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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-10-06 Bd Comm. minutesMINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 1987 - 4:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Buchanan, Cox, Drum, Gelman, Pacha, Reed, Sunny, Swaim, Willis MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Eggers, Jehle, Craig, Spaziani, Forsythe CALL TO ORDER: President Drum called the meeting to order at 4:05 p.m. MINUTES: Minutes of the regular meeting of August 27, 1987, were approved. Swaim/Reed. DISBURSEMENTS: Library disbursements for August 1987 were approved. Willis/Buchanan. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: 1. "Some Concise Information about the Iowa City Public Library" in this month's packet is the updated version of the statement about the library that has been given to City Council candidates since 1975. Also included in the information packet provided for the September 26 City Council candidates' workshop: 1) the Charge to the Planning Committee, 2) the Library's basic brochure, WELCOME, and 3) the list of major issues facing the library as developed for the Committee on City Revenues. 2. The Planning Committee has had two meetings. The group is enthusiastic and vitally interested in the library. They have scheduled four more meetings for October through December. (Note: Minutes of their meetings will be included in Library Board packets starting next month.) 3. Eggers reminded the Board that it is time to begin the second cycle of Board policy reviews. Policies due to be reviewed in FY88 (with the tentative agenda dates) are: bylaws (November), finance (December), materials selection (February) and circulation (April). The Board agreed that this cycle of policy reviews should continue. 4. Eggers asked if the Board wanted to consider a meeting with 1) the state legislators from this area, and 2) the new City Council. President Drum and Eggers were directed to make plans and present them to the Board at the October meeting. 5. August circulation statistics continued the trend evident since the Library Board reduced hours March 1. While open 13% fewer hours, circu- lation increased over 3% except for movies on video which dropped due to /qo?7 .o• 0 Library Board of Trustees September 24, 1987 Page 2 the new longer loan period. Therefore, the hourly rate of check-out activity (at an average 249 items) was up nearly 15% over August a ago. year 6. There was no activity this month on several pending items; pro - cal agreement with the Cedar Rapids Public Library, ment on management of the cable access center, dispute over theeroof 'with D.C. Taylor, and the repair of the sloped glazing inthe evestibulesstate- PRESIDEN=; 1. Drum shared the content of the orientation meeting held September 9 for board and commission members. He felt it was a good meeting full of practical information. Swaim also attended. I 2, theSeveral Board membersns have beenactively ltoworkin to Friends members and Foundation contributors ruwith the committee for local Option tax was mailed Monday, the BoarPporteforrthe � y, September 21.asking their support I 3. Drum felt the Foundation's reception on Sunda excellent event, as it has been for the y' September 20 was an wished that the Board had been better representedsix years. He said he 4. Drum will be out of town for the next meeting, Thursday, October 22. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS: 1. Buchanan. Each Board member is asked to personally identify and talk to e eas ten persons who will vote for the local option sales tax on October 6. 2. Sump . He would like to see copies of letters that include his name as a Boar member. He felt the letter supporting the sales tax would only be signed by "the Library Board of Trustees. FRIENDS' Pendinglfinal ytour approval ofb England May the N S Board, the group Will be sponsoring a about $1,975 per person and is open yto any narea � resident. tour will cost mailing and details of the tour will also appear in the FRIENDS December newsletter. There will be a about the writers and Places be a series of programs at the library next spring places featured on the tour. FOUNDATION REPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: I. About 170 people attended the annual Foundation reception on September 20 at Bushnell's Turtle. 2. The annual fund has already taken in $6,000 this fiscal year; the endow- ment has received $14,000. 1T v�, Y Library Board of Trustees September 24, 1987 Page 3 3. Foundation President Randy Bezanson has appointed three committees to work on the three major goals of the Foundation this year: finishing the NEH Challenge Grant match; beginning a deferred giving program; and working jointly with Friends and Library Board to reorganize library support for its volunteer and fund raising organizations. All committees have met or will do so before the end of September. 