mail regarding additional items the applicant
would like to have reviewed. He said that if the Commission feels it has enough information, those items
may also be considered. Terdalkar said those items include the installation of enlarged vents on the
existing gables where smaller vents are currently located. He said the applicant would also like to install
two skylights, one above each of the bathrooms.
Terdalkar said the applicant would be reusing the existing chimney. He said that would require the
installation of a chimney cap that would be slightly visible, but no approval is required for that because a
permit is not needed. Terdalkar added that the vent being requested is a polyurethane material, not wood,
so the Commission would need to consider that. He said the website for the material says that it is
paintable, but it also mentions that using dark colors is not recommended for the vents. Terdalkar added
that one of the staff recommendations is to use some kind of trim around the vent to match the trim
around the windows.
Toomey asked about the reason for the change. Oliveira said there is not enough air in the attic for the
space. He said the air space will not be big enough in the attic for good circulation, once the insulation is
added to the walls. Oliveira said he would like to use just a rectangular vent, and the contractor told him
he would need a bigger vent. He said that the difference in size is about eight inches.
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June 28, 2007
Page 3
Terdalkar said there is some standard about the square footage that a vent should be for a certain floor
area of an attic. He thought it was about one square foot for 144 square feet of floor area of the attic.
Weitzel asked if the vent being requested would be the minimum size. Terdalkar said he did not know
what the floor area of the attic is. Weitzel said it would be the same as the floor plan. Miklo pointed out
that the current vent is probably aluminum and therefore would not be a historic material. He said this will
probably not be a significant change visually from what is there now.
Ponto asked about the current width of the front door. Oliveira said that it is either 30 or 32 inches. Ponto
said that the looking at the front fac;:ade, the windows on the main floor appear narrow and tall, and the
door gives that same feel. He said he wonders what it will look like with wider windows.
Terdalkar said the plan shows a 32-inch door. Ponto said that if the all the windows are 36 inches wide,
the door may seem abnormally narrow. Oliveira said that he had approval to change the front two
windows to 36 inches. He said he wants the windows to be the same all the way around. Oliveira said
that he has to have egress on both sides anyway. He said that on the front side of the building, the wider
windows will really help with the livability of the house, as it is fairly dark inside.
Oliveira said the issue is that when this house is done, with windows all the same size, it will have pretty
good curb appeal. He said he plans to use red frame windows and will match the shingles up on top.
Oliveira said he would be glad to widen the front door and would be glad to put a more secure door there
anyway.
Weitzel said that he is a little concerned about changing the windows on the front fac;:ade, simply because
that's the size they were built. Oliveira said that when this is all done, he did not know if one would really
notice. He said that when this is all done, one would notice if the windows were different but might not
notice if they're the same. Oliveira said that all the windows on the front fac;:ade are the same width now
and may vary a little bit in height.
Toomey asked about the siding. Oliveira said the house is sided in aluminum. Toomey asked about the
trim. Oliveira said the window he is considering is an architecturally historic-type window made by
JeldWen and has a snap-on metal clad piece for that window. Liz Finnegan showed the two window
samples to Commission members - a clad window and the wood version of the same window. She said
that both types of windows are paintable.
Weitzel said that the window has a nice simulated light. He said it has good depth, and the frame is a
good thickness. Finnegan said that the windows can be done with putty SDL, which looks like the old
putty glazed windows.
Oliveira said that he wants to get a style of window approved with the right size and right configuration of
trim. He said that as a property owner for the long term, it behooves him to get something approved that
is together. Michaud said the Commission already approved metal clad for this house. Miklo said the
issue is the frame.
Toomey said that the issue is to be close to being historically correct in appearance. He said that a lot of
that has been wiped out with the installation of the aluminum siding. Finnegan said that there is a
cladding option that snaps an extended subsill on the window that allows a groove to let things be brought
down if they need to be. She said that it starts to get a little deep when one does that, and not a lot of
buildings can accommodate that.
Weitzel asked what is under the aluminum siding. Oliveira said there is no wood underneath. He said
there is felt board and then aluminum. Weitzel stated that it would be a much more substantial project to
remove the aluminum and restore a wood look at this point.
Finnegan pointed out that for years double hungs for new construction and replacement had a lot of vinyl.
She said that the new windows have wood to the outside and inside, and JeldWen has replaced as much
as possible with cladding to cover as much as the vinyl as possible.
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June 28, 2007
Page 4
Miklo said that one issue is that typically, the Commission hasn't approved metal as a trim. He said that
this case is a little unusual in that there is no trim remaining. Miklo said that either option would be an
improvement over the existing situation. He said that the wood clad is obviously acceptable according to
the guidelines, and the other might be. Miklo said it would have to be a unique situation like this before he
would even suggest the Commission consider the metal clad.
Finnegan said that the windows could be ordered with an accessory groove that would snap in and come
back and return back to the house. She said that would give closure to the bottom, and there could be
extended ears on them. Finnegan said they return back to the sheathing, giving something to side up to
and two on the sides.
Miklo said that in terms of preservation, the siding will some day need to be replaced, and the goal would
be to use cement board or something more accurate to the historic reveal.
Weitzel asked about the life span of the windows. Finnegan said the window has a 20-year warranty on
all parts, the color of the cladding, and against fading. She said that the metal clad window would be
about $300 more than the other window, and both windows have the same warranty. Oliveira said that if
he can get the frame on it, it is a lot easier to install than having to fit the siding around.
Weitzel said that any time the Commission approves a new material, it needs to consider the
circumstances under which it will and will not be allowed and if it really satisfies the requirements of a
substitute material. He pointed out that the hardi-plank siding was extensively tested and researched.
Toomey said there is also a question of the capping at the top of the windows, because there is
something going on there. Oliveira said those are vinyl windows that he has agreed to replace. Toomey
said that the top casings on these windows may have been the friezeboard at the top, but that detail no
longer remains.
Weitzel said if the Commission is going to approve a metal window, there should be a motion for that
separate from the application. He said it should state all the particulars and reasoning. Weitzel said the
Commission should then address the window replacement and look at the newer requests - the skylights
and the vents.
Toomey asked if, on the metal sill extensions, the ends would be capped off. Finnegan confirmed that
they would close off on the ends.
Michaud said that she likes the metal clad and thinks it makes a lot of sense and looks historically
accurate. She said she is concerned about expanding the size of the windows because of that porch.
Michaud said it looks like the window is almost up to the railing on the porch anyway so that the 36-inch
one would start at the railing. Weitzel said it is actually two feet over. Michaud said that it is right next to
the railing, so it would have to go to the center quite a bit. She said that she is concerned that having a
dark window and increasing the width of the window by six inches will really increase the massing effect.
Oliveira said that the windows on the bottom are actually set out. He said he had the capacity to set those
windows in and line them up with the second floor. Finnegan said that they all have to be reframed
anyway because of all the termite damage.
Toomey said that if the top windows are moved out and the bottom ones are moved in, they would be
close to being aligned with each other, which is what is usually seen. He said that the current windows
look small to him. Michaud asked if the windows would notch out for the railing. Oliveira said they would
not be - that they would be moved over. He said they would be stacked.
MOTION: Michaud moved that because this is a metal sided house with no wood under the metal
siding, that it makes sense to use the metal clad windows with a metal attached frame as a
replacement.
Trimble asked if metal extensions and caps should be included in the motion. Terdalkar said that if the
Commission is allowing the use of metal trim for the windows, it would come with a sill package. He said
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June 28, 2007
Page 5
that this would basically be approving metal casing in this case. Terdalkar suggested that this material be
considered on a case-by-case basis and that this not be a blanket approval for this material.
Weitzel suggested the Commission consider the substitute material as a completely separate motion from
this application. Terdalkar agreed that the Commission should just consider using metal casing as an
acceptable substitute for wood trim.
Swaim suggested the Commission approve the occasional use of metal clad windows with metal casing
on a case-by-case basis.
MOTION: Michaud moved that in unique circumstances, where the metal material is in lieu of no
window trim, that consideration may be given to metal trim versus the wood or cement board
approved in other instances, on a case-by-case basis. Swaim seconded the motion.
Ponto said it is foreseeable that the Commission will see more and more of this in the future as situations
like this arise and as technology continues advancing. Toomey said this is metal, but it is also heavy, cast
aluminum. Weitzel agreed that it would be good to have this additional leeway in extreme circumstances.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the windows at 617 Ronalds
Street as proposed, with the following: the option of either the wood JeldWen windows as shown
or the metal JeldWen windows as shown, with metal windows to have sill extenders as described;
that on the front fac;ade the windows be moved in such a way that they are stacked vertically; and
with the option of increasing the size of the front door to 36 inches. He stated that in this
exceptional circumstance, this particular house, which has rio trim, and with trying to salvage the
existing aluminum siding with the associated abutments to the window frame, the window
packages that were described as options with either the wood or metal casement would be
appropriate in this unique circumstance. Toomey seconded the motion.
Weitzel said he still had reservations about changing the front fenestration. He said he appreciates the
desire to update the windows and said this is going to cause some unique situations and when trying to
fix that issue when the sills have been damaged by termites, but he was not sure that is enough of a
reason to give a waiver to change all the windows of the house.
Baker said she had the same concern. She said it is not that uncommon for houses to have different
sized windows. Terdalkar agreed. He said the way the fenestration is used on this house was fairly
common in the era this house was built. Terdalkar said the windows on the first floor are taller than the
windows on the second floor in houses of this era.
Terdalkar said that the front fac;:ade is not a three-bay fac;:ade-one bay being a section of windows
stacked over each other, one with the central door and the other with another set of windows. He said the
way it has been divided is horizontally, with a three-bay on the first floor and two-bay on the second floor.
Terdalkar said that is why the windows are like this, to have them placed centrally on the top floor and the
same on the bottom floor. He said that is the way the house was designed. Terdalkar said there is
asymmetry in the fac;:ade from the beginning. He said the porch configuration has three piers, not two or
four. Terdalkar said that moving them together and stacking them on one another would probably make it
closer to a three-bay, with nothing in the central bay.
Weitzel said that this house has had a lot of alterations, but it is in a historic district. Toomey said that if
the bottom windows are enlarged, they have to come into the center. He said that if the same thing is
done on the second story and the windows are enlarged, because of the snow and the pitch of the roof,
they don't necessarily have to be aligned straight with each other. Oliveira said they will come close, but it
won't be exact.
Ponto said his point is that, assuming the windows are enlarged, he would rather see them stacked than
offset. Toomey asked about the height of the windows. Oliveira said it would be exactly the same; the
intention is to make the windows the same height as what is currently there. Finnegan said the exception
would be the two egress windows on the sides of the house as previously approved.
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June 28, 2007
Page 6
Toomey asked Terdalkar for his opinion on the placement of the windows. Terdalkar said that if one tries
to match the central portion of the house, there would be a larger blank on the top floor. Finnegan said
that because the windows all have to be reframed, one could keep the two and the three and offset them
appropriately.
Ponto asked how the original trim around the windows fit in with the porch when this was original.
Terdalkar said the railing is probably not original.
Swaim stated that she did not have a problem with the wider windows. She said she likes the idea of
having some natural light in the house, especially when there is such a dense roof. Swaim said it would
increase the livability of a house that has been compromised by the siding.
Toomey asked Terdalkar if he would recommend for the upper story that the center of the line of the
windows be the same for the new windows. Terdalkar suggested moving the top windows by four inches
or so to the center but keeping the same configuration. He suggesting keep the same frame but
increasing the inside width.
MOTION: Ponto amended the motion to include a recommendation to keep the outer edges of the
windows the same with the extra width to be added on the inside, if the wider windows are
installed. Toomey seconded the amendment.
Weitzel stated that he would like to see this point be stronger than a recommendation but said he could
live with this. Oliveira said that would be acceptable to him also. He said he would give directions to his
carpenter, who would have to get it in there so that it works.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Weitzel asked for comments regarding the skylights and vents. Trimble asked if the skylights would be
visible from the street. Terdalkar said they would be visible from one corner in the back. He said the
skylights would meet the guidelines' recommendation regarding visibility.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the skylights and vents at
617 Ronalds Street, as proposed, with the substitute polystyrene material for the vents.
Finnegan said that the polyurethane doesn't break down. She said it doesn't expand and contract and is
very stable. Finnegan said that it is used in high places where one doesn't want to have to paint
frequently. She said that is also why dark colors are not recommended - because the paint cannot be
warranted. Finnegan said the material won't expand and contract like wood, although it could be
damaged by hailstones. She said that it could be painted a dark color, but the color would fade.
Weitzel said that the Commission would probably want to consider this material with a separate motion
and !ndicate whether it would be approved on a case-by-case or a wholesale basis.
Swaim withdrew her motion.
MOTION: Swaim moved that, in unique circumstances, consideration may be given to a material
such as polystyrene for vents, on a case-by-case basis. Ponto seconded the motion.
Weitzel said that on a case-by-case basis, he feels it is wise to have something that will fit in a vent
situation that will take a lot of weathering so that it will not have to be replaced all the time. He said that it
looks okay, and one can't tell it from wood.
The motion carried on a vote of 7 -0.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the skylights and vents at
617 Ronalds Street, with the vents to be of a polystyrene material but not painted a dark color as
proposed on the application.
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June 28, 2007
Page 7
Terdalkar said the skylights measure 22 by 38. He said they are fixed skylights, not open skylights.
Terdalkar said that each of them is over a bathroom on the west rooflines. Weitzel said one will be on the
porch roof and one on the main roof above that. He said that neither is on a prominent location from the
street.
Michaud seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
831 East Colleqe Street. Terdalkar said this is a contributing property in the College Green Historic
District. He stated that this application requests the approval for the removal of a scroll pediment on a
dormer.
Terdalkar showed a photograph of the pediment and said there are some other details that are very
similar in style on the house. He said the porch is very ornate, with capitals on the columns. Terdalkar
said there is also another scroll pediment on the east side of the house.
Hayek, one of the owners of the property, distributed a statement from his contractor. He showed some
photographs of the pediment and said that he still has it in storage. Hayek said that the pediment was
restored several years ago and then put back up on the building. He distributed an affidavit by John
Milder regarding leakage on the roof right below where the pediment was located.
Hayek said the pediment was damaged in last year's tornado and was then taken down. He stated that it
is a very attractive architectural feature, but it is rotted, and if he puts it back up, he'll have to have it
rebuilt first. Hayek said that there was copper flashing on the back of it, but he believes that the
penetrations through the roof when it was reinstalled caused water and snow to back up behind it. He
said that having the pediment down has solved the leakage problem, although from a visual standpoint it
is not as good.
Hayek said that he is retroactively asking to keep the pediment down, although he recognizes that is not
the right way to do it. He said that he could put it back up, but it would have to be rebuilt, and the
contractor says it will cost quite a bit to do so.
Weitzel said that in fairness, the Commission should consider this as before the fact basically - for better
or worse for the applicant, the Commission shouldn't consider whether or not this has been taken off yet.
Hayek recognized that he should have come to the Commission before this was taken down but added
that it was damaged in the storm.
Toomey asked if the roof had been reshingled. Hayek said he thought it had been reshingled, because
the house did have some roof damage in the tornado also. Weitzel agreed and said that the back corner
of the house had a tree fall on it.
Terdalkar said he noticed the pediment after the tornado. Weitzel said that it was damaged. Terdalkar
said there will be some problems if the pediment is not maintained, because the slope of the dormer is
pretty steep.
Hayek said that with enough and frequent maintenance, one could keep the roof from leaking up there,
but it is a difficult spot to get to and maintain. He said that it would be a lot easier to maintain the building
without the pediment, recognizing that the tradeoff is the architectural feature.
Weitzel agreed that it was a very stunning part of this house. He said he was also struck that the copper
flashing extended all the way up to the back of that pediment, so he thought something else was causing
it to rot.
Toomey said he believes this roof has probably been reshingled a number of times; and this pediment
has probably been taken off every time. He said that it reached the point where it was put back up there
improperly. Toomey said it should be possible to easily replace it so that it does not cause a maintenance
problem. He said it could be angled back to give some clearance at the bottom so that water can get out
and not dam up behind it. Toomey said that a good paint on the pediment, possibly an epoxy paint, would
be appropriate. He said that if it is repaired and a proper finish put on it, there shouldn't be any long-term
problems.
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June 28, 2007
Page 8
Weitzel asked Toomey if what he is proposing would hold up in a very strong wind. Toomey confirmed
this. He stated that one could use angle brackets with cross bracing in a couple of places, and it won't go
anywhere. Toomey said there should be some clearance underneath, with brackets on it and two bolts on
each side and a blackjack over the tops of the heads, and there should be no problem. He said it has to
be put up where it won't cause any problems. Miklo asked Toomey to work with Terdalkar to provide a
drawing for a contractor to use of how to attach the pediment.
Swaim said the house looks so different without the pediment. She said she definitely would like to see it
back on there in a way that will work.
