Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-01-15 Bd Comm. minutesMINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION DECEMBER 12, 1984 MEMBERS PRESENT: Riddle, Steinbrech, Willis, Martin, Jennings, Mitchell, Alvarez, Crum and Jordison MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Cassady, Harvey, and Ray GUESTS PRESENT: Anne Glenister, Project GREEN; Don Klotz, 60 Marietta Avenue, Iowa City. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL Moved.by Alvarez, seconded by Crum, to recommend to the City Council to purchase Ryerson's Woods, the County Home property, and the proposed Miller Park area, in FY85. Unanimous. Moved by Willis, seconded by Crum, to recommend to the City Council that arts issues be considered under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission, but only with the understanding that they will be funded at an appropriate level with funds over and above those already considered toward Parks and Recreation application. Unanimous. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved by Steinbrech, seconded by Alvarez, that the minutes of the November 14 meeting be approved as written. Unanimous. There was no one present for public discussion. Tab Ray, Aquatics Supervisor, gave an overview of aquatics, including the following; Aquatics --year in review: general; attendance; season passes; lessons; and facilities. Projects; pool grating/vacuum; whirlpool/spa, waterslide; lessons at Lakeside; chemical bids; approaching the School District regarding swimming lessons as part of the physical education curriculum; and State Health Department regulations. Upcoming year: new swimming classes; staff requirements/testing; Sumner Camp; semi -private lessons; and swimming at the University. Tennis --donated nets and mini - tournaments following lessons. Gymnastics programs have increased to 7 youth classes per week and 8 pre-school classes per week. Ice skating lessons, including ice dancing and broomball. Trips --the only success with trips is ski trips and baseball games. He concluded by saying that the pool at City Park was repaired this spring to stop leaks, however, the circulation has been faulty for eight years and chemically treated water is not effectively reaching the deep end. Mercer Pool is twenty years newer than City Park pool, but there are real problems there, as well. The pump must be primed each time it's turned off and the pool can't be drained, but has to be pumped out. Also, the City has only twelve lighted tennis courts for a population of 50,000. A quality gymnastics program could be easily attained with the purchase of a few pieces of equipment. GT PARKS AND RECREATION CO*,. .,ION MINUTES December 12, 1984 Page two Willis asked attendance figures for the swimming pools and Ray and Cassady answered that although attendance was slightly down from 1983 due to the extremely high temperatures, the revenues were maintained at the same level. Alvarez asked if the senior citizen swim from 9:00-10:00 a.m. could be changed to either another time or Monday/Wednesday/Friday, instead of five days weekly. Ray answered that the senior citizen attendance warranted retaining the 9:00-10:00 a.m. slot. It was agreed to discuss swim pass fees at the January meeting. The proposed band shell was discussed and Cassady was directed to work with West and Copenhaver to prepare a proposal for the facility and funding to present to the City Council in January. PARKLAND ACQUISITION DISCUSSION Cassady informed the Commission that the City Council had met in closed session on December 11 to discuss parkland acquisition. He asked for a priority list for the proposed parks. Willis expressed his discontent with the wish list approach. He would prefer arguing for a continual income stream and a policy of,purchasing important parcels as opportunity lends itself. After considerable discussion, it was agreed that priorities should be: (1) Ryerson's Woods; (2) the County Home property; and (3) the Miller Park area, because of favorable prospects of acquisition in the near future. Alvarez said that if the softball/soccer complex is.developed at the County Home property, it's very important to have phones, restroom facilities, and a concession area. Cassady suggested developing the complex in stages. Steinbrech suggested a long-term lease with the County until such time as the land can be purchased. Riddle said his concern is that there isn't another such suitable site for the softball complex, and this land should be acted on while it's available. Cassady stressed the importance of developing a softball complex to accomodate the increased demand in the future (older players and women). Cassady reported that Ryerson's Woods' subdivision will be completed by January and the surrounding state-owned land will be purchased, as well. It is intended to use the surrounding land to the south of the woods for a nursery, due to vandalism and theft of trees in the Scott Boulevard nursery. Moved by Alvarez, seconded by Crum, to recommend to the City Council to purchase Ryerson's Woods, the County Home property, and the proposed Miller Park area in FY85. Unanimous. Don Klotz, expressed interest in the 0dpurchasing the area ofMeroseLake.The laeisstockedwith good fish and s adjac- ent to the 8.2 acre Neuzil tract, and the Melrose Lake area, including the Neuzil stated tract, wouldeal atcation Melroseor a Lakenhashbeenood deniedkandKlotz the owner has expressed interest in building a 18-19 unit apartment complex on the lake. He suggested that the City purchase the lake property as well as 39 PARKS AND RECREATION CONI IION MINUTES December 12, 1984 Page three the Neuzil tract to preserve the area. Riddle stated that University Heights is willing to share the purchase price if the land is developed as a park, however, the Neuzil tract is quite expensive. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Cassady reported that it has been suggested that the City Council be involved in some manner in the setting of fees. The many fees change constantly which presently involves amending the City Code. It is proposed to simplify the fee changing procedure by presenting them to the Commission as part of the budgetary process, the Commission in turn recommending the approval of the changes to the City Council. Willis objected to the Commission and City Council approving the fee changes and stated that he felt they should be approved by staff, as long as they aren't patently unreasonable. Cassady stated that they are now approved as part of the budgetary processs because they are included in the projected revenue. It was agreed to discuss the procedure at a later time when formal revision language could be presented. Jerry Mitchell was appointed to make nominations for officers at the January meeting. Cassady reported that the City Council has asked the Commission to recommend whether arts in general should be included under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission. The Commission discussed the issue. Moved by Willis, seconded by Crum, to recommend to the City Council that arts issues be considered under the jurisdiction of the Parks and Recreation Commission, but only with the understanding that they will be funded at an appropriate level with funds over and above those already considered toward Parks and Recreation application. Unanimous. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Riddle presented Robert Crum with a certificate of appreciation for his eight years of serving on the Commission, as well as serving as past Chairman. Moved by Mitchell, seconded by Steinbrech, to adjourn at 6:50 P.M. i M1 MINUTES HOUSING APPEALS BOARD DECEMBER 11, 1984 MEMBERS PRESENT: Fred Krause, Ruth Dawson, Oanel Trevor, John Moore, Al Logan MEMBERS ABSENT: Goldene Haendel STAFF PRESENT: David Malone, Judy Hoard SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND ACTION TAKEN Krause called the meeting to order. Logan made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 9, 1984 meeting. Dawson seconded the motion. The motion carried. APPEAL OF LEONARD CURTIS, 304 S. SUMMIT Present: Leonard Curtis Inspector Malone stated that this was a late appeal that had not been filed within the 10 day filing period. Moore made a motion to grant appeal rights. Dawson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Inspec- tor Malone told the Board members that there had been a licensing inspec- tion conducted by Inspector Hoard on June 19, 1984. All of the violations that she had cited had been corrected with the exception of the one being appealed and that was Chapter 17-7.A.(4), window not maintained in good and functional condition, 201 livingroon, north window, sash cords broken. Inspector Malone stated that the window had not been repaired such that it would stay open without the aid of a holding device. Mr. Curtis explained to the Board that he had complied with the other violations and had had problems in correcting the window violation due to the size of the window needing correction. He stated that there were a number of other windows that also had broken sash cords and that he was concerned with the correction of the remaining windows as he had had no success in the corrective measures that he had undertaken. He stated that the windows were approximately 7 feet long and 3 feet wide and that he had first tried to insert friction strips between the sides of the window and the window sash, but that due to the weight of the windows and the narrowness of the friction strips, the window would not stay open on its own. He further explained that he had tried to get access to the sash cords by removing the trim around the window but was unable to do so. In speaking with other people who are familiar with this type of window he found it would be necessary to remove the bricks around the windows on the outside of the building and that he was not prepared to do so at this time. Discussion followed between the Board members and Mr. Curtis as to the alternative plans to correct the broken sash cord. Mr. Curtis stated that he did not own the property but as the manager of it he had to the best of his knowledge and abilities attempted the correction of the violation. Due to the time and expense involved in repairing the window that was in violation plus the other windows that also needed the sash cords repaired, he requested a variance from the Appeals Board. Moore made a motion to grant a variance to Chapter 17-7(A).4. window not maintained in good and functional condition. Dawson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Chairperson Krause wished Mr. Curtis to know that .39 Minutes Housing Apppeals Board December 11, I984 Page 2 this variance pertained only to the window in violation and that other windows not now cited could in the future be written up as being in violation. APPEAL OF DEAN KEEGAN, 932 S. VAN BUREN Present: None. Inspector Malone told the Board that this appeal had not been within the 10 day filing period. Moore made a motion to grant appeal rights. Dawson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Inspector Malone stated that a licensing inspection had been conducted by Inspector Vezina on January 20, 1984. The first violation appealed was Chapter 17-5.K(3)(a) lack of required/adequate mechanical ventilation, 932, half bath lacks a system of mechanical ventilation. Inspector Malone stated that at the time he had reinspected the violations, he told the owner that he could not approve of the wiring method he had used for the ventilation fan in the bathroom. He explained to the Board that the violation cited was in the owner -occupied unit. Logan made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-5.K(3)(a) lack of re- quired/adequate mechanical ventilation. Logan made a motion to uphold the violation. Krause seconded the motion. The motion carried. The next violation being appealed is Chapter 17-7.F, exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements, trim and soffits on house exterior have peeling paint. The Board members wished to know the amount of time that Mr. Keegan would be given to correct the.violation. Inspector Malone told them that they would have until May 15, 1985. Logan made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-7.F. exterior wood surface unprotected from the ele- ments. Trevor seconded the motion. The motion carried. APPEAL OF JOE DOBRIAN. 217 E. DAVENPORT Present: None. Inspector Vezina stated that he had conducted a licensing inspection at the property on October 16, 1984. Inspector Vezina told the Board that he had spoken with the owner Joe Dobrian the day before the hearing. Mr. Dobrian is not present because he is a writer living in New York City. Inspector Vezina stated that he would go through each of the violations with the Board members and explain the owner's intentions regarding each. The first violation being appealed was Chapter 17-7.A(5), interior wall or other interior surface not maintained such that it may be kept clean and sanitary, first floor unit bathroom, west wall, paint is peeling. Mr. Dobrian told Inspector Vezina that he intends to make this repair over the Christmas holiday. The next violation being appealed is Chapter 17-7.F. exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements, exterior of house has peeling paint. Inspector Vezina stated that the owner would be correcting this violation but would not be returning until June or July of 1985 and would like additional time beyond the May 15, 1985 extension that Inspector Vezina had given him. ,39 Minutes Housing Apppeals Board December 11, 1984 Page 3 The next violation being appealed was Chapter 17-7.I. electrical system not maintained in good and safe working condition, second floor unit, electrical outlets in dining room and living room will not hold plugs. The owner does intend to correct this violation when he returns at Christmas time. The next violation being appealed is Chapter 17-7.0, refrigerator or stove not maintained in good and safe working condition, first floor unit, stove has two control knobs missing, oven door is dilapidated and stove is in disrepair. Mr. Dobrian told Inspector Vezina that he would have the utility company examine the stove upon his return to town during Christmas and that if it needed to be replaced he would do so at that time. The owner does wish to withdraw the appeal of Chapter 17-7.Q. fire protection system not maintained in good working condition and 17-73. public area not maintained in safe and sanitary condition. Inspector Vezina concluded by saying that the owner, due to his residence out of town, was requesting an extension of time to correct the violations. Chairperson Krause wished to know how much time the owner presently had been given to correct the violations. Inspector Vezina stated that due to the filing of the appeal he would have 60 days from today to correct the violations, with the exception of the exterior painting which would be until May 15, 1985. Trevor made a motion to uphold all of the appealed violations which include 17-7.A(5), interior wall not maintained such that it may be kept clean and sanitary, Chapter 17-7.F, exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements, Chapter 17-7.I. electrical system not maintained in good and safe working condition, and Chapter 17-7.0. refrigerator or stove not maintained in good and safe working condition. Dawson seconded the motion. The motion carried. Logan then made a motion to grant an extension of time to correct Chapter 17-7.F, exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements until August 1, 1985. Moore seconded the motion. The motion carried. APPEAL OF MIKE MONTGOMERY, 2729 E. COURT ST Present: None Inspector Malone stated that this appeal had not been filed within the ten day filing period. Dawson made a motion to grant appeal rights. Moore seconded the motion. The motion carried. Inspector Malone stated that Inspector Vezina had conducted a licensing inspection of this property on June 18, 1984. Two of the violations that had been cited had been attempted to be corrected but did not meet the Housing Code requirements. Those two violations are Chapter 17-5.J.