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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989-04-18 Bd Comm. Minutes60) MINUTES BOARD OF APPEALS MARCH 29, 1989 IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER, ROOM A MEMBERS PRESENT: Carlson, Ellarson, Roffman, Roggow MEMBERS ABSENT: Barrows STAFF PRESENT: Frantz, Kinney, DeMarce, Boose PUBLIC PRESENT: Henry Herwig, H.J. Ltd. Heating d Air Conditioning The meeting was called to order at 8:40 a.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING: Roggow moved that the minutes of the March 23, 1989 meeting be approved as submitted. Roffman seconded the motion. The motion carried and the minutes were approved. DISCUSSION OF 1988 REGULATORY CODES Moved by Carlson, seconded by Roffman to adopt the Uniform Mechanical Code as amended. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Moved by Roggow, seconded by Roffman to accept the Dangerous Building Code as amended. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Moved by Roggow, seconded by Carlson to leave the exit sign requirements as written in the Code. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: None. Nays: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. The motion was denied. Moved by Roffman, seconded by Carlson to change the occupant load for exit signs to 12 with the exception that this will not apply to individual dwelling units. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Moved by Carlson, seconded by Roggow to eliminate Chapter 511 and refer to the State Building Code. After disucssion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Moved by Roffman, seconded by Roggow to adopt the Uniform Building Code as amended. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. Moved by Roggow, seconded by Roffman to accept the Fire Code as amended. After discussion, the vote was: Ayes: Ellarson, Roggow, Roffman, Carlson. Nays: None. Motion carried. OTHER BUSINESS Roffman asked what method the City would use to notify the contractors of the changes in City codes. Frantz explained that a representative from the 55S MINUTES BOARD OF APPEAL MARCH 29, 1989 PAGE 2 Building Department would speak at a Homebuilders meeting, flyers would be handed out and that pamphlets would be made and placed on the counter. ADJOURNMENT: Carlson moved, seconded by Roffman to adjourn the meeting at 9:25 a.m. Motion carried. Submitted by Doris J. DeMarce Approved: Chairman Approved: Secretary ,rrr MINUTES INTERIM BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION TO MANAGE PUBLIC ACCESS CABLE TELEVISION IN IOWA CITY TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1989 - 7:00 P.M. IOWA CITY SENIOR CENTER - CLASSROOM 1 MEMBERS PRESENT: Daly (Chairperson), Detroit, Eskin, Evanson, Hess, Larew, D. McGuire, S. McGuire STAFF PRESENT: Halling, Shaffer, Welch OTHERS PRESENT: Doug Allaire, Mel Andringa, Lida Cochran, Stephan Cree, Bob Hardy, Sharon Hernandez-Oorow, Jim Laukus, C. Rosemarie Petzold, Diana Pauline, Gary Sanders, Jim Swain RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION: The Board appointed Kristin Evenson proofreader of the minutes. The minutes of the February 14 meeting were amended and approved. Detroit reported that the BTC (Broadband Telecommunications Commission) had decided her role as the BTC's ex -officio representative should be that of an observer. The Board then held a forum to hear public concerns about the development of the non-profit organization and the future of public access in Iowa City. Letters to the Board on the same subject were read, Board members and the public engaged in further open discussion on the future of public access. The meeting concluded with the viewing of a sample tape of community programming provided by the CPC (Community Programming Center). CALL MEETING TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. DIRECTOR'S ANNOUNCEMENTS: Daly requested all present to Introduce themselves. He then reported It was necessary to appoint a board member to serve as proofreader of the Board's minutes prepared by the city staff. Evanson volunteered and was unanimously approved. Daly then Introduced Dan Welch, the person hired to assist the Broadband Telecommunications Specialist during the development of the NPO. Detroit reported that In its last meeting, the BTC discussed her role on the NPO Board as the ex -officio (non-voting) representative of the BTC, The Commission decided she should not participate In the subcommittees researching Board Issues and that her role should be as an observer for the BTC in contact with the NPO Board chairperson(s) and subcommittee chairpersons. Detroit related several other BTC concerns. First, the Commission thought there should be someone speaking up consistently for viewers' rights since there are no board members specifically charged with representing viewers' concerns, Second, the Commission 5.56 Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 2 thought the NPO Board should consider the quality of the programming and the interests of the cable subscriber in all business transacted. Third, the Commission thought the Board should be aware that there are no physically challenged board members. Detroft concluded her announcements by saying the NPO Board should also take into account the interests of low-income people when considering such issues as user fees for public access facilities. Daly responded to Detroit's announcements by saying he welcomed BTC input Into Issues considered by the Board. S. McGuire expressed her satisfaction with seeing so many people present for the evening's public forum. APPROVE NPO BOARD MINUTES: Moved by Evanson, seconded by S. McGuire, to approve the February 14, 1989, NPO Board minutes. Unanimously approved with corrections made by S. McGuire and Evanson (corrected minutes placed on file with the Iowa City City Clerk by BTS staff). PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. PUBLIC FORUM ON NPO: Several speakers were invited by the Board to give their visions of the future of public access cable television In Iowa City. Their remarks are summarized here: A. JIM SWAIM (Director of United Action for Youth) Swaim began his remarks by saying he would like to see a live interactive video system enabling people to participate in meetings when they cannot leave their homes. Swaim explained that his concerns were from the perspective of United Action for Youth (UAY) and the Synthesis Arts Studio program. He said that UAY has been involved with public access since Its inception in Iowa City. Swaim expressed a desire to see public access be a program which includes all people, regardless o1 age, ability, or the public appeal of what they have to say. He brought this up this in light of the BTC's concern for the quality of the programming on the public access channel. He said that 'quality is In the eye of the beholder• and should not be defined by what a commission upholds or by a perception of what the community as a whole feels is Interesting. He also said that there should be tolerance of different viewpoints. Swaim said that at the Inception of public access in Iowa City, there was strong leadership and good facilities but that the quality of the program had'slipped' in these areas. He said there has been a growing need for equipment which has not been alleviated by additional funding. Swaim noted that lately it has been difficult for the JSe Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 3 young people he works with to get access to facilities and equipment at the CPC due to limited availability. He said that providing additional equipment and facilities will lead to improved programming. He noted that public access In Iowa City has slipped in user support as well, perhaps because the novelty of it has worn off. Swaim said he would like to see the Board become involved with citizen