Weitzel said that this would be an ideal application for the funding that was provided to those with storm
damage. He said it is a high expense item, but it really contributes to the historic nature of the
neighborhood. Terdalkar said that the State Historical Society has established an emergency grant, and
he would get the contact information to Hayek. Weitzel said the last he had heard there was several
thousand left over. Terdalkar added that a project could qualify for up to $15,000, which would more than
take care of this project.
Michaud asked if there used to be a ball on top of the center cone. She showed sample photographs of
different sizes of polystyrene pediments in the catalog containing the vents approved in the previous
application. Swaim said that putting that material on a house with aluminum siding would be different than
putting it on this structure. Ponto said that if it could be custom replicated and painted, it would look
exactly the same. Michaud said that it would be a lower maintenance solution if it could be done.
Weitzel suggested that the original pediment be repaired and attached the proper way. Toomey said that
a good epoxy paint job could properly seal up the pediment.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the demolition of a
pediment at 831 East College Street.
Ponto said he would vote against the motion. Weitzel said the City Attorney's Office has made a
determination that it was confusing to require motions to be stated in the affirmative and that a motion
could be made either way by a board or commission member.
Ponto withdrew the motion.
Weitzel asked Hayek if he would be willing to explore options with Toomey and staff for restoring the
pediment and getting funding from the State. Hayek responded that he was willing to do so. Weitzel said
that Hayek could therefore go ahead and proceed, and there would not be any action required by the
Commission. Miklo said it would concern a certificate of no material effect. Weitzel said that is something
that staff and the chair would just sign-off on.
Terdalkar said that because there is a case open in the Housing and Inspection Services Office, the
Commission would need to decide on a timeline for this. He said that in a similar case, the Commission
gave either one or two construction seasons for completion of the project. Weitzel suggested giving a
twelve-month period, to be included in the wording on the certificate of no material effect. Terdalkar
added that he and Toomey would produce a drawing to present to Hayek and his contractor.
Minutes for Mav 31, 2007 and June 12, 2007.
Mav 31,2007. Terdalkar said he went through the minutes a second time and added some text. He asked
Commission members to let him know about anything that should be changed.
Baker said that she had typographical corrections to submit. Weitzel said that he also had typographical
corrections, none of which would change the substance or meaning of what was said, to submit. He
added that when there are no substantive changes, the minutes may just be filed. The consensus of the
Commission was to file the minutes of the May 31, 2007 meeting.
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June 28, 2007
Page 9
June 12. 2007. Swaim said that on page four, in the sixth paragraph, the word "under" in the second
sentence should be deleted.
Weitzel said that on page four, his comments in paragraph four should read, "Weitzel said that other than
typos and formatting concerns, it seems the concept of neighborhoods was becoming confused between
preservation districts and City neighborhoods. For example, the area the guidelines marked as the
Longfellow Neighborhood has many districts in it, but its outline may not exactly follow that of say the
Longfellow Neighborhood Association." He said that he also had some typographical corrections to
submit. Baker said she also had some typographical corrections.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve the Commission's June 12, 2007 minutes, as amended. Trimble
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
OTHER:
Burford said that the Friends of Historic Preservation held a preliminary discussion of the Preservation
Plan draft. She said that Friends of Historic Preservation has asked to have a teleconference with Marlys
Svendsen to work out how Friends of Historic Preservation should be represented and what it will do
should be spelled out. Burford said there was a lot of discussion about financial incentives and the
comments in the plan regarding the role of Friends of Historic Preservation.
Burford said there were two things that Friends of Historic Preservation would like to see addressed. She
said one item concerns research of the brick streets and having a policy to protect all brick streets. Miklo
asked if the point would be to include a comment regarding maintaining the infrastructure, such as brick
streets. Burford said that Friends of Historic Preservation would actually like to see an ordinance passed
that would protect the brick streets. Miklo said his concern would be getting into something that specific.
Weitzel said he would be reticent for the Commission to engage in an ordinance that would apply to both
new and old streets, unless it was specifically for historic districts or historic brick streets. He said that if
an ordinance would just in general cover brick streets anywhere in town, then it would lose the focus of a
historic context.
Burford asked if there is a surveyor a map. Miklo replied that the brick streets have been inventoried.
Burford said that would be a good starting point.
Weitzel said that if a brick street has been resurfaced a number of times with asphalt, the original brick
will have been ruined by the grinding machines that go into the brick. He said the asphalt looks like it
would just peel right off, but it does not. Miklo said there could be a statement in the plan to call out that
the brick streets are a historic asset, and there should be a program for preserving them. Burford said that
it crosses a line where there needs to be some advocacy with public works.
Miklo said the Preservation Plan would be the place to raise that in general. Weitzel said that a policy
would be about as far as the Commission can go. He did not think the Commission could advocate an
ordinance through the Plan.
Burford said that Friends of Historic Preservation would also like to identify and prioritize the most
important buildings and properties to be protected. She said that the point is to be proactive and have a
policy to let everyone know where things stand.
Weitzel said that a significant resources survey might be in order, and it is something that could be done
through a CLG, to have someone investigate the most critical resources in Iowa City. He said that one
would have to work individually with each landowner, however, to get the properties nominated.
Burford said there was some discussion from the preliminary read-through that the Historic Preservation
Plan does not recognize that the City is unique in having a non-profit organization that has supported and
helped nurture the work in Iowa City for 35 years. Weitzel said that he felt that was fairly clear in the plan.
He said that Friends of Historic Preservation is mentioned several times and is cited as being an asset to
the community. Weitzel said that one could advocate for a stronger statement about that. He agreed that
Friends of Historic Preservation is remarkable and unique in its support of the community.
Historic Preservation Commission
June 28, 2007
Page 10
Burford said that Friends of Historic Preservation felt that the Salvage Barn was underrepresented in the
Plan. She said it is a community focal point and event where people come to discuss their projects and
get help and recommendations. Burford said it is very interactive and is a tremendous investment in
historic preservation and in the community. She added that the Salvage Barn is operated in cooperation
with the City, but this investment is not reflected in the Historic Preservation Plan. Burford said there are
things in the Plan's objectives that are accomplished in part by the Salvage Barn that are not reflected in
the Plan.
Miklo pointed out that Svendsen has received her final payment for the work done on the Preservation
Plan. He said he felt that she would be willing to have a teleconference and make some revisions, but at
some point, should additional work require perhaps ten to twenty more hours, Svendsen would expect to
be paid more. Miklo said the grant is exhausted; therefore, it would be good to identify key points to have
addressed. He said that the Plan should be fairly broad and forward thinking, with details to come later.
Miklo said there could be statements regarding a policy of promoting the protection of brick streets, etc.
He said that then during the implementation phase, the details can be ironed out.
Burford said that Friends of Historic Preservation felt that there was a suggestion in the Plan that Friends
of Historic Preservation take on more responsibility for certain things. She said that the Board did not
necessarily want to assume responsibility for certain things. Weitzel said he felt that was reflected in the
Plan where it says that all educational concerns cannot be deal with by Friends of Historic Preservation;
some of that has to be done through the Commission. Swaim said she also felt there was also a sense in
some places that Friends of Historic Preservation is being asked to do more. Weitzel said that he did not
feel that was meant in a bad way.
Swaim suggested that if there were a better explanation of the Salvage Barn and its complexities, then
that might help to balance things out. She said it would also show one of the ways in which Friends of
Historic Preservation pulls its weight. Weitzel said these are good comments, and there can also be a
couple of specific items regarding brick streets and a critical resources survey, as well as a paragraph to
be approved by Friends of Historic Preservation to describe what Friends of Historic Preservation does.
Miklo said that a teleconference with Svendsen with two or three Friends of Historic Preservation
representatives as well as the Commission's staff and chair would be appropriate. Swaim suggested
preparing draft language and specifying where it could go in the Plan to keep any potential costs of
amending the Plan down. The consensus was to hold a conference call with Svendsen, Weitzel,
Terdalkar, and interested members of the Board of Friends of Historic Preservation on a weekday at 5:30
p.m. Ponto pointed out that not only should the brick streets be preserved, but the stone curbs on those
streets should also be protected.
Weitzel referred to a memorandum from Paula Mohr, the CLG Program Coordinator, reminding people
that the CLG round is coming up for the next fiscal year. Weitzel said that he planned to work on a
proposal for a south side survey application, and Richard Carlson agreed to help write the proposal. He
asked if Commission members would prefer to see any other projects done first, but the consensus was
in favor of the south side survey.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
s/pcd/mins/hpcl6-2B-07. doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2007
6/28
X
OlE
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
X
6/12
X
OlE
OlE
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
5/31
X
X
OlE
X
OlE
X
X
X
X
5/17
X
OlE
OlE
X
X
OlE
X
X
X
4/12
X
X
X
OlE
X
X
X
X
X
3/08
OlE
X
X
OlE
OlE
X
X
X
2/08
X
X
X
X
OlE
X
X
X
Term
Expires
3/29/09
3/29/08
3/29/07
3/29/07
3/29/08
3/29/09
3/29/07
3/29/09
3/29/10
3/29/09
3/29/08
Name
Baker
Brennan
Carlson
Gunn
McCormaIly
Michaud
Ponto
X
OlE
X
X
Swaim
Trimble
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No Meeting
= Not a Member
Toomey
Weitzel
Approved
August 21, 2007
r=:
MINUTES
SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION
JULY 17,2007
G08/9 SENIOR CENTER
Members Absent:
Staff Present:
Others Present:
Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM
Robert Engel, Chuck Felling, David Gould, Jay Honohan, Betty
Kelly, Sarah Maiers and Nancy Wombacher
None
Michelle Buhman and Linda Kopping
Charlotte Walker
Call to Order:
Members Present:
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
None
APPROV AL OF MINUTES-Honohan
Motion: To approve the June 19, 2007 minutes as distributed. Motion carried on a
vote of 7-0. Kelly/Gould.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION-Honohan
Walker stated that she attended a meeting of the new Board established by the Johnson
County Consortium on Successful Aging. She noticed that the Senior Center was not
involved with the Board meeting or in planning the activities scheduled for this fall and
questioned whether or not the Senior Center had been invited to participate. Kopping
responded that the Center was not asked to plan, host or be a part of any Boards or
events.
Walker asked why the Senior Center was not represented on the Consortium's new Board
and reported being told that the Senior Center "was not interested" in being included.
Kopping responded that she had not been contacted about the Board or its scheduled
meetings and never indicated to anyone that the Center "was not interested" in
participating.
Walker questioned whether or not the Senior Center had ever been asked to provide
office space for the Consortium's Aging Specialist position recently established by the
Consortium. Kopping reported that she had not been contacted about providing an office
for this employee.
Walker suggested the Senior Center make arrangements with Table to Tahle to bring in
day old bread and pastries to share with seniors who come to the Center. Witwer Senior
Center in Cedar Rapids currently offers a similar program.
Approved
August 21, 2007
COMMISSION ASSIGNMENTS-Honohan
Gould agreed to write the web article summarizing today's meeting.
Honohan volunteered to write the web article summarizing the August 2007 meeting and
attend the City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings to report on the Center and
Commission's August meeting.
VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION EVENT
Jim Hall agreed to provide entertainment at the Volunteer Recognition Breakfast
scheduled for Friday July 20, 2007. Gift certificates will be given as door prizes and each
person in attendance will receive a gift in appreciation of their volunteer efforts during
2006. As in previous years, the senior nutrition program has agreed to order and help
prepare the recognition breakfast.
EXPANDED HOURS OF P ARTICIP ANT ACCESS TO THE POOL ROOM AND
COMPUTER LAB- KOPPING
Wombacher suggested that the current computer lab door be replaced with one that has a
window, so users do not feel cut off from the rest of the building. She went on to say that
several people have asked that the Computer Lab and Pool Room be made available to
members during the same extended hours as the Exercise Equipment room. Currently the
Exercise Equipment room is available to members on weekdays between 7 and 8 a.m.
and 5 -7 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.
Buhman provided a report outlining the frequency with which the Exercise Equipment
room is used during the extended hours. The room is used regularly on weekdays
between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and intermittently by independent contractors offering classes
during weekday evening hours. During weekend hours, the room is accessed by
members an average of 20 times each month.
Current staffing was reviewed. Kopping works until 6 p.m. on weekdays and a
maintenance employee works weekday evenings until 9 p.m. While staff members are
here to provide coverage during Center scheduled weekend events, no one is scheduled to
work weekends on a regular basis. Moreover, employee absences can further reduce staff
coverage during extended hours. It was noted that annual budget requests for additional
staff to facilitate expanded hours of operation have been denied repeatedly.
The Commission discussed safety concerns surrounding the use of the fitness room after
hours and on weekends when staffing is very limited or not available at all and agreed
that these concerns need to be addressed prior to considering expanded access to other
areas of the building.
Gould expressed concern regarding the current practice of opening the exercise room on
weekends in the absence of Center staff. The Center has an obligation to serve the
seniors, but it also has an obligation to protect them. It was the consensus of the
Commission is that the current policy opens up too many opportunities for people to be
2
Approved
August 21, 2007
injured with no available staff assistance and that the policy needs to be reviewed and
possibly revised.
Walker suggested that the hours of the Program Specialist and Volunteer Specialist be
modified to provide building coverage on weekends.
Engel, Maiers and Honohan volunteered to serve on a subcommittee to make a
recommendation regarding this policy.
OPERATIONS - Kopping
Kopping reported that she met with the Director of the Parks and Recreation Department,
Terry Trueblood, the Parks and Recreations Board Chair and Honohan to discuss various
programs and activities both departments offer and identify ways they can collaborate.
While there are differences in the way each department operates, there are several areas
they have in common. For instance, both departments produce a program guide, both
departments charge fees for services, offer classes, and use the same software programs.
The next step is to have staff from both departments get together to share ideas on how
they can cooperate to save money and increase services. These meetings are being
planned.
The Assembly Room project is nearing completion. The acoustical panels have been
installed. The tables and chairs are schedule for delivery in August.
The large construction project that includes the renovation to the ground floor restrooms
is on hold until the funding is provided.
Linda and Buhman talked to a representative from Recognition Art to discuss ways to
acknowledge those who donate to the Center. He suggested incorporating the following
four approaches for recognizing donors:
1. A permanent display to recognize large donations to the Center's Foundation.
2. A smaller, easily modified display to recognize annual donations. This display
could be updated on a monthly basis.
3. A display listing cumulative donations. This display would recognize donations
by giving level and would be designed so names could be moved from one level
to another. It was suggested that corporate donations be included on the
cumulative giving display.
4. A display recognizing donations made in memory or in honor of someone.
COMMISSION DISCUSSION-Kelly
Engel gave a brief report to the Board of Supervisors and City Council.
Motion: To adjourn. Motion carried on a vote of 7-0. KellylFelling
3
Approved
August 21, 2007
Senior Center Commission
Attendance Record
Year 2007
Name Term 1/16 2/20 3/19 4/17 6/19 7/17
Expires
Bob Engel 12/31/08 X X OlE X X X
David Gould 12/31/08 X X X OlE OlE X
Chuck Felling 12/31/09 NIA NIA X X X X
Jay Honohan 12/31/07 X X X X OlE X
Betty Kelly 12/3 1/07 X X X X X X
Sarah Maier 12/31/06 X X X X X X
Nancy Wombacher 12/3 1/06 OlE OlE OlE X X X
Key:
X=
0=
O/E=
NM=
Present
Absent
Absent/Excused
No meeting
Not a member
4
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREA nON COMMISSION
July 11, 2007
c::
FINAL I
MEMBERS PRESENT: David Bourgeois, Craig Gustaveson, Margie Loomer, Ryan O'Leary,
Matt Pacha, Jerry Raaz, Phil Reisetter, John Watson, John Westefeld
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Terry Robinson, Terry Trueblood
GUESTS PRESENT: Del Holland, Doug Dolan
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL:
OTHER FORMAL ACTION TAKEN
O'Leary asked that June 2007 minutes be revised as follows: Under "Recommendations to
Council", Moved by Gustaveson, seconded bv Reisetter to accept fees in lieu of land for
Whispering Meadows. Part 4. Passed 6-1 with 1 abstention (O'Leary).
Moved bv Gustaveson. seconded bv Loomer. to approve the June 13. 2007 minutes as
revised. Unanimous.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION:
No public discussion.
PRESENTATION OF CELL PHONE TOWER PROPOSAL FOR CITY PARK:
Doug Dolan with Dolan Realty Advisors, a commercial real estate firm that represents Verizon
Wireless, presented the preliminary plans to place a cell phone tower in City Park. He stated that
Iowa City is a very important market to Verizon wireless as it is a college town and college
towns are generally very heavy users. He also said that there is a concerted effort to provide
additional coverage to many college towns. According to Dolan, Verizon has received numerous
complaints from users about dropped calls and he also stated that there are capacity issues in City
Park. Dolan said that companies normally look at industrial areas or shopping areas to place
towers, however, the area of City Park is the area of concern for Iowa City.
