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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-05-12 Bd Comm. minutesJ -,`1/ MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. SENIOR CENTER CLASSROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Bruner, Daly, Gerleman, Helmer, Lovell, Wachal, Watson, Stroh MEMBERS ABSENT: O'Brien, Wallace, Wielert STAFF PRESENT: Rockwell, McClean OTHERS PRESENT: Merle Neubauer, Phillip Cummins RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS: Helmer called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Neubauer and Cummins were introduced to the Commission. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MARCH 4 1987 MINUTES: Daly moved to approve the minutes of March 4, 1987. Lovell seconded and the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Ralston Creek Erosion Concerns: Phillip Cummins spoke to the Commission about the creekbank erosion problem he and his neighbors were experiencing. He lives on Fairview near the inter- section of Muscatine and Court Streets where a new culvert was constructed in 1978-79. Cummins contended that the erosion for the past few years has been twice as bad as compared to the entire ten-year period before the culvert was built. He outlined how the culvert directs the creek water towards his and his neighbors' property instead of straight downstream. Cummins told the Commission that his immediate neighbor had lost a fence due to the erosion and had to replace it. A previous neighbor had collected Christmas trees and chicken -wired them together and anchored them to the bank to prevent erosion. Although not aesthetically pleasing, this method worked to stabilize the bank, but it also increased erosion to downstream proper- ties. Mr. Cummins said that he had received the Riverfront Commission's erosion control pamphlet. He felt that it was the first time the City had addressed his and his neighbors' creekbank erosion problems. He had come to the Com- mission meeting because he wanted a recommendation and estimate of cost for a solution to his erosion problems. Daly advised Cummins that every situation is different and that property owners along both sides of the stream would need different solutions. He stressed that it was important for neighbors to work together or the erosion problems would just be passed downstream as G6z JORM MICROLAB SERIES MT -8 PRECEDING DOCUMENT MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT C0144ISSION WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. SENIOR CENTER CLASSROOM Bruner, Daly, Gerleman, Helmer, Lovell, Wachal, Watson, Stroh MEMBERS PRESENT: MEMBERS ABSENT: STAFF PRESENT: OTHERS PRESENT: O'Brien, Wallace, Wielert Rockwell, McClean Merle Neubauer, Phillip Cummins RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL: None. CALL TO ORDER AND INTRODUCTIONS: Helmer called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m. Neubauer and Cummins were introduced to the Commission. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MARCH 4 1987 MINUTES: Daly moved to approve the minutes of March 4, 1987. Lovell seconded and the motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Ralston Creek Erosion Concerns: roblem Phillip Cummins spoke to the Commission about the creekbank erosion p he and his neighbors were experiencing. He lives on Fairview near the inter- section of Muscatine and Court Streets where a new culvert was constructed in 1978 79. Cummins contended that the erosion for the ast befoe few tears has been he culvert was twice as bad as compared to the entire ten-year period built. He outlined how the culvert directs the creek water towards his and his neighbors' property instead of straight downstream. a fence due tomthe erosioneand hadmto replace itunedAatpre iogusb0neighborshad collected Christmas trees and chicken -wired them together and anchored them to the bank to prevent erosion. Although not aesthetically pleasing, this method worked to stabilize the bank, but it also increased erosion to downstream proper- ties. had addressed the Riverfront Commission's erosion Mr. Cummins said that he had received control pamphlet. He felt that it was the first time the City n problems. He had come to the Com - his and his neighbors' creekbank erosiosolution to his erosion problems. Daly advised Cummins that every situation mission meeting because he wanted a recommendation and estimate of cost ti n important for neighbors is needwould ifdifferentdthat solutionspeYHe stressedlthatbithwasdimpof the stream neighbors to work together or the erosion problems would just be passed downstream as 44z Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1981 Page 2 i Cummins had found out. Daly said that although the culvert was causing spot problems such as Cummins', it had made things better throughout the system. Stroh agreed, but thought that there was less severe flooding because of the holding ponds upstream. Rockwell added that the culvert had been structur- ally designed primarily to support the weight'of the road and passing traf- fic. Daly suggested that it might be possible to put a wing wall on the culvert to deflect the erosion -causing angle of the flow. Rockwell stated that it was the Riverfront Commission's policy to encourage the formation of neighborhood associations to handle streambank erosion problems. She cautioned that no one on the Commission was qualified or certified to give recommendations on specific projects. Cummins asked if the erosion problem impactedpeople on both sides of the stream and whether neighbors across the creek should be asked to come to an erosion control meeting. Daly said that those on the opposite bank would probably gain land but erosion would impact most people along the bank in some way. Rockwell encouraged Cummins to include as many neighbors as possible because unified neighborhood action would be more likely to provide effective and long last- ing solutions. 0erleman recommended getting photos of the area before dis- cussing the problems with experts. Cummins asked how much this project would cost. Rockwell replied that the area effected, the steepness of the streambank slope and method selected for erosion control would affect the cost. It would be difficult to estimate the cost until that information is available. Daly said that some of the work can be accomplished with many people working as volunteers, and that would greatly decrease the cost. Cummins thanked the Commission and stated that he would appreciate the Commission's informational support for the neighborhood group he hoped to get together to work on erosion control. Iowa River Fishing Access: Fishin Access. Merle Neubauer spoke on his concern about river access for r, g. a wanted to know if the Commission had progressed on this issue since the July 2, 1986, Riverfront Commission meeting. Helmer answered that the Commission had discussed the problem of chainlink fence which prohibits access south of the Burlington Street Dam on the east riverbank. Stroh added that the fence around the University's power plant belonged to the contractor who is constructing the new coal silo. Stroh said that John Hough told him there was no policy to stop access to the river; that the fence would be taken down as soon as construction is completed. Stroh mentioned that the University does not own much riverfront