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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-05-05 Bd Comm. minutesJ�pl Citizens Committee on City Revenues April 14, 1987 Citizens Committee on Cit Revenues Meetin : April 14, 1987, at 7:00 p.m. in Classroom 1 of the Iowa City Senior Center. City Manager Steve Atkins presiding. Committee Members Present: Ann Bovbjerg, Mace Braverman, peter Fisher, omas oe cin, avi ughes, Katherine Kurth, Ernest Lehman, David Leshtz, Clayton Ringgenber Stevenson, Mary Ann Volm, Craig Willis.e Singerman, Jean Snow Richard Committee Members Absent: Ann Rawland. , Ex -Officio Members Present: Johnson County Board of Supervisors - Harold Donne y, Ex -Officio Members Absent: North Liberty, Coralville, University Heights, H s. Staff Present: Atkins, Vitosh, Kimble, He] lIng , Smith, Donner. Council Dickson. Tape-recording Reel CCCR-2, Side 1, 286 -End; Side 2— —_' Reel CCCR-3, Side 1, 1 -End, Atkins distributed CCCR member applications, budget charts, minutes to the April 8, 1987, meeting and information requests. STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES: Atkins reported that the Municipal Assistance Program is not included in the State Legislative House and Senate Subcommittee reports and therefore, there is potential that Iowa City will not receive $300,000 of municipal assistance funding this year. Also, the State is proposing for FY88 an increase in the landfill dumping surcharge from 251 per ton to $2.00 per ton and up to $5er ton by 1995, Atkins explained that the City cur- rently has a dumping charge of $8 per ton, that rate would increase to $10 in FY88 under the proposed legislation and the additional surcharge funds would be returned to the State to be used for a groundwater pollution program. Atkins noted Iowa City has spent $500,000 the last few years for a leachate collection system, new pump system, and a barrier system to protect the groundwater at the landfill. Atkins stated the Congressional Senate Finance Comnittee is considering imposing a 91 federal tax on gas and 151 tax on diesel on cities - costing Iowa City an estimated $50,000 per year. Atkins explained the purpose of those funds would be to gener- ate $800 million annually to reduce the federal deficit, REVIEW REPORT ON CITY REVENUES: City staff and CCCR continued the review of the report on city revenues as follows: -7 CITIZENS COMMITTEE ON CITY REVENUES APRIL 14, 1987 PAGE 2 Page 23 - Hotel/Motel Tax, Atkins stated an additional two percent tax is available each lowa one percentheincreae musincreaseswouldteq albe aanpestimated general elec- 542,000. Page 24 - Interest Income. Atkins explained a separate report has been prepared by City staff. Page 25 - Cable Television Revenue, Atkins stated the City is currently in litigation to obtain a five percent fee and the City is pursuing the collection of a franchise fee from the University of Iowa, Page 26 - Road Use Tax. Atkins noted that real growth in road use tax has leveled off in the past five years. Page 27 - Other Fees and Charges. No additional comments. Page 28 - Other Licenses and Permits. No additional comments. Page 29 - Other Transfers I staff has received verbal noticeresthatnse thetue City q illt�receivek ins an adsaid Cit ditional $13,000 in CDBG funding and a 25% reduction in CDBG funds and a 10% reduc- tion in UDAG funds are anticipated for next vear_ revenue sharing Page 30, 31, 32 - Use of Federal Revenue Sharing. Atkins said federal federal revenue haring % funds havetbeen assigned this yearnto,the0purchase of a new ladder truck for the Fire Department, and federal revenue shar- infunds choose holw to spend not be vfederal revenue sharailale after this ingr monies abut isea. Atkns id equired�by law to identify specifically where those funds are being used. Page 33 - City Council's Discretionary Authority/Capability Revenues (FY88), Atkins said City Council'Regarding s discretion is somewhat lim- govern ent. with 87% of the reviewedrevenues being maximum rates l tes and restrictionstrolled by State and onFederal expen- ditures for the State and Federal government regulated rates. Page 34 - Other Major Sources of Revenues Available to the City. Atkins explained that there are two sources available to Iowa City, local option sales and service tax - an extension of the current State retail sales tax and the local option vehicle tax. Atkins said the local option sales and service tax is distributed based on property tax levies and population, not on actual sales. The local option vehicle tax is transportation related, intended for The renewals and the tax is imposed in one dollar increments per vehicle with no upper limit. In response to ques- tions, Atkins said that revenues from local option vehicle tax couldbe used for public transit subsidies, to buy buses, and build streets - ofythenvehiclerelated regi tratito on tcostnbutand ouldthat betax imposed asfee not a be a percent in increments of one dollar. Atkins explained that when a local option sales and service tax referendum is held, all contiguous cities (Iowa City, University Heights, Coralville, Hills, North Liberty) are considered one City and must have a majority vote. Vitosh said the vote is done on a CITIZENS COMMITTEE ON CITY REVENUES APRIL 14, 1987 PAGE 3 _y county -wide basis. Atkins said both the local option sales and service tax and the local option vehicle tax could be initiated by citizens' Petitions. Regarding the local sales tax, Atkins said staff can prepare information from other communities regarding the impact of that tax on the communities. Page 36 - Local Vehicle Tax Estimates. Atkins said these are rough esti- mates regarding the amount of revenue that would be generated from a local vehicle tax. Atkins noted there are probably a large number of cars in Iowa City not registered in Johnson County because of the University of Iowa student population. Page 37 - Local Option Sales and Service Tax Estimate. Atkins said the figures are a rough estimation and were based on 80% of the gross sales in Johnson County. Atkins explained the same items taxed by the State would be taxed by the local option sales and service tax. GENERALOIS�: CCCR members stated the issues are complex in both short-term and long- term solutions may be needed. Atkins said everyone should have a better understanding of the City's revenues and finances upon completion of the of the nditureton projectionseforu the nextitwosyears staff is presented oto theRStateers at the Leg slaturexismmonitoredlandelobbiedonse tba icy staff, Atkins said Municipalities, Institute of Public Affairs etc, y City staff , League of sure can be applied to the State Legislature from City citizens groupsaid s. REVIEW OF INFORMATION REQUESTS: City staff and CCCR reviewed the various information requests as prepared in Atkins' April 4, 1987, memorandum. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Vitosh said that TIF is similar to the tax abatement program and resulted from legislation approving a jobs train{ng act. TIF was established so that comm un{ty colleges could prov{de a training program for businesses which expand or make improvements to their facilities which increases the assessed valuation of their property, The City Council has no authority over TIF. Vitosh explaIned that businesses {n Iowa City try to integrate TIF with the Tax Abatement Program. What is Iowa City's Tax Abatement program for Ind ustr{al Property? V{tosh said the Tax Abatement Program was {nit{ally approved by Council in 1965 and appl{cations are made directly to the City Assessor's Office. Rollback Factors. Vitosh said the information shows what the rollback factors are in FY87 and FY88, rollback factors are computed so that tax - the able valuations for the State as a whole, increases at 4% per year, and rollback are valuations increase smore than s4%,athe arollback factorawould ll. If the Stte'stbeadecreased to reduce the increase to 4%. City staff and CCCR members d impact of the rollback factor on Iowa City. iscussed the CITIZENS COMMITTEE ON CITY REVENUES APRIL 14, 1987 PAGE 4 Six Percent Policy, VitOsh explained the six percent policy was initiated in the proposed FY85 budget which was finalized in December of 1983, a six percent figure has remained as policy, and property tax increases are based on the six percent average annual increase for the average residen- tial property. Vitosh reviewed the computations demonstrating how the City arrives at the tax levy rates. Vitosh noted that general tax dollar amounts increased only slightly over four percent in actual dollars for the general fund from last year. Atkins said the six percent policy acts as a spending control policy and is a constraint in the budget process. Atkins said the City has operating expenses the City paid for through the use of federal funds that are no longer available and the decision has to be made as to where to generate the money to pay those bills. In response to questions, Vitosh said Iowa City's growth in valuation the past few years has been 2% to 7%. A CCCR member questioned how practical would it be to consider raising the property tax for the average residential prop - expenditures and revenuessmust�be studiedecomp ehensively� but the City's t! Sample Tax - Biil Statement, bill, noting that the actual value osis thel total assessed valuatioamande tax the taxable exemptiondistlincudedlinnthassessed valur. ion and thevitosh