Dolan further discussed the different pole options as well as details of the proposed building. He
stated that there are two different types of poles available, a flag pole or a uni-pole which would
not have the flag and would not need to be lighted. A uni-pole could be placed within the trees to
better camouflage it. Either pole would need to be about 100' tall as it has to be above the tree
line for a good signal. All antennas are contained within the pole. The building would take the
Parks and Recreation Commission
July 11, 2007
Page 2 of 5
appearance of the other City Park buildings. Dolan distributed copies of a site plan for
Commission review. The site plan does include a sidewalk and driveway for access to the
building and pole. Loomer asked what is the expected width of pole is. Dolan reported 2'-3'.
Pacha asked if anything had changed regarding the building size (11.5' x 30'). Trueblood stated
that initial plans showed the proposed building to be 12' x 20'. Dolan stated that, in fact, to be
able to include a back up generator for the system, the building would need to be 12' x 30'.
Dolan also stated that while a back-up generator is not required, it is certainly recommended.
Gustaveson asked if a new company wants to add to this tower would it be necessary to construct
another building. Dolan said that it would be necessary to expand the current building or add
another building. He added that the poles would remain the same; no additional poles would be
needed. O'Leary asked what the maximum number of companies using this system would be.
Dolan said that there would be a total of three companies allowed to use this location and that
that is typical. He also mentioned that this could ultimately result in a building that is 36'.
O'Leary asked if there was something planned to deter people from climbing the pole. Dolan
said that there is a fence included in this plan that would be placed around the pole. O'Leary also
asked if there had been other sites considered. Dolan stated that there is a possibility of leasing
some land from the University.
At this point the discussion turned to the amount of rent to be paid to the City for this property.
Trueblood noted that the amount suggested has varied greatly. He explained that the original
proposal from Verizon to the City was to pay $12,000-$15,000 per year. Trueblood responded
that the Commission would like to receive closer to $20,000 per year for this property.
Subsequent to this Cook Appraisers did some research for us as they do not specialize in this
type of appraisals. They stated that the City should receive $24,000 per year. Trueblood further
noted that while the City Attorney was working through the policy she was in touch with another
attorney who led her to a company that does specialize in this type of appraisal. She stated that
the City could possibly hire this company for a fee of $1,200 to do an appraisal of this property.
Trueblood also noted that the policy states that if there are multiple providers that Verizon would
not be allowed to charge a co-provider more than twice the amount of what they are paying the
City.
After much discussion, it was the consensus of the Commission that the plan that Verizon
presented is too ambiguous at this point to vote on their proposal. Commission asked Dolan to
come back with a very detailed site
It was consensus of commission that there is a great deal of discrepancy in the size of the
building and pole and that they would like a very detailed site plan be brought to them.
Westefeld stated that as the proposal is still pretty ambiguous that he would like to see a more
definite plan before voting on this. Gustaveson mentioned that the size of the building will be a
deciding factor for him.
Trueblood asked the Commission if they were to vote today, what their general consensus would
be. Loomer stated that she is opposed at this point feeling that this will open the door for more
similar requests. Gustaveson said he would reluctantly vote yes as long as the pole is well hidden
by the trees, and that the determining factor for him will be the proposed size of the building.
Parks and Recreation Commission
July 11, 2007
Page 3 of 5
Westefeld feels that this plan is too ambiguous at this point for him to react. He would like a
more specific plan presented. Raaz would like to hire an appraisal and also would like to see a
more specific site plan before voting. Bourgeois would like the City to hire the appraiser as he
feels we need to be asking for more rent that what has been proposed. O'Leary stated that if it is
an "eye-sore" he would vote no, no matter what amount of rent they pay.
Moved bv Boure:eois. seconded bv Gustaveson to defer a decision ree:ardine: the placement
of a cell phone tower bv Verizon Wireless in City Park until an appraisal is acquired of the
land to determine the amount of rent paid to the City and that Verizon Wireless and their
representatives provide a much more specific and detailed site plan to the Commission.
Unanimous.
CONSIDER LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR WETHERBY PARK SPLASH PAD FUND
RAISING EFFORTS:
The proposed letter was enclosed in the commission packets for review. In summary the letter
states that the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Commission and staff support the fundraising
efforts being undertaken by the Wetherby Friends and Neighbors and the Grant Wood
Neighborhood Association to go towards the construction of a splash pad in Wetherby Park. The
Commission also voted to recommend partial funding in next year's capital improvement
program.
Moved bv Raaz. seconded bv Gustaveson to approve the letter in support of the Wetherby
Park Splash Pad fund raisin!! efforts as written. Unanimous.
UPDATE OF MASTER PLAN STATUS. SCHEDULE. ETC.ub
Trueblood noted that the City Council has approved the Master Plan Advisory Committees
recommendation for the hiring of Greenplay from Broomfield Colorado to complete an Iowa
City Parks and Recreation master plan. He further stated that as soon as a contract is signed,
Greenplay would like to schedule a kick-off meeting. Greenplay will assign a "project team" to
work with the City on this Plan. They also generally ask that an advisory team be put together
by the City to get input from many different sources regarding the master plan. Trueblood asked
Commission if they would like this advisory committee to consist of just Commission members
or Commission members and public. The consensus of the Commission was that it is important
and necessary to include both Commission members and the community in this process.
V olunteers from the Commission to be a part of this advisory committee include David
Bourgeois, Margie Loomer, John Westefeld, Ryan O'Leary and Jerry Raaz. Trueblood noted
that the advisory committee will have to be available to meet with the advisory committee and
the project team.
COMMISSION TIME
Parks and Recreation Commission
July 11, 2007
Page 4 of 5
Raaz reminded commission of the state disc golf tournament scheduled for September 8 and 9.
He also spoke on behalf of Jeff Harper's wish to do a grand opening. Raaz reminded Trueblood
that Harper is waiting for some photos of a proposed shelter. Trueblood stated that he is in the
process of getting this information to Harper.
Raaz reported on his recent trip to SanDiego. He talked about a very large park (1900 acres) he
visited and the amenities that were offered such as food vendors, an arboretum, an amphitheater,
a zoo and many others. He said it was an amazing park and that there were thousands of people
in the park. Trueblood noted that at 1900 acres it is ten times the size of City Park.
Bourgeois talked about a show he saw on television where there was a camp offered for dogs.
This particular camp is in California. He mentioned that perhaps this is something that Iowa City
should look into as it would be a great revenue producer. The charge for this particular camp
was $2,400 per week.
Westefeld thanked David Bourgeois for his work on putting together the discount golf pass
program.
Gustaveson suggested that perhaps the City look at doing an on-line survey regarding the Master
Plan process.
CHAIR'S REPORT
No report.
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Emergency Communications Center: Trueblood announced that the proposed location for the
Emergency Communications Center is at the water plant. He did confirm that this building will
no way interfere with the park area.
Senior Center/Recreation Center: At the request of the City Manager, Trueblood met with Linda
Kopping, Director of the Senior Center, as well as Jay Honohan, Senior Center Commission
Chair, regarding the possibility of the Senior Center being placed under the jurisdiction of Parks
and Recreation. It was the consensus of the three of them that there is a need to involve more
staff. Trueblood stated that there will be more meetings to follow where other staff will be
included.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved bv Raaz. seconded bv Gustaveson to adiourn the meetine: at 6:20 p.m. Unanimous.
Parks and Recreation Commission
July 11, 2007
Page 5 of 5
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
TERM
NAME EXPIRES 1/10 2/7 3/14 4/10 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12
David
Boureeois 1/1/11 X OlE OlE X X OlE
Craig
Gustaveson 1/1/11 X OlE OlE OlE X X
Margaret
Loomer 1/1/08 X X OlE OlE X X
Ryan
O'Leary 1/1/1 0 X X X X X X
Matt
Pacha 1/1/09 X X X X X X
Jerry
Raaz 1/1/08 X X X X OlE X
Phil
Reisetter 1/1/09 OlE X X X X X
John
Watson 1/1/11 X OlE OlE X X OlE
John
Westefeld 1/1/10 X X X OlE X X
KEY:
X=
0=
OlE =
NM=
LQ=
Present
Absent
AbsentlExcused
No meeting
No meeting due to lack of quorum
Not a Member
MINUTES
IOWA CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
TUESDAY, July 24, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
FINAL
~
Members Present: Florence Ejiwale, Sara Baird, Kate Karacay, Beverly Witwer, Martha
Lubaroff and Scott King.
Others Present:
Stefanie Bowers, Kelli Smith.
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 June 26, 2007 meeting
MOTION: Ejiwale moved to accept the minutes and Baird seconded. The motion passed on a
vote of 6-0.
Inclusive Communities
Witwer and Baird updated Commissioners on the plans for becoming an Inclusive Community.
A proclamation will be submitted to the City Council by August 13 and a Ceremony will be
held on October 17th. The August Commission meeting date was changed to August 21st to
coincide with the City Council Meeting.
One-Community-One-Book
Author Timothy B. Tyson will come to Iowa City to discuss his book, Blood Done Sign My
Name, Friday, october 26. As more community discussion dates are picked, Commissioners
will decide whether to sponsor a community discussion or join an existing community
discussion.
Public Education Rights of International Families
Commissioners made a list of places to send the brochures and also decided to do a press
release. King is still looking for volunteers to translate the brochure in Spanish,
French and Arabic.
Human Rights Breakfast
Baird, witwer and Kross will serve on this sub-committee and plan to meet October 1 to go
over nominations. Karacay will also serve on the sub-committee. Commissioners agreed
that Witwer will be the MC and Baird, Karacay and Lubaroff will present the Awards.
Film Series
Invisible Children will be shown December 1st to coincide with International HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day. Karacay will locate panelist familiar with the AIDS epidemic in African
Countries. Witwer will preview a film for a possible selection in the spring of 2008.
Reports of Commissioners
King announced a program, Going Global in Iowa, which is being offered at no cost to non-
profit agencies on August 1st. Baird reported on a film, The World According to Sesame
Street, and the upcoming Michigan Womyn's Music Festival. Karacay spoke of her recent trip
to Turkey. Ejiwale mentioned her recent experiences flying to the south and dealing with
airport security, she also spoke of the sexual assaults occurring in Iowa City and the
high prison rate for African-Americans in Iowa. Witwer talked about her recent
participation in a roundtable discussion on Global Community and Diversity and also about
recent news events including the NAACP, The Academy for African American Students and the
prison rate of Blacks in Iowa.
Adjournment
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 8:31
p.m.
Board or Commission: Human Rights
ATTENDANCE RECORD
YEAR 2007
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 DIE X NM X X X
Sara Baird 1/1/08 X X X NM X X X
Scott King 1/1/08 DIE X X NM X OlE X
Martha 1/1/09 X OlE X NM X X X
Lubaroff
Kate Karacay 1/1/09 X X X NM OlE OlE X
Florence 1/1/09 --- --- --- --- --- X X
Ejiwale
Joy Kross 1/1/10 X X X NM X X DIE
(Meeting Date)
KEY:
x = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
--- = Not a Member
NMNQ - No meeting, no quorum
~
APPROVED
MINUTES
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
AUGUST 2, 2007 - 7:30 PM
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL - CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry Smith, Wally Plahutnik, Ann Freerks, Bob Brooks, Dean Shannon, Beth Koppes
MEMBER EXCUSED: Charlie Eastham
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo, Sara Walz, Sunil Terdalkar, Sara Greenwood
OTHERS PRESENT: Sarah Swartzendruber, Glenn Siders
Recommendations to Council:
Recommended approval, by a vote of 6-0 (Eastham absent) REl07-00008, a rezoning of approximately .21-
acres of property from Central Business Support (CB-5) zone and Neighborhood Public/Central Business
Support (P1/CB-5) zone to Central Business District (CB-1 0) zone subject to the following conditions:
a. The building to be constructed on this property will be a mixed-use commercial and residential
development with a minimum of one floor of commercial development above the ground floor.
b. The property shall contain a mix of studio or 1 bedroom units, 2 and 3-bedroom units, and there
shall be no dwelling units with more than 3 bedrooms.
c. No more than 30% of the dwelling units shall contain 3 bedrooms.
d. The building shall be a minimum height of 7 stories.
e. A parking requirement will be calculated for all dwelling units within the development based on the
parking requirements of the CB-5 zone, pursuant to Title 14, Chapter 5, Article A, of the Iowa City
Code, entitled "Off Street Parking and Loading Standards." Prior to issuance of an occupancy
permit for the building or buildings to be constructed on the property, payment of parking facility
impact fees will be made to the City for dwelling units for which on-site parking is not provided. The
amount of the fee for each required parking space not provided on-site shall be computed in the
manner set forth in sections 14-7B-7(C) and 14-7B-7(F) of the City Code. Payment, deposit, use
and refunds of fees shall be governed by sections 14-7B-8, 14-7B-9 and 14-7B-10 of the City
Code.
f. The building shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the Burlington Street right-of-way as
specified in 14-2C-8. In addition, this 1 a-foot setback applies to the upper floors of the building as
well as the ground floor. Certain building features, including projecting bays, may extend into the
required setbacks as specified in 14-2C-4B-4, except for the following. Balconies are not allowed
on the Burlington Street fayade and projecting bays are not allowed below the fourth floor of the
building.
g. The applicant shall grant a public access easement across the entire 1 a-foot walkway/setback
along Burlington Street to assure maintenance and snow removal.
h. The applicant shall provide landscaping and streetscape improvements, including textured paving
materials, plantings, and street furniture as approved by the City. This includes construction and
installation of the streetside landscaping within the Burlington Street right-of-way.
i. Substantial compliance with the preliminary plan submitted by the applicant showing the placement
of the building on the site.
j. Level II Design Review is required- the site and building will be reviewed for compliance
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 2
with the Design Review Guidelines as specified in 14-3C-3C and the CB-10 Site
Development Standards as specified in 14-2C-8. Special attention will be given to design
elements that encourage pedestrian activity at the street level and that break up the mass
of the building and differentiate it from the adjacent building proposed for the Hieronymus
development.
Call to Order:
Freerks called the meeting to order at 7:34 pm.
Public Discussion of Anv Item Not on the AQenda
No discussion.
Rezoning Items:
REZ07-00008: Discussion of an application submitted by Three Bulls, LLC for a rezoning from Central
Business Support (CB-5) zone to Central Business (CB-10) zone for approximately 2,035 square feet of
property located at 301 S. Dubuque Street and rezoning an additional 6965 square feet of adjacent property
from Neighborhood Public/Central Business Support (P1/CB-5) zone to Central Business District (CB-10)
zone. (45-day limitation period: August 2, 2007)
Walz said at the previous Commission meeting the applicant had expressed some concerns regarding the
wording of the Conditional Zoning Agreement (CZA). The Commission had also requested clarification of
some wording in the CZA. Based on this feedback, Walz had revised and clarified some wording in the CZA.
Site plan was placement of a building on the lot. For this application, Staff would like to see substantial
compliance with the site plan as submitted.
Because the City would be selling property to the applicant and this is a highly visible location in the
downtown, Staff recommended design review at Level II to ensure a structure of the proposed height would
work well with the existing and proposed structures and the downtown environment. Staff felt that the concept
plan for the design of the building addressed this issue. Variations in the roof line and bays had been
introduced to help break-up the mass of the proposed structure. To allow room for street trees wording had
been introduced into the CZA to clarify the City's position regarding that the bays could not project below the
4th floor. The language of the CZA had been clarified to require substantial compliance with the site plan in
terms of how the project fits onto the property. The revised language also provides for some flexibility
regarding how design of the buildings elevations provided that concerns regarding breaking up the visual mass
of the building and distinguishing it from the proposed Hieronymus Square are addressed. Walz had spoken
with the applicant's lawyer regarding the revised wording in the CZA.
Public discussion was opened.
Sarah Swartzendruber, 1 South Gilbert Street, attorney for Three Bulls LLC. The applicants were in favor of
the revisions to the CZA, it gave them some flexibility with design issues as they were still in the very
preliminary stages of the project.
Public discussion was closed.
Motion: Smith made a motion to approve REZ07-00008, a rezoning of approximately .21-acres of property
from Central Business Support (CB-5) zone and Neighborhood Public/Central Business Support (P1/CB-5)
zone to Central Business District (CB-1 0) zone subject to the following conditions:
k. The building to be constructed on this property will be a mixed-use commercial and residential
development with a minimum of one floor of commercial development above the ground floor.