groups like the Arts Council, various Iowa City youth commissions, and groups which represent specific sectors of the population (e.g. elderly, those with different abilities, etc.). He said the NPO should reach out and gel these groups to use public access. In conclusion, Swaim said he would like to see the Board aggressively solicit funding from both public and private sources to ensure a quality program. B. DOUG ALLAIRE (Teacher at U. of Iowa, member of Access Iowa City) Allaire opened his remarks by stressing that public access is not television, but is communication via video. He said it is amateur and non-professional. Allaire said he was disturbed by the insistence on technical standards for programming. He reiterated Swaim's statement that "quality is in the eye of the beholder." Allaire said the ideal behind public access is freedom of speech. He noted that before the existence of television, free speech could be easily practiced. Now that the dominant mass medium has become television, it is difficult for individuals to get free access to the public in order to exercise their freedom of expression. Allaire said that public access gives all people an equal opportunity to get access to the dominant mass medium. He suggested that public access programming should be free to anyone regardless of whether they are cable subscribers. Allaire stated that public access brings about a "community awareness;' a "cross fertilization of Ideas" between community producers and cable viewers. Allalre elaborated on the Issue of quality by stating that the quality of a program should not be defined by technical standards or televisual conventions but by content. He said that public access programming should always have an aspect of unpredictability; that the same things should not be seen all the time. Allaire said this unpredictability distinguishes public access programming from commercial television and positions public access closer In philosophy to the spirit of democracy. Larew asked H Allaire would agree with the trend toward a decline of services at the CPC described by Swaim. Allalre stated he felt that community Interest and leadership had waned but that it was now coming back. He said the new staff at the CPC deserved credit for the Improvement. Larew then asked Allaire what he thought the status of the CPC was In terms of equipment. Allaire replied that the new 1/2" editing system had helped the equipment situation but that equipment availability would become a problem again in another couple of years. Eakin pointed to the need to continually replace and update equipment. Allaire stated that going to quality 1/2" format equipment would make continued updating easier because it was less expensive. Hardy commented that training on 1/2" equipment was easier. �S p Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 4 C. DIANA PAULINA (Vice -President of Teacher's Union, CO -Director and Co -Founder of Unbound, teacher at CEC) Pauline opened by thanking Jim Swaim for mentioning Issues which are of concern to her. She stated that her primary concern is for youth in the community. Addressing the issue of quality brought up by previous speakers, Pauline said "billboard screens" (character generated messages) and *dead air' are not quality and she would like to see less of them. She continued by saying she would like to see the quality of the training staff remain at the current standard. Pauline said that training quality had been lacking in the past, resulting in some producers giving up on public access. She said she would like to see representation in the board membership of viewer interests, including the interests of people in 'outlying distrlds' - outside Iowa City. Finally, Pauline said she would like to see viewers give feedback to producers, and suggested that a character generated announcement be prepared to encourage viewers to do this. Eskin commented that a local access channel had been allocated to the Iowa City Community School District (ICCSD) for educational programming. Paulina stated it was her understanding that Krkwood Community College was now operating that channel. Eskin stated that Krkwood was using the channel because the ICCSD was not programming it, Paulina said that since the broadcast network program 'TV 101' had appeared, she had noted Increased Interest by local students in producing community programming. Eakin replied that the school board had been reluctant to allow students to prepare programs for the channel and had conceived of it as a tool for teacher use. Paulina reiterated her sense that there was rising student Interest and stated that perhaps now there would be more Interest from the school board in getting students involved in production for the channel. Eskin said that the agreement with Krkwood to program the local access channel reserved for educational use is renewed annually In May. Daly stated that everyone could agree that video has great potential as a tool for learning. He fell that a channel for students to use is a great resource that is under- utilized. S. McGuire asked Paulina whether teachers felt they have their professional reputations on the line in that they must represent the Interests of the school district in the programs they produce. Paulina answered no. S. McGuire went on to say she has concerns about additional demand on public access (CPC) resources when local access resources for students could be provided elsewhere, but would welcome additional programming for the public access channel produced by students. Paulina said that H the level of student interest reached a point where the demand on public access resources became excessive, it would justify providing resources elsewhere. She suggested that student productions could be programmed at times when character generated messages are now being cableoast. Daly asked 0 it would be appropriate for NPO Board members to mention to school board members that the local access channel should be used more. Paulina answered affirmatively. Detroit suggested that while the NPO Board should be concerned with Issues which directly affect public access channel 26 (as opposed to the educational local access channel 27), the BTC would be Interested in hearing Pauline's concerns. Detroit invited Paulina to come to the next BTC meeting to present her concerns about educational access. D. MEL ANDRINGA (Visual performer and artist) Ac;*4L Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 5 Andringa began his comments by saying he had been asked to present the concerns of the arts community about public access. He stated there were two types of artists involved with public access: visual (doing production) and performing (acting as talent). Andringa said that the training he had received in using portable equipment was excellent but that training in the studio area was "cursory." He noted that he did not have enough support and training to produce a successful studio program. Andringa concluded that visual artists would find public access useful but performing artists would not without more comprehensive training. He recommended that training for studio production be more rigorous, possibly including apprenticeships and volunteer work. Andringa reported that video has become a primary medium of communication and evaluation in the academic and professional arts community. He said it is important for people in the performing arts to know more about its use. Andringa concluded his comments by recommending the encouragement of Interdependent working relationships between performing artists and video producers. Larew asked Andringa if he thought the areas of public access needing improvement were the same as those mentioned by previous speakers and if these changes could restrict access by overemphasizing quality. Andringa replied that he thought greater use of VHS