property downstream from the motor pool area. Neubauer replied that there was no access south of Harrison Street and the CRANDIC Railroad people said that they didn't fence it. Parking. Neubauer also spoke of the parking restrictions that prevented daytime parking in the University parking lot on the west side of the Iowa River south of the Burlington Street Dam. He would like to see these re- strictions lifted during the summer session when the lot is usually empty and fishermen would like to use it. Stroh mentioned that the lot was open for free parking after 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and all day on weekends, but said that he would ask the University what could be done. 4 4L Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1987 Page 3 Neubauer also asked if any parking could be made available on the east side of the Iowa River for fisherpersons. He mentioned that there was empty space in the lot behind the County Jail and that the section of street on Harrison between Capitol and Madison Streets could be opened up to non -University parking. Sludge. Neubauer had observed a thick brown sludge being emitted from a pipe south of the University power plant. This emission lasts about an hour and occurs sporadically. This has caused the riverbed to be streaked with yellow, which is clearly visible when the river is low. When this occurs it ruins fishing. Gerleman recommended that Rockwell give Neubauer the name and number of the person in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources who is authorized to act on this type of problem. Ralson Creek Access. Neubauer asked if the access to the fishing grounds where Ralston CreeF enters the Iowa River near the Highway 6 Bypass Bridge could be improved. He said that this City -owned land south of the Highway is a good place to fish and people trying to reach it are having a difficult time because their vehicles must be turned off the highway shoulder and driven down the pot -holed dirt road. He suggested that the City put some rock down on this road and also install a trash can. Wachal thought that neither the City nor the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) would agree to make this access off a highway shoulder more inviting for people to use. Gerleman agreed that the City and IDOT might not want to encourage direct access and unsafe traffic turns onto and off of a heavily used highway. Petition. Neubauer asked if a petition might have greater influence with the 7y fan his one voice of concern about river accessibility, beautification and parking. Daly said that more names could not hurt his cause. Watson thought that the particular area below the Burlington Street Dam was not the best area to target for improvements. Gerleman said that the Clean-up Com- mittee had targeted clean-up of the west riverbank near the University park- ing lot. Helmer agreed that this area was not very accessible. Gerleman said that if the west bank was riprapped like the east side, it would look better and be easier to maintain. Rockwell asked Merle Neubauer for his address and phone number so that the Commissioners and she could contact him concerning the issues he had addressed that evening. DISCUSSION ON STREAMBANK EROSION CONTROL PROGRAM - APRIL 4: Wachal reported on the plans for this program. Lovell added that approxi- mately 500 mailings had been sent out to property owners along the Iowa River and along major creeks in Iowa City and Johnson County. Rockwell indicated that there had been a good response: to date 41 people had responded with 19 planning to attend, 19 who could not attend and 3 who were unsure about attending. All 41 wanted more information. Of those responding, most of them (23) lived on Ralston Creek, five on the Iowa River, five in rural areas, one on Willow Creek and seven who represented the press or government agencies. Wachal said that he had 70 slides prepared for the streambank erosion control program. He told the Commission that the gabion placement on the west bank of the stream on Scott Boulevard south of Court Street was beautifully done Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1987 Page 4 _I and an excellent example of erosion control that can be easily seen from the road. Daly expects that the gabions will become naturally overgrown with vegetation. Rockwell told the Commission that there was a very good panel scheduled for Palmiter the Streambank Erosion Control Program. Lon Drake plans to present the professor, will of speakonerosioncontrol nlegal aspects. LeAnne Weih will address the bio -technical approach she has designed for the Ralston Creek project and Carl Chadek will provide information on the use and pricing of rock materials for riprapping. Two major suppliers will also attend, bringing erosion control materials for the program participants to see. A Commission member asked if anyone from the City had presented .their ideas on the subject. Rockwell answered that no City body had spoken on the issue. She deferred to the Commissioners who had visited the site to report their views. Wachal said that he and Rockwell had visited the site and he thought that it was the prettiest part of the whole park. Lovell said that it was a nice area, but that it needed enhancement. She described the parkland abut- ting the ravine as a low plateau where high river levels caused flooding. Lovell said that it was important to question how the site would be used, Watson said that filling in the low areas seemed like an expensive project for a parking lot. Stroh made a motion for the Commission to recommend to Council against the sale of the property. Gerleman seconded. Daly requested discussion on the matter. He recommended that the sale should be approved with two stipula- tions: first, the owner should be required to extend the culvert to reach the river, and second, it should be determined how the property edge facing the river will be finished. Watson stated that this could be an opportunity to make the riverbank area better. Gerleman maintained that this development would violate a goal of the Riverfront Commission because the development of the parking lot would remove the green buffer between the river and runoff areas. Daly thought that this development would extend the culvert which, in his opinion, would be more important in controlling runoff. Stroh voiced his opinion that the ideal situation was City ownership of all riverfront property, Watson said that if selling to private developers was good for the riverfront, he didn't see any problem in the Commission recom- mending that the sale be approved. MOTION: Helmer restated the motion made by Stroh and seconded by Gerleman to recommend to Council against the sale of the Sturgis Ferry Park property. A vote was taken. Three voted in favor of the motion to recommend against the sale (Lovell, Gerleman and Stroh), three voted against the motion (Daly, Helmer said Bruner) and thisone vote abstained indicated(Wthat lthe omm ss1 OF newas a stalemated' information concerning the proposed property development and use before a recommendation could be made. Stroh re-emphasized that it was important to maximize public access to the river and he saw no point in supporting sale of 44Z Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1987 Page 5 Public riverfront property unless there were strop so. Watson