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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1985-11-19 Bd Comm minutesr' MINUTES Ames DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1985 -- IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY - ROOM C MEMBERS PRESENT: Alexander, Amert, Eckholt, Haupert, Lafore, Novick, Seiberling, Sumoerwill, Welt MEMBERS ABSENT: Sinek STAFF PRESENT: Cain, Mentzer, Thomas GUESTS PRESENT: Shawn Schroeder, Marilyn Wehner RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL None. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Seiberling called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The minutes of September 11, 1985, were unanimously approved as circu- lated. PROPOSED PLANTING PLAN FOR CITY PLAZA Seiberling outlined DRC's past involvement with City Plaza design and landscaping and its continuing interest in maintaining and improving the appearance of this area. She introduced Sheri Thomas, Parks and Recrea- tion Department, to explain the recommendations and actions that resulted from DRC's tour of City Plaza this summer. Thomas said that the planter in front of Eby's had been made higher and that the City had received an offer of assistance from the Iowa City American Hosta Society in designing a planting plan for the bed in front of Moda Americana. Marilyn Wehner of the local chapter of the American Hosta Society distributed a drawing of the proposed planting pian, which was designed by Gretchen Harshbarger and Joyce Trott. (See attachment.) Wehner described how the plantings would appear during the year and explained Hosta's disease resistance and low maintenance characteristics. Wehner said the Hosta Society would donate the plant material as well as supply the labor for replanting this area. Seiberling complimented this group for their efforts and expressed her hope that this activity would generate additional offers from other groups interested in enhancing the plantings in the downtown. She mentioned another important planting bed, the one east of Lucas Fountain, which is probably one of the most photographed spots in Iowa City and which is in need of design and budgetary assistance to make this area attractive both winter and summer. Sumnerwill also complimented the Hosta Society's efforts toward the beautification of Iowa City. MINUTES DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE OCTOBER 16, 1985 PAGE 2 REFERRAL FROM URBAN ENVIRONMENT AD HOC COMMITTEE Cain referred the Committee's attention to the summary of the subcommit- tee's recommendations which had been distributed in the meeting packet. She said that DRC's recommendations would be presented to the UEAHC at their December 10 meeting and that at least several DRC members should be j present at that time. Summerwill explained the subcommittee's use of appearance codes as a model in its deliberations regarding the scope and operation of a "design review mechanism." She also noted Welt had recommended that developers be invited to review whatever system is ultimately proposed. The Committee agreed that developers as well as architects and contractors should all have ample opportunity to have input into the process. Cain showed copies of Appearance Review Codes from other communities and gave examples of how the process was perceived by staff within those communities. She added that staff in such communities often had a strong design background. There was some discussion of the advantages of appearance codes in protecting property values, ensuring compatible development and maintain- ing the heritage of an area. Seiberling said that the key to this approach should be "good design is good business." Sumnerwill and Welt emphasized the necessity to streamline the development process rather than create additional bureaucracy. Amert agreed that the streamlining philosophy was extremely important and suggested that DRC's recommenda- tions to the UEAHC be drafted with awareness of current UEAHC proposals (e.g., their recommmendations on land -disturbing activities and site development plans). Cain noted that the City was now in an extremely tight budget period and any recommendation perceived as requiring additional staff would not be well received. She also suggested that the appearance review process could be a vehicle for the consolidation of several existing committees, again aiding in streamlining the procedures and groups involved in having developments approved. Haupert suggested that Ray Muston, First Capitol Development, Inc., should be contacted and asked what the business community's perceptions are about developing land within Iowa City and why some businesses decide not to locate here. Seiberling concurred that he might be able to make the Committee aware of some of the negative perceptions of Iowa City. The Committee agreed that the subcommittee should continue to refine its ideas based on this discussion. These recommendations should be finalized at DRC's regular meeting in November. aDfZ7 I MINUTES DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE OCTOBER 16, 1985 PAGE 3 REVIEW OF PROGRAM DIVISION STATEMENT FOR DRC Cain referred the Committee to the statement distributed in the informa- tion packet and explained the policy of including such statements in the City's Operating Budget. The Committee approved the statement as circu- lated. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Update on Canopy Application for 121 E. College Cain reviewed the status of this application and said Mr. Ambrose had decided against using the large gold and black striped canopy and black and gold color scheme. Instead he has discussed having small mushroom -shaped canopies fit into the arches above each window. At present he was finalizing his plans for altering the building facade to reduce the size of the windows and add another set of double doors on the west side. 2. Update on Lucas Fountain Signs Thomas showed the signs designed to be placed on the Lucas Fountain. The Committee found them unobjectionable. 3. Sign Design Booklet Amert introduced Shawn Schroeder, one of the UI students working on the Sign Design Booklet as a class project. Schroeder explained the group's progress to date and the procedure they were following in preparing the booklet. She mentioned that the students had randomly canvassed downtown merchants to ascertain how DRC was perceived. She said the booklet had the potential for improving the Committee's public relations as well as being a guide for sign design. Committee members were enthusiastic about the possibilities of a sign design booklet and encouraged Ms. Schroeder to proceed. DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE INFORMATION Cain informed the Committee that Southgate Development had requested a special committee meeting in order to obtain approval for their land- scaping and signage plans for the Old Elks Building (325 E. Washington) so the lanscaping material could be planted this fall. Committee members found this acceptable and directed Cain to schedule a meeting for Wednesday, October 30 or November 6, for this item. Haupert requested that plans be sent to Committee members prior to the special meeting. Members were encouraged to view the property before the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m. o?a1-7 Eal MINUTESGt' PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION .r, `y Si2ril V2i THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1985 - 7:30 PM CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHA14BERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Dirks, Courtney, Horowitz, Scott MEMBERS ABSENT: Perry, Cooper, Jordan STAFF PRESENT: Beagle, Prestemon RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: 1. A-8503. Approval of an application submitted by Maranatha Christian Church for annexation of a 3.61 acre parcel located northeast U.S. Highway 218 and west of Mormon Trek Road; 45 -day limitation period: 11/11/85. 2. Z-8505. Approval of an application submitted by Maranatha Christian Church for rezoning from County RI -A to RS -5 of a 3.61 acre parcel located northeast U.S. Highway 218 and west of Mormon Trek Road; 45 -day limitation i period: 11/11/85. t 3. ZZApproval of an application submitted by Owens Brush, Inc., for rezoning of a 3.74 acre parcel from I-1 to CC -2 for property located west of Mall Drive adjacent to the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad; 45 -day limitation period: 10/21/85. 4. S-8520. Approval of an application submitted by Owens Brush, Inc, for pr�iminary and final subdivision plats known as Mall Drive Subdivision, subject to final approval of the legal papers; 45 -day limitation period: 10/21/85. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order at 7:40 PM. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was no discussion. APPROVAL OF THE 14INUTES OF THE OCTOBER 3, 1985 MEETING: Horowitz requested that the following be added to the summary of comments on page 2, paragraph 4: "The League of Women Voters urges that priority be given to the riverbanks as an integral and essential part of the open space network." Dirks moved that the minutes be approved as amended; Horowitz seconded. The motion passed, 3-0-1 with Courtney abstaining. DEVELOPMENT ITEMS: l� 1. A-8503. Discussion of an application submitted by Maranatha Christian Church for annexation and RS -5 zoning of a 3.61 acre parcel located northeast U.S. Highway 218 and immediately south of the present corporate limits of Iowa City; 45 -day limitation period: 11/11/85. i • ,I ...... ...... .. �I Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 1985 Page 2 Beagle reviewed with the Commission the October 3 staff report. He stated that 3.61 acres of a 5.69 acre parcel recently purchased by the applicant is in the County, zoned R1 -A, Urban Residential. The applicant requests that this portion be annexed into the City and be rezoned to RS -5 to permit the construction of a church. If approved, Beagle said that the church will require a special exception. He stated that the rezoning and annexation are consistent with the 1983 Comprehensive Plan Update. As a secondary issue, Beagle said the annexation will leave a 20 -foot strip of unincorporated land between the site and the current corporate limits east of the site. He informed the Commission that staff will communicate with the Iowa Department of Transportation, which owns the east -half of the old Mormon Trek Boulevard right-of-way to initiate annexation of the land. Staff recommends approval of the annexation and rezoning as both are consistent with the objectives of the Comprehensive Plan and surrounding zoning and land use patterns. Courtney asked how the applicants intend to use any remaining portion of the parcel not used for the parking lot or .church. Schnittjer responded that the applicants anticipate construction of a parsonage. Beagle added that the parsonage will be an accessory use to the church. Courtney asked Beagle if the applicants were informed of the meeting. Beagle responded yes. Horowitz asked about potential traffic problems due to the parcel's proximity to the Ty'n Cae subdivision east of the site. Beagle reviewed the proposed location of the driveway on the site, and stated the location will have adequate visibility. Schnittjer stated that Mormon Trek is four lanes wide at the proposed driveway location, thus preventing traffic problems. Scott asked Beagle if the applicants will come before the Commission again. Beagle responded that a church does not require large scale development plan approval but that site design review will be part of the Board of . Adjustment's action at the time of the application for a special exception. Horowitz moved to recommend approval of the annexation of a 3.61 acre parcel located northeast of U.S. Highway 218 and south of the present corporate limits of Iowa City. Dirks seconded. The motion passed, 4-0. Horowitz asked if the County will review the rezoning and annexation. Boyle answered that, according to the City/County fringe agreement, the County has the right to review the application. Beagle stated that he had conferred with the County Planner, who raised no objections. Scott stated that the rezoning is consistent with the 1983 Comprehensive Plan. aolf I ■ y v' Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 1985 Page 3 Horowitz moved to recommend approval of the rezoning from County R1 -A to RS -5 of the 3.61 acre parcel located northeast of U.S. Highway 218 and south of the present corporate limits of Iowa City; Courtney seconded. The motion passed 4-0. 2. S-8520. Continued discussion of an application submitted by Owens Brush, Inc., for preliminary and final plat approval to establish a 7 -lot subdivi- sion known as Mall Drive Subdivision. This request is related to applica- tion Z-8504 for CC -2 zoning, and both were deferred from the October 3, 1985, meeting; 45 -day limitation period: 10/21/85. Beagle reviewed the staff reports on S-8520 and Z-8504. He informed the ! Commission that all deficiencies and discrepancies as listed in the S-8520 staff report have been resolved. He called the Commission's attention to the three common access drives proposed by the applicant serving the six ! lots fronting on Mall Drive. Beagle said the Traffic Engineer felt the 200 foot separation between curb cuts minimizes' traffic and visibility prob- lems. Beagle said staff recommends approval of both applications. ; Scott asked if Owens Brush, Inc., will have direct access to Lot 7. Beagle responded that there will be no direct access between the existing access drive on Mall Drive to the six lots. iBeagle informed the Commission that legal papers have been received. j Boyle stated that there were no problems with the legal papers but that they had not yet been approved. Courtney moved that the preliminary and final plats of Mall Drive Subdivi- sion to establish a 6 -lot subdivision be approved. Dirks seconded. The motion passed 4-0. Horowitz moved for approval of an application submitted by Owens Brush,.. Inc., to rezone 3.74 acres from I-1 to CC -2 for property located west of " Mall Drive, adjacent to the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad. Dirks seconded. Horowitz urged that ingress and egress from this development be closely monitored, as it affects traffic on First Avenue and the entire Sycamore Mall area. She stated that traffic patterns in this area is rapidly changing. The motion passed 4-0. i 3. Discussion of the 1985 Neighborhood Open Space Plan Addendum to the 1983 I Comprehensive Plan Update and an amendment to Chapter 32 of the Subdivision Regulations to establish an Open Space, Dedication Ordinance for the ' Developing Zone. Beagle directed the Commission's attention to the memorandum in their packets, and urged the Commission to review the Ordinance and Plan for the November 4 meeting. ! �, ao AFP Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 1985' Page 4 Scott read a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning Commission from the Urban Environment Ad Hoc Committee: "The Urban Environment Ad Hoc Commit- tee recommends that in considering, the Neighborhood Open Space Plan and Ordinance, priority be given to the preservation of natural features and environmentally sensitive areas." Horowitz moved that a statement from the League of Women Voters be included in the minutes; Courtney seconded.' The motion passed 4-0. The statement reads as follows: "To the Planning and Zoning Commission: The League of Women Voters supports Iowa City's 1985 Neighborhood Open Space Plan. We believe that goals of the land use plan should include the consideration of social needs, improvement of existing urban commu- nities, the insurance of public access to unique recreational areas, and the encouragement of innovative community design. The City's planning for the orderly acquisition, development, and maintenance of neighbor- hood open space would meet these goals. The League has long advocated comprehensive planning and intergovernmental cooperation, both of which are included in the Open Space Plan. The recent contract for an Iowa River bike path in coopera- tion with Coralville is an example of the type of open space planning the City should do regularly. We also advocate the use of school facilities for neighborhood recreation during off -school hours. Acquiring park space adjacent to a school playground would be an ideal way to encourage this use. We urge cooperation with the School Board for this purpose. The League believes that it is a responsibility of government to acquire land for public use and to regulate large-scale private development that may have impact on the physical, social and economic environment. lie support the proposed Open Space Dedication Ordinance because it will help thq.City meet these responsibilities in an orderly manner and in conjunction with the neighborhood open space plan. One of the League's long-term isoncerns is not addressed in this plan. We believe, .that high priority should be given to obtain ingf publ ic access to the Iowa River by acquisition, easement or other legal mechanism; and that priority should be given to the river banks as an integral and essential part of the open space neighborhood. To allow the Iowa River, a scenic natural resource within%pur city, to remain unmentioned in the City's Open Space Plan is a mistake. Since the foster Road Open Space District includes river bank area, public access to the Iowa River should also be included in the Open Space Dedication Ordinance for Developing Zones. We urge. to revise the plan and. the ordinance'to ensure public .access to the ;river as a priority for .future open space acquisition. Thank you for the opportunity;to comment on the Neighbor- hood Open Space Plan and the Open Space Dedication Ordinance. Naomi Novick, President" aoelf Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 1985 Page 5 Schnittjer recommended the formulas used to determine Open Space require- ments be simplified. the formulas. He then explained possible simplifying alterations to th Scott asked the Commission if there were any objections•'to a request for sScott taff to meet with Schnittjer about the proposed changes., There were none provid drtheesi plif catle ionedoesinotsfundchnittjer amentallydaltersthemeffectaofo. the Plan and Ordinance. Horowitz expressed a strong concern that the Plan and Ordinance as pres- ently written, will not provide enough open space. She asked Schnittjer why developers have not attended the meetings. Schnittjer responded that i they were aware of the Plan and Ordinance, but that like most people they were very busy. Horowitz stated that the Ordinance has two problems: First it does not Provide enough land- second, site selection is difficult because the land prices will rise when a particular site is known to be suited for open space. Horowitz then asked Boyle to explain the Open Meetings Law as it applies to City government commissions and other appointed bodies. General discussion followed. Horowitz stated that a site specific acquisition plan for each district needs to be developed, and that acquisition would be made easier if negotiations could be done by a committee nof sites ot under the jurisdiction of the Open Meetings Law. Boyle stated that the Open Meetings Law would also apply to a committee similar to the one Horowitz suggested. He stated that the Ordinance is reactive, not active. That is, open space is acquired in response to I development. I Beagle stated that the Plan is a policy document, thus, it is not site specific. There followed a general discussion about the Ankeny and Urbandale Open Space ordinances. Scott stated that although open meetings are sometimes inconvenient, they are the price we pay for a good government. Horowitz stated that she was simply searching for ways to improve the effectiveness of the Plan and Ordinance. Scott declared the discussion closed, and reminded staff to review methods of providing an affirmative mechanism to force the City to spend the money generated for parkland purchases. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Planning and Zoning Commission Information. Scott reminded the Conmission that the meeting for the chairpersons of boards and commissions has been rescheduled to November 7 at the Public Library, to be followed by a meal at Giovanni's. ■ Planning and Zoning Commission October 17, 1985 Page 6 ADJOURNMENT Horowitz moved the meeting be adjourned. Dirks seconded. The meeting ad- journed at 8:47 PM. Minutes were taken by Greg Prestemon. Ij Approved by: � 0,2�� I al Courtney, SecreE!5y,� E