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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal minutes of 8/8Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Informal Council Discussion: August 8, 1988 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers in the Civic Center. Mayor pro tem Courtney presiding. Council Present: Courtney, Horowitz, Strait, Dickson, Larson, Ambrisco. Absent: McDonald. Staff Present: Atkins, Helling, Boyle, Karr, Schmeiser, Cain, Franklin, Davidson. ITMe R_eco d n : Reel 88-41, Side 2, 568-1, Reel 83-46, Side 1, 1 -End, Side 2, End -1. Consent Calendar: Reel 88-41, Side 2 City Council agreed to add a beer permit for the Iowa City Fall Fun Festival to the consent calendar. Agenda item 3.c.7. - dancing permits. Horowitz inquired about the resolution issuing dancing permits. Karr explained the City issues dance permits by resolution, the dance permits are not itemized for Council consideration, but generally relate to approval of a liquor license on the same agenda. Planning b Zoning Matte: Reel 88-41, Side 2 a. Qyring on an ordinance to va�3,778 square foot portion of Materfront Drive right-of-way. lV•88041 Schmelser explained this request will allow for reconstruction of the building accommodating the slaughter house and would permit parking in the front yard. Schmeiser said a ten foot utility easement will i be dedicated with the final plat of a resubdivision of Government Lot 4. (Soe items b., d., e. and J.) I b. 001111inf',e�ityic.�.tst_.+t,.3If1, qu1Y�149iDyF1S�]D of Wa erfftUtIn rJ11ht=4 -w#y,_ ym@Q94J- 01-anildc k Qfll Schmelser said bays have requested expedited consideration of this item, Jerson asked how the City docld6s to 9611 or give away vacated land. Schmoisor said it is considered on a case-by•cose basis and the area in consideration is a rioht•of•way established is an easement for roadway purposes. Schmetser expiainod if the right -of. Wal la var.ated, it reverts to the Gays. (If-,,egende Items d., e. and J. T _s: Minutes Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Page 2 e. Schmeiser stated the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended Maiden Lane right-of-way be redesignated an alley provided the City commits to paving this right-of-way and providing metered parking in the area. Schmeiser said it will cost approximately $62,000 to construct that parking area and 6 out of 8 adjoining property owners have been contacted. Atkins suggested staff meet with property owners to discuss a development plan for the whole area. Boyle stated the City is not under any obligation to act within a certain time period on the vacation. Schmeiser said the initial request to vacate was withdrawn but the applicant has agreed to redesignation of the street, Council should go ahead and hold the public hearing. Atkins said he is reluctant to use the parking fund to fund streets and other options should be studied. Council directed staff to meet with property owners to discuss development of the area. Council received input from property owner John Rummelhart. 1•.1 , :1: ..W1WLNWMMf ., 1 11 1 1 See agenda items a . , b., e. and j, Schmeiser said that Gay's business is composed of three uses: slaughter house, meat market and lo6er, and this will amend the CC -2 zone to allow food lockers as a permitted use. (See agenda items a., b., d. and J.) Schmsisor noted that the riyht•of-way remains City property if it is vacated: Schmeiser said that if B. Chit does not follow-through with plans to renovate St, potrick's rlomantory School, the City could rebid the triangular piece to include the 194got Maiden Lan@ right-of-way. Courtney requested staff Contact Benjamin Chait regarding his renovation plans. Regarding the ordinance, Boyle said the Council could table it, vote It down, or adopt the vacation ordinance and rededicate if necessary. g, grdinance to f_vacele: portiona_-of_Zapitol_.Ind- 6100MI"Utnn _SLrsUt (p a a>E ed ,� nd .r i>yp t s sal ho Cnunrll rommint, i a. Minutes Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Page 3 h. Schmeiser said the purpose of the development is to relocate the ready mix plant, construct a material handling unit, and to construct a truck storage and shop building. Schmeiser said the Riverfront Commission recommended three conditions as outlined in a letter to Council. Schmeiser reported the building official has chosen to waive the requirement for vegetative screening along the south, east and north boundaries of the site. Schmeiser distributed a plat of the area to Councilmembers. In response to Strait, Schmeiser explained the building official waived the screening requirement because of the existing vegetation along the two boundaries and because of the change in grade, making it difficult to see the site from the river. Schmeiser said all of the deficiencies have been corrected. Schmeiser said staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended waivers of the sidewalk requirements along Imperial Court and provisions for the circle median in the turnaround of the cul-de-sac. Ambrisco cautioned that there may be a traffic hazard from the large trucks egressing the existing curb cut. Larry Schnittjer, MMS Consultants, said the internal traffic at the site has been changed and traffic will be exiting north of the utility pole. Courtney inquired about the airport overlay ordinance. Schmeiser said the project is in the transition overlay zone of the airport but is not a problem. Horowitz asked where the cement material washout of the truck drains go. Schnittjer explained drainage from the truck drains into a washout pit. Schnittjer said the cement left in the washout material settles in the washout pit and the washout pit is cleaned out on a regular basis. Schnittjer said the cement material does notgo into the sanitary sewer system. Horowitz asked if underground fuel tanks are still located on the property. Schnittjer said they probably are and new tanks may be Installed. Sae above item h. 1 JO Minutes Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Page 4 k. m. Schmeiser proposed the Council approve the resubdivision of Govern- ment Lot 4 with two stipulations: 1) vacation of a 3,778 square foot portion of Waterfront Drive adjacent to the proposed