reiterated that it is not bad in itself to sell especially9. compelling when it may enhance the public good. PROGRESS REPORT ON SPRING CLEAN-UP DAY -APRIL 25 _.T reasons to do public land, Gerleman asked If Commission members would help in up Day. He would like the Commissioners to arive at Sheltervolunteers halfnanlhour before volunteers arrive at 2:00 P.m. This is so the Commissioners can be instructed on check-in procedures for the volunteers such as matching volunteers' abilities and ages to specific sites. Adult supervisors will be matched with young volunteers. the check-in. Lovell and Helmer offered to help with the Lovell asked if the clean-up plans said that permission and assistant Manager and Public Works personnel merce had responded enthusiasticall. next year. yhad been cleared with the City. Gerleman e had been received from the Mayor, City He mentioned that the Chamber of Com - and would like to see an expanded event Lovell mentioned that some areas may be dangerous for small children such as the City storage area near the bus barn. Gerleman said that all to be supervised and the ratio of adults to children will vary according to the children's ages and the area groups had Miller, Iowa City Chief of Police, to reed li deli nate a the trash trucks in order to prevent an He also said that Harvey g squad car to follow Lovell asked if y accidents. Comm ttee answered that donations lwereuwelcome� and thatallfthe food ood donations. should be finger food so that utensils will not be needed. Gerleman re - drive E350 in cash donations even thoughethere that not Cbeentaeedonation drive. The Committee had met the previous night (Tuesday, March 30) and the next meeting was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, that the University service fraternity and Jaycees had hel ed mentioned that he had mailed 20 000 Helmer said mailing to advertise the Clean-up Day, coupons through P greatly, and 9 his Val Pak Company STATUS REPORT ON THE FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE: Rockwell had forwarded the Planning and Zoning Commission. She Cmendatioommission's recommendation to the Planning concerning She said that P&Z had agreed with the recom- g exempting small streambank erosion engineer's certification requirement. The PQ from expressed support for encouraging streambank erosion control and asked for moreinformation.support P&Z were scheduled to meet again Thursda concur with the Riverfront Commissions recommendation. The y, April 2, and were expected to developmentrinothended floody leinh Commissions would be to apply PP y for a Permitting ttforr from the City Engineer to the lowacDepartmenten be Natural Resources. y and forwarded 4,4z i Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1987 Page 6 UPDATE ON RECOGNITION AWARDS COMMITTEE PLANS: Watson, Wachal and Rockwell will meet to review nominations and recommend a nominee before the next Commission meeting. Watson will place nomination forms at locations other than the Iowa City Public Library and the Civic Center, DISCUSSION OF PURI it Orl ATrnuo __- Rockwell said that there had been only one picture submitted so far. Stroh reported that no public relations have been done since the last Commission meeting. Helmer said that in the past most of the photos have come in near the deadline. Daly asked if the contest had enough exposure and wanted to Put up more posters. UPDATE ON IOWA RIVER MONTH DISPLAY: Lovell said that nothing had changed since the last Commission meeting. She and Wachal will select photos and slides to display during Iowa River Month. Lovell said that she had arranged for Iowa Book 8 Supply to do a display in June on the Iowa River. RIVER WALKWAY PROPOSAL: Rockwell advised the Commission of Nancy Seiberling's interest in reviving the proposal to develop a riverfront walkway from the University Arts Build- ing to Sturgis Ferry Park. Nancy Seiberling would like the Riverfront Com- mission to be the initiating force behind the project with Project GREEN providing active, cooperative support. Rockwell suggested that if there was Commission interest, that a committee could be formed to look at what had bto een done about the proposal in the past and then make recommendations on how parproce of atriverin tcor idorhe eplanAbymStanley roCons litanwas ts originally developed as Lovell thought that a smaller projector a phased effort would get better support. Helmer asked if the Project GREEN members wanted to come to a Riverfront Commission meeting and make their proposal. Rockwell said that Project GREEN would first like to get a consensus from the Commission on its level of interest. Bruner said that the Commission should determine if there is interest among its members. Bruner and Watson volunteered to look at the Stanley plan and report back to the Commission. Gerleman suggested that the Commission review the minutes from four years ago n Notoneesingleipersonhad a attendinglic wantedtt ggrantean concrnieasement in He thoughtethat a different approach, such as specific persons doing specific projects, might be more successful. Gerleman said that if a property is all commercial, then backing would be needed from the Chamber of Commerce. For example, ex -River - front Commission Chairperson Craig Willis heads the Environmental Concerns Committee of the Chamber of Commerce. Daly thought that businesses had been invited to the conservation easement m owners were eeting, but did not attend. He men- tioned that home the major program participants. GICA Iowa City Riverfront Commission April 1, 1987 Page 7 ET CETERA: Wachal said that Shirley Wyrick has a videotape of Nancy Seiberling and Mary Neuhauser discussing their involvement with riverfront issues during the early days of Project GREEN. Wachal thought the Commission might be inter- ested in viewing the tape to get a historical understanding of the Commis- sion's formative years. ADJOURNMENT: Daly moved to adjourn the meeting and Watson seconded. The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by Joseph McClean. 442 MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Subject to APRIL 8, 1987 - 4:30 P,M. PPfOVBI CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Fisher, Mask, Messier, Randall, Winegarden MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Moen, Van Steenhuyse The meeting was called to order at 4:31, CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: Randall moved and Mask seconded the motion to approve the minutes of the March 11, 1987, meeting, The minutes were approved unanimously, SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEMS: 1, Ste, Discussion of an application submitted by Robert Gibson for a special exception to establish an auto and truck oriented use at 2223 F Street. This item is continued from the March 11, 1987, meet- ing. Moen explained that the applicant has requested that his application for a special exception be withdrawn, She said that the applicant feels he is unable to commit to begin construction of a building to house his auto -oriented use within the prescribed six-month period if the re ordinances, r.�ception Gibson is requiredeto clean hisr to comproperty pup andh Cit remove any inoperable vehicles which are stored on the site. Fisher asked if the applicant was able to get his application fee refunded. Moen answered no, that a considerable amount of staff time had been in- vested in reviewing this application before Mr. Gibson decided to withdraw his request. 