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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-06 Bd Comm minutesr- MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION APRIL 8, 1986 - 9:25 A.M. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Krause, Moore, Watts, Streb d Newton MEMBERS ABSENT: Dawson, Barfuss STAFF PRESENT: Alexander, Moen, Nugent, Barnes, Dittmar, Seydel 6 Henderson ALSO PRESENT: Rosalie Reed TO COUNCIL: That Council approve manual for Residential Accessibility Grant Program. That Council approve request for enlarging target area for Rental Rehabili- tation Program. MEETING TO ORDER: There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 9:25 a.m. by Chairperson Krause. MINUTES: Minutes of the March 11, 19$6, meeting were approved 5-0 on a motion by Watts, seconded by Moore. RENTAL REHABILITATION: Barnes presented information regarding applications for Deferred Payment Loans on the following properties: 1010 E. Fairchild, a duplex, in the amount of $9,000. The application was approved 5-0 on a motion by Newton, seconded by Moore. A duplex at 1003 E. Washington, loan request in the amount of $6,500. The application was approved 5-0 on a motion by Watts, seconded by Newton. A duplex at 424 E. Jefferson, loan request in the amount of $10,000. The application was approved 5-0 on a motion by Moore, seconded by Watts. Barnes then presented a request for a forgivable loan in the amount of $17,500 on a property at 609 First Avenue. It was moved by Streb, seconded by Watts and approved 5-0 to approve this request. REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF RESIDENTIAL ACCESSIBILITY GRANT PROGRAM MANUAL: Barnes described guidelines and eligibility requirements for this new program and gave an explanation of the mechanisms of funding. Watts moved that rules and guidelines of the Accessibility Grant Program be approved; seconded by Newton and approved 5-0 with a recommendation to Council that this program manual be approved for implementation. PROPOSAL TO ENLARGE RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM TARGET AREAS: Moen was present and she stated that there has been a request to expand the target area to include the 200 block of South Clinton Street. There was discussion regarding the desirability of extending the program into a commer- cial/residential area. It was moved by Krause that the request for expanded target area be approved with the condition that preference for funding go to strictly residential areas rather than commercial/residential if funding shortages develop; seconded by Watts and approved 4-1 with Stroh opposed. Commission recommends that Council approve request for enlarged Rental Reha- bilitation Program target areas. I� MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION APRIL 8, 1986 PAGE 2 HUMAN RIGHTS REPRESENTATIVES ADDRESS IMPLICATIONS OF DISCRIMINATION STUDIES: Alexander and Reed discussed the two audits which were done and their results. Discussion followed regarding authority to enforce the Human Rights Ordinance and specific actions to be taken in response to audit findings of instances of discrimination. Krause commended the Civil Rights Commission for pursuing these studies and stated that the Housing Commission takes a strong position against discrimination and will continue that stance. He asked that the Housing Commission be kept informed of matters relating to the Human Rights Ordinance. CONTINUATION OF DISCUSSION REGARDING HOUSING NEEDS FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Nugent was present to ask the Commission for input regarding what they consider to be the primary housing needs of the community. Discussion followed and Watts indicated that the need for continued Rental Rehabilitation exists, as well as support for the Goodwill project. Krause suggested that a central location for CDBG-funded service organizations would be advantageous. Seydel raised the question "How would this community respond to a situation where federal money was significantly reduced or altogether unavailable for housing assistance programs?" He urged that this matter be given consideration in light of current and impending federal budget cuts. COORDINATOR'S REPORT: Section 8 Update - Seydel reported that $90,036.2 1 Housing Assistance Payments on 445 units; four $782, for an average monthly rent of $202. There for approval. Public Housing Update - There was in March. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: None PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION: 5 had been paid for April of which are vouchers totalling were 9 applications submitted one turnover in Public Housing On behalf of the Mayor and the City Council, John Moore presented Fred Krause with a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of service to the Housing Commission and thanked him for his excellent leadership in his role as Chairperson. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m. Approved: Fred C. Krause Chairperson 70,04 `1 -A� r- APPROVAL OF MINUTES Nagle moved that the minutes be approved. Haupert seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. DISCUSSION OF CITY PLAZA LIGHTING PROPOSAL Jim Brachtel distributed a memorandum (attached) concerning the City Plaza light fixture replacement. Brachtel stated that some of the wood -clad units in the Plaza were in need of repair and that existing lighting fixtures were very susceptible to vandalism. He asked the Committee for its recommenda- tions as to the best way to approach the problem. The proposed light fixtures would be two feet taller than the existing ones and would have steel shafts painted the color of the City's choice with a single seamless globe. Brachtel said that the selection was based on the intention of fitting the shaft into the existing base and not damaging the brick surface of the Plaza. The operating cost of the new lights is pro- jected to be half the operating cost of the existing lights. The new lights would not be vandal -proof, but would be better, according to Brachtel. He said the sodium lights will have more of a yellowish cast and will be some- what brighter. Discussion of the proposed lighting then centered on the effect of the new lights on pedestrians and the appearance of the Plaza. Seiberling asked about the level of glare in the proposed sodium lights. Brachtel said the light will be "warmer" but glare would not be in the line of vision because of the taller shafts. 17#50 -I PRELIMINARY Subject to Approval MINUTES DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 1986 - 4:00 P.M. IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER - ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Eckholt, Haupert, Nagle, Novick, Seiberling, Sinek, Summerwill, Welt MEMBERS ABSENT: Alexander, Amert STAFF PRESENT: Cain, Tworek GUESTS PRESENT: Jim Brachtel, Iowa City Traffic Engineer; Dave Long, Dave Long Protective Products RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL None. CALL TO ORDER Eckholt called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Nagle moved that the minutes be approved. Haupert seconded. The minutes were approved unanimously. DISCUSSION OF CITY PLAZA LIGHTING PROPOSAL Jim Brachtel distributed a memorandum (attached) concerning the City Plaza light fixture replacement. Brachtel stated that some of the wood -clad units in the Plaza were in need of repair and that existing lighting fixtures were very susceptible to vandalism. He asked the Committee for its recommenda- tions as to the best way to approach the problem. The proposed light fixtures would be two feet taller than the existing ones and would have steel shafts painted the color of the City's choice with a single seamless globe. Brachtel said that the selection was based on the intention of fitting the shaft into the existing base and not damaging the brick surface of the Plaza. The operating cost of the new lights is pro- jected to be half the operating cost of the existing lights. The new lights would not be vandal -proof, but would be better, according to Brachtel. He said the sodium lights will have more of a yellowish cast and will be some- what brighter. Discussion of the proposed lighting then centered on the effect of the new lights on pedestrians and the appearance of the Plaza. Seiberling asked about the level of glare in the proposed sodium lights. Brachtel said the light will be "warmer" but glare would not be in the line of vision because of the taller shafts. 17#50 -I r- Design Review Committee April 16, 1986 Page 2 Haupert noted that the proposal would call for one and one-half times the present light level and asked if the sodium vapor lamps were available in a 100 -watt size, which would be more comparable to existing levels. Committee members said that there are optimal levels of light and too much brightness could cause an area to seem inhospitable and unpleasant to pedestrians. Members agreed that the level and color of the light could be a major change in the Plaza area. Following an earlier suggestion by Brachtel, they asked that a test light be installed close to the Dubuque Street or Clinton Street Entrance to the Plaza as a