I. The property shall contain a mix of studio or 1 bedroom units, 2 and 3-bedroom units, and there
shall be no dwelling units with more than 3 bedrooms.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 3
m. No more than 30% of the dwelling units shall contain 3 bedrooms.
n. The building shall be a minimum height of 7 stories.
o. A parking requirement will be calculated for all dwelling units within the development based on the
parking requirements of the CB-S zone, pursuant to Title 14, Chapter S, Article A, of the Iowa City
Code, entitled "Off Street Parking and Loading Standards." Prior to issuance of an occupancy
permit for the building or buildings to be constructed on the property, payment of parking facility
impact fees will be made to the City for dwelling units for which on-site parking is not provided. The
amount of the fee for each required parking space not provided on-site shall be computed in the
manner set forth in sections 14-7B-7(C) and 14-7B-7(F) of the City Code. Payment, deposit, use
and refunds of fees shall be governed by sections 14-7B-8, 14-7B-9 and 14-7B-10 of the City
Code.
p. The building shall be set back a minimum of 10 feet from the Burlington Street right-of-way as
specified in 14-2C-8. In addition, this 10-foot setback applies to the upper floors of the building as
well as the ground floor. Certain building features, including projecting bays, may extend into the
required setbacks as specified in 14-2C-4B-4, except for the following. Balconies are not allowed
on the Burlington Street fa9ade and projecting bays are not allowed below the fourth floor of the
building.
q. The applicant shall grant a public access easement across the entire 10-foot walkway/setback
along Burlington Street to assure maintenance and snow removal.
r. The applicant shall provide landscaping and streetscape improvements, including textured paving
materials, plantings, and street furniture as approved by the City. This includes construction and
installation of the streetside landscaping within the Burlington Street right-of-way.
s. Substantial compliance with the preliminary plan submitted by the applicant showing the placement
of the building on the site.
t. Levell! Design Review is required- the site and building will be reviewed for compliance
with the Design Review Guidelines as specified in 14-3C-3C and the CB-10 Site
Development Standards as specified in 14-2C-8. Special attention will be given to design
elements that encourage pedestrian activity at the street level and that break up the mass
of the building and differentiate it from the adjacent building proposed for the Hieronymus
development.
Koppes said she was glad that the applicant and Staff had been able to work through the issues related to the
CZA. She was appreciative of the applicant's and Staff's efforts. Plahutnik and Freerks agreed.
Plahutnik said he was sorry to see that the very heart of the urban structure of downtown was moving south
across Burlington Street. The downtown currently had a series of two, three and four story structures. Now
the taller downtown structures, which an individual's line of sight naturally tracked to, would be south of
Burlington Street. Smith and Freerks said it had been a trade-off to preventing some of the existing historic
structures from being demolished to make room for new taller structures.
The motion passed on a vote of 6-0 (Eastham absent).
REZ07-00011, discussion of a application submitted by Southgate Development Services LLC for a rezoning
of approximately 4S.04-acres of land from Interim Development Office Research Park (ID-ORP) zone to
Medium Density Single-Family Residential (RS-8) with a Planned Development Overlay zone for
approximately 34.S8-acres, Interim Development Single-Family Residential (ID-RS) zone for approximately
8.7S-acres, and Interim Development Office Commercial (ID-C01) zone for approximately 1.71-acres; and a
preliminary Planned Development of Cardinal Point South, a residential subdivision with a mix of single-family
and multi7family residential dwellings. (4S-day limitation period: 9/3/07)
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 4
Terdalkar said this would be the first part of the development planned for by the Clear Creek Master Plan to be
built. Large areas of the land contained sensitive features including regulated slopes jurisdictional wetlands,
drainage ways and woodlands. In 1997 the Comprehensive Plan had envisioned Office Park and Research
Park development for this area but stated that with the knowledge that the Oakdale Campus facility was being
constructed and that low density residential development with a minimal disturbance to the sensitive areas
might be a more realistic use of some areas of the land. In 2002, the Clear Creek Master Plan had provided a
general concept plan with street layouts, residential neighborhoods of varying densities, commercial/office
development and Camp Cardinal Boulevard development and construction. Camp Cardinal Road had been
realigned as well.
Conventional development would not be an appropriate nor efficient use of this tract of land. The applicant
was pursuing a conservation type of development with a planned development overlay which would permit the
construction of 18 detached single-family units, 17 attached single-family dwellings and 73 townhouse style
units. Clustering of residential units would be allowed; density for townhouse area would approach 11-units
per acre. Staff was working with the applicant on modifications to the elevations to meet the intent and
purpose of the Code and to ensure an adequate variety of units with consistent architectural style. Two new
streets, Ryan Court and Preston Lane were planned to serve the neighborhood. Immediate access from the
west would be via Camp Cardinal Boulevard, and Kennedy Parkway from the north and the east. The
applicant had expressed a desire to not construct Kennedy Parkway at this time. Staff were concerned about
not having a secondary access to the surrounding area which was essential for providing infrastructure
facilities needed to provide adequate water pressure to address fire safety issues.
Terdalkar said Staff recommended that the rezoning be conditioned on:
. having the section of Kennedy Parkway between Camp Cardinal Road and Camp Cardinal Boulevard be
platted, the necessary right-of-way dedicated and a letter of credit covering the cost of the water main
installation provided at time of the approval of the final plat.
. the installation of sub-grade for this section of Kennedy Parkway be constructed prior to 1/1/2009 and this
section of Kennedy Parkway road be constructed prior to 1/1/2010 or when the school site north of Kennedy
Parkway was developed or when Outlot C was developed or which ever occurred first.
. if the sub-grade was not completed by 1/1/09 and the entire road not constructed by 1/1/2010, the issuance
of building permits for Cardinal Point South subdivision cease.
Terdalkar said additional deficiencies and discrepancies were listed in the Staff Report, the City Engineer was
working on determining the needed capacity for the storm water detention facility for this development and
Parks & Recreation Department were considering acceptance of 5.26-acres of open space as parkland.
Miklo indicated on the overhead map the areas of Kennedy Parkway which would be platted but not
constructed yet. Staff's concern was that a waterline in that area was necessary to achieve adequate water
pressure capacity for the Cardinal Ridge development. After the informal meeting on 7/30/07 the applicant
had requested an alternate plan: that the sub-grade would be installed by 1/1/09 and a letter of credit issued in
the event that the City felt road construction needed to occur sooner. The Public Works Director and staff
agreed to the applicant's suggested alternative proposal.
The ICCSD was planning a school to the north of Kennedy Parkway. When the land had been sold to the
School District, the cities of Iowa City and Coralville had contributed funds with the understanding that a
portion of those funds were to cover the cost of a portion of Kennedy Parkway. Miklo said Staff recommended
approval of the application subject to the resolution of the deficiencies and discrepancies listed in the Revised
Staff Report.
Greenwood said the City Attorney's office felt that the City's interests were adequately protected by the
arrangement that had been agreed to by staff and the applicant.
Brooks asked what type of restrictions would be placed on the access to Lot #31? Miklo said Staff had
suggested Interim Development Zoning rather than zoning it CO-1. The applicant had identified the site as
potential office type development but didn't have an actual user yet. The applicant intended to market the site;
when the actual user was identified then the actual site, building and parking lot layouts could be addressed.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 5
Staff's concern was the proposed single-family residential development directly to the east. Commercial/office
development could be done attractively with appropriate building layout and screening which would be suitable
to a residential neighborhood. Until there was a plan, Staff was reluctant to zone CO-1. The Commission
would be involved in the process. If it was not possible to come up with a feasible plan, Staff could see some
higher density residential being located at that intersection. Staff was in agreement with the concept of
commercial but wanted to see more detailed plans. The applicant understood that the CO-1 zoning was not
guaranteed. The proposed ID-C01 zone put anyone who purchased a lot in that area on notice that
commercial might be located in that area.
Brooks asked what was the future concept for traffic control at the intersection of Camp Cardinal Boulevard
and Kennedy Parkway? Miklo said initially stop signs at Kennedy Parkway. Camp Cardinal Boulevard would
remain the through street. In the long term future as traffic built up and if it was warranted, a traffic signal
would possibly become necessary.
Brooks asked what was the planned connection for pedestrian and bicycle trails and interconnections. With
the proposed school being located on the north side of Kennedy Parkway, would a 10-foot connection be
required? Miklo said the school site would be in Coralville and it would be under their jurisdiction. Sidewalks
would be required on both sides of Cardinal Ridge and Kennedy Parkway. In Walnut Ridge there was
sidewalk on only one side. At one time the possibility of a trail network through Walnut Ridge toward the east
had been explored. The majority of the homeowners association had been against pursuing the network, so it
had been dropped. The main trail would be Camp Cardinal Boulevard. Brooks said he'd be interested in
further information regarding the East-West trail connection.
Shannon asked if Outlot B was land locked. Miklo said it would have frontage on Camp Cardinal Boulevard
and Preston Lane with vehicle access from Preston Lane and pedestrian access from the trail network. It was
intended to be a neighborhood park with access encouraged by pedestrians and not vehicles. There might not
even be a parking lot located there.
Brooks asked if the discussion from Monday's informal meeting regarding pedestrian right-of-way from Lot 38
and townhouses had been followed up on. Would a formal identifier need to be made from Ryan Court
through the residential properties and into the park area? Terdalkar said it had been suggested to the
engineers however there were some critical slope areas in that area that would be impacted solely for the
sidewalk. Miklo said Staff would explore that request prior to the next Commission meeting.
Smith asked if the speed humps in the Walnut Ridge Subdivision would be removed when Kennedy Parkway
was finished. Miklo said that was not the intent. Initially the speed humps had been installed with anticipation
of further development to the west and so that this not become too attractive of a cut-through area. Camp
Cardinal Boulevard would remain the main north/south traffic route. At the time that Cardinal Ridge had been
before the Commission, there had been significant input from the neighbors regarding the speeds of vehicles
cutting through the neighborhood. A study had been done and speeds were noted to be quite high, as much
as 30-40 MPH. Most of the traffic was being generated from within the neighborhood itself, the speed humps
would slow traffic down and/or make use of Camp Cardinal Boulevard more attractive. A re-survey had just
been done this spring and the majority of the neighborhood had wanted to keep the speed tables in place. It
has also been noted that speeds had decreased.
Glenn Siders, Southgate Development Services. In 2002 the Master Plan had been created and a
Memorandum of Understanding signed with the City of Iowa City and the City of Coralville. The Plan had
intentionally been vague indicating areas of residential or commercial; at that time Southgate had just been
beginning their plan with the 450-acre site and knew that there were a lot of environmental features that could
not be developed and that the road system would change. It had been first and foremost in everyone's
interest to construct Camp Cardinal Boulevard, further in to the development process it had become obvious
that the alignment of Camp Cardinal Boulevard would have to change. In 2006 a revised Concept Plan had
been presented to both City Councils, JCCOGS and to the neighbors at a public meeting. The accurate
alignment of Camp Cardinal Boulevard and revised streets network including Kennedy Boulevard had been
shown. Cardinal Ridge was the first development under the Memorandum of Understanding and of the Master
Plan. It was a low density development and had been unique in that it incorporated the regionalized storm
water detention basin which was part of the Memorandum of Understanding. Cardinal Ridge had no detention
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 6
ponds on the southern half of the development. Southgate had provided the City with updated storm water
calculations and information concerning Cardinal Ridge. The big pond west of Camp Cardinal Boulevard was
a regional basin, supposedly large enough to service all the development in the Iowa City portion of the Master
Plan area. A couple of smaller ponds would be needed as development further to the west and to the north
occurred.
Siders said the Staff Report had indicated that there was a concern regarding compatibility of the
neighborhood. That was a concern to Southgate as well. Southgate viewed this as a different development; it
included the clustering from the 2006 Concept Plan which the Commission had not seen before. Southgate
felt that this development set the precedent. West of Camp Cardinal Boulevard the development changed
again due to higher densities of residential and commercial mix including possible manufacturing and industrial
farther to the west. To set the precedent of how things would develop, Southgate would stay with the Cardinal
theme east of Camp Cardinal and developments west of Camp Cardinal would be called the Crossings. It was
all the same development, same property.
Staff had recommended in the single residential lots, planting a tree in the yard. Siders requested to not have
that be a condition of the CZA. Several years ago in North Liberty, as part of the Sub-dividers agreement, the
same concept had been tried. Southgate had found that approximately 80% of the trees had not survived due
to owner negligence. In the Cardinal Ridge development. Southgate had had success with placing in the
covenant the provision of a tree(s) by the developer. That option allowed the homeowner to select which type
of tree they wanted to have incorporated in their landscaping. Southgate Development would be agreeable to
having that type of provision included in the covenant for this development but not as a mandate in the sub-
dividers agreement.
Siders said that the staff report said that the zero lot line dwellings include garages that were flush with the
front of the house. Southgate anticipated using four different floor plans; one of the plans had the garage
projecting out in front of the building. The plan was not conducive to bring the porch out flush with the garage.
Because the building stepped up and down, Southgate had had success in many cases recessing it in the
offset so it appeared behind the front of the building. The other three plans the alignment was flush. Siders
said it was his understanding that this proposal was acceptable to City Staff.
Siders requested a clarification of Staff's intent with the phrase that the open space had to be improved. He
didn't have issue with the maintenance language in the Report; the development would be under a home
owners association which would be responsible for all the maintenance. On the overhead map, Siders
indicated to the Commission the area he was referring to. It was Southgate's intent not to develop that
particular open space because the elevation fell significantly within a very small area. Southgate would
contribute some funding but they wanted the homeowners to figure out what they wanted to do with their own
back yard(s). The homeowners would be responsible for that property.
Siders said Southgate was fine with the revised Conditional Zoning Agreement and were ready to proceed
under those conditions.
Southgate had had their engineers check on a pedestrian entrance to the park through the residential area.
The units were located on a private street which previously did not have a sidewalk with it. Siders indicated
the area where Southgate proposed the installation of a sidewalk, the only area which the grade would allow
for the installation to be ADA compliant.
Siders said there was only one type of mailbox that was accepted for use by the U.S. Postal Service. The
acceptable boxes were grey, on a pedestal; Southgate would send the photograph to Staff when it was
received from the USPS. As much as possible, collection areas had been planned for.
Siders said that 16,000-17,000 vehicles/day had been anticipated when Camp Cardinal Boulevard had been
designed. The numbers would probably remain very similar [not reduce] until the Hwy 965 was completed.
Signalization was not preferred on Camp Cardinal Boulevard, they would prefer to work with stop signs but
that could be subject to change.
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 2, 2007
Page 7
Koppes asked Siders how the corporate park development at North Dodge was coming along, were they still
struggling to fill it? North Gate Corporate Park had two lots left to fill, they were getting purchase agreements
on those two lots. Southgate owned 34 acres of land to the north and anticipated opening that area up. They
were in initial discussions with the City; the area would most likely be rezoned CO or ORP.
In response to Siders question about improvement of the open space, Miklo said City Code specified that at
the time of submission of the final plat, there would need to be either a Home Owner's Association agreement
or some other type of legal document submitted which stipulated how the open space would be maintained.
The current plan showed trees planted on the perimeter, the interior would need to be seeded and/or sodded.
Public discussion was closed.
Motion: Plahutnik made a motion to defer REZ07-00011 until the 8/16/07 meeting. Koppes seconded.
The motion was approved on a vote of 6-0. (Eastham absent)
Consideration of the June 21. Julv 12, Julv 19. 2007 meetinq minutes
Motion: Smith made a motion to approve the minutes as typed and corrected. Shannon seconded.
The motion was approved on a vote of 6-0. (Eastham absent)
Adiournment
Motion by to adjourn by Smith. Seconded by Plahutnick.
Motion approved by a vote of 6-0 (Eastham absent). The meeting was adjourned at 8:37 pm.
Minutes submitted by Candy Barnhill.
s/pcd/minslp&z12007/8-2-07. doc
Iowa City Planning & Zoning Commission
Attendance Record
2007
FORMAL MEETING
Term
Name Expires 1/18 2/01 2/15 3/01 3/15 4/05 4/19 5/03 5/17 6/07 6/21 7/12 7/19 8/2
B.Brooks 05/10 X X X X X OlE X X X X OlE OlE X X
C. Eastham 05/11 X X X X X X X X X X X X X OlE
A. Freerks 05/08 X X X X X X X X X X OlE X X X
E.Koppes 05/12 X X OlE X X X X X X X X X X X
W. Plahutnik 05/10 X X OlE X X X X X X OlE X OlE OlE X
D.Shannon 05/08 X X 0 X X X X X X X X X X X
T. Smith 05/11 X X X X OlE X X X X X OlE X X X
Term
Name Expires 1129 2/26 4/16 4/30 6/18 7/9 7/16 7/31
B. Brooks 05/10 X X X X X X X X
C. Eastham 05/11 X X OlE X X X X X
A. Freerks 05/08 X X X X OlE X X X
E.Koppes 05/12 X OlE X X X OlE X X
W Plahutnik 05/10 X X X X X OlE OlE OlE
D.Shannon 05/08 OlE X X X X X OlE X
T. Smith 05/11 X X X X X OlE X OlE
NFORMAL MEETING
Key:
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsenUExcused
I ;9b@L
MINUTES
IOWA CITY BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
JULY 11TH, 2007-5:00 PM
EMMA J HARVAT HALL -IOWA CITY/CITY HALL
APPROVED
CALL TO ORDER:
Carol Alexander called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Alexander, Michael Wright, Michelle Payne
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ned Wood, Edgar Thornton
STAFF PRESENT: Sarah Walz, Sarah Holecek
OTHERS PRESENT: Steven Ramirez, Greg Schaeffer, Dr. Jae-On Kim, Gordon Dyer, Nancy Hitchen,
Jeff Clark, John Inglebreck, Sheila Knoplah-Odole, Karen Hopp
RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
None.
