The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About1987-04-21 Bd Comm minutesCITIZENS' COMMITTEE ON CITY REVENUES APRIL 8, 1987 _I Committee Members resent: Peter Fisher, Richard Stevenson, Mary pone T-- ge In, Craig W> is, rnie ehman, Tom Goedkin, Clayton Ringgenber Singerman, Ann Rawland, David Leshtz, David Hughes Catherine Kurth, Jean Snow (7:15), g+ Jesse 9 Ann Bovbjerg, Committee Members absent: Mace Braverman. Ex-offio Members resent: J.C. Bd. of Supr. - Bob Burns; Coralville - Jim aucett or Mic ae attchee). Ex-offio Members absent: North Liberty; University Heights; Hills. Staff f o_ rem: Atkins, Karr, Vitosh, Melling, Kimble, Smith. Council present: Ambrisco. Taoe r_ ag: Reel CCCR-1, Side 1, 1 -End, Side 2, 1 -End; CCCR-2, Side 1, 1-286. CALLER Ambrisco called the meeting of the Citizens' Comnittee on City Revenue (CCCR) to order at 7:05 P.M. Ambrisco stated that members of the CCCR were appointed by Council from a pool of 35 candidates; City Manager Steve Atkins has been designated to staff the committee; and the CCCR meetings are subject to all regulations under the Iowa open meetings law. Atkins stated all CCCR members were present except Jean Snow and Mace Braverman and Jim Faucett was present to represent the Coralville City Council. Atkins stated he would act as temporary Chair of the meeting until a Chair and Vice -Chair were named. REVIEW CHARGE TO COMMITTEE BY CITY COUNCIL Atkins stated the charge to the Committee was approved by City Council as reads as follows: "To review the City's current revenue program, its history, trends, and determine the desirability of pursuing State permit- ted local tax options, sales tax, and/or vehicle tax as well as other fees and charges that can provide for the long tens financial support of the City's program of municipal service. It is the desire of City Council to have the committee recommend as soon as practical on issues associated with the local tax option. The Committee will then be asked to review the new fees and charges that were proposed in the FY88 budget as well as other suggested changes in fees and charges that the Committee feels appropriate." In response to C, Willis, Ambrisco stated the CCCR's first priority should be to make recommendations within 60 days regarding the use of local tax options. Atkins explained the local tax option cannot be voted upon at the same time as a regular City Council election and to call a special 5/a. Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 8, 1987 Page 2 election there must be 60 days from the date of adoption of a resolution by City Council. Volm asked if a local tax option could be on a school ballot. Atkins stated the local tax option has to be on a separate ballot and additional information regarding local option tax will be given to CCCR members in the future. Karr said the problem with putting a local tax option on a school ballot is that boundaries for the school board election are different. E. Lehman asked if all local tax options require voter approval. Atkins said the local sales tax and vehicle tax both require a voter referendum and there are certain fees and charges that are restricted by State law, as whether or not the City could implement. Ambrisco stated the second part of the Committee's charge is to exhaust all possibilities for other sources of revenues. Ambrisco informed CCCR members that the City is faced with difficult financial constraints. In response to A. Bovbjerg, Ambrisco said there are not any City services or considerations the Committee is not allowed to discuss. Atkins said the CCCR is to be a working Committee, not a public hearing for ideas. Ambrisco said the City Council is looking for citizens' input from the Committee. GENERAL DISCUSSION R. Stevenson requested information about the other members of the CCCR and suggested naming a Chair of the Committee at the next meeting. Atkins said he can distribute copies of everyone's application. City staff and members of the CCCR introduced themselves. C. Ringgenberg asked if the Committee is to operate under a special frame- work regarding the level of expenditures established by City Council. Atkins said staff is preparing a summary of the FY88 budget and a pro- jected FY89 budget; the City Council has a policy that taxes on the aver- age residential property will not increase more than 6% in any particular fiscal year plus any voted referendum expenditure; and with a 6% policy in place, it does not project any dramatic change in City services. 0. Leshtz asked how the 6% policy was established. Vitosh explained the policy was established when 6% was the average increase in inflation and that Council continued to use the 6% figure year after year. Ambrisco said the 6% was politically sellable to the public. Atkins said the 6% cap is very constraining. Ambrisco stated the City Council is restricted in their budget decision making by the salary negotiation process with AFSCME and other employee unions. Atkins said the City conducts the collective bargaining negotiations very forthright and in a positive spirit. A. Bovbjerg said the CCCR should not be feel constrained when considering all the revenue alternatives. Goedkin asked if Council would be receptive to Committee recommendations to eliminate certain City services. Ambrisco said Council wants to hear all recommendations from the Committee. Atkins asked CCCR members to study the City's revenue process and understand the revenue constraints to the City. In response to P. Fisher, Vitosh explained the 6% policy means there is a 6% average increase of tax dollars paid by the average residential prop- erty owner. E. Lehman noted other communities in Iowa are having finan- cial difficulties and Iowa City is fortunate to have a good economy. Lehman stated the Committee needs to be careful not to disturb the eco- nomic balance Iowa City is currently enjoying. Atkins said only Iowa City .5/Z- Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 8, 1987 Page 3 and Ames out of the top ten largest communities in Iowa have not reached the cap with respect to the general tax levy. Atkins said that he strongly recommends against raising taxes to the maximum limits as pro- vided by the State. D. Leshtz asked what the real dollar difference between general tax limit of $8.10/$1000 assessed valuation and the $7.143/$1000 of valuation which is now imposed. Atkins referred committee members to page 6 of the Report onCit Revenues and explained that for each 10i increase of tax equa s approx mate y 000. Vitosh explained for the FY88 budget Iowa City's general tax rate is 7.143 and the maximum limits as set by the State is 8.1; Iowa City's Trust & Agency tax rate equals .709 and does not have a maximum rate under State law, but there are restrictions regarding what the money can be used for; Trust & Agency tax monies are currently being used for Police and Fire Pension contri- butions and some employee benefits; and the Transit levy is .481 and has a maximum set levy of .54. Vitosh said the general levies do not include tort liabilities and debt service levies. Atkins said the City has ap- proximately $2 million in margin before reaching maximum levy limits. Vitosh said staff will prepare a more detailed chart demonstrating how the City gets from total assessed valuation to taxable valuation. D. Leshtz asked when a City can use an emergency levy. Vitosh said an emergency levy has to be approved by the State and is not a voter approved levy. Vitosh noted that the State has turned down emergency levy requests. Atkins noted that each State has a different set of laws that govern local governments and that Iowa is very restrictive. REVIEW REPORT ON CITY REVENUES Atkins reviewed and made additional comments regarding information in the Report on City Revenues. Page 1 - Sources of Revenues to General/Debt Service Fund. Atkins said this is a summary of the City's 1988 revenue program and water, sewer and refuse fees are not included. Page 2 - History of Revenues. R. Stevenson asked why there were certain years of decline. Atkins said decreases were due to bond issues, the amount of tax increases, etc. Terry Kimble said the transit system was taken out of the general fund and put into the enterprise fund in 1982. Atkins stated staff will prepare historical notes for each of the ten years regarding variability in revenues. Page 3 - History of Property Tax. Vitosh explained that the large per- centage of property tax is used in the general tax; it was recently al- lowed by the State Legislature to use the tort liability tax to set up a self-insurance fund; there is no maximum tax levy limits on the tort liability tax but its use is restricted; and the transit tax is restricted to support only transit operations, and is shown as part of the general revenues because State law defines it as a general tax levy. The funds must be received into the general fund and then are transferred into the transit fund. In response to A. Bovbjerg, Vitosh said the transit tax is used in Iowa City to fund the basic transit system, SEATS and a taxi service. In response to Volm, Vitosh explained an individual's property tax bill states what the levy amount is to the City and the County does have information sheets that break down each individual levy. Vitosh 5/•L _.I Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 8, 1987 Page 4 __T stated each governmental agency decides what they are going to levy in property taxes and the City and School District submit them through the County to the State for certification. Atkins informed Committee members that of an individual's total tax bill, 38% goes to the City, 43% goes to the School District, 17% to the County and 1% to the State. Vitosh said currently, police and fire pensions are charged against the Trust & Agency tax levy. Regarding the debt service tax, the City is restricted in that it can only issue up to 5% of the City's total assessed valuation in general obligation bonds, and there is on agricultural land a separate tax levy that is levied tion regarding the pension funds can the city limits. R. Stevenson requested informa- be invested in. Stevenson said the CCCR may want to consider lobbying the legislature for changes in invest- ment restrictions. Atkins noted the percent of contributions into public mandateehowpension pensionare fundsto set are State be investediitosh said Vitosh law does information regarding management of the City's police and fire pension tional funds will be prepared. In response to P. Fisher, Vitosh said an actuarial review is done on the yea rsswhensiinterestnd eratesewere The hightheontributionrain acrcsets the ateadeceasedt Vitosh said a separate police and fire pension board governs the pension funds. snow asked if there was any utility in lobbying the State for changes. Atkins said lobbying does help but changes take time. 0. Leshtz said the long range goal of lobbying for an income tax should be consid- ered and that goal is currently a priority of the State Association of Counties. Bovbjerg said the time to lobby is now, other community groups should be contacted, and people have to start educating legislators. Bovbjerg suggested the CCCR may want to subdivide to work on specific issues. Atkins said reports, memoranda and information will be distrib- uted to all persons on the CCCR. Page 4 - History of Property Tax Levies. In response to D. Leshtz, Vitosh City levied a said that during the seven years the City utilized the maximum levy, the fund and a portion tortion f the genc onunderthe GeneralyFund etofincrease rthe a ounttavaillable for the General Fund for general operations. Vitosh said the levy rate's fluctuation was due in part to the changes of the assessed valuation and rollback factors. Atkins said in the ten years, FY78-FY88, the share of the City's revenue package has increased from 50% to 63% of the property taxes, and over that ten year period property taxes have increased an average 10% per year. Snow asked how does the City decide how much taxpay- ers will bear and when does it act as a penalty. Atkins said input is received from business persons, average personal income - what percentage of income is used to pay property taxes - is studied, the value of prop - said it would ebe usefuland fforioeomnitt ements membe se tonreceive tablesFithat demonstrate comparisons between assessed valuation of property/the City's revenue program and inflation/City's expenditure program, with both being driven by different factors. Atkins said staff will prepare charts for the committee members. Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 8, 1987 Page 5 Page 5 - Debt Service Property Tax. Atkins said the number demonstrates that the cost of debt as a percentage of general tax has doubled in ten years. Atkins said the share of property tax devoted to retiring debt this fiscal year is 21.9% and in FY78 it was 15.6%. Stevenson asked what are the possibilities of refunding bond issues that were issued with high interest rates. Vitosh said high interest years occurred in 1982 and 1985 and the City waited to issue any bonds so that lower interest bonds could be obtained. Atkins said additional information regarding City bond issues can be prepared. P. Fisher requested staff to prepare a five-year projection on debt service. In response to Lehman, Atkins said Council has a policy that debt service charges payable from the general tax levy shall not exceed 25% of that levy in any one fiscal year. Vitosh ex- plained the 25% cap was established because the City did not want to issue debt in such a levy amount that a majority of the property tax would have to be used to pay off debt. In response to J. Singerman, Vitosh said the difference between what is coming from property tax and bond interest payments is that the City does issue several G.O. bonds 'for enterprise fund debt and revenue from enterprise funds are used to pay the debt service fund to pay off the debt. Vitosh stated general obligation bonds are bonds issued on full faith and credit of the city government. Vitosh said that there are two types of G.O. bonds: 1) essential corporate purpose bond and 2) general corporate purpose bond. Vitosh explained that the essential corporate purpose bonds which requires only the ap- proval of City Council is used mainly for projects for street improve- ments, bridge improvements, fire trucks, - those things that are defined by State law as essential items for operating municipal government. The general corporate purpose bonds require a voter referendum and are used for City buildings and facilities and parkland acquisition. In response to Snow, Vitosh said essential corporate purpose bonds would cover a sewage treatment plant but we sold revenue bonds for our plant. Vitosh said revenue bonds issued for the enterprise fund are paid from revenues of the individual enterprise fund. Page 6 - Tax Levy Limits - Taxable Property. A. Bovbjerg said taxable property should be reviewed, including the 33% of Iowa City's property which is non-taxable. Atkins said the University of Iowa does pay sewer bills and for fire protection. Vitosh said the school district pays water and sewer bills. It was suggested the City try to charge Iowa City Commu- nity School District, Veteran's Administration Hospital, etc. for fire protection. Page 7, 8, 9. Atkins said these items represent additional legislative constraints on the City's budget package. In response to J. Singerman, Atkins said boats are an example of personal property. Atkins stated the personal property assessment is subject annually to State appropriations, the State has a great deal of control over taxation through State ordered equalizations, and tax abatement for new, expanded industrial property - is a policy decision adopted by the City Council. Atkins explained the tax abatement program's intent is to encourage capital investment and job creation. Atkins noted Council adopts the tax abatement policy and busi- nesses apply directly to the Assessor for approval. Atkins stated that the legislative controls, excluding rollbacks, as outlined, cost Iowa City in lost revenues approximately $475,000 per year. Vitosh stated staff is preparing a handout about rollbacks. __T pr pa9eig 15 8, .198)Committee °n City Revenues statell - Cigarette ns Is re bacinsk eta the cthe C ty. money Ss returned to ecollect ing * Atkins feesa�ned fees are and thee12 strengthiiding Permits the state, the state Perfothe getthe ends min charged, °f the economy. Inspections, money homy' Goedkin asked Atkins page 13 - ns said figures indicate tremendous 7iousing per tate Leh a Summar the ednaledse en ch ry Sumbereofi rental noted the Y of the fees cavern ask thes assoc for h Atkins actu fee. said the City receives fatednithuthos sing �nspectionunits sia9 inspCitected, had a Y com inspections, a sufficient to �egeer14 Plaints r Vitosh s Councttgistrates Court, egarding theaid Chambers are ed Atkins armed �nsPectio� Page 15 _ used inf In iIowas approximateily ; In res two days a week bYCthe mag st the Citic Counties)(mandator iY )0% in p of the to E ate court. Olk Parki Vitosh Countygrfines that a Vtosh saidot ranPerson C tety nd °eir ingvolunteerThere is id Iowa Cit y Ines their bas gislatio Page 15 re set by state C011ectionwao� funpy cheldidisense if there a areother Parkin aid fines, Atkins with Johnson Page 1) g Fines O.T. No additio noted parking Costs ams ha ve Rbeana ex n Fees. Atkins na 1 comments, certain ieveise Programsed with the Polic t that in Pate in recr may denyPersonAtkins cautioned that fees pa Years, eation pro s with thaalst Y for Pro - Persons revenuVoimereferrcom ednedrathattfeereaso able Incoprices e Opportunity rate5dtoeca j three-monare included.to Page 17 198 s arenow be in i1' Snow s Particl- th 8 -tun vers are i ciludedsIn thetedthat Mercer ures Park skd of Mercer PooY will be sent toeCCCtY Fire Contr totals, Pool revenues for 7 R members.act, Atkins a I Page 19 - Libra r said add itionai Board and there as ervices, Atkins information Page 20 been significa stated the fees are acts Joh Count cant growth over the Set by the unincor that nwa Y Contracts, Past ten Library Vitosh PCrated City has Atkins Years said areas rte use Citythservices vernmentdforis Pertains to braryiro and revenues to u ed b government the contracts nlor Center Y the s sen response residents fn tion,utilize Specific eovb Percentagek°inactualseispecifiic fundsuch as the a9. expense for runningAtkins said the opera. Citizens' Committee on City Revenues April 8, 1987 Page 7 Page 21 - Administrative Expense Chargebacks. Atkins explained adminis- trative chargebacks are done internally, various funds are charged for tile spent administratively on those funds, and administrative expense port.chargebacks are done in all the enterprise funds except transit and air. In response to J. Snow, Atkins said real costs are used in the chargebacks. Page 22 - State Shared Revenues. Atkins said there are three major reve- nue programsrare inthat the receive jeopardyaid becauseneachid the Municipal Assistance con- sider discontinuing this program. P. Fisher inquiredeabout ltherliquor profits. Atkins explained liquor profits are distributed to cities ac- cording to population. Vitosh said the cities share on profits from whoelsale sales of liquor. M. Volm asked if the City could tax liquor sales. Atkins said no. In response to R. Stevenson, Atkins said the local option sales tax is just an extension of the state's retail tax. Page23 - Hotel/Motel Tax. Atkins reviewed revenue from the hotel/motel tax. In response to 0. Leshtz, Atkins explained that money does not go beyond the regular operating budget but rather it is used to fund the Convention Bureau, Parks and Recreation, and public safety. Vitosh said the division of funds was set by Council but state law provides that at least 50% of the funds need to be spent on facilities for recreation, convention and tourism. MEETING The next CCCR meeting will be held Tuesday, April 14, 1987, 7-9 p.m Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Wr _I 4�) MINUTES COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY NEEDS 14ARCH 17, 1987 - 3:30 P.M. IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER - ROOM B MEMBERS PRESENT: Becker, Hulse, Kubby, Leshtz, McCoy, Patrick, Rawland, Ruff, Snider MEMBERS ABSENT: Cooper, Kuhn GUESTS PRESENT: Julie McGlothlen STAFF PRESENT: Barnes, Milkman, Nugent, Rockwell, Mullen RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: CCN recommends that up to 20% of the Rental Rehabilitation Program vouchers be made available to single, non -elderly, non -handicapped persons. CALL TO ORDER AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Kubby called the meeting to order at 3:34 p.m. Becker moved to approve the minutes of the February 17, 1987 meeting. Rawland seconded. The motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC/MEMBER DISCUSSION: July McGlothlen introduced herself. She is a human services student and came to observe the meeting. Kubby congratulated Leshtz and Rawland on being appointed to the Citizen's Committee on City Revenues. Kubby said that a local person had expressed an interest in pursuing an idea which might increase the housing stock in Iowa City. In Philadelphia, the City paid back taxes on abandoned buildings downtown and let people occupy them if they agreed to bring the buildings up to the local housing code. Milkman said that the federal government had such a "Homesteading Program" which worked well in large cities. The consensus of the Committee was that the idea was worth pursuing if there were sufficient houses of this type in Iowa City. Kubby said that she would check with this person and report back. Kubby reported that she had contacted Congressman Nagle and Senators Grassley and Harkin encouraging their inaction concerning the Administration's CDBG funding rescission. She had received word from Grassley and Nagle that they had not intended to take action. RENTAL REHABILITATION PROGRAM TENANT ASSISTANCE POLICY: Milkman reported that the'Rental Rehabilitation Program had been discussed during the recent HUD monitoring visit. HUD requires tenant assistance for single tenants considered otherwise eligible. Therefore, vouchers should be made available to them. Milkman questioned the sense of this policy in a University town. She noted that all the vouchers could be used up very quickly if a building occupied primarily by students was rehabilitated. 573 -9 Committee on Community Needs March 17, 1987 Page 2 Student loans do not count as income. Patrick felt it would be good not to use up all the vouchers at the beginning of a fiscal year. Milkman suggested considering a percentage limit on vouchers for single persons. She did not know if HUD would agree to such a practice. Kubby said that she did not want to discriminate against single persons. Rawland said that some single people who live together would not consider living with anyone else and are in a very similar situation to a married couple in that respect. Nugent noted that many single tenants are not interested in receiving the vouchers, but said the City needs a policy for dealing with those who are. McCoy thought that a restriction on the percentage of vouchers available for single persons would be a good idea. He asked if there was any other way to make the re- quirements more restrictive. No one could think of any other way to restrict the availability of vouchers to single persons. MOTION: Patrick moved that the CCN recommend to Council that un to 2nz „a ..- rental reha , ,rar, pas Barnes reported that Melodee Humbert from the Omaha office of HUD visited Iowa City to monitor the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program. A total of $213,457 was encumbered in 1986. The figure amounts to $284,539 when private investment is included. Milkman noted that the evaluation went smoothly and Barnes was commended by Humbert for her excellent handling of the rehab program. However, she noted that the program has expanded and suggested that the City look for ways to assist Pam in administering the program. OUARTERLY REPORTS - 1986 PROJECTS: Terrell_ Miles _ Leshtz reported that only a minimal amount of landscaping remains to be done. Shared Housing Program - Patrick reported that this program has been very successful in'its first two years of operation. It has provided the elderly with a housing alternative. A total of 8,528 volunteer hours have been given to the program. In 1985 there were 26 matches made and in 1986 another 28 matches were made. Of these, 39 matches are still intact. The program attracts a large percentage of frail elderly persons. A recent attempt to match elderly to elderly has failed to produce any successful matches to date. Residential Accessibility Program _ Rockwell reported that the 1986 monies nag been spent. Recently two projects were completed, allowing access to front and rear entrances. The program has begun to involve cooperative efforts with Elderly Services. For example, Elderly Services will do the bidding on projects for frail clients who are not able to handle bidding procedures on their own. Emergency Housing Prol`pair _ Rockwell reported that $1200 of the origi- nal ;10,000 remains unexpended. ENP was waiting until nicer weather to use the money for landscaping. However, a carbon monoxide leak in the furnace 3/3 Committee on Community Needs March 17, 1987 Page 3 has been discovered and they have asked to use some of the money for that. Such an expenditure was deemed appropriate, and plans aro the furnace. HUDHous in Rehabilitation Pro ram - In addition to the report earlier about pro s tool oring vise , Mi cman reported that $284,539 had been spent on 32 projects. Twelve of those projects were rental rehabilitation projects consisting of approximately 30 units. Eight projects are in progress at various stages. Some projects are weather -dependent. QUARTERLY REPORTS - 1987 PROJECTS: Youth Homes Acuisition - McCoy reported that Youth Homes had looked at three sites dn. Flau being processed. e a purchase offer on one site. Paperwork is currently justment They will need a special exception from the Board of Ad - preference ofor ccYoutht Homes to�nacquire and t rehab ethe tcurrent �facility trather than moving to a different site. Youth Homes has been seeking other funding and has received E5, 000 from the Gannett Corporation. The funding strategy With the City is being worked out and is expected to be part grant and part no -interest loan. Benton Creek Draina a Project - McCoy reported that the entire project will Systems y oneytil fornext the Bentonear xStreet/Rivers Rit for the verside intersectn. The ionAwillonotbbe released until FY88. Plaza Mini -Park - Kubby deferred her report until the weather improves and MW_c—anffaa an on-site evaluation. Rawland moved to adjourn. The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Christine Mullen. 