(1) lack of required natural light, second floor bedroom has 14.15 square feet of natural light lacking the required minimum of 16.24 square feet and Chapter 17-5.K(2)(b), lack of required natural ventilation, second floor bedroom has 6.37 square feet of natural ventilation, lacking the required minimum of 7.29 square feet. Inspector Malone told the Board members that the tenant had at his own expense' attempted to correct the violation but was in fact still 2.09 square feet short of meeting the required natural light. 39 Minutas Housing Apppeals Board December 11, 1984 Page 4 The next violation being appealed was Chapter 17-5.N(4), lack of required 7' minimum ceiling height. The second floor bedroom has a ceiling height of 6'10% Trevor made a motion to grant a variance to all three appealed violations including Chapter 17-5.J.(1) lack of required natural light and Chapter 17-5.K(2)(b) lack of required natural ventilation and Chapter 17-5.N(4) lack of required minimum ceiling height. Logan seconded the motion. The motion carried. PETER AND ANN COLLETTE, 1017 FIRST AVENUE_ Present: Ann Collette Inspector Vezina reported that he had conducted a licensing inspection at 1017 First Avenue on November 8, 1984. The violation being appealed was Chapter 17-6.A. lack of required access, access to bathroom is through basement bedroom. Inspector Vezina stated that the bathroom for the property was located• in the basement and a tenant using it has to go j through the bedroom in order to get to the bathroom. Inspector Vezina stated that he thought the home had been remodeled and at the time of initial construction had no bathroom. Ms. Collette told the Board that j the property was included in the Assisted Housing program and was occupied I by a mother and her two children. She did not see any problems with the use of the property at present. Lyle Seydei, the head of the Assisted Housing program, was present at this appeal and explained that the violation cited was not a violation of the HUD code but was a violation of the Iowa City Housing Code. Krause made a motion to grant a variance to i 17-6.A. lack of required access with stipulation that the property only be rented to a related single family unit. Moore seconded the motion. The motion carried. NORM THOMAS, 1208 MARCY Present: North Thomas. Inspector Hoard stated that this appeal had not been filed within the 10 day filing period. Moore made a motion to grant appeal rights. Logan seconded the motion. The motion carried. Inspector Hoard stated that she had conducted a licensing inspection at 1208 Marcy on July 13, 1984. The violation being appealed was Chapter 17-5.K.(2)(b) lack ,of required natural ventilation, livingroom lacks 5.73 square feet of natural ventila- tion, windows must open to the outdoors. Inspector Hoard explained to the Board through the use of photographs the window arrangement in the living room. She told the Board members that there were two doors that opened to the exterior from the living room. One onto a glassed porch, the other onto a completely screened -in porch and in addition there was a large fixed window that did not open in the living room. Inspector Hoard stated that if a screen door were placed on the door that opened onto the screened in porch the natural ventilation requirement would be met. Mr. Thomas stated that the property had been rented for many years as it presently is and had been acceptable and was requesting that the Board grant a variance for this violation. Trevor made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-5.K.(2)(b) lack of required ventilation. Logan seconded the motion. The motion carried. 39. Minutes Housing Apppeals Board December 11, 1984 Page 5 JACK YOUNG, 340 ELLIS AVENUE Present: Jack Young. Inspector Hoard stated that she had conducted a licensing inspection at 340 Ellis on October 29, 1984. The first violation being appealed was Chapter 17-7.I. electrical system not maintained in good and safe working condition; basement hallway near /5 and first and second floor hallway, ceiling light fixture has cover missing and f12, hallway to bathroom, ceiling light fixture lacks cover. Inspector Hoard stated that it was the interpretation of this Code section that if a light fixture were designed to have a cover then a fixture was in violation. if the cover was not present. She stated that this was cited as a violation to prevent the accidental contact of a tenant with the light socket if a bulb was not present. Mr. Young stated that the covers had not been an the light fixtures for years and that he would have removed then if they had been i present as the covers reduce the amount of light provided. As a licensed electrician, he also was concerned with safety and did not feel a safety hazard was present if a light fixture did not have a cover. Logan made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-7.I. electrical system not maintained in good j and safe working condition. Trevor seconded the motion. The motion carried. The next violation appealed was Chapter 17-7.J.(2), lack of adequate water pressure, f2 kitchen, low water pressure. Inspector Hoard stated that the water pressure at the kitchen sink in /2.was of a noticeably lesser amount than that found at the other plumbing fixtures in the building and in comparison to other inspections she had conducted. Mr. Young stated that there was a valve underneath the sink that would increase the water pressure if a tenant so chose. He also stated that the water pressure may be low due to sediment that may have collected in the screen cover over the faucet which he attributed to the City water supply. Inspector Hoard stated that to the best of her knowledge in this particular case there was no screen on the faucet. Moore stated that due to the fact that it would appear the violation could be readily corrected that he would make a motion to uphold Chapter 17-7.J.(2). lack of adequate water pressure. Trevor seconded the motion. The motion carried. The next violation being appealed was Chapter 17-7.0. fire protection equipment not maintained in good condition, #31, #32 and f3, smoke detector not operable. Inspector Hoard stated that these violations had been corrected but that she felt Mr. Young wished to share his feelings on this violation with the Board members. Mr. Young stated that he was very concerned with the smoke detectors being operable at all times and that it was often his experience that smoke detectors were not operable due to a tenant removing the batteries. He felt that it should be the tenant's responsibility to maintain the smoke detectors and he would like to see a checklist requirement when a tenant moves in stating the condition of the property and if the smoke detector was not working at the time of the inspection then the tenant would be responsible for the correction. Dawson stated that she was sympathetic with Mr. Young and suggested that perhaps he add that checklist to his own lease. Mr. Young thanked the Board members for their time in listening to his ideas. .39 Minutes Housing Apppeals Board December 11, 1984 Page 6 IVA HILLEMAN. 2432 PETSEL PLACE Present: Iva Hilleman, Bob Bender. Inspector Hoard stated that she conducted a licensing inspection at 2432 Petsel Place on November 13, 1984. The two violations being appealed both are under Chapter 17-7.N. supplied facility not maintained in proper working condition. The first violation to be presented was t7, garbage disposal not operating properly, sounds rough. Inspector Hoard told the Board members that the housing inspections are based upon the observations of the inspector, if a piece of equipment appears not to be functioning properly, then the inspector will cite it as being in violation. If upon examination by a competent repairperson if the item is founod to be functioning properly, then the inspector would withdraw that violation. Inspector Hoard stated that in this particular situation the garbage disposal was not operating in a manner similar to the other disposals in the apartment building or like other garbage disposals that she has approved as working properly. Ms. Hilleman stated to the Board that there had not been any complaints received by the tenant and that she felt that the garbage disposal was functioning and at such time that it was not functioning she would have it removed and replaced with a new garbage disposal. Mr. Bender, the owner of the property, wished to express his concern with what he felt was a cavalier attitude of the inspectors in writing as a violation those items in a property that may actually be operating but may not sound quite right. Krause wanted to know if the tenant had been present at the time of.the inspection. Inspector Hoard stated that only herself and the manager, Ms. Hilleman, were present. Krause then made a motion to grant a variance to Chapter 17-7.N. supplied facility not maintained in proper working condition with the provision that the tenant send a letter to the Housing Inspection Division stating that the garbage disposal was functioning properly. Dawson seconded the motion. the motion carried. The second violation being appealed under Chapter 17-7.N. Supplied facility not maintained in proper working condition, ®8, kitchen vent fan is not working properly. Inspector Hoard told the Board that this violation was similar to the first appealed violation and that the kitchen vent fan was not operating smoothly and appeared to be making •a rubbing type sound. Ms. Hilleman stated to the Board that the fan was indeed making a sound and that following the inspection the cover was removed and a piece of duct tape was taken away from the vent fan surface and when activated again the sound was gone. She stated that she was concerned with the fact that she and Inspector Hoard would both have to make a return visit to the property to verify that the violations had been corrected and that it was her hope that this could be avoided through the appeals process. Mr. Bender again stated his concern regarding the type of violations that were cited by the inspectors and wished that in the future if an item was functioning that it not be allowed to be cited as a violation based on the fact that it was making an unusual noise. Chair- person Krause stated that while he was sympathetic with both the inspec- tor's position and that of the. owner and manager, the inspection process would not change in the future based upon the appeal before the Board this morning. Based upon the fact that the violation had been corrected Logan J9 Minutes Housing Apppeals Board December 11, 1984 Page 7 made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-7.N. Supplied facility not maintained in proper working condition. Trevor seconded the motion. The motion carried. JUANITA FOX, 321-21 1/2 S. DODGE Present: None. Inspector Hoard stated that she had conducted a licensing inspection at 321-21 1/2 S. Dodge on October 8, 1984. The violation being appealed was Chapter 17-7.F. Exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements. Soffits on house have peeling paint. Inspector Hoard through the use of photographs showed the cited violation to the Appeals Board members. She stated that from Ms. Fox's appeal that she was requesting additional time to correct the violation as it would be extremely expensive for her to do it at this time. Dawson made a motion to uphold Chapter 17-7.F. Exterior wood surface unprotected from the elements with extension given to July 1, 1985 to correct the violation. Trevor seconded the motion. The motion carried. Krause adjourned the meeting. by Judy M MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 1984 MEMBERS PRESENT: Krause, Dawson, Trevor, Logan, Moore STAFF PRESENT: Seydel, Henderson, Hencin, Nugent RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: Housing Commission recommends that application for 25 additional Section 8 certificates be approved. Housing Commission recommends that application for 14 Section 8 vouchers be approved. 1. Meeting to Order - Meeting called to order at 10:15 a.m. by Chairperson Krause. 2. Minutes - Minutes of October 9, 1984, meeting approved as mailed an motion by Moore, seconded by Logan, approved 5-0. I i 3. Appeal - Cheryl Vowell. Cheryl Vowell appeared with her attorney, Mark Hill, who spoke on her behalf. Seydel read from the 'Statement of Policies Governing Participation in the Housing Assistance Payments Program Administered by the Iowa City Housing Authority' Part III, paragraph 3C, page 11, which states '1n the event an applicant has previously been a tenant in the Iowa City Assisted Housing Program and abandoned or vacated the unit without a proper release frim the Agreement of Lease, such applicant will be found not eligible.' Seydel summarized Vowell's tenancy history including Tier term at Lakeside from 3-1-83/2-29-84; this lease was terminated 10-31-83 due to abandonment by the tenant. Vowell was determined ineligible at the time of her•October, 1984, application due to this abandonment. Hill asked if Lakeside filed a claim for this early termination of lease and Seydel said they had not. Hill stated that Vowell and her daughter were denied eligibility due to abandonment at Lakeside and he proceeded to state reasons for Vowell's leaving Lakeside and that she had a verbal agreement with Lakeside management regarding early lease termination. Logan asked that all appeals be heard before making a decision. The Vowell appeal was recessed and Seydel proceeded to briefly summarize the history of the appellant Susan Hayes, who was not present. Appeal - Christy Washington. Christy Washington appeared with her attorney Janice Rutledge who spoke on her behalf. Seydel summarized the file by giving a history of tenancy at 304 -6th Street, Coralville, which terminated current ineligibility tis based h an iup nn that on Jeviction,198Rutledgeand stated t discussed Washing- ton's former husband's history of substance and spouse abuse and stated thahertsons. Disc ssion ensun is now ed regarding respond is sibility housingfor determination of applicant eligibility. i It was moved by Logan and seconded by Dawson in the cases of Vowell and Washington that eligibility be granted - approved 5-0. No action was taken regarding Hayes' appeal. .�d MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION DECEMBER 11, 1984 PAGE 2 4. Housing Rehabilitation - Hencin presented application for Forgivable Loan at 927 E. Davenport Street and referred to memo dated 12-6-84 for an explanation of proposed repairs. Moved by Moore and seconded by Dawson that Forgivable Loan should be approved in the amount submitted. Approved 5-0. 5. CCH Report - CCN Liaison Representative - Krause appointed Gary Watts Housing Commission Liaison Representative to CCN with Danel Trevor as alternate representative. Nugent will contact Watts. Rental Rehabilitation - Hencin reported that the City had received a grant in September of $71,500 for rental rehabilitation. He explained how the program works in that City dollars are matched on a one-to-one basis with property owner dollars up to a maximum of $5,000 per unit of City money. Several applications have been received and five are currently being given serious consideration. He stated that 14 Section 8 certificates will be used in conjunction with this program. An applica- tion has been submitted for FY85 Rental Rehabilitation dollars in the amount of $70,000. CCN Recommendations to Councii'and CDOG Funding - Hencin referred to his 12-4-84 memo and described how the final allocations differed from CCN recommendations. He cited three changes: 12, Consolidated Services facility for MECCA funding was originally recommended to be $100,000. This amount was reduced by $50,000 which was shifted to Goodwill Indus- tries Renovation and contingency. Two other proposals, the Iowa City Women's Transit Authority and expansion of the Mid -Eastern Iowa Community Mental Health Center were both deleted entirely, resulting in the reinstatement of some programs. 6. Shared Housing - Status Report - Nugent stated that applications had been submitted by two agencies for the purpose of administering the Shared Housing Program; Elderly Services and the Association for Retarded Citizens of Johnson County. Elderly Services has been selected and they will employ a full-time staff person to act as Shared Housing Coordinator beginning January 1, 1985. Nugent indicated that Council had approved CDBG funds for this program in the amount of $15,000 for 1985. Discus- sion ensued regarding the involvement of the Congregate Housing Committee in the decision-making process relative to the Shared Housing Program. 7. Congregate Housing - Nugent stated that the Congregate Housing Committee has sent out requests for proposals from marketing analysts with a deadline for submission of December 19, 1985. When all proposals are in the Congregate Housing Committee will evaluate them and make a recommen- dation to Council of someone to design a survey for an in-depth study of the needs that exist. Discussion followed regarding the need for a marketability study as well as the interpretation of what Congregate Housing is and what needs it can accommodate. !/D MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COhmISSIOM DECEMBER 11, 1984 PAGE 3 8. Coordinator's Report - Section 8 Update - Seydel stated that there were 428 units in occupancy on December 1 and that $80,506 was paid for December rents for an average housing assistance payment of $188. Seventy-five applications were submitted for approval. One person was found ineligible due to over -income. Three others were found ineligible and have appealed and been acted upon at this meeting. Seydel explained a delay in the issuance of the Annual Contributions Contract for the 14 certificates which are to be used in conjunction with Rental Rehabilita- tion. He expects that this delay should be resolved by the first of the year. Seydel indicated that applications were being accepted for Section 8 units and stated that an application for 25 additional units had been prepared for Council approval with the following breakdown: 10 one - bedroom, 10 two-bedroom and 5 three-bedroom units. Moved by Moore, seconded by Logan, approved 5-0 that Council approve application for 25 additional Section 8 units. Seydel gave an explanation of coming changes in the Section 8 program from certificates to vouchers and described how new regulations would effect the amounts paid in rental assistance. Under the voucher program it would no longer be necessary to certify rent reasonableness and tenants would be free to rent an apartment at a cost above what is now called the Fair Market Rent and pay a larger portion of their income toward rent if they so desire. It was moved by Logan, seconded by Moore, approved 5-0 that Council approve application for 14 vouchers for additional Section 8 units. Policy Statement and Administrative Plan - Seydel discussed these twa documents which had been sent to the Housing Commission for their review and stated that they must be adopted by Council by resolution. Discus- sion followed regarding eligibility determination and the distinction between the status of "applicant" and 'participant." Krause proposed an amendment to Part IV Section 6, page 10, of the Policy Statement that exceptions based on individual instances be granted. He suggested adding the phrase "except for good cause" at the end of that section. There was further discussion regarding informal hearings and informal reviews. Seydel requested that the Commissioners review these documents and inform him of their comments so necessary changes can be made and they could be submitted to Council in January. Public Housing Update - Seydel stated that the Public Housing program is full and that we continue to have a waiting list. He explained that there has been a delay in the execution of the Annual Contributions Contract for the ten units of Public Housing. It is unofficially approved for ten units of three-bedroom existing units to be purchased without rehabilitation. Format corrections by the Department of Housing and Urban Development should make the Annual Contributions Contract available to us after the first of the year. Seydel does not anticipate any new availability of Public Housing in 1985. By the end of June 1985, we should have 512 units of Section 8 and Public Housing. I 9. General Discussion - Krause distributed copies of his report for Council regarding the Housing Commission/Board of Appeals Calendar Year activi- ties. Copies of Fiscal Year 1984 Annual Report of Iowa City Boards and Commis- sions -were distributed to the members present. ,�ZD MINUTES IOWA CITY MOUSING COr..fSSION DECEMBER 11, 1984 PAGE 4 -RAFT SUBJECI i BTC APPROVAL MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION OCTOBER 16, 1984 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry, Madsen, Ehninger, Johnson, Sigrin MEMBERS ABSENT: None MEMBERS EXCUSED: None OTHER PRESENT: Tiffany of ICPL, Dan Daly, Stewart, Recording Secretary STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The 40 cent rate increase request from Heritage. The 5% franchise fee for the City. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: Shaffer discussed proposed cable TV budget with the BTC. ICPL's ESL budget was also discussed. Shaffer reported passage of Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984. Shaffer encapsulated the problems of getting Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive wired. Essentially this is a matter of negotiations between the University of Iowa and Heritage. Shaffer distributed a list of video access equipment purchased by Heritage, as per the August 28 agreement between the City and Heritage. Shaffer said he is working with the Transit Department on grant and applications possibilities forthe development of an interactive computer information base that would allow citizens to access information an cable TV from their homes. In addition, Shaffer is working on a project that would enable all data messages to be 'read' by a computerized voice synthesizer to aid the sight impaired. Both of these projects are firsts in this country. Heritage plans to bring the Disney Channel to Iowa City in September 1985. Subscriber total for Iowa City is 10,800 and climbing. The ICPL reported heavy usage of access video equipment in AV lab. The Library Board has expressed some interest in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and the non-profit organization (NPO) for Public Access Channel 26. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Terry called the meeting to order at 8:09 a.m. BTS/CABLE BUDGET REVIEW AND DISCUSSION: Shaffer reviewed the BTS/Cable budget that had been distributed to the BTC and City administration. Dan Daly suggested the possibility of a scholarship program for interns which might cover at least the tuition for the hours of credit they receive for the internship, so that if they can't be paid for their valuable time, at least they don't have to pay to be doing volunteer work for the City. Madsen asked whether Broadband Telecommunications is spending what it projects or whether there had been any budget carryover. Broadband Teiecomnunic, .ons Commission October 16, 1984 Page 2 Shaffer said there are some budget carryover funds available, but that he will have to check with Finance on the exact amount. Madsen asked whether the Commission could spend available funds as they see fit, and suggested a good choice would be the automatic playback deck. Shaffer said that was one possibility, although all spending has to be ultimately approved by City Council. Terry said another area of possible spending would be to pay off all or a portion of what is owed the General Fund, so that smaller or no interest 'payments would be made from the Cable budget. Tiffany said she wanted to get the Commission's impressions if they had had time to look at the Expanded Service Level draft she had sent for the ICPL. The biggest item they would be asking for will be an additional 20 hours part-time position for the AV Lab. Also, requests are included for supplies and travel allowances, which the Commission had approved in principle last year. The capital outlay figure is a large amount, Tiffany said, but it is really a shopping list composite. Tiffany said she wanted to support the case for additional public access support. Shaffer said he supports the purchase of additional public access equipment, but that perhaps the NPO should be the entity involved with such purchases, with some funding from the 5% franchise fee if that were to be approved. Terry said he and Shaffer in their Wednesday meetings have drawn up tentative suggestions as to where the extra 2% franchise fee money could be allocated. Shaffer reminded those present that the City Council's public hearing an the proposed rate increase is set for November 6, election day. BTS REPORT: Shaffer said that HR4013 had passed unanimously and the Presi- dent's signature was expected sometime this week. This represents five to six years of work, and will lay to rest a lot of issues. As a result of the legislation, it is possible the 5% franchise fee can be passed by the City without FCC approval, nor would the City have to petition for the NPO funding as per the negotiated contract with Heritage. The City's regulatory capabil- ity in the area of rates will be reduced from four to two .years. Shaffer will prepare a synopsis of the law. Shaffer said that he had been contacted by Dave Brown about a question which had come up some time ago regarding wiring Hawkeye Court and Hawkeye Drive. Hawkeye's franchise approval had said that they would wire Hawkeye Court and Drive, but the conditions under which the wiring would take place would depend upon negotiations between them and the University of Iowa. These negotiations have been going on for about the last two or three years. Hawkeye, now Heritage, did start to wire Hawkeye Drive with area plant but then someone from the University said they wanted their buildings wired in a certain way that included raceway and conduit, which would triple Heritage's cost in wiring those buildings. Heritage sought to negotiate with the University. The University did not agree to pay for that wiring. For the most part, that is the way the situation stands now, although, Shaffer said, after talking to Mr. Grady yesterday, he expects the University to come up with something and negotiate in the next month sometime. Dave Brown has not yet completed his report. When Shaffer receives it, he will forward it to the Commission. Blough said he had met with Wayne Grady yesterday and expects to meet with him again soon. Blough said the company could do Hawkeye Drive and Parklawn almost 'i� Broadband Telecommunic ons Commission October 16, 1984 Page 3 immediately. The work on Hawkeye Court cannot be done this year because of too much underground work required; it is too late now. Distribution facilities are built to Hawkeye Drive and Parklawn already, but Hawkeye Court will present different problems. Residents will be able to subscribe individually, which requires individual wiring. One of the University's concerns is the possibility of children harming themselves if the wiring is not properly protected. Shaffer distributed copies of a document sent to him by Calderon which lists equipment agreed to in the Heritage/City contract that the cable company would purchase as replacement items. The list shows which items have been purchased or put on order. Most all items have been purchased or ordered. Shaffer went over a report on productions done for the City over the last month with the BTC. The report was prepared by John Hess. Shaffer said he talked with Anita Stech who expressed an interest in working as a consultant on the RFP for the NPO. Shaffer asked Stech to send a written proposal as to what compensation she felt would be appropriate based on how much time she felt would be involved, and whether that would involve the drawing up of the RFP as well as the evaluation. Shaffer expects her response within the next two weeks. The three complaints in the last month have all been resolved. The access programming awards banquet was held September 21. Shaffer said Calderon and Heritage did an excellent job and the evening came off very well. Shaffer said he had attended a conference in Arizona of the National Associa- tion of Telecommunications Officers and Administrators (NATOA). Shaffer said he is working on a grant with Mass Transit. They are very interested in developing the use of the interactive computer base he discussed at the last meeting. This is a complex innovation which has not been done before. The plan is to switch over the data on Channel 29 to computer so that it can be accessed by subscribers from their homes. Another, project involves the development of a voice synthesizer for Channel 29, the Government channel, that would enable all data messages to be read by a set of unique computer voices. This will make the channel more accessible to the blind. Such an innovation as this has also never been accomplished before in this country. HAWKEYE'S REPORT: Blough noted the changes in the programming lineup, and commented he had received a lot of compliments on SIN having gone to 24 hours of programming a day. Others have commented favorably on FNN and Sportstime. The changes from Hawkeye to Heritage are moving gradually. Heritage's recent free preview weekend was a success. Heritage has also spent quite a bit of money promoting the fact that the local cable company is now a Heritage company, in addition to offering new services. Current plans include offering the Disney Channel starting in September 1985. Subscriber figures total nearly 14,500 in the greater Iowa City area, with 10,800 in Iowa City alone. Blough expects this number to hit 11,000 soon. Blough said, however, that Heritage counts its subscribers differently than ATC did. For instance, Heritage counts University Hospitals as 412 subscribers while ATC counted it as only one. Blough explained that Heritage takes the bulk amount paid monthly by University Hospitals and divides it by the basic rate of $8.90, giving a figure which would be the equivalent of- 412 subscribers. This reporting rW Broadband Telecommunic-.ions Commission October 16, 1984 Page 4 method is required for programmers such as ESPN. Construction of cable is currently going on in the Bluffwood area north of Hy -Vee, a small area near Winebrenner Ford, and the Buresh Avenue area is completed. The company was able to keep up with demand for construction this year. Shaffer asked about wiring City block 81. Blough said they had received two bids; the lowest is $7500 to get it across the street, so the company is considering other methods which may be less costly. One individual has tentatively agreed to allow an easement across his property in exchange for free service to his property for the life of the easement. This block is bounded by Washington, Clinton, Dubuque and Iowa Avenue. Ehninger asked Shaffer about the Public Awareness project. Shaffer said one individual referred by Tiffany had inquired about the project, but on hearing what was involved, thought that it would be too much work to take on while she was also involved in graduate work. At this time, Shaffer said he is still looking for someone to handle this project, but does not have any volunteers who can put in the necessary time. Blough added a note to his report that there may be a mass outage next Monday. Blough will send out news releases when he knows for sure. This involves taking down some lines and will mean that all off -air signals will be off the cable system and most of north and east Iowa City will be.without cable service during the time that a house is being moved down streets in that area. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY REPORT: Tiffany drew attention to reports on the AV Lab sent to the BTC. Shaffer said it shows great use of the AV Lab. The lease agreement of the Library with ATC/Heritage has been sent for ATC to assign to Heritage. Extra conditions include that the air conditioning of the control room will be the responsibility of the company as will maintaining the computerized card catalog with the Senior Center and schools. The Library Board has expressed interest in the NPO. The Library Board may feel the purpose of the NPO is integral to the Library's mission. ACCESS IOWA CITY REPORT: Susan McGuire expressed appreciation of Mike Sigrin's interest in access, evidenced by his attendance at the recent NFLCP conference, which she also attended. McGuire reported that NFLCP Director Sue Buske gave a workshop on setting up NPOs. Buske noted two kinds of NPO start-up groups, a management access corporation and a support group. Although Buske said support groups often die within two years, McGuire stated she was happy to report that ATC has existed long past that period. i NEW BUSINESS: t Terry will try to get $100 reimbursement for Sigrin's expenses for the NFLCP conference. It was agreed that position statements regarding the proposed rate increase would best be forwarded to Council through the BTC, although it was recognized that autonomy of groups and individuals on such matters should also be preserved. 