equipment would make studio resources available for production of higher quality programs. He said the studio was not being used efficiently because some producers use ft even when their productions do not require I►. E. LIDA COCHRAN (Former Professor and Director of Visual Scholars Program, U. of Iowa) Cochran began her comments by listing the elements she considers essential to public access: facilities and equipment, a sympathetic city government and cable company, a supervisory institution (such as an NPO), and people with Ideas who want to express them visually. She added that the full potential of public access has not yet been realized but should continue to be supported. Cochran outlined four reasons to support the potential of public access. First, It is important to teach citizens to deal rationally with visual Images. In producing their own programs, people learn a visual literacy similar to that used to analyze written communication. Second, democracy depends on Informed citizens with the ability and freedom to share Ideas. This requires visually literate citizens; citizens who are able to both "read' and 'Write" visually. Third, public access provides an important publicly -funded training ground for people who eventually enter the film and television Industries. In conclusion, she said that public access is a fun outlet for creativity. F. STEPHAN CREE (writer, community producer) Cree opened by stating that public access in Iowa City provides the opportunity for viewers to see shows produced about Iowa City. He said the fact that Iowa City does not have a commercial television station has encouraged the development of public access. SSG Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 6 Cree said that public access could fill a need for detailed city news Ignored by local broadcasters. He suggested local events could be videotaped by the public using privately owned camcorders and cablecast on the public access channel. Community producers could use public access to relate the personal opinions and emotions of individuals to give the community a better understanding of the people comprising it. Cree felt that the studio was being used to its limits. He suggested that additional camcorders and emphasis on field production could augment the overall production capacity of the CPC and satisfy the need for additional programming. He added that a second studio would be useful. Cree said a solid foundation has been laid for public access which should be built on. He said the CPC should have its own building which would help public access develop an institutional status in the community with the stability of a utility. Cree said another key to creating institutional status is the development of a strong channel identity. He said public access in Iowa City does not face a situation in which the desire to cablecast programs by producers of all abilities conflicts with the desire to cablecast programs of consistent technical quality and wide viewer appeal. Cree said that initially, channel time should be filled up with repeat playings and programs solicited from outside sources; when more local work is being produced, the amount of repetition and solicited programming would gradually diminish. G. BOB HARDY (Program Coordinator, CPC, Heritage) Hardy stated that one of the first concerns of the new staff at the CPC was to cablecast as much programming as possible during the hours when they were available to operate the channel. He reported that available cablecasting time had been expanded by using a VHS VCR to play another twelve hours of programming per day in addition to the regular programming hours of the CPC. Hardy said the use of the character generator bulletin board was an important service to community organizations. He said that the number of producers using the facility has recently expanded to the full capacity the center can handle, although he did not think the current production capacity was large enough to adequately program the channel. Hardy reported that facilities had been Improved at the CPC, including the addition of a VHS editing system, new camcorders, a new VHS cablecasting deck, a dubbing station, and a more efficient space layout. Hardy stated that there is a limited amount of staff time available for training which necessitates referring new producers to other training resources, He said the staff tries to give users as much individual attention as possible. Hardy suggested that more experienced community producers should volunteer to assist new community producers and that in the future volunteer hours should become a requirement. He agreed with Andringa's earlier suggestion that this would be a good way to prepare competent studio producers. Hardy stated that the purpose of the access staff should be to facilitate production but Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 7 not to dictate to producers how to create their programs. He said that as a programmer he would like to see more "quality" programming. However, he said he is sympathetic with the view that access is not television but is public communication. Hardy said it is important for locally produced programs which do not use televisual conventions of structure and technique to have a public forum. He added that public access television should be available to people who are not cable subscribers. Hardy concluded by stating he thinks it is important to acknowledge the limitations of public access such as funding, space, staff, equipment, and the time community producers have available in their schedules to create programs. H. GARY SANDERS (Press -Citizen writer, teacher, community producer) Sanders opened by mentioning he would like to see more "bicycling" (trading) of programs between the CPC and other public access facilities around the country, He said this would increase the amount of quality programming. Sanders reported that in Council Bluffs a group had recently received a $350,000 grant to produce a news show for their city. Sanders said he would like to see something similar happen In Iowa City. Sanders said it is Important to Increase awareness of public access programming in the community. He suggested Improving coverage of public access in the local newspapers. Sanders stated it Is Important to acknowledge that the general public has a poor understanding of the difference between the local access channels and that few people choose to watch them. He said he would like to see the public access channel develop to the point where people want to watch the channel. Sanders concluded by stating that attention must be paid to the quality of the programming in order to gain the viewership needed to make the public access channel an asset to the community. READING OF LETTERS FROM THE PUBLIC TO THE BOARD: Daly read letters from Catherine Moore and Joan Jehle. Moore and Jehle had been Invited to speak but were unable to attend. (These letters are on file with the City Clerk.) OPEN DISCUSSION OF PUBLIC VISIONS FOR THE NPO: Swaim said the Board should not assume that the addition of volunteers Is all that Is needed to solve the staffing problem at the CPC. He said there needs to be a larger paid staff at the CPC that Includes both young people and retired people. Swaim also responded to previous speakers' comments on quality by saying that although community producers are not professionals, the opportunity to produce local television often leads to valuable professional interests and abilities, Cree said that regardless of the technical quality of their shows, it is Important for community producers to respect their audience. rwifi�li Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 8 Hardy stated that most feedback (both positive and negative) about public access programming concerns programs which do not adhere to traditional television formats or standards