noted computed in, e essed History of Revenue Changes to G/DS Funds, No additional comment. Atkient Of nsmsaid theHCitynwilllometimes doptection iansordinanceregulaonse tingubuilding codes by referencing the State Code. Vitosh noted, as an example, the building permit costs for a newly constructed $100,000 home is $498. Atkins said the housing inspection program has established a re -inspection schedule for rental properties. Pension and Retirement Systems. Vitosh said the City contributes to two local pensions and retirement funds, Police and Fire, and to the Iowa Public ,Employee Retirement System (IPERS). IPERS is administered by the State of Iowa. The Police and Fire pensions are administered by a local board, but State law regulates the benefits and contributions. Vitosh said the City contributions to the Police and Fire funds are determined actuarily each year based on what contribution level is needed to provide the benefits as legislated, IPERS is funded by contributions from the employee and City, Vitosh reviewed the contributions schedule for fiscal year ending June 30, 1986, and fiscal year ending June 30, 1988. Vitosh noted the difference between the Fire Department employer contribution and Police Department employer contribution is due to the greater. employee turnover in the Police Department. CCCR members discussed the amount the City contributes as a percentage of active employee payroll to the Police and Fire pension and retirement funds. Vitosh said the 30% contribution by the City is established by an actuary who reviews the City's pension fund balance and unfunded liabilities to determine what contributions the City will have to make. Atkins noted the benefits are set by statute. CCCR members commented the Police and Fire funds are invested M] CITIZENS COMMITTEE ON CITY REVENUES APRIL 14, 1987 PAGE 5 conservatively. Vitosh explained that two firefighters, two police offi- cers and three citizens are members of the local board that administer those funds. Fire Chief Donner explained that State law has been recently changed to allow more liberal investments and the pension funds include a worker's compensation benefits. Investment Instruments for Investment of Idle Funds. Vitosh noted that police and fire pension and retirement funds may be invested in common stock and the City can invest in corporate obligations. In response to a question, Vitosh said the City is not restricted to a certain quality of corporate obligations, but is restricted to investing in corporate obliga- tions with fixed rates. Vitosh noted that approximately $36 million of the $43 million invested in certificates of deposit are bond proceeds from bonds sold to finance City projects. Vitosh noted the City's finance staff determines how all other funds, excluding police and fire pension funds are invested. Formula for University of Iowa Fire Contract/Billing. Vitosh stated the basis for the computation for the University of Iowa Fire Protection Contract is the actual cost for the City's Fire Department allocated in the community based on square footage of buildings. Vitosh reviewed the University of Iowa Fire Protection Contract - FY86 billing. In response to a question, Atkins said the University of Iowa pays a sewer bill to the City. General Obligation Bonds - Debt Service Projected Through FY92. Vitosh said bonds sold by the City do not have any call provisions because bond issues have been set up for only 10-12 year maturities. Atkins noted Iowa City has a very short-term debt. Vitosh reviewed the chart listing the i debt service payments annually and projected bond issues for the next five years. Vitosh explained the difference between the total annual debt service payments and the property tax requirements is due largely to abatements from other funds. Vitosh said the future bond issues are based on a five-year CIP prepared by staff and revised annually. Vitosh noted the 1989 bond issue for the animal control facility and 1991 public safety building issue would need voter approval. MEETING SCHEDULE: The next CCCR meeting will be held Wednesday, April 22, 1987, at 7:00-9:00 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. W1 Citizens Committee on City Revenues April 22, 1987 Citizens Committee on City Revenues Meeting: April 22, 1987, at 7:10 p.m, in the Classroom of the Iowa City Senior Center. City Manager Steve Atkins presiding. Committee Members Present: Ann Bovbjerg, Mace Braverman, Thomas Goedkin, David Hughes, Katherine Kurth, Ernest Lehman, David Leshtz, Clayton Ringgenberg, Jessie Singerman, Jean Snow, Richard Stevenson, Mary Ann Volm, Craig Willis, Ann Rawland. Committee Members Absent: Peter Fisher. Ex -Officio Members Present: University Heights - Emery Rhodes. Ex -Officio Members Absent: Johnson County Board of Supervisors, North Lib- erty, Coralville, Hills. Staff Present: Atkins, Vitosh, Kimble, Helling, Smith. TaTa e_R�: Reel CCCR-2, Side 2, 1 -End; Reel CCCR-4, Side 1, 1 -End, Side _2TS2S2 Atkins introduced Emery Rhodes, Mayor of University Heights. Atkins distrib- uted the agenda, minutes to the April 14, 1987, meeting, his April 21, 1987, memo regarding budget projections - five-year estimates. Minutes of the April 14, 1987, meeting were approved as read. BUDGET PROJECTIONS - FIVE-YEAR ESTIMATES: CCCR members and City staff reviewed budget projections as outlined in Atkins' April 21, 1987, memorandum: Expenditure Assumptions: - Atkins explained the budget projections include FY88 and four projection years. - The assumption was made that the City's program of service as established in FY88 will be continued the next four years. Atkins noted that last night an additional eight street lights and a school crossing guard were approved by Council at an annual cost of $3500, which now changes the program of service for that in projections. - Regarding repayment to parkland, recreation facilities and cemetery funds, Atkins explained the City borrowed from its own reserve funds during FY88 to fund a number of capital projects related to Parks, Recreation Center and the Cemetery. Council required the funds to be repaid in five years at $33,628 per year. - Atkins said the City will create a depreciation account in FY89 for fire equipment replacement. .SIfv _-I - Atkins outlined reviewed Inflation adjustments for various expenditures as members, Atkins explained teQbinflation lratesandoutwere lowIn r sponse to Committee assumption that in some areas an economic recession with inflation is to occur. Vitosh explained thebecause of the inflationary rates used. Atkins a "al lst staff other" category tt ory wa a mhe basic budgets and have them adopted as Cit 9 y was the basic Y policy. year Atkins said the FY88 budget cuts, such as in transit and the public li- brary, are not restored in the projection years. - Atkins said the City hopes there will not be imposed upon the City any new mandated services by the state or federal government. - The assumption was made that the existing City Council expenditures control iOlicies and d btnservice lue for imj tprojections: 6% average 9 property tax The assumption was made that there will be no further losses in federal and state programs, particularly aid made available to Iowa Cit transit assistance, state municipal assistance, and federal CDBG funds. Y� federal Expenditure Projections: - Atkins explained the economic development expenditure represents one full- time employee and $40,000 per year the City contributes to the Iowa City area's s'; andccriminal inatrol vestigation $1,939 00 repre- sents e re- sents six detectives. On page 2 of the expenditure projection, epre- iexpenditure projections were made with respect to the property tax subsi- seassuming Airport a sit Transit- staff Atkins said for the trans jt subsidy, fare revenues would not increase nearingwhich its lowest o esropoint, so the pjected faster than other expenditures. In response to Committee members, Vitosh said capital expenditures for equipment replacement,andeincreases subsidy increase nrdebt service due each year (to show the effect of major capital projects on the expenditures) are included in the projections. The estimated expenditures Of capital projects are not added to the projections. imateAtkinsaid expenditures tions made for expenditure projections were based on a service package approach and not future demographic changes.response members, Atkins explained risk managementis insurance andBBT m ansitthe Broadband Telecommunication reserves, Atkins said current Council is that any revenues from cable television are dedicated to the operation of the cable system and are not a policy general fund, Conversely, Vitosh oted,tepropert taxesas a general revenue into the support the(BBT)cable television operations, y taxes are not used to Revenue Assumptions: Continuation of 6% average property tax increase policy and 25% debt serv- ice limits. Atkins said it is assumed the average residential property taxable valua- tion will increase at the rate of 4% per year. KM 3 _y - Atkins said it is assumed Iowa City will have reasonable growth and the total taxable valuation for Iowa City will increase annually by 1% more than average inflation rates. - Revenue strictly controlled by the state, such as Municipal Assistance, Liquor Profits will be held constant. - Atkins explained it is current practice to amend fees every two years. - Atkins said revenues for commercial enterprise (motel