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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal minutes of 9/6Informal Council Discussion September 6, 1988 Informal Council Discussion, September 6, 1988, 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers. Mayor John McDonald presiding. Councilmembers present: McDonald, Courtney, Larson, Ambrisco, Horowitz, Strait. Staff present; Atkins, Karr, Boyle, Schmeiser, Donner, Helling, Milkman. Tape-recorded on Reel 88-50, Side 11 -End. PLANNING & ZONING MATTERS: Reel 88-50, Side 1 A. B. C. Schmeiser said the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to permit the location of manufacturing businesses in the CI -1 zone provided the manufacturing portion of the business does not exceed 5,000 square feet. Currently the entire business may not exceed 5,000 square feet. Schmeiser said additional information will be presented prior to Council's September 30 meeting. Atkins stated City staff met with property owners to review the various interests of those property owners. Atkins said staff has prepared a list of ideas with respect to how the area could be developed. Atkins recommended that Council defer action on this item to allow staff and property owners to develop a plan for the area. Atkins said he would Prepare a letter, to be sent to the property owners outlining the issues. The letter would involve significant policy decisions, including the potential for recommendations for a zoning change, traffic study at Prentiss and Gilbert streets, and tying the two areas together with a pedestrian footbridge. Atkins said a financing plan for the area has not yet been developed. Council agreed to defer the public hearing. Schmeiser stated this plan is for construction of three warehouses in the rear of Nagle Lumber Company, Horowitz noted the map and asked If part of the structure would hang over Ralston Creek. Schmelser said It would not and the area outlined on the map is property that Negles has control of and It extends across the Ralston Creek, Atkioa inquired about the welding of ihr plattin{! requirements, Schmeiber explained a number of lots along first Avenue warn platted without the submittal of subdivision plats for the approval by the City. Boyle Minutes Informal Council Discussion September 6, 1988 Page 2 explained the City Code stated that the building permit cannot be obtained if the property has not been properly subdivided and the issue relates to replacement if a building burns down. Horowitz asked if the planning process protects property owner. Boyle said this resolution will insure the City will not make a property owner incur a substantial expense or deny a building permit. In response to Atkins, Boyle said this waiver will clear the titles. DISCUSS APPOINTMENTS OF CITY COUNCILMEMBER: Reel 88-50, Side 1 McDonald said there are ten applicants for the position (At-Large/Dickson vacancy) and a formal vote will not be taken during the informal Council session. McDonald asked Councilmembers for nominations for the vacant Council position. Strait announced his resignation from the City Council effective 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 1988. Strait stated he will explain the reasons for his resignation during the Council's formal meeting. Horowitz nominated Naomi Novick to fill the Council position vacated by Kate Dickson. Strait seconded that nomination. Horowitz stated Ms. Novick is a resident of the northwest part of town, actively involved in local and State governmental issues for 18 years, member and past president of the League of Women Voters, organized and presided over televised legislative forums, had been appointed to the Charter Review Commission, appointed to the Urban Environment Ad Hoc Commission, appointed to the Design Review Commission, active in volunteer groups such as the Johnson County Arts Council, University of Iowa Museum of Art and Hancher Guild, and aware of various aspects of local commerce. Horowitz said Novick has a moderate well-connected balanced background needed by Council. Ambrisco nominated John Balmer to fill the Council position vacated by Kate Dickson. Ambrisco said he has known Balmer for 20 years. Ambrisco ststed that Balmer is a progressive thinking individual, has previously served on Council, has been active in the community and local government, and recently served on School Board Blue Ribbon Committee. Courtney seconded the nomination. Council discussed the nominations. Horowitz said that Novick is a very qualified woman. McDonald said the ten applicants are Involved in and concerned about the commlunity. Larson sald the vote is not a vote between Balmer and Novick and it is a horrendous mistake for Council to appoint anyone. Larson said there is a entential for a 3.3 vote for the candidates, resulting in a compromised candidate, and, therefore, he would support Balmer. McDonald stated he Would support Balmer. Council agreed to appoint John Balmer at the formal meeting McDonald thanked all of the applicants for applying for the vacant petition. ;Ate gfPQQLJ.�NORKS_PROP,ERT11 Reel 88.60, Side 1 Atkins said the potential of selling the City's Public Works property was previously discussed because of Iha foom"re10 vacuo of the property. ?flip± Said he ha! hnnn working with a perspective developer, but the AIFpoFt Clasp Zana is an issue: the Airirort currently has approximately I J Minutes Informal Council Discussion September 6, 1988 Page 3 1,000 feet clear zone intended for future instrument landing approach, and it is the FAA's position that the Airport Clear Zone must remain clear. Atkins asked Council to consider if the City should actively pursue the instrument landing approach and suggested that Council meet with the Airport Commission. Atkins noted the Public Works property is considered to be one of the best commercial locations in the area and the property will be diminished in value if the clear zone area cannot be used. Atkins said limiting factors to development are the clear zone and that the property is a landfill. Atkins said he has asked the Airport Commission to establish policy or strategy regarding marking property in and around the Airport. McDonald said he has contacted the Chair of the Airport Commission regarding scheduling a joint meeting with Council. McDonald said the Airport Commission is currently implementing a master plan for the Airport. Horowitz asked what are other community experiences with developing airport property. Atkins said the Iowa City Airport is a general aviation airport and this is a unique circumstance because there is another public facility adjacent to the Airport. In response to Horowitz, Atkins said the FAA personnel won't debate the issue with Iowa City. Atkins said if the City chooses to develop along the corridor, certain development of the Airport could be precluded. Larson asked for information relating to the cost of the Airport Master Plan and what are the Airport's options if the Airport expansion is curtailed at this time. Atkins noted the Airport operates independently from Council. Courtney asked for an update on funding received from the FAA. Larson asked for a COPY of the Airport Master Plan. COUNCIL TIME/AGENDA: Reel 88-50, Side 1 I. McDonald stated a Council goal setting session will be scheduled in October. 2. Ambrisco stated a joint meeting with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors will be scheduled this fall. 3. Council agreed to meet in an informal council session, Friday, September 9 at 5:30 p,m, to discuss the process for filling the Council At -Large position vacated by George Strait. APPOINTMfur4: Reel 8850, Side 1 Broadband Telecommunications Commission - Trey Stevens Electrical Examiners and Appeals Beard James Montgomery SQyt1CIL TiME/AGENQA CONTId�ljp; Reel 88.60, Side 1 /. Council agreed with Melling'i recommondation that the City negotiate A collective bargaining agroemnot with bath AFSCME units (Library and the general) in one contact. Melling said the City hes received formal requests from AFSCME representatives to open nayallitlwu_ Melling said he will respom to the AFSCME request end Aare# to nsgdttiti with bath Afi[IU u7,iia under one contract contingent upon Approval from the Library poerd, the Meeting Adjourneq at 7,15 C is.