subdivision, and 2) waiver of the provision of the sidewalk along Waterfront Drive. Schmeiser reported that the staff and Planning and Zoning Commission recommended waiving the sidewalk requirement along Waterfront Drive because a sludge force main has to be constructed along Waterfront Drive and no sidewalks presently exist in the area. Horowitz asked if there will be temporary sidewalk installed during construction of the sludge force main. Schmeiser said there are sidewalks proposed on the west side. Horowitz said a temporary sidewalk or rope walk is needed to protect pedestrians during construction. Atkins said he will discuss the need for sidewalk with Public Works Director Schmadeke. No Council comment. Schmeiser explained the LSNRD ordinance provides that approved preliminary plans are valid for a period of two years. Schmeiser said on May 20, 1986, the City Council approved LSNRD plans for Lots 1 and 6, BDI Second Addition; LSNRD plans have an expiration date which may be extended by the City Council for a period of 12 months upon written request of the owner; and the new expiration date on these plans will be May 20, 1989. Schmeiser said it is staff's recommendation that Council grant the extension, Schmelser referred to a letter prepared by Barry Bangle, University of lows_JJtslfut Regarding LicensingAIPed]Il'Jt Roe! 88.46, Side 1 Karr noted Council received correspondence and Information in the Council packet relating to this request. Karr introduced D ickis Van Motor, University of Iowa Ii Lehi Ing/Marketing Director. Van Mater appeared and 7 Jel Mi nutes Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Page 5 raised concerns relating to safety and licensing. Van Meter explained merchandising operations create additional congestion along Melrose Avenue on football Saturdays and many of the merchandisers have not secured licenses. Van Meter asked Council to work with the University to address these problems. Strait asked if peddlers are illegally parked on Melrose Avenue. Larson asked what is the City's interest in regulating the peddlers. Van Meter said the City should share the University's concern relating to congestion problems and non-payment of sales tax. Courtney said the City lacks the personnel to help with enforcement. In response to Ambrisco, Van Meter said she has not contacted University Heights. Ambrisco asked that the University address the problems related to alcohol consumption at the football games. Horowitz asked if Capt. Fuhrmeister would accept delegation of authority from the City to allow the University to give permits to the peddlers. Council members discussed the vendor problems. Councilmembers received input sre regarding control or permits. Atkins stated the City personnel should be u traffic. Atkins suggested the City send a letter to Melrose residents regarding vendors remaining off the public right-of-way and on private property. Jane Meyer, University of Iowa graduate assistant, asked the City request that Melrose residents allow only licensed peddlers. Larson stated it is not the City's responsibility to enforce the licensing provision of the University of Iowa Athletic Department. Council directed staff to send a letter to Melrose Avenue residents. Proposed Downtown Development Studv: Reel 88-46, Side 1 Atkins noted Council received his 8/5/88 memo regarding a proposed downtown study. Atkins asked that a market study be done by a consultant to indicate the kind of development most likely to occur and to be supported by the downtown area. Councilmembers discussed use of a consultant versus City staff. Atkins said the study would cost an estimated $10,000.520,000. Atkins said work could be done by City staff. Strait suggested using University personnel for the study, in response to Larson, Schmeiser said staff is working on the Comprehensive Plan Update and subdivision regulations. Councilmembers discussed staff work priorities they deaate to downtown heparkingpstudyPlan piste and own market being done. stated the availability of parking in the north-west and south-east quartors should also be studied. Courtney suggested the downtown market study be included in the Comp Plan Update. Atkins stated a market analysis of the downtown area needs to be done. Council received input from Suzanne Summmrwill, President, Downtown Association. Summerwill said the market resource aspect of the study is essential, summorwill asked Council to get proposals for a downtown market analysis before they negate the idea of using a consultant. In response to Courtnor, schmatser said City staff hal the capabilities to do the downtown mar rt analysis, but has not done one. Council requested that the City Manager work with the Planning Department to get figures of approximate cult for a consultant to do the market alialyili, and to formulate a priority list, of projects underirkin W tPz P1;nnirg 0cpart:rt-n!, 1 k I Minutes Informal Council Meeting August 8, 1988 Page 6 Council Agenda/Time: Reel 88-46, Side 2 1. (Agenda item 83.e.1. - Hank Miguel - Yacht Club) Horowitz asked if there is a probationary liquor permit. Karr said the state does not allow for probationary periods for a beer and liquor permit. Boyle explained Council adopted the ordinance prohibiting bars in the second floor or basements of premises at the request of the Chief of Police because of safety concerns. Council discussed the ordinance as it relates to the Yacht Club. Boyle explained that Council could repeal the ordinance or direct a change in the 50% requirement or do nothing. Courtney asked staff to prepare recommendations. 2. Atkins announced that Councilmembers have been invited to attend the Chamber of Commerce new teacher luncheon on August 23, 1988. 3. Boyle noted Council received revised copies of the University 28E Agreement. 4. Boyle stated that Iowa City has been served a lawsuit by Dr. Skaugstad. The lawsuit, a quiet title action, involves land north of Park Road between Hutchinson Avenue and Magowan Avenue. Boyle said Dr. Skaugstad has agreed to give Iowa City an easement for a future sewer if the City will exceed in the lawsuit. Appointments: Reel 88-46, Side 2 Housing Commission: Reginald Williams. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. I' 1",