tax, cable television franchise fee) were increased 5% per year. - Road use tax will increase 1% yearly. Assumptions for Reserves: - Atkins explained the assumption is made that annual revenues appropriated to reserves will accumulate; there are no underlying expenditures projected. - Atkins stated that since Iowa City does not have umbrella insurance and only $1 million coverage, the City must have some type of reasonable re- serve to protect the City from uninsured losses. Atkins explained that the reserve will show healthy growth and an accumulation of monies in three to four years. Tort liability reserve count is currently $400,000. - Atkins said the Recreation Facilities Reserve fund will no longer receive motel tax monies. Because of the new swimming facility, those monies will be put in the general fund to help pay costs associated with the operation of that facility. The only source of revenue for this reserve is the payback referred to under the expenditure assumptions. - Atkins stated the parkland fund has a hotel -motel tax source of revenue and the payback from the Parks Division, referred to under the expenditure assumptions. There is a balance of over $300,000 in that fund. - Atkins explained the City has assumed a general fund reserve position of 4% of total expenditures for the general fund. Atkins stated that the reserve is too low and he has, in the past, recommended to City Council that the general fund reserve be increased to 10% of total expenditures. Atkins said further reduction of the reserve fund could cause the City to need short-term borrowing to pay bills. Vitosh explained that the major portion of the City's revenue is received from property taxes in October and April so the reserve is used for cashflow purposes. REVENUE PROJECTIONS: Regarding Road Use Tax, Atkins explained in FY88 the City used a substantial portion of the remaining balance to fund a number of street improvement projects and that balance will be used up by the end of that year. Money in future years will be only the annual amount received directly from the state. Atkins said after FY88, federal revenue sharing funds will be used up. In response to questions, Vitosh explained the increase in revenues from the general property tax from FY88 to FY92 assumes some new construction. To project the property tax revenues, Vitosh explained, staff used the 6% policy UD for average residential property plus debt service amount for the swimming pool bond issue and assumed that the taxable valuation for residential prop- erty would go up 4% per year. PROJECTED DEFICIT: Atkins reviewed the projected deficits as outlined. Atkins said the pure fund balance is the working capital retained for cashflow purposes. TAX LEVY RATES: Atkins said this chart was prepared to demonstrate the impact of the projec- tions on the tax rates. Vitosh explained the tax levy rates were prepared based on the assumptions stated for revenues. Vitosh said that debt service was divided into two categories (separating the swimming pool issue) to show first the 6% policy on tax rates and then the tax rate for the swimming pool issue. Vitosh stated the total tax rate increase from FY87 to FY88 was 11.3% because of the debt service on the swimming pool. Vitosh reviewed computa- tions for the tax rates to fund projected deficits. Vitosh noted that if tax rates were raised to the maximum levels in FY89, property tax could be in- creased 23%. Vitosh explained debt service payments will peak in FY89, as shown by the projected tax rates for debt service. GENERAL DISCUSSION: In response to comments from CCCR members, Atkins said staff is always ex- ploring ways to reduce expenditures and combining services such as the tran- sit system and privatization of services has been or is being studied. Atkins cautioned that services that are privatized have a potential risk of going out of business. Atkins explained communities have an obligation to provide some public services due to statutory requirements. CCCR members commented that Iowa City residents like the service offered by the community and there is a cost element involved with the reduction in services. Atkins stated it is frustrating because local government has become the agent for state and federal governments and fulfills state and federal policies without the ability to shape the city's own package of services. Atkins said there are political consequences to reducing services. In response to questions, Atkins stated the Council guards the right to determine how appropriations are made. Atkins stated the Committee can consider property tax, local sales tax, vehicle tax and fees. Atkins cautioned that fees should not be raised to the extent it would preclude people form participation. Atkins said calculated risks, such as determining the size of the City's reserve position, can be considered. Committee members discussed the local option taxes. Volm suggested a local sales tax. Braverman stated he opposed a local sales tax. Braverman pro- posed the state legislature pass a 1% tax that would be returned directly back to the community. In response to Snow, Atkins said a vehicle tax would not generate very much money. Atkins noted that the 1985 legislature in- cluded local options for income, sales and vehicle tax, but in 1986 the legislature rescinded the local option income tax. Singerman stated that idea of a local option sales tax should not be rejected until thorough dis- cussion is held. Singerman requested information regarding the results of the sales tax in other communities. Volm said there should be a means to obtain a sales tax on items purchased by University students. Lehman noted .mit the University of Iowa students contribute to the reserve balance by renting apartments, paying property tax and shopping. Atkins noted approximately 6,000 dormitory students contribute to the economy but not directly to the revenues of the local government. Rawland inquired about the vehicle tax revenue. Atkins explained that it was estimated that $450,000 could be raised from the vehicle tax on vehicles registered in Johnson County. Atkins noted student vehicles would probably not be registered in Johnson County. Bovbjerg stated rural people more often than urban people are available to run for the legislature. Ringgenberg said the philosophy of the state for the past 25 years has been to help the schools and to let the cities and counties handle their own affairs. Ringgenberg reported the idea that the state should levy a tax and distribute it back to the local governments has not been seriously debated by the legislature. Ringgenberg said that issue should be discussed. Snow said the Committee should solve the City's short- term needs and secondly address legislative issues. Committee members discussed state income tax. Volm requested staff prepare a list of and the advantages and disadvantages of revenue possibilities. Atkins said staff can prepare a list of revenue options. Atkins stated a business license tax is an example of a revenue possibility. Bovbjerg stated re-evaluation of farm property or recalculation of farm wealth may impact upon local property assessments. In response to questions, Atkins explained property tax reve- nues would increase $1 million for every $1 increase in the property tax rate. Atkins cautioned that property tax should not be increased to the maximum to allow for some budget flexibility. Lehman asked if an accumulation of a large reserve would impact on labor negotiations or citizens' pressure for more services. Atkins said the City's public employee union is very responsible and wage adjustments are usually tied to inflationary factors such as the CPI. Vitosh explained the City's policy is fees received from enterprise funds fully support the enterprise funds and those revenues from the enterprise funds are not used in other funds. Vitosh stated there are no property tax revenues going into the Water, Pollution Control, Parking, Landfill and Refuse Collection funds. Transit and Airport are subsidized from property tax funds. Atkins said in the recreation program, programs for adults are expected to pay for themselves. Committee members discussed transit and parking revenues. Vitosh explained parking rates were increased with the intention that the additional revenue would go into the transit fund but parking revenues declined. In response to comments, Atkins noted the City has an $11.3 million payroll. Craig Willis was selected as chair and Ann Bovbjerg as vice chair for the CCCR on a voice vote by members. In response to a question, Atkins stated staff can prepare a ten-year trend on the history of property tax. Willis said the Committee should focus on their first charge, the 60 -day time limit to consider local option taxes. Atkins said staff can prepare propos- als based on ideas from the Committee. Braverman suggested that general discussions and research are needed for both short-term and long-term goals. Willis suggested the next meeting be devoted to general discussion in deter- mining whether the Committee wishes to make recommendations to Council with respect to the local option tax portion of their charge. Atkins stated staff will prepare a series of hypothetical questions for Committee to base discus- sion upon. Willis said valid issues should be dealt with first. Leshtz said 588' Atkins is of ild be if the M. at Sill i -I J 3 Jts) MINUTES MQ HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONWEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987 - 7:30 P.M.HORACE MANN SCHOOL MEMBERS PRESENT: Champion, Horowitz, Kern, Sierk, Vanderwoude MEMBERS ABSENT: Nowysz STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Dunn, Franklin CALL TO ORDER: Vanderwoude called the meeting to order at 10:05 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 11 1987: Sierk requested that the second sentence in the second paragraph on page 4, be deleted. Horowitz moved to approve the minutes of March 11, 1987, as amended. Sierk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0. PUBLIC_ DISCUSSION: None. PRESERVATION WEEK PLANNING: Horowitz informed the Commission that an in-service art teaching training session on Preservation Week activities has been scheduled for April 30, 1987, in Judge Robinson's library. They will be showing "A Sense of Place" and Pat Eckhart will be the speaker. Horowitz noted that Polly Brotherton will be organizing a table on Historic Preservation for a May 2 meeting. Horowitz also commented that she has called and secured a host of speakers for that week. Commission members have agreed to have the homes tour during Preservation Week 1988. Champion moved to nominate Margaret Keys as Preservation Person of the Year. Horowitz seconded the motion. Horowitz stated that the Commission would be opening itself up for criticism If the Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson was nominated. Commis- sion members otherwise recognized Nowysz's accomplishments as Chairperson of the Commission and her commitment to historic preservation. In voting, the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. Commission members discussed suitable locations to display the Preservation Awards Panel during Preservation Week. It was discussed to have the film "A Sense of Place" run over the cable channel during this week also. __7 a I &I air -Ad IN MINUTES - „-;, e HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SU JZCl t0 ;:" WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. ��� HORACE MANN SCHOOL MEMBERS PRESENT: Champion, Horowitz, Kern, Sierk, Vanderwoude MEMBERS ABSENT: Nowysz STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Dunn, Franklin CALL TO ORDER: Vanderwoude called the meeting to order at 10:05 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 11, 1987: Sierk requested that the second sentence in the second paragraph on page 4, be deleted. Horowitz moved to approve the minutes of March 11, 1987, as amended. Sierk seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None. PRESERVATION WEEK PLANNING: Horowitz informed the Commission that an in-service art teaching training session on Preservation Week activities has been scheduled for April 30, 1987, in Judge Robinson's library. They will be showing "A Sense of Place" and Pat Eckhart will be the speaker. Horowitz noted that Polly Brotherton will be organizing a table on Historic Preservation for a May 2 meeting. Horowitz also commented that she has called and secured a host of speakers for that week. Commission members have agreed to have the homes tour during Preservation Week 1988. Champion moved to nominate Margaret Keys as Preservation Person of the Year. Horowitz seconded the motion. Horowitz stated that the Commission would be opening itself up for criticism if the Historic Preservation Commission Chairperson was nominated. Commis- sion members otherwise recognized Nowysz's accomplishments as Chairperson of the Commission and her commitment to historic preservation. In voting, the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. Commission members discussed suitable locations to display the Preservation Awards Panel during over Week. It was discussed to have the film "A Sense of Place" run over the cable channel during this week also. a -L __T Historic Preservation Commission April 8, 1987 Page 2 REVIEW OF REHABILITATION PROJECTS: 1. 1908 F Street: Horowitz stated she cannot see in the neighborhood that there would be to twelveeinchtsiding lap. suggested trying to use four inch as opposed 2. 412 North Dubuque Street: Horowitz commented she could see nothing wrong with this request either. 412rNoroth ved to Dubu approve the rehabilitation projects at 1908 F Street and carried unanimousl Street. Champion seconded the motion. The Y, 5-0. motion COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS: None. i STAFFSTAFF-: i None. ADJOURN: Vanderwoude moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:25. Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 5-0. I Minutes submitted by Steve Dunn. I I ss� MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MARCH 23, 1987 MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: GUESTS PRESENT: Farrant, Reed, Weilbrenner, Belle, Haines, Mims, Haughton, Smithart, Powell None Gayle Warner, University of Iowa Student, Dale Helling, Assistant City Manager Roger Simon RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: The Human Rights Commission requests approval of the additional amendment to the City's Non -Discrimination j Ordinance to assess the costs of public hearing to the respondent when the finding from the public hearing is against the respondent. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY MANAGER OR STAFF: None. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION: 1. The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by Farrant. 2. The guests were introduced. 3. Smithart moved to approve the minutes of the February 23, 1987, meeting. Powell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. In Conciliation: a. E/A, 12-31-8503. No probable cause found. b. H/R, 8-20-8602. The conciliation team will meet. C. There was a brief discussion on the status of E/S & N/0, 11-14-8501 public hearing. Weilbrenner reported that notice of public hearing had been sent to the parties, but was not sure when the hearing was taking place. 5. Cases in Legal: There are five cases in legal. 6. Cases Opened: Two cases were opened. 5940 i MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MARCH 23, 1987 PAGE 2 Community Education: Haughton told the Commission that John Hess, the Program Coordinator, had left and the new Program Coordinator is Don Bailey. Things have been moving slowly because of the change, but they'll start working on a show to be done in April. There was a discussion on the possibility of having someone talk about the rise of hate groups --not totally against having a Ilan member, and there may be a second show on Big Mountain. Old Business: Reconsidetation of Ex -convicts as a Protected Class - Belle said he hadn't gotten in touch with the Sixth Circuit yet. Roger Simon addressed the commission on the need to change the ordinance to include ex - convicts as a protected class. Mr. Simon read a letter setting forth his reasons and problems he had encountered, and he was to provide a copy of the letter to Alexander. Discussion followed regarding whether or not adding ex -convicts as a protected class is necessary. Farrant named a committee (Belle, Farrant, Weilbrenner) to look into this matter further and report back to the Commission at the April meeting. Mims suggested that a letter be sent to Roger Simon advising him of the Commission's decision, so he would know that it was given consideration. b. Additional Revision to City's Non-discrimination Ordinance - Moved by Weilbrenner to add to the pro- posed amendments to the ordinance that the costs of Public hearing be assessed to the respondent when the finding from the public hearing is against the respondent. Mims seconded. The motion passed unanimously. New Business: a. Training - Farrant encouraged members to attend training sessions. Commissioners are to let Alexander know if they are interested in attending. b. Discussion of reading material. S'O _I MINUTES HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MARCH 23, 1987 PAGE 3 10. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. 11. Next Commission Meeting: April 27, 1987 590 MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING APRIL 23, 1987 - 4:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Buchanan, Cavitt, Gelman, Sumoy, Willis, Drum (arrived 5:00) MEMBERS ABSENT: Cox, Grimes, Lyman STAFF PRESENT: Eggers, Craig, Jehle, Spaziani, Forsythe RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL: Following discussion, it was moved by Buchanan and seconded by Gelman that the Board recommend to the City Council that they amend Section 20-19(d) of the Library Ordinance. (Revised language may be found on page 2 of these Minutes.) CALL TO ORDER: Vice President Willis called the meeting to order at 4:10 P.M. MINUTES: Minutes of the March 26, 1987 regular meeting were approved as presented Summy/Buchanan. FINANCIAL REPORT: The third quarter reports for General Fund Receipts, General Fund Expendi- tures, Enterprise Fund, and for the Gifts 6 Bequests Fund were reviewed. Disbursements for March, 1987, were approved. Buchanan/Cavitt. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: 1. A recent computer analysis showed that 40% of all library card holders had used their card in the last 30 days and 70% had used their card in the last twelve months. 