CONSIDERATION OF THE MAY 9.2007 MINUTES:
Wright said that on page 3, first paragraph, fourth line, in the sentence "Lynch said that of the locations
they looked at it..." the extra "it" is unnecessary. Wright said that on the same page, fifth paragraph, one
sentence reads, "Wright said that it won't' be taller..." There is no need for the extra apostrophe.
MOTION: Wright moved to approve the May 9th, 2007 minutes as amended. Payne seconded the motion.
The motion was approved 3:0
EXC07-00005: Discussion of an application submitted by the Korean United Methodist church, Inc.
for a special exception to allow construction of a new sanctuary and parking lot for property in the
Low Density Single Family Residential (RS-5) zone at 4032 Rohret Road.
Walz indicated that correspondence had been received from Linda and Gordon Dyer and had been
submitted to the Board. Walz read from her staff report. Walz said the subject property is located on
Rohret Road, on the edge of urban development. She showed a slide of the church property and
indicated a northern portion of the property that the church intends to sell off. Walz said that the property
is surrounded by residential development and there is more residential development anticipated to the
west, north of Rohret Road, sometime in the "not-too-distant" future. Walz said that one of the
requirements for the expansion of a church in a residential zone is that it have access to a road 28 ft wide
or greater. Walz said that the intent of the redesign is to bring the entrance directly onto Rohret Road.
Walz said that the church intends to build a new sanctuary connected to the old sanctuary via a
breezeway. Walz said this would require redesign of parking area as the new sanctuary would be located
where the current drive entrance now sits. Walz showed where the proposed, new drive would be
located. Walz said the sanctuary expansion would enlarge the facility by more than fifty percent, which is
the tipping point for mandatory code compliance with the parking area requirements in the code. She said
that religious institutions, and other civic uses, located in residential zones must meet multi-family design
standards: namely, parking must be located behind building and must be screened to S-2 standard.
Walz said the reason for the standard with regard to screening is to ensure compatibility with the
neighborhood. She said the landscaping serves the purpose of separating the types of uses-the parking
area is screened to mitigate the increase activity on the site and has a safety function to separate the
vehicle area from green space or other places where people may walk. Walz said there have been
questions raised about the new entrance on Rohret road. Neighbors wondered why the location is so far
from Phoenix drive. Walz said that there are safety reasons for separating the curb cut from the
intersection. Walz said there was also a question as to why a curb cut would be allowed on Rohret
Roadwhen the City has restricted curb cuts for residential uses along this road. Walz said it is City policy
to limit the number of curb cuts along arterial roads as these roads are intended to carry a high traffic load
and vehicles tend to travel at a faster speed along arterials. Walz said there is a safety concern when lots
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 2
of drivers are attempting to pull off into a driveway. On arterial roads there is an increased the risk of rear-
end collisions, since other drivers are not anticipating a slow down for private drives. Walz said that the
City does allow curb cuts for institutions such as churches and schools, or other higher intensity uses,
since more traffic is routinely making that turn.
Walz said one of the specific requirements that the church needs to meet is the setback requirement. The
proposed plan exceeds all setback requirements. Walz said that the church's proposed site plan is
bringing it into compliance with code requirements for parking areas and multi-family design standards.
Walz said the church would have to add shade trees as part of the site review plan. Walz said staff
recommends that there be some additional evergreen trees to provide an additional screen from the
adjacent residential property to the west. Walz said that the applicant is also proposing a rear loading
area, for food deliveries that are part of the church's communal meal following services. Walz said that
right now on the site, there is a dumpster at the front of the parking lot, screened by a fence, and that will
be moved to the back of the property and staff would recommend some additional screening for the
dumpster location at the rear of the property. She said that there would have to be some modifications to
the curb cuts shown on the site, which must go through a permitting process. However, Walz said the
church's site plan demonstrates the essential elements and requirements to meet the code standard.
Walz said the church does not currently plan to expand other ruses on the property (i.e. daycare).
Walz read from the general standards required of any special exception. Walz said that the traffic
engineers feel that the curb cut are Rohret Road is safe in that location. Walz said the church exceeds all
setback requirements and will add the required screening, which improves the safety and aesthetics of
the site. She said the re-arrangement of the site-the screening, and the fact that traffic will now be
backing up onto a private drive-contributes to a great improvement that will help the church better fit into
the surrounding residential neighborhood. Walz mentioned the movement of the dumpster as an
improvement as well. Walz said that the addition of the screening would ensure that the special exception
would not impede the normal and orderly development and improvement of the surrounding property for
uses permitted in the zone in which such property is located. Walz said adequate utilities, access roads,
drainage and necessary facilities are being provided. Walz said the entrance onto Rohret road means
that adequate measures will be taken to provide ingress and egress to minimize traffic congestion on
public streets, as traffic waiting to enter onto Rohret would back up onto church property rather than on
Phoenix Drive. Walz said that this proposal meets all the requirements for the RS-5 zone. Walz said the
applicant's final site plan would need to demonstrate compliance with all other standards in the code in
order for a building permit to be issued. She said that the applicant must apply for a curb cut permit from
the Public Works Department in order to establish this second access point to the property.
Walz said that the proposed use would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, as amended. Walz
said that staff recommends that EXC07-00005 be approved subject to substantial compliance with the
site plan submitted and the following conditions:
1. The privacy fence around the dumpster be a minimum of 5 ft in height and be surrounded by S3
landscaping.
2. A final site plan demonstrating the appropriate (non-coniferous) shade trees for the parking lot as
required by code and additional evergreen screening (6 evergreen trees minimum) along a 120-
foot section of the drive abutting the residential use to the west.
Staff recommends the special exception be granted an extension of up to 18 months. Walz said that staff
frequently has the request of an 18-month extension so that they may have time to raise funds. Walz said
it is not an unusual request.
Payne asked about the lighting. Walz said that any lighting that they do provide must be shown on final
site plan and meet appropriate requirements.
Public Hearing Open
Greg Schaeffer, local contractor and construction consultant for the church, said that they had a different
concept going into the project. Then, the City looked at their proposal and said "you can't do that but you
can do this." Schaeffer said that a lot has arisen since and the picture that this project amounts to has
grown. Schaeffer says the budget demands have grown as well. Schaeffer said that it's important that the
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 3
18-month extension is important for the church. Schaeffer said that once the special exception is granted,
one must apply for a building permit within 6 months. He is asking for 18.
Dr. Kim, member of the church, said that the church is primarily a student mission church-80 percent of
church members are students. Kim said they have very few permanent families as members of church.
Kim said they rely on volunteers to maintain church property. Kim said every now and then the students
break a lawn mower or forget a chore, therefore creating an unattractive environment. Kim said that the
church has already invested and they must now convince the church district that they can do raise the
money for the exapnsion. Kim said they have to raise close to 400,000 dollars. Kim said they were given
up to 3 years to raise the money. Kim said they don't have the money right now. If the special exception
goes through, Kim said, they would start their fundraising campaign. Kim said there is a possibility that
they will never raise enough money.
Gordon Dyer, 4115 Rohret Drive, said that the idea of screening around the dumpster is good. Dyer said
it is a step in the right direction. Dyer suggested that the screening be evergreens. Walz said that a
certain percentage of the S2 screening must be evergreen. Walz said that the trees requirement is for
non-coniferous trees and that each parking space must be within 60 feet of a large tree and 40 feet of a
small tree. Dyer said the parking lot is very close to the nearest house. Dyer said that if he's looking out
from his house, deciduous trees will only provide screening during summer. Walz said trees are not
intended as a screen, rather the shrubs are the screen. Walz said there is no requirement that the parking
lot be screened 100 percent. Dyer said his next concern is safety. Dyer said the new drive would be
almost in front of his driveway. He said that his major concern is people driving at highway speeds. Dyer
fears that traffic accidents will increase with such a driveway as proposed by applicant. Dyer said, "There
will be accidents." Dyer said his next-door neighbor has tried to get more police attention, to no avail.
Wright and Alexander agreed that this traffic issue, while a valid concern, is a law enforcement issue.
Nancy Hitchen, resident, said that she doesn't have a problem with the church. Her concern is the upkeep
of the property. Hitchen said it's not fair that this past spring, the empty lot was over a foot tall of grass.
Hitchen said the property has never been maintained well. Hitchen wondered how they're going to
maintain more property if it is left up to the whim of a volunteer-"who's going to take care of it?" Hitchen
wondered how garbage trucks will come in to tend to the dumpster. She said that she's happy the church
is staying. She's just worried about the maintenance level. Walz said what the Board has to consider is
the expansion. She said that as far as the lawn goes, if the church does sell off the northernmost lot,
that's less lawn to mow, so in total, the expansion would potentially decrease the area maintain. Walz
said that some of the things, however, are outside of the realm of the special exception request. Walz
urged the church and the neighborhood to work together on such issues.
Hitchen said that there is a covenant for the neighborhood property, including the church, that certain lots
were not to be subdivided. Hitchen asked how many homes would be able to go on the area the church is
selling. Walz explained that the lots in the RS-5 must be a minimum of 8,000 square feet and require a
minimum frontage width. She estimated perhaps two houses could be built, maybe, but she couldn't say
for sure. Holecek explained how a subdivision works and said that the City have any enforcement role
with private covenants.
Public Hearing Closed
MOTION: Wright moved that the application submitted by the Korean United Methodist church,
Inc. for a special exception to allow construction of a new sanctuary and parking lot for property
in the Low Density Single Family Residential (RS-5) zone at 4032 Rohret Road be approved
subject to the following conditions:
1. The privacy fence around the dumpster be a minimum of 5 ft in height and be surrounded
by S3 landscaping.
2. A final site plan demonstrating the appropriate shade trees for the parking lot as required
by code and additional Evergreen screenings along a 120-foot section of the drive abutting
the residential use to the west.
Also, Wright moved that the time period be granted for up to 18 months.
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 4
Payne seconded the motion.
Payne said that the church site meets the requirements for street access with it primary entrance off
Rohret Road. She said that this new access would prevent traffic from backing up along Phoenix Drive.
Payne said that the expansion of the parking lot is appropriate for the size of the expanded facility. Payne
said that the dumpster will be set back a minimum of 10 ft from the property line and surrounded by a
privacy fence and screened with additional S3 landscaping to conceal the view of the dumpster area from
the adjacent property. Payne said that 5-6 evergreen trees would be planted to screen the parking area
from the adjacent residential property.
As far as the general standards, Payne said that the special exception would not be detrimental to the
public health, safety, comfort or general welfare. The setbacks and screening will provide a buffer, to
soften the view of the parking area and helping to mitigate any noise, light glare, or other disturbance.
Payne said that the special exception will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of other property in
the immediate vicinity and it will not diminish property values. Payne said that by coming into compliance
with the code requirements for parking and screening, and by creating a new access for the parking area
from Rohret Road, the special exception would contribute to the orderly development and improvement of
surrounding property. Payne said that adequate measures have been taken to provide ingress and
egress. Payne said the special exception conforms to the applicable regulations or standards of the zone
in which it is being located. Payne said that the proposed use would be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan, as amended.
For these reasons, Payne indicated she would vote in favor of the motion.
Wright said that he also believes this meets the specific standards as well as the general standards,
provided the conditions made in the recommendations. Wright said he understands neighborly concerns.
He suggested a "good neighbor meeting". Wright said he would be voting in favor.
Alexander said she too would be voting in favor and echoed Wright's sentiments regarding the church's
maintenance of the property as a good neighbor issue.
Walz asked Holecek to confirm that the church could request an additional extension if money was not
raised in the 18 months. Holecek said yes.
The motion was approved 3:0
V AR07 -00001: Discussion of an application submitted by Jeff Clark for property at 24 North
Governor Street requesting a variance from the zoning requirement that duplexes on lots less
than 80 feet in width in the Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-12) zone have rear private
or alley access.
Walz read from the Staff Report. Walz showed the zoning map, saying that the duplex is in an RNS-12
zone, where duplexes are permitted as a provisional use. Walz said that the access standards require
that lots less than 80 ft in width must have access through a private rear drive or alley. Walz said that in
this case, an unimproved gravel alley runs north/south from Jefferson Street. At the time the applicant
applied for building permit, Walz said that all the county and city records indicated that the alley was a
public alley. Walz said that because the proposed duplex met all the other standards, the building official
issued a permit on February 5th.
Walz said that when the neighbors became aware of the applicant's intent to use the alley as the access
for the people who would live in the duplex, they came forward with a document from 1996 that had not
been filed with the county that showed this alley was in fact a private drive, and so the auditor let the city
know there was no public alley. Walz said the situation now is that the neighbors believe the applicant
does not have a right to use the private alley for a duplex nor to improve the alley. The applicant could go
to court, but may have to wait up to two years for a judgment in the case. Walz said there is a front
access drive, which was the drive for the single-family house there prior to tornado. Walz said that the
applicant is applying for the variance so he can use the drive off Governor Street.
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 5
Walz said that the reason for the rear drive requirement in the RNS-12 zone is the development of
duplexes on narrow lots often leads to garage fronts dominating the front side of buildings as well as extra
wide driveways. Often the driveways become a defacto parking area in the front yard, making the street
front appear less residential. In this case, Walz noted, there will only be a 10-foot drive on the side of the
building, so the paving in the front yard is of minimal concern. Walz said that staff while the narrow drive
would provide a disincentive to parking along the drive, that staff wanted to insure that parking would be
more strongly discouraged and that the paving along the side of the property was in a very visible
location. Walz noted that because the driveway paving would take up so much of the side yard that there
might be the temptation to not maintain those areas where permeable surface did exist and that parking
in those areas would create a greater maintenance issue and perhaps lead to erosion along the top of the
stream bank. Walz said staff would recommend a landscaping plan to address these issues. The
applicant should proposed a plan that included low maintenance landscaping such as shrubs along the
house and native grasses along the stream bank in order to help maintain those non-paved areas of the
property and to discourage residents from parking anywhere but in the rear parking area.
Walz said that Staff finds that the application will not threaten neighborhood integrity, nor have a
substantial adverse affect on the use or value of other properties in the area adjacent to the. Walz said
that the applicant's property meets all of the zoning requirements with the possible exception of the rear
access requirement. Walz said that the building official issued the building permit based on the available
public information. Walz said that the applicant subsequently planned and built a duplex based on the
expectation that he would have the opportunity to improve the rear alley. However, because the
neighbors object to paving the alley-as well as the increased traffic generated by the two-family use-
the applicant proposes to maintain the existing single-family access on the south side of the property.
Staff believes that given the configuration of the narrow drive, between the house and the creek, this is a
safe and appropriate access point for the use.
Walz said that the proposed variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning
Chapter and will not contravene the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan, as amended. Walz said that
while the Comprehensive Plan encourages the use of rear alleys for the development of narrow lots, it
also indicates that where alleys are not possible, having narrow driveways along the side and rear of
houses will reduce the amount of paving in the front yard and the emphasis of garage doors along the
street.
Walz said that the next test is for unreasonable hardship. Walz said that Staff believes the property in
question cannot yield a reasonable return if used only for a purpose allowed in the zone where the
property is located. Walz said the Board has been provided with the numbers and, based on some
research into rents in the area, she believes that the rents that the applicant shows are fair and it would
be difficult for him to rent the house. Reconfiguring the house for single-family use would also make it
difficult for the applicant to rent or sell the house and make any profit.
Walz said the owner's situation is unique and peculiar to the property in question. Walz stated that the
reason Staff believes that this variance is supportable is because the records show that applicant
followed all the rules before making his investment in the property, and it was only afterward that
information surfaced that in turn affected applicant's ability to operate the property as a duplex. Walz
clarified that this would not be the same as if someone purchased a similar property without rear access
and wanted a variance to allow a duplex. Walz stated that the City would never have granted the building
permit for a duplex had the public records indicated that the property might not have rear access. The
variance for this property is justified because the opportunity for rear access was thrown into question
after the investment in the property had already been made.
Walz said that for all of the reasons provided, Staff recommends that VAR07-00001 be granted, subject
to a landscaping plan to prevent parking in the front yard, to help stabilize the stream bank and to buffer
the appearance of additional paving.
Wright asked about the driveway. To prevent excessive run-off and subsequent erosion, he asked if that
is going to be canted so that some of it will run to the street. Walz said that it would not be wise to park in
this area but there is the potential that people might park in this area. Walz said that the idea was, parking
might lead to further erosion, so Staff wanted to create a little bit of screening of the paved area.
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 6
Public Hearing Open
Jeff Clark, applicant, said if he did not receive the variance, the property would have to become a single-
family unit. He said he could answer any questions from the Board.
John Inglebreck, neighbor, read a letter from his father. The letter stated that the neighbors were aware of
the private drive. The letter stated that in time, questions arose as to what exactly the use was for that
private drive. At that point, neighbors learned that applicant intended the private drive to become alley
access. Letter stated two concernS: a safety issue, in particular for small children; and property value.