2. SE -8633, Discussion of a request submitted by Tom Alberhasky to exten the expiration date of the order rendered by the Board on December 10, 1986, on an application for a special exception to allow an auto and truck oriented use for property located at 1570 Mall Drive. Moen explained that the June 11, 1987. She said thaa t the inal order applicant irequfres aadditionallication etime to complete negotiations on the lease with the operators of the pro- posed drive-in laundry service, as well as more time to obtain the building permit. Randall asked if staff was agreeable to the exten- sion. Moen said yes. Fisher asked if this applicant had a history of requesting extensions. Moen said she was unaware of previous applica- tions submitted to the Board by Mr. Alberhasky and of requests by Mr. Alberhasky to extend any orders rendered by the Board. Randall moved that the expiration date for this request be extended until_September 30, 1987. Mask seconded the motion. Moen polled the Board. The vote was 5-0 in favor of extension: X63 MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT APRIL 8, 1987 PAGE 2 5E-8627. Discussion of a request submitted by Al Wells to extend the expiration date of the order rendered by the Board on November 12, 1986, on an application for a special exception to permit apartment units within the CC -2 zone for property located at 711 S. Gilbert Street. Moen said that the original order on this application expires May 13, 1987. The applicant is requesting an extension until November 14, 1987, in order to seek financing for this project. Randall asked why orders of the Board are only valid for six months. Moen speculated that a time limit is imposed on orders of the Board to assure that the proposed adjustments to the zoning regulations are implemented within a reasonable amount of time from which adjacent property owners have been made aware of proposed actions which do not comply with the ordinance. The circumstances under which a special exception is granted may also change thereby invalidating the justifications for granting that special exception. Mask said that she was surprised that the applicant had not already had financing for his project when he originally applied for the special exception. Messier responded that he may have needed to obtain approval of the special exception before a lending institution would finance the project. Fisher asked if there were any changes in the applicant's request. Moen said no. Fisher also asked if it was necessary to inform the neighboring landowners in this case. Moen said no, that the Board was only deciding whether to extend the expiration date of a previously approved special exception. Messier moved that the expiration date for this- application be ex- tended until November 14, 1987. Mask seconded the motion. Moen polled the Board: The vote was 5-0 in favor of extension. The meeting was adjourned at 4:44. Minutes submitted by Steven J. Van Steenhuyse. Approved by: Peter Fis er, Chairperson L. llctt, Karn Frankl in, Secretary (a U6 -I __T PP,E!JP i NARY MINUTES Subject to Approval DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1987 - 4:00 P.M. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Haupert, Nagle, Novick, Seiberling, Sinek, Waters, Welt MEMBERS ABSENT: Alexander, Amert, Eckholt STAFF PRESENT: Atkins, Cain, Thomas, Trueblood, Einspanjer GUESTS PRESENT: Bob Sierk, Chamber of Commerce; John Gross, Downtown Asso- ciation; Jim Maynard, landscape architect RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL None. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 4:05 by Chairperson Welt. INTRODUCTIONS Welt introduced and welcomed Barb Waters, the newest member of the Design Review Committee. Everyone introduced themselves to Waters. Welt then introduced Steve Atkins, the Iowa City City Manager; Sheri Thomas and Terry Trueblood from the City Parks and Recreation Department; Bob Sierk, President of the Greater Iowa City Chamber of Commerce; John Gross, a member of the Downtown Association; and Jim Maynard, landscape architect. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MARCH 12 1987 Novick moved and Seiberling seconded the motion to approve the minutes of March 12, 1987. The motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF CITY PLAZA PLANTINGS AND LANDSCAPING Welt stated that a DRC subcommittee headed by Seiberling inspected the City Plaza landscaped areas and will be reporting today on the results of this inspection. He said that discussion today will focus on two areas: the condition of the planting beds and the general upkeep of the Plaza. He turned the discussion over to Seiberling. Seiberling outlined the results of the subcommittee's inspection of City Plaza. (This report is attached.) After she read the report, Welt thanked the subcommittee for the in-depth report and asked the representatives of the City whether anything could be done in response to the report. Trueblood said that they will look into the report. He stated that for FY88 (which begins July 1), there is a 30% increase in the budget for maintenance and upkeep of city planting areas. Trueblood stated that $5,000 of the extra $13,000 allotted in the budget will be used for surface repairs. There will also be an additional $5,000 for tree and shrubbery replacement for a total of $7,000. The other money will be used to purchase equipment such as a G4fe Design Review Committee April 23, 1987 Page 2 small leaf and litter vacuum and a steam pressure sprayer to help keep the bricks clean. He stated that one thing not approved in the budget was an additional employee. He stated that they have other areas to take care of besides the Plaza. Part of the problem is that there was no budgeting for upkeep of these areas in earlier years. Therefore, the City is behind schedule for replacement plantings. Trueblood also stated that the Plaza area will look better once the mini -park is completed. Novick asked Thomas if she knew who is in charge of the plantings next to the Old Library parking lot. She stated that these plantings look terrible and that something should be mentioned to the owner. Thomas stated that she did not know who is responsible for these plantings. Atkins said that he will look into it and call the person. Atkins mentioned that $2,000 has been put in the FY88 budget for receptacle replacement. Welt stated that the City might want to receive some assistance from the subcommittee on the types of replacement plantings. Seiberling stated that the subcommittee does not have the expertise to make these types of recommendations. She stated that the City should seek professional con- sultants for these recommendations. Waters suggested that the DRC use some of the human resources located down- town. She stated that there might be some way of utilizing the retired people or the college students, for example. Atkins stated that this may be possible. He said that the City will be caught up soon with the re -plantings but that clean up is an ongoing problem. Seiberling asked if it is possible to get some sort of a commitment from the Chamber of Commerce. Sierk stated that every businessman has to do his own clean-up. He stated that he will bring this topic up at the next Chamber meeting, but