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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal minutes of 11/14Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Informal Council Discussion, November 14, 1988, 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers in the Civic Center. Mayor pro Tem Darrel Courtney presiding. Councilmembers present: Courtney, Ambrisco, Larson, Horowitz, Balmer. Absent: McDonald. Staff present: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Timmins, Beagle, Penney, Milkman. Tape-recorded Reel 88-57, Side 2, 590-1; Reel 88-61, Side 1, 1 -End, Side 2, 727-337. PLANNING b ZONING MATTERS: Reel 88-57, Side 2 A. Beagle stated this item is to accommodate a proposal by the Iowa City Press -Citizen to establish a 40,000 square foot printing and publishing facility and the Planning 6 Zoning Commission and City staff recommended for approval both the Comprehensive Plan amendment and ordinance to rezone the 16.95 acre parcel from RS -5 to ROP. Beagle explained the Planning 6 Zoning Commission recommended to approve the rezoning subject to: 1) the site's improvement in accordance with the development standards and conceptual Master Plan, 2) submission and approval of grading and erosion control plans prior to site development, and 3) submission of a legal description and deed to dedicate 40 feet of right-of-way on Dubuque Road. Regarding traffic safety, a 42 -foot wide access drive is proposed providing two separate 12 -foot outbound lanes, to facilitate right and left turning movements onto Highway 1. The proposal also provides for a 160 -foot taper for right-hand turning movements into the site and regrading the right-of-way on the opposite side of the highway and removal of a guard rail. The Gatens, Meads, and the Press -Citizen have accepted the proposed Improvements in a conditional zoning agreement and it is recmnmended to the Council. The agreement should be available at Tuesday night's formal Council meeting for consideration by the city Council Ilorowitz asked if the Planning 8 Zoning Commits4on bels that the Press -Citizen worked with the neighbors enough such as required by a PDH. Beagle stated that he believed so, adding that the Press -t lien eat with many of the surrounding asighbors in advance of the Camwiealon meetings. Horowitz asked if the City has heard from IDOT in terms of whothtr the speed could be r4stod, Beagle stated no, but It is presumed that the Press-Cltiten will submit proDDoulo to TDOT regardln9 the intersection improvements. The Preis- Itizen will have to receive authorization from IDOT since it Is a conditional zoning. if IDOT will not support any of the highw9y charges, a modified conceptual master plan will have to be considered. In response to Balmer, Beagle said the Pratt-Citlten will top Into an *sitting sewer. Thpre was a Question about requiring the prrsl tilitwo to extend a sewer to Highway 1 North thF-UU0, shy ii yrwov(iy t'Y i�OVidY fOf (�f,V�iOFina t Eapab lltlii y7. taw other tide e! the nignwey, but It was the recommendation of the Piannint a Inning commt1tlg4 that it not be attarhtd as pert h/ the Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 2 B. C. D. rezoning. Beagle explained they did provide for a 20 -foot sanitary sewer easement extending along the probable alignment of the sewer extension and when development occurs on the other side of the highway, the property owner or developer would be required to provide for that extension. In response to Courtney, Beagle said the Legal staff said that the sewer extension could be required now, but both the Planning 8 Zoning Commission and staff felt that the sewer extension could only be required if this was a subdivision proposal. Beagle said that Legal contends that the proposal is comparable to a subdivision proposal and as a development issue, the City has the right to consider various improvements, etc. to promote the public health, safety and welfare. The Planning 8 Zoning Commission did not feel that the Press -Citizen should pay a tap -in fee to tap into the existing sewer line and also provide a sewer that wouldn't benefit them. In response to Courtney, Beagle said that in the future a property owner or developer could extend the sewer and request that a tap -in fee ordinance be enacted by the City to reimburse the original developer on a pro rata basis for the extension of that sewer. Horowitz said that this comes down to a question of whether or not in that zone the owner of that property can subdivide for residential houses. Horowitz stated that she was under the impression that you can't do that to the east of the Press -Citizen. Beagle said that the 16.95 acre parcel is divided into a western two-thirds and eastern one-third; the Press -Citizen facility is proposed for the western two-thirds; there is no development proposal for the eastern one- third; and it is not proposed to be subdivided. If the Press -Citizen did subdivide the eastern portion, the sewer extension could be considered. Beagle added that the eastern one-third is included as part of the research development park zoning and cannot be developed without returning for an amended conceptual master plan. Karr distributed maps. Council discussed the sewer placement, sewer easement and future sewer development. Timmins said that he will discuss questions of future sewer development costs with Dick Boyle. Soo above Item A. No Council comment. No tountli comment. iH IRAKI dAWL W4 e►a 10WR nrrml{ liflg`�3-x9M .