of quality. Detroit said she agrees with Hardy that there is an audience for public access programming. She also said she agrees with Cree that it is important for producers to respect their audiences to develop viewership. Detroit emphasized that Heritage Cablevision subscribers pay for public access via cable fees and that it is not a public utility. She said there is a responsibility to determine how these subscribers can best be served and suggested this may include providing paid staff to produce programs. Detroit said that Individuals and organizations who want to communicate with the public should be assisted in doing so in the interest of tree speech. Eskin recalled that when ground rules for public access were developed in Iowa City a provision for direct staff assistance to producers was included. She said she believed this assistance has never been exercised because of a shortage of staff and equipment. Eskin suggested If was time to take previously developed ideas like this and make them higher priorities. Daly said that when the CPC was opened, there was a fear there would be little public Interest. He said the response to this concern was a strong outreach effort to get people involved. He reported this worked so well that soon the resources of the CPC were being used to capacity. Daly suggested that more outreach could be problematic If facilities were not available when new producers came to use them. Detroit stated that while 1000 people had gone through workshops, only 25 people were currently using the CPC. She suggested that learning why people were not using the CPC after their initial Introduction would be an enlightening project for the Board. She suggested the problem could be equipment availability or operating hours. Detroit also suggested researching how the CPC would be financed after 1994 with consideration as to whether it would be necessary to Implement user fees. Eskin suggested that local NPOs could be convinced to contribute some of their outreach funds to using and supporting public access. Day suggested that organizations which wanted to cablecast programs produced elsewhere could be encouraged to take a more active role in promoting access television If they had to pay a small user fee. Daly noted that the Board would need to look at options for long-term funding of public access. Evanson suggested that the public access channel should be used to document and promote Itself. She said a program with an Interactive call-in format could be used by the Board to document the development of the Board. Evanson suggested programs could be produced to show others how to produce and evaluate their own programs. Detroit said there had been a program in the past to evaluate locally produced programs. She said that in the recent City Council election no candidates made use of public access and that the NPO should emphasize this capability. 5510 Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 9 Larew noted that the public access channel has a lot of competition for viewer attention on the channel selector. He explained that the Board should consider establishing some level of programming quality in order to ensure strong viewer support. He said this support is essential if public access is to continue to receive funding. Larew emphasized that he was not advocating content censorship and he did not feel quality standards would rob access programming of its ability to freely communicate. He said he did not want to prevent people from experimenting. Larew suggested garnering the support of local organizations by offering them quality program production by a paid staff, perhaps in exchange for a small fee. He also suggested soliciting public support by developing programming in areas of wide Interest such as school sports, public affairs, and news. Evanson said the impression she got from comments about the quality issue is that producers should not be denied access but Instead educated to create watchable programs. Larew said he did not agree with the assumptions he had heard that there would be a substantial Increase in volunteer Involvement. Swaim said that at the Inception of public access in Iowa City, there was an assumption there would be more financial support from the cable company than there has been. Allaire explained what he saw as a dilemma for public access programming: viewers won't watch it if it doesn't look good, but producers cannot always meet minimum technical standards. He said that there are places where public access has been debilitated by strict adherence to technical standards. This has scared away beginning producers and created an exclusive atmosphere at the centers. In contrast, he said that If viewers don't watch a channel it will lose public support. Allaire said that a delicate balance must be maintained between technical standards and free access. Larew responded to Allaire's comments by saying he felt there was already an exclusionary atmosphere at the Iowa City CPC because a small number of producers are using a disproportionately large amount of time. Detroit suggested that the process of developing the NPO could be the subject of a program that would be an example of how an organization can use video. She said it is possible to produce a quality program with funding from Heritage If the Board decides it is a legitimate part of the NPO organizational process. VIDEOTAPE VIEWING: The Board viewed a sample tape of community production provided by the Community Programming Center. The seven minute tape contained samples of work from the following programs produced at the CPC: "The Twist and Shout Show; "Dancings," "Rites of the Pagan," "Speaker's Corner," "Doyle's Video Journal; and "Preview 26.' Moved by S, McGuire, seconded by Evanson, to Include the tape of the minutes, Unanimously approved. (This tape Is available for viewing at the Community Programming Center.) j�� Interim Board of Directors February 28, 1989 Page 10 ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING: Daly moved to adjourn, seconded by Eakin, unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Drew affer DRW ,SSL ,,vi;l FORMALSMEETING �u u `J LFII PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MARCH 16, 1989 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Clark, Cook, Cooper, Dierks, Hebert, Scott, Wallace MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Franklin, Gentry, Kritz CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none. CONSIDERATION OF THE MARCH 1, 1989, MINUTES: Dierks moved to approve the minutes of March 1, 1989. Cooper seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0-1, Scott abstained due to absence. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. That the City Council ask IDOT to re-evaluate lowering the speed limit on Highway I North after completion of the Press -Citizen project. DEVELOPMENT ITEM: j 1. Public hearing on a request from the Joseph Company to amend the Comprehensive Plan land use designation for the 28 acre parcel on the south side of Highway 1 West, immediately west and south of Carousel Motors from j industrial to general commercial. Franklin indicated the area subject to the proposed Comprehensive Plan amendment. Franklin also indicated that the area was proposed to be rezoned from I-1 to CC -2. Franklin identified three principal issues related to the proposed Westport Plaza development: (1) whether there was adequate industrially zoned land existing within the city, (2) whether there was an appropriate amount of commercial land existing within the city, and (3) whether the particular site in question is appropriate for a commercial designation and hence commercial development. Franklin indicated that the Joseph Company has waived the 45 -day limitation period. Franklin reviewed several letters received from the public on the proposed rezoning