that there needs to be a sense of spirit or pride in the appear- ance of the downtown area. For this to have any impact it will be important for each business to clean up the area in front of it. Atkins stated that the City would be willing to buy a cart and the materials necessary if the DRC were able to get some people to clean up. He stated that if these people were able to pick up the litter and bag it, that the City would be willing to pick it up at a predetermined site. Sierk stated that he feels the key is in getting the downtown businessmen to take pride in the appearance of the downtown area. He said that this is where he thinks the Chamber of Commerce can help. Speaking for the DTA, Gross stated that they see two problems downtown. The first is that the mulch around the parking ramps is sorely absent. The second is the litter problem. He said that he would contact the food service places and ask them to clean up on a regular basis. Atkins stated that he would also be willing to write to the downtown food services and ask them to clean up after lunch time. 4 4 fe Design Review Committee April 23, 1987 Page 3 _.7 Haupert asked who would work on and coordinate these activities. Sierk stated that he would volunteer the Chamber to help, Atkins volunteered the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Haupert suggested that the commit- tee to coordinate the downtown clean up would be made up of a member of the DTA, one representative of the City, one member of the Chamber, and one member of the DRC. Haupert offered to coordinate this committee. Seiberling asked if the City would be able to get a professional consultant to guide them on the design and types of plantings. Atkins agreed that this expertise is desirable but that he does not want to approach the City Council about it at this time because of the current budgetary problems. Sinek asked if the cost for the new lighting for the Plaza areas will come out of another budget. Trueblood stated that this cost does come out of a different budget. Haupert asked the Committee members what they thought of the possibility of assigning planting areas to one or more persons to maintain and that if they need advice or help, they cold get it from the City. Seiberling stated that the success of this type of program depends upon the level of commitment of the volunteers. Seiberling stated that such a program would have to be discussed with Thomas in order to coordinate it. Haupert said that he will look into this possibility and have something to report to the DRC at the next meeting. DISCUSSION OF DESIGN REVIEW CODE RECOMMENDATIONS Welt stated that he talked to Gary Lundquist of the DTA and Pat Grady of the Chamber of Commerce about what would be the best forum for discussing the DRC design code recommendations. Grady suggested that the DRC present the guide- lines by which decisions are made and also that the DRC should get opinions on the effects of design review codes in other cities. Welt stated that according to Cain, there is no study available which meas- ures the economic effects of design review codes. Welt asked if the Chamber of Commerce might be able to telephone cities that have design review codes in order to gain their insight onto the effects. Cain stated that this might be an effective approach. Welt stated that the DTA agreed to put the DRC on their board meeting for May 26. Welt stated that he thinks that until the DRC has guidelines set forth, that they should not be meeting with the DTA and the Chamber. Therefore, Welt suggested resurrecting the subcommittee that was created to define the es tguidelinesthathe ogetherbefore meetiGross with the OTA. A Welt, NovickCand oWaters vwilu�make nup the subcommittee to look into the creation of guidelines for the ORC. This subcommittee will meet at 5:15 on May 12 in the Commerce Center. Cain stated that she has a lot of information in her office about other cities' guide- lines. 4ttv Design Review Committee April 23, 1987 Page 4 OTHER BUSINESS Cain stated that the design for the mini -park has one slight change. There will not be a lattice -work with vines on the north wall of the Dain -Bosworth Building. The wall will be repainted (with an earth -tone color to be ap- proved by the DRC), and trees will be planted to soften the effect of the bare wall. ADJOURNMENT The next meeting is scheduled for May 21 at 4:00. The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Minutes were submitted by Tracy Einspanjer. GG 4 SUB -COMMITTEE REPORT: SURVEY OF CITY PLAZA April 20, 1987 _I The Design Review Committee's responsibility extends over the Urban Re- newal area of the CBD. Occasionally the Committee is asked to review or comment upon architectural features in other parts of the business dis- trict and therefore has an interest in the general aspect of the total area. For over 13 years Committee members have been deeply concerned about the impression our downtown makes upon visitors. The pedestrian greenway, usually referred to as City Plaza, is the major focus of our report today. Two meetings ago we were asked to look at the food vending carts vying for permission to offer their wares in the Plaza. Carefully scrutinized for presentation of food, capacity for controlling litter, appropriateness of decor, color and signs, they were judged according to their appearance downtown and how it would reflect upon the City Plaza. Certainly the setting in which all this private enterprise takes place should be evaluated to see if high standards there are not only being met but are continually enforced. The subcommittee last met last fall, as you recall, and duly made its report both to the full Committee and to the Director of Parks and Recrea- tion. This spring the subcommittee met on Monday, April 20th, augmented this time by Jim Maynard and Kathryn Gillies, two Iowa Citians known for their professional expertise in landscape design and upkeep. Starting at the east entrance on Linn Street, we progressed to the Foun- walkedturned tonorth inton Street.iWeStreet, first consideredothe Fountin and what wouldabe the impact upon the visitor of each area we inspected: How appropriate was the planting? What was the level of care? What alternative materials or care should be considered to achieve a better result? Our comments and recommendations follow. Linn Street Planters at East Entrance. Replace two mugho pines, weed, water and mulch. Prune broken branches off neighboring gingko, north. Corner of Public Library. Water pine in planting box. Project GREEN will have Lyvers check tree and remove guy lines and stake. Library, South Facade. Selective pruning of Sargent crabs to ensure good shape and branching. Remove dead branches carelessly left on top of evergreens in low plantings. Red twig dogwood: Remove old stems to encourage growth of smaller ones. Cotoneas ers in alcove: Remove oak leaves by hand, as well as all litter. River birch bed: Replace old cotoneasters with six new ones. Prune mug o pines carefully, main- taining low growth and attractive shape. Little alley at west end of Library Clean out trash and clean door surfaces. Azalea bed: Check original plan for recommended materials. All existing pants should be moved to a park situation, planted in semi -shade, facing north. Recommend planting one overstory tree with gracious shade potential in east bed. K South -North Walk. 1. Opposite Lenoch 8 Cilek: Watch late afternoon activity here. Pa -t what is practical and will endure in high use areas. Snow- mo�und ss irea: Prune dead wood, shape judiciously. Remove dead woo inn re buds. 2. Opposite Rocky Rococo: Are annuals planted? If not, fill out M nthony Waterer spirea. Round off existing shrubs, take out dead wood. (These shrubs perform better when pruned in late fall or very early spring.) 