2. The roof has been inspected by the construction supervisor from HLM and the City Attorney has had communications with the legal staff of the roofing company. The warranty should cover any work that needs to be done. 3. The library was awarded one of the two LSCA grant applications submit- ted to the State Library. The library will receive $2905 to purchase a television assisted reading device for the visually disabled. This unit will replace a machine that can no longer be repaired. 4. The Library Board is free to move ahead on proposals to operate the Community Programming Center if it wishes. Reservations about the Board's legal power to operate the center have been resolved. 571 _7 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APRIL 23, 1987 PAGE 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS: Buchanan acknowledged the good words the library received in the newspaper articles about Berke Breathed's Pulitzer prize. Buchanan reported on her phone conversation with Milwaukee Public Library Director Don Saeger about Milwaukee Public's decision to lease library space to McDonald's. McDonald's will do all the remodeling and the library will receive 5% of the estimated $1 million per year gross. This has recently become a political issue in Milwaukee over whether the Board has the power to make such an agreement. Buchanan asked Board members if they were interested in pursuing the possibili- ties of a similar operation in Iowa City. Eggers was directed to ask the City Attorney if the Board has the power to lease space for a commercial operation. FRIENDS: Eggers reported on the FRIENDS Annual Meeting of April 21. The FRIENDS presented Foundation Director Pat Forsythe two checks for $1250 each representing two years of the FRIENDS' five year pledge to the Centennial Endowment Fund. Over 125 members returned their ballots on how to spend the FRIENDS' $10,000 gift to the library. Reference books, non-fiction and children's video, indexing of the Press -Citizen and Irving Weber articles were some of the top choices. FOUNDATION: Forsythe reported on last minute plans for the April 24 event and men- tioned the excellent cooperation she had received from City staff. Forsythe, Willis and Eggers stressed the importance of the May 6 Founda- tion Board meeting. Goals and budget for next year plus decisions on finding funds for finishing this fiscal year must be determined. RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING LIBRARY ORDINANCE PROVISIONS ON After considerable discussion about whether the rules should be automatic or discretionary and about how many consecutive absences were acceptable, it was moved by Buchanan and seconded by Gelman that the Board recommend to the City Council that they amend Section 20-19(d) of the Library Ordi- nance as follows: "Vacancies. The position of any trustee shall be vacant if he moves permanently from the city, or county in case of a non-resident mem- ber; or if he is absent for six {61 four (4 consecutive regular meetings of the Board, exeept 4m the eases s4ekness er temperary absenee #rem the e4ty-. Vacancies in the Board shall be filled by appointment of the Mayor, with the approval of the Council, or the Board of Supervisors in the case of the non-resident member, and the new trustee shall fill out the unexpired term for which the appoint- ment is made." Isl/ __7 LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APRIL 23, 1987 PAGE 3 All members present voted for the motion except Sump an earlier motion which recommended that the position be considered vacant after three consecutive absences, y' who had supported PROPOSAL TO CHANGE BYLAWS AT MAY 28 MEETING: In order to clarify the meaning Qualifications, of the Board of Trustees Bylaws ticle III' Section 1 seconded by Cavitt that the section be revised, it was moved S Terms and May 28 meeting the Board will consider the foll Mo tion approved. Sammy and At the ng revision: "Terms and Qualifications. The Board of Trustees shall consist of nine mem ers, appoin ed for six Iowa City and approved b (6) year terns b the resI ents of the Cjt y the City Council. All members shall be may be one (I) non-residenthmember if the all be over helibrarOf y i87recxc t {there for a county-w{de library service on a contract basis, 9 funds FUNDS FOR FY88 LIBRARY MATERIALS BUDGET Eggers presented the report that showed the source of funds for library materials since FY84. She reminded the Board that estimates made last fall indicated the library needs $175,500 in FY88 to maintain the collec- tion at current rates of use, inflation and un it casts per reach this amount, $34,200 would be needed from gift or grant funds, the Board approves $8,000 from the Gifts and Bequests Fund format. To can be identified at this time. If ,500 fund plus a higher rate of unsolicitedbgiftafundsers cou d oincrease about e2money available. The $8,000 could be increased later if required last year's gift tion will contribute $7,000 in interest income in FY88 and that estimate is in the $26,500 total, q The Founda- seconded b With this information, it was moved b y Buchanan, to approve the $8,000 request, Unanimous, y estimate ye THIRD QUARTER REPORT OF FY87 GOALS: evibers dence of the reviewed impacteofhreducced report. Eggers said there Thursday P hours in the report which includwas ed ready cataloged evening and Friday closings in March. The number of materifour als to key and processed was up The over a year ago and increases per houropenincreasators ed dramatically because of the moderate to low'droServices delivered hours open, PRESIDEN�REPORT v n the number of I. Dositions rum reported that he had encouraged applications for Librar y Board information attohe Downtown Association meeting April 17 and Press -Citizen. The paper ran an editorial tonothe openings last week, S9/ i LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES APRIL 23, 1987 PAGE 4 2• Board members were encouraged to recruit applicants for Committee as well as the Library Board and the Foundation Board, Planning Committee will include four the planning public representatives. The 3, Drum appointed Cavitt and Buchanan to a committee to Library Director and to make a salary recommendation at the May 28 meeting, evaluate the 4. Willis will replace Cavitt an the committee to develop operating agreement between the FRIENDS and the Foundation discussed at the a proposed March meeting, as ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:55 P.M. MINUTES FORMAL MEETING PLANNING 8 ZONING COMMISSION 9;0 APRIL 16, 1987 - 7:30 P.M,CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Clark, Dierks, Horowitz, Perry, Scott, Wallace MEMBERS ABSENT: Cooper STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Boyle, Dunn, Franklin, Moen RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. Recommend approval of aproposed ordinance to amend Section 36-58(c)(3)a.3 of the Zoning Ordinance parking areas in a C or I zone within fivregarding the location of ary, e feet of an R zone bound - 2. Recommend approval of an application submitted by Hy -Vee Food Stores for consideration of a preliminary and final Large Scale Non -Residen- tial Development (LSNRO) plan for property located at 310 North First Avenue. 3. Recommend that an application submitted by Clifford Bell to rezone an 11,36 acre tract located approximately 1.8 miles east of Iowa City from Al, Rural, to RS, Suburban Residential be found to be inconsis- tent with the Current Area 5 Fringe Area Policy, 4• Recommend that the City Council suggest to the Johnson County Board of Supervisors that the Fringe Area Committee reconvene to review the development Policy for Area 5, CALLCALL-: Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m, PUBLIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS: Bob Downer, representing R.O. Phipps, the developer for the Meadow Ridge Planned Housing Development, stated that this development had previously been reviewed by the Commission and approved, but that there have been some problems since the development was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council. He noted that subsequent to prelimi- nary approval of the plan, the issue of accessibility by equipment arose. Downer pointed out fighting that these units would have fire to have sprinkler systems installed in the upper and lower levels, but some spective purchasers preferred not to have this system, He also mentioned that a second issue, namely the Pro - also of concern to the developer, 11 requesting iring n conduit, on uit ,ths original proposal of 15 units to 14 units located in seven separate build - sprinkler ratherthan and wiringdiin sconduiit explained add to the costOf of the S9z _.I Planning & Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 2 project. Downer expressed that this new proposal would not require sprin- kler systems or electrical conduit, but would equal the aesthetics of the originally proposed units. Horowitz commented that she saw the preliminary sketch of the seven du- plexes and questioned whether other configurations had been drawn. Downer responded that it was a free-hand drawing done by Phipps, but it was not the only configuration possible. He explained that all the units have to meet fire code regulations, but that there could possibly be other build- ing clustering arrangements. Phipps questioned the Commission members as to what they would think of the proposal if the conduit problem was resolved and the sprinkler systems were placed in the units shown in the proposed alternative configuration. Clark explained that what many of the Commission members liked about the original