5/3 MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION �►U�U �oO WE p WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1987 - 7;30 P M SENIOR CENTER CLASSROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Horowitz, Kern, Sierk, VanderWoude, Wagner MEMBERS ABSENT: Champion, Nowysz STAFF PRESENT: Franklin, Lazenby, Beagle GUESTS PRESENT: Tom Scott, Bob Saunders, Beth Collison, Carol Chase, Pat Eckhardt Call to Vice Chairperson Wagner called the meetin 8 to order at 7;40 p A roval of Minutes of February11 1987; m Wagner noted that the spelling of the name of the new editor of was Swaim. Sierk moved and VanderWoude seconded a amended; the motion carried 4-0. the Palim Best pproval of the m nu es as PublicPublic-cusp; Carol Cnd hase indicated her desire to establish a bed and breakfast inn in Iowa locCityations as ed if the Commission members had an Sierk questioned Chase if she would a ideas regarding potential Personally be involved in the Inn; Chase responded Sierk noted that she was very familiar with the concept inns through her affiliation with PEO. interest in She indicated that jocaijd breakfast had discussed bed sand bestablishments. Wagner noted that the y there was locations. No suggestions were maderegardingFurther public discussion deferred regarding the North Side Historic District was on the agenda to 8;00 P.M. Review of Rehabilitation Pro'ects; Coffelt Pace: Franklin Place indreporticateded that the addendum d endm to Commission could recommend forwarding the site inventory form for Coffelt without comment, rwardin railing to the porch. She stated that the Sierk seconded the VanmotderWoude moved t the application to the state The motiontwasncarried unadorse the nimously. office Public Discussion (resumed); submitted and Wagner suggested that some criteria be established to send a letter to owners in the historic district providing information on tion accompanied by a questionnaire asking home - in a historic district. 9 the owners theirviewson el{�j�g S/0 Historic Preservation Commission March 11, 1987 Page 2 Franklin noted that the proposed boundary changes have been referred back to the Commission by the Council. Since the boundary change is not a substantiative change, a public hearing is not required. She suggested the Commission may wish to hold a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission. Tom Scott, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, supported the idea of a joint informational meeting with the Historic Preservation and Planning and Zoning Commissions. Franklin stated that some concern had been expressed to her regarding the representation of the postcard as a type of direct vote in favor of or against the historic district. She pointed out that the brochure will be prepared by the staff and will be strictly factual and objective. She stated it would take at least a week to produce the postcard and the brochures. Scott suggested that the two commissions and chairs set a time after the drafts are completed for chairs and vice -chairs to review the final product. Franklin suggested the material be mailed during the first week in April. Scott added that a recommendation on the boundary change could be forwarded to the City Council by the second Planning and Zoning Commission meeting in April if the two commissions had a joint meeting. Wagner questioned whether another public hearing would be necessary. Franklin replied that the proposed changes would be submitted to the State Office of Historic Preservation for review and following that a public hearing before the City Council would be necessary. Franklin suggested that an informal meeting of the two Commissions be scheduled for the second week of April after the mailing during the first week. Sierk questioned whether the process could be completed by the first half of April. Franklin replied that it was more likely the City Council wouldn't be able to set a public hearing date until their May 5th meeting allowing time for the Council to hear from the state office. Bob Saunders questioned what the procedure for mailing would be, noting that the current list of homeowners for the area does contain errors and requires updating. Beagle stated he would acquire more current information from the City Assessor's Office and would start the list from scratch. Scott suggested that the Historic Preservation Commission submit a motion for a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Commission on April 8 and 16 and requested the opportunity for the chairs and vice -chairs of the Commissions to review the postcard and information brochure. Kern moved and Horowitz seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. Wagner questioned what the brochure would address. Franklin replied that the brochure will attempt to answer frequent questions asked about district designation and clear up misinformation. She pointed out that it should not be so technical or complicated that the reader would be overwhelmed. She noted that a staff intern is in the process of setting up procedures and local guidelines for Commission review of building projects. 5/V- Historic Preservation Commission March 11, 1987 Page 3 Proposed Revisions to the Secretary of Inte_r_ior's Rehabilitation Guidelines: Franklin stated that the Commission is requested to inform the state office of their opinion concerning the revised guidelines and how they affect the Commission locally. Horowitz suggested that standard number two relating to the use of a building for its historic purpose be reviewed. Franklin noted that as stated only the original use of a building is appropriate for the current use of the struc- ture. Horowitz questioned whether that could be locally interpreted in a broader meaning. Franklin suggested that the Commission state their concern about such a standard. Beth Collison noted that such a standard is mainly aimed at houses. Kern suggested that the first word "every" could be stricken. Collison noted that the standard should allow for creative re -adaption for a contemporary use. Horowitz noted the difficult wording of the standards. Franklin stated that simple wording and clarity in meaning be stressed for local guidelines. Horowitz moved that the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilita- tion are too wordy and open to multiple interpretations. She suggested the Commission express their thoughts as a recommendation to the State. VanderWoude noted that the standards are not tolerant enough to adaptive reuse. The motion was seconded by Sierk and was carried unanimously. Historic District Signs: Franklin displayed the four new designs completed by Pat Westercamp for historic district signs. She reported the cost of each; the present city sign is $10.89, design 91 is $10.02, design W2 is $13.13, design /3 is $9.82, and design R4 is $11.17. Franklin stated that the City's Traffic Engineer recom- mended the signs be brown and white as indicated in the manual for such designations. Sierk commented that a nice selection was provided. Horowitz questioned how many signs would be required. Franklin replied that there are 24 blocks in the proposed North Side district and the Commission should decide where they want to place them within the neighborhoods. VanderWoude noted the purpose of the signs is to inform not announce and they should not clutter the neighborhoods. Sierk stated the signs could be placed on existing poles. Wagner questioned whether the Traffic Engineer would allow the signs on existing stop signs. Franklin replied that it is allowed. She questioned the Commission for a consensus on a design. The Commission chose design #2 pending removal of the dots in the design. Preservation Week Planning: Wagner questioned what the National Trust's theme was. Beagle replied that the theme is Landmarks of Democracy. Sierk questioned how the posters would be distributed. Beagle stated that the Commission has a number of options to choose how they want to distribute them. Sierk suggested the Commission speak with Polly Brotherton about distributing the posters to the schools, includ- ing a letter from Nowysz offering the availability of the Commission members to come and speak to the classes on historic preservation. Franklin ques- 5/0(- Historic Preservation Commission March 11, 1987 Page 4 tioned how many schools that would incorporate. Sierk replied there are twenty-one and that it would be a great opportunity to introduce historic preservation in the schools. Horowitz indicated that she would speak with Brotherton regarding a program in the schools. If a program did not seem feasible, at least the posters could be ordered and distributed. Sierk stated that she had tried to contact J.C. Hickman of the Press -Citizen before he left but had been unsuccessful. The luncheon at Old Brick was discussed. Wagner indicated she would speak with Nowysz regarding plans for the luncheon. Eckhardt consented to inquire about speakers. Certified Local Government: Franklin reported she had discussed the Commission's suggestions with the state office. She stated that a long term, big project, such as the facade renovation, was more favorable than producing a brochure. She also stated that funds could not be used for the type of renovation Plum Grove required. She stated she had proposed a two phase project for a facade renovation program which would be sent to the state office that week. The first phase would consist of a survey of the blocks from Clinton to Linn to Washington to Iowa. The second phase would involve hiring an architect to advise proper treatment of the facades and compose a guide for general downtown use. Franklin indicated that one of the determining factors in choosing this project to pursue was the fact that Robert Alexander, architectural historian from the University, had consented to contribute some of his time to provide a large share of the required local match for funds. Wagner agreed it would be a good project with great visibility. Local Property Tax Incentive for Rehabilitation: Wagner noted the Commission could pursue something similar to the Illinois legislation. She noted that the Commission could only lobby in the name of the city with the City Council's approval. She suggested the Commission design legislation with the help of the staff and take it before the City Council. Commissioner's Reports: Franklin reported that private citizens can repair brick sidewalks, and replace concrete with brick provided a concrete base is in place, but the City is not responsible for replacing brick sidewalk. VanderWoude added that the City does not view them as nonconforming. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 by acclamation. Minutes submitted by Mary Lazenby. S/j MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES REGULAR MEETING MARCH 26, 1987 - 4:00 P.M. ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT: Cavitt, Drum, Gelman, Summy, Willis MEMBERS ABSENT: Buchanan, Cox, Grimes, Lyman STAFF PRESENT: Eggers, Jehle, Craig, Spaziani, Penick CALL TO ORDER: President Drum called the meeting to order at 4:09 p.m. MINUTES: The minutes of the February 26, 1987, regular meeting were approved. Willis/Cavitt. FINANCIAL REPORTS: Disbursements for February, 1987, were approved as presented. Willis/Cavitt. DIRECTOR'S REPORT: 1. With new hours in effect for three weeks, most of the operational wrinkles have been worked out. About 25 permanent and ten hourly staff are working each Friday. Friday business seems to be moving to Monday rather than Saturday or Sunday. Circulation on Monday is up thirty percent over a year ago for these past three weeks. 2. The City will announce the three Library Board openings on April 7 and make appointments on May 19. The terms all begin July 1. The Library will announce these openings through its regular publicity channels. 3. The contractor for the roof has proposed that preventative maintenance work be done to correct the shifting and shrinking of the plastic membrane on most areas of the roof. The proposal will be reviewed with the architect and others before reporting back to the Board for action. .The ten year warranty on the roof expires in September, 1990. The estimate for the work is $11,000 to $14,000. 4. The proposed staff reduction and possible closing of the State His- torical Society would have a major impact an the Library. Because of the presence of the State Historical Society in Iowa City, ICPL has never acquired geneology materials the way most public libraries must do. In addition, many important local history documents had been placed in that library instead of at ICPL because of the staff skills in archiving and preserving materials. ✓ /sb i MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1987 PAGE 2 5. The staff is preparing the final list of terminals and other equipment that will be purchased as part of the funds allocated for start-up cost for the computer upgrade. Because the staff felt it was too early to make some of the decisions last March and April, the balance of the FY86 money was used to prepay the balance of the FY87 software licensing fee so that the funds ($18,000) would be available this spring. Some funds may have to be used for replacement parts for the 3M Security System. At least one gate and two book check units need replacing. ISSUE LIST FOR CITY MANAGER: Eggers presented a draft of some major issues facing the Library in the next five to ten years. This brief list was requested by the City Manager to use as needed with the Citizens' Committee on City Revenues. The draft was approved with a revision that eliminated the preface concerning the need for 2.5 positions and moved that topic to the number one item on the list. Willis/Cavitt. LIBRARY SUPPORT GROUPS: The Director spent some time reviewing the current issues and problems facing the FRIENDS and Foundation. The staff time and energy needed to support these organizations continues to increaseAccording to the Director, each unit has strengths which could be utilized and weaknesses which be Therecent d expansion s of the therewas to l over 800 oser coordination members wild is add rto i the current pressure. She recommended that a Board committee explore the issues with representatives of each organization with the goal of develop- ing a joint operating agreement by next spring. Drum appointed Cavitt, Gelman and Drum to a committee to explore the recommendation. The Commit- tee will make a report to the Board later this year. PRESIDENT'S REPORT: I. The volunteer dinner was an outstanding event. 