and Comprehensive Plan amendment: ICAD commented on the particular appropriateness of the subject parcel as commercial land; a letter from Marshall Schminke in support of the proposed rezoning; a letter from several people expressing an objection to the shopping center; a postcard from Melinda Bricker in opposition to the proposed rezoning; a letter from Mary Hartwig in support of the proposed rezoning; a communica- tion from the Chamber of Commerce expressing support for economic development generally. S57 Planning 8 Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 2 Scott also indicated that Commissioners had received a letter from Joseph Holland objecting to the rezoning. The public hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m. Bill Tucker, 109 Shrader, stated that as representative of the Sycamore Mall, he agreed that there was not much commercial land available, but was also concerned about the overdevelopment of commercial land in Iowa City. Tucker continued and noted that he was also concerned about the effect the proposed development would have on the Iowa City Transit system. Tucker noted that he did not feel that the proposed development would prevent leakage of retail sales to Cedar Rapids given the combination of stores proposed. Tucker concluded by expressing concern over the potential loss of existing local businesses due to a loss in sales to the proposed development. Bob Plumb, 51 Green Mountain Drive, stated that he was concerned about the proposed rezoning and in particular the statistics presented by the developer. Plumb continued and explained that he estimated that there were ten Wal-Mart stores within 60 miles of Iowa City and indicated that he has been involved with a study on the leakage of sales to Cedar Rapids and does not feel that the Wal-Mart development will alter that trend. Plumb also expressed doubts that another supermarket could succeed along the heavily commercialized Highway 6 corridor. Plumb also stated that he did not feel that there was enough labor available for the new store and the other stares in the complex. Plumb concluded by saying that he felt that the land in question should be developed but not for this particular development and asked if Wal-Mart was receiving any incentives to develop by the city. Clark asked Bill Tucker, the representative for Sycamore Mall, how much vacant space was available in the Mall. Tucker replied that 10,000 square feet were vacant. In response to further questions from Clark, Tucker indicated it would take 16-24 months to fill the space at Sycamore Mall while nationally it usually takes approximately 6-12 months to fill similar space. Wallace asked if a new tenant was about to locate in some of the vacant space at Sycamore Mall thereby diminishing the vacant space. Tucker replied yes, a new tenant was expected. Cook asked what percentage of the mall's space was leased. Tucker replied that 85-90% was leased. Emily Stover, 130 E. Jefferson, #31, stated that she was on the University of Iowa Student Senate and indicated that if the minimum wage went up in Iowa, as has been proposed, and considering the rising cost of tuition at the University of Iowa, the addition of 600 jobs would be well received by the students in town. Stover indicated students could utilize more discount shopping opportunities. Stover also expressed amazement that the residential areas in close proximity to the proposed development would prefer industrial over commercial development. Stover concluded by saying that she did not feel that the downtown would be hurt by the Wal-Mart development as there are a large number of students living in or near downtown, which provides a solid consumer base for the downtown. 5S-7 Planning & Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 3 Dierks asked if Stover would stay in Iowa City once she graduated. Stover replied that while most students do leave once they graduate, they are still concerned about the town, because it's their home while they are at school. Wallace asked whether Stover was representing the Student Senate. Stover replied that the new Senate had not yet convened but that she would poll the new Senate when they were seated. Clark asked if Stover felt students at the University of Iowa were in need of jobs. Stover replied that student employment is cyclical with the school year but that as tuition increases, she felt more students would enter the local labor force in order to fund their school expenses. Mike Yoder, 1225 South Riverside Drive, #15, stated that he has shopped in Iowa City for the most part of 30 years and recalled that the Montgomery Ward Building was vacant for over three years, and was worried that the same would happen if the Wal-Mart store failed. Yoder indicated that he does not feel that another shopping mall is needed in Iowa City and that the development would have trouble filling its open jobs at the minimum wage price. Yoder recalled that the telemarketing firm which recently located in Iowa City had to raise the wages paid for its jobs to fill them. Yoder concluded by indicating that the area should be developed, but had concerns regarding traffic movement throughout the area due to the development's size. Wallace asked Mr. Yoder if, as a former resident of Wellman, Iowa, he would expect the citizens of Wellman to come to Iowa City to shop at the Wal- Mart store. Yoder replied that he did not think they would come to Iowa City just to go shopping at Wal-Mart. Dave Larson, 912 Sunset, presented a petition in support of the rezoning to the Commission. Larson continued and indicated that he was in favor of the rezoning because it would serve the best interest of the community as a whole. Wallace asked what Mr. Larson's position was. Larson replied that he was a real estate broker working for the Joseph Company. Mike Wisdom, representative of the Joseph Company, stated that the proposed project is important to the Joseph Company. Wisdom stated that there were five major issues to be addressed: (1) Aesthetics. The proposed project's impact on the entryway to Iowa City will be negligible as it will meet all applicable regulations and will be appropriate for the area. Wisdom displayed a graphic of a Wal-Mart store currently being built in Illinois as well as pictures of SDI and noted that while BDI was better than most industrial parks aesthetically, it still does not compare to the proposed development of the Joseph Company. (2) Wisdom addressed the issue of diminishing industrial land by indicating that there were currently 200 acres of vacant industrially zoned land available, with 125 acres fully serviced. Wisdom noted that based on the projections provided by the Planning Department, those 125 acres would last approximately 15 years at the current absorption rate and that the additional 75 acres that is not fully serviced would provide an additional nine years worth of industrial SS7 Planning 6 Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 4 growth. Wisdom also ind'�ated that there was potential for some airport land to be developed inc,trially as well as annexation east of the BDI. (3) Wisdom addressed the issue of excess commercial property. Wisdom noted the staff report indicated that 2-5% of a City's area zoned commercially was adequate and that Iowa City already has 6% commercial land. Wisdom continued and noted that when one considers how much land is vacant, and does not included all types of commercial land, there is certainly not much commercial land vacant in Iowa City. Wisdom also presented figures from the Bureau of Census indicating that there have been 4,200 new jobs created in Johnson County since 1980 and that Iowa Job Service has reported the number of new jobs between 1980 and 1988 as 9,500 jobs within Johnson County. Wisdom stated that of the 42.06 acres of vacant commercial land in Iowa