demonstration and then have further discussion. Brachtel said he would arrange this with the supplier. PLANS FOR MEETING WITH COUNCIL ON DESIGN REVIEW CODE RECOMMENDATIONS Eckholt informed the Committee that the City Council was scheduled to meet with ORC on Monday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. He attended the last Council meeting and suggested that all Committee members be present at the next meeting to help explain the Committee's position concerning the importance of design in enhancing development and redevelopment. He said he will show slides to illustrate both past and present development within the downtown. Novick -reported that the Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee has endorsed ORC's recommendation to expand the area within which facade alterations would be reviewed. The suggestion was made to send out a memo in the informal packets as a preface to the discussion. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SIGN REGULATIONS Dave Long presented information concerning internally illuminated awnings and said he was attending the meeting to determine the Committee's position on awnings/signs. Long had appeared before the Planning and Zoning Commission which has proposed an amendment to the sign ordinance to prohibit internally illuminated awnings. Long recortmended that time be spent to study illumi- nated awnings before adopting a blanket prohibition. He also agreed there should be to be some kind of design control. Committee members were unable to make a specific recommendation without additional information. Eckholt suggested that this topic be used as an example where design review could enable more flexible regulations. REPORT ON SIGN DESIGN BOOKLET TEXT Discussion of this item was deferred by Eckholt until the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Eckholt declared the meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m. 4 =lt, _'Al City of Iowa City MEMORANDUM Date: April I6, 1986 To: Design Review Committee From: James Brachtel, Traffic Engineer Re: City Plaza Light Fixture Replacement This memo summarizes information regarding the current light fixtures and the proposed replacement light fixtures for the City Plaza. EXISTING LIGHT FIXTURES There are 41 lights fixtures in the City Plaza walking mall. These units have four 75 -watt mercury vapor lamps. The existing units have wood casing which is attached using a rivet and plug and glue system. Current operating cost. Electrical cost for the City Plaza walking mall area in fiscal year 1985 was $7,620. Routine maintenance cost. Each unit has four 75 -watt mercury vapor lamps and four ballasts. Each replacement lamp costs $12.30 or $49.20 per fixture. Each ballast costs $56.68 or $226.72 per fixture. Currently these units are replaced on a spot basis as failure occurs. Vandalism maintenance. The existing units are made of aluminum. The main upright shaft has been susceptible to breaking. Each of the four cross arms are also light aluminum. Individual arms have been broken by people jumping up and hanging from the arms. The existing globes have glued seams on the edges. These seams fail in seasonal weather changes. Current light output. One 75 -watt mercury vapor lamp produces 2,800 lumens when new. Each fixture would provide 11,200 lumens of light when all lamps are new. PROPOSED LIGHT FIXTURES The proposed light fixtures would have one 150 -watt high pressure sodium brown. 1The globe wouldwould be a bronze-coloredve a four , one-piece steel squareshaft globpainted . The proposed units would readily adapt to the existing hand hold cover base with no disruption to the brick surface of the walking mall. Projected operating cost. Assuming the same electrical cost per watt as fiscal year 1985, the electrical cost for the replacement fixtures would be $3,700 per year. Routine maintenance cost. Each unit would have one 150 -watt high pres- sure sodium lamp and one ballast. Each replacement lamp costs $16.34 and each replacement ballast would $51.64. 