3. Transformer Bed: What is planned for open space? Annuals? os aA_ss3 4. Opposite Dain Bosworth: Remove existing shrubs. Plant with juniper. S. Near Mini -park: Tulip/annual bed. Successful effect. 6. Pine Tree Bed: Trim euonymus back to edge and off trees. Snow - mound spirea and pines make successful plantings. 7. Entrance Area East and West Small Beds: Add one potentilla at east end, replace all in west bed. Best trimmed in fall. Cur- rently both beds present appalling appearance. Bed facin street: Remove junipers at north edge. This is the area tat shou d provide a gracious welcome to the Plaza. . .and needs redesign to i achieve this effect. i i 8. Jefferson Building Bed: Head back yews by hand. No clippers. 9. Hair Salon Bed: Clean up. Trim. 10. Mode Americana Bed: Joyce Trott is in charge, will take care of potentiacements, Suggest tulips for bloom in spring 1988. Fountain Area West. 1. Popcorn Wagon's electrical cord should not invade flowerbed, should have guides along' underside of wood ties to keep it se- cure. 2. College Street Club: Replace dead tree. 3. Opposite Givanni's: Remove shrubs which died for lack of water. Consider planting Korean lilacs. Tree grate to east needs support to level it so pedestrians won't trip on it. 4. 0osite Cost Cutters: Replace cranberry cotoneasters with more ug a ma 7 a s. GG 4 _1 3 _y A Few General Suggestions The appearance of almost all the planted area would be vastly improved by thneedse provision should Abe determined e and a, reliableewateringltWater watering schedule estab- lished for all planted areas. All plastic mulch should be removed at once. All mulch should be natural material. Leaf mulch, available at City Park, is strongly recommended to retain soil moisture, improve soil and provide a natu- ral appearance. The only shrubs doing well are lilacs, snowmound spirea and yew. They could be more widely used. Litter is unfortunately abundant in the Fountain area. Cleaning schedules and procedures here need reevaluation. All tree grates should be cleaned regularly. Holiday Inn Bed: Here we see what private enterprise can accomplish n presenting an inviting public image. Basic Needs I. concern nce Plaza at nreflected t d in a program to ensure the optimum appearance 2. A seasonal maintenance schedule carried out by trained people. 3, Revised planting plans for beds at North Entrance, in heavy use areas around the Fountain, for beds south of the Library and other areas scape architect toovensuretoverallvdesign intea grityeandional land- cohesive- ness. Further Concerns with Respect for the Total Image of Downtown Iowa City reet ure I,We have ot (benches, ntables,addressed trash ireceptacles,n detail arbors condition and light tfixtures)r,itbut considerable cleaning, repair and replacement is needed. Likewise, paving tree gratesnand in the Fountain sarea aredabe cleane. Loose potential pedestrian cks hazard. and oil and hazard Attention should be given to the cleanliness of alleys between Clinton and Linn Streets which are seen from the pedestrian way and are used constantly as shortcuts. On Washington, Clinton, Dubuque and Linn Streets similar and sometimes litter lack of maintenance and replacement needs greater problems of exist. Burlington Street and the Old Library Parking Lot should be in- cluded with the foregoing in a detailed survey by knowledgeable persons of the condition of these areas. Submitted by Subcommittee Members Nancy Seiberling Naomi Novick I Don Sinek G 34d) MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING C014MISSION APRIL 14, 1987 IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM A MEMBERS PRESENT: Newton, Crosby, Moore, Streb, Dawson, Hulse, Watts (few minutes late) MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Pam Barnes, Marianne Milkman, Lyle Seydel, Virginia Stroud MEETING TO ORDER There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order by Vice -Chairper- son, Ruth Dawson, at 8:36 A.M. MINUTES Motion to approve minutes of March 10, 1987, meeting was made by Moore, sec- onded by Hulse, carried 6-0. Motion to approve corrected minutes of February 10, 1987, meeting was made by Newton, seconded by Hulse, carried 6-0. HOUSING/RENTAL REHABILITATION - Barnes 1908 F Street - Owner -occupied Depreciating Lien/Life Lien. Barnes gave out two handouts: 1) new income guidelines, effective 2-6-87, and 2) Summary of Requirements for Housing Rehabilitation Programs. Barnes presented pictures and discussed bids. Loan request of $22,000.00 was approved. Motion by Watts, seconded by Moore, carried 7-0. 619 Dearborn - Owner -occupied, Depreciating Lien/Life Lien. Property is located in the flood plain and approval is contingent upon owner securing appropriate flood insurance. Motion to approve loan in the amount of $18,200.00 was made by Dawson, seconded by Crosby, carried 7-0. 712 Dearborn - Owner -occupied, Depreciating Lien/Life Lien. Property is located in the flood plain and approval is contingent upon owner securing appropriate flood insurance. Motion was made to approve the loan in the amount of $22,000.00 with an additional contingency to obtain an additional bid for the furnace replacement, motion by Moore, seconded by Newton, carried 7-0. 412 North Dubuque Street - Rental Rehab, Deferred Payment Loan. Property is owned by the husband of a City employee. There is no conflict of interest as far as the Rental Rehab program is concerned, but is a conflict of interest as far as the Rental Assistance Program is concerned. A Housing Assis- tance Payment Contract cannot be entered into with a City employee or spouse as G `ar —f Housing Commission Meeting April 14, 1987 Page 2 a landlord. But it is not mandatory that the owner participate in the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program. Motion to approve the loan in the amount of $5,000.00 was made by Watts, seconded by Dawson, and carried 7-0. COORDINATOR'S REPORT - Seydel Application for 50 Vouchers was approved and the ACC has been submitted to HUD -Des Moines for signatures. It will probably be effective 7-1-87. Desegregration and Voucher Review was held in Iowa City March 18-20, 1987, which was basically an informational collecting of data that was forwarded to Kansas City. Changing of the Payment Standard for Vouchers will probably be on next Commis- sion agenda. Public Housing FY87 Operating Budget Revision dl was submitted to Des Moines and approved. This revision included transferring excess income to Extraordi- nary Maintenance Expense to cover cost of repair to driveways, replacing win- dows, and purchasing drapes. Public Housing ACC Amendment i3 will be on City Council Agenda for 4/21/87, which reduces the Permanent Note to show actual costs for the project. Section 8 Update - April Housing Assistance Payments: 476 Certificates - $100,050.25 and 15 Vouchers - $3,143.00. Public Housing March rents - $10,456.00. One turnover. Forty-one (41) applications submitted by approval. DISCUSSION Memorandum of Understanding (Relationship of Vouchers/Certificates to Rental Rehabilitation Program). Seydel stated Housing Assistance Program is in full compliance with Memorandum. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made to adjourn by Newton, seconded by Moore. Next meeting scheduled for May 12, 1987. APPROVED: Gary Watts, Chairperson 4Gs Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 29, 1987 Citizens' Committee on Cit Revenues Meeting: April 29, 1987, at 7:05 p.m. in the Classroom o t e Iowa ,ty Senior Center. Chairperson Craig Willis presiding. Committee Members Present: Ann Bovbjerg, Thomas Goedkin, David Hughes, Frnest Lehman, avi eshtz, Clayton Ringgenberg, Jean Snow, Richard Stevenson, Mary Ann Volm, Craig Willis, Anne Rawland, Peter Fisher. Committee Members Absent: Mace Braverman, Katherine Kurth, Jesse Singerman. Ex Officio Members Present: North Liberty, Mary Kay Yordi; Johnson County oar o upervisors: o Burns. Ex Officio Members Absent: University Heights, Coralville, Hills. Staff Present: Atkins, Vitosh, Smith. Tae Recorded: Reel CCCR-4, Side 2, 215 -End; Reel CCCR-5, Side 1, 1 -End, Si a 2, 1- rnT. Atkins distributed the agenda, minutes to the April 22 meeting, property tax questions, and chart of City taxes - average residential property. Minutes of the April 14 meeting were approved as read. Discussion: Willis stated Committee members received a list of the questions prepared by City Manager Atkins about the current revenues as it pertains to property taxes. Willis said it will be important to receive input from all Committee members. Committee members agreed to Willis' recommendation to adopt the rule that majority resolutions of members present will constitute a recommen- dation to the City Council. Snow stated the property tax should be considered a major source of revenue but other alternatives should also be considered. Stevenson said sales tax is less attractive than property tax because it cannot be used as an itemized tax deduction. Stevenson said as the Committee studies various taxes, the Committee needs to consider the impact on all income levels. Atkins asked if property tax has to be the largest single source of revenue or if a revenue program could be developed, for example, using sales and vehicle tax to reduce property tax. Volm said she would prefer not having property tax raised. Stevenson said an advantage of property tax is that citizens receive part of it back from the government. Leshtz stated property tax is a pre- dictable and stable source of revenue. Ringgenberg noted that in Iowa cit- ies, property taxes are the major tax source but it has been a smaller and smaller proportion of those citizens' total revenues; property taxes have just kept pace with inflation, and the county and schools property taxes need to be considered in conjunction with city property taxes. In response to a comment, Vitosh explained that according to state regulations, a portion of a local option tax has to be used to reduce property taxes. Atkins said that cities are required to specify how the local option tax would be used. 644 Stevenson said paying property tax prompts citizens to demand better govern- ment. Lehman said the expense of property tax is an investment - the value of property is enhanced by the kind of community Iowa City is and the commu- nity service offered. Volm stated her opposition to raising property taxes because of the impact on women living alone, elderly and middle income per- sons.In response to Volm, Atkins scommunity. that revenue�7 imssaidna salesliving in Votax University dorms do not Pay into ons Leshtzenotedet at theree eare persons so who edoenot �have aany tchoices nwhc is enmaking purchases. Willis stated there are factors that limit the desirability of property tax. Willis noted property tax lags behind inflationary changes. Atkins explained that the City's expenses are driven by inflation but the revenue program, the property taxes, are driven by other factors. Atkins estimated there is a one to two year lag between changes in inflation and property values. in re- sponse to questions, Atkins explained if there is a down turn in the local business climate, property values are likely to decrease. Atkinssaid is sales and income taxes are directly related to changes in the economy tax would require the City to maintain a larger amount of money in the re- serve fund. Atkins said that if the state would permit cities tohave 100% property valuations and reassess property values every year, property taxes would be easier to manage. In response to a Committee member, Atkins said state regulations on property taxes does not give the flexibility to put saiidtthe state a legislature makes the rules t Yrules regulate property taxwant to finance . Atkins asked if the public believes property taxes are too high. Stevenson said that re too county hears udemands afeels fromfarmersproperty staxes ahigh. shift to an income ax. Burns said that there will continue to be property taxes as long as services, such as schools, need to be financed. In response to Snow, Atkins said California's Proposition 13 occurred because of billions in state reserves. Fisher said California residential taxpayers did not like the raise in residential prop- erty assessments along with other tax increases. Fisher explained the Iowa legislature adopted the rollback to prevent shifts in the property tax base but it is no longer stabilizing because residential property tax keeps in- creasing while all other classes have reached their maximum. Bovbjerg said in the next few years the may be another kind of valuation - a rollback assessment scheme. Atkins said another way to measure the effect of property tax is to determine the percentage of income needed to purchase city Atkie vices by comparing average family income with average property tax. said that over ai ten year property tax. Snowthere were mttle said thatges theand income commu community needs to with the ability to pay property Y be educated about taxes. Willis asked about the effect of property taxes on development in Iowa City. Lehman said persons in surrounding communities feel property tax was a sig- nificant factor in their decision to locate outside of Iowa City. Lehman explained, in the long term, property values in Iowa City have increased to benefit those persons living in Iowa City. Lehman stated that people in Iowa City like the level of services offered in Iowa City and are willing to pay for those services. Regarding economic development, Lehman said taxes are a deterrent to industry but the quality of life is a major benefit. Many members discussed the type of industry located in Iowa City. Atkins noted 414 _I that Iowa City's property tax rates are the lowest of the eight largest cities in Iowa. Fisher noted that labor costs are 50-60% of the total costs associated with an industry, while property tax is only 1-2% of those total costs. Rawland stated downtown business people oppose the sales tax. In response to a question, Atkins said it is difficult to measure the amount of sales lost to other communities, if a local sales tax were imposed. Atkins noted that local sales tax is levied at the point of delivery of the pur- chased item. Atkins asked Committee members if it was a good idea to file an application for the Saturn automobile