proposal was the clustering and the open spaces that were achieved as a result of the clustered arrangement of the buildings. Because the design change proposes duplex buildings rather than the three multi -family units that were originally proposed, Scott wondered whether this alteration would require formal action by the Commission and Council. Moen responded that there is a zoning provision which requires that prin- cipal buildings on a lot must be separated by a horizontal distance which is equal to the height of the tallest building. This provision would require that each building in this proposal be separated by 19 feet since the proposed buildings are expected to have a height of 19 feet. Devia- tions from this requirement would require a formal amendment to the PDH/LSRD plan for Meadow Ridge. Scott asked Phipps if there was any possibility of redesigning the devel- opment to achieve the clustered effect that would comply with fire regula- tions. Phipps responded that with three or four units together, the access requirement cannot be satisfied. Scott stated that the Commission does not have the power to waive the con- duit requirement or the fire regulations, but is able to recommend to Council alterations to the building separation requirement for this devel- opment. Phipps added that this would be a savings of $60,000. Dierks mentioned that Fire Chief Donner stated the problem with the build- ings being so close together was that the firemen would have to walk through a narrow area between burning buildings. Phipps stated that if all these structures are built on one lot as a cluster, the City Code requires the use of conduit for the electrical system. Moen suggested that Phipps' contact the Fire Chief to resolve the fire access issue and to revise the site plan based upon compliance with the Fire Code. S9J. Planning & Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 3 __T Downer felt that if the objections with the Fire Chief were resolved, a lot of time and money could be saved. He questioned what would be re- quired of Phipps if there was a redesign. Scott cited that if the pro- posal changes from three to seven buildings, that would be a substantive change and the plans would need to be submitted for evaluation of the amended PDH/LSRD plan. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 19, 1987, AND APRIL 2, 1987: Wallace moved to approve the minutes of March 19, 1987, and April 2, 1987, as distributed at the meeting. Clark seconded the motion. The motion carried, 5-0-1, with Perry abstaining due to absence at the meetings in question. ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: S-8706. Public discussion of an application submitted by Steven rigF for preliminary and final plat approval for Rapid Creek Es- tates, a five -lot subdivision located approximately 1.6 miles north- east of Iowa City. Beagle stated that a letter was received from Bright requesting defer- ral until the next formal Planning & Zoning Commission meeting. Beagle also noted that the 45 -day limitation period has expired. Horowitz moved to defer public discussion of this item until the May 7, 1987, formal meeting. Dierks seconded the motion. Scott referred to a letter, dated April 4, 1987, regarding this rezon- ing from the Chairperson of the Planning & Zoning Commission to Chair- person Bob Saunders of the Johnson County Planning & Zoning Commission. In voting, the motion carried, unanimously, 6-0. 2. Public discussion of a proposed ordinance to amend Section 36-58(c)(3)a.3 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding the location of parking areas in a C or I zone within five feet of an R zone bound- ary. Moen stated that the proposed ordinance is intended to allow existing parking areas within C or I zones which abut R zone boundaries and which have a permanent dust -free surface to remain within five feet of an R zone boundary. The parking area must, however, be screened from view by a solid fence which complies with the screening requirements and the fence and hedge requirements of the Zoning Ordinance. Horowitz moved to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance to amend Section 36-58(c)(3)a.3 of the Zoning Ordinance regarding the location of parking areas in a C or I zone within five feet of an R zone boundary. Wallace seconded the motion. 59� Planning Z Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 4 Horowitz explained that she recommended existing facilities and parking lots. in terms of new parking areas. approval of this in terms of She noted this would protect _I the City serving as parK111y Scott mentioned the key is that they are presently ion at is areas and they are dust -free. Moen. assured or paorkingsareashlackiing amendment would not affect new parkng parking areas parking areas rmanent surface s naefivsufficient ici ntbufferlex bilitn the sps for these to and an R zone. In voting, the motion carried, unanimously. 6-0. 3. 5 8708. Public discussion of an application submitted by Hy -Vee Food Stores for consideration of a preliminary and finlocat Large at 310 North Residential Development (LSNRO) plan for property First Avenue. approval of a preliminary and Moen explained that Hy -Vee is requesting app grocery store. The final LSNR0 plan to allow expansion of an existing proposed improvements include a structure andanentranceenclosure to lthersouth and east side of the existing Moen in the Commission that 128 sides of the present building. rovided. With re - off -street parking spaces are needed for this facility and the revise Ian shows that 135 parking spaces will be p site p Moen stated that a fence on the southern property esi line to screening, parking area from the single-family line presently screens the p to H Vee will have to replace the fen ce in confveeawill wnot dential uses south of the site. In the event the fence should have be removed, Y" ordinance. Hy the screening requirements of the Zoning laced be obligated to screen on the north. With a ten treestotal fronte9is f 6Three linear feet on First and Rochester Sevenavenpresentlymust be p adjacent to these rights -of way. Moen trees satisfying the locational requirements of the tree regulat ons are proposed adjacent tlarethe and stated Rochester that directnuegor indirect illu- addressed the issue of g ro ert shall not exceed ro ert lines. The applicant's oneaand^one-halfrfootrcandles atgtheop the y P, revised plan of the foot-candle measuremets tforsstornrwatadoprionaof Zoning Ordinance. Moen noted that no provisions Ordinance, then agement are necessary. She indicated that with Council ordinance, 3 a.3 of the Zoning discrepancies re - the amendment to Section 36-58(c)( ) the applicant will have all the deficiencies and discrep solved. H Vee Food Stores Clark moved to approve an application submitted by Y" for consideration of a preliminary and finalScale located at310NNorth sFirst tial Development (LSNRD) plan for property Avenue. Horwitz seconded the motion. 594 Planning & Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 5 Horowitz stated that this expansion was an appropriate step for the grocery store. She was concerned, however, about the loading and unloading of trucks because there is no place for them to go but through customer parking areas. In voting, the motion carried, unanimously, 6-0. 4. Z-8702. Public discussion of an application submitted by Claude Tom inson and Jack W. Barrows III to rezone property generally located south of the Iowa Interstate Railway, west of South Dodge Street, north of Kirkwood Avenue and east of Maiden Lane from RS -8 to RS -12. Franklin commented that the applicants have requested a rezoning of property on the south side of Page Street to construct a duplex on a vacant lot located at 930 Webster Street. The minimum lot size re- quirement for a duplex in the RS -8 zone is 8,700 square feet. This is an older subdivision and most of the lots are smaller than 8,700 square feet. Rezoning the area to RS -12 would allow construction of duplexes on lots with a minimum size of 6,000 square feet. The Com- prehensive Plan designates this area as residential with a density of 8-16 dwelling units/acre. Public Discussion: John Bennett 909 Webster Street Iowa Cit . Bennett was concerned wi a wo issues: a e propos zone change itself and (b) the process used by the applicants to notify residents of the proposed change. Bennett agreed with staff that this rezoning has the poten- tial of changing the character of the neighborhood. He noted that this issue is similar to the proposal to develop apartments at 521 Kirkwood. Bennett is concerned about people living outside of the area and buying property within the subject area for rental purposes. He wants this existing single-family character protected. Bennett indicated that this rezoning would create an economic market for duplexes on small lots. He examined the staff report and noticed his name on a list of those who refused to sign the petition circulated by Tomlinson and Barrows. He was appalled at the number of signatures on the petition and sug- gested that people signed the petition not knowing the full conse- quences of the rezoning request. Bennett was concerned with seeing names on the petition of people who, two years ago, had spent consid- erable time discussing the issue of why a RS -8 zone was a benefit to the neighborhood and objecting to the proposed rezoning of 521 Kirkwood. He went to many