7*3 2 Vandalism maintenance. These units will be made of heavy gauge steel. They will be more resistant to people attempting to vandalize the upright shaft and break it over at the base line. There will be no cross arms which people could hang from and break. The proposed fixtures would have a one-piece "blown" globe. There will be seams capable of failure. Proposed light output. A 150 -watt high pressure sodium vapor lamp pro- duces 16,000 lumens of light when the lamp is new. bj3/2 ,0S, =yt., 1� t 0 MINUTES COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS APRIL 15, 1986 - 3:30 P.M. IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER - ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Becker, Cooper, Kubby, Kuhn, Lauria, Leshtz, McCoy, Parden MEMBERS ABSENT: Patrick, Watts, Williams GUESTS PRESENT: Bill Morrison, Heidi Aigner STAFF PRESENT: Barnes, Dittmer, Milkman, Moen, Nugent RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL: the I Rentalrecommends R habilitation Program Council incloude extend the hatchedtarget fivearea for blockarea on South Clinton Street between Burlington Street and Iowa Avenue. 2. CCN recommends to the City Council to approve the Residential Accessi- bility Grant Program Manual. CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Kubby called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. She introduced the new ed arch 18 mmember, approved. Kuhn seconded. Thetmotionhat passed minutes p ssed un nimously meeting beseconded.. PUBLIC/MEMBER DISCUSSION: The ves nd tated posein guests and staff the present introduced Becker brought lit to the attention their pur- pose Committee Comy The Kuhn Committee exte ded had the itsocongratulationssenior to Kuhn. of J Kuhn stated that she had been to the public meeting for the Community Development Plan. She added that the need for shelter for people who have mental problems but who are not hospitalized had been discussed. She followed up by going to the Unitarian Church to talk to a worker from the Mental Health Center about her daycare program. The worker stressed the importance of getting these people involved in projects; otherwise they tend to 'snuggle into bed and cut themselves off." Kuhn then spoke with Carol Thompson, Director of Johnson County Social Services, who said that there was a great need for shelter for these people. She said it should be a small house, big enough for five or six people. One person should be employed to cook the meals and make sure people take their medication daily. Thompson felt it would be better to have two small houses than one big one. Kubby said that there was a public meeting on April 10th for the subcom- mittee on the Community Development Plan. The Committee members and staff shoed lic ed tenwlettersbut no or spoken members to Comnitteebmemberswbefore the Somepeople h ad writ - hearing, however. C-0 Committee on Community Needs April 15, 1986 Page 2 The subcommittee had planned to survey the public about prioritizing the needs of the community. Extra copies of the survey were still available, and were distributed to CCN members to solicit their opinions. nteruccrnu nt Tuc panpnspn EXTFNSION OF THE RENTAL REHABILITATION TARGET Moen reported the request for the extension of this area was initiated by a property owner who owns property in the 200 block of South Clinton. Upon reviewing the request, the staff found that 96 percent of the units in the five block area under consideration were renter -occupied. Over 82 percent of the residents were low- and moderate -income residents (as of the 1980 Census). Moen answered a number of questions about the details of the Rental Reha- bilitation Program.. The program is only available for structures where 51 percent or more of the total floor area is for residential use. The owner must keep the property in order to receive the full benefit from the program. If the owner sells the property before that time, then he or she owes the City a proportionate amount of money. To qualify for the pro- gram, a landlord must try to rent to low- and moderate -income residents and rents must be at or below the Fair Market rate. The Housing Commission recommended the extension provided that priority be given to the rehabilitation of rental units in residential areas. Kuhn felt that the rental units above the floors in the five block area were badly in need of rehabilitation. She saw no reason to give other proper- ties priority over them. Milkman said that she thought the reason that the Housing Commission had made this recommendation was that they felt that the five block area was primarily rented to students. Leshtz felt that this was splitting hairs. He thought the area should be part of the project and receive equal consideration, or else should not be part of the project at all. Cooper agreed. Cooper felt that the property in this five block area was very valuable, and that anyone who had enough money to own it, should have enough money to restore it. Kubby replied that another way to look at it was that even if they had the money, this was a way to create an incentive for them to provide low- and moderate -income