11/ AFT SUBJECT 10 BTC APPROVAL MINUTES BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOVEMBER 13, 1984 CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Terry, Madsen, Ehninger, Sigrin, Johnson MEMBERS ABSENT: None MEMBERS EXCUSED: None OTHERS PRESENT: Blough, Calderon, Cosnet and Tauber of Heritage, Tiffany of Iowa City Public Library, Daly of Access Iowa City, Beeson of Ch. 28, Deborah Stanton and Stewart, Recording Secretary STAFF PRESENT: Shaffer, Brown, Melling RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: The BTC recommended to Council proposed draft amendments to the Iowa City Cable ordinance which would incorporate the August 28th agreement between the City and Heritage. MATTERS PENDING COUNCIL -COMMISSION DISPOSITION: The vote on the 5% franchise fee for the City of Iowa City. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN: The BTC recommended several ordinance amendments to the cable ordinance as per the contract between the City and Heritage. A subcommittee was appointed to amend the Community Programming Guidelines as necessary. These are the rules governing Public Access Channel 26. Shaffer reported some bids are being received from consultants to help develop the Requests for Proposals (RFP) for the nonprofit organization that would take over management of Channel 26. The consultants have also bid on an information and policy session with the BTC and/or Council regarding the nonprofit organization. Shaffer also reported some headway into researching the possible makeup and functions of a Communications Department for the City. Blough committed continued support for access. Heritage plans on inserting local commercials an some of the satellite channels such as ESPN and CNN. Heritage has received bids to wire City Block 81 downtown. ICPL reported heavy usage of Library's access facilities in the AV Lab and high viewer response to Channel 20. MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Terry called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14 ARTICLE IV DIVISION 2 CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES: This item called for discussion, consideration and possible recommenda- tions concerning amendments to Ch. 14, Article IV, Division 2 of the City Code of Ordinances to implement those changes pursuant to the August 28, Broadband Telecommunic .ons Commission November 13, 1984 Page 2 1984 agreement between the City of Iowa City and Heritage Cablevision, Inc. Terry moved, Ehninger seconded that the Commission recommend to Council to incorporate the city legal staff's drafted amendments to be part of the franchise agreement. Sigrin referred to page three, paragraph one, eleven lines from the bottom, "the grantee shall regularly make information available to the public on the availability of the access channels in the monthly billing." Sigrin asked whether this statement is in the ordinance at this time. Brown said this was not a change. Blough said he might define regularly as quarterly. Terry asked whether this could be stipulated as not less than every other month. Sigrin's concern stems from his observation that the amount of programming on the access channel 26 has declined in recent months. Blough said the company is preparing a brochure as part of an outreach effort regarding access facilities and would seek input from the Commission and others when the brochure is in rough draft form. Other Commissioners feel that implemen- tation of the NPO for access will take care of the problem of publicizing access facilities and developing sufficient programming for the access channels. Johnson said the state of Wisconsin has passed legislation giving users the right to put announcements in billing envelopes. Johnson asked whether this was an appropriate time to insert a sentence in the franchise agreement that access groups, the NPO, etc., have the right to include information in the billing envelopes to customers. Madsen advised caution in getting too specific in franchise clauses, since the franchise is supposed to provide an overall view. Terry said there could be problems with getting Heritage to agree. Johnson askedwhy they have to agree to changes in the franchise, as long as it doesn't impact financially on them. Blough said he didn't think the company would have any problem with it as long as they include the information in the billing themselves, because they would not release the list of subscribers names to anyone else. Terry said the question then is whether the Commission wants to make this part of a franchise amendment, or as Madsen suggested go on good faith with the company when it says it would agree to allow {nforma- tion to be included in billing envelopes. Ehninger suggested waiting to receive proposals from the NPO before making this type of change in the franchise. Madsen said the changes the BTC is considering making in the enabling ordinance give general direction and do not go into details. Johnson moved that in the matter of addressing company mailings that a provision be included in the ordinance giving public groups an opportunity to have access to the envelopes at the expense of the groups involved. Terry said that would be an amendment to the motion on the floor. Sigrin seconded. Sigrin and Johnson voted aye, Terry, Ehninger and Madsen voted nay to the amendment. Motion failed. Sigrin noted that the word public in the ordinance implies only those who are subscribers to the cable system. It was agreed that in regard to billing statements, public refers to subscribers, but Madsen said anyone in the community who cares to know or take advantage of the opportunity offered by the Community Programming Center, certainly can. Terry said that the Public Awareness Subcommittee, working with the NPO, will accomplish publication in the news media of program offerings on the access channels. 10 Broadband TelecommuniL .ons Commission November 13, 1984 Page 3 Sigrin discussed incorporating into the ordinance activities done in the past by the cable company in terms of outreach to the general public for access. Blough said that the company would cooperate in every way possible with the NPO for access outreach. Johnson asked why, if the company is going to make a lump sum payment to the NPO to do what the company has done in the past and not be involved themselves, is there the languagein the ordinance, saying that the company shall provide associ- ated production equipment and necessary staff assistance to be made available to the public for live production, etc? Brown stated that the purpose of this amendment is to incorporate provisions of the August 28, 1984 agreement between the company and the City. At such time that the access responsibilities are transferred over to the NPO, then other amendments will have to be made, Brown said. Shaffer read the proposed ordinance amendment in an attempt to show that the company will operate access on Public Access Channel 26 until such time as the.City determines that an NPO should take over that channel. Thus the company will substi- tute the $125,000 and CPI escalator per year for the equipment and staff responsibilities the company currently has. Terry said only subscribers twould hinks besaid he in interested access aeffort is tis an the access waya to bring. inriaddit onal subscribers. Shaffer reminded Conmissioners that the specific agenda item calls for implementing the changes called for by the August 28 agreement by amending the ordinance. Brown said that pursuant to the Iowa open meetings law, it probably is not proper for this mornings meeting to make changes in the ordinance other than what is stated in the agenda. Johnson called the question and the secretary read the original motion. Ehninger asked for a clarification as to the date of the first payment due from the company. Payment is due by March 31, 1985 and by every three months thereafter. Terry called for the vote. Madsen, Ehninger and Terry voted aye; Sigrin voted nay. Due to a prior commitment, Johnson was absent by the time the vote was taken. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Terry announced there may be an early January meeting in order to gain Input from the Commission regarding the 5% franchise fee and budget expendletteriandstheyerry also are awareoofdwhattthe the Cchool ommissionrd has wouldrlikento do reonded to - garding the schools and cable. MINUTES: Minutes of the previous meeting were not approved since they are not yet finalized. Calderon called for a correction showing that Horton's first name is Steve. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: lDiana Beeson Channel Cedar istingsof accessprogramming from the CedarRapidsaaGazettepids ccesschannel. Terry said that the Press Citizen had complained that they were getting informa- tio try tomprintoIowas city's access listings. Cos set saidhthatehedis 41/ Broadband Telecommunic,.ions Commission November 13, 1984 Page 4 the only source of information to the Press Citizen for Iowa City's local listings. Blough noted that the signal from Kirkwood is still grainy and snowy and that the substandard quality must be cleaned up before publiciz- ing offerings on Channel 27. Shaffer said that the franchise requires that signals carried on Iowa City's cable system must meet FCC standards Kirkwood's signal has not been tested yet to that effect. Slough said that he would see to that. COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING GUIDELINES: Terry appointed a subcommittee of Sigrin and Shaffer to work with Calderon on the Community Programming Guidelines for Public Access Channel 26. Madsen asked who uses and/or gets copies of the Community Programming Guidelines. Calderon said that the guidelines have been made available to anyone who wanted to read them, and that the information is also used in the information Guidelinesworkshop walsoh beingatput on videotape and Calderon brochure listthis being prepared, but that there are problems with proceeding without approval of the changes. The Community Programming Center (CPC) staff needs to know whether they should conduct business under the old guidelines or the new ones. Also the guidelines need to be accurate before being put on videotape and run on the channel. Cosnet said that the coordinated outreach effort includes the tape, brochure and workshops. The staff hopes to use interns to teach the workshops. It is hoped the guidelines can be as NPO comesnintoed as effect.ui Shaffer asked how thossible to e effectve them in guidelines arebeingfore t he used on videotape. Calderon said that Cosnett and an intern are writing it and that tape will be apare proximately lyto eIt as one hourssual long aandpossible. incl denatsummarytof each of the guidelines. It was moved by Madsen, seconded by Ehninger that the Subcommittee of Sigrins in the CommunityhProgrammaffer inecessary le Programming Guidelines. The subcommittee shall have yauthority to finalize and publicize those changes. Four commissioners voted aye. There was one absentee. Motion carried. PUBLIC AWARENESS SUBCOMMITTEE: No new business. BTS REPORT: Three out of four complaints received since the last BTC meeting have been resolved. The fourth is still being worked on, regarding an individual who is making use of the extension policy to receive cable service. One consultant has responded with a bid on the preparation of the RFP, a second consultant has been asked to submit a bid, and a third is being sought. All bids are expected to be received by January 1, 1985. Shaffer has proposed some budget amendments which include BTC travel money and money for an award to be presented by the BTC at the annual awards banquet. Shaffer said he will not have the synopsis of H.R. 4103 until after the first of the year. There is interest on the part of the City in Broadband Telecommunic ons Commission November 13, 1984 Page 5 purchasing the automatic director playback unit for Channel 29 but there is currently no roan to put it anywhere. The City administration has requested that Shaffer put together some research on a proposed Communica- tions Department for Iowa City. At this time, only Los Angeles and Palo Alto, California have a city communications department. Austin, Texas is also working on developing one. This department's activities may include long range planning and implementation regarding cable, computers and telephones. HERITAGE REPORT: j Blough stated Kirkwood is aware of Heritage's dissatisfaction with the quality of the signal from Kirkwood. The interference is caused by the converter on Kirkwood's tower which converts the microwave signal to VHF. Communication between Kirkwood and Heritage is good, and Hindman assures them that the problem will be taken care of. Ehninger asked for consents on the City Council's public hearing on the proposed rate increase. Terry said there had been no negative responses. Positive statements had been made by Doug Allaire and Cinda Stewart for Access Iowa City and by Mike Sigrin. Blough stated for the record that Heritage in Iowa city, does not intend to burn any bridges when it canes to the switchover in management control of access. Heritage intends to be supportive in whatever ways it can. Blough said he would put his comments in writing. Blough also said he direcin the tion. Blough saidasional further thatnudehe intends tofrm theoseession that the qualityght of service seethatrthertransitionsisemadeainsasigsmoothtast poshe sible.ointof Mads nfeatransrskeddwhto y j theca ital requirements for FY85 inuHeritage's pro forma statement were so h items such as Hawkeye Court and commercial l ad insertion constructionof related ewhich will give the capability of inserting ads on at least four channels, such as, ESPN, CNN, and MTV. Whether the ads will be produced and this function administered in-house or externally has not yet been determined. Ads inserted will be local. The Briar Ridge subdivision on Prairie du Chien north of the interstate could provide a possible extension of the system h some Herito the tage egardingoleased access uon Channel u, nonguideli gus have idelines have been dset for that use, nor has anyone made a firm proposal to acquire time on the channel. No rate card has yet been devised. An easement has been obtained and bids have been solicited for wiring City Block 81 downtown. The lowest bid was $7,200 to get across the street, and did not include any wiring on the block itself. Currently, there are eight potential subscribers in the block. Estimated cost to complete the project is about $12,000. Discussions with Iowa -Illinois on possible cooperation to get cable to Heritage titaghasbeen blockare rto Shaffer'sg attention oat thec Civic Center.TC The Evans -Johnston debate from the Holiday Inn was not carried by Heritage becausforumseofhthisliday Inn is not type may be heldoatthe OldlBrickuinonal orderetoork be (carried jive over the cable system, or at any other suitable location within a block of the route of the INET, so that attachments can be made. The Holiday Inn j uses a network called Comsat, which provides them with three satellite programming channels, and was not interested in having their site wired by T� Broadband Telecommunic 'ons Commission November 13, 1984 Page 6 Heritage for roughly fifty percent more than the four dollars per month they now pay, which would have given them the entire channel lineup of this system, as well as having their meeting rooms wired, making the Holiday Inn a teleconferencing center. Ironically, the Iowa State Cable Association Convention will be held at the Holiday Inn in Iowa City next year. ACCESS IOWA CITY'S REPORT: Stewart reported that she and Doug Allaire had spoken on behalf of Access Iowa City in favor of a rate increase for the company in exchange for the City's receiving a 5% franchise fee, knowing that the 5% would be used in part to support local access. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY'S REPORT: A new show on both channel 20 and channel 26 called Video Effects, produced by Dewey McGuire and Jack* Imes will air shortly. Tiffany said the show is extremely well done, is fun to watch and is also a sort of promo for the AV lab, as Imes shows users how to use the AV facilities to produce Star Wars effects, simply and inexpensively. The library received over 70 calls regarding library channel programming in October. Last month there were almost 100 users of the AV lab. The library has not yet received a response from ATC or Heritage on the lease agreements for the the CPC. Blough said he would follow-up on that. NEW BUSINESS: Terry and Shaffer will attend and address a University Heights Council meeting since the Commission has received no response from that community to letters from the BTC. A response is still expected from Coralville. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:35. Madsen/Ehninger. Respectfully submitted, William -brew Shaffer Broadband Telecommunications Specialist IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION DECEMBER 13, 1984 IOWA CITY CIVIC CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: Tiffany, George, Lewis MEMBERS ABSENT: Schmeiser, Saugling STAFF PRESENT: Zehr GUESTS PRESENT: Overman, Houston, Byers, Yelderman, Selzer, Donahue, Tack, Giasby, Paris Meeting was called to order at 8:40 PM. The minutes of the November 8,' 1984, meeting were approved as read. Zehr presented the December 1984 bills. The bills were approved for payment as presented. PUBLIC HEARING ON CORPORATE HANGAR PLANS AND SPECS Tiffany declared the public hearing on plans and specs for proposed corporate hangar open. Public input was received from Dave Houston objecting to the location of the underground fuel line. Houston said the underground fuel line should not be located under building because of added expense and problems if a leak should occur. In response to George, Zehr said the Fire Marshal said underground storage tanks are safest but didn't recommend a location. Overman commented that the proposed design does meet code but other methods could be developed. OPENING OF BIDS RECEIVED ON PROPOSED CORPORATE HANGAR Wayne Overman opened the following bids: Groom's 8 Company - $233,214 Burger Construction Company - $236,533.40 Martin Building Company - $246,326 Selzer Construction - $248,349.44 McComas -Latina Construction - $249,872 Carl Nelson Company - $250,259 H. Eugene Smith Company - $257,995.08 Larson Construction Company - $259,904 Kleinman Company - $269,710 Mid -American Construction - $284,900 Frantz Construction Company - $299,634 Low bid was received from Groom'is at $233,214. Overman read the separate bid line items of the Groom's bid. George recommended that the Groom's bid be reviewed by the Airport Subcomnittee consisting of Schmeiser and Saugling. i Airport Commission December 13, 1984 Page 2 AIRPORT COMPLIANCE PROJECT Lehr said Airport Commission members have received copies of the revised Engineering agreement with H.R. Green Company. Zehr said he, Overman, Schmadeke, Jansen and Berlin have reviewed the agreement. Moved by George, seconded by Lewis, to enter into the agreement with H.R. Green Company as presented. Motion passed. RIVER CITY BALLOONIST ASSOCIATION Warren Paris requested that the Airport Commission give attention to the local ordinance that prohibits balloons from landing in Iowa City. Paris said balloons currently land in Iowa City when safety is a concern and would like the ordinance to be changed to reflect that. Zehr said he agrees with the proposal to amend the ordinance. Zehr will request the Legal Department to review the proposal and report back to the Airport Commission next month. Zehr said the River City Balloonist Association should be commended for their safe operations. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Tiffany reported an the meeting with the City Council regarding critical areas of the clear zones. Council directed the Airport Commission to appraise the land. PUBLIC AND COMMISSION INPUT George requested that information be reviewed on each of the company's that bid on the corporate hangar. Lewis said the following requests were received from E.K. Jones: 1. He would like to know if the Commission can help with a weather operations person; 2. Would like lights on the end of the existing T -hangars; and 3. Wants the ramp raised on the south side of the shop and wants better drainage. Tiffany said E.K. Jones should be contacted and asked to submit a formal request for the next Airport Commission meeting. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 PM. 7c` J X191 - i I , MINUTES PLANNING 8 ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER6, 1984 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Courtney, Horowitz, Jordan, Perry, Scott, Jakobsen MEMBERS ABSENT: Blank i STAFF PRESENT: Franklin, Milkman, Chandler f RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. Z-8415. Recommend rezoning of property south of Benton Street, north of I. Highway 1 West, and along Harlocke Street extended to RS -8 along Harlocke j g Street, to RM -20 in the area east of Harlocke and to RM -12 in the area just north of Highway 1. I 2. Recommend that the the City Council take the position that Harlocke ( Street terminate in a cul-de-sac. r 3. Recommend that the amended by-laws of the Commission be adopted. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 15, 1984: Horowitz moved to approve the minutes of November 15, 1984. Motion was seconded by Courtney. The motion carried; Jakobsen abstained. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was no public discussion of any item not on the agenda. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION: 1. Public discussion of an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to change the density designation north of Highway 1 West and south of Harlocke Street from 8-16 DU/acre to 16-24 OU/acre. Scott called attention to the staff report that had been distributed to the Commission. j Discussion: 1 Franklin explained where the area was, referring to the map. She further explained that a proposed zoning change to RM -20 or RNC -20 in this area would be consistent with the proposed amendment. The decision on the Comprehensive Plan would determine the appropriate vote on any subsequent rezoning. A change to 16-24 DU/acre would make the appropriate zoning RM -20. Franklin explained that if there was no change in the Plan then alternative plans !3 or R4 which showed the area as RM -12 would be �3 Planning 8 Zoning Con ,sion December 6, 1984 Page 2 consistent with the Plan as far as the Ruppert property was concerned. Those alternatives would not be consistent with the Plan for the Jensen property. Dan Bray, 948 Weeber Street, inquired about the order of consideration. He suggested that the general density decision should come after the zoning decision. Scott replied that the density should be considered first. Franklin stated that adherence to the Comprehensive Plan validates zoning. She displayed maps of alternatives ►1 and ►2 and explained why each would require amendment of the Comprehensive Plan. She also explained alternative ►3 and noted the zoning in it which was also inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Alternative t4 was not mailed to the owners of the affected property prior to the meeting because it was a result of the informal meeting on Monday, November 4. She ex- plained that it too was inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan on the Jensen property. Dan Bray asked for clarification; were alternatives ►1, ►3 and ►4 inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan? Franklin replied that he was correct. Bray asked if the proposal only dealt with the density of a property. Scott said that, if adopted, yes. Bray stated that if the plan was adopted none of the alternatives would be in line with the Comprehensive Plan. Horowitz said that was right. None are in line. Bray then asked if there was a fifth alternative. Scott replied that he was not sure if even a fifth or a sixth would bring about an agreement. Bray inquired about the value of the process. He stated that it seemed to unnecessarily protract the procedure. Scott explained that the original intent was to deal with the Ruppert property. But after getting into it some additional problems were found. Bray again asked if it would be appropriate to consider the zoning first. He said we should consider zoning first since another amendment to the plan would be needed to authorize the zoning. Jakobsen told him that a procedural problem existed, that the Commission will work through. Scott agreed that the problem would be worked out. Perry moved to amend the Comprehensive Plan to change the density desig- nation north of Highway 1 West and south of Harlocke Street from 8-16 DU/acre to 16-24 DU/acre. The motion was seconded by Jordan. The motion failed (3-3 with Jakobsen, Horowitz and Courtney voting no). ZONING ITEMS: 1. Z-8415. Public discussion of the rezoning of certain property south of Benton Street, north of Highway 1 West, and along Harlocke Street extended. Franklin explained the four alternative plans (attached). Scott asked for any public comment on Z-8415. �3 Planning 8 Zoning Commission December 6, 1984 Page 3 Bray noted his representation of the neighbors of the area. He presented a petition in support of the proposal of September 6, 1984 that would create an RNC -20 zone. He stated that there is support for that pro- posal. He added that the roads are not adequate in that area. He noted that the Commission cannot build roads but asked the Commission to adopt a position that would indicate the undesirability of increased density and, in consideration of the inability of this group to control traffic, recommend to the City Council that Harlocke Street become a cul-de-sac. Bray called this a compromise because higher density would be acceptable only if the street is changed. He suggested that this balancing of interests was the only wise choice and urged the precondition be recom- mended to the City Council. Charles Mullen spoke on behalf of the owners and pointed out some history of the Jensen property. He said that Harlocke was connected to Weeber Street after a proposal to connect Harlocke to Benton Drive was rejected by the City Council. He added that if the street was cut off by zoning from the rest of the tract, the owner of the affected tract would be denied access, something that he must resist. He said Jensen would support a change from RM -44 to RM -20 or RNC -20 but found no sense in making the Harlocke strip RS -8 surrounded by high density zoning because that would devalue the Harlocke property for purposes of single family dwellings. Mullen said he was concerned that the proposal being consid- ered was one no one could support. David Dierks, 905 Weeber Street, pointed out that the area to the west, an RS -5 zone, would not have a buffer if the whole area was zoned RM -20. Charles Ruppert, owner of a portion of the property under consideration, said that a few acres of evergreens would solve the problem. He added that cutting off Harlocke did not make sense. Bray made two additional points: 1) the City did not force Jensen to give up the access and 2) in proposing a long term solution there was no way that single families could avoid the encroachment of multi -family zoning without a barrier because of the economic reality. Discussion: Horowitz asked if the September 6 proposal could be alternative i6. Scott replied that it was his intent to consider each alternative and suggested that comments on each could pertain to additional alternatives. Perry moved the adoption of alternative plan N1. Jordan seconded the motion. Discussion: Perry said he supported alternative !1 because it provided a transitional zone while maintaining the lowest possibledensity. Jordan stated he supported alternative Al because he had a concern about the traffic. Jakobsen said she is opposed to alternative N1 because it allowed too high a density on the undeveloped land. Horowitz agreed and added that she was also concerned about leaving the RM -44 zone as is. Courtney said 11/3 Planning 8 Zoning Commission December 6, 1984 Page 4 he agreed with Mr. Mullen. Scott said that of the four propositions, 11 is my first choice. He added that part of the problem was as the neigh- bors have said, no matter what we do no reasonable solution that pleases everyone is possible. Insertion of the RS -8 zone indicates this Commis- sion's intent to down zone this area. Scott stated that originally he had talked about a cul-de-sac and members of the City Council with whom he spoke did not provide encouragement for that idea because of concerns for funding. The change would require the City to acquire property which is not at all probable. He expressed concern that there was no solution. He added that if none of the four proposals gets the votes necessary, he had an alternative f5 to propose. Chairman Scott called for a vote. The motion failed (3-3 with Jakobsen, Horowitz and Courtney voting no). The Chair entertained a motion for alternative I2 (there was none). The Chair entertained a motion for alternative t3. Courtney moved the adoption of alternative plan /3 (the motion died for the lack of 'a second). The Chair entertained a motion for alternative /4 (there was none). Horowitz moved that alternative proposal /5 designating RS -8 along Harlocke Street south to Highway 1, R41-20 on the remainder of the Jensen property, and RM -12 between Highway 1 and Benton Manor be adopted. Jakobsen seconded the motion. Discussion: Horowitz said she proposed /5 because of the barrier of the RS -8 zone and because the City Council will not have a clear picture of what we want if we go another way. Jakobsen said her suggestion was purely political because if the City Council rejects the whole thing, we gain nothing. If, in fact, we can get part, she is willing to support this as a compromise. Perry said he is willing to support this and liked the idea of three separate votes. He asked if it would be possible to vote on each section individually. Scott said that it can be considered either way. Perry said if three separate votes could not be done he would vote against the whole motion. Jordan said he would like to consider three parcels. Courtney said he would be opposed to this on the basis of the RS -8 zoning. He added that with no developer, the Commission had no plan to consider. He would have to stick with alternative plan 03. Motion to adopt alternative pian A5 was defeated (2-4, Perry, Jakobsen, Horowitz, Courtney voting no). Courtney moved consideration of alternative ✓i6 designating the area west of Harlocke RNC -20, the developed area RNC -20 and the remainder of the area RS -12. Motion was seconded by Horowitz. Discussion: Franklin explained alternative !6 and reminded the Commission that Mr. Cox on Benton Street had said he would grant a covenant on his property restricting access to Harlocke Street _if his zoning remained RM -44. P.3 Planning 8 Zoning Commission December 6, 1984 Page 5 Courtney said he would have no objections to alternative f6 with a covenant in place. Jakobsen said that is spot zoning. Horowitz said there is no easy solution. Courtney said that making an RS -8 strip was just as much a spot zone. Horowitz moved to amend alternative 16 to confine the RNC -20 to a strip west of Harlocke and leave the developed area as RM -44. Courtney seconded the motion. The motion to amend was defeated (2-4, Jordan, Perry, Scott, Jakobsen voting no). Motion to adopt !6 was defeated (2-4, Jordan, Perry, Scott, Jakobsen voting no). Horowitz moved to reconsider alternative /5. Chairman Scott suggested that other alternatives be considered first. In response to a question from Scott, Franklin said the RNC -20 zone would permit redevelopment at current densities of RM -44 zoned property. Scott asked Boyle if that was right; Boyle responded affirmatively. Jakobsen stated that RNC -20 zoning along Harlocke would be in agreement with the Comprehensive Plan. Horowitz moved consideration of alternative 17 which designated the area along Harlocke Street as RNC -20, the remainder of the Jensen property as RM -20 and the Ruppert property as RM -12. It was seconded by Jakobsen. Discussion: Horowitz stated a concern that no solution was perfect. Jakobsen said this is a compromise, that she would like a better solution. She added this is a political problem. Jordan said he still had a problem with the RM -12 zone next to an RS -5 zone. Courtney said he would not compromise the neighbors to reach a political solution. Motion to adopt alternative 17 was defeated (2-4, Perry, Jordan, Scott, Courtney voting no). Jakobsen moved reconsideration of alternative ✓'5. Motion was seconded by Jordan. Motion passed (5-1, Courtney voting no). Motion to adopt alternative P5 was defeated (3-3, Jakobsen, Horowitz, Courtney voting no). Jakobsen moved the recommendation of the RS -8 strip along Harlocke Street and south to Highway 1. Jordan seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-1, Courtney voting no). Jakobsen moved the recommendation of RM -20 zoning for the remainder of the Jensen property. Perry seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-1,, Courtney voting no). Jakobsen moved the recommendation of RM -12 zoning for the remainder of the Ruppert property. Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion passed (5-2, Jordan, Perry voting no). Planning & Zoning Commission December 6, 1984 Page 6 Scott noted that Jakobsen asked that Blank be considered as voting for alternative 05 and that the record show that Blank was absent due to an auto accident. Jakobsen moved that the staff be directed to secure covenants from Mr. Cox. The motion was seconded by Jordan. The motion carried unanimously. Jordan moved a recommendation to the City Council that Harlocke become a cul-de-sac. The motion was seconded by Horowitz. Discussion: Jakobsen said she assumed this would take place when the Jensen property is developed. Franklin asked for clarification. Did the Commission want the cul-de-sac as per the neighbors' proposal or at the end of Harlocke? Jordan replied at the end of Harlocke. Horowitz said that was acceptable to her. Franklin asked if that would be at the City's expense. Scott said that question doesn't have to be answered at this time. The motion carried unanimously. Scott indicated that the letters received by the Commission would be entered into the record. He thanked the public and the owners and the staff for working through this issue. 2. Z-8420. Public discussion of an application submitted by the Melrose 1aTCommunity Association for the rezoning of property south and east of University Heights, west of Woodside Drive extended and north of Marietta Avenue extended easterly to the CRI&P Railroad tracks from RM -12 and RM -44 to RS -8 or any other appropriate zoning. Milkman explained the purpose of the rezoning was to reduce traffic congestion and population density, provide needed open space and to preserve an environmentally sensitive area. She explained it is an area bounded by University Heights city limits to the north and west, the CRI&P Railroad tracks to the east, and Marietta Street extended easterly along the southern boundaries of RM -44 and RM -12 zones north of Woodside Drive and Tower Court. Milkman asked that the area be divided into three tracts for consideration. Tract A comprises the western part of the request area and is largely undeveloped. Tract B to the east of A is the Melrose Lake Apartments large scale residential development, which is a partially developed area and includes Melrose Lake. Tract C makes up the southeast portion of the request area and is a fully developed multi- family residential area. Milkman recommended that Tract A be downzoned to RS -8 except for the portion that has an existing apartment on it which would retain the RM -12 zoning. She recommended Tract B retain the present RM -12 zoning and Tract C be rezoned to RNC -20. Scott noted that there would be no vote on this proposal tonight because. of the requirement of two public hearings. The vote would be at the December 20, 1984 meeting. Planning 8 Zoning Commission December 6, 1984 Page 7 Discussion: Craig Alexander, a spokesman for the residents, said that land around Melrose Lake cannot remain eligible for full development as the planning staff is recommending. He added that the streets are too narrow. Jeff Smith, 625 Brookland Park Drive, asked that photographs of the area be distributed. He discussed vested rights of the property owners and cited court cases to support his argument that the City may use property for the public welfare. He noted a number of people had signed the petition opposed 'to further development of the Melrose Lake area. He questioned the staff report and its methods and stated his group would welcome the designation of Melrose Lake as an environmentally sensitive area. John Hayek, representing one of the owners of the property, Terence Williams, said he is opposed to the downzoning because of the potential economic harm his clients might suffer. Hayek said Williams purchased land near Melrose Lake in 1982 well in excess of $1 million. If the residents want the area to remain as open space he would be delighted to sell it to the City for a park to be developed in the area. Patty Mishler, 812 Woodside Drive, read a letter from the principal of Roosevelt School, Nora Steinbreck, opposing further development. She stated her own children attend Roosevelt and because of the developments in the area, the school is becoming dominated by transient students. She asked that this area be left as a place for little boys to grow up. Lance Salisbury, 904 Oakcrest, pointed out that the area remaining to be developed on Tract B could still be substantial. He supported Mishler in her contention that the school is disrupted. He added that property values were often effected. Jenny Tyler, 871 Woodside Drive, agreed with the staff on Tract A and suggested that Tract B is similar because of the open space, environment, access and surrounding area. Therefore, she saw no reason for division of the two areas. Emma Jean Williams, 910 Oakcrest, commented that the traffic and water runoff is awful. Mary Beth Grick suggested we may have lost our values. She said we should have a high regard for open space. Henry Fox, 1009 Tower Court, commented that it seemed appropriate to keep the zoning of Tract B consistent with the adjacent area of Tract A. Jack Neuzil, representing his mother who lives on Tract A, said Tract A has all the attributes necessary for high density development. He questioned certain areas of the staff report including the definition of "quite densely populated" and "open space" He said that development on Tract A would not affect traffic congestion because it has plenty of access and residents would not drive to day time activities. He sug- Planning & Zoning Com,.ssion December 6, 1984 Page 8 gested that if close in areas are closed to people then we create problems. He said a high rise would create open space while single family dwellings do not. He said nobody has done a better job preserving the environment .than the Neuzil family yet it seems that everybody wants a park. He said if everybody wants a park, the land should be purchased. He ended by saying it's already been down zoned and that is enough. Don Klotz, 60 Marietta Avenue, said we've got a great resource in that lake and the City should preserve the lake. Robert Talley, 79 Olive Court, said that although he is sympathetic to Mr. Neuzil, he thought it was unrealistic to talk about a high rise on Tract A. Scott said RM -12 zones do not permit high rise developments. •Jakobsen asked if there was a moratorium on buildings in this zone. Boyle stated that a moratorium was not set until the Council set a public hearing. Scott commented to Mr. Smith that personal comments directed at the staff were inapproriate and unacceptable to the Commission. Courtney moved to defer Z-8420 to December 20, 1984. The motion was seconded by Horowitz. The motion passed unanimously. SUBDIVISION ITEMS: 1. 5-8431. Public discussion of an application submitted by Terrence Wams for approval of an amended preliminary and final LSRD for Melrose Lake Apartments located on Woodside Drive extended; 45 -day limitation period: waived. Jordan moved to defer 5-8431 until December 20, 1984. Motion was seconded by Horowitz. The motion carried unanimously. 2. 5-8432. Public discussion of an application submitted by R.A. McKeen for approval of a preliminary and final LSRD plan for the northeast quadrant of the intersection of Dubuque and Prentiss Streets (522-532 South Dubuque Street); 45 -day limitation period: waived. Jakobsen moved to defer 5-8432 to January 17, 1985. Motion was seconded by Perry. The motion carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF THE REVISED SIGN REGULATION ORDINANCE: Franklin submitted the proposed addendum to the sign regulations. Discussion: William Schnute said he was an artist and a wood cutter. Schnute had the problem of making new signs non-combustible. He said if the objective of the ordinance is to beautify the city, it is failing miserably. Artistic signs are no longer visible and plastic signs have taken over. The regulation does not appear to permit artistic endeavors. Scott said the regulations would be on the agenda on the 17th of December. Franklin asked Mr. Schnute if he is yz3 Planning 8 Zoning Con...,sion December 6, 1984 Page 9 suggesting projecting signs. Schnute said yes and cited the example of the City of -Cardiff by the Sea. Horowitz asked if it was a problem with the design of signs. Schnute said the only thing permissible is plastic signs. Robert Schwab said his family is in the outdoor advertising business. He referred to a letter requesting zones for standard size billboards. He said there are some things he would like to discuss some time. Scott said that the Commission's informal discussion indicated that there is not much support for anything other than junior billboard signs. Schwab asked if there would be another meeting to discuss this proposal. Scott said yes, on December 17. DISCUSSION OF THE COMMISSION BY-LAWS: Franklin presented the amended by-laws. The Commission unanimously agreed to forward the recommended by-laws to the City Council. Meeting adjourned 11:20 p.m. Minutes submitted by Sam Chandler. Horst Jordan, Secretary i i i i PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE / CUIVREIIENSIVE PLAN i ALTERNATIVE #L PROPOSED REZONING / ALTERNATIVE /3 i I i 1 I '� ,J ..Y ;•. �1 ,i J MINUTES i ? a-... PLANNING 8 ZONING COMMISSION DECEMBER 20, 1984 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Courtney, Horowitz, Jordan, Scott, Blank, Jakobsen, Perry MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Boyle, Franklin, Milkman, Manning RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: 1. Z-8420. Recommend denial of the rezoning request submitted by Melrose Lake Community Association for property south and east of University Heights, west of Woodside Drive extended and north of Marietta Avenue extended easterly to the CRIdP railroad tracks from RM -12 and RM -44 to RS -8 or appropriate zoning. 2. Z-8421. Recommend approval of an application submitted by W.A. Gay b Co. o3 ezoning of property in the 1500 block on the east side of S. Gilbert Street from CI -1 to CC -2. 3. CZ -8431. Report to Council that an application submitted by Larry Fry for rezoning of property in Johnson County south of Rapid Creek Road and approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 1 from Al to RS is inconsistent with the Johnson County/Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement for Area 4 if interpreted literally. 4. CZ -8432. Report to Council that an application submitted by G&W F% ring, J&M Sohm and signed by R. Brown for the rezoning of property in Johnson County east of County Road F8W and approximately 1.5 miles north of Iowa City from Al to RS is inconsistent with the Johnson County/Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement for Area 4, 5. Recommend approval of draft Sign Ordinance dated 12/20/84 as corrected. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was no public discussion of any item not on the agenda. SETTING PUBLIC HEARING: Jakobsen moved that a public hearing on the policy recommendations of the Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee as an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan be set for January 17, 1985. Jordan seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). IL3 Planning & Zoning Conn ion December 20, 1984 Page 2 SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION Subdivision Items: 1. S-8431. Public discussion of an application submitted by Terence WiTltams for approval of an amended preliminary and final LSRD for Melrose Lake Apartments located on Woodside Drive extended; 45 -day limitation period: waived. Scott stated that it was the intention of the Commission to defer the application until the formal Commission meeting, June 6, 1985. Perry moved for deferment. Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Jakobsen added that if he so desires, the applicant may request that the item be brought up earlier. Zoning Items: 1. Z-8419. Public discussion of an application submitted by Gordon Russell air rezoning of property at the southern city limits east of Old Highway 218 S. from I-1 to I-2; 45 -day limitation period: 1/21/85. Milkman stated that the applicant is interested in the rezoning so as to extract sand and gravel from the site, and to use some of the materials to fill the western portion of the property. Although there is a county residential zone to the west, and the surrounding county zones permit residential development, staff felt that this element is not a big issue. Milkman indicated that extraction operations were appropriate on flood- plain lands. She stated that staff felt that Tract A (the western portion of the property) should be retained for I-1 uses, with Tract 8 changed from I-1 to I-2 so as to allow extraction activities. Milkman added that extraction processes may not take place within 100 feet of a property line. Public Discussion: - Robert C. Russell, R.R. 6, Iowa City. As a member of the Johnson County Chapter of the Izaak Walton League (property abutting applicant on est), and a part of the Wagner Memorial Holding Corp. (owning surroundingroperty), Russell stated interest in what is happening to the land adfacent to the League. He requested a site plan map and asked if there were any issues he should be aware of. Scott mentioned the issue of screening which is not required on this property. Russell stated that he would discuss the matter with the Izaak Walton League Board. 7.9 Planning & Zoning Comm ion December 20, 1984 Page 3 Carl Chadek, 515 Third Avenue, Iowa City. Also a member of the Izaak Walton League and President of the Memorial Holding Corp., Chadek also expressed his interest in knowing what is happening. Jordan moved to defer Z-8419 until the January 17, 1985, Planning Zoning Commission meeting. The motion was seconded by Perry. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). Z-8420. Public discussion of an application submitted by the Melrose Lake ZLommunity Association for rezoning of property south and east of University Heights, west of Woodside Orive extended and north of Marietta Avenue extended easterly to the CRI&P railroad tracks from RM -12 and 94-44 to RS -8 or appropriate zoning; 45 -day limitation period: 12/31/84. Milkman presented a letter opposing the rezoning from Carl Strub. She reiterated that staff proposes a zoning of RS -8 for Tract A, R4-12 for Tract B, and RNC -20 for Tract C. Public Discussion: Lance Salisbury, 904 Oakcrest, Iowa City. Salisbury's concerns involved traffic density; with narrow streets, he felt more multi- family housing would be inappropriate. He stated facts from traffic studies produced by the City which indicated high traffic counts in the area. Another interest concerned the safety of children attending Roosevelt School. Salisbury stated his intention was not to halt development, just to limit it. Lower property values and drainage were other concerns if down zoning did not occur. In response to the point concerning the traffic studies produced by the City, Milkman replied that additional counts will be made, once school Is again in session. There had been problems with the equipment and the Traffic Engineer was not satisfied with the accuracy of the data. Jack Neuzil, R.R. 4, Solon, Iowa. Representing his mother, Della Neuzil, owner of property in Tract A, Mr. Neuzil expressed sympathy with those who were concerned with the lack of parkland and the increasing density of the area. He presented copies of a list of reasons for maintaining the current zoning to the Commission members. He stated that the land should not be down zoned because it would devalue it. If there is a need for the housing, then it is best to do it there (because of good location). If there is no need, it is foolish to rezone. Craig Alexander, 871 Woodside Drive B-1, Iowa City. Alexander men- tioned the 150 signatures on a petition in support of the down zoning. He again stressed the wording of their application, RS -8 or approoriate zoning. Alexander agreed with the staff recommendation7or Tracts A and C. On Tract B, he suggested an alternative to allow one corner to remain RM -12 and down zone the rest to RS -8. He felt that this rezoning would serve the public interest. 6m Planning b Zoning Corm. ;ion December 20, 1984 Page 4 - Jenny Tyler, 871 Woodside Drive B-2, Iowa City. Tyler stated that opposition to rezoning is natural, but that the interests of many should be taken into account ahead of the needs of a few. She agreed with statements made by Alexander. - John Hayek, 110 E. Washington Street, Iowa City. As attorney for Terence and Glenys Williams, Hayek stated their opposition to rezoning Tract B. He said that the property was zoned multi -family for over 20 years and those in opposition shouldn't be surprised that development was now taking place. A change in zoning now (20 years later) would be a detriment to the Williams. He stated that the Williams were willing to work with the City and the neighbors to obtain open space in the area. - Jane Huit, 626 Brookiand Place Drive, Iowa City. A member of the neighborhood for 36 years, Huit is disappointed in what has happened. She strongly feels the 'development should be stopped. Because of runoff, erosion problems are becoming serious, and the neighborhood is becoming too overcrowded. Huit stands in favor of the rezoning. Scott suggested that the Commission first consider the rezoning of the three parcels: Tract A from RM -12 to RS -8 (except for the northeast corner to remain RM -12); Tract B to remain RM -12; Tract C from Pon -44 to RNC -20. Horowitz moved to approve the rezoning. Courtney seconded the motion. Horowitz stated she based her decision on the lack of information concerning alternative uses for the land and costs to the City. She pointed out that newcomers as well as owners seek change. Courtney, although seconding the motion, stated he did have problems with the down zoning of Tract A. The motion failed (2-5, Horowitz and Blank voting yes). Jakobsen moved to recommend to City Council denial of any rezoning in the request area. Jordan seconded the motion. Jakobsen stated that the whole city was rezoned only a year ago. She felt that arguments were not strong enough to warrant a change. At the time that the rezoning of the city was under review, the Neuzils were the only persons to attend a neighborhood meeting, and they have argued their case consistently. The Neuziis agreed to the RM -12 zoning issue if allowed some flexibility. Jordan agreed with Jakobsen. Scott also echoed Jakobsen's remarks. The motion carried (6-1, Horowitz voted no). Jakobsen encouraged University Heights to cooperate with the City to buy open space for parkland in the area. �3 Planning 8 Zoning Coma. ion December 20, 1984 Page 5 3. Z-8421. Public discussion on an application submitted by W.A. Gay and Co., for rezoning of property in the 1500 block on the east side of S. Gilbert Street from CI -1 to CC -2; 45 -day limitation period: 1/21/85. Milkman stated that the applicant is interested in the rezoning of the property from CI -1 to CC -2 in order to construct an Aldi grocery store. Since the property is located on a main arterial, the surrounding uses are compatible, and since the parking area in a floodplain would require less fill, staff recommends that rezoning from CI -1 to CC -2 be approved. Public Discussion: I - Jay Honahan, 330 E. Court, Iowa City. As a representative of W.A. Gay { Co., Honohan stated that the proposal is compatible with the area. He requested the Commission not to defer, so work on the site may move 1 ahead. He felt that there was no opposition from surrounding property owners. Jakobsen asked what delay there would be if the Commission deferred. I Franklin estimated the delay to be approximately two weeks. To speed up the process, the applicant could request a public hearing at the January 15, 1985, Council meeting. Horowitz asked questions concerning the area next to the locker and its usage. She is concerned that patrons of Aldi may cut through to Waterfront Drive. Honohan stated that Gay Food Locker property was separate from the proposed grocery store and that it would not be possible to drive through. Horowitz moved that the item Z-8421 not be deferred and the staff recommendation be supported to rezone the area from CI -1 to CC -2. Blank seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). 4. CZ -8431. Public discussion of an application submitted by Larry Fry for rezoning of property in Johnson County south of Rapid Creek Road and approximately 1.5 miles east of Highway 1 from Al to RS. Milkman stated that within Area 4 of the Johnson County/Iowa City Fringe Area Agreement, residential development is discouraged and agricultural use is encouraged. Since the requested rezoning is not for a residential use for farm family purposes, the staff finds that the requested zoning is inconsistent with the policy stated for Area 4. 440 Planning d Zoning Coon. .ion December 20, 1984 Page 6 Public Discussion: Larry Fry, 717 Iowa Avenue, Iowa City. Since the three lot subdivi- sion, Hickory Ridge Estates Part II, had been approved by the City and the Johnson County Board of Supervisors, he didn't understand why there was a problem. Franklin stated that the subdivision was approved with two outlots (zoned Al) and there had been assurances made that these outlots would not be developed. Fry asked that a distinction be made between lot and parcel. He stated his frustration with inconsistencies between the County and the City. Scott said the argument should be made to the Board of Supervisors. Horowitz moved that the Council be told the request is inconsistent with the Johnson County/Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement. Courtney seconded the motion. Blank amended the motion to include the words "the literal interpreta- tion of" the Fringe Area Policy Agreement. Jordan seconded the amendment. The amendment passed unanimously (7-0). The main motion carried unanimously (7-0). S. CZ -8432. Public discussion of an application submitted by G&W Pickering, UMT ofim and signed by R. Brown for the rezoning of property in Johnson County east of County Road F8W and approximately 1.5 miles north of Iowa City from Al to RS. Milkman stated that her comments for item CZ -8431 applied to this item also. There was no public discussion. Jakobsen moved that the Council be told the request for rezoning is inconsistent with the Johnson County/Iowa City Fringe Area Policy Agreement. Perry seconded the motion. Scott felt there was a problem when an owner is told he cannot build when his neighbor has been permitted to do so, and in protest of the motion, would abstain from voting. Milkman stated that the intention of the Policy is to concentrate development and prevent scattered development throughout the County. The motion carried (4-2-1, Jordan and Blank voting no, Scott abstained). V3 Planning 8 Zoning Comm ion December 20, 1984 Page 7 Horowitz commented that the vote reflects the concerns of the Commission regarding the implementation of the Fringe Area Agreement. She urged that the City, staff and Councilmembers meet with the Board of Supervi- sors to discuss philosophies of planning and land use in the fringe area and to evaluate what has actually occurred since the agreement was made. Scott stated that stronger language should be used and the Board of Supervisors .should be asked why they aren't holding up their end of the agreement. j PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THE REVISED SIGN REGULATION ORDINANCE: The 12/20/84 draft of the Sign Regulation Ordinance was reviewed. The following changes were made: I - Parapet sign is facia sign. 1 - Prohibited signs - animated signs; editorial changes to exclude from this time and temperature signs and barber pole signs. j Jordan moved that the Commission approve the 12/20/84 draft of the Sign Regulation Ordinance as amended. Courtney seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously (7-0). OTHER BUSINESS: Jakobsen remarked that at the last Council meeting a simple way of disposing of small parcels of land wus approved. Scott mentioned there would be no formal meeting on January 3, 1985. The next informal meeting is January 14, 1985, in the Senior Center Gameroom. Formal meeting will be January 17, 1985, in the Senior Center Classroom. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. The minutes were taken by Linda Manning. i e ary Horst Jordan, ecr 7-� Mayor's Youth Employment Program Minutes Board of Directors Meeting December 19, 1984 Board Members Present: Doug Bogenrief, Jan Liggett, Mike Kennedy, Joan Jehle, Denise Tiffany, Renato de Leon and Ted Halm. Staff Present: Peg McElroy and Teresa Olin I. Call To Order: Joan Jehle called the meeting to order at 4:07 P.M. II. Introductions and Welcome III. Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the November 7, 1984 meeting were read by the board. Mike Kennedy/Renato de Leon moved to approve the. minutes. MSC IV. Financia! Hoports - October, November, FY 1985: Copies of the financial reports for October and November were passed out. Peg explained that the negative balance in the summer program account will be covered by funds transferred from the In -School account. Placing the summer money into the In -School acount simplifies everything by making only one transferral neces- sary. The MYEP/IL and Jobs Club accounts will be closed out. There is no more activity in the CDBG account. Mike Keanedy/Doug Bogenrief moved to approve tile financial reports. MSC V. Additionul Agenda Itemb: 'rhe mYl:P summer program has bean asked to join with the University of Iowa to develop the Field Campus next summer. Eighteen to twenty yoath will be employed by this program. On December 18 MYEP received a i3,000.commitment from the University for grant match. M1'EP will also work with Parks P Recreation completing a variety of tasks for the department including work at Ryerson's Wood Park, lluracc Munn •Market Square, Scott, Elm Grove and City Park. MYEP will be notified if we are to receive the grant between March 7th and 20th, 1985. Vi. New Business MYEP/UAY Youth Festival 1 The 1985-84 Mayor's Youth graduates have been contacted about planning a reunion for all the young people employed. during that time. This reunion would also serve as a 15th anniversary celebration. The original plan was to write a grant to cover the costs. Mace Braverman had agreed to let the reunion be held at the dance studio in the old Elks building. We have I since learned that the building won't be available to us after the end of January. Because of this a smaller version of tha reunion will be planned by tine MYEP kids for the last part of January. Board members are welcome to chaperone at the reunion. DTPA Summer Program MYEP has been asked by the DTPA Area 10 Director to participate in the sum- mer J'I'I'A prugrum. As far us we know Mf EI' would submit a prupusal fur this iltz r7" Board of Directors Meeting December 19, 1984 Page 2 New Business (continued) much like we would for the regular program. The JTPA program would employ about 100 kids for approximately 8 weeks at 30 hours per week. Extra MYEP staff would be required to administer the program. There has been positive feedback about this from worksite supervisors. It has been a goal of MYEP's to incorporate JTPA's suwnor program into our program. A propnsxl would also be submitted to the COIC to have them do the accounting. This would increase our budget significantly. Program Statistics The program statistics for 1984 were passed out. Peg reported that the State of Iowa reports working with 48% females compared to 43' for our program. Case Report Peg reported the results of working with one of her clients for the past 4 months. Database Software Program Purchase Recently a new computer was purchased for the office. It is compatible with IBM's. The cost of $150 for the database manager was built into the budget. Peg requested that the board agree to purchase the database mana- ger and file systems. It would be a great help in preparing the many re- ports necessary for our program. Ted Halm/Renato de Leon moved to approve the purchase. MSC VIII. Old Business Shared Facilities The city and county are meeting to make a decision on the future of the shared facilities issue. Because neither CCN or the council approved funding from CDBG, it is uncertain what will transpire. If it is decided in the meeting that the issue should be studied further, there will be a meeting of the 12 agency directors to discuss the next step. Peg will continue to keep the board informed of the progress. MYEP's lease will expire on 6/30/85 and will be renegotiated with Randy Tres at $265/month unless a shared facility is available. Hearing Report December 13, 1984 the funding hearing was held. It had been stressed that each group limit their presentation to 10 minutes. Peg presented the in- formation at thehearing herself because of this. She reported on the pro- gram's goals and objectives and the scope of MYEP. There were no questions. George Strait commented that after 3 years of MYEP students working at the Law- School they had positive feelings about our program. Modest increases in funding were requested, except for a 43% increase requested from the county. a Board of Directors Meeting December 19, 1984 Page 3 Old Business (continued) Goals and Objectives Review Committee Joan asked for 1 or 2 volunteers from the Board to serve on the review committee. Ted Halm and Denise Tiffany agreed to assist Joan. To facili- tate the group's review, Peg will write her own comments. The committee will meet before the next board meeting. Peg informed everyone that the WEP office will be closed between December 19 and January 7, 1985. Ted Halm/Mike Kennedy moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:55 P.M. MSC The next board meeting will be held on January 23, 1985 at 4:00 P.M. in the Iowa City Public Library: Joan ehle, Secre ary/Treasurer Teresa Ulin, Secretary MINUTES URBAN ENVIRONMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE DECEMBER 4, 1984 - 4:00 P.M. IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Amert, Baker, Lorenzen, Strait, Jordan, Jakobsen, McGuire, Koch MEMBERS ABSENT: VanderUoude, Brinton, Boutelle STAFF PRESENT: Milkman, Boyle, Stewart GUESTS: Nancy Seiberling, Del Holland (CEC), Todd Richmond CALL TO ORDER Strait called the meeting to order at 4:05 P.M. MINUTES Motion made by Jakobsen and seconded by McGuire to approve the minutes of November 20, 1984. No corrections were called for and the motion passed unanimously. DISCUSSION OF TECHNIQUES FOR PROTECTING ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE AREAS Milkman referred to her report "Techniques for Protecting Environmentally Sensitive Lands" which the Committee received in their packets. Milkman said Boyle would also have comments on the report from a legal standpoint. Milkman stated the staff is concerned about adversarial attitudes shown by some people who have come to some of the Committee's