2. Response so far to the Library hours change has been mild. Members of the Board should view the John Berry videotape on WHAT IS A PUBLIC GOOD? Berry is editor of LIBRARY JOURNAL and gave this talk at the 1985 ALA conference and at the April, 1986, Iowa Public Library Trustee Association Workshop on Library Leadership. 3. There are several key appointments to be made soon, especially to the Planning Committee and the Foundation Board. Trustees should be con- sidering what they wish to do. 4. Should the Board send basic information about required qualities and skills needed for good Library Board trustees to the City Council before the appointments are made in May? U MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1987 PAGE 3 _.I 5. The Library Board should reconsider establishing a method for annual evaluation of each member's performance as a trust ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM MEMBERS: ee. 1. Sunmy asked what happens to Sunday staff hours in the summer when the staff on Library is closed. Eggers explained that all time worked by regular compensatory ntime Offis . There are specialsfunds inaret the her buaid or dget for the 30-32 Sundays the Library is open each year. given 2. Sunny reported that he.is getting lots of comments about the closing and that people are asking if the Library will start buying only non-fiction videotapes now that hours have been reduced. Drum re- sponded that buying different formats will not correct staff short- ages. It takes the same amount of time to select, order, process and taken oto preserve services and theor a video moneycassette. The hou for the collection.rs cut was 3. Sumn y asked for a clarification on the Board by-laws provisions on non-resident Board members and on dropping a trustee for failure to attend meetings. After considerable discussion it was decided to put two items on the agenda for the next meeting: dation to the City Council requesting an amendment etop the eLibrary Ordinance heiby lawsotoeclarifyrthee provision on the he nonresident member. It was decided that the by-laws language on absences should not be I changed until after the ordinance has been revised. FRIENDS: j New memberships added since February are now close to 450. were mailed a ballot in order to help select how the FRIEND members to the Library will be spent in FY88. S $ ft FOUNDATION: Reservations are pouring in for the April 25 concert. Only the first 300 NationalnEndowment forse of litheeHumanitiesAcheck ChallengerGrantf($42 third of the re- ceived this week. The Foundation has certified enough matching�funds was o receive the second $42,000 as soon as it is ready in the next federal fiscal year starting October 1, 1987. COMMUNICATIONS: The February 25 letter from J. Arline -Beck was reviewed. Board members felt the Director's response was adequate. MINUTES IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MARCH 26, 1987 PAGE 4 CHARGE AND STRUCTURE FOR THE PLANNING COMMITTEE: The minutes from the March 5 and March 12 Planning to Plan Committee were reviewed. As Chair of the Planning to Plan Committee, Eggers explained that there are three areas of assignment for the Planning Committee: recomnend service priorities, explore the need for expansion of the Li- brary and/or for a branch, and review issues relating to public informa- tion and private support. It was moved by Sumny, seconded by Willis, that the proposed Charge to the Planning Committee be approved as presented. It was noted that Sumny was the only Board trustee present that was not a member of the Planning to Plan Committee. The proposed structure for the Planning Committee calls for 10 to 11 mem- bers consisting of two Board members, one Foundation Board member, one FRIENDS Board member, four public representatives and three staff. There would be informal recruitment of the public representatives between now and June 15. The Board will approve the selections at the June Board meeting. This proposal was also approved. NON-RESIDENT FEES FOR FY88: After a brief review of the non-resident fee rates, it was moved by Sunny and seconded by Willis that the fees remain the same for FY88. Although fees were raised from 7% to 12% for FY87, income from fee cards was up only 5% through February. Eggers suggested that perhaps more could be done to market the cards in the surrounding areas through city councils and school systems. The motion to retain FY87 rates was adopted. Unani- mous. APPOINTMENTS TO ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE: The Board approved the appointment of Emily Martin and the reappointment of Colleen Ernst to the Art Advisory Committee. Cavitt/Willis. FY88 FUNDS FOR PURCHASING LOCAL ART FOR ART -TO -GO COLLECTION: The Board approved the recommendation of the Art Advisory Committee to allocate $625 for purchasing local art for the Art -to -Go collection. This amount consists of $500 in new money and the $125 not spent in FY87. Cavitt/Willis. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. 51Y __7 d�r(0 MINUTES IOWA CITY AIRPORT COMMISSION MARCH 19, 1987 MEMBERS PRESENT: Tiffany, Lewis, Ashby, Foster, Blum, STAFF PRESENT: Zehr, Brown, Wright GUESTS PRESENT: Mr. Masilela, E. Moses, C. Jones, C. Barker Tiffany called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Attendance and guests were noted. The minutes of the February 19 and February 24, 1987, meet- ings were adopted as presented. Zehr distributed copies of the itemized bills for the month. The bills were approved for payment as presented. An authorization to pay $40 for Ashby to attend the Iowa Airport Conference on April 21 in Fort Dodge was requested and approved. Blum and Zehr will present part of the program at that conference and will not be required to pay a registration fee. Chair- man Tiffany announced that he will resign from the Commission effective May 1, 1987, he called for nominations to elect a new chairman. Harry Lewis was nominated by Ashby, seconded by Foster and elected unanimously. Lewis then called for nominations to elect a new secretary. Ashby was nominated by Blum, seconded by Foster and elected unanimously. COMPLIANCE PROJECT REPORT Zehr explained that offers of $1,000 each for avigation easements have been delivered to the affected parties and no counter proposals have been received as yet. Ery Moses then summarized the time tables for the com- pletion of the runway project. Earth work will be completed as soon as weather permits and concrete work will begin in the near future. He is looking toward June 15 as a completion date for the runway and has ap- prised the FAA of this schedule. Zehr reported the FAA has approved the proposed procedure for the relocation of the threshold on Runway 17. RESOLUTION -LEASE WITH DYKSTRA NURSERIES Zehr presented a resolution to authorize approval of a one year lease to continue renting one half acre of airport land to Dykstra Nurseries, doing business as Iowa City Landscaping, for a monthly fee of $125. It was moved by Foster and seconded by Ashby to adopt resolution and roll call resulted in unanimous approval. IOWA CITY FLYING SERVICE RENTAL RATES Lewis requested a report from Iowa City Flying Service and Mr. Barker responded for Mr. Jones. Barker stated that some of the information which was supplied regarding airport expenses was inaccurate and that a counter proposal could not be supplied until the expense information was complete and accurate. Blum asked for a few examples of the problems and Barker responded with several which he contended should be amortized rather than annual expenses. Blum responded that Zehr had been asked to prepare a list of expenses as they occurred and the Airport, being a government body, does not have the luxury of delaying payment of maintenance expenses over 54 Airport Commission March 19, 1987 Page 2 a period of years. The proposed increase in rental rates is an attempt to correct the fiscal imbalance which has steadily increased over the years. Ashby suggested a special meeting of the involved parties should be sched- uled to iron out the differences. Barker and Jones agreed to that. It was moved, seconded and approved to extend the deadline for renewal of the 16, 1987, with t lease until April he stipulation that the agreement fi- nally reached would be retroactive to January 1, 1987. Barker verbally agreed to that stipulation. It was also agreed to delay the next meeting until April 16. AIRPORT ENTRANCE SIGN Zehr speaking for the Development Committee presented several ideas for improving the sign at the airport entrance and cost a timatesinstead that ones protested expenditures for that purpose and suggested highway commission and City the street department be asked to post more around thatmoredirection rosignsb would lic awareness helpfulthe Blum lans to upgradeethehaairport'smimage to one ethat ngistmore eu ban Nogactaction requested at this time. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT There was no chairman's report. PUBLIC AND COMMISSION MEMBERS INFORMATION AND INPUT Jones inquired and received clarification that runways 17/35 will be the primary runway while 6/24 is closed for completion of the expansion pro- ject. piling report s in placemandiwhat wouldibeineeded n the ptocestablish ess of mweather areporting faththeiIowa City Airport. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM. 5/L AJC CORRECTED MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 10, 1987 IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM A MEMBERS PRESENT: Watts, Streb, Dawson, Crosby, Newton, Hulse, Moore MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Seydel, Stroud, Milkman, Barnes, Boothroy ALSO PRESENT: David Leshtz, Margaret Nowysz MEETING TO ORDER There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. by chairperson Watts. MINUTES Motion to approve minutes of January 13, 1987, meeting was made by Dawson, seconded by Crosby, carried 6-0. NEW HOUSING COMMISSION MEMBER Chairperson Watts introduced Al Hulse as new member to the Housing Commis- sion, replacing James Barfuss, for a term ending May 1, 1988. APPOINT NEW MEMBER TO CCN Al Hulse accepted appointment to CCN. HOUSING/RENTAL REHABILITATION - Barnes 820 Hudson - Owner -occupied single-family seven-year forgivable loan. Barnes presented pictures and an appraisal. Loan request of $17,500.00 was approved on a motion by Newton, seconded by Moore, carried 7-0. 614 North Johnson - Rental Rehabilitation (Maximum loan amount of $5,000.00 an owner er -must at least one-half of the funds.) Mar property. N She s'tatednthis for propertyer ois this locatd inproperty, nortwas h end,1tantareadiscuss that is currently before the Council to be approved as a Historic District. This property is one of only four sandstone houses in Iowa City and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, but there are no other funds available for the restoration. Purchaser wants to renovate and rent as a two-bedroom single family dwelling. Owner plans to contribute at least $15,000.00 towards rehabilitation. Pam Barnes distributed pictures and an appraisal rehabilitation. avalue for the Rental Rehabilitationntprograof mp is approximately $35,000.00 homes ftof historic value and its stock. The two-bedroom eaffordable fwilla have 7241squarelfeetiof living space. It is located on a 4400 square foot lot. Windows and a base- ment door, which are currently covered and filled in, will be restored to the 517 _y Housing Commission February 10, 1987 Page 2 original and the structure will meet housing code. Commission members and staff discussion included the feeling by several that the property was not worth the rehabilitation in the first place due to the bad condition of the property and that it was a waste of Federal monies. It was also stated that the Rental Rehabilitation dollars could be better spent, and if no suitable applications were made, the unspent dollars should be returned to be reissued to other cities for rehabilitation. Concern was also expresses about the stability of the structure. Seydel stated he had submitted a memo to Marianne Milkman and Doug Boothroy recommending that the Commission not approve the loan request and the building be condemned as an eyesore, nui- sance, dangerous building. This recommendation was made based on his per- sonal observation of the structure. He stated he went by the alley side of the property and stuck a stick all the way through the wall at the top of the window. Other members felt that the dollars estimated for repairs could be substantially more and were concerned that the owner would back out. Milkman stated that at loan settlement the owner signed an agreement to complete the rehabilitation; if this was not done the City would get its money back. Barnes stated that the City would have first lien against the property and there was no way the City could lose money, because the lot itself is esti- mated to be worth $11,000.00 and is 4400 square feet, and 4000 square feet is all that is required to build a single family dwelling in that zone. Motion to deny was made by Moore, seconded by Streb and carried 4-3 with Streb, Crosby, Moore, Hulse voting for denial and Watts, Newton, Dawson voting against denial. 