housing downtown. Leshtz brought up the fact that the Committee. had voted down an extension of the target area on South Gilbert Street. Kubby said that the Committee felt it would not be able to do what it wanted to there. They felt there would be a lot of requests :_for street repairs. Barnes commented that if this five block area were'included, that would not mean that every property would get assistance. Rents would have to be low enough, the apartments would have to have two bedrooms, and so on. Leshtz moved that the CCN recommend to the City that the target area for the rental rehabilitation program be expanded to include the five block area under discussion. Becker sec- onded. The motion passed unanimously. The consensus of the Committee was that priorities were already built into the system, and that there was no need to give the five block extension a lesser priority than the rest of the target area. I#4 0i r Committee on Community Needs April 15, 1986 Page 3 REVIEW OF THE RESIDENTIAL ACCESSIBILITY PROGRAM MANUAL: Dittmer reported that the staff had a copy of the Residential Accessibil- ity Grant Program procedural manual for review. The program is a $20,000 pilot project, funded by HUD and will be administered by CDBG staff. The program goals are to make more of the City's housing stock barrier -free for elderly/handicapped residents. This is expected to fund five to ten projects. To qualify, a residence must be an owner -occupied single-family dwelling within the city limits. The owner must be low- to moderate -income, and the grant cannot exceed $3,000. Kubby asked if it would be possible for someone to make improvements that went beyond the requirements of the Code. Barnes replied that it would be, if that would make the home more accessible. In answer to another question, Barnes defined low income to be less than or equal to approxi- mately $11,000 and moderate income to be less than or equal to $17,700 for a one-person family in Johnson County. Other program definitions and requirements were clarified. Leshtz asked about the definition of "disabled" in Chapter 1. It became clear that the wording of the definition in the handbook could lead to a variety of interpretations, depending on how one interpreted "public assistance." Lauria asked if someone who would be considered disabled only by a liberal definition might be receiving public assistance. Leshtz replied that it did happen. The Committee felt that by striking the words "subsequently" in the definition, and changing "and" to "and/or," that the definition of disabled would better fit their desires. Parden moved to recommend to the City Council approval of the Residential Accessibility Program manual with a minor change in the definition of disabled. Kuhn seconded. The motion passed unanimously. CURB RAMP INSTALLATION SUBCOMMITTEE: Moen said she was looking for two to three volunteers to be on the curb ramp subcommittee. She said it would require one or two trips to look at sites and that would be all. Most of the sites being considered for ramps were around parks. McCoy and Cooper volunteered to help. Kubby said that Keith Ruff might also be interested in helping. QUARTERLY REPORTS FOR APRIL: Crisis Center/Food Bank Facility - Kuhn reported that there were problems with zoning and serious problems providing adequate parking at the pro- posed new site. The Credit Union is leary of the Crisis Center patrons taking their parking places. The other possibility is parking at Mercy Hospital. Such sites would have to be labeled. The Crisis Center needs 16 parking spaces and the current property has four. No decision will be made until May. 7f44 a1 Committee on Community Needs April IS, 1986 Page 4 Handicare Expansion - Cooper reported that due to serious errors made by Handicare, all CDBG monies were placed on hold until Handicare completed an audit. Handicare is now implementing recommendations for better inter- nal control measures. CDBG monies are expected to be released sometime in April; at that time the request for bids on the van will be solicited. Synthesis Studio Improvements (LAY) - Patrick will report next time. Elderly Home Service Coordinator - Parden, in a very eloquent statement, told the Committee the history of the conception of the position and the enthusiasm that surrounded it originally. Once a bdesar seion had was to be written, and the concept made more specific, problems not clear how many of the people involved would cooperate with such a coordinator or to whom the coordinator would be accountable. City staff will again with Congregate Housing