of these people and asked why they signed the petition and many responded that they did not realize what they were signing. They thought they were signing it for just one lot and not the whole area. Bennett explained that he has not done a system- atic study, but he has talked with enough people to raise doubts in their mind that these individuals did not know what they were signing. S�' Planning 8 Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 6 Perry questioned Bennett as to how many individuals Bennett talked with who were in favor of this rezoning. Bennett replied that no one he talked with was clearly in support of it, but most of them stated they needed to get more information concerning this issue. Ro er Sweetin 901 Webster, Iowa Cit Sweeting commented that he signed the petition thinking he was he ping someone out, not that this would change the entire area. Franklin noted that with this rezoning, you would not see the same type of development that has happened on Johnson Street. She stated the most you can build is a duplex. Scott added that the request affects more than the one subject property; it affects a larger area. He mentioned that this rezoning would change the minimum square foot- age required for a duplex and would allow someone to build a duplex on a 6,000 square foot lot. Jo ce Sweetin , 901 Webster Street, Iowa Cit Sweeting asked staff w at a par Ing requ remen s wou be I thts were rezoned from RS -8 to RS -12. Franklin responded that with a duplex, you need two spaces for each unit. Therefore, you would need four spaces per lot. Jack W. Barrows, III. Barrows explained that he thought it was only a r to the residents in the area to notify them of what he was plan- ning on doing. He wanted to find out if it was worth his time. From the response to the petition, most of the residents did not object to the area being changed. Barrows expressed that if it could be done another way he would be glad to change his application. His only interest is with the one property. This would revert it to the same density of development that was permitted prior to the 1983 Zoning Ordinance amendments. L nn North 618 Walnut, Iowa Cit . North, who is not a resident of e ne gt or oo In ques Ion, u who lives adjacent to this neighbor- hood, feels the neighborhood is densely packed enough. She questioned how long it would take for another investor to come around and alter it even more. North explained that it is like a salesman who gets his foot in the door and wants more. She stated that parking on Webster is quite full and that the east edge of this area is only two blocks from Summit Street, a historic district. Franklin commented that she has received six phone calls from people in the area requesting information on the zone change. She noted that i concern is primarily with the potential for multi -family development. Clark indicated that he felt that if there is presently a consensus among Commission members to object to this application, it would be a waste of time to have the applicants go ahead with plans if they have no chance of getting it approved. Wallace moved to defer public discussion of this item until the May 7, 1987, formal meeting. Dierks seconded the motion. 12"J. Planning & Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 7 _I Horowitz questioned if there is a compelling reason to change the zoning or not to change the zoning. Perry stated he questions the same issue. In voting, the motion carried, unanimously, 6-0. Perry left the meeting. 5. CZ -8705. Public discussion of an application submitted o11.3acre by Clifford east of Iowa Citynfrom A61, Rural,a ct to RScSuburban rRes dential. miles Moen stated the 11.36 acre tract is located approximately 1.8 miles east of Scott Boulevard in Area 5 of the Fringe Area. The adopted for Area 5 encourages agricultural uses to continue onoland which is considered "prime" agricultural land. Non-farm development i is to be confined to existing zones within one mile of the eastern corporate limit n Iowa City. Moen informed the Commission that this property is beyond the one -mile area in which non-farm development will be considered. She noted that if this tract is rezoned and subdivided into one acre lots, up to 11 lots could be developed in this area. Permitting the use of prime agricultural land for purposes runsrcounterthan gtooutheral Policydin s,as adopteo for�Area t515 application, also in the northern half of the subject tract are regarded asheprimelsfarmland soils. Moen stated that the conversion of prime farmland soils to industrial or urban uses puts pressure on marginal lands which gener- ally are more erodible and difficult to cultivate than prime farmland. i Public Discussion: iClifford Bell R.R. 5 Iowa Cit Iowa. Bell exclaimed that the memo goes �to Snydev on r Creek. ScottsOws questionedthe Bella1 the northert ha the zoning of the proposed development lies south of Snyder undary Creek. Bell replied that it does lie south of Snyder Creek and that he wants to rezone only the sloping land that is not prime soil. Bell stated that both the Health Department and the Johnson County Planning & Zoning Commis- sion have approved this application, Horowitz moved to recommend to City Council that the Planning & Zoning Commission find the application submitted by Clifford Bell to rezone an fromI.36 acre Al' Ruraltrtot RSated Suburban Residential beiles east of inconsi tot withCthe current Area 5 to Area Policy. Dierks seconded the motion. Scott noted that the Commission can only make a recommendation to the Council as to whether the application is consistent or inconsistent With the Area 5 Fringe Area Policy, He stated that it is evident that the present zoning is inconsistent. In voting, the motion carried, 5-0. Jr*ft planning 6 Zoning Commission April 16, 1981 Page 8 to recartmend to the City Council that the Fringe Area Horowitz moved discuss the development policy for Area 5. Dierks se reconvenethe motion. Dierks seconded expressed that, given improvements St>°eatmentlefacility, Horowitz exp the new d the Local Road and construction of urban agreement, be 11 there will be more requestsarwll t icor for oi�le dilute tthe fringe are)nsa g to properties out there are well manicured and should s Wilde elopment pressures rural. shoulditz does not wanbe reevaluated because of exp on that area. In voting, the motion carried, Perry returned to the meeting. to amend Sections of a proposed ordinances allow a discussion of the Zoning Ordinance t0 frontage 6, public and 36-62(c)(6)b'2 sign on lots with a minimum 36-62(c)(3)b land a free-standing 9, en monument sign retention °f minimum free-standingsign of 160 feet and to eliminate monument sig two monument sign�eo�otetween a th�s item until the May located on a sing Horowitz moved to defer public Seconded the iscussion fMotion- 7, 1987, formal meeting. Perry produce a hardship on r knowl- Horowitz q responded that, toe- haffect the eproperty question ed Moen if this deferral would E the person involved and Moen ot expected 1 edge, a two-week deferral owner. 6-0, the motion carried unanimously, ment In voting, b Southgate Develop j application submitted Y erty within the Highlander Addition from CO 1 ° 7, Public discussion of an aPP Company to rezone prop � RDP. until the May 7, the motion. fie motion to to defer public discussion of this e1^ Dierks moved meeting. Horowitz seconded 1987, fowl anim°usly, 6-0• defer carried OTHER Planning and Zoning Commission Information a, Franklin reminded Comnissi°n members of the NAHROIAPA Conference in Davenport. a reciation. b, Scott presented Perry with a certificate of PP _.T Planning 8 Zoning Commission April 16, 1987 Page 9 ADJOURNMENT: Perry moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:49 p.m. Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0. Minutes submitted by Steve Dunn. Approved by: Sally Dierks, ecre ary S�.Z W' MINUTES SL`;:Ct :O JOINT FORMAL MEETING PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATI0N COMMISSION THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHA14BERS PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Clark, Dierks, Horowitz, Perry, Scott, Wallace PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Cooper Champion, Horowitz, Kern, Nowysz, VanderWoude, Wagner Sierk Scott began by informing those present that it would be difficult to make a decision on the boundaries this evening. The information from this meeting, however, along with comments made at the previous joint meeting will be considered by both Commissions when boundaries for the district are selected by the Commissions. Iva Hilleman, 411 South Summit, Iowa City. Hilleman questioned staff as to the sequence of the submission to the State Office of Historic Preservation. Franklin responded that after the boundaries are considered by the Historic Preservation Connission and the Planning and Zoning Commission, the proposed district is then sent to the State. Hilleman's next question was when the boundaries will be established. Scott stated that there has not been an agreed to sequence of events. He suggested that deliberations could require one to three work sessions. Scott added that a boundary recommendation is not expected to go to Council until early June. Hilleman commented that many people will be out of town in June because of the University summer break. She also mentioned that the map includes the Lutheran Campus Center which, if sold to the University, cannot be part of the Historic District. Scott' ex- pressed that the Planning and Zoning Commission went on record, under a separate motion, stating that if the Lutheran Campus Ministry is sold to the University, at the Planning and Zoning Commission instigation, they will vote to delete that property and put the Public (P) zone designation on those properties. Hilleman then questioned if a property is presently designated as an intrusion, will it be noted as such in all publications. Nowysz men- tioned that intrusion is not a derogatory term. It means that because of the house's style, it is different from the rest of the neighborhood. Hilleman questioned why the Bella Vista area and some properties on Johnson and Brown Streets are not given property designations. Nowysz stated that these areas were included at a later date and were not on the original proposal when the research was done. Nowysz added that much of this research was done because Federal funds were available to finance that research. There has not been additional funding to research parcels added to the original district. 