4. Forsythe, Buchanan, Eggers and Foundation Board member Rebecca Reiter attended a one -day workshop at Kirkwood Community College on September 19 on how to give workshops on wills. The workshop was sponsored by the Eastern Iowa Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. 5. A committee has been formed to decide the form and placement of the plaques in the library for recognition of contributors to the Centennial Endownent Fund. COMMUNICATIONS: Staff member Carol Spaziani passed out a letter and entry form to Board members, inviting them and their families to join the Iowa City Public Li- brary team that will run/walk in the October 18 Hospice event. The library team has challenged the University of Iowa Library. ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN: The progress report was reviewed and the FY87 accomplishments discussed. Eggers pointed out that the FY88 and FY89 goals are relatively flat given the staff limitations the library currently operates under, but the priorities remain the same except where revised by the Board last September. FY88 LIBRARY REVENUES: Eggers reported that there has been a massive change in library users' behav- ior. Fewer and fewer library materials are being kept beyond the due date and as a consequence revenue from fines has decreased substantially. Fines were raised July 1, 1985, and fine income increased by $25,000 that year. Since FY86, however, income has dropped and has not yet leveled off. In order to off -set the revenue projections submitted for this year, spending will need to be tightened for the balance of the year and revenue estimates for YBbudget cuts will that ecould be to btrim adjusted. FY88 expenditures ers r by presented to $20,000. proposed owas agreed informally that the Board must honor its commitment to provide revenue (or reduced expenditures) to cover the increased expenditures for the five- year proposedlease-purchase shouldfbethe madecomputer needed�toupgrade. rece-1ptsBoard and expenditures within a reasonable balance. Drum noted that the sharpest fall-off occurred since the library reduced its hours. Since circulation has not dropped, it must be assumed, he said, that the drop is really an attempt to assist the library in its time of short staffing and reduced service hours by bringing back materials promptly. Library Board of Trustees September 24, 1987 Page 4 FY89 BUDGET: There was a preliminary discussion on the goals and strategies for the FY89 budget proposal. There will probably be no instructions from the City Man- ager's office until after the October 6 referendum, but unless the scheduled is revised considerably from past years, the budget proposal will be due by late October. Because FY89 is the last year of the library's current five- year plan, the staff recommends only minor revisions to the goals and objec- tives submitted for FY88. All Board members agreed that the 2.5 FTE posi- tions must again be requested. Gelman brought up the materials budget and felt the City Council must recognize that the City should give more than a cost -of -living increase each year if the goal of a larger collection (the major purpose for the new building) is to be realized. Others suggested that more staff is needed primarily to select, order and process a greater quan- tity of material and that the library has "pledged" gift money to increase collections if increased staff to spend it was forthcoming. Eggers suggested that if the local option sales tax referendum is defeated, the library, as well as all as City departments, will probably be asked to submit reduced budgets at least as an alternative for the City Council to consider. It was decided that the FY88 objective concerning management of the cable access center (the Community Programming Center) should be dropped because it would not affect the operating budget unless the City Council requests the library to take on this task and then only when the money to do so is made available to the library. It was agreed that one new objective concerning the proposal to restructure the coordination of support and volunteer groups and public information should be added. While it is hoped that the Foundation and Friends would jointly fund this function, it is a Library Board goal to increase the amount of support for these activities provided from the operating budget. Because the library could not operate at its current service level without volunteers and private funds, the cost of coordinating these activities must be recog- nized and should be supported partially from tax funds. The Board agreed that an extra meeting to consider the FY89 budget will be called if required to meet City budget deadlines. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m. o� / *27 MINUTES PLANNING 8 ZONING COMMISSION FORMAL MEETING .oAp ov SEPTEMBER 17, 1987 - SUUjCCtte ipploval CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS' MEMBERS PRESENT: Clark, Cooper, Dierks, Hebert, Horowitz, Scott, Wallace MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Boyle, Moen, Kritz RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: I. Recommend Place, a Of residentialoval Of 5-8721, al catim{nor Rochester and west subdivision Y Plat for Avenue, ed south of Rochester 2• Recommend Avenue Chezik Holding of It 5-8722, a^ application submitted b intersection.26atract located south of Mormon Trekeliminar Y John of U.S. Highway Boulevard andOnorth oflan othe 3• Recommend g Y 218 and Highway 1, adoption of the amendment to the Zoning accessory apartments in certain residential zones, 4• Recommend Ordinance to permit ' Cannon to rezone of Item CZ -8717 application 3.0 acres located ' ancation submitted by Tom City Fringe Area from A -I in Area 4 of the (Rural) to RS (Suburban ResidentJohnial)County/Iowa 5• Recommend approval of the vacation of excess way, Scott Boulevard CALL T=: right -of - Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:31 p.m. PUBLIC-: There was no public discussion. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 3 Horwitzopted to a 1981: the motion, PProve the 'minutes of Septeaber 3 The Notion carried unanimously.Se• 1987• Wallace seconded DEVELOP- I= o 1• Sn8716or Public discussion approval of a' Of an application submitted b ment (LSNRD) pian for preliminary Large Scale Y Metro Pavers, pro172 limitation period: Property located at Non -Residential Develop - waived), 2 Stevens Drive The Commission discussed deferrin (45 -day adequate fire protection measuresgtohtheisjte°ntil the issue of providing inter- ested parties. was resolved by all lnter- /-Fav .0 d Planning & Zoning Commission September 17, 1987 Page 2 Wallace mored to defer item S-8716 to the October 1, 1987, Planning and Zoning Cnanimousl meeting, Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. 2. S-8720. Public discussion of an application submitted by Frantz Con- s ruc ion Company, Inc. for approval of a preliminary plat for Village Green, Part XI, a 43 -lot residential subdivision located south and west of the intersection of Muscatine Avenue and Scott Boulevard (45 -day limitation period: September 28, 1987). Chairperson attended the tions to and mended that the informal Scott indicated that residents of the Village Green area had September 14 informal P&Z meeting and had expressed objec- concerns regarding the proposed subdivision. It was recom- the interested parties meet to work out objections aired at meeting before the Commission considers this application. Dierks mored to defer the motion. The motion item S-8720 to October 1, 1987. Cooper seconded carried unanimmsly, 7-0. reS-8721. Public discussion of an application submitted by Dean Oakes tZnCompany omedfor puoval of acpreliminary Plat cvPlac,a2losentialsbdivisionloated sou fRohesterAenue and west of First Avenue (45 -day limitation period: October 12, 1987). Moen reported that the 8.5 acre tract would be divided into 21 lots for single-family residential use. The twenty-second lot, which is approxi- mately two acres in size, contains the stormwater management basin and an approximate one acre area that is suitable for development. Access to lots 1 through 21 will be from Rochester Avenue on an 800 -foot cul-de-sac named Rita Lynn Place. Access to lot 22 will be from First Avenue. There is no direct access to Rochester Avenue from any lot within the subdivi- sion. The subdivision regulations stipulate that crosswalks may be required within blocks which exceed 800 feet in length. Because the length of the block in the subdivision exceeds this threshold and due to the subdivi- sion's proximity to City High School and Hoover Elementary School, it is recommended that a sidewalk between the Rita Lynn Place turnaround and First Avenue be installed to facilitate pedestrian traffic and to dis- courage the use of shortcuts over private property. Moen reported that another concern is the land use issue that will arise with the future development of Lot 22. This parcel, which contains the stormwater management basin for the subdivision, is not accessible by the roadway system proposed for the development. Platting of the subdivision as submitted will prevent the possibility of integrating the lot with lots on Rita Lynn Place and may create a difficult land use decision in the future. Planning 8 Zoning Commission September 17, 1987 Page 3 While not an optimal system, the Engineering Department has given ap- Concern proval to the stormwater management system proposed for this development. had ditches that are intended ressed that, over time to