meetings. Milkman said she believes cooperation from the community and a feeling on the part of the community that this is important, are requirements for the success of the work of the Committee, and to that end, much more publicity will be needed. Milkman outlined actions which property owners/citizens may take, such as making gifts or donations, to protect environmentally sensitive areas they may own. Milkman referred to a booklet put out by the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation which details various ways to make gifts or donations of land. This book also goes into some of the tax ramifications of making a gift of land to the City. Strait asked how realistic it is to expect that property owners will make such gifts, easements and dedications; would a sizable number of people do this? I McGuire stated that the Riverfront Commission had not had much success with this approach. Jakobsen said she thinks with tax breaks for conservation easements and forest reservations, that it is a real possi- bility. Boyle and McGuire pointed out that with easements, the value of the land is lessened after a tax break, but that with reservations it is not. Strait suggested that it might be useful in the future to invite property owners of sensitive areas to a meeting of this Committee to discuss possible options. Strait said perhaps a subcommittee could follow up on this. 11S Minutes Urban Environment December 4, 1984 Page 2 Ad Hoc Committee Baker asked which of the methods in the first category Milkman's report mentions would be most attractive to property owners of small tracts. Milkman said probably "Conservation Easements" or "Other Reservations", where the property owner would retain control of the tract. Jakobsen said that if the tract is dedicated to the State, then it would be open to public use. Milkman said that under Category I, Item 4 of her report, if the tract is two acres or more, and there are 200 trees per acre, the owner may ask that the tract be designated a Permanent Forest Reservation. Boyle said further, however, that within City limits, such private tracts do not receive a tax exemption unless they are open to public use. If the tract is not open for public use, it is assessed at fair market value. The term "permanent" is also not an absolute, Boyle said. I Boyle said that the Zoning Code already restricts some uses of sensitive areas, such as the riverbank. Basically, it restricts development, the justification being that it is part of a floodway. Jakobsen said a real problem comes up when no development at all is allowed; she said that the restriction need not include the whole piece of land. For instance, for the riverbank the protected area includes 30 feet from the high water mark with a total of 100 feet included in the buffer where development is not encouraged. Baker asked how far the Committee can go in restricting development. Boyle said he had not researched the question of just what environmental controls can be initiated without overstepping the boundary and this will require additional fact-finding. Baker said there are going to be certain areas where the Committee is going to have to find a way to restrict development. Strait cautioned against restricting development in such a way as to allow property owners to claim damages. Jakobsen asked if Baker were against the City's buying these lands. Baker said he prefers to regulate rather than buy. Jakobsen said if the City wants to do this right, and avoid all kinds of problems, it will have to float a bond issue. Jakobsen said she was talking about open space in already developed areas. Baker said when he referred to prohibition of develop- ment, he was talking about very specialized areas such as steeply wooded ravines. Milkman said Boyle would have to find out what can legally be done so that strict performance standards can be set for development. A good measure is needed that can be applied across the board, Milkman said. If someone has land with a steep slope, he is not going to want to develop that slope because it is extremely expensive. Koch suggested encouraging a developer to build a cluster elsewhere on the land and let the slope be part of the lot. Koch referred to successful development on slopes in the River Heights area. Milkman said there is a possibility of having other types of reservations than forest reservations that might include ravines. Such reservations may include banks, gullies, prairies, wildlife habitats, etc., and may be less than two acres. This would involve a two step process to obtain the tax exemption, namely designation by the County followed by an application for tax exemption. The main thing to remember about incentives, Milkman said, is that they are voluntary options which may or may not be used by a developer. 41s Minutes Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee December 4, 1984 Page 3 Boyle described Transferrable Development Rights. This process may be used when a developer has a tract which includes a sensitive area that may have been given a high density zoning classification, such as forty units per acre. The City may allow a density of, for instance, five units per acre and transfer the difference between five and forty units per acre to another tract elsewhere in the City. This method is used in the eastern United States, but currently Iowa City does not employ this policy. One problem that may occur with this policy is that the developer may accept the lower density on the one tract, then come in with a proposal for the higher density on another tract which people also think should be kept at low density, Jakobsen said. Milkman continued the discussion with comments in regard to regulations do. The to the ordinances Committee'sare work, Milkman said,what aretoverlay zones,nost ertinent specifically those regarding river corridors and flood plains, and planned development housing. Milkman said she is bothered by the concept of a large number of overlay zones. Unless they are done so that every square inch of the City is surveyed, edMilkman said, we enssfcould problemsStaitaskediftherewereanyoe onCitystaf who do this or would there be a need to bring in outside surveyors? Currently there is no one an staff who could do this, Milkman said. It would be a big project and would need funds. Strait asked if this might be a recommendation in the Committee's final report. Milkman said she pre- ferred to see the City beef up existing regulations, particularly with an environmental review so that there would be an additional layer in the process, but not to add new overlay zones. Thus there would be a specific set of performance standards for environmentally sensitive areas rather than designated areas. Such standards might be set for things such as 500 square feet of mature urban woodland with a certain number of trees, or for a certain area of prairie or for a certain percentage of slope. Baker said he thought this would be more workable for large tracts that included open flat areas, so that as long as development did not touch the wooded areas, these standards would apply. Lorenzen said in addition to performance standards, it is necessary to consider future impact on surrounding lands. McGuire said the standards need to be written so as to trigger the bargaining process in transferrable rights. Koch said he thinks the Committee can come up with some rules, but they have to be triggered at the building permit level. Milkman reviewed Category IV of her report, referring to Education and Public Awareness. Milkman said that some private property owners are concerned about the purpose of the Committee's work, and wonder if they are going to be allowed to build a house on their lot. This is not what the Committee is about. Others have expressed a desire to help the Committee in its k are t of ing sensitive ar as.Some becausethey i individuals agroups that vor of the cmay ebe calledtupon to help publicize the concept and work of the Committee are Jinx Davisson, Boy and Girl Scouts, the Home Builders Association and other service clubs, such as Optimists and Rotary. Jakobsen suggested highlighting the efforts of such people as Dick Pattschull and Larry Lafore who own or buy 7 S Minutes Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee Oecember 4, 1984 Page 4 land on Ralston Creek in order to preserve it. Strait suggested using the government cable channel 29 to show videotaped tours of some of these areas, or roundtable discussions by business people of this issue. Amert asked if Council could dedicate funds for some of these activities. Further discussion ensued on who might be able to help with publicity. Project GREEN, Johnson County Heritage Association and Irving Webber were mentioned. Strait said he and Baker could approach the Mayor and City Manager to talk about a budget item in order to do some of these things. Homeowners in some of the sensitive areas may also be approached for private donations for publicity funds. Baker asked whether the Committee was taking a new direction in terms of regulation, concentrating on performance standards rather than overlay zones. McGuire said she thinks the Committee is now looking at future regulations. Amert said she does not feel that there has been sufficient discussion of the pros and cons of going with the overlay zones as opposed to regulation through performance standards. Baker asked how the question of downzoning might be handled under regulation. Strait suggested placing this question on the next agenda for further discussion. Baker said that current zoning should be examined to determine what is now appropriate and what is perhaps not appropriate before discussing regulation. Several other Committee members agreed with Baker as to careful consideration of the zoning of certain areas. Strait asked whether there was any new business to be 'addressed by the Committee. There being none, the meeting adjourned by general consensus at 5:10 p.m. /�S Iowa City Council/Legislators Meeting December 31, 1984 Iowa City Council/Legislators Meeting: Holiday Inn. Mayor John McDonald McDonald, Ambrisco, Dickson. Staff present: Melling, Karr. December 31, 1984, 1:30 a.m. at the presiding. Councilmembers present: State Legislators: Representative Jean Lloyd -Jones, Senator Art Small. Tape-recorded: Reel 84-C98, Side 2, 31 -End; Reel 85-C1, Side 2, 1-269. The City Council Legislative Committee, McDonald, Ambrisco, and Dickson, discussed issues of concern to Iowa City with area legislators Representative Jean Lloyd -Jones and Senator Art Small. Local Option Taxes: Small predicted that local option tax legislation will not be enacted this year. Lloyd -Jones stated that there is a better chance for passage of the legislation because of more pressure from municipalities. McDonald said local option tax would help municipalities solve some of the economic problems. Small stated that an option sales tax would need to be applied regionally and not just to one community and it may be difficult to get industry to locate in an area that imposes payroll taxes. Lloyd -Jones said a wheel tax was considered. Small said that a referendum would be attached to any local option tax legislation. Fair Play/Mandated Costs: McDonald said the Council is continually concerned about reimbursement for legislation that incurs costs to municipalities. McDonald urged legislators to consider the costs to municipalities when passing a legislation. Tax Abatement: Dickson said there is a need for increased local control and screening of industry applying for tax abatement incentives. McDonald said tax abatement eligibility criteria should be expanded to include certain commercial businesses that are currently ineligible. Small said that cities can presently set up a list of criteria for eligibility for tax abatement incentives and there has been interest to expand tax abatement to include commercial office developments. Mobile Homes/Manufactured Housing: Lloyd -Jones explained that the Iowa City Planning Department was asked to review the legislation before it was passed and they saw no problem with it. Melling said problems of wording ambiguities were found only after a copy of the past legislation was reviewed. Melling said the City could not restrict the placement of mobile homes the way the bill is currently written. Lloyd -Jones noted that there is a problem with the definition of mobile homes in the legislation. Small said the original intention of the legislation was 7 to insure that manufactured housing wasn't treated differently. Small said the City Council should make specific language recommendations for changing - the legislation. Veteran's Preference: Lloyd -Jones said she would like to use the point system. 'Small suggested establishing an adjustment period, giving a slight preference for a specific time after coming out of the service. Wastewater Treatment Requirements: McDonald stressed the dilemma of lost funding eligibility in having to meet the Water, Air, and Waste Management Commission's 1988 effluent standards. It was noted that Des Moines was given a higher priority and therefore utilized most of the funding. The adjustment of priorities was based on cuts of federal funding. Melling said Iowa City could receive preliminary funding in FY88 and FY89. McDonald explained that Council and staff are evaluating the wastewater treatment project and will make decisions this year. McDonald estimated the cost of the project to be $20-S30 million. Liquor/Beer Promotional Specials: Ambrisco explained that some local businesses felt that liquor/beer promo- tions encouraged excessive use of alcohol. McDonald asked how much control municipalities have since State controls liquor laws. McDonald said there is concern about off -premise sales and large keg parties. Lloyd -Jones said she is unaware of action on the State level pertaining to this issue. Ambrisco noted that it is part of a national trend to look at larger social issues and that Massachusetts and Ohio have legislation in this area. World Trade Center: Lloyd -Jones said she doubts if the World Trade Center concept would continue to be pursued if legislation isn't passed this year. Small said there would not be significant involvement of state money in the World Trade Center. In response to Helling, McDonald said Governor Branstad would not seek to tie World Trade Center funding with the lottery. Scope of Collective Bargaining: Lloyd -Jones said she is inclined to not broaden the scope of mandatory subjects for bargaining. Ambrisco stated there are already many restrictions placed on Council decision-making during closed meeting negotiations and there should not be a liberalization of the scope of mandatory bargaining subjects. Helling reported that former Mayor Neuhauser took a strong position urging the League to support that if the scope of bargaining is broadened that the right to strike should be considered rather than binding arbitration. Lloyd -Jones recommended that everyone read the book by Roger Fisher and William Ury, Getting to Yes. 4Ssti 3 Security for City Funds: Helling said a monumental amount of paperwork is required. McDonald said the League will be taking a strong position to reinstate the sinking fund. General Comments:' Lloyd -Jones said the legislature's top priority is to seek solutions to the State's economic problems, including promoting tourism and moving to Iowa. Ambrisco inquired about the State's reactions to the combined swimming pool facility proposal. Small noted that there has always been good cooperation between the University and Iowa City. Lloyd -Jones urged Councilmembers to attend the January 31st Iowa City night meeting. McDonald noted that the meeting was initiated by the Chamber of Commerce. Dickson noted the Iowa City Community Theater need for funding support. McDonald said Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines, and Iowa City want to introduce legislation for reimbursement from the State for tax exempt property within city limits. Small felt that cities would not get any reimbursement. McDonald reported that 50 percent of land within Iowa City limits is off the tax rolls. Dickson inquired about putting churches on tax rolls. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m. //SE.l