City, the largest single piece was 11 acres which was too small for the proposed development and that if there was a properly zoned piece of commercial land available, the Joseph Company would have been glad to use that as a site for the development. (4) Wisdom addressed the issue of creating a new commercial core. Wisdom indicated that the design of the proposed development was oriented so that it faced toward existing development on Highway 6 rather than westward and noted that flight zones would allow only one other 19 acre piece of property to develop for commercial uses in the area. (5) Wisdom stated that the market study and the issue of blight is a difficult one, as not everyone agrees with the market study, but that it was done by an independent consultant hired by the Joseph Company at the request of the City of Iowa City. Wisdom also indicated that the Wal-Mart Corporation had performed their own market analysis and the Joseph Company would welcome another market study to be completed if someone else saw fit to hire a firm to do one. Wisdom stated that he feels that the development would help Iowa City become a regional shopping center. Wisdom concluded by saying that 250 construction jobs would be created; 600 permanent, full-time and part-time jobs; and $330,000 of annual property taxes would be generated by the proposed development and that the development would present a positive entryway into the City. Linda Gentry, Assistant City Attorney, stated that the issues that must be decided by the Commission on the proposed development are: (1) Are uses permitted by the proposed commercial rezoning compatible with existing commercial and other uses in the surrounding area? (2) Will rezoning the parcel to commercial detract from Iowa City's ability to attract industrial uses? Is there enough industrial land to accommodate Iowa City's need for industrial land in the reasonable future? (3) Is the City's infrastructure (transit, water, sewer and streets) sufficient to accommodate the permitted uses in the proposed commercial zone? (4) Is there sufficient commercial land to fill the existing needs of the Iowa City community, including the proposed retail development? (5) Will rezoning the land from industrial to commercial adversely affect neighboring commercial uses, and create urban blight? Note: This question should be answered by facts presented to the Commission, duly considered, not solely based on anecdotal opinion. (6) The ultimate questions are: Have substantial and reasonable reasons been presented to rezone and amend the Comprehensive Plan? Or alterna- tively, is there evidence of substantial and reasonable reasons to deny the proposed rezoning and amendment? (7) Vitality of the downtown urban renewal area is not a substantial factor in rezoning unless some evidence ss7 Planning & Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 5 has been brought forth that th blight in the downtown. (8) T question of whether surrounding proposed rezoning. proposed rezoning request will create e market study is only relevant to the commercial uses will be blighted by the Dierks asked Wisdom what the breakdown or percentage of jobs would be held by students. Wisdom indicated that it would be difficult to say, but that there would be a lot of opportunities for students to hold jobs, most being part-time jobs as it is difficult to work full-time and go to school. Wallace asked how many Wal-Mart stores were within the market radius and how these stores would interact with the proposed store. Wisdom indicated that 50-75 miles is the market area of a power center, and that a 50 mile trade area is depicted in the market analysis; within the 50 miles there are no Wal-Mart stores. Clark asked if the Wal-Mart Company would consider a free-standing store. Wisdom replied that he could not answer for sure, but that at one time it was considered, but he did not think it would be now. Clark stated that he asked the question because he was not as concerned about 60,000 square feet of commercial space as he was about 200,000 square feet of commercial space. Cook stated that he was concerned about the social infrastructure connected with the development, i.e. whether Wal-Mart and Joseph Company are good corporate citizens and would be contributing to local charities, fund raisings, etc. Wisdom replied that he could only speak for the Joseph Company, but that involvement from their offices in Peoria would be difficult. Wisdom noted that in Peoria, the Joseph Company is involved with the Chamber of Commerce, Easter Seals and contributes regularly to other causes in the community. Wisdom indicated that he could not really speak for the Wal-Mart Company but that he does believe that Wal-Mart officers are encouraged to get involved locally and that he was not unwilling to make a personal commitment. Scott asked if the development would be downsized if there was not a second major anchor. Wisdom replied that Joseph Company was not having trouble getting a second major anchor, it was only a matter of coordinating the schedule of nine separate people connected with the Cub Food Store chain getting to Iowa City to view the site. Wisdom also indicated that if Cub Foods Company does not commit, there are other uses that could locate in the development. Scott asked that regardless of the second anchor, would the Joseph Company consider a reduction of the amount of land to be rezoned. Wisdom replied no. Patt Cain, Economic Development Coordinator, addressed Casey Cook's question about Wal -Mart's civic involvement by indicating that Wal-Mart has an agreement with the State of Iowa to provide a list of items they sell produced outside the U.S. Cain indicated that if an Iowa business can produce the product at the same price, Wal-Mart will purchase it from the Iowa business. Dave Larsen, stated that in response to a question asked at the informal meeting regarding sales per square foot per week at supermarkets, the Super Value in Des Moines has a S5/square foot per week sales figure which 55-7 Planning 8 Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 6 was typical for Hy -Vee and Super Value stores and that $7.50 was common for larger stores. Larsen concluded by indicating that Iowa City has one of the best occupancy rates in the region and felt that the 10% vacancy rate at Sycamore Mall was a result of the cost of the space which was available. Charlie Ruppert stated that he did not feel that transit would be hurt by more riders which the Wal-Mart could create and that there were plenty of apartment units available in town. Wisdom stated that the power center would not be the only draw in Iowa City, and that people coming to Iowa City would also patronize other establishments. Scott indicated that he was concerned by traffic aspects of the proposed development, and that if the rezoning was approved, an LSNRD plan would be necessary as well as off-site improvements to be paid by the develop- ment. Scott continued and said that in regard to the Chamber of Commerce letter, it was stated in the letter that the Chamber does not want to be involved with individual proposals. Scott also indicated that in regard to Dr. Schminke's letter, the opposition to the proposed development should not be placed on City planners. Scott stated that the staff recommendation is based on past statements of the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission. As in the current Comprehensive Plan update process, the Commission and Council will decide whether to approve the amendment and rezoning while staff is charged with presenting alternatives to the Commission. Scott concluded by saying that the trade area delineated in the market study roughly extends 31 miles south of Iowa City, 35 miles west, 12 miles north and 20 miles east and that within 60 miles, he agrees there is close to ten Wal-Mart stores. Public hearing closed at 9:03 p.m. ZONING ITEM: Z-8902. Public discussion of a request from the Joseph Company to rezone 27.992 acres on the south side of Highway 1 West, immediately west and south of Carousel Motors, from I-1 to CC -2. (45 -day limitation period: March 16, 1989.) Franklin indicated she had nothing to add on the item. Hebert moved to defer item Z-8902 to the April 6 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Cook seconded the motion. The motion was carried 7-0. 