1015 Muscatine Avenue - Amended Rental Rehabilitation (duplex - owner lives in a(Original oan of $3600.00 was approved by Commission at 11-12-85 Commission meeting). Barnes stated that approval for this Amended Rental Rehabilitation Loan (ten year deferred payment loan) needs to be contingent on clearance from City's Legal Department regarding a conflict of interest, because the owner of the property is a City employee. Seydel stated that Assisted Housing could not offer Rental Assistance (Voucher) to a tenant in this unit, because a Housing Assistance Payment Contract cannot be entered into with a City employee who is a landlord. This decision was recently upheld by current Legal Department when a part-time City library employee was a prospective landlord. This is based on a 1977 City Manager memo. Milkman stated that when the original application for this unit was offered to the Commission for approval, the Legal Department at that time felt there was no conflict of interest for a City employee to get the loan. Seydel stated that a Voucher is tied to the Rental Rehabilitation program because for each $5,000.00 received for Rental Rehabilitation, a Voucher is received and that Voucher is issued to an eligi- ble family for that unit. Milkman restated overall philosophy of Rental Rehabilitation program: to maintain and improve rental housing for affordable rents. Motion to approve Amended Rental Rehabilitation Loan contingent on the Legal Department determining there is no conflict of inter- est, was made by Newton, seconded by Dawson, carried 6-1 with Streb opposed. REVISED STATEMENT OF POLICIES DISCUSSION - Seydel Seydel stated that some of the changes were dictated by HUD directive and that this Revised Statement of Policies must also be approved by City Council and HUn after Housing Commission approval. All changes have been highlighted 517 Housing Commission February 10, 1987 Page 3 in bold print. Some of the changes made include new definitions and some clarifications of definitions. New Voucher procedures, terminology, and definitions have been added. The following statement has been added and is a requirement of HUD: "Nothing in these procedures precludes anyone from exercising other rights if it is believe they are being discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, creed, religion, national origin, age, handicap/disability or source of income." (Newton left meeting.) Some of the specific changes in the policy revisions were discussed. One of those was determining single person eligibility. Seydel wanted the policy changed to requiring persons to obtain verification of their handicap/disa- bility through the Social Security Administration as opposed to just using a doctor's statement of handicap/disability, which is the current procedure. David Leshtz, Social Worker II, Mental Health/Mental Retardation Unit, De- partment of Human Services, stated requiring this procedure could take up to 18 months to determine and then take an additional 9-12 months once the person's name is placed on the waiting list for rental assistance before their name comes to the top of the list. There was considerable discussion about other methods of verifying handicap/disability. Motion to leave policy as it currently is, using a doctor's statement to determine handicap/disabil- ity eligibility, was made by Moore, seconded by Hulse, carried 5-1, Streb opposed. Discussion of the bedroom size certificates single parents are assigned: Single parents with one child of the same sex, any age, are assigned to the one -bedroom waiting list. David Leshtz felt this would clog the one -bedroom waiting list and felt they should be assigned to the two-bedroom waiting list. But Seydel stated this is not a change, this is the procedure that has always been followed. The Policies booklet just clarifies the policy. Motion was made to leave the policy as is in the Revised Statement of Poli- cies booklet by Moore, seconded by Streb, carried 6-0. Also discussed was definition of family (Part VI, section e.). Seydel stated the fifth criteria has been proposed. The first four came directly from Federal Regulations. The fifth criteria refers to single, non-elderly/handi- capped persons living in a unit that is being rehabilitated under the Rental Rehabilitation Program, and Seydel stated that he is opposed to having this an eligibility criteria. Milkman stated this is directly linked to the Rental Rehabilitation Tenant Assistance Policy: If the rent for the Rehabed unit goes up after rehabilitation and tenant is paying more than 30% of their income for rent, the tenant must get a Voucher or be paid relocation expenses, if they were living in the unit before rehabilitation. Seydel stated there is no way that we can have enough Vouchers to issue to all those people who would fall into that category and that in the future Rental Rehab vouchers will be separate from Rental Assistance (Vouchers not tied to Rental Rehab units). Since no relocation funds are available through Rental Reha- bilitation or the City, the Commission felt the landlord should be responsi- ble for the relocation expenses and criteria A5 should not be added to the Policy. Motion was made by'Moore to approve the Revised Statement of Policies excluding previous changes mentioned, seconded by Streb, carried 6-0. ,5/7 Housing Commission February 10, 1987 Page 4 REVIEW OF CHANGES IN HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM - Milkman Milkman stated purpose is to consolidate five different manuals into one and streamline the process and make terms and conditions consistent as far as possible. She referred to the chart showing current and proposed program conditions. Proposed changes include changing loan terms to owners for the purpose of getting some of the money back to be able to keep the program going, in view of reduced Federal allocations. Also changed are the low-interest loan terms for lower income families so they may be able to afford the rehabilitation. A new rehabilitation program is recommended for very low income families for emergency repair of major items. A change in the procedure for approving weatherization projects is proposed: Recommenda- tion that weatherization projects be approved by CDBG staff, as are other rehab projects $5,000.00 or less. In addition, some minimum loan amounts have been set, so as to make time spent on processing cost effective. Motion to approve the changes was made by Moore, seconded by Hulse, carried 6-0. REVIEW OF CHANGES IN RENTAL REHABILITATION TENANT ASSISTANCE POLICY - Milkman This policy is established to conform to HUD requirements and put in writing established policies not previously approved in written form and to outline assistance to be provided to tenants displaced as a result of rehabilitation. Second paragraph to 5.c.(2a) was removed due to direct conflict with Revised Statement of Policies for Housing Assistance, which does not make single, non -elderly tenants eligible for Voucher or Certificate. Motion to approve Tenant Assistance Policy excluding second paragraph to 5.c.(2a) was made by Moore, seconded by Streb, carried 6-0. COORDINATOR'S REPORT - Seydel Section 8 Update - for February, 1987: Payments made for 11 Vouchers - $2,197.00; 472 Certificates - $98,255.25. Public Housing January rent - $10,428. Five move -outs, 3 move -ins, and 2 vacancies. Thirty-one (31) applications submitted for approval. HANDOUTS The following were distributed to Housing Commission members: Shared Housing Program 1986 Annual Report, Housing Repair for Low/Moderate Income Frail Elderly Project for 1986 - Final Report, Municipal Directory 1987, Letter to Steven Atkins from David Leshtz (2-9-87). Next meting: 3-10-87 Meeting adjourned. APPROVED: Gary Watts, Chairperson 517 ._i MINUTES IOWA CITY HOUSING COMMISSION MARCH 10, 1987 IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM A MEMBERS PRESENT: Watts, Streb, Moore, Hulse, Dawson MEMBERS ABSENT: Newton, Crosby STAFF PRESENT: Milkman, Nugent, Seydel, Stroud MEETING G T=: There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m, b Chairperson Watts. Y MINUTES: Minutes of February 10, 1987, meeting were reviewed and Milkman stated statement at top of second page needed amended to clarify statement by adding "several." (Several Commission members and Seydel in discussion.) IREVIEW OF HOUSING REHAB MANUAL - Milkman Milkman presented complete manual for Commission review and approval and i out policies and procedures which Commission members may notpbe aware of along with some of the changes, pointed Chapter 2. Eligibility requirements; Rental requirements relating to the number of bedrooms unitPrrents,gramcandi larfnumberliof of in structure. Milkman distributed copies of maps showing the eligible areas. Milkman sttedprog rd ng sectioney have s pro- Additional nal Requirements for the Rental . fication from the tenants of their income to determine 70% of tenants �toebe�lowvto�moderate income. Chapter 4.ly list eligible items, Eligible costs: No basic changes specifical. Additions made under item 8.4. to Chapter 5. Financial Assistance: Item C outlines specific Assistance Limita- tions; 1) Funds provided cannot exceed 50% of appraisal after Rehab, 2 Loan not exceed difference between dollar value of mortgage and value after rehab, 3) Allows for special exception re C.I. for owner -occupied properties listed in the National Register, Chapter 6. Processing and Submission of Rehab Cases; Item C. Specifically out- lines processing of applications and steps for loan/grant approval. Milkman also Pointed out Commission reviews work done by COBG staff to see if property meets all requirements. Commission can ask for additional information. Cha 13. Singlerappeal Grievance forr ell CDBG and isCommiss on decisions rocedure has been �h qjj dto all for a directed to the City Manager with HUD as final arbitrator if appeal cannot be resolved, appeals will be Motion to approve Administrative Policy and Procedural Manual for Housing Reha- bilitation Programs was made by Streb, seconded by Dawson, carried 5-0, S1/ Housing Commission March 10, 1987 Page 2 APPLICATION FOR 50 VOUCHERS - Seydel Application for not -to -exceed 50 Vouchers is on the Cit proval at the 3-10-87 meeting, These Vouchers are "free standing" to Rental Rehab), Y Council agenda for attached ---- 9' (not attached SECTI - "Affordability Adjustments" are made by the Housing Authority for the Payment effective 7S1a87oandothatrs. the current el Proposes sMark tatan Rentsabeususedtfbe the Payment Standard. BUDGET REVISIONS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING - Seydel Seydel is currently revising public Housing budget to reflect excess dollars be budgeted so that property improvements can be made. These improvements include windows replaced, driveways maintained, and new curtains purchased, is projected to be on Council Agenda for April 7, 1987. nin rtr .., Revised Budget -n,u stLi10N 8 VOUCHERS: HUD representatives will be in the Iowa Cit Desegregation in Public Housing and the Section office 8Voucher pits and 19 to review NAHRO CONFERENCE APRIL 22 23 AND 24 1987 IN DAVENPORT: Iowa City staff will be attending the state wide conference to be held in Daven- port, COORDINATOR'S REPORT - Seydel Revised Income Guidelines Effective 2-6-87 - Revised Income Guidelines to deter- mine guidelineseligibility werefor incorporatedAssistance the Revisedi Policies, hicheffective were onBCounci�l Agenda for approval at the 3-10-87 meeting, Section 8 Update - Payments made in March for 11 Vouchers - $2,195.00 and 476 Certificates - $99,413.25. Public Housing February rents were $10,156.00 with three vacancies. Ten applications submitted for Commission signature. Next meeting 4-14-87 Meeting adjourned 10:12 a.m. by Watts, seconded by Moore. APPROVED: Gary Watts, Chairperson .S/7 A'P DRAFT MINUTES FORMAL MEETING PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION APRIL 2, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS Dierks, Scott, Wallace (Horowitz arrived a ME14BERS PRESENT: Clark, Cooper, MEMBERS ABSENT: Perry STAFF PRESENT: Dunn, Franklin, Moen RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCI of the royal of a proposed amendment to Section 36-58(9) Ordinance, Special Vehicle Parking and Storage. 1, Recommend app Floodplain Zoning 2, Recommend approval of proposed amendments to the Iowa City Regulations.the Zoning Ordinance, Section 3, Recommend approval of an amendment to 36-4(f), to define Fitness Centers. rehensive Plan to change the land use 4, Recommend that the proposed amendments to the Research Development the request zone, the request to amend the Cane at the same classification of a portion 0 CorporatehlParkerbedco sidered to rezone part of Northg ate time. CALLCALL T called the meeting to order at 7:40 P•m• Chairperson Scott PUBLICD None. 9 1987: CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES a1Mof the minutes of March 19, 1987, until the April , 19181- defer meeting. Dierks seconded the motion. The motion to April car unanimously. 