intercept stormwater. the Discussion: sem: kept off Clark asked, given the topographic profile of the area, how water will be . Lary hnitir of S Consultants responded Montclair Apartments re pon ed thatthe Swale prunning northrand south twill inter - the cept the easterly flow off of the proposed development and direct it into capable oftehandlinge thetef7awClofk stormwater�eprp� the development. be Schnittjer thus responded that grading will allow a slow flow from the devel- oent dparking no of vis latd at lowehe rs level thanw wthe development tem Horoitz observed that Sthe he inquired whether water would flow through that lot. Schnittjer stated. that the open field next to the parking lot also contains a Swale to carry water away from that parking lot. Clark inquired whether there were any current problems with runoff at the Montclair parking lot. Schnittjer responded that he's aware that the east end has had some Problems with the collection of sediment; the complex had been built on an area known to be swampy; there have been recurring problems as a result. Clark asked Schnittjer the likelihood of landowners filling in the swales. Schnittjer replied, while this is not the optimal approach, this system is the best available given topographic conditions of the tract and local restrictions and requirements. Clark asked if there would really'be a need for a crosswalk in this area, The Commission discussed possible school routes children would use and determined that a crosswalk was desirable to discourage the use of pri- vate property to access nearby schools. Scott noted that Lot 22 wou the subdivisiId be developed separately from the rest of development may raise could be dealt with at the time development of Lot on. The development of Lot 22 and the land use issues this 22 is proposed, The Commission stressed the need for careful planning and construction of the sidewalk and stormwater management system in this subdivision to provide for a quality development. Horowitz moved to approve item 5-8721. Dierks seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. 4. 5-8722. Public discussion of an application submitted by John Chezik o. °TTFng Company for approval of a preliminary Large Scale Non -Residential Development (LSNRD plan for a 9.26 -acre tract located south of Mormon Trek Boulevard north of the intersection of U.S. Highway 218 and Highway 1 (45 -day limitation period: October 12, 1987). Moen reported that the purpose of the development is to construct an automobile plaza consisting of three buildings, built in three phases. The site would remain under the ownership of the John Chezik Holding tl o' Planning & Zoning Commission September 17, 1987 Page 4 Company. The first portion of construction is expected to begin late 1987. Access to Mormon Trek is provided via two points and is acceptable as proposed. Staff recommends approval of this preliminary LSNRD plan. Discussion: Schnittjer explained that Building B instead of Building A will be built first. Horowitz asked about the provision of continued upkeep of land- scaping for the site after completion of the development. Schnittjer replied that the dealer is interested in creating an attractive develop- ment. The commonality of access points and the integration of the area are expected to provide a compelling reason to maintain the landscaping. Horowitz expressed her desire that the development uphold the intent of the Iowa City environmental regulations. Wallace moved to approve item S-8722. Horowitz seconded the notion. The motion carried unanimously, 7-0. 5-8706. Public discussion of an application submitted by Stephen Bright Tor—preliminary r preliminary and final plat approval for Rapid Creek Estatesa five - lot subdivision located approximately 1.6 miles northeast of Iowa City (deferral requested). Dierks moved to table Item 5-8706. Horowitz seconded the motion. The notion carried unanimmwslY, 7-0. ZONING ITEMS: 1. Public discussion of a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to permit accessory apartments in residential zones. Boothroy reported that the ordinance before the Commission included the changes recommended by Comnission members at the September 14 informal meeting. Horowitz commented that the ordinance will help older citizens stay in their hones and thereby contribute to the quality of Iowa City. Dierks noted that she was concerned that, due to the additional traffic created by those living in accessory apartments, emergency vehicles may have difficulty accessing neighborhoods where accessory apartments exist, especially those older neighborhoods typically having narrower streets. Scott replied that the provisions requiring extra off-street parking should developments In additional ic that the lasttenyears have required that p vement idthsabe at least 28 feet