plant. Lehman said there would be problems associ- ated with establishing a new industry that would use a large unionized work force because Iowa City is non-union. Atkins said citizens may not want a thousand -employee industry. Leshtz said new industry often brings in outside workers. Volm said Iowa City needs to attract industry. Ringgenberg said there is no one statement that relates to the locating of industry in the tax system. In response to Fisher, Atkins said he will find out if the Univer- sity fraternities and sororities pay property taxes. Willis stated the quality of life - the basic government services that are to be provided - ought to be discussed. Willis said the issue should be put to the voters as a service package preservation tax. Bovbjerg said the City Council should make the decisions relating to cutting of services or raising the taxes. Hughes asked if a local option tax is decided upon by a simple majority of the persons who vote. Atkins said yes. Rawland asked if the legislature would feel pressure to make changes if more cities were forced to raise their tax levies to maximum limits. Vitosh said that the cities that are at their maximum tax levies have been at that maximum for a number of years. Atkins noticed Iowa City's tax levy in 1986 was 10.88, Sioux City's was 17.31, and Des Moines' was 15.50. Atkins reviewed the status of state and federal aid programs. Atkins said he is troubled that the state of Iowa does not have an urban policy. Ringgenberg said Iowa's urban policy is a school policy. Ringgenberg noted an estimated $800 million, approximately one-third of the state's budget, goes into public schools. Willis stated there is a $1 million deficit in the service package and asked how that could be fixed through property taxes along. Fisher said the 6% policy would not have to be relaxed permanently. Vitosh explained on the five year projections, if the City were to raise property taxes to fund the projected deficit, they would go up to 11.7% in 1989, then 6.6%, 3.2%, and 6.4%. Vitosh said the reserve fund would be kept at 4%. Committee members discussed the hotel/motel tax and vehicle tax. Vitosh noted the hotel/motel tax is currently at 5% and can be increased to 7%. Atkins said the 2% in- crease in the hotel/motel tax would generate $80,000. Goedkin said any increase in taxes should be tempered with a reduction in spending. Lehman said the City, school and county will eventually need to consider consolida- tion of services. Ringgenberg said strategies regarding possible tax packages need to be pre- sented. In a straw vote, a majority of the Committee members agreed that a recommendation to Council should include a recommendation that the basic service package should be preserved to preserve the quality of life in Iowa City. Ringgenberg suggested a CCCR subcommittee work with Atkins and Vitosh ��4 a __T to prepare r were appointed to the subcomnitteerto workewithtAtkinsnandiVitoshnto8devel p strategies relating to tax packages. In response to Fisher, Willis said recommendations will be forwarded to City Council. Atkins noted Council does receive copies of information prepared for all of the CCCR meetings. Willis said Council time can be scheduled to explain any recommendations made to Council. Fisher said a statement detailing *why a recommendation was made should be presented. Atkins said Council will want to hear findings of the Committee. Willis stated a CCCR subcommittee meeting will be schedule soon tand the regular CCCR meeting will be scheduled in two weeks. Bovbjerg sug- anteCityvManagerstate tracksgmunicipalrs tlegislationnclosely Atkins and sCitydCthe ouncilsmet with area legislators recently to discuss legislative issues. Meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m. G4be 3 lA Mayor's Youth Employment Program Minutes Board of Directors Meeting April 15, 1987 Board Members Present: Bob Lehnertz, Doug Allaire, Susan Simon, Jan Liggett, Nancy Madison Rowley Staff Present: Peg McElroy, Teresa Ulin, Kelly Jehle 1. Call to Order: Doug Allaire called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. 1I. Introductions @ Welcome: Kelly Jehle was introduced by Peg. Kelly has been hired as the new office manager for MYEP and is currently training in the afternoons with Teresa. IJI. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the March 1B, 1987 meeting were reviewed by the board. Approval was deferred to the next meeting due to lack of a quorum. IV. Financial Report - February, 1987: Approval of the February financial report was deferred to the next meeting due to lack of a quorum, V. Additional Agenda Items Peg Informed the board that an evaluation of the director is due in June and asked that any board members interested in serving on the evaluation committee contact her. VI, New Business Reception Peg encouraged all board members to attend the reception for Teresa to be held on April 30 from 5-7:00 p.m. at J.C.'s cafe in Coralvllle. Youth Services Foundation that the next meeting of the Youth Services Foundation Doug reported will be held on April 20. Peg added that at the last meeting there was discussion about including Big Brothers/Big Sisters In the group with Youth Homes, United Action for Youth and MYEP. UAY has been Informed that CDBO funds may be available to them for the purchase of a house. The administrative offices for MYEP and Youth Homes could also be located in the facility, Such a shared facility would stabilize rents for the agencies and provide increased administrative efficiency, Bob Lehnertz inquired about the role of United Way in this planning, Doug Allaire replied that it is not their intention to compete with United Way. United Way and all other funding bodies beingare thatUnitedeWayiis awareothatthe theyfoundation's unablertorraise the amount of commented funds requested by agencies through the annual United Way campaign. 447 Youno Adult Con ser Peg reported that s Year for MYEP has received fg5,000 in the first funding the Young Adult Conserdswit•.,ation Corps program. The money comes from lottery proceeds with local match. ThisProgram reenactment of the Civilian Conservation y to serve Corps. It will enableaMYEP young adults from economically distressed counties releases will be sent out regarding this. Operation of makes MYEP officially a 12 month Mews Program. this grant VII. Old Business _CaseReport Peg reported the results of working with a student attending the Vocational Education and Environmental Design classes taught by Peg and LeAnn Weih with funds from the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise Grant. Outstandin Enrollee Awards The outstanding enrollee and Year will be awarded at the lowaervisor awards for the 1986-87 school 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers0atytheuCivicncil MCenterg,on April 22 at Mayor Ambrisco will present the awards. At that time Iowa Conservation Corps Peg informed the board that 44 names have been drawn of possible enrollees in the Iowa Conservation Corps this summer. All youth will be interviewed and 22 will be selected as starters and 22 as alternates. The program periotl is June 15 -July 24. The meeting adjourned at 4:27 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Mar 20_ t ' If you have a conflict with that date, please call the office. i' L� Jan Liggett, Secretary/Treasurer Teresa Ulin, Secretary 4 47