0 ru-7 __7 Planning 8 Zoning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission April 16, 1987 Page 2 _I Franklin stated that this evaluation should be done b the ability to classify structures, She added that on the staff y an individual who has Franklin remarkedthat han en this evaluation, Presently there is no one to see if it follows the Nationalthe SRegesdoes a review, t needs to be hired. parameters• they evaluate the area Alan Widiss, 316 Kimball Road, Alan+ u as Widiss thanked the staff for beim Scott addressed di an in erpretstating of the postcard that was received, Widiss by statin 9 so respon- postcards were put together b g that the informational brochures and the along with the Chairs of the Historihe Planning C ming and Zoning and Program Development staff °f this inforoationbeforemission it was member of 'Commission and the Plan - Scott mentioned was distributedthto City Council was sent a copy cards m pinned that the Council members a North Side property d. The postcard is not intended b either C i owners. a Poll and will not be used as a numbers game. y either Cy °f the post - could not see how the o g Widiss in °"mission to be considered historic, He notedathatttheeowners Of north of ex��ntng the map, Johnson petitioned Van Buren property was the understandin to be taken off the map designation roperty at the end of Johnson Street g �s to exclude the vacant land Scott remarked that end of Van Buren bedtreatedlsidmalariWmdiss requesteduthathathe he structure on both streets be included or yc either all the P operty at the included• Widiss onl on1Y the structures oceuoperty at the end of y requested consistency, Pyin9 those lots be 7eresse Alderson, 514 East Fairchild er mea roo an s a Street. Alderson raised the be required to obtain a building a me a roof had to question of however, g permit, be removed she would not a permit would be needed, If the sheathing was to be removed, to obtain a permit and if there eduldShe any the S, Nowysz responded that time period required to be Y consideration given in emergency explainedrthaew t undernormal circumstance bers Of the cbui servatiit is reon Comnissionthere would saril have require muchpP eview, in 2-3 hours, 9 Penn its would not Franklin district 1t could be oneldait is a minor project that does not what the the had been y• Alderson considered• questioned if a smaller Incurred is like and thOu co e City could determineuld get a flavor of Permits were designating districts. Nowysz commented that costs that are feels that costs to the the North Side area within a two twelve building appear to the Cit City of reviewing building permits,ytherefore� She City to be an issue. , do not Bruce Kittle 707 North Dod e e neig or o is area Iowa Cit Kittle questioned staff as to how different zones, RS -5 y Zon rank1in responded that there are four RS -5 is a low den sit , RS -8, RN -12, and RM -44. She further single family residentialgland amily residential zone, explained that one unit/3,000 square feet of lduplex oe and RS -8 is medium density R11-12 is multi -family with a Nowysz mentioned that two functions of the Historic Preservation sion are to provide information and to establish local She commented that the North Side is the historic area of lows icy original residential area of Iowa City ,5'93 Planning & Zoning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission April 16, 1987 Page 3 _I with some of the earliest structures located here. Kittle questioned if by making this area an historic district, the property values will go down. Nowysz pronounced that she would like to see figures on this, but that it is difficult to assess the effects on property values with district designation. Nowysz noted that in the future, you may not have a problem with price. She remarked that district designation is intended to protect and preserve the historic integrity of a neighborhood. Scott added that the Zoning Ordinance recommends the density and land uses allowed in a particular area; the issues of preservation and deterioration are the responsibility of the Historic Preservation Commission. Lyyle— Se del 445 Garden Street, Iowa City. Seydel let the Commission know t a as ee�very mmucic op poso this for four years. He stated he left the Council meeting feeling the postcards were a way to determine the number of property owners in favor and opposed to the proposal. Seydel questioned as to when the City Council had approved the postcards. Scott replied that the proposed cards and brochures were sent to each Council member requesting their comments and review. Their approval was not made in a formal meeting. Seydel remarked that many individuals feel the cards missed the point. He questioned if there is a requirement that a percentage of property owners have to agree or disagree to the proposal. Scott replied that the Council will make the decision and that decision is not expected to be made exclu- sively on the numbers of individuals favoring the district versus the numbers of individuals objecting to the proposal. Seydel then questioned if this is proposed as an historic district, what percentage of residents who object to the proposal would be needed to have it defeated. Scott responded that if the proposal goes to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission, it goes to the Council for Council to deliberate the merits of the proposal. Linda Bieifeldt R.R. Lone Tree. Bielfeldt stated her belief that there is an overw a ming ma3ori y of property owners in the area opposed to this plan. She questioned as to wbo decided which are the key structures and what is the criteria. Nowysz responded that Jim Jacobsen of the state staff evaluated these properties. Bielfeldt then questioned how many individuals will be involved in the review process. Nowysz responded that if time is an issue, only the Chairperson, the Commission Secretary and the staff will be involved. Bielfeldt then questioned if the Commission had concocted any guidelines. Franklin answered that guidelines are being developed and will be given to the Commission for review. Bielfeldt sees this action to desig- nate the North Side as a Historic District as restricting property rights. If design review is required, she stated, it should be done in all parts of town. Bielfeldt declared there are intrusions in many areas of Iowa City and that all North Side residents are achieving are restrictions to property rights. She remarked that if residents live within an historic district, the only honor they obtain is the sentence of having rights restricted. Bielfeldt questioned the Commission if they care about the concerns of property owners in the area. Scott addressed her question by saying that comments always play a role in the decision process. What is being done is to gain a flavor of the proponents' and opponents' positions. Scott noted that efforts are being made to gain as much information about the issue and property owners' Sri Planning d Zoning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission April 16, 1987 Page 4 attitudes. 8ielfeldt questioned Scott how he assesses the numbers for or against the proposal. Scott replied that he refuses to get caught in a guess- ing game. Bruce Ila s ow, 834 North Johnson, Iowa Cit Glasgow stated that everything e se m e Nor en esi es is ouse is an intrusion. He remarked that an intrusion is anything built after the City of Iowa City began a planning and Zoning Commission. Glasgow is against the whole thing and wishes it would just be forgotten. Joe Trammell, 420 North Dubu ue, Iowa City. Trammell is opposed to the e Trgna ion o e or i e as an is oric district. He feels this would just be additional layers of bureaucracy one would have to contend with. ownerslbeforetaodecisionhis made. Scott commentedathat helpersonallyrhasrno objections to a poll. The problem that you would run into is that it is an expensive process for City government to finance. Nowysz Moved to defer further discussion of this item until the May 11, 1987, work session. Horowitz seconded the motion. Scott explained that the concerns discussed at this meeting and the meeting on April 8, 1987, will be taken into consideration during the work sessions. In voting, the motion carried, unanimously, 11-0. Approved by: Sally Dierks, Secretary 571