Letter stated that the use as an alley had a negative effect on property values. Letter stated support for
applicant's variance.
Sheila Knoplah-Odole, 921 East Jefferson, said her property runs half of this drive, from street all the way
to the creek. She said she has a four- and six-year old and she does not relish the idea of extra traffic.
She urged Governor access be supported. She said that construction people come "rolling in" early in the
morning, even causing damage to her fence once.
Karen Hopp, 26 North Governor, said she wants a happy neighborhood and supports the variance.
Payne asked the applicant whether the parking area would be constructed in such a way as to discourage
or prevent residents from using the private rear drive.
Jeff Clark said that he has to maintain a certain elevation for his parking and it would be a raised drive.
Clark said there are possible issues with his access coming up to that parking, because of the grades, but
he believes he "can make it all work." Clark said there would be grass. He said that if he needs to put a
pole to block drivers, he will.
Public Hearing Closed
MOTION: Payne moved that VAR07-00001, an application submitted by Jeff Clark for property at
24 North Governor Street requesting a variance from the zoning requirement that duplexes on lots
less than 80 feet in width in the Neighborhood Stabilization Residential (RNS-12) zone have
private or rear alley access, be granted subject to a landscaping plan to prevent parking in the
front yard, to help stabilize the stream bank and to buffer the appearance of the additional paving.
Wright seconded the motion.
Wright said that when he looks at the documentation, the variance must meet all five of specific elements.
Wright said that the variance would not threaten neighborhood integrity. Wright said that this is one of
those unusual situations where, despite good faith efforts on both sides, things got "messed up." Wright
said that the public interest would be served by approving this. Wright said he agrees that this is the
safest and most appropriate access point for the driveway. Wright said that the variance would be in
harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Chapter. Wright said that there is very little
space for excessive paving in this case. Wright said that Staff's recommendation would help address the
paving and grade issue. Wright said that using the front yard would satisfy the neighbors concerns.
Wright said that this represents an unnecessary hardship. Wright said that to disallow this variance would
have a very serious impact on the "rent-ability" and "sale-ability" of the property. Wright said that this
variance is in the interest of the neighborhood and the investment of the duplex. Wright said the final test
is whether the hardship is that of the applicant's own making. Wright said that this is clearly not. Wright
said that he doesn't believe that granting this variance will be precedent setting.
Payne agreed with the reasons stated. She voted in favor. Alexander also voted in favor.
Motion was approved 3:0
Board of Adjustment
July 11, 2007
Page 7
OTHER:
None.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT INFORMATION:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Alexander adjourned the meeting at 6:30 pm.
s/pcd/mins/boa/2007/7 -11-07 .doc
Board of Adjustment
Attendance Record
2007
Term
Name Expires 1/10 3/28 4/11 4/28 5/9 6/13 7/11 8/8 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12
Carol Alexander 01/01/08 X X OlE X X NM X
Michael Wright 01/01/09 X X X X X NM X
Ned Wood 01/01/10 X X X X X NM OE
Michelle Payne 01/01/11 X X X X X NM X
Edgar Thornton 01/01/12 X X X X X NM OE
X = Present
o = Absent
OlE = AbsentlExcused
NM = No meeting
= Not a Member
KEY
[:iL
~ Iowa City
~Public Library
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
July 26, 2007
FINAL APPROVED
Members Present: Linzee McCray, Thomas Dean, John Kenyon, Mary New, Meredith Rich-Chappell
Members Absent: Michael Cohen, William Korf, Thomas Martin, Leon Spies
Staff Present: Barb Black, Maeve Clark, Debb Green, Elyse Miller, Heidi Lauritzen, Kara Logsden,
Patty McCarthy
Guests Present: None
Call Meeting to Order:
McCray called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm.
Public Discussion: None.
Approval of Minutes:
The minutes of the regular meeting of June 28, 2007 were reviewed. A minor correction to the
President's report; the little girls are from Iowa City not from Louisiana. A motion was made by New,
seconded by Rich-Chappell to approve the minutes of the meeting. Motion carried 5/0.
Unfinished Business
Approve Board Annual Report.
Staff drafted a report after the June Board meeting. The Library Board report will be included in the
City's annual report as well as the Library's annual report. McCray asked how the City knows that
parking spaces are available as described in #6 under Accomplishments. Craig explained that the
Parking department monitors all available spaces.
Confirm actions taken at Mav Board meetinq.
Due to a posting error of the May meeting agenda at City Hall, the formal actions taken at the May
meeting by the Board need to be repeated, specifically, approval of the minutes of the April 26, 2007
meeting and approval of May 2007 disbursements. A motion to approve the April minutes and the May
disbursements was made by New and seconded by Rich-Chappell. Motion passed 5/0.
New Business
FY07 Planninq Review.
The strategic planning process is a long one; we work for months on it. The plan is reviewed by
managers in their meetings, departments at their meetings, and at All Staff meetings. This report
updates the work that staff have done since January 2007.
Switching periodicals from the reference collection to the circulating collection was discussed. Clark
said that traditionally magazines such as Science News, Time, and Newsweek were part of the
reference collection and only available for in-library use. Staff looked at the collection and determined
that there were a number of periodicals that were available online, so these materials have been shifted
to the circulating collection, which means that they can now be checked out. Rich-Chappell wondered if
stolen DVDs were replaced. Craig says these materials are replaced and that theft has diminished
since we began using DiscMate.
Temperature regulation was discussed. Upgraded HVAC software was installed that corrected some of
the heating/ventilating and air conditioning problems we were experiencing. Craig pointed out that the
new building zones better than the old building did. We are scheduled to have repair work done on the
rooftop air handlers that were damaged in the tornado.
McCray wondered if 586 subscriptions to NextReads is adequate use of this service. Craig said she
considers this good participation. The new children's program convenient to working families had 60-70
toddlers and included a Sunday video story time that was popular. This winter, the Children's Room will
offer a series of R.E.A.D. programs on Sunday after its success this summer. A typical story time can
have 60-70 attendees.
Rich-Chappell asked about the Friends of the Library (FOL) and wondered about the difference
between it and the Friends Foundation. The plan called for looking at the need for a separate Friends
group. It was decided not to work toward a separate group at this time. McCarthy stated that FOL are
volunteers who raise money for specific projects, while the Friends Foundation raises money on an
ongoing basis. When the Library Foundation and The Friends Committee merged, many volunteers
worked at book sales and then at The Book End to feel more "connected" to the Library. Additionally,
FOL membership fees and individual donations to the Library were recognized differently. Merging the
two groups helped cut down on the confusion.
FY08 Plan.
A preliminary version of the plan was approved last July and was used in the budgeting process. Staff
have made some changes to the FY08 plan that reflects new opportunities and realities.
Implementation of FY08 strategies began 7/1/07. McCray asked about reviewing stops. A stop is an
impediment to checkout, such as being over the fine limit or patron annual registration. Reviewing stops
could, for example, include increasing the fine limit on library cards from $2.50 to $5.00 before patrons
would be prevented from checking out materials.
Kenyon asked about the perceived demand for bilingual volunteers and wondered about the history of
this objective. Logsden explained that the census indicated that the Spanish speaking population was
growing and the Library wanted to increase its programming and services to better reflect the
community. The budget for the Spanish language collection was increased, the collection was moved
and promoted and circulation has increased 18%.
Kenyon asked about setting up RSS feeds and would like to see more of them. Black said the Library
added a module to our catalog from our vendor that generates RSS feeds. It is more labor intensive to
feed items that are not in the catalog and we do not have the staffing to do this. A motion to approve
the FY08 strategic plan objectives was made by Dean, seconded by Kenyon. Motion carried 5/0.
FY09 New Plan.
Staff drafted the FY09 details based on the strategic plan goals and the FY08 strategic plan objectives.
We use this document to guide us during the budgeting process in September. McCray was impressed
that we can plan for things this far ahead. New asked about the Adult Winter Reading program and
wondered if it was like the old "Let's Talk about It" book discussion series that she enjoyed. Black said
that the Iowa Humanities Board helped to create those packaged programs and that the Speaker's
Bureau provided discussion leaders. Craig said that the Winter Reading Program will be similar to the
Summer Reading Program. A motion to approve the FY09 strategic plan by was made by New,
seconded by Kenyon. Motion carried 5/0.
2
Public Relations Plan.
The public relations plan has been drafted for FY08. Craig reminded the Board that last year was the
first year the Library had a public relations plan. New asked about the plan's fourth objective, website
re-design. Craig explained that the goal of this objective is to make it easier for people to find things on
our website. New talked about TumbleBooks, which is accessible via the kid's page on the website.
She said people might be unaware of its location. Craig stated that information about new programs
and services is highlighted in The Window and distributed via media releases throughout the year. It
was suggested that discussing new programs and services at story time would be an effective way to
inform parents about them. Green said that when school starts the Library will touch base with school
media specialists about new programs.
Dean believes that the larger issue is habituating people to use the website for all kinds of programs
and services. Craig stated that the overall website usage improved significantly due to our public
relations efforts. A motion to approve the FY08 public relations plan was made by Rich-Chappell,
seconded by New. Motion carried 5/0.
FY08 NOBU BudQet.
The Board approves expenditures for the coming year from non-operating funds budget accounts
(NOBU) in July each year. These accounts earn interest throughout the year and unlike operating
funds, may be carried over from one year to the next. In contrast, for example, the State of Iowa
requires that we spend the Enrich Iowa money in the year we receive it. We have accumulated a
sizable balance in the NOBU accounts because the new building project funded the larger furnishing
and technology projects. Things are getting older and wearing out, so funds need to be allocated again.
Wear and tear on the building, as well as building layout will be reviewed this year, in addition to
ongoing items and special one-time projects that are requested to be paid from NOBU monies.
New asked about the staff reserve, an ongoing NOBU funded item. Craig explained that if, for example,
Library circulation went up 20% and we did not have the money in the operating budget to pay shelvers
to check items in and get them on the shelves from the regular budget, we could use NOBU money
from which to pay the additional staff hours required to meet the increased circulation need. New
wondered how often this money was used. This contingency has rarely been used. Craig said that staff
reserve funds might be used for a project that requires matching funds from another source.
McCray remarked that the Art Purchase Prize allocation request was the same as last year. Craig
explained that this item also receives funds from The Book End and from private donations.
Kenyon asked about public relations money. Craig explained that although there are increases to the
FY08 operating funds for many public relations related activities, the operating budget cannot support
the growth of printing and advertising costs for programs such as the Summer Reading Program that
have increasing participation each year.
A motion to approve the FY08 NOBU budget was made by New and seconded by Rich-Chappell.
Motion carried 5/0.
Appointment to Art Advisory Committee.
Robert Butler, who currently serves on the Art Advisory Committee, is moving to Texas. This will leave
a vacancy on the Committee. Staff looked at the pool of applicants from the spring of this year and
recommend that Karen Copp be appointed to fill this vacancy; her term will expire on April 1 , 2010. A
motion to appoint Karen Copp to the Art Advisory Committee was made by New, and seconded by
Kenyon. Motion passed 5/0.
Staff Reports:
Departmental Reports. Adult Services, Circulation, Information Services
3
Development Office.
McCarthy was pleased to relate that the book sale in the meeting rooms grossed more than $2,200.
Approximately 2,000 books were for sale; in the last hour on Saturday the remaining books were given
away. 132 people ushered in the first hour of the sale. There were at least 860 people through the door.
Eric Goers, City Attorney and Noon Rotary member mentioned that his group is considering adopting
the book sale as one of its downtown projects. There is $123,000 in annual fund contributions, which is
a record and is also more than budgeted. The Book End could use books to replenish its shelves.
McCarthy attended a Building the Collection event, a discussion with mystery author Mike Befeler at
Oaknoll Retirement Residence. Oaknoll catered the event; participants got a tour of the premises. The
book talk took place in the new Oaknoll theatre. A good time was had by all. Another Building the
Collection event, hosted by Buffie and Dick Tucker was a huge success. This event featured a former
CIA agent, James Olson, and was edge-of-the-chair interesting.
July Reader Report.
Rosters.
Updated Board member rosters and Library manager rosters were provided in the packet.
ReadinQs.
President's Report:
McCray and Craig oriented new Board members. McCray iterated how valuable it is to serve on
committees and attend events as a Board member. The Grand Opening of The Book End was great.
McCray recognized that Martin has a unique opportunity to learn and share information about libraries
as a new member on the Iowa State Library Commission. McCray will be teaching in the fall semester
and Dean will open the September, October, and November meetings while McCray is in transit up the
big hill after class.
Announcements from Members:
New asked about the timeline for the security camera installation. Freeman Lock is hoping to have the
project completed by August 1. Signs will be placed around the building informing the public that
security cameras are in use. The cameras will be located in high traffic areas. We will be able to
capture images of people as they enter and/or leave the building. Rich-Chappell liked the Public
Libraries of Johnson County fair booth.
Committee Reports: None.
Communications: None
Disbursements:
The Visa expenditures for June 2007 were reviewed. A motion was made by Kenyon, seconded by
Rich-Chappell to approve the disbursements for June 2007. Motion passed 5/0.
Set Agenda Order for August Meeting:
Annual report
Adjournment:
McCray declared the meeting adjourned at 6:29 pm after a motion was made by New and seconded by
Kenyon.
Respectfully submitted,
Elyse Miller
4
Commission: ICPL Board of Trustees
ATTENDANCE RECORD
CALENDAR YEAR 2007
Board or
Date
Meetin
Term
Ex'
12/20/07
11/15/07
0/25/07
9/27/07
8/23/07
7/26/07
6/28/07
5/24/07
4/26/07
3/22/07
2/22/07
1/25/07
Name
x
O/E
3
/
7/0
Michael Cohen
x
O/E
x
x
x
x
x
/09
7/0
Thomas Dean
x
3
/
7/0
John Kenyon
x
O/E
x
x
x
x
x
x
/09
7/0
Korf
Bi
x
OlE
OlE
x
x
x
x
x
6/30/
Tom Martin
x
x
OlE
x
x
x
x
/09
7/0
Linzee McCray
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
OlE
OlE
x
O/E
OlE
x
o
x
x
OlE
x
x
O/E
x
x
o/e
x
x
x
x
/07
/07
6/30/
7/01/07
6/30/
7/0
7/0
el
Schnack
Leon Spies
David
VanDusseldor
Mary New
Meredith
Rich-Cha
Pat
x
x
x
x
x = Present
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM = No meeting
Res = Resigned
KEY
~
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2007
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
FINAL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Esther Baker, Michael Brennan, Pam Michaud, Jim Ponto, Ginalie Swaim, Alicia
Trimble, Tim Weitzel
MEMBERS ABSENT: John McCormally, Tim Toomey
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Anderson, Helen Burford, Dianne Day, Mr. Day, Wendy Deutelbaum,
Wendy Deutelbaum's co-owner, Mike Lange, Carol McCafferty, Todd McCafferty,
Shelley McCafferty, Margi Peskin, Gary Slauson, Arthur Tambourine, Maureen
Tambourine
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Weitzel called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATON:
Deferred Applications.
919 and 923 East WashinQton Street. Miklo said that he has talked to the applicant about this project, and
the applicant now intends to repair the structure, rather than remove it. In order to close out the file, he
recommended the Commission consider a motion to deny the application.
MOTION: Baker moved to deny a certificate of appropriateness for an application for 919 and 923
East Washington Street. Swaim seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
Weitzel said that the project could now be approved with a certificate of no material effect.
Certificates of Appropriateness.
525 Lucas Street. Marlene Tambourine said that she and her husband Arthur and their son Chris are the
owners of this house. She said that in May of 2006 there was a fire in the house, and the living room,
dining room and the porch were destroyed. Marlene Tambourine said that the contractor they used for the
project, ServPro, did an inadequate job, and she fired them.
Marlene Tambourine said that her husband is a carpenter, and he completed the work. She said she had
no knowledge whatsoever nor any notification that this house, atter they purchased it, was moved into
any kind of historic or conservation area. Marlene Tambourine said the construction made it better than it
was, but then her son was served with papers when the house was done. She said that her son, who
lives in the house, attended the university. She said she didn't know what to do at this point.
Arthur Tambourine said that the contractor was so bad that finally he had to do the job himself. He said
the house is 100% better looking than it was before. Marlene Tambourine said they kept the atmosphere
of the house.
Weitzel said the general repair is not the issue; the type of windows and siding are the concern. Marlene
Tambourine contended that they were never notified, although permits were supposedly taken out by the
general contractor. She said they therefore assumed that everything was in order. Marlene Tambourine
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 2
said they restored the house the way they thought it should be and added that the house was not in a
conservation district when she bought it.
Miklo said the City has been sending annual notices to the property owners regarding the districts and
their requirements. Marlene Tambourine said she has no record of being notified. Miklo asked about the
building permits. Marlene Tambourine said they received a $500 bill for each of two permits. Miklo replied
that that is when they would have been notified that this property is in a conservation district and that the
project would need to be reviewed by the Commission.