wide to allow on -street parking and sufficient width for the passage of emergency vehicles. Clark stated that he felt the ordinance is a blanket zoning change. He noted that staff has expressed that it has had problems policing current illegal accessory apartments; this ordinance will magnify those problems. Dierks commented that the illegal use of accessory apartments will occur after the original owners move out of the neighborhood and sell their hone. Neighbors will be unwilling to complain and so the City will not be notified of these occurrences. The City staff workload will increase while trying to enforce this ordinance. People interested in purchasing Planning & Zoning Commission September 17, 1987 Page 5 single-family homes and those looking for apartments are looking for different things; generally those interested in living in a single-family neighborhood want the absence of a large turnover of residents. This ordinance could encourage an increase in turnover within single-family neighborhoods. Scott noted that five years ago an accessory apartment owner came before the Commission, and many of these same arguments were expressed at that time. However, Scott noted, the advantages offered by accessory apart- ments outweigh the negative impacts. Some of the concerns of the sin- gle-family residential neighborhood are actually minimum. This use is needed withn the community. Horowitz moved to recommend approval of the accessory apartment ordi- votes wereocast:s Ayes: Cooper, Hebert ,Hthe motion. orowitz, Scott roll call vota Yallacethe t11owinNays9 Clark, Dierks. The motion carried, 5-2. 2. CZ -8717. Public discussion of an application submitted by Tom Cannon to rezone 3.0 acres located east of Highway 1, approximately 1.5 miles north of Iowa City from A-1 (Rural) to RS (Suburban Residential). Moen reported that the property is located in Area 4 of the Iowa City/Johnson County Fringe Area. The proposed development is in compli- ance with the recently amended development policy for that portion of Area 4 located east of Highway 1. In this area, a density of one dwell- ing unit/per three acres is allowed. Construction or reconstruction of a road at the expense of the City or County is not favored and concern for the natural environment must be considered. The applicant will improve the access road to the property at his expense. Construction will take etween tplace heproposed residentialeuse nand hthe agricultural aland. A limitedbnumber of trees will be removed to construct the house while the remaining trees will serve as a natural buffer and will facilitate erosion control. Dierks moved to approve Item CZ -8717. Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried 6-0, with Clark absent. OTHER BUSINESS: I. Public discussion of a request for preliminary and final plat approval for Bentbrook Acres, a subdivision in rural Johnson County (deferral requested). o. Cooper moved to defer the item to November 5, 1987. Wallace seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously, 7-0. Y 2. Public discussion of a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use classification of property located at 1825 DeForest Avenue from low density residential to general commercial (application withdrawn). /049?8' Planning 8 Zoning Commission September 17, 1987 Page 6 Chairperson Scott reported that since the application was withdrawn, no action was necessary. 3. Public discussion of the vacation of excess Scott Boulevard right-of-way. Boyle reported that the item refers to the excess pieces of property that result after construction of Scott Boulevard. Cooper moved to recommend approval of vacating the subject parcels of land. Dierks seconded the notion. Motion carried unanimously, 7-0. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION INFORMATION: Wallace inquired about the City -owned properties in the vicinity of K -Mart that the City intends to dispose. Boyle replied that staff and Council were still working on the issue. Moen informed the Commission that the September 23 joint meeting between the i Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Senior Center Classroom. Chairperson Scott noted that Vice Chair Horowitz will be present at the meeting to be held at the Highlander Supper Club for board and commission chairs. Chairperson Scott observed no press present at this Planning and Zoning meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m. Minutes submitted by Kyle L. Kritz. Approved by: a y er s, ecre ary a /VW? Boards and Commissions Attending the Annual Meeting with the City Council September 30, 1987 Boards and Commissions Attendin the Annual Meetin with the Cit Council: Septem er 30, 1 81, at 42 p.m. at t e Hig ander nn in Iowa City. Mayor Bill Ambrisco presiding. Council Present: Ambrisco, Strait (4:10 p.m.), Zuber (4:15 