5'0' defer carried DEVELOPM application submitted by Steven Bright or preliminary and final plat approval for Rapid Creek Estates, a five 1 5-8106 Public discussion of anroxmately 1.6 miles northeast of Iowa (5) lot subdivision located aPP City. (Deferral Requested.) to defer public discussion of this item until the April 16, defer Cooper moved al meeting- Wallace seconded the motion. The motion to defer carrried unanimously, 5-O. =6/1 Planning 8 Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 2 2. S-8708. Public discussion of an application submitted by Hy -Vee Food Stores for consideration of a preliminary and final LSNRD plan for prop- erty located at 310 North First Avenue. With regard to this application, Moen informed the Commission that staff has reviewed a proposed amendment to the existing parking requirements that would allow existing parking areas within commercial or industrial zones which abut residential zone boundaries and which have a permanent dust -free surface to remain within five feet of a residential zone bound- ary if the parking area is screened from view by a solid fence which complies with the screening requirements and the fence and hedge require- ments of the Zoning Ordinance. She stated that a fence presently exists along the southern property line of the Hy -Vee tract, but the fence does not meet the specifications of a solid fence. Moen noted that Hy -Vee could modify or change the fence to make it solid. She indicated that as an alternative, Hy -Vee could remove the existing fence and build one that meets the solid fence requirement. Dierks moved to defer public discussion of S-8708 until the April 16, 1987, formal meeting. Cooper seconded the motion. The motion to defer carried unanimously, 5-0. ZONING ITEMS: 1. Public discussion of a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use classification of property located within the north- east corner of Iowa City, north of Interstate 80 from Highway Commercial and Office Commercial to a Research Park designation. Franklin indicated that a request was made by Southgate Development Company to defer this item to the May 7, 1987, formal meeting. She explained that the request to rezone this property will also be deferred until the same meeting. Franklin mentioned that notices were sent to the abutting property owners notifying them of the deferral. Wallace moved to defer public discussion of this item until the May 7, 1987, formal meeting. Dierks seconded the motion. The motion to defer carried unanimously, 5-0. Public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Comprehensive Plan to change the land use classification of property located at 1825 De Forest Avenue from Low Density Residential to General Commercial. (Reconvened) Scott reconvened the public hearing on this proposed amendment. Wallace moved to table discussion of this item until the September 17, 1987, formal meeting. .Dierks seconded the motion. The motion to table the public hearing carried unanimously, 5-0. Scott noted that if the applicants acquire the small parcel adjacent to 1825 De Forest prior to September 17, the applicants have the prerogative to request that the public hearing and the rezoning application be con- sidered by the Commission after acquisition of that parcel. UP/ Planning & Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 3 3. Z-8610. Public discussion of an application submitted by John Jadryev an im Smith to rezone property located at 1825 DeForest Avenue from RS -5 to CC -2. Cooper moved to defer public discussion of this item until the October 1, 1987, formal meeting. Wallace seconded the motion. The motion to defer carried unanimously, 5-0. 4• Public discussion of a proposed amendment to Section 36-58(g) of the Zoning Ordinance, Special Vehicle Parking and Storage. Moen stated that the proposed amendments to the Special Vehicle Parking and Storage section of the parking regulations of the Zoning Ordinance vehiclesem resticts existing morethan nseven ordinance andone-half7-1/2) feet heinfheighttor morer rthan 17-1/2 feet {n length from being parked in a required front yard or side yard. The existing ordinance restricts all vehicles over seven feet height from a front or side yard, in Moen noted that, although the present ordinance allows special vehicles there within the front or side yards for purposes of loading and unloading, Placed fin these tareno m limit as toloadand unload long such a vehicle culd be alteration,othere- fore, stipulates, for purposes of enforcement, that vehicles could not be parked within front or side yards for more than 48 consecutive hours to load or unload. The third alteration to the ordinance is the proposed addition of a section called "Special Provisions" which states that one year after the date this section is adopted, non -conforming status would not apply to vehicles more than seven and one-half (7-1/2) feet in height or more than 17-1/2 feet {n length which are parked within required front or side yards. This gives the owners of these vehicles a year from adoptionof the amendment to find a place to store these vehicles other than the front yard or side yard when not in use. Scott asked Moen whether either the height requirement or the length requirements catches these vehicles and she replied that this is the intention of the ordinance. Wallace questioned Moen on handicapped usage and if vehicles for handi- capped use would be allowed to parkmore than 48 hours. Moen replied that there is no exception in the ordinance for such vehicles if those vehi- cles extensions�toethee topseofethese vehicleshformitshandicaShe ed us commented twally adds six (6) to eight (8) inches to the height of a passenger van and most of these vehicles would not, therefore, be restricted by this ordi- nance. Franklin commented that someone with such a vehicle that was in the lten odollar n of tmonthlyhe nstorageochargee figureacamecfran and01 r Moen aked responded 5/00 Planning & Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 4 __T that Moen that rate thawas thisquotedafee te by a recreational vehicle dealer in Pears to be the customaryCaralville. for vehicle storage services, P Wallace questioned if truck campers would be illegal and that, insofar as they exceed the height limitations stated in "ante, the g Moen replied y would be illegal, the ordi- addedWallactot en raiseantquestion concerning the 48 hour limitation. that was police mark the on Shewondered wvehicle, if someone complained, would the that you could tires avoid the a go out and move the Wallace stated from experience with a certain of vehicle a fractithaton of an inch and amount of imagination, vehicle' Scott commented "antes could be circumvented, the intentions of that ' several ordi- Wallace questioned Moen if enforcement of this ordinance would be trig- gered by a complaint in the neighborhood. Moen replied that this has been the practice but that the COM as though it will be enforced, ission should consider this ordinance Dierks moved to approve the proposed amendments to Section the Zohe ordinance, Special Vehicle parkin onded the motion, COOPerg) of Parking and Storage. Cooper sec - Wallace stated she has a real problem with this because fixes a camper to their truck they will have to marked that if the truck is in and out if someone af- fixes the that is of the driveway d Dierks re - Y, there is no problem. Y and is not stared Wallace questioned what constituted an eyesore. She asserted that not this body's duty to define what an eyesore is.ed Clark proposleaving it is g out the 48 hour restriction explainin do on their property. right to tell a homeowner what the g that it is not this Coed l a y can and cannot Scott mentioned that his only objection to this ordinance is that 48 hours is not long enough. He agrees with using the 48 hour time because it is consistent with the time limit specified storage ordinance. Scott noted period received complaints from the owner Of fe the recrunderstaeational nal v hids that the cliesehas not but street received complaints from neighbors of recreational vehicle owners, commented that increasing the height limit from seven feet to seven and one-half used t) feet and addin He vehicles used to transport g an overall length limit accommodates people on a daily basis, Clark questioned if it was the City enforcement staff that prompted these amendments and Moen explained that that was the impetus have been received and the City has been frustrated b enforce the ordinance. since complaints y an inability to 5/8 Planning & Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 5 In voting, the motion carried 3-2, with Wallace and Clark voting in the negative, 5. Public discussion of a proposed amendment to the Iowa City Floodplain Regulations. Speaking on behalf of Horowitz, Franklin stated that Horowitz suggests that the ordinance be amended to include language that maps and other floodplain information will be available for public examination and use. Franklin indicated that this information is customarily availabie to the public. Scott indicated that he does not feel that provision is applicable to the floodplain ordinance. He suggested that perhaps a preface page be in- cluded that states that all of this information is available to the public. Scott commented an the penalty for violation of the regulations. Franklin explained that the violation is treated as either a misdemeanor or a municipal infraction. Wallace questioned who would consider whether it was a misdemeanor or a municipal infraction. Franklin replied that the enforcement division would be the judge. Wallace moved to approve the proposed amendments to the Iowa City Flood- plain Regulations. Dierks seconded the motion. Scott commented that there had been discussion concerning this item not only at this formal meeting but'also at the informal meeting on March 30, 1987. In voting the motion carried, unanimously 5-o. 6. Public discussion of an amendment to Section 36-4(f) of the Zoning Ordi- nance to define Fitness Centers. Franklin pronounced that this term is only referred to in the Research Development Park (ROP) zone and that the definition is intended to dis- tinguish fitness centers from other commercial recreational uses. Dierks moved to approve an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 36-4(f), to define Fitness Centers. Cooper seconded the motion. The motion carried, unanimously, 6-o. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Discussion of walkway easement in Ty'n Cae, Part 3. Franklin stated that issues surrounding the walkway are the steepness of the walkway easement and whether steps should be used to construct the walkway. In examining the preliminary plat, the slope in the vicinity of the walkway is 8.57%. She stated that the standard for new sidewalk construction allows a slope up to 12.5% before steps must be employed. The slope in the Ty'n Cae Subdivision is, therefore, less than the slope 5/1 Planning & Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 6 threshold above which the Building Division requires steps. She com- mented that the walkway was required within this subdivision because of the length of the block. The engineer representing the property owner indicates that the grade is no longer 8.57%; with the most recent shoot- ing, the slope is shown to range between 18% and 23%. These slopes would necessitate steps. Franklin remarked that the developer prefers to eliminate provisions for a sidewalk altogether. Scott questioned who would assume liability if anything should happen in this area. He declared that if the sidewalk is installed, "it would require steps and would have to be lighted for safety purposes. Horowitz commented that, by requiring the developer to install the walk- the,sidewalkCommission laterwould date. sCharlesthe Mullen,the atto ney forotheinstalling owner, mentioned that steps are the only alternative to the use of a seven foot retaining wall to construct this walkway. Scott stated that, from the developer's standpoint, he must amend the Planned Development Housing (POH) Plan to eliminate the walkway easement. Scott explained that the consensus of the Commission members would be to recommend that the POH Plan be amended to remove the easement for the sidewalk. 2. Discussion of language recommended for the Research Development Park (ROP) Zone. Scott noted that all were requested to look at the language in the recom- mended RDP zone and examine it. He mentioned he went through the original and the two draft copies and has no problems with the final draft. The consensus of the Commission was that the language was fine and it should be left the way it is presently stated. 3. Planning and Zoning Commission Information. a. Franklin reminded the Commission of their joint meeting with the Historic Preservation Commission at Horace Mann School on April 8, 1987, at 7:30 PM. She noted that responses were being received from the cards that were sent out to North Side property owners. b. Wallace informed the Commission that she would attend the next infor- mal City Council meeting. c. Horowitz asked staff to inform Beagle to examine development off of Scott Boulevard. She provided staff with an article from The New York Times. Information from this article could be applied owar the Newman Center development. d. Scott received a memo from the City Manager concerning the Citizens' Summary of the City Budget. Planning & Zoning Commission April 2, 1987 Page 7 e. Horowitz stated that the staff should try to obtain documents con- cerning economic development. She feels that when the City talks about the Comprehensive Plan Update it should take into consideration economic development. The issue of the Five Seasons corridor between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is an issue that should be considered. Horowitz insisted that these documents should be available for use in a joint meeting with the City Council concerning the Comprehensive Plan Update. Franklin mentioned that a joint meeting with the Council would be a good idea and she would try to set something up with the City Coun- cil. In the meeting, discussion should be about the direction that the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Council would like to take. Scott recommended that, with regard to the ROP zone amendments, the Commission request that the Council withhold final approval of these amendments until discussion of the corresponding Comprehensive Plan amendment proposal and the request to rezone a portion of the Highlander Addition occurs. The Council should be encouraged, from a public input standpoint, to keep all of these issues together. Horowitz moved to recommend to Council that the three issues be considered together. Cooper seconded the motion. Wallace questioned if the Commission would be changing the Comprehen- sive Plan directly for Northgate Corporate Park and Franklin replied that the Commission would be. In voting, the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. ADJOURNMENT: Horowitz moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 PM. Wallace second the motion. The motion carried unanimously, 6-0. Minutes submitted by Steve Dunn. Approved by; a y er s, etre ary 5/d 1I�'ta) MINUTES BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MARCH 1987 4:30 P.M. CEN C[VIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Fisher, Mask, Messier, Randall, Winegarden MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Boyle, Moen, Van Steenhuyse The meeting was called to order at 4:38 p.m. Messier arrived at 4:45. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES: Mask moved that the minutes of the February 11, 1987, meeting be approved. Randall seconded. The motion passed unanimously. SPECIAL EXCEPTION ITEMS: 1. 5E-8702. A public hearing on a request by Mr. Robert K. Gibson for a speciaT exception to establish an auto and truck oriented use in the CC -2, Community Commercial, zone for property located at 2223 F Street. Beagle presented the staff report. He explained that the site is pres- ently the location of Bob's Service Center which is owned and operated by the applicant as a retail appliance store and service center. Mr. Gibson was cited by the Housing and Inspection Services Department for the open storage of inoperable vehicles on his property. The applicant purchases and restores "classic" automobiles and then resells them. He wishes to build an addition to his existing building which will allow for expansion of his appliance service center as well as provide space within the building to store and work on his vehicles. Only those vehicles which Gibson himself purchases for restoration and resale would be stored on site. No provision would be made for a vehicle display area. The appli- cant is seeking a special exception for only that portion of the building to be used for the storage, repair, and resale of classic automobiles. Auto and truck oriented uses are permitted in the CC -2 zone only as a special exception. Beagle said that the current open storage of the vehicles is a visual blight on the neighborhood. Containment of the vehicles would improve the site. Since the vehicles Mr. Gibson would store within the building would be his own, and since vehicles would not be displayed for sale, the traffic and noise impacts would be minimal. To ensure compatibility with surrounding uses, staff would recommend the establishment of several conditions to limit the scale of activity as requested by the applicant. These include: limiting all auto related uses to within the building, limiting the auto related use to a maximum floor area within the build- ing, and prohibiting external display and storage of vehicles. S/9 Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 2 Beagle added that if the scale of auto related activity is restricted to within the building, it should not have a negative impact on surrounding properties, or on the future development of these properties. Also, traffic volume on F Street will not be impacted if the auto related use is limited in scale and restricted to the interior of the building. Beagle said that the applicant had not yet submitted a site plan which gives sufficient information to determine compliance with off-street parking regulations, tree regulations, or other provisions of the Zoning ordinance. Staff had communicated with Mr. Gibson and requested submis- sion of a new plan by February 27, 1987. As of March 4, 1987, staff had not received a revised site plan. Because the proposed plan does not show internal square footage dedicated to each use, an accurate assess- ment of the number of required parking spaces cannot be calculated. The plan does not show the location and width of existing curb openings and does not conform to the dimensional requirements for aisle widths. In addition, since the proposed addition increases the floor area by more than ten percent, compliance with the tree regulations is required. No trees are identified on the site plan. Since the number of required parking spaces is not known, it is unknown if parking area trees are required. Beagle said that Mr. Gibson and his attorney were trying to resolve these deficiencies. However, since staff has made repeated attempts to get accurate information from Mr. Gibson in order to properly evaluate the request, and since this information has not been received, staff recom- mends that the special exception request be denied. Beagle said that the Board may decide to defer this request in order to give Mr. Gibson more time to remedy the plan deficiencies. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Robert Gibson, applicant, rose in favor. He said that restoration of old vehicles is his hobby. He said that about one-third of the building will be used for auto restoration and storage, and that there would be no outside display or storage. He added that he could address the deficien- cies in the site plan, and would like the item deferred. Rick Walters said that he owned property behind Mr. Gibson's shop. He sat a e doesn't object to the addition, but wants to be sure that the vehicles will be stored inside. He said that the current situation has been allowed to continue too long. He also said that deferral would be a hardship for him, as he has to get time off from work to attend the Board of Adjustment meetings. William Royston owns two properties in the area. He also had no objec- TTo_n_fo__tFe_aR it ion, but wanted to know when it would be constructed. He said he was against deferral of the item, and that he wanted the issue settled as soon as possible. He said that Gibson's property currently looks like a "junkyard." R9 Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 3 Nin�rr, also a neighborhood resident, said that she tries to help keep The neighborhood looking nice. She said that she wants Mr. not be Property cleaned up immediately, and that Gibson's the permitted to remain until the building is buivehicles should lt. Gibson rose to say that he expects to have the vehicles off the property within two weeks and that it will then be nances. in compliance with city ordi- Randall asked if the deficiencies can be addressed at th{s meeting. Beagle a site nough inormaton to make a decision atthis etime. PBecauselan doesthetamountdofprovie einternalffloorispace pdedicated to the auto related use is not shown, the number of required arking spaces would baces cannot e usedforted st rageask was of vehicles concerned that id that the Board can stipulate that vehicles be only stored inside Beagle said that Mask asked what the neighbors can do if the special exception is not granted. Beagle answered that Gibson will be given a reasonable time to correct the situation. if it is not corrected, Stiffer he will be fined, penalties will be added if the situation is not corrected. Boyle added Boa that the rd can revoke a special exception if the conditions are not ard can also stipulate that Gibson followed. Beagle said that the Bo clean up the property before the building is built. Fisher said that he couldn't see how the Board could act favorably on the sayingathat the withoutall ashouldthe defersapprovalfuntilithe siteRandall plan isgaccu- rate and the property has been cleaned up. Beagle suggested a time frame Of one month for deferral. Boyle suggested that deferral be granted on the condition that Gibson bring the property into compliance. If he does not clean up theproperty before the next meeting, then the special exception could be automatically dented. Gibson said that he was certain that he could have it cleaned up within two weeks. Walters rose to say that auto parts are overflowing onto other individu- als' properties. He said that Gibson needs to show good faith to his neighbors by cleaning up the property right away. If he does this then he and the other neighbors will support Mr. Gibson's special exception request. Beagle read into the record a letter from the Little School House Daycare isnconcernedhaboutins the8factnthatrtherprope property isThe tanrsaid teyesorehaandhthaththe vehicles pose a danger to the children at the daycare. sug- gestedFisher asked how the on for that deferral mbe{granted deonrthe ral scondit on be fthatd the Beagle cant Provide a complete and accurate site plan, and that the applicant clean UP the property applicant P P y so that it complies with city ordinances prior to the next Board meeting. 5� Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 4 Winegarden moved that SE -8702 be deferred until, but not beyond, the April 8, 1987, meeting, subject to the conditions that the applicant submit a complete site plan, and that he clean up the property so that it complies with city ordinances. Randall seconded. Walters asked when the next meeting would be held. Fisher replied that it would be April 8, 1987, at 4:30 p.m. Beagle polled the Board. By a vote of 5-0 deferral. , the Board voted in favor of 2. 5E-8703. A public hearing on a request submittPermed by Trinity Christian he religious Church institut�onspncanlRs Sezonenandoto modiifyttheexpntiyard re- quirements of the RS -5 zone for property located at 2908 Raven Street. Moen explained that the church wishes to construct an addition to an existing structure. She said that religious institutions are allowed in the RS -5 zone only as special exceptions. Expansions to religious insti- tutions are also, therefore, only allowed via a special exception. In addition, religious institutions in an RS -5 zone are required to provide minimum yards which are determined by two feet of horizontal distance for each foot of building height. Currently the church has a front yard of 40 feet; because the building has•a height of 17 feet, a 34 foot front yard is required. The addition is proposed to extend into the front yard by 14 feet, thus reducing the front yard to 20 feet. The church is, therefore, requesting a reduction in the required front yard from 34 feet to 20 feet. Moen said the grade changes on the site legitimize the request for a reduction in the minimum yard. The topographic differences of the site allow approximately one-third of the north elevation of the building to be a single story. Therefore, the bulky appearance of the facade is diminished. Reducing the size of the yard is not expected to have a negative impact on surrounding properties. Access to the existing building is from the south. An entrance is pro - Court Streeon t toorth facade A accommodate pedestrians khas utilizingntheonorthernd entrance Since the addition does not increase the area of the largest room in the church, additional off-street parking is not required. Trees planted adjacent to the public right-of-way are required. Fourteen trees exist within and adjacent to the Kenwood Drive and Raven Street rights-of-way. Although the applicant is not required to provide additional right-of-way trees, an existing tree will be relocated adjacent to the Court Street right-of-way, and three new trees will be planted adjacent to Court Street. Moen said staff recommends that the special exception to permit the expansion of a religious institution be approved, and that the special exception to reduce the required front yard from 34 feet to 20 feet be indicated that, toallow foconstruction etter of the received rfrom�Sophiaaddition. Zukrowski,� 571 Board of Adjustment March 11, 1997 Page 5 surrounding property owners have not reacted negatively to the proposal. Ms. Zukrowski objects to the special exception as well as to the church's variance request. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Dennis Visser, of 113 Post Road, rose in favor of the application. He said that the present facility was no longer adequate for their needs; that they needed additional space for fellowship and administration, as well as an access for the handicapped members of the congregation. He added that the church wanted to make sure that the design would be com- patible with the surrounding neighborhood. He showed slides of the present building and the area where the addition will be built. He said that the new addition would blend in well with the neighborhood. He added that the property that they own to the east of the church provides a buffer between the church and neighboring residences. Helen Helder, of 2905 Raven Street, also spoke in favor of the applica- tion. n. She said that she contacted all of the property owners within 200 feet of the church. Twenty-eight of the thirty-two property owners were in favor of the addition. She said that she did not visit with Sophia Zukrowski because she lives beyond 200 feet of the church. James L. Voigtmann, of 123 North Linn Street and architect of the addi- t1on, a so rose in favor. He said that the congregation has contributed much to the neighborhood. He added that he wanted to design an addition that would not detract from the residential quality of the neighborhood. No one spoke against. BOARD DISCUSSION: Randall asked if the two special exceptions were to be voted on sepa- rately. Moen said yes. Messier said that it appears that Sophia Zukrowski is a tenant in a rental property, because a different owner is listed for her address. Boyle pointed out that her letter stated that she just purchased the property. He added that were she indeed a renter, her objections would still have to be considered. Voigtmann said that it was unfortunate that she was not contacted by the church. Mark Mittelber, , chairman of the church's building committee, said that e ino now how Zukrowski got the information about the church de- sign, since the church had not yet released this information to the public. Moen said that Ms. Zukrowski called the Department of Planning and Program Development office and inquired about the project after having seen signs posted on the site which announced the Board of Adjust- ment meeting. Fisher noted that the zoning map of the property showed three lots. Mittelberg said that the church has no intention of selling any of these lots. He said that they want to maintain the buffers between the church spy Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 6 -I and surrounding residential properties, Part of the land is used as a Playground by neighborhood children. In addition, they may need the land for expansion space in the future. Randall moved that a special exception to allow the expansion of a relig- ious use in the RS -5 zone be approved. Mask seconded. Moen polled the Board. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Messier moved that a special exception to modify the front yard from 34 afeet to 20 feet be approved, subject to the condition that the exception ddition in theym minimum yardthe tent requirednecessary al ng Court Street as shown on the site plan file stamped Narch 5 ermit Projection of the 1987. Mask seconded. Randall asked if a condition should be attached to require the church to maintain ownership of all three lots. Moen said that selling part of the ments of the Property may cause the church to be non -conforming with other require - probably not prevent0adfuture saleyanywale yed that such a requirement would Moen polled the Board. The vote was 5-0 in favor of the notion. VARIANCE V-8701. A Public hearingon a "re uest submitted b Reformed Chuch for a variance from the sign regulations of the RS -5 zone to Y Trinity Christian Permit a second monument sign for property located at 2908 Raven Street. explainedMoen RavenSttreet, and athateCourtcStreet�terminatedtat then froned noKenwood rthwest corneraond f the property. In 1966, Court Street was extended to the east. The current monument sign is located at the corner of Kenwood Drive and Raven Street. Anon -Conforming facia sign, which is visible from Court Street, Will be removed in order to build the addition. Since this sign {s non -conforming, it cannot be reattached to another part of the building. Therefore, the applicants are requesting that a variance be granted to allow a second monument sign at the corner of Court Street and Kenwood Drive so that the church is identifiable to motorists on Court Street. Moen explained that in order to obtain a variance, the applicant must shots that granting the variance will not be contrary to the public inter- est. In addition, the applicant must show that, because of special conditions, there are practical difficulties or particular hardships in achieving strict compliance with the ordinance. With regard to the public interest issue, Moen explained h sign would draw attention to the non-residential character of the Buse, the would detract from the residential quality of the area, and would erode Compre- hensive hesiveness encouragesoa the neighborhood. addedthat neighborhood; thus, the Comprehensive Plan would best be served by limit- ing the number of signs permitted on any property. 5/9 i Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 7 With regard to the hardship issue, Moen said that the applicants must satisfactorily demonstrate three conditions: first, that the property in question cannot yield a reasonable return if used only for a purpose allowed in the zone; second, the owner's situation is unique or peculiar to the property in question and not to general conditions which may reflect unreasonableness of the Zoning Ordinance itself; and third, that the hardship is not of the landowner's own making or of a predecessor in title. The applicant must show that all three of these elements apply to his/her situation. Moen said that the applicant must show that having only one monument sign will impair the church's ability to function as a church. She said that no apparent demonstration of such hardship has been made. A case for uniqueness may be made, since, when the church was built, Court Street did not extend beyond the northeast corner of the property. Raven Street, however, is a local street serving only those residents living in the neighborhood. The church, therefore, faces the same prob- lems faced by any use which fronts upon two streets. Granting a variance to permit a second monument sign would confer on the applicant a special privilege that is denied by the Zoning Ordinance to other uses in the RS -5 zone. Since the church's original frontage along Raven Street caused the exist- ing monument sign to be placed in its present location, the hardship the church faces is not self-imposed. However, the hardship the church an- ticipates it will experience with the removal of the facia sign is self-imposed. While there will be no sign alerting motorists along Court Street once the facia sign is removed, the ordinance allows the applicant to relocate the current monument sign to the more visible corner at Court Street and Kenwood Drive. In so far as the church fails to exercise this option, the hardship experienced by the church is of its own making. Moen said that staff recommends that the variance be denied. Randall added that the configuration of the addition which requires that the facia sign be removed also causes the hardship to be self-imposed. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: Mark Mittelber , of 1528 Tracy Lane, rose in favor of the variance re- quesT—.-We—said that in regard to the public interest, the church is very concerned about its public image. He said that they want to follow the intention of the zoning ordinance, rather than the letter of the ordi- nance. He said that they are not asking for a multitude of signs, as mentioned in the staff report, but only for one. He said that the church serves the public interest by providing benefits to the neighborhood, so the public interest is served when the church is easily visible and can easily be found. Identification is exacerbated by the fact that the street address for the church is Raven Street, rather than Court Street. 5717 Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 8 at ue to the molity hardshiprforaithehchurch is causedbi whenit isenotIowaeasilypoCitvsibl�enand identifiable to people seeking the church's location. He said that the church serves a large number of University students, so the problem is especially acute in the fall, Visitors have a hard time finding the sign in order to learn times of services, etc. Mittelberg also showed a chart which detailed the growth of the church since 1980, showing that there has been an impact on many families in the area. As regards uniqueness, Mittelberg said that there are no other churches in Iowa City which front on three streets. Prior to the extension of Court Street, Friendship Street and Kenwood Drive were the main routes to the church. Friendship Street remains the main approach to the church from the south. Having only one sign on either corner would make it difficult for motorists traveling from the other direction to identify the church. With regard to the self-imposed hardship, Mittelberg said that they were unable to design a usable addition that would allow them to retain the present facia sign. He said that the church's building committee feels that a well -landscaped monument sign is preferable to the facia sign. The second sign would be similar in design to the present sign. Helen Helder rose to say that when she contacted the neighbors, mo at id hey elt the church should have a sign at Court and Kenwood st st said the church and, therefore, allowing for easier recognition. Winegarden asked if the present sign cold be moved to the corner of Court Street and Kenwood Drive. Mittelberg answered that it would be difficult to do this. The new monument sign would be readable from both sides, while the present sign has only one sign face. James L. Voigtmann, architect for the project, said that the existing sign would direct traffic approaching from the south. The new sign would be well -landscaped and would blend in with the character of the neighbor- hood. Mask asked if the existing sign is moved to the Kenwood/Court corner, can a sign be placed at Kenwood Drive and Raven Street to direct motorists to the parking lot? Moen said no since the church is limited by the Zoning Ordinance to either one identification facia sign or one monument sign. Fisher stated that the variance tests are made purposefully difficult and Mittelberg askedhowinterpretations eS on hardship can be defined arin thisd case, csince law.thechurch's intentions in erecting a second sign are not related to profit. Fisher answered that hardshipcannot be measured only by inconvenience caused to the church's members. Randall added that it comes down to whether the building can be used as it is intended and still conform to the Zoning Ordinance, / Mask asked if they can apply for an address change. Boyle said yes. Fisher added that the building is obviously a church, so it should be easy to find. Mask said the sign can be placed on the corner of Kenwood S/� Board of Adjustment March 11, 1987 Page 9 Drive and Court Street in such a way that it will be visible from Raven Street. She said that she was not convinced that hardship had been proven. Randall and Messier agreed. Voigtmann asked if the erection of a sign at Kenwood and Court, along with the demolition of the existing sign, would necessitate a further hearing by the Board. Moen said no, that only the building permit re- quirements and the applicable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance would have to be satisfied. Mask moved that V-8701 be approved. Randall seconded. Moen polled the Board. The vote was 0-5 on the affirmative motion. Fisher reminded the applicants that they have 30 days to appeal the decision of the Board to the District Court. Visser asked how long their special exception would be valid. Moen said that they have six months from the date the Board decision is filed to obtain a building permit and begin construction or to request an exten- sion. Mittelberg thanked the Board for their consideration. The meeting was adjourned at 6:43. Minutes submitted by Steven J. Van Steenhuyse. Approved by 5/7 MINUTES CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION APRIL 1, 1987 - 1:30 P.M. IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM C MEMBERS PRESENT: Buxton, Kennedy, Maxwell MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Helling, Steinbach, Timmins and Gibson RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL: None. RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY MANAGER AND STAFF: Commissioners requested a copy of the interview format for the position of entry level Police Officer for their review and/or revision. SUMMARY OF RELEVANT DISCUSSION: The first item of discussion was the scheduling of interviews for the entry level police officer applicants. Steinbach explained past proce- dures concerning the number of applicants interviewed. It was recommended by Dr. Jake Sines who administered and interpreted the MMPI, that appli- cants scoring within category R4 on the test not be considered for police officer positions due to behavioral or emotional characteristics identi- fied. After a brief discussion of the MMPI behavior categories and appli- cants' scores, a motion was made by Chairperson Maxwell to schedule interviews with the top 51 candidates, excluding all those who scored within category R4 on the MMPI. The motion carried unanimously. Commissioners agreed to schedule interviews at the Iowa City Transit Facility on the following dates: Monday, May 11 - 7:00-9:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12 - 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 13 - 2:00-5:30 p.m., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 15 - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Saturday, May 16 - 8:30-12:00 a.m., 1:00-5:30 p.m. The Commissioners also requested that a representative of the police department be invited to be present during the interviews to answer any technical questions which might arise. The second item of discussion was pre-employment physicals. In the past, physical exams were given by the Pension Board physicians following list certification and just prior to hiring. Timmins explained to the Commis- sion recent court cases which indicate that physical examinations must be given prior to list certification. After a brief discussion of the costs involved, Commission members decided that physicals will be given to the top ten candidates (or a sufficient number to certify a list of ten ) after the interviews are completed. The second list of ten will not be given physicals and certified until needed. 50? Q Civil Service Commission April 1, 1987 Page 2 W, Steinbach presented staff concerns regarding the physical exam and the guidelines used by the Pension Board: I. Consistency of exam - is the same core exam given by each doctor? 2. Standards for the exam - what constitutes pass/fail and how are ques- tions to be handled? 3. In what manner does the Pension Board want to provide the results of the physicals and/or a recommendation to the Civil Service Commis- sion? Chairperson Maxwell requested that a memo be written to the Pension Board addressing these concerns and asking for their clarification. The meeting was adjourned at 2:40 p.m. i 5a�0