tee to n have anyobjection to abandoning fuhereffotso create aelderlif y home services coordinator. Nugent added that HUD was disturbed by the $73,000 that had been spent on studies for the congregate housing needs. They recommended that a eeds analysis and proper program management all be taken care of up front before any funds are spent. Lauria noted that CCN had been against this all along. Goodwill Industries Renovations - Becker reported.that Goodwill was adver- tising for bids on Phase A of the new project. Nugent said that she had a response to the recent taxpayers' editorial about the money spent on bathrooms in Napoleon Park if anyone would like to see it. Leshtz moved to adjourn. Kuhn seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Minutes submitted by Christine Mullen 7014 =,4. City Council Legislative Committee Meeting March 29, 1986 City Colon il leSwan iae anC2mmitt98fiItntheHols restaurdayInn, dinirgroom CMayor Bill Ambrisco presiding. Council DicksoA, Ambrisco. Staff Present: Helling, Vitosh, Boothroy, Smith. Legislators Present: A. Small, M. Doderer, J. Lloyd -Jones, R. Varn. Others Present: Peter Small. The City Council Legislative Committee met with area legislators and City staff to discuss pending legislative bills and issues of concern to Iowa City as follows: Property Tax Freeze. Small stated consideration of the property tax freeze has been —dropped. S.F. 2110 - Landfill Post Closure Monitorin Helling stated the bill establishing a 25 cent surcharge effective April 1, 1986, should be suffi- cient to fund monitoring 6f landfills and Iowa City is studying the feasi- bility of a waste -to -energy incineration facility. H.F. 2187 - Landfill Alternative Bi11. Helling stated the 1998 phase-out date sou d be adjusted to allow cities the flexibility to develop alter- native plans. H.F. 2338 - Insurance Bill. Vitosh said cities should be allowed to use the tort liabil�tyy evy to establish a self-insurance program. Vitosh noted year. thaA Iowa briscoCistatednthence recenttshave Johnsonincase5ed bandy set30 tlementt wthis ith Sheller -Globe are- examples of the costs associated with the City's insur- ance program. H.F. 2236 and S.S.B. 2098 - Limits Liabilit and Pa ments on Jud ments. .WLcosts associated iwithdol I iliability coverage ould sistand wouldCh—ehelpieliminaten"deep pocket litigation. ion Small stated H.S.B. 783 - Economic Develo ment Bi11. Small said action has stopped on s o erer suatea thatcompanies such as Millard Warehouse should be charged for City services even though they have received property tax incentives. S.F. 2197 - Equipment Purchase Bill. Melling stated the bill doesn't I rovide sufficient guidelines and that it would not necessarily guarantee cost savings but would require another cumbersome process. H.F. 2350 - Publications Bill. Small stated this bill has been dropped. 7#17 -------------- I r- �t N H.F. 2257 - Clarifies the rocedures for holdin elections for local o ion axes. ounce mem ers an oca Te _To a ors iscusse a oca opt on lax. Doderer said the State may increase sales tax to five percent next year. The bill repeals the local option earnings tax. H F 2219 Mandates that insurers provide coverage for all services erformed b chiro ractors. Legislators stated the bill has passed the House an ie ena e. a City is concerned about increasing coverage and related costs. H.F. 2043 and H.F. 2405 - Provides positive modifications in the civil service laws. General discussion. H F 2019 - Echo Housing Bill as amended. Helling stated the City sup- ports the bill as amended. H.F. 2151 and S F 2090 Repeals groundwater fund ana Lonaae reeT E landfills. Doaerer stiaceu bile uuuuu= y,-•-••-__. wou 3- e -repealed. H.F. 2180 and S.F. 2109 - Exem is athletic sorts fees from State sales ax. a ng s ateated Iowa City had To change recrea ional fees to inclu e the tax. Some citizens have complained. S.F. 2016 - Drunken DrivingBills. Doderer said the Legislature has passed a tough runcen r v ng law. S F 2202 - Gasohol Exemption. General discussion. H.F. 2188 - Increase State sales tax to five percent. Jean Lloyd -Jones stated sa es tax would not be increased to five percent this year. H.F. 2389 - Grievance Procedures for Public Em 10 Lees,. Helling stated the wou a ow contracted grievance procedures to cover non -contractual grievances that otherwise clarificationuld be of thefiled intentith of thatlrvice. Small said bill. S.F. 2280 - Contains Ne ative sReovi Sons tooanol�eoctivUllcaBaonaonin saws enera scues on. e y PP Y which changes the scope of bargaining. Meeting adjourned at 1:45. 7147 =lla