p.m.), Courtney (5:2 p.m.), Dickson (5:50 p.m.). Absent: Baker, McDonald. Staff Present: Karr, Helling. Ta e -recorded: Reel 87-C42, Side 2, 296 -End; Reel 87-C45, Side 1, 1 -End, 1 e n ; Reel 87-C46, Side 1, 1-180. Ambrisco welcomed board and commission representatives and noted apprecia- tion for their service to the City. AIRPORT COMMISSION - HARRY LEWIS: Lewis stated many people attended the Annual Airport Breakfast, the Air- port Commission received a letter from Wayne Halter stating the Airport can anticipate funding in early FY88, and the Airport Commission is con- tinuing efforts to develop airport property for industrial use to generate additional revenues. In response to Zuber, Lewis stated the Commission is currently negotiating a lease with the FBO. Ambrisco noted the Airport Commission and Library boards operate autonomously from City Council. AIRPORT ZONING COMMISSION - DICK BLUM: Blum stated County representatives also serve on the Airport Zoning Com- mission. Blum reported that a portion of the Iowa City Airport property is located in the County and not within Iowa City and the City ordinances that relate to control of the Airport do not control that property. Blum asked the City Council to consider the procedure to be followed to gain control over that County property. AIRPORT ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT: No comments. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT - PETER FISHER: Fisher stated the Board of Adjustment is charged to interpret provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Fisher stated the Board of Adjustment met in FY87 to hear two variances, 32 special exceptions and one appeal. Fisher noted that a large number of cases involved fences and side yard issues and the public needs to be better informed about ordinances relating to those issues. In response to a question, Fisher stated Dr. Dull's prop- erty had been sold. BOARD OF APPEALS - MARCIE ROGGOW: Roggow reviewed general responsibilities of the Board of Appeals as out- lined in the annual report. Roggow stated the Board of Appeals met three times in FY87 to hear appeals. Ambrisco stated City staff and City r-�S .V' Y Boards and Commissions September 30, 1987 Page 2 Councilmenbers have been in contact with architects and engineering groups the to discuss methods used in the Iowa City area. Nomebuilders Association, improving the construction BOARD OF ELECTRICAL EXAMINERS AND APPEALS - BIL L REDDICK: Reddick stated the Board of Electrical applicants desiring to engage Examiners and Appeals exam all board, and acts as an in electrical work, serves as an Reddick highlighted FY87 accomplishments tofand National appeals the annucal al re ort, plans for FY88 as outlinedCode. Of people are passi In response to Zuber, Reddick said a higher in from the NationalsElectricalthexams and the Board Percentage now uses testing materials Organization, BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF PLUMBERS - JIM MULLER- Muller stated the Board consisted of four members Connelly and two public representatives. Muller reviewedresponsibilities of the Board and noted that four out Mike last examination, of 12 journeyman plumbers BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES - Passed the CHARLES DRUM: Drum reviewed circulation and Drumthe Drum said the usage figures of the Iowa Cit Library organization rand uses 132 received volunteers n Public Li_ $125 000 the relies F Friends a stated Library hours were nt for the Humanities Library Foundation a Library were reduced because of staff shortages. Grant. goal is to restore Librar Drum Committee is preparing y hours on Thursdays and Fridays Drum said a Committee Brum said ringthe ha detailed five-year plan, y the Planning is needed to restore Library secal rvice is adequate and additional In sstaff Library has established a y serviceHorowitz asked if the nity Schools, Drum said the�PubiIowa City different functions. Librar relationship wrath the Iowa City Cserve Library and school library serve BOARD OF REVIEW - CHUCK MCCOMAS: McComas stated the Board of erty assessments, Review meets to hear protests regarding lined in the annual McComas highlighted Board activities in FY87 s prop - done an excellent P McComas noted Dan out - job. Hudson and City staff have mneon ,.. Allison reviewed ""' - uuANE ALLISON: Plans for FY88 as general dreinp they annuals re ort°m lishments in FY81 granted four retirement r P and Allison stated Harve equests and P Allison noted the Board y Miller, Larry two retirement beneficiaries. establish a State police and fire aonne and and the meeting will be Y Heaton are working to held in Des Moines in October 1987. Ambrisco association ed 9 2i Boards and Commissions September 30, 1987 Page 3 information regarding the number of persons now receiving service -related retirement benefits. Zuber stated a large sum of money is put into the Police and Fire Retirement Fund by the City of Iowa City. BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION - DANIEL HALL: Hall stated the Commission consists of five members whose responsibilities are to make recommendations to City Council regarding matters that pertain to the Broadband Telecommunications Network (BTN), resolve disputes about the operation of BTN, conducts evaluation of BTN operation and facilitates BTN use by citizens of Iowa City. Hall summarized the Broadband Tel ecommunc i at ions Commission's accomplishments in FY86 and plans for FY87 as outlined in the annual report. Hall said work is being done to further develop community programming. Ambrisco noted the City has retained the Hayek Law Firm to collect the five percent franchise fee from Heritage Cablevision. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION - MIKE KENNEDY: Kennedy said the Civil Service Commission's function is to interview applicants for entry level positions into the Iowa City Police and Fire departments and handle disciplinary appeals from Fire and Police Depart- ment personnel. Kennedy said primary activities in FY87 included conduct- ing interviews and certifying individuals for entry level police positions. Kennedy said the Commission in FY88 will be conducting promo- tional testing for Fire Chief, Fire Captain and Fire Lieutenants; testing for entry level Firefighters; and promotional testing for Police Sergeant and Captain promotions. COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS - KAREN KUBBY: Kubby stated CCN's function is to find out what community needs there are and to make recommendations to Council regarding the use of Community Block Grant funds. Kubby said CCN will have a minimum of $460,000 to allocate to programs. Kubby stated ten projects were completed in FY87 and 17 projects are still ongoing. Kubby noted the Community Development Plan was completed. In response to Ambrisco, Kubby said the public hear- ing will be held November 10, 1987. DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE - CRAIG WELT: Welt highlighted general responsibilities of the Design Review Committee as outlined in the annual report. Welt explained the Design Review Com- mittee is coordinating an Adopt-a-Flowerbed Project with the Downtown Association, City staff and volunteers to upgrade and maintain the City Plaza plantings. Welt noted a formal tree watering plan is needed. The Design Review Committee was involved with design review of the Blackhawk Mini -Park, Breese's Auto Parts building, and Paul -Helen Building, and is also working on the Design Review Code. Welt noted the Design Review Committee has recommended to Council that modular units for newspaper vending machines be used in the City Plaza area as well as the entire Central Business District. Y Boards and Commissions September 30, 1987 Page 4 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION - SUSAN HOROWITZ: Horowitz stated the Historic Preservation Commission acts upon applica- tions for certification of no material effect and certificates of appro- priateness for properties located within a designated historic district and reviews applications for housing rehab and rental rehab assistance through the CDBG programs. Accomplishments in FY87 included meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission, meeting with the Johnson County His- toric Society, and working closely with the Iowa City School District to promote National Preservation Week. Horowitz stated the Historic Preser- vation Commission promoted efforts of historic preservation within Iowa City to encourage the protection and enhancement of structures. Horowitz said Iowa City was recently certified as a certified local government from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Horowitz stated the Historic Preser- vation Committee met to review and recommend the nomination of the Ashton McKusick house, 820 Park Road, to the National Register of Historic Places. Horowitz said FY88 activities will include investigating tax abatement programs and Foundation grants to encourage rehab and restora- tion of historic buildings and establishing guidelines for review of buildings and demolition permits. In response to Strait, Horowitz said a joint Planning and Zoning Commission and Historic Preservation Commission meeting was held, a joint public hearing is scheduled on October 14, and another joint Planning and Zoning/Historic Preservation Commission meeting is scheduled on October 26. HOUSING COMMISSION - GARY WATTS: Watts stated major accomplishments were that 101 units were added to the Section 8 Voucher Program and Iowa City received a $5,000 grant from HUB for insurance purposes. Watts said staff was increased by one and one- half positions. Watts noted the Housing Rental Rehab Program is progress- ing very well. Watts stated the Housing Appeals Board heard 11 appeals this year. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - HAROLD WEILBRENNER: Weilbrenner stated the Human Rights Commission is responsible for enforc- ing the City's Non Discrimination Ordinance in areas of employment, hous- ing, public accommodations and credit. Weilbrenner reviewed other activities and responsibilities as outlined in the annual report. Weilbrenner said major outreach activities are the Annual Human Rights Award Breakfast and taping and televising eight shows on civil rights issues. Weilbrenner said the Human Rights Commission resolved six infor- mal complaints and filed 20 formal complaints, 15 of which were found to have no probable cause. In response to Strait, Weilbrenner said the Commission has not recently received any credit complaints. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION - WILLIAM STEINBRECH: Steinbrech reviewed general responsibilities as outlined in the annual report. Steinbrech commended Parks & Rec Dir. Trueblood for work done to improve the Recreation Department. Steinbrech noted the Mercer Park Pool -7:7.,) 5 Boards and Commissions September 30, 1987 Page 5 Project is on schedule and work is continuing on the City Park Pool Reno- vation Project. Steinbrech reported that work is being done to obtain outside funding through the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Foundation and on long-range planning, fees were reviewed and the annual park tour was held in July. Steinbrech reviewed programs offered by the Parks and Recreation Department and noted that there were 322,700 registrations to those programs in the past 12 months. In the future, Steinbrech said the Commission will continue to review fees, pursue the outdoor sports complex and develop a process to get more public input to long-range planning. Ambrisco reported that citizens have requested a bathroom in Lower City Park. Zuber noted that Trueblood has improved the Parks and Recreation Department accounting and financial procedures. PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION - SUSAN HOROWITZ- Horowitz stated the Planning and Zoning Commission makes recommendations to City Council regarding amendments, supplements, changes and modifica- tions to the Zoning Ordinance and makes recommendations regarding applica- tions for approval of subdivision plats, planned housing plans , LSRD then Plannling RD andns2oning street Co missiionsand held 60annexations. meetings in Horowitz rowFY8tzineported joint meetings with the City Council and the Historic Preservation Commis - Planning Hand wZoning itz tCommission ed ten dwill cworkein FY88sto update and implement the Comprehensive Land Plan. Horowitz noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission is now a member of the National Association of Planners. Horowitz stated the City's planning staff is superb. RIVERFRONT COMMISSION - RAY HELMER: Helmer said the Riverfront Commission is guided by the goals to protect and preserve the Iowa River and to encourage careful use of the river commercial ventures and recreational activities. Helmer stated the FY87 accomplishments included coordinating a city spring clean-up day, organiz- ing a streambank stabilization program, conducting a fund-raising program, and co -sponsoring programs with the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Depart- ment and Mayor's Youth Employment Project for bank stability and beautifi- cation projects. Helmer said a local concern is the limited access along the river for fishing. Helmer reviewed activities planned for FY88 as outlined in the annual report. Helmer commended work done by staffinember Melody Rockwell. SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION - MIKE KATTCHEE: Kattchee summarized Senior Center activities and programming as outlined in the annual report. Kattchee reviewed City staff positions and empha- sized that there has to be a Volunteer Coordinator to have an effective Volunteer Program. Kattchee said volunteers are a very important part of the Senior Center. Kattchee stated the Council of Elders aids in the mooCenter Pis nthlyand haeration of se Center,he Senior acirculationof,300, andiarleaky rOOT as beenualmajor a j-- _a 1 Boards and Commissions September 30, 1987 Page 6 problem. Kattchee said the Senior Center Commission will be requesting a full-time Senior Center Volunteer Specialist and a subcommittee is working on a five-year plan for the Senior Center. Kattchee stated the Senior Center is the best operating facility in the nation. SUMMARY: i Mayor Ambrisco and Councilmembers thanked all boards and commission mem- bers. Meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. I I 0