� .M.M15410 INOM..Aftw0_iO ld t...(IAi1VtPS1ll (0101l..t�l1M_11 bb1.01. Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 3 F. G. E. No Council comment. (See additional discussion after item G.) No Council comment. No Council comment. In response to Courtney, Atkins said that no formal traffic studies will be done until a site plan is agreed upon. Courtney expressed concern that Iowa Avenue, Johnson Street and Van Buren Street will have to bear more traffic than they are designed for. Beagle said the Planning 8 Zoning staff has not yet fully evaluated the site plan as submitted because of the conflict with the Comprehensive Plan and inconsistencies with the established character of the neighborhood. In response to Larson, Beagle said that a conditional zoning agreement alluding to the site plan would have to be passed to allow the City to have input into the specifics such as drive•up lane relocation. Atkins suggested that the rezoning could be made conditional on a site plan. Timmins said that any agreement may only address conditions such as traffic, but not limiting future uses. Larson said that he is concerned that the rezoning ordinance may pass without information needed on traffic. Horowitz said that on the question of CB -2 zone, you would not be able to say that you can't have auto and truck uses. Horowitz said that the site plan is only specific in what is there and that doesn't mean that once you change the ion* that other things would be able to come in. Beagle stated that he would provide additional information it Tuesday's formal Council meeting. Beagle said that the site plan as proposed exceeds the CIty's maximum curb cut opening specifications. Beagle recommended that if Council wish@% to look specifically at the site olio, the Planning i zaning COnmliiiOa W)uld be consulted for more information. Larson suggested that because of possible time constraints the Credit Union might prefer a vote at Tuesday's formal me*tin raver than delay the project.. Horowite said that tlnee the economic vacua of the Credit Union is going to be enhanced by the pproject the would like to know what the economic impact is going to he on tinepreop house adjacent to the properly 404 some of the other houses in the zone. Balmer said that It Is difficult to put value on lransltlonal neighborhoods and the Omprehensivw plan is meant to be A 0041 And not Whid in stu6a. r J'/ Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 4 H. Beagle said that Council should receive a staff report providing additional background information about the development proposal. Beagle stated that there will be a special formal meeting of the Planning 6 Zoning Commission the same evening (November 14, 1988) to address this issue and they should be acting to recommend it for Council approval. In response to Balmer, Atkins said that State staff met today to make recommendations for their Thursday meeting. ORDINANCE TO VACATE A 9,720 SQUARE FOOT PORTION OF THE MADISON STREET RIGHT -OF -MAY BETWEEN MARKET AND BLOOMINGTON STREETS. (V-88051. Beagle said that this ordinance presumes that everything with the University is in order. If the agreement concerning disposition of the right-of-way is not in order, staff will recommend delaying consideration. W71-2 A 14 i i, 11 , I W.. lit fill E WRIa a :, Beagle noted that reducing the speed limit will require 1DOT authorization. In response to Ambrisco, Beagle stated the Police Department has not yet been asked for an opinion about the change. In response to Larson, Atkins said the iDOT generally honors cities' requests for changing speed limits. The Planning b Zoning Commission has recommended the change. A study will be made before a request goes to the IDOT. Reel 88-57, Side 2 Milkman distributed a handout, 'Project Recommendations for 1989 CDBG Funding.' REC CENTER ACCESSIBILITY TO PHOTO AND POTTER'S STUDIO. Horowitz asked how many handicapped persons will be served by this projaet. Kubby stated the Rae Center did a special survey and called 15 persons that use the special Populations Involvement program. The survey demonstrated that Arany of thepeople would choose to use one or the other. Horowitz asked if this should be part of Iowa City's responsibility to meet Federal accessibility laws. MAYOR'S YOUTH RIVERfRONT CLEANUP PROJECT, in response to Larson, Kubby said there are other options available to Mayor's Youth If money Is not allocated to the Riverfront Cleanup Project. Kubby sold Mayor's Yevth Is fund«il wish matching gram monies. Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 5 CEDARWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER. Horowitz asked if CCN was satisfied that the residents of the area had input into the project. Joan VandenBerg said there is high participation in programs by area residents and 50 of 64 families are participating in Cedarwood programs. Larson asked why $50,000 was recommended. Kubby said the $50,000 was recommended as seed money and the $50,000 and land will make applications for additional funding more appealing. Larson asked if City property would be better for the neighborhood center. Atkins said the City considered many uses for the land behind the property located at 1902 Broadway, including filling in the ravine, rechannelizing it, putting in a storm sewer, and building a duplex. Atkins noted Braverman needs land for parking for businesses in the area. Councilmembers discussed funding the proposed neighborhood center. Milkman stated the neighborhood center should not be called the Cedarwood Neighborhood Center because it is intended to serve the southeast area of Iowa City. HOOVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDICAPPED PLAY FACILITY. Kubby explained Hoover Elementary School originally requested $5,600; $650 was raised through community fund-raising efforts; and therefore, CCN recommended $5,000 allocation. Milkman said staff made the recommendation to allocate $2,500 because it was felt that one-half of the money could be raised from the community and School District. Milkman said consideration was also given to the Davis -Bacon wage requirements and the proposed use of volunteer labor. Milkman stated that CDBG regulations do not allow the use of volunteer labor. Courtney inquired about the labor issue. Milkman explained that school personnel may be able to do some of the work because their wages plus benefits may be comparable to the Davis -Bacon wage scale. Kubby said if Council allocated $5,000 and Hoover uses $650 raised from the community, the project would be fully funded. Guerrin Thompson, Hoover School Principal, stated the term 'volunteer labor" is really the School District paid labor and the original ramp was designed to be contracted out and would now need to be contracted out at Davis -Bacon wages. Thompson said the project's first priority was the ramp, the secondpriorityy is the swing designated for wheelchairs, and a slide 1s the thirdpriority. In response to Courtney, Thompson said that additional funds, in addition to receiving a $5,000 allocation, will be needed to complete the entire project because of the Davis -Bacon wage requirements. Larson asked if the project would be completed if only ¢3,000 were ■ilocuted. Thompson said the $25,000 would be applied to ramp construction, RECREATION CENTER ACCESSIBILITY TO PIIOIO AND POTiCR'S STUDIO, tubby said thepottery wheels could not pe funded with COgG monies• Larson asked It the City is required by law to make the photo and potter's studio accessible. Milkman said HUD is now Foquli`1119 the City to prepare a transitional Plan to make all City facilities oersssible over a period of three yeart f it is financially feasible. i )I Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 6 Milkman asked Council to make final decisions regarding CDBG funding allocations after the public hearing because the plan needs to be adopted by November 29, 1988. Regarding Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup Project, Milkman explained this project is eligible; however, it is considered a public service and funding must come out of the 15%/$90,000 allocation Aid -to -Agencies. Milkman said the Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup Project could be eligible under the clearance of slum and blight, but it has to occur in a designated urban renewal area such as part of the Lower Ralston Creek Project. Atkins suggested Council could appropriate funds for the Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup from the general budget. In response to Larson, Penney said Mayor's Youth receives $30,000 a year in operating funds from the City. In response to Ambrisco, Milkman explained the CCN recommendations to fund $4,325 for the Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup Project would not need to be taken out of the 15%/$90,000 Aid -to - Agencies monies if it is considered clean-up of slum and blight. Councilmembers discussed CDBG recommendations. Regarding the Hoover Elementary School request, Balmer suggested an additional $2,500 be taken from the Contingency Fund. Milkman noted that the Benton Street Project is a big project and $30,000 is a relatively small contingency fund. Several CCN members agreed that $2,500 could be taken out of the Contingency Fund and used to fully fund the Hoover Elementary School Handicapped Play Facility request. Ann Rawlands, CCN member, stated CCN is interested in funding the Mayor's Youth project. Atkins summarized Council's decisions regarding the CDBG and staff recommendations as follows: Hoover Elementary School Handicapped Play Facility - $5,000; Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup Project - s00.o0; Recreation Center Accessibility to Photo and Potter's Studio • $6,805; Contingency fund $30,000, Atkins said the Mayor's Youth Riverfront Cleanup Project will be addressed during general budget discussions. Balmer complimented CCN and City staff for work done on the CDBG budget. DO—Komi Reel e8-61, Side l Courtney welcomed Boy Scout Troop 204. The senior patrol leader from Scout Troop 104 ionounced that Saturday. November 14, was scouting for Food Day. !A44444411 3111 RvO Wil, side 1 Atkins said Council received a draft ordinance and the draft ordinance his been reviewed by staff and local bar owners. Atkins said Council also received his November 10th Memo reirding Kegger Ordifti"AfAltehol Abuse whleh 0141 1(1 ie identify hot only lisues istoclitbd with the Kapp er Ordinance, but ala* her the City gnvernnt regulates 9lcahn) M, Alklnt suggested Council feviw the ordininte and input be received from Unlvartlly efhtla 4 irA strdents. AAhrlsce sold h9 r*(*I1*d cells from iRnmeowners that eslovil cmraras r#9iFafryg the i.yuit+wwtil. ins a cell. Atkin• WO tha! if fNIS• err going is trJy largz 4aartltla; _0 iliLUO .red Plan i Pirt?, ihiW t Li, -t ie be a reasei Ot ►eltrltil" whereby it does not 100044 iIIWn the rlribhbors. Atkins said ►9ip0nalhlMlly *ns *eto be satig><ad tt pelep is as a til p4rly, Rsierr tiiw rite prnpnsed leglilst lot, la 419e1(liant Iiraan told f" J1 Minutes informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 1 the draft ordinance goes way beyond what is required to handle parties and the City already has some remedies. Horowitz said an approach of legislation and education is needed. Horowitz said the University, public and Council should work together. Council agreed to Atkins' suggestion to form an ad hoc committee to address the Kegger Ordinance. Larson said the ad hoc committee should not only address the Kegger Ordinance, but also the alcohol problems associated with bars and restaurants. Ambrisco said a provision in the Kegger Ordinance should make the property owners hold some responsibility for the activities of tenants. Atkins said he will provide Council with recommendations regarding an ad hoc committee. Larson requested information regarding a chronology of how the law has changed regarding serving under -aged persons. [1111 GER I FAIN Id. I 4��34".Id�13�14.14L Timmins stated he has met with Mr. Leff, University Heights City Attorney, to discuss water/sewer agreement and the City's position was looked upon as fair. Timmins said the agreement establishes the City of Iowa City 1s operating a water utility in University Heights as a water utility provider and operating the sewer system and doing minor inspection and maintenance. Timmins said both utility systems will be incorporated into the same agreement and a single uniform rate structure will exist throughout Iowa City and University Heights. Timmins explained that at some point in time, under the agreement, if University Heights brought their sewer system up to an acceptable standard, then Iowa City would eventually accept the sewer system and full responsibility for it. Timmins said the University water/sewer agreement is required by the DNR to allow Iowa City to get federal funding on the sewer construction portion of the Wastewater Treatment Project. In response to Horowitz, Timmins said this agreement does not impact on the Facilities Plan Update and Environmental Review the City submitted to the DNR. Reel 88.61, Side Y in response to Larson, Atkins said he received the note about the alley between Old Brick and the Shambaugh Honors House (off Cllhton Street) needing repair. Staff will investigate. 1. In response to Horowits Atkins said discussion regarding burning of leaves will be schaduiej on an upel ming agenda. Beloaor hvted thin City PecirlV44 Octijbee 31 1988, tefFrtipoiidiiKi f?ow the IDOT expressing appreciation for efforts in work completed by Jeff Davidson, eslner suggested Council compliment staff for work done. Balmer noted correspondence was received November 4, 364, from Central States Can (r+r.Any thenling the City and staff for wnrl deme. Balmer raised roocerns regarding the status of the Renter Street Bridge. Alkini 0t+l44664 t8e Adiiiaofy Count -Il sift uiiwaff 041 towi City had F?,iidurt8d r, a:tr!,*l:t ar.3lytis of the Lrldur. a =rti., ta: been schtdvied on Ns4net4ey In 50% imes to disewea the ateibe of the bridge, and It appears the City will not be required to do another ttedr. flervw4li :i:ted there is a pertloo of the earth-tvwth t, JJ Minutes Informal Council Discussion November 14, 1988 Page 8 pattern traffic study that needs to be done. Horowitz raised concerns regarding opening the bridge for lanes to traffic without completing a traffic study. Councilmembers discussed traffic issues. Reel 88-61, Side 2 Senior Center Commission - No applicants; readvertise. Airport Commission - Robert Hicks 3116 Juniper Drive ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. rjf