2.7-8904. Public discussion of a City -initiated rezoning of a one-half acre parcel of land on the west side of Broadway Street from RM -12 to P/RM-12. Franklin reviewed the staff report dated March 16, 1989. Cooper moved to defer item Z-8904 to the meeting of April 6, 1989. Dierks seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0. Planning 8 Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 7 3. Public discussion of amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to permit neighborhood centers in residential zones. Franklin indicated that the changes to the proposed ordinance have been done to reflect the Commission's desire to eliminate neighborhood centers from the RS -5 and RS -8 zones. Clark asked what types of activities would be included in a neighborhood center. Franklin replied that child care, counseling and referral would be included. Clark expressed concern about putting neighborhood centers in residential zones because of their size and operation, including hours, and felt that such factors need to be specifically addressed in the ordinance before it is approved. Scott indicated that the child care use within the neighborhood center would be controlled by the requirements for child care facilities in the zoning ordinance, and that the Commission had decided that centers were not needed in the RS -5 and RS -8 zones. Franklin indicated that the child care requirements addressed play area, size and operation. Clark stated that he was more concerned about recreation for older children than daycare per say. Clark indicated that he felt that there should be clearly stated standards regarding noise and hours of operation so that the neighborhood centers are compatible with residential zones. Commissioners agreed to have staff address these concerns including hours of operation, traffic and parking. Wallace agreed that this concern should be given to staff, but wondered if the Commissioners were in agreement with the overall purpose of the neighborhood centers being in residential zones. Clark stated that he was not against the neighborhood centers, but was concerned about their compatibility with the neighborhood and would like to have the parameters set out clearly in the zoning ordinance. Dierks moved to defer Item 3 to the April 6, 1989 meeting. Hebert seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0. OTHER BUSINESS Discussion of the speed limit on Highway I North. Cooper moved to recommend that Council ask IDOT to re-evaluate lowering of the speed limit on Highway 1 North upon completion of the Press -Citizen project. Cook seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0. Scott noted that the action was in response to a letter from the IDOT which stated at this time, IDOT would not consider any speed limit change on Highway 1 North. Planning and Zoning Commission Information. Scott encouraged Commission members to attend the video conference on April 4, 1989. Scott also informed the Commission that a tentative joint meeting between Planning 8 Zoning and the City Council has been set up for April 11 at 4:30 P.M. at the Highlander. Commissioners agreed with the proposed meeting schedule. Planning E Zoning Commission March 16, 1989 Page 8 Cook moved to adjourn the meeting. Hebert seconded the motion. The motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 P.M. Minutes submitted by Kyle L. Kritz. Minutes approved by I `�rra2P�c� i Kenneth Cooper, Secretary S57 i MINUTES PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MARCH 8, 1989 PRELIMINARY Subject to Approval MEMBERS PRESENT: Henry, Hesse, Hradek, Steinbrech, Watson, Weideman, Welk, Willis MEMBERS ABSENT: Malloy STAFF PRESENT: Carroll, Howell, Kriz, Moran, Trueblood FORMAL ACTION Moved by Henry seconded by Steinbrech, to TAKEN: approve the minutes of the February 8, 1989 meeting as written. unanimous. SUMMER CAMP: Trueblood reported on the summer camp program and proposed fee revisions. The primary reasons for the changes are to keep summer camp self-supporting in relation to direct costs, and to establish fees where everyone pays an equal amount per session. (In the past, those individuals who signed up for one or two sessions were subsidizing those who signed up for three or four sessions). The consensus of the commission was to revise summer camp fees as proposed by staff, as indicated below: SUMMER CAMP 1988 Fees 1989 Fees* One Session $100 $90 Two Sessions $180 $180 ($90/session) ($90/session) Three Sessions $235 $270 ($78.33/session) ($90/session) Four Sessions $270 $360 ($67.50/session) ($90/session) Average per Session $83.96 $90.00 *Additional children from same family will pay $80.00 per session. WORKSHOPS: The commission discussed the upcoming workshops for board and commission members on April 3 and May 20. Members indicated whether or not they would be attending same. S.SP DIRECTOR'S Terrill Mill Park. A preliminary sketch of REPORT: a proposed Greek Complex west of Terrill Mill Park was circulated for the commission's perusal. Reno Street Park. A picture of the playground equipment selected by the Reno Street neighborhood was shown to the commission. Park Permits. A stamp was purchased which states "Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited". It is being stamped on park shelter permits. North Market Square Park. Staff has been working with a committee from Horace Mann school with regard to park improvements. A preliminary drawing of what the school would like to see at the park was reviewed. Noon Optimist Club. Staff was contacted by the Noon Optimist Club asking the Parks and Recreation Department to submit proposals for use of funds which would benefit youth. The Noon Optimist Club will be donating money to an agency which they feel will best utilize the funds. Forestry Evaluation. The City Forester could attend a future meeting to discuss the Forestry Evaluation. The consensus of the commission was that it was not necessary at this time. They felt the evaluation was a good piece of work, setting out the facts. Long Range Planning. A meeting with Tim Shields has been set for March 9 to discuss a long range planning workshop. College Green Park. The city is working with Project Green regarding possible improvements to College Green Park. Community Relations Officer. Staff will be meeting with the Police Department's community relations officer regarding her possible involvement in the summer recreation programs. State Legislation. The commission was provided with a copy of IPRA's Legislative Bulletin, which set out issues that affect park and recreation agencies. ADJOURNMENT: Moved by Henry, seconded by Hradek, to adjourn. (6:55 p.m.) -3- 5" parks & recreation department t o , Terry G. Trueblood, from: Director of Parks & Recreation r e . March Monthly Report SOCIAL/CULTURAL MEMO Michael E. Moran Av Superintendent ot Recreation date . April 3, 1989 The Arts Fest 189 steering committee continues to meet weekly to plan events and determine needs. The program running June 18-25 is beginning to look great! Magicians, musicians, jugglers and clowns are nearly all confirmed. Art Fair applicants will be juried very soon and booth assignments will be made. Applica- tion for permit is going along quite smoothly and almost all necessary information and insurance has been collected. The group seems to be a little more ahead than usual. Many