HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-08 Info Packet0ft-�
-^�-�-- CITY COUNCIL INFORMATION PACKET
CITY OF IOWA CITY
www.icgov.org September 8, 2016
IN Council Tentative Meeting Schedule
MISCELLANEOUS
IP2 Memo from City Manager: Affordable Housing Action Plan (Discussion scheduled for
September 20 work session)
IP3 Information from Mayor Pro tem Botchway: The 30 Iowa City event
IN 2016 Building Statistics (thru August)
IP5 Copy of Press Release: Mayor's Walk Rescheduled for Monday, September 12
IP6 Copy of Press Release: Public input meetings scheduled for two Iowa City parks
IP7 Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter — September 2016
DRAFT MINUTES
IP8 Human Rights Commission: August 16
IP9 Historic Preservation Commission: August 11
IP10 Housing and Community Development Commission: August 18
09-08-1
r City Council Tentative Meeting Schedule L:1P1
`I^rMa4ft Subject to change
&September
8, 2016
CITY OF IOWA CITY
Date
Time
Meeting
Location
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Monday, October 24, 2016
4:00 PM
Reception
Johnson County Health
4:30 PM
Joint Entities Meeting
Human Services Bldg.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
5:00 PM
Work Session
Emma J. Harvat Hall
7:00 PM
Formal Meeting
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 8, 2016
To: City Council
From: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
Re: Affordable Housing Action Plan
On June 21, 2016 staff presented a draft Affordable Housing Action Plan to the City Council.
After the presentation, the City Council directed staff to solicit feedback from the Housing and
Community Development Commission (HCDC) and any community organization or member of
the public that wished to comment on the plan.
Staff created a webpage to host a video of the presentation as well as supporting documents
and direction on how to submit feedback. The webpage was promoted through social media and
direct contacts with news media and those subscribing to City email listservs. The site is still
accessible at https://www.icaov.org/affordablehousingactionplan. In addition, staff hosted a
public input meeting on August 24 that was attended by approximately 70 individuals.
On September 20th, Council will begin deliberations on the various aspects of the plan. To assist
with your preparations we have included a summary of the recommendations and feedback
received from the HCDC, Johnson County Affordable Housing Coalition and members of the
public.
Staff is recommending that Council provide general direction on each item including which of
the actions are of the highest priority. It is staff's goal to be able to complete all items by the
end of 2017 when a new strategic plan would be under consideration by the Council.
Once direction is received from the City Council, staff will map out an implementation schedule
and provide the Council with a rough estimate of affordable housing units that will be produced
over a five year period as a result of the Council's actions. Periodically between now and the
end of 2017 we will provide the Council an update on the status of each action item.
I have asked Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, to lead the implementation
effort. Tracy will be empowered to lead all staff, pursue community collaborations and take
actions necessary to carry out the decisions of the City Council.
While there will be no formal presentation at your work session on September 20th, Tracy and I,
as well as other contributing members of the staff team will be present to answer questions and
offer our thoughts and advice as you deliberate on each recommendation.
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 8, 2016
To: Geoff Fruin, City Manager
From: Kris Ackerson, Community Development Planner
Tracy Hightshoe, Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Re: HCDC Recommendations for Affordable Housing Action Plan
Introduction
This memorandum outlines the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC)
recommended changes to the draft Affordable Housing Action Plan, approved unanimously at
their August 18 meeting. The numbering below mirrors the City Council presentation on June 21
of the draft Affordable Housing Action Plan.
HCDC recommendations for draft Affordable Housing Action Plan
Priority Recommendations:
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FY18 budget process
• HCDC recommends $1,000,000 annually through a regular line item in the budget
funded with property taxes or other revenue streams
5. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created Affordable
Housing Fund
• HCDC recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, with a focus on
multi -family projects
• 25% held in reserve for land banking
• Maximum of 5% for emergent situations determined by the City Council (if funds not
used by end of the fiscal year, the funds reserved for land banking)
• 20% directed through HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the CDBG /
HOME housing application processes
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to determine the
viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that would support affordable
housing
• Create an education program to promote the benefits of subsidized housing projects to
landlords/developers
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown, and University Impact Areas from the
Affordable Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of restricted
areas and/or account for neighborhood densities
• Consider adoption of a new neighborhood based (not address based) Affordable
Housing Location Model to allow and encourage city -assisted development in more
locations throughout the City, including redevelopment of existing affordable housing
September 8, 2016
Page 2
Remaining Recommended Actions:
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity as well as review
the set-aside for housing rehabilitation as set in the Consolidated Plan.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings District (Done)
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community (Done)
6. Hold the $1,900,000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to leverage
significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income replacement housing
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development and/or
annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the required LMI set-
aside for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and Foster Road)
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable and non -affordable units in RFC and
downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an effort to
reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PUDs
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area (keep
occupancy at 3 unrelated)
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process (density,
multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the downtown
core
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC (ties to
use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council notification of major site plans when 12 or more households will be displaced
and there is no accompanying rezoning Such applications would require a transition
plan to better inform residents and the general public (requires a comprehensive plan
amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good neighbor
meeting would be encouraged
• Develop a displacement policy, including defining displacement (not to include non-
renewal of lease) and "emergent situation"
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary (use
simpler language for ease of understanding)
0 Increase education about housing code violations and how to report
September 8, 2016
Page 3
Additional Recommendations:
16. Increase Neighborhood Services involvement in the early stages of residential development
• Suggest having a Neighborhood Services representative located in the City Manager's
office
17. Consider opportunities to collect rent data beyond the rental permitting process
Conclusion
Please let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss the changes proposed by
HCDC above.
CC: Simon Andrew
Doug Boothroy
John Yapp
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 4 of 16
The minutes also state that the "City has encouraged landlords to institute a Crime Free Lease
Addendum to protect other tenants from life safety or health safety concerns." It is not done
citywide, but done on a limited basis to address neighborhood/tenant concerns.
Persson moved to approve the minutes of June 16, 2016 with minor edits. Harms seconded
the motion. A vote was taken and motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO REDUCE UNITS FOR CHARM HOMES CDBG
PROJECT— PROPOSED FY16 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT #4:
Ackerson stated this was a project discussed at the last meeting, CHARM Homes, LLC said that
they were unable to find wheelchair accessible units so they would like to reduce the project from
eight to four single room occupancy units and use some of the funds for rehab to make
accessibility improvements.
Conger moved to approve FY16 Annual Action Plan Amendment #4 to allow Charm
Homes to reduce the number of units from eight to four and use some of the money for
rehab to make accessibility improvements. Seiple seconded the motion. A vote was taken
and motion passed 7-0.
DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR THE CITY:
Byler noted this was brought up at the last meeting but was deferred until City staff had an
opportunity to make their presentation at the work session. The presentation was included in the
Commission's packet. Byler suggests beginning discussion by reviewing the summary of
recommended actions in the presentation.
Persson questioned the statement regarding expanding workforce housing and does that
assume that throughout this presentation that affordable and workforce housing are the same
thing. Hightshoe stated they are not the same, affordable by definition is below 80% income level
and workforce housing goes up to 110%. Persson feels that needs to be clarified.
Hightshoe noted that Council is asking the Commission not only to review the 15
recommendations and decide which ones they recommend, but also to prioritize their
recommendations because staff will not be able to proceed on all immediately.
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity. Byler asked if
GRIP is funded out of CDBG funds. Hightshoe said it was a separate budget item. GRIP is for
homeowners under 110% and the funds must be repaid to the City.
Byler noted that some on the Commission have expressed an interest in reviewing the policy of
setting aside $300,000 each year for owner -occupied rehab. So perhaps as a footnote that the
Council review the amount of CDBG that is set aside. Hightshoe noted that each year the
Commission reviews the priorities of CITY STEPS and makes recommendations to Council. So
that recommendation can be made at that time.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 5 of 16
Seiple asked if UniverCity takes a similar amount of staff time, knowing that was an issue with
the Homeowner Rehabilitation program. Hightshoe noted all programs take staff time.
Sometimes UniverCity is easier to implement because staff does not have to coordinate work
with homeowner schedules. UniverCity homes are vacant until the work is completed and ready
to be sold.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings District.
Persson asked where that was in the process, thinking that was done. Byler said that was
approved by Council so it is done.
Vaughan asked about long-term strategy because there were other phrases used in this
document talking about urban renewal districts — are there any plans for inclusionary zoning
elsehwere. Hightshoe said they are using the Riverfront Crossings District to see how it will work.
Riverfront Crossings will have more density than anywhere else in town so right now it's only
envisioned for Riverfront Crossings.
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community.
Byler believes this is also already complete. Hightshoe confirmed it is complete.
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FY 18 budget process
• Staff recommends aiming for $500,000 to $1,000,000 depending on budget conditions
Recommended revenue sources include district -wide TIF in the urban core and property
tax
Byler asked how to divide up the money on an annual basis, and if the money is not spent does it
accumulate, or is it reset. Hightshoe stated she believes once the money is provided it stays in
the fund until it is spent on affordable housing. Byler then feels that $1,000,000 a year, which is
around 1% or a little less of the City's budget, is probably an appropriate number to recommend.
He also suggests striking the part of the sentence that states, "depending on budget conditions."
Byler also suggests this is added to the budget as a line item rather than from an engineered
source such as a TIF.
Persson agreed noting that whenever there is a line item it shows strong intent.
Seiple stated that the 20% of the higher amount ($1,000,000) is $200,000 which is actually less
than either of the LIHTC project requests this year.
Byler asked if everyone was in favor of recommending the $1,000,000 and striking "depending
on budget conditions" and recommending that it is a regular line funded through property taxes.
The commissioners were in agreement.
5. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created
Affordable Housing Fund
• Staff recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund
0 30% held in reserve for land banking or emergent situations determined by the City
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 6 of 16
Council
• 20% directed to HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the CDBG /
HOME application processes
Olmstead asked whether the Rose Oaks $250 payments were coming out of this fund as well.
Byler confirmed it is the first fund expenditure.
Persson noted that policies and procedures should be developed for distribution of these funds
so people know what to expect. Byler agreed, noting there are several details within this
recommendation that people could have a variety of opinions about. For the 50% that is
allocated to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, would their board decide on the allocations
or would there be stipulations such as must be spent in Iowa City. Tracey Achenbach (Johnson
County Housing Trust Fund) stated a few of the board have met with City staff to discuss this,
and the Trust Fund will do whatever the City wants them to do with the money. She can
administer the funds however as directed. Hightshoe added that staff has discussed but no
decisions have been made. There have been discussions on only in Iowa City, income levels to
target, etc., but Council wants to hear community input on parameters. Achenbach said the Trust
Fund also discussed that it might be helpful if the Trust Fund can either present to the HCDC
and/or the Council what their standard policies and procedures are to see how money from the
Trust Fund is normally spent.
Persson thinks people would be more comfortable moving forward with this project if there were
policies and procedures in place. With the situation with Rose Oaks, nothing was in place so how
should the City learn from that. Achenbach noted their accountability is the same as the City's.
Persson asked about the 30% held in reserve. Will there be policies and procedures in place for
those funds as well, or will it just be reactive. Hightshoe said she was unsure about emergent
situations but land banking is a strategy that staff has previously recommended. Land banking
would hopefully be used to obtain tax credit projects. Emergent situations needs to be defined,
but it is hard because one never knows what may arise. Rose Oaks was a very unique situation
that the City has not seen before (no rezoning needed, no financial assistance requested and the
large number of households impacted). Persson feels that the 30% that is allocated for emergent
situations does need parameters.
Byler agrees with Persson and also feels the 30% should be specified how much is for land
banking and how much is for emergent situations. He also feels that if the City wants to create a
displacement policy or fund that should be a separate thing.
Harms supports breaking apart the 30% to specify how much should be allocated where, noting
that land banking is very important.
Byler asked why the percentages were broken down this way. He would have allocated 33% for
each and then for the land banking/emergent 33% allocated 30% for land banking and 3% for
emergencies. Hightshoe noted the percentages were just a point to start discussions.
Byler suggests first to allocate the three line items as 33% funding for each. He would also
recommend the 33% that goes to the Trust Fund to not have any strings attached.
Persson disagrees with reducing the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund allocation because
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 7of16
she feels it has been underfunded for years and feels its effectiveness has been impaired as a
result.
Conger noted that some of the recommendations are experimental, and are not sure if or how
they will work. However the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund is a known entity that works.
So feels that should receive a higher percentage.
Byler asked what percentage of the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund projects are single
family rehabs or down payment assistance. Achenbach said it was about 30%. They don't have
a lot of owner -occupied activity because State funds never go for anything above 80% medium
income. They have awarded almost $4,000,000 in projects in the last 12 years and about a third
of that was owner -occupied the rest is rental.
Byler noted that it appears the Commissioners prefer to leave the allocation of 50% to the
Johnson County Housing Trust Fund. He suggests not having geographic strings on that
allocation, but focus the money on dense multi -family projects.
With regards to the second bullet, the 30%, it could be split 25% for land banking and maximum
5% for emergent situations. Persson agrees but wants to add that Council must set a policy on
how the money is distributed. Byler said they will recommend 5% with a note that a
displacement/emergent situation policy must be created.
Vaughan noted that the 5% is bothersome because it is being taken away from the land banking,
leaving only 25% for land banking. Byler said they could add if the 5% is not used at the end of
the fiscal year for emergent situations it could be rolled back into the land banking.