Marlene Tambourine said the insurance settlement was already used on the house. She said they didn't
touch the parts of the house that were not damaged.
Weitzel asked the Tambourines when they purchased the house. Marlene Tambourine said that they
bought it four and one-half to five years ago. Miklo said that this area was a conservation district going
back to 2000. Marlene said she was at the closing and would have been notified of that at the closing.
Miklo said that usually there is a statement by the attorney in the title opinion that discusses the district
status. He said there is a question here of a building permit ever being applied for, because the Building
Department was not aware of a permit.
Weitzel said that the Commission's jurisdiction is to maintain the guidelines, which state that the vinyl
windows and siding aren't allowed in this area, without exception. Marlene Tambourine said her
contention is that they should have been notified in writing that they moved into a preservation district
after they bought the house. She said she was told by the inspector that this district was designated three
years ago.
Marlene Tambourine said this particular block contains quite a mix of things. Weitzel replied that this is a
conservation district and is a stabilization zone. He said that except for the type of windows and siding,
what has been done is essentially what the Commission would have asked to be done, rather than
something not in character with the house. Weitzel said that the Secretary of the Interior Standards, which
are federal guidelines, are strongly against the use of vinyl. He said the Commission's guidelines are
based on the federal guidelines. Weitzel stated that the prohibition on vinyl is basically nationwide for
historic properties. He said the guidelines are based on the appearance and characteristics of the
material.
Arthur Tambourine asked if the Commission would prefer he put the old aluminum storm windows and
sashes on the house. He said that the gas bill for the house has improved by 40% - that is how bad those
windows were. Arthur Tambourine said that the pockets and pulleys on the old windows were so bad.
Weitzel said that modern windows are allowed, but they should be of wood or be metal-clad wood. Arthur
Tambourine said that there are no wood windows made. He said they are clad, and the only part made of
wood is the inside. Weitzel said that the sash is wood. He agreed that they are clad but said the
Commission does accept metal-clad wood.
Weitzel said the Commission doesn't know exactly what happened in terms of notifications. He said,
however, that the district was designated before the house was purchased, so there should have been
notification by the realtor at that time. Marlene Tambourine stated that this was a private sale; there was
no realtor and the seller did not tell them that the property was in a conservation district, but the
designation would have to be in the documents.
Weitzel said the periodic reminder letters have been sent out for at least three years. Marlene
Tambourine asked for copies of the letters and the dates they were sent. Miklo said he would find out.
Michaud said there are a number of circumstances here that are unusual. She said these are out-of-state
owners whose intention was to restore the property. Michaud said this is a conservation district, not a
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July 12, 2007
Page 3
historic preservation district, although the wrong things were done. She said that between the lack of
information and their son's not assuming the responsibilities of ownership, there are extenuating
circumstances.
Weitzel said that would be encompassed by Section 3.6. Brennan suggested deferring the application
until the Commission can find out whether a permit was applied for, issued, or denied; and also find out
when the letters were sent and the district created.
MOTION: Brennan moved to defer consideration of a certificate of appropriateness for an
application for 525 Lucas Street until the Commission can get more information about any permit
issued, letters sent, and district designation. Baker seconded the motion.
Swaim asked if the conservation district reminder letters are routinely sent to the property address and
not necessarily to the property owners' address. Miklo responded that the letters are sent to address
listed for tax purposes as the owner's address. He said it was likely sent to the 525 Lucas Street address,
since the Tambourines' son is listed as a property owner. Miklo said he could check on that. Tambourine
said that if her son had received the letter regarding the property being in a conservation district, he may
have ignored it or not understood it. Brennan asked if her son was a college student and listed as a co-
owner of the house, shouldn't he be capable of understanding importance of the letter.
Weitzel said that because some facts are not in evidence, deferral would be an appropriate action.
Marlene Tambourine said she would check her documents to see what the real estate papers say.
The motion to defer carried on a vote of 6-0.
1125 East Burlinqton Street. Miklo said that the applicant proposes to do some repairs to the porch on
this property and also to screen in the porch. He said the application calls for some materials that have
not previously been approved. Miklo said Terdalkar provided the Commission with the preservation brief
by the National Park Service that talks about when it is appropriate to use substitute materials. Miklo said
it seems clear from the brief that this would not be an appropriate application of those materials - that the
preferred material, the required material according to the guidelines, would be wood or a previously
approved wood substitute, such as cement board, for the siding.
Miklo said one of the reasons for this application is to allow the porch to be screened in. He said there are
ways that can be done without greatly altering the porch. Miklo said Terdalkar has provided samples of a
product that is available on the market that would have a very minimal screening and would not greatly
change the fabric of the porch. Miklo said there are also alternative ways it could be done.
Miklo said the applicant is also seeking to replace the shingles in the gable with cement board clapboard
siding. He pointed out that there are shingles in the gable end, rather than clapboard siding. Miklo said
that on this particular house, the application of the shingles on the upper story is a distinct element, and
this is a fairly decorative house for this area. He said there is cement board shingle-style siding available
on the market, so if that was approved, staff would recommend that the cement board shingle siding be
approved there as an alternative to using wood shingles.
Miklo said staff generally recommends approval of screening in this porch but doing it in a manner and
with materials that are appropriate for historic buildings.
Anderson said he is the owner of the building. He introduced the contractor for the project, Slauson, to
give details of the project. Slauson said he was unaware that the house was in a historic district until he
applied for a permit, at which time he had already done some repair work.
Slauson said the plan is to put cement boarding siding on the dormers and cement board soffit. He said
he would also like to use the Azek brand crown molding, which is paintable, and also replace some rotten
window sills. Regarding the porch, Slauson said he and the owner would like to hear some suggestions.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 4
He said he would like to add posts, because he has not seen an area screened over four feet wide.
Anderson said that an older picture of the house shows round posts, which demonstrates that this porch
is not original, although he was uncertain what the original configuration was.
Weitzel said that on a long expanse like that, he has seen two frames used, and where the frames divide
they provide support. He said there isn't an actual column though. Weitzel said there is just one frame
next to the other, and some kind of hardware hinges could be used.
Slauson asked about adding a screen door; he said there is a four-foot opening, but he can only find a
three-foot door. Miklo said that he has seen it done where there is a screened panel on the side and just
a thinner member, maybe a two by four turned on its side. Weitzel said it should be something that is not
visually as distinctive as the columns.
Slauson asked if he could then not move any columns nor add any. Weitzel said the Commission could
discuss that, since they were originally round, but he did not think the placement has been changed.
Miklo said there are ways to screen the porch without moving the columns. He said he could show
Slauson examples of some that were recently done in historic districts.
Slauson asked about use of the Azek brand material. Weitzel said the Commission would have to discuss
and approve that separate from the rest of the application, but the material has not been approved before.
He said the Commission will need to discuss the merits of the material. Weitzel said the Commission is
therefore looking at approving the screened porch, the porch floor, balustrades, front stairs, handrail,
siding, and the soffits. He said the Commission should break this up into at least two motions to include
the materials as well as the proposed changes.
Regarding the materials, Miklo said the National Park Service does recommend that substitute materials
be allowed at times, but there are some criteria to consider when approving a substitute. He said one
criterion is that a substitute be allowed when the original historic material is not available. Miklo said it
would be hard to argue that wood crown molding cannot be found. He said in fact it is a material that
when painted and treated correctly, will last well over 100 years. Miklo said that the Azek is a fairly new
material, so it is unknown how it will behave over time, whether it's compatible in terms of its shrinking
and swelling, and how long it will hold paint. He said it therefore does not meet the criteria set forth by the
National Park Service, and that is what the Commission's standards are based on.
Weitzel said that when the Commission has allowed exceptions in the past, it has usually been when
there is some sort of extenuating circumstances or a reason that it needs to be addressed and/or when
there has been a lot of research done on the product.
Swaim asked if this is the ELK product. Weitzel confirmed this and said that Azek is the trim. Swain said
the design of the floor with the gaps in it and the fake wood grain showing wouldn't replicate the kind of
floor that would have been used at that time the porch was built.
Slauson asked about the Tendura brand mentioned by Terdalkar. Miklo said that it comes in a tongue and
groove and said that it does drain. Weitzel said that it is a composite sawdust and plastic material sort of
like Tyvek. Miklo said that it does drain, but the issue of drainage would be helped by having a slight
pitch.
Weitzel said that a traditional wood floor will swell up when it gets wet and becomes impermeable, but the
water then runs off - it sheets off because of the slopes. He said that even one-quarter inch would be
enough of a slope. Weitzel said that the tendura is already a pre-roughened material. He said that one
can put sand in a non-stick paint, if one wants painted wood. Weitzel added that a flat paint does better
than a high-gloss for winter-time slipperiness.
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July 12, 2007
Page 5
Baker said she did not feel the Commission knows enough about the ELK product to approve its use as a
substitute material. Michaud said that if wood is available, then the Commission is supposed to approve
wood.
Miklo said that, excluding the last sentence, the last three paragraphs of the staff report include wording
regarding the guidelines that could be used to draft a motion. He said the motion could include approval
of the screen subject to staff approval of the screen design.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application for 1125
East Burlington Street to repair the soffits and replace the deteriorated boards with new wood or
fiber cement board if it matches the existing bead board soffit in appearance, use wood or
paintable fiberglass columns and painted wood balustrade and railings with simple 1.5 to 2-inch
wide square spindles and a minimum 2-inch wide top and bottom rail, use narrow shake shingles
or fiber cement board shingle siding (instead of clapboard siding proposed in the application) for
the dormers, deteriorated wood trim and moldings may be replaced with new wood material to
match the dimensions and design of the existing, flat wood trim may be replaced with fiber
cement material to match the dimensions of the existing, skirting should be same as the original
or it may be replaced with a simple skirting that is made with slats fastened on the back of a 3 to
6-inch wood frame in a vertical or lattice pattern located between the porch piers; subject to the
screen porch design being subject to staff approval.
Anderson said that this would meet his needs. Slauson asked if he could mix wood with cement board, if
he could use wood crown mold and then have cement board siding. Weitzel replied that as long as the
soffit is done in sort of a bead mold, it would be acceptable; otherwise it should be a product that
replicates the bead mold. He said that product is readily available.
Slauson asked if he would need a whole new plan for the porch and need to come back before the
Commission. Weitzel said the motion allows him the latitude to work with staff to draw up a plan.
Trimble seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 6-0.
1123 East Colleae Street. Miklo said that the existing screened porch on this house is not historic but was
built in the 1980s on the southeast side of the house. He showed the original historic house and the
addition to the house.
Miklo said the proposal is to remove the screened porch and replace it with a two-story addition. He said
that because it is not a historic porch, staff feels that adding living space in that area would comply with
the guidelines.
Miklo said there are some details that staff has some questions about, referring to the plan. He said that
one of the issues is that the 1980s addition has casement windows that are not in character with the
original historic windows on the house. Miklo showed one elevation that is not going to change greatly in
the revised plan but one area that will. He said the Commission will have to judge whether it would be
better to match the windows on the south elevation or match the windows on the historic sides of the
house.
Miklo said that on the other side of the house, the applicant shows the use of windows that match the
historic double hung windows, so it would be consistent on that side. He said there is a question as to
whether it would be better to do two large windows or a set of three windows in this area. Miklo said the
applicant would like to get a lot of light into the room. Lange, the contractor for this project, said that would
be on the east side that the homeowners would prefer to have more windows.
Miklo said the question would be whether to use the two double hung windows or a gang of three. He
said that the proportions of these windows are quite large compared to the other historic windows on the
house. Miklo said this is therefore a judgment call for the Commission to make, although it may be
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 6
preferable to have windows that are more in scale with the gang windows elsewhere on the house,
versus the two large windows.
Miklo said there are also changes in the roof design. He said that generally this application complies with
the guidelines, with a decision required by the Commission regarding the window patterns on the south
and east sides.
Weitzel asked if the setback requirements would be met. Miklo said this is replacing something that is
already there. Weitzel said that current setback requirements would prevent the current porch from being
built there today. Miklo said the difficulty with this lot brings up the question as to whether it would be
better to put it to the side as proposed, or to elongate the house, which would also be problematic as the
house has already been elongated somewhat.
Lange stated that there are existing cross-footings on the porch as well as on the addition. He said that
he would be reusing the same footprint.
Peskin, the owner of the property, said that the reason for the addition is that there is only one bathroom
upstairs. She said her family needs an additional bathroom, and the additional space will give enough
interior room to put in a second bathroom.
Regarding what kind of windows to put in the addition and whether they should match what is there or the
older historic windows, Swaim stated that if the owners ever change the set of four windows back to the
way the original windows would have been, they would then be left with still odd windows in the addition.
She said that if the old-style windows were put in the addition, there would only be the set of peculiar
ones left to replace at some point.
Lange said there are casement windows on the existing east elevation. He said he would remove those
and reuse them on the south so that everything on the south would match and then use new double hung
windows on the east and the north to tie in more with the original structure.
Weitzel said he is a little concerned with the placement of some of the windows and suggested that
perhaps a skylight on the back elevation would be a way to bring light in without having so many windows
on the side. Peskin said that she would like to keep the windows that face east.
Weitzel said that he was more concerned with the front elevation where the windows project out and don't
really match the fenestration on the rest of the front fac;:ade. He said that is his main concern, especially
the placement of the large, transom windows and the vertical windows so close to the edge of a room.
Weitzel said that in looking at the other side of the house, that window is not quite as far into the corner,
and that kind of spacing might be more appropriate. He said that because it sticks out, it becomes part of
the front fac;:ade of the house.
Lange stated that the floor plans show that the north wall would be the most opportune place for a bed.
He said the transom window is not necessary, but having the windows on both sides is what he is aiming
for. Weitzel said that even a few inches would make a difference in that it would appear a little less as
being pushed right up against the corner board.
Swaim suggested that it be in line with the door. Weitzel said that lining it up with the door would probably
help. He said that the transom is his main problem.
Swaim said that some line up horizontally. Weitzel said that would be a concern as well, in that they all
line up except for the new set. Swaim asked what would happen with the interior if the two were dropped
down somewhat to line up. Lange said that would probably be fine.
Weitzel said that he didn't have much of a problem with the rear fac;:ade. He said it is a good point that if
eventually the windows in the back are changed on the new addition to become double-hungs, should
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 7
there be double-hungs in the new addition or should they just be matched up as they are right now to
bring harmony to the back elevation. Weitzel said that the addition is clearly a modern addition, but it has
a sort of prairie feel to it. Swaim said that that decision could probably go either way. Weitzel said the
Commission is clearly not dealing with an old building on the rear elevation. Swaim said that without
those windows, it might look almost like a foursquare.
Swaim said that if one of the questions is the rear view, and the porch becomes a two-story addition, the
windows on the new addition could either match the existing addition or could match the old ones. She
felt that it could be argued either way.
Regarding the side, Weitzel asked what members thought about the side windows and the spacing on the
east elevation. He said there are two configurations, one with the double windows and one with the triple
window. Lange said that the owner would prefer the triple window. Michaud said that actually looks better.
Weitzel said that the window size is much more in scale with the rest of the house.
Ponto asked how the space between those windows would look if it was the same space as the existing
windows on that same elevation on the bays. Weitzel said he likes the idea that the trim would match the
other windows on that floor. He said that one could go either way with that, but if it did match, it would
have to match exactly. Ponto said he thought that might be one way to tie it together.
Weitzel said that the foundation isn't changing, so the Commission would not need to specify a material
there.
Swaim said the issue then concerns the windows on the east elevation of the addition. Weitzel said the
Commission is discussing the roofline and windows, mostly, for the addition.
MOTION: Michaud moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for an application for 1123
East College Street, with the east elevation to have narrower spacing between the three-window
option to match the original bay, with the south elevation as proposed, and with a modification to
remove or replace the transom window on the north elevation with a double hung window.
Weitzel said he thought it could be either a double-hung or single-hung window there, but part of the
issue is placement. Swaim said the Commission had suggested dropping the top of those two windows
and moving them in just slightly to the right so that it lined up with the door. Trimble asked how much light
would come in from the north side if the extra transom window is removed. Weitzel said that up that far
into the eaves on the north side and partially blocked from the addition, it would not get much direct light
anyway.
Swaim questioned trying to match up one thing with this part of the floor plan. She said there is a vertical
window, a horizontal window, and then another vertical. Lange said that the existing house is not shown
on the plan, but it actually comes out and over. He said that from the elevation, one wouldn't see the
windows.
Weitzel said that he was fine with the two windows.
Miklo suggested qualifying the motion to say that the application in other regards will comply with the
guidelines, as no information has been provided regarding the materials for the doors.
AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION: Michaud amended the motion to state that a transom
window would not be acceptable, because it would conflict with the style of the house, and to
require that the application in other regards will comply with the guidelines, as no information has
been provided regarding the materials. Ponto seconded the amended motion. The motion carried
on a vote of 7 -0.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 8
830 Clark Street. Miklo stated that this application is to demolish an existing non-historic garage and
replace it with a somewhat larger garage. He said that the present garage shows evidence of damage to
the structure. Miklo said the application is to replace the current structure with a garage of 24 feet by 30
feet. He said that overall, staff is satisfied with the concept but is concerned about the size of the garage
and recommends that it be slightly smaller. Miklo said that 24 by 24 or 24 by 26 feet would be more than
adequate to provide for two cars, storage area, and the stairway to the second floor. He said the applicant
has already agreed to use all double hung windows rather than a variety of styles of windows. Miklo said
that staff recommends that the pitch of the roof be somewhat less so that it does not overpower the house
on the site.
Dianne Day, one of the owners of the house, said they picked this plan because the pitch of the roof
matched the roof of the house. She stated that they want to set the garage farther back from the alley by
at least three feet so that there is enough turning radius.
Dianne Day said that because there is no inside access to the house's attic, they wanted to have an
interior stairway in the garage, which adds a minimum of three feet to the existing garage. She said that
ideally, they would like to have a length of 30 feet to give room to walk around in the garage.
Dianne Day said that there would still be twelve feet between the end of the garage and the house. She
said that she could do a 10: 12 pitch, which would still look the same but lower the height of the garage.
Dianne Day said that she would like to keep the 24-foot width, mainly because that is needed to house
two cars.
Weitzel asked if it would be possible to drop the eave line so that one could bring the height down without
changing the pitch. He said that a small change in pitch won't be that noticeable. Weitzel said that it
should be subordinate to the main house. Dianne Day said that it would still be three feet lower than the
existing house.
Dianne Day said she would prefer to keep the width if she had to choose between the width and the
height. She added that lowering the pitch would get it in between the two existing peaks on the house,
and it's directly behind the house so that from the street one only sees a little bit of the garage from one
side.
Dianne Day said it was her understanding that one could have a 12 x 12 foot outbuilding. She said the
yard would look better to have more space in the garage instead of another outbuilding.
Regarding the windows, Dianne Day said that the little square windows on the top came from an old
garage. She said that on the north side, there were the three little windows, and those were from the
original garage and have the neat old glass in them. Day said they wanted to keep all of those windows.
She said that in the front, the window by the door is actually an old kitchen window. Day said that on the
other side, those two square windows are the same size as the kitchen and are from an old bedroom.
She said that is why the windows are different, because they were trying to use what they had. She said
that if the Commission disagrees with the windows, she would have to buy all new windows for the lower
level so that they will be the same.
Weitzel asked if the owners would prefer to have the garage be narrower or shorter. Dianne Day said that
they wanted a width of 24 feet but could go with a shorter garage if they had to. Mr. Day said that they
want to be able to have double doors, and a narrower garage would force them to change to single doors.
Ponto suggested that they could have two pedestrian doors instead of one, with an additional door on the
side, for access to the garage.
Weitzel said the site plan shows that the house is narrower than the garage by a couple of feet, but he did
not know how much one could tell that from the street. He said that the depth may be more of an issue.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 9
Dianne Day said they were open to suggestions. Weitzel said he would defer to staff about the square
footage requirements for a lot this size and the house size compared to it, but it should be subordinate to
the main structure. He said that his concerns would be height and the overall mass.
Trimble said that one of the reasons it looks so wide is because the proposed garage is actually going
beyond the house on one side. Dianne Day said that right now they have the garage located there only
because the sidewalk from the house goes down to the door in the existing garage, so it's a little bit to
one side. She said they could shift it over about three feet, because they need a new foundation anyway,
and then one would not see anything from the street.
Weitzel asked the Days if they were amenable to moving the garage more to the center of the lot. Dianne
Day said that they have to dig up the whole slab anyway, so that would be fine with them. Miklo said the
garage is so far back from the street anyway, that it shouldn't be much of an issue.
Weitzel said the Commission would need to formulate a motion regarding the width, depth, height, roof
pitch, and placement of the windows. Mr. Day asked if the demolition would be acceptable. Weitzel said
that it is a non-historic building, so it is not something the Commission needs to review.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 830 Clark Street, as
proposed, with the following stipulations: the pitch of the roof to be changed to 10:12 or shallower
with the dimensions to be no more than 24 feet wide by 28 feet long, an optional second
pedestrian door, the use of wood or fiber cement board material, and the option for placement of
the garage as drawn or the option of moving it more centrally on the lot so that it would be more
hidden behind the house. Swaim seconded the motion.
Ponto said he was okay in this unique circumstance with the reuse of the windows. Weitzel said he is
concerned, not necessarily about the reuse of the windows, but with the placement of the windows - that
he would like to see them balanced and part of a unified whole. He said he did not know how that would
be accomplished with the number and sizes of the windows.
Dianne Day said that the two little windows would be upstairs. Weitzel said that would be okay. Dianne
Day said they were putting the old kitchen window in the corner to give light to the stairway. Weitzel said
that was probably okay also. He said the drawing shows the windows all in one unit and asked if they
could be separated a little more.
Dianne Day said that they come all in one unit. Miklo asked if it would be possible to use a new, one set
of windows to match those on the other side. He said that would at least give some proportion and scale
relating to the other window. Weitzel said that a band of three repeated on the other side would be
acceptable.
Miklo said the existing location of the windows is fairly low, and the standard would have been to have
them lined up with the top of the door. Mr. Day said he just drew them the way they were on the old
garage.
AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN MOTION: Ponto amended the motion so that on the south elevation,
the double windows are to be replaced by a three-window set to match what is proposed for the
north and so that on both the north and south elevations the three-window sets be moved up so
that the tops are in line with the tops of the pedestrian doors. Swaim seconded the motion.
Weitzel asked if the band of three windows consists of awning windows or regular windows. Mr. Day said
they have never opened those windows. Weitzel said he would assume then that they are fixed sash
windows. He said that normally the Commission disallows awning windows, because when they are open
they are very clearly awning windows and a very modern thing. Miklo said it wouldn't be unusual for them
to swing in on a garage. Weitzel said that if they are awning windows, they should be mounted to open
inward.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 10
The motion carried on a vote of 7 -0.
431 Brown Street. Miklo said the proposal is to replace two basement windows, one with a glass block
window that would be deeper than the existing. He said that the windows are not highly visible because of
the fence. Miklo said the proposal to put in an egress window meets the guidelines. He said that the glass
block window is typically not a material that would have been found on a house of this vintage, but
because it is well-screened from the street, staff would leave that as a judgment call for the Commission
to make. Miklo added that staff recommends that rather than widening this opening to get the additional
light by going down.
Deutelbaum, one of the owners of the house, said she would answer any questions the Commission
might have. She said that this is a history of glass blocks, and they were used to provide light to
basements in the early 1800s. Deutelbaum said the concern is that if one puts in just regular glass, rather
than glass blocks, moisture will creep up in there and there will be mold, but glass blocks are sealed and
mortared into the frame. Weitzel pointed out that the mortar can also mildew.
Weitzel said the Commission should consider whether the glass block is acceptable for whatever reason.
He agreed that the material is quite old and has a long history, but in this style of house and for the time
period it was built, it was probably never used for that application.
Ponto said that the window is screened in now, but a future owner may take down the screening, as it is
not a permanent screen. Deutelbaum said she also planned to plant flowers or a low bush in front of the
window.
Weitzel agreed that it should be within the original width of that window, if the Commission allows the
change. He said the Commission has allowed egress windows that match in the past.
Brennan said that an older version of the guidelines had a provision that took visibility from the street into
account, but that was deleted from the current guidelines. He stated that last year a couple on Summit
Street was denied a kitchen window that was visible only to a neighbor standing in the neighbor's yard.
Brennan said that he personally did not have a problem with the block, but the Commission would need a
good rationale to justify its approval.
Miklo said the difference between this and the one on Summit Street is that the window on Summit Street
was on the first floor and was pretty visible. Brennan disagreed. He added that there is no permit required
to remove a fence; therefore nothing guarantees the lack of visibility. Brennan said he is not opposed to
this but given what has been done before and what the guidelines say, there would need to be a strong
rationale to allow this.
Regarding the potential of mold and mildew migrating up, Swaim said that the glass block would still be
set in some kind of wooden frame. Morris, co-owner of the property, said that it would be mortared in.
Weitzel said that the contractor usually takes out the window, lays mortar inside the wood frame, and
places the blocks in there. He agreed that if the frame rots, the whole thing would fall apart, and mortar on
wood is never really a great idea.
Weitzel said that he is not crazy about the material aesthetically, and Brennan has a good point that the
Commission has to be careful when saying that things aren't visible. Weitzel said the Commission has
disallowed other things because the guidelines take a total view of the house. He pointed out that this is a
historic district as well.
Swaim asked if there are any other options, such as a translucent material. Weitzel said there is a film
one can buy to put over a window. Burford said that there is some kind of frosted glass or spider glass.
Michaud said that Marv's has different styles of that.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 11
Deutelbaum said that they plan to use the room for a steam shower, so it's not just the visibility but also
the concern with what will happen on the inside of the house. Weitzel said that the Board of Adjustment
has determined that the Commission cannot take the use of the building into account, so he was reticent
to get into discussions about use.
Deutelbaum said the idea of redoing the basement came about, because there is only one bathroom in
the house with only a claw foot tub and no shower. She said the idea was to put in a nice steam shower,
but there would need to be some light coming in. Weitzel said there have been other cases regarding
bathrooms in which the Commission didn't allow windows to be changed, taken out, or blocked in,
because of a shower.
Morris pointed out that they have done a lot of work on this house over the years and won a preservation
award for the remodeling in the back. She said they have been here since 1980 and have really made an
effort on their house and the whole neighborhood. Morris said they would like to continue to be good
neighbors and make the area very beautiful. Weitzel said the Commission appreciates that, and the
awards show that the Commission does appreciate the owners' efforts.
Regarding consistency. Morris stated that the way that things have been designed in the house has been
to pick up these squares - the porch in the back has little squares and the old windows have little squares
that they replicated in the back. She said they thought the square glass block would be a nice
complement to that.
Regarding the fence that screens the windows, Miklo pointed out that this is a corner lot without a lot of
privacy. He said there would be a real incentive for whoever owns this house to keep the fence there,
especially if there is an egress-window bedroom space being added to that side.
MOTION: Swaim moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the application for 431
Brown Street, as proposed, with the width of the basement window where the glass block window
would be used to be maintained as is, and if it needs to be enlarged, that it be done by height.
Michaud seconded the motion.
Weitzel said that he is reticent regarding the alternate material for the window. He said he would gladly
approve the egress window, but he had trouble with the glass block. Weitzel said he would have to vote
no on this.
Trimble said she was concerned that if the glass block is used that it will ruin the consistency around the
base of the house. Morris said there isn't really consistency around the base in so far as the requirement
for the egress. She stated that the egress requirement trumps the historic preservation requirement.
Ponto said there is a good argument that this will always be screened, but screening isn't really the issue;
the issue is the material. He said he is not yet convinced that this would be an acceptable alternate
material.
Brennan said that the absence of a provision in the current guidelines to allow the consideration of
visibility, which the Commission used to have available, coupled with the concern about the material
would cause him to vote against this. He said he had no problem with the egress window.
Ponto asked if there are other options that might be explored regarding the concerns about water and
mold. He asked if there were a way to do something on the interior to seal the window but keep it looking
the same from the exterior. Ponto said the steam will start rotting out that wood frame. Deutelbaum said
that alternatively, they could use a vinyl framed window that would be okay for moisture resistance but not
as good as glass block, because it has a frame. Weitzel said that the Commission would probably allow
fiberglass but not vinyl, which would also mildew.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 12
Miklo said that, regarding the Board of Adjustment's direction to the Commission regarding consideration
of use, he thought the direction dealt with consideration of zoning and density. He said this is a little
different in terms of wanting to modernize a house.
Deutelbaum said that the only noticeable change will just be thicker glass, but it will be the same shape.
Ponto said that one would see all of the mortar lines. Swaim said that the glass block is probably less
likely to be replaced by a future owner, because it would be a more complicated process.
The motion failed on a vote of 0-7.
Weitzel said the Commission could pass the egress window with no problem. He said the options for the
glass would be something in that existing frame that is translucent. Miklo said the Commission might
consider some options such as a fiberglass frame or a wood, metal-clad frame. Weitzel said that
fiberglass would be a good frame here. He said that it is paintable and would be rot resistant. Weitzel said
that replacing the glass would not require a permit, but if the owners want to replace the window, then a
fiberglass frame would be acceptable.
MOTION: Ponto moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 431 Brown Street to
approve the egress window, as proposed; and to approve an option keeping the other windows as
it is; of replacement of the other window with a fiberglass frame if desired; and an option of
putting in translucent glass or frosted glass, as long as it is historically compatible with the
building; with the width and height of the window to be retained if a fiberglass frame is used.
Trimble seconded the motion.
Deutelbaum said that staff's suggestion was to keep the width of the window, but they would like a bigger
window at least vertically to get more light.
Weitzel said that usually when people change windows it's because of a rotting situation, not just a
wholesale replacement. Michaud said that one of the guidelines discusses not changing something that
can't be changed back. She said it would be very difficult to change glass block back.
Deutelbaum said that it is a question of getting more light in this very dark corner of the basement.
Weitzel pointed out that it is a basement. He said there are lots of options for indirect lighting in interior
situations.
Burford said there is a screened glass that is similar to the rice paper that will allow light to pass through.
Weitzel said that the Commission has to allow an egress window if it's required but does have design
considerations over hoe it will work. He said that one of the design considerations is how it looks. Weitzel
said for other window replacements, the Commission almost only deals with window replacements if the
windows are rotting or if there is some other reason they have to come out. He said the Commission
doesn't usually allow window replacement for a design change on the house.
Weitzel said the Commission should be able to work in things that will be compatible with what the
owners want to do and still compromise with the change being allowed. He said that the fiberglass itself is
an exception and is being allowed because it is related to moisture. Weitzel said that in that sense, the
Commission is trying to accommodate the owners. He said the Commission certainly wants people to
enjoy their homes but has to look at the guidelines and apply them fairly.
The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
1122 East Colleqe Street. Miklo said that this application is to add a window on the east side of the
house. He said staff's concern is the symmetry of the house and that the proposed location of the window
would be somewhat unusual in relationship to the roof structure.
Historic Preservation Commission
July 12, 2007
Page 13
Weitzel pointed out the location at which the staff report suggests an alternative.
Shelley McCafferty, the owners' representative, said that the Commission should look at the windows with
regard to the style and precedent for this. She said that the house is quirkily styled as concerns the
symmetry and gambrel stuck on the front. McCafferty stated that the house is really eclectic as there is a
lot of stylistic precedence going on with the peaked arch, the Tudor and gothic thing going on, the
gambrel, and the classic elements. She said that the basic form of the house itself is American
foursquare.
McCafferty said that relative to what one would stylistically expect for a four-square, the window pattern
she is proposing is actually very common, with two smaller windows in back in the kitchen. She showed
photographs of four houses that were mostly likely done all by the same builder - one in West Branch
that is identical to 1122 East College and two others in Iowa City.
McCafferty said that the location of the bracket is not ideal relative to the window, but given one of the
other houses built by the same builder, this is not that far out of character, given the style of the house.
McCafferty said that one other point is that one will never see that perfect symmetry; this will always be
seen at an angle. She said this therefore would not stick out as something that is unusual.
McCafferty said that the proposal would replace two existing windows, both of which are replacement
windows right now. She said they would be replaced probably with Colby or Lincoln windows, which seem
to be similar to what is there. McCafferty said that they will be all wood windows to match as closely as
possible what is there. She said that there will be three new windows put into the kitchen. McCafferty
said that the trim and mullions between the two windows on the east side will match existing.
Weitzel said this is definitely a Queen Anne eclectic house with classical and colonial elements. Ponto
said that he was struck by the house on Van Buren that is so similar to this.
MOTION: Brennan moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for 1122 East College Street,
as submitted. Swaim seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0.
Minutes for June 28,2007.
The consensus of the Commission was to defer consideration of the June 28th meeting minutes to the
next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
s/pcd/mins/hpcl2007 f7 -12-07 .doc
Historic Preservation Commission
Attendance Record
2007
Term
Name Expires 2/08 3/08 4/12 5/17 5/31 6/12 6/28 7/12
Baker 3/29/09 X OlE X X X X X X
Brennan 3/29/08 X X X OlE X OlE 0 X
Carlson 3/29107 X X ..- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Gunn 3/29/07 X OlE -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
McCormally 3/29/08 OlE OlE X OlE OlE OlE OlE OlE
Michaud 3/29/09 X X OlE X X OlE X X
Ponto 3/29/07 X X X X OlE X X X
Swaim 3/29/09 X X X OlE X X X X
Trimble 3/29/1 0 -- -- -- -- X X X X X X
Toomey 3/29/09 X X X X X X X OlE
Weitzel 3/29/08 X OlE X X X X X X
Key:
X = Presen'
o = Absent
OlE = Absent/Excused
NM =No Meeting
-- -- = Not a Member