sesquecentennial events are being planned by the Chamber and various other groups. Staff are working very hard to be certain all necessary permit applications are completed and that all insurance requirements are met. Recreation staff are also encouraging what assistance may be possible by other city departments to the sponsoring groups. Plans, although not yet definitive, include a parade, dance, barbecue, souvenir sales, children's events such as train rides, and fireworks. A no school event was held for children grades K-6. Forty-six children participated in crafts, games, rollerskating, and movies. The potter's studio accessbility project is coming along. Dennis McKim of the Planning Department has drawn plans and calls for bid work should go out soon. We may not make our original deadline of July 1st for completion, but we still expect to be close. The Young Footliters Children's Theatre productions of "The Acquarian Pearls" was held this month. All four shows were very successful regardless of chicken pox, mono, and the flu. The shows grossed a sufficient dollar amount, covering all expenses and leaving a small amount for "seed money." The Summer Camp brochure has gone to print. Children, grades K-6, will receive their's through school distribution again this year. We expect distribution in early April. city of iowa city 537 SPORTS/WELLNESS - continued The winter youth basketball and volleyball programs came to an end this month. All youth participating in the program received an award certificate for special accomplishments they made during the program. S.P.I. Staff attended the IPRA workshop, "Linking the Generations: The New Frontier for Iowa." Stereotypes of young and old people were discussed and inter -generational program ideas were presented. The Special Olympics state basketball and gymnastics competition was held at the University of Iowa Field House. Staff directed the gymnastics competition which included rhythmic gymnastics consisting of a ribbon routine and a hoop routine, and also balance beam and floor exercise competition. Approximatley 600 Special Olympians and 200 volunteers made this a most memorable day for all involved. Staff met with representatives of Goodwill Industries and Systems Unlimited to discuss the re -organization of the Goodtimers Club. Designed to be jointly sponsored by Goodwill, Systems and the Recreation Division, this past year has been difficult due to Systems lacking a representative. Fortunately, Systems has recently hired a new therapeutic recreation specialist for their agency and we are anticipating a better working relationship. The Leaders in Volunteerism (LIV) met at the Recreation Center this month on the topic of agencies working with the University office of Cooperative Education to employ students as interns in our programs. Fifty S.P.Z. participants enjoyed Irish music, dancing, decorating paper shamrocks and drinking green punch at the Luck 0' the Irish Social. Over 100 disabled persons in Iowa City attended an afternoon of sports clinics at West High during Sports Day '89. The clinics offered were basketball, football, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, gymnastics, and aerobic dance. University of Iowa athletes, the University of Iowa Pom-Pon Squad, and Herky were highlights of the day. Staff participated in an informal panel discussion on "Managing Inappropriate Behavior" for the University of Iowa graduate therapeutic recreation class. -3- 558 parks & recreation MEMO department Bob Howell, to: Terry Trueblood, Director f r om . Parks Superintendent Ile: March monthly report date . April 3, 1989 I. Work Projects (park areas) A. Cleaned and re -painted interior of enclosed shelter #13 B. Re -installed tennis nets at Mercer and City Park courts C. Repaired and painted basketball goals for North Market Square Park D. Checked and repaired all play equipment E. Removed dead fish from City Park ponds F. Pruned tree on Highway 6 east of fire station G. Started spring clean up of shelters and picnic facilities H. Cleaned up trash along medians and fences I. Razed old equipment shed at Napoleon Park J. Installed new storage boxes on two small pickup trucks K. Picked up brush and limbs in various parks L. Repaired tile drain at Rose Hill parking lot M. Removed old information booth at Taft Speedway and re- installed it at City Park entrance N. Set out cans and racks at various locations 0. Installed picket barrier along creek at Court Hill Park for soccer league P. Installed nine (9) new cooking grills in City Park Q. Begin construction of foundation for new building at Napoleon Park R. Performed regular park maintenance operations S. Performed snow and sanding operations on eight (8) separate days during March II. Work Projects (other areas) A. Civic Center: modify cabinet for supply room - 9 hours B. Recreation Center: painting, miscellaneous repairs, hauling props - 41 hours C. Police Department: modify cabinet - 4 hours D. Civic Center: move furniture - 9 hours E. Plaza: install trash boxes, repair benches, repair mailbox - 28 hours III. Administration, Misc. A. Attended turf grass workshop at Ames - March 7 B. Attended Parks & Recreation Commission meeting - March 8 C. Attended North Market Square Park project meeting - March 10 D. Met with Director and Don Farley re tennis court repairs at City Park - March 20 E. Attended staff meeting -March 21 F. Interviewed applicants for temporary positions for season G. Tom Finnegan, Richard Stutzman & Earlis Sto kman attended a concrete workshop at Cedar Rapids - March 201 city of iowa city parks & recreation department to: Terry Trueblood, Director f r om. r e. March Monthly Report date: MEMO Jim Wonick, Oakland Cemetery April 3, 1989 I. Operational Amount A. Interments = 6 1. Adult, weekday: 3 @ $300 $ 900.00 2. Adult, weekday, non-resident: 2 @ $450 900.00 3. Adult, Saturday, no vault, with tent & equipment: 1 @ $535 535.00 Income from Interments $2,335.00 B. Lot sales = 5 1. Resident, 4' x 10, space, Rose Hill: 4 @ $300 $1,200.00 2. Non-resident, 41 x 10, space, Graceland: 1 @ $450 450.00 Income from Lot Sales $1,650.00 TOTAL CEMETERY INCOME $3,985.00 II. Cemetery Maintenance Hours A. Funeral 74.50 B. Grounds maintenance (1.5 hours watering graves; one grave repaired) 118.25 C. Equipment repair maintenance 43.00 D. Building maintenance 133.75 E. Lot locations 4.50 F. Snow removal (salt/sanding) 3.00 TOTAL CEMETERY MAINTENANCE 377.00 (OVER) city of iowa city 557 parks & recreation MEMO department Terry Robinson, t o . Terry Trueblood, Director f r om. City Forester/Horticulturist r e . March Monthly Report date . April 5, 1989 I. Field Work Hours A. Service requests - 11; trees trimmed -. 34 trees removed - 3 30.0 B. Service requests from Streets, Water, Pollution Control - 6 requests; trees trimmed - 50; trees removed - 2 61.5 C. Routine street tree maintenance: checking last three years of planting contracts; trees checked - 105 17.5 Trimming: Sandusky, Taylor, Linn, College - 11 trees trimmed 6.0 (Total trees removed - 5: Class 43 - 1; Class #2 - 1; Class 01 - 3) D. Removed tree wrap from nursery trees 4.0 E. Marked planting locations for City Park planting contract 3.0 F. Assist Central Business District with garbage pick up 2.5 G. Remodel office in Cemetery 22.0 H. Clean and prepare planting area for flowers 2.5 I. Miscellaneous 19.5 J. Equipment transfer 2.5 K. Shop hours (equipment maintenance) 34.0 II. Administrative A. wrote specifications and let bids for the City Park tree planting project - 9 Marshall Seedless Ash& 4 River Birch, 4" caliper size. Bid let to Iowa City Landscaping at $5,325.00. B. Began checking for tree planting locations - 18 requests sent. C. Completed Lynn Cullen's evaluation; recommended same for merit increase. D. Robinson and Cullen attended the Shade Tree Short Course in Ames - March 23 & 24 city of Iowa city ,5s