Seiple noted that she is interested in discussing other situations that may not be emergent but
some regulations might help. Such as when a lease ends and the tenant is not renewed and
looking for ways to stabilize those situations. Byler said that is addressed in item 14.
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council approval of major site plans when 12 or more households will be displaced and
there is no accompanying rezoning
• Such applications would require a transition plan to better inform residents and the
general public (requires a comprehensive plan amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good neighbor
meeting would be encouraged
Byler asked if it was legal for the Council to have approval of major site plans. Staff approves site
plans based on legality. Ackerson stated this was more of a notification so the City and residents
have more advanced notice. Byler asked if then it should be stated as Council notification, not
approval.
Maryann Dennis (The Housing Fellowship) stated there is a big difference between displacement
and non -renewal of lease. The non -renewal of a lease is a contract ending, not a displacement.
Byler said this policy was being created for a lease not being renewed because of development.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 8 of 16
Persson noted that this recommendation discussed a group of a certain size or larger being
displaced, not just one individual situation.
Seiple stated that displacement needs to be defined in the recommendation so there is not
confusion between displacement and lease non -renewal.
Byler stated that he does not agree with Council having to approve site plans. Hightshoe stated it
was meant so that more notice had to be given to tenants. Byler asked then to change the
language to Council is notified of major site plans.
Seiple asked if there was a fire and all the tenants were displaced. Byler said that could fit into
the definition of emergent situation.
Byler stated the Commission's recommendation for #14 would be to change "approval" to
"notification" and to define displacement not to include the end of lease non -renewal.
6. Hold the $1,900,000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to leverage
significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income replacement housing.
Hightshoe noted that staff is taking notes and will email a summary of the discussion to the
Commission for accuracy before sending onto Council.
Byler stated one possible change would be to add "actively search out private investments" to
leverage the $1.9 million because of the nature of these acquisitions. Hightshoe confirmed that
some of these acquisitions have to be publically owned housing but there is opportunity to do
some mixed -unit developments. For example in the Chauncey project, five of the units will be
public housing units. Persson asked how long those units would be public housing units.
Hightshoe said not always forever, they can be sold, but not anytime soon.
Seiple noted that the recommendations don't specify if they are focusing on families or certain
income brackets so perhaps that needs to be addressed. Hightshoe said most of the units are
family, some are specified for elderly or disabled (over 50% of the vouchers are for elderly or
disabled), and the rest are families.
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions.
Achenbach asked what it meant by contributions, does it mean money into the affordable
housing fund or does it mean in lieu of affordable housing. Hightshoe stated it could mean both.
Persson asked if the statement was too broad. Byler felt that was okay in this situation. Byler
feels that City staff can develop policies to oversee the details. Hightshoe noted a concern that if
the City makes the requirements too strict development may go to other municipals. Byler feels
the reason inclusionary zoning works in Riverfront Crossings is because that land is so valuable.
He also noted that what makes for affordable housing is increased availability of housing, so he
would not want to put restrictions on annexation that would deter developers from wanting to
build in the City.
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development and/or
annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the required LMI set-aside
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 9 of 16
for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and Foster Road).
Byler stated he is not a fan of residential TIFs because of opportunities like tax rebates which he
feels are much more effective.
Harms said while many don't like TIFs they are used widely in college towns like Iowa City with
very expensive city centers. This could be used as an experiment and should be left in for that
reason. Seiple noted that residential TIFs are not typically used. Dennis noted that residential
TIFS are used to increase residential development, especially in towns that hadn't had any new
houses built in years.
Byler suggested leaving the recommendation in - but all agreed it's not a high priority.
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable units in RFC and downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an effort to
reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PUDs (Planned Use Development)
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area (keep
occupancy at 3 unrelated persons)
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process (density,
multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
Byler is in favor of all these ideas and Harms agreed. Seiple noted that perhaps the parking
requirements could be waived beyond just the affordable units. Hightshoe said there has been a
pushback from neighborhoods near downtown because of a concern that increased residents in
downtown without adequate parking would push the parking into their neighborhoods.
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the
downtown core
Byler said this is something the Council is very attuned with at this time. Seiple questioned what
the link was of affordable housing and form -based, if it was just that density was cheaper. Byler
confirmed it was, and also in the downtown core it's about historical preservation as well.
Hightshoe added that the goal is a variety of units.
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC (ties
to use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
Byler again said this recommendation is straightforward. Hightshoe said there are projects where
the developer will tap into every source available.
Seiple asked if the City was planning to change some of the vouchers into project based.
Hightshoe said it depends on the qualified application plan, if there are a lot of points given to
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 10 of 16
project based vouchers then they would be willing to consider them.
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to determine
the viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that would support affordable
housing
Byler believes this recommendation should be a very high priority. It could be a way for the City
to leverage funds to create opportunities. Byler also wanted to add he feels Neighborhood
Development staff should also be in the City Manager's office so they can be involved in
developments and assisting developers with opportunities. Persson agreed and said that is a
noticeable way to say affordable housing is on par with Economic Development (which is already
in that office).
The Commission agreed to add a recommendation stating in early stage residential development
projects Neighborhood Services staff should be involved in discussions with City Manager.
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown and University Impact Areas from the
Affordable Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of restricted areas
and/or account for neighborhood densities
Hightshoe noted that the City is already following up on this recommendation. Ackerson will
update the model in October based on the seven factors that go into the model. This year it will
be different because there will be the school information from Alexander School. Additionally
they are exempting Riverfront Crossings because it is inclusionary zoning already. Hightshoe
stated it is important to not have all City subsidized housing located in limited areas of the City.
There was discussion on how the affordable housing location model is structured and if there
could be a better way to construct a model. If the goal is just to make sure all the affordable
housing is not concentrated into one area, perhaps there is a better way to structure the model.
Hightshoe said the current model was created to address the school district concerns of having
concentrated poverty and placing assisted housing (for low income families) scattered
throughout the district.
Byler suggested a new system that follows the elementary school district lines and apply criteria
for affordable housing to each of those neighborhoods.
Byler suggested changing recommendation #13 to "exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown
and University Impact Areas from the Affordable Housing Location model and fundamentally
change the model to neighborhoods instead of individual properties." The other Commissioners
agreed.
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary
Hightshoe noted the only cautionary point for staff is not all people understand this and will often
just not pay rent because of poor conditions which is not acceptable and they can be evicted.
Byler suggested adding to this a recommendation to reflect a focus on education in a bilingual
platform with regards to tenants' rights on physical condition of rentals. Dennis noted that the
Affordable Housing Coalition is also working on more education on tenants' rights as well.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 11 of 16
Byler stated those are the 15 recommendations for action and asked if there were any other
items the Commission would like to add.
Conger questioned the miscellaneous other topic of collecting rent data on city permits. She feels
it should be public information and a resource for the public. Hightshoe said collecting that data
may be problematic; landlords can say they are renting units for a certain price but not enough
staff to look at every lease to confirm. Staff is also hesitant about not renewing a rental permit as
the owner failed to indicate what rent. Ackerson stated he spoke with someone about possibility
writing a program that could analyze data from downloads of rental ads on Craigslist and that
could be used to assist with data collection.
Byler suggested adding a recommendation, #16, to encourage exploring options for collecting
better rent data. Commissioners agreed to include this recommendation.
Byler also asked if the Commission would be able to see the suggestions that will come through
the email that was set up for suggestions on these recommendations. Staff will look into options
for that, but noted all comments will be in the Council packet for public to view.
Byler noted that while education for tenants is a great idea, he also feels that landlords and
developers need education on Housing Choice Vouchers and how lucrative they can be.
Perhaps it can be a bullet point under recommendation #12.
Hightshoe then asked the Commission to prioritize the recommendations, giving perhaps a top
three.
Person made a motion to recommend the following recommendations as modified from
the Affordable Housing Action Plan presented to City Council on June 21, 2016:
Priority Recommendations
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FY18 budget process
• HCDC recommends $1,000,000 annually through a regular line item in the
budget funded with property taxes or other revenue streams
S. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created
Affordable Housing Fund
HCDC recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, with a
focus on multi -family projects
• 25% held in reserve for land banking
Maximum of 5% for emergent situations determined by the City Council (if
funds not used by end of the fiscal year, the funds reserved for land banking)
20% directed through HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the
CDBG / HOME housing application processes
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 12 of 16
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to
determine the viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that
would support affordable housing
• Create an education program to promote the benefits of subsidized housing
projects to landlords/developers
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown and University Impact Areas from the
Affordable Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of
restricted areas and/or account for neighborhood densities
• Consider adoption of a new neighborhood based (not address based)
Affordable Housing Location Model to allow and encourage city -assisted
development in more locations throughout the City, including redevelopment of
existing affordable housing
Remaininq Recommended Actions:
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity as well as
review the set-aside for housing rehabilitation as set in the Consolidated Plan.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings
District (Done)
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community
(Done)
6. Hold the $1,900,000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to
leverage significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income
replacement housing
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development
and/or annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the
required LMI set-aside for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and
Foster Road)
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable and non -affordable units in RFC and
downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an
effort to reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PUDs
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area
(keep occupancy at 3 unrelated)
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 13 of 16
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process
(density, multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the
downtown core
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC
(ties to use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council notification of major site plans when 12 or more households will be
displaced and there is no accompanying rezoning Such applications would
require a transition plan to better inform residents and the general public
(requires a comprehensive plan amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good
neighbor meeting would be encouraged
• Develop a displacement policy, including defining displacement (not to include
non -renewal of lease) and "emergent situation"
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary
(use simpler language for ease of understanding)
• Increase education about housing code violations and how to report
Additional Recommendations:
16. Increase Neighborhood Services involvement in the early stages of residential
development
• Suggest having a Neighborhood Services representative located in the City
Manager's office
17. Consider opportunities to collect rent data beyond the rental permitting process
Harms seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF CHANGES TO THE CDBG AND HOME SCORING
CRITERIA:
Byler noted this was discussed at the last meeting and the Commission agreed to put a heavier
weight on matching funds. The Commission has received some feedback from partners
regarding the updated scoring criteria. One noted that if the minimum award will continue to be
$50,000 then it only allows for large projects. Byler stated he supports funding big projects. The
JCAHC Responses and Questions
Iowa City Affordable Housing Action Plan Draft
July 2016
NOTE: City staff met with
representatives of JCAHC on
August 15th to discuss the
issues contained in this
document.
We deeply appreciate all the work and care that went into the City's Affordable Housing
Action Plan Draft. It's very encouraging to see the different ways in which Iowa City is
considering increasing the supply of affordable housing. Rather than submit a formal
comment, we are hoping to have a conversation with City Staff about the Plan, to
discuss the responses and questions below.
#1- #3
We support these recommendations.
#4
Could the City clarify how a district -wide TIF works? If the funding derived from a
district -wide TIF has to be spent in that district, how much of the proposed funding
($500,000 to $1 million) will be limited to Downtown and Riverfront Crossings, and how
much will be available for outside the TIF districts?
#5 and #11
First we want to say that establishing a dedicated source of City funding for affordable
housing is a huge step forward. We do have questions and suggestions.
Given the need for large plots of land to develop significant numbers of units, 30% of
$500,000 to $1 million may not be enough for land banking. Could the City consider
other sources, such as General Obligation bonds, for land banking, and split the
proposed funds between the Housing Trust Fun and LIHTC? Also, would "emergent
situations" take funding away from land banking?
Given the connection between land banking and LIHTC projects, we recommend
carrying over funding for LIHTC from one year to the next, to build up enough funds to
undertake a major project. City funding for LIHTC is an excellent idea, but an RFP
process may not be necessary or useful. It could slow down the process, which is
already complex and time sensitive.
If funding is added to CDBG/HOME pool, we hope it would be used for affordable
housing development activities only.
#6
Could you clarify the HUD rules for how the $1.9 million can be used?
#7
We support inclusionary housing in annexed areas, with a set percentage and clear
terms of affordability.
#s
We support the City using residential TIFs, with a required set-aside for Low and
Moderate Income housing. Could it be set up in a way that will not negatively impact
the School District? Perhaps a 'payment in lieu' to the School District? This would
reduce the amount of funding available but would be fairer.
#9
We support proposed changes to City Code. We recommend clarifying the definition of
affordable housing, to avoid confusion between affordable and workforce housing.
#10
While we support using Form -Based Codes, we are concerned that the codes could
conflict with making buildings affordable and accessible. (For example, requiring steps
on buildings that are designed and federally funded to be fully accessible.)
#12
We support a tax abatement program that would support affordable housing.
#13
We support exempting the areas mentioned from the Affordable Housing Location
Model, and making modifications to Model that will reduce the size of restricted areas,
and take neighborhood densities into account.
#14
Concerning the Council's role in approving major site plans, and the required creation of
transition plans, we would like to better understand how this would play out.
A good neighbor meeting should have City staff in attendance, not only the developer.
#15
Is rent abatement the right term? Does a third party hold the rent?
We look forward to discussing the plan with City Staff. We hope that Iowa City and
neighboring jurisdictions will consider identifying quantitative affordable housing goals —
perhaps three-year averages of the net gain of units. It's important to know if we're
making progress.
Marian Karr
From:
Geoff Fruin
Sent:
Thursday, September 08, 2016 8:05 AM
To:
Marian Karr
Cc:
Tracy Hightshoe; Simon Andrew; Doug Boothroy
Subject:
FW: Input on affordable housing
Marian,
This email is the only feedback we received from the general public.
Geoff
-----Original Message -----
From: Cheryl [mailto:cherylcruise@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2016 9:54 AM
To: Affordable HousingAutoReply
Subject: Input on affordable housing
Council and staff,
I would like to echo two recent Press -Citizen editorials. First, it is important to define your terms so that everyone
knows what is meant when you speak of affordable housing. Second, you really would gain much by reading the entire
Chapel Hill NC website regarding their affordable housing policy and strategy.
In Chapel Hill they separate two classes of affordable housing. One class is workforce or 80%-100% AMI. The second
class is up to 60% AMI which is considered subsidized and is relegated to city or non -profits to create and manage.
Because North Carolina has a law prohibiting rent control like Iowa's, their inclusionary zoning ordinance excludes
rental. This is also how Boulder CO conducts inclusionary zoning because of the Colorado law (like Iowa's). Boulder
requires inclusionary affordable units to be owned by city or non -profits. California is similar.
All of these locations define affordable maximum,rent as HUD defined 30% of income. Iowa City's current definition
which includes using Section 8 Fair Market Rent calculates to 40% AMI and will necessitate larger TIFs or allowing 60%
AMI tenants to pay far less than 30% of income at the expense of landlords.
According to property management websites, there are currently many available units affordable to 60% AMI paying
30% of income. The Iowa City problem may be low income, no steady income source, lack of security deposit, lack of
available co-signer, poor credit score, poor landlord references, being a smoker, or owning pets.
Cheryl Cruise
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The 30 Iowa City
The 30 Iowa City
A Community Teach -In -- 30 -hours, 30 Opportunities, A World of Possibility
Friday, September 16, 2016 @ Noon UNTIL Saturday, September 17, 2016 @ 6 pm
Page 1 of 4
The 30 is a call to action - 30 hours of thinking, talking, workshoping the challenges in our community
to create a vision for action. While the topics may at first glance seem unrelated, when you peel back
the layers of conversation and content you see an interconnected web of humanness - this is why
30 hours matters - we find commonality and community in the 30...
Home Contact Teach -In Proposals/Volunteer Community Agreements Schedule
What is The 30?
The 30 is a series of continuous, 1 -hour individual teach -ins over the course of 30 -hours, hosted in
downtown Iowa City by a group of community members who believe that education, sharing space,
ideas, skills and stories has the power to lift us ALL. We will create space for radical, grassroots,
and community driven social justice education and network building.
Come to whichever sessions spark your interest! To be respectful of instructors and other
participants please limit coming and going during each actual session. Check out the
schedule to see what's going on.
(PS this is not designed for you to attend the entire 30 hours but to pick and choose which
sessions are of interest to you. However, you are certainly welcome to attend all 30 if you are so
moved!)
i Que significa las 30?
What is a teach -in?
A teach -in combines education and action. Awareness with preparedness. A chance for community
members to skill -share, collectively learn and work towards improving our communities together.
This is not a lecture, speech, workshop or training. This is community sharing of knowledge and
skill to deepen our ties to social progress, each other and to make a visible commitment to tangible
action. The core principle of a teach -in is the have a concrete action that participants can engage
in either during the teach -in or very soon after. So all teach -ins MUST have an action/to-do
component. Need help figuring that our? Email us The30lC@gmail.com, we are happy to discuss
what this looks like with you! Are you in?
Learn more about the practices' history: The teach -ins: Anti -war protest in the Old Stoned Age
What is a Teach -In?
Better Websites Made Simple
Sign In or Register
Have something you'd like to learn at a
teach -in? Email us by August 22, 2016
with your ideas and we'll see what we
can do!
Create your own fre,
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/ 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City
Social justice embodies the vision of a society that is equitable and in which all members are
physically and psychologically safe.* Social justice also demands that all people have a right to
basic human dignity and to have their basic economic needs met. Our commitment to social justice
recognizes that health is affected by a host of social factors. It is not possible to address trauma
and violence without also wrestling with poverty, racism, sexism, classism, homophobia and all
other forms of stigma. Because of this, we cannot ignore deep seated inequalities as we seek
answers to problems like violence and trauma. Rather, we must struggle with these problems
clearly and honestly.
*From: Barry S. Levy and Victor Sidel. The nature of social injustice and its impact on public health,
p.8. In: Social Injustice and Public Health, Barry S. Levy and Victor Sidel, editors. Oxford Press,
2006, 529 pp.
* This is an evolving event, any information provided here is subject to change.
** All appropriate permits have been secured.
What will 1 learn?
Whatever your heart desires. There will be 30 opportunities to engage with topics like civics,
environmental justice, saving on a budget, challenging social privilege, making art and music,
starting a business, racial justice, LGBTQ rights, community organizing, creative writing, and to
dialogue with local community leaders, just to give you a taste...
When?
Friday, September 16, 2016 @ Noon UNTIL Saturday, September 17, 2016 @ 6 pm — We will not
stop educating, engaging, building community, laughing, hugging, sharing for 30 hours...
Where?
Iowa City Ped Mall's Black Hawk Mini Park. Check webpage and social media for any updates
regarding the schedule and location.
Who?
All of us( Well, specifically the following Iowa City community
members sweat a bunch, wrote many emails, called a lot of
folks, had meetings, and meetings, and meetings, and did a lot
stuff to bring free, open, actionable education to our community
for 30 glorious hours...
Kendra
Anna
Meagan Better Websites Made Simple
Kyra
How much?
Free and open to the public.
Families, dogs and people of
all ages are welcome to attend.
Dogs as long as they get along
with kids, people and other
dogs. Please read the teach -in
description before you attend
so that you can gauge its level
of appropriateness for those
you intend to bring. Remember
Page 2 of 4
Create your own fre,
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/ 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City
Simeon
Veronica
Jaime
Khirin
Avi
Annie
Joel
Rachel
You?
Want to help organize? Email us! The30ICCcDgmail. com
AND, transparency is important to us. We are progressive and
liberal in our politics, lifestyles, and community building
strategies. You do not have to share our political frameworks to
join us. In fact, we welcome, encourage and invite folks from
across the political spectrum to participate in all aspects of The
30. You DO have to follow the community guidelines (available
soon) and contribute to equitable learning spaces that challenge
and highlight the ways oppression manifests itself in our
community. You've got to be able to own your stuff, ok? Some
of the positions organizers take and realities to expect at The 30
- #BLACKLIVESMATTER; we will make sure there are gender
inclusive restrooms for transgender people, Iowa City needs
affordable housing NOW and struggles with racial and
economic segregation, open and informed communication
about consent and sexual health across the lifespan is
necessary and championed, our Muslim family is welcomed and
celebrated — see what we are saying? Good. Then come learn,
play and continue to build on the greatness of our communities!
What's on the schedule?
we will be having frank, open,
and often challenging
conversations about a myriad
of topics, we want you and
your family/people to be
comfortable with what is
discussed.
Volmite ,
l�>)xttttmittt.'s
I want to volunteer!
Excellent. We are happy to
have you. Follow the link to
sign-up and read the volunteer
position descriptions:
hftp://www.signupgenius.com/g
o/4090f4da4a82ca3fc1-
volunteer
So glad you asked. The initial schedule will be posted as soon as we begin to confirm teach -in
guides, teachers, leaders and instructors, and will be updated accordingly.
Is the event accessible?
We will do everything in our power to make sure we have what you need to participate in
meaningful ways. Email The30lC@gmaii.com by Tuesday, September 6th, 2016 with reasonable
accommodations that you will require and we will do our best to meet those needs. Please specify
the date(s) and times (s) you will need these accommodations. Additionally, the email subject
should be "The 30 Accommodations Request".
Please note: This is a low-tech operation. You will have a table, white board and markers provided
for you by organizers. We are working on getting a tent to hold out door teach -ins under but this is
in the works, stay tuned. If you require other materials you will need to bring those. We are happy
to help carry. Please put any materials you will be bringing or assistance you will need in the
appropriate spaces in the proposal form. See "Teach -In Proposals/Volunteers" section for link.
Also, this is a ZERO budget event, so we ask that you provide your brilliance in gratis as we do not
have any money to pay you. HOWEVER, as a teach -in leader you are invited and encouraged to
share hrochiirec business cards or other marketing mafa rials that promote your work and/or
organization. We are also happy to post flyers, event information, etc. on this webpage and on our
social medfaeAiQ6lVg6 ttigi&fWgoi(Wlgommunity building and social justice.
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/
Page 3 of 4
Create your own fre,
9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City Page 4 of 4
Questions? Email The301C@9mail.com
In solidarity - Kendra
Better Websites Made Simple
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/
Create your own fre,
9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
The 30 Iowa City
A Community Teach -In -- 3o -hours, 30 Opportunities, A World of Possibility
Friday, September 16, 2016 @ Noon UNTIL Saturday, September 17, 2016 @ 6 pm
Page 1 of 6
The 30 is a call to action - 30 hours of thinking, talking, workshoping the challenges in our community
to create a vision for action. While the topics may at first glance seem unrelated, when you peel back
the layers of conversation and content you see an interconnected web of humanness - this is why
30 hours matters - we find commonality and community in the 30...
Home Contact Teach -In Proposals/Volunteer Community Agreements Schedule
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
Friday, Teach -In Description
9/16
Noon - Visioning an Equitable Iowa City
1:00 pm A dialogue in which we dream big, open our hearts, see
each other and discuss what an equitable Iowa City
looks like as a community. This conversation will be lead
by Jim Throgmorton, Iowa City Mayor and Kingsley
Botchway, Mayor Pro Tem.
Better Websites Made Simple
Saturday, Teach -In Description
9/17
2:00-3:00 Community Starts at Home: Cooperative Living for the
am Rugged Individualist
An interdisciplinary consideration of how the village
became reactionary in modern American society. We are
now creatures of economy, living in a world that was built
by a competitive ethos which antagonizes and mocks our
primal drive for tribe and connection. A world that still
models a mercantilist attitude of bold accumulation and a
personal worth that is diminished by sharing. We will
examine how cooperative societies have historically
functioned within the framework of CapitOg%W your own fre.
leveraging collective action for survival, particularly in the
http://the3oiowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
Page 2 of 6
case of disenfranchised populations who were often shut
out from traditional access and opportunity. We'll also
briefly address the artificial promise of the 'sharing'
economy, and discuss how we can redefine cooperation
for our neighbors to mean community strength instead of
personal liability.
Instructor: Amanda Bloomer
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
Run for Elected Office or Manage a Campaign
Learn from experienced campaigner and current Board
of Supervisors member Rod Sullivan about local
elections. The session will answer questions about how
to prepare oneself for a potential run for office and how
to organize a successful campaign. We'll go over both
Allies in THE Movement
1:00 -
practical tips (e.g., ordering and distributing yard signs)
We will discuss what it means and takes to be a genuine,
2:00 pm
and potentially bigger concerns, such as "What will I be
3:00-4:00
committed, respectful, loving, privilege checking ally in
getting myself into?" Rod has a long history in
am
social justice movements.
progressive politics and is strongly committed to
Instructor: Michael Shaw
recruiting and assisting candidates who are people of
color, women, LGBT individuals, and others who should
be more justly represented in local government and
beyond.
Instructors: Rod Sullivan and Sara Barron
How to Wonder about Social Justice
This session examines how to understand the nature of
wonder and its importance for moving past political
Consent is a Conversation
disputes and toward a world in which social change
Affirmative consent among sexual/sensual partners is
becomes possible. This session will begin by defining
beyond a bare -minimum, yes/no transaction. For consent
what wonder means, how to invite others to engage in it,
to truly affirm desires, expectations, and boundaries, it
2:00 -
and how it differs from other forms of political
4:00-5:00 needs to be a conversation. In this "Sex After Dark" teach -
3:00 pm
conversation. It then looks to how wondering, together,
am in, we will share practical and playful communication skills
diminishes defensive positions and provides more
and conversation starters that invite richer context and
resources toward newly imagined possibilities. Each
understanding toward a mutually pleasurable, affirmatively
person will be charged to leave with a better
consensual experience.
understanding of how to ask the kinds of questions,
Instructor: Alison Oliver
publicly, that might cause social change.
Instructor: Daniel Boscaljon
Building Bridges between English Language
Learners & Native Speakers in the Community
For many English language learners in the Iowa City
area, it can be a struggle to develop relationships with
native speakers due to language barriers, fear of being
rejected by the community, or simply not knowing what
resources exist in the community. As a result, learners
3:00 -
may feel isolated despite the desire to practice their
5:00 -
4:00 pm
English, to make friends, and to get involved with
6:00 am TBD
communal activities. The goal of this teach -in is to
discuss how native speakers in the area can help their
non-native community members feel more included in
their new home by taking the first step toward forging
hnnrlc that hanaft tha laarnsam the nntiya anaakara, Anrt
the community as a whole.
Bert �?a��Rr
Create your own fre,
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
Page 3 of 6
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
4:00 -
Raising Feminist Sons
6:00 -
Why We Resist Oil
5:00 pm
"Feminism is for everyone" is making a comeback in
7:00 am
Information coming soon!
both popular culture and social justice rhetoric. Despite
the problems associated with this gross over -
generalization, this argument is inspiring important
discussions about toxic gender expectations for
everyone; nowhere is this more important than with our
children. By using parenting techniques influenced by
feminist discourse we can support our sons with
everything from nurturing their emotional growth to
teaching them about bodily consent. This teach -in will
focus heavily on raising male -identifying children, but we
will aim discuss the full spectrum of sex and gender.
Instructor: Erin Meek
Accommodating the Disabled in our Community
We will discuss with community members how persons
with disabilities can be involved in our community. Open
Local Homeless Policies and Regulations- Do They
discussion on how to better understand and assist
Help or Hurt?
5:00 -
persons with disabilities. What services and/or
7:00 -
People without permanent housing options face many
6:00 pm
accommodations can we help support and provide for
8:00 am
barriers to safety and existing. We will take a look at some
persons with disabilities. Social Justice requires making
of our local policies and explore the effects on persons of
persons with disabilities feel a part of our community
all ages who are experiencing homeless.
and welcomed.
Instructor: Stephanie Van Housen
Instructor: Harry Olmstead
Deconstructing, Critiquing and Exposing White
Privilege
Deconstructing, Critiquing and Exposing White
This discussion, designed for white people, will examine
Privilege (same as Friday's session)
three main questions: What is white privilege? How do I
This discussion, designed for white people, will examine
build my awareness of white privilege and its impacts?
three main questions: What is white privilege? How do I
When I am aware of my and others' white privilege,
build my awareness of white privilege and its impacts?
what should 1 DO about it?
When I am aware of my and others' white privilege, what
should I DO about it?
Whether you have been contemplating these questions
for a minute or a lifetime, this two-hour session is
Whether you have been contemplating these questions for
designed to welcome you where you are. Our goals are
a minute or a lifetime, this two-hour session is designed to
to further our understanding, connect us to others
welcome you where you are. Our goals are to further our
seeking opportunities to learn and act, challenge
understanding, connect us to others seeking opportunities
ourselves and hold each other accountable, and inspire
to learn and act, challenge ourselves and hold each other
6:00 -
a richer commitment in ourselves and each other.
8:00 -
accountable, and inspire a richer commitment in ourselves
8:00 pm
10:00 am
and each other.
A note for people of color: This session is explicitly
designed for those who do not have a lived experience
A note for people of color: This session is explicitly
a s a target of racism. If you join us (and please do, if
designed for those who do not have a lived experience as
you want to), we'd like you to know that we're committed
a target of racism. If you join us (and please do, if you want
to creating a space where you will not be asked to
to), we'd like you to know that we're committed to creating
speak for or represent anyone but yourself and your
a space where you will not be asked to speak for or
experiences, at your own choosing. The content of our
represent anyone but yourself and your experiences, at
session is informed by people of color, with a variety of
Your own choosing. The content of our session is informed
perspectives and beliefs, who have addressed white
by people of color, with a variety of perspectives and
privilege, white fragility, "allyship," and the impact of and
beliefs, who have addressed white privilege, white fragility,
strategies for dismantling individual and structural
"allyship," and the impact of and strategies for dismantling
racism.
Joel Gilbertson -
II IVIVIU UGI and JIIUUIUI GI IGVIJIII.
Facilitators: Kelcey Patrick -Ferree, Sarah Hunnicutt, Lisa
Roberts, Gail Brashers-Krug Create y our own fres
White, Anne Crotty
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
8:00 - Protect Your Creations
9:00 pm This country has a history of having dominant groups or
rich companies appropriate the art of minorities and
people with few resources to combat the theft. Copyright
law gives artists, authors, and creators ways to protect
themselves. Local attorney Kelcey Patrick -Ferree will
explain the copyright registration process and how
registration benefits creators.
Instructor: Kelcey Patrick -Ferree
Fast Food Pharmacy
Take a look at the striking similarities between the fast-
food industry and the "fast -pharmacy" business model
and how this disproportionately affects certain regions
and demographics - from the perspective of a
9:00 -
pharmacist that prefers a nutritional approach to healing,
10:00 pm
vs. pharmaceutically driven. Discussion of political and
economical driving forces that shape the food and
medical environment around various communities.
Suggesting ways to become active to increase
availability of quality food and medical care, especially in
underserved areas.
Instructor: Kyle Hilsabeck, PharmD
Page 4 of 6
10:00 - Navigating the Broken Mental Health System
11:00 am Discuss ways to navigate the mental health system and
what your rights are if you are in a hospital. How to create
a culture of support within your own community.
Techniques to provide your own mental health care.
Instructor: Ruth Kuehnle
Spaces, Faces, and Places: Writing Diverse Fiction
Matters
From young adult to romance to mystery, contemporary
fiction has become deliciously varied. Women, POC,
11:00 am transpeople, and others are lending their literary voices to
- Noon the craft now more than ever before. During this teach -in,
local indie author Eliza David will discuss current trends in
diverse fiction, best practices on complex world -building,
and why creating diverse main characters matter.
Instructor: Eliza David
Queer People of Color (QPOC) Caucus
The LGBTQ community of Iowa City has limited
resources for those who are not affiliated with the
University. If you add other factors of oppression, such
as race, the resources become even smaller or
nonexistent. I wanted to take an hour to discuss among
10:00 - non-white community members about some of the 12:00 -
11:00 pm issues that they face in Iowa City/Midwest/society as 1:00 pm
queer people of color. What do we need to build a more
visible community in a predominantly white LGBTQ
environment? This is meant to be a safe space for
people of color who fall under the LGBTQ umbrella.
POC allies are welcome.
Instructors: Latisha McDaniel and Shalisa Gladney
Faith is a Muscle
Participants will have the opportunity to clarify their
personal and interpersonal spirituality, toward furthering
our capacity and boldness for justice work. This
exploration will include examination of ourselves, people
in our life, the world, and our understandings of divinity.
11:00 - Participants will consider the values, principles, beliefs 1:00 -
Midnight and interests that they hold most dear, and evaluate 2:00 pm
their groundedness with activities (thoughts, speech and
actions) and relationships to which we give priority with
our time, attention, money, and energy. There will also
be an opportunity to practice sharing of values and
Bef{ercWetwlesol la e mp�ey ways.
Instructor: Joel Gilbertson -White
How To Speak Truth to Power Even If You Are Pretty
Conflict -Avoidant
Most of us don't love conflict? But conflict avoidance may
be more irresistable for those of us socialized to 'keep the
peace,' or for those of us relatively shielded from injustice
by various forms of social privilege (classed, gendered,
raced and more). This workshop engages us in practicing
to speak out in tough moments when we might otherwise
die a little inside, and learn to LOVE CONFLICT. Or
maybe just hate it a little less.
The workshop includes a role-play activity where we
practice scripting and and speaking truth to power in small
groups. It also includes snacks (!)
Instructor: Naomi Greyser
Radical Amateur Publications: Using Zines as a
Method of Protest
Little magazines, colloquially referred to as 'zines' are
amateur publications that utilize a diy-ethic and a desire to
resist patriarchal, hetero normative, sexist, racist and other
fucked up ideologies. This teach in will outline influential
radical publications in the 20th and 21 st century, resources
to radical archives, and a brief a tutorial on how to make
your own zine.
Instructor: Kathryn Heffner
Create your own fre,
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
Saturday, Teach -In Descriptions
9/17
Kink Hour: BDSM and feminism
"Healthy kinky relationships are founded on clear
communication, consent, regular negotiation, but some
people deliberately use BDSM to manipulate, exploit,
overpower, and abuse". Denarii Monroe
Midnight -
Due to the popularity of books/movies like 50 Shades of
1:00 am
Grey, mainstream society is getting a glimpse into the
BDSM lifestyle. This has brought about both positive
and negative views about the lifestyle from the feminist
community. I want to provide an 101ish discussion of
the lifestyle facilitated by a black feminist in a
submissive role. Is BDSM complimentary or
contradictory to feminist theory and sexual freedom?
Instructor: LeXXXie Hall
Radical Self -Care for Activists, Caretakers, and
Peacekeepers
In the words of Audre Lorde ""Caring for myself is not
self-indulgence, it is self-preservation and that is an act
of political warfare."
Page 5 of 6
2:00 - Educating for Social Justice / Working to liberate
3:00 pm within oppressive systems
Exploring the work of teaching in rural Iowa as a case
study, this session will explore how to work for SJ goals
within an oppressive system. We'll highlight some of the
lessons learned, the successes and failures, some of the
major themes of educating for social justice, as well as how
to create organizational change.
Instructor: Gregory Wickenkamp
Work Comp and Unemployment 101
Many employers take advantage of workers who may not
3:00-4:00 know their legal rights. This is especially true with
pm immigrant and non-English speaking workers. The teach -in
will hopefully empower the audience with basic legal rights,
as well as educate employers on fair practices.
Instructor: Andrew Bribriesco
The work we as activists do can be difficult, both
1:00 - 4:00 -
emotionally and physically. Our battles are filled with
2:00 am 5:00 pm
triumphs and oftentimes disappointment. We hear
people say "we can not care for others without first
caring for ourselves" and "one can not pour from an
empty cup", but what does that really mean? Come join
us as we explore the importance of self care, what it
really means, and how to apply tactics to your own life.
Instructor: Einna 011utnev
Better Websites Made Simple
G! World: Giving voice to self -defined minority young
women
During this workshop participants will get to learn about an
innovative program that was designed to empower, mentor
& support self -defined minority young women in junior high
and high school. G!World is a movement that is gender
specific and culturally responsive to the needs of young
women in the Iowa City area. We will highlight the history,
program specifics, goals and the importance of giving voice
to our youth, especially young women of color. This
session will be interactive and you will learn more about
ways you can help G!World participants reach their full
potential.
Instructor: Raquisha Harrington & G!World Members
5:00 - Think Before You Dial: Alternatives to Police
6:00 pm Intervention in a Crisis
Perhaps it is a result of "heightened racial tensions';
perhaps it is merely the fact that we have technologies to
document our lives with the click of a button. Whatever the
case is, interactions with police are increasingly deadly
particularly for Black people, people of color in general,
differently abled citizens, and citizens in mental health
crises. Often people feel like they have no choice but to
call law enforcement even when they are uncomfortable
initiating police interactions. This teach -in aims to connect
the community to alternative resources and crisis de-
escalation measures that are at their disrrsal Ie I our U.n fre
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
The 30 Iowa City - Schedule
The 30 Iowa City Schedule
Better Websites Made Simple
Page 6 of 6
Instructors: Nailah Roberts, Gabrielle Miller
(Supported by Kendra Malone)
Create your own fre,
http://the30iowacity.webs.com/schedule 9/7/2016
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Marian Karr
From: City of Iowa City<CityoflowaCity@public.govdelivery.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2016 2:17 PM
To: Marian Karr
Subject: Mayor's Walk rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 12
0 SHARE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
��N°� 10WACITY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 8/30/2016
Contact: Simon Andrew, Assistant to the City Manager
Phone: 319-356-5010
Mayor's Walk rescheduled for Monday, Sept. 12
Due to the chance of heavy rainfall this afternoon, the Mayor's Walk previously scheduled for
today will instead take place on Monday, Sept. 12.
Mayor Jim Throgmorton will continue his series of neighborhood walks through Iowa City on
Monday, Sept. 12, 2016. Monday's walk marks his fifth event since April and will begin at 4:45 p.m.
The Mayor's Walks provide the Mayor with the opportunity to learn more about the City directly from
the residents he serves.
Mayor Throgmorton will begin his walk at the Clinton and Washington Street Transportation Center,
where he will catch the Rochester bus. He will take that bus to the stop at Amhurst and Rochester
Sts., then walk south on Amhurst toward Washington St.
For more information about the Mayor's Walks series, email iim-throgmorton(a)-iowa-citv.org or call
319-621-9391.
It
• Questions?
Contact Us
CITY 4F IOWA CITY
uNisco cny of U?FRAILM
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Public input meetings scheduled for two Iowa City parks
Receive Updates I Enter Email Address Go
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Public input meetings scheduled for two Iowa City
parks
City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 09/02/2016 09:45 AM CDT
d SHARE Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web nage.
�� IOWA CITY
Date: 9/1/16
Contact: Juli Sevdell Johnson
Phone: 319-356-5110
Public input meetings scheduled for two Iowa City parks
Two public input meetings are scheduled in September to explore improvements to Cardigan Park,
and Frauenholtz-Miller Park. The Cardigan Park meeting will inform the master plan for future park
construction. Public input from the Frauenholtz-Miller Park meeting will help guide the park plan set
for construction in spring 2017. Area residents are encouraged to attend.
• Cardigan Park Master Plan Public Meeting
Wednesday, September 7
5:15-7:15 p.m.
Location: Cardigan Park, 500 Huntington Drive
Event page: http://bit.ly/2bBldzc
Frauentholtz-Miller Park Public Meeting
Thursday, September 13
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Frauenholtz-Miller Park, 4329 St. Patrick Drive
Event page: http://bit.ly/2c8WNcE
Questions?
Contact Us
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/builetins/I 60dal 0 9/2/2016
Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September 2016 1P7
0
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Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September
2016
City of Iowa City sent this bulletin at 09/06/2016 10:13 AM CDT
Sustainable Iowa City
News about sustainability from the City of Iowa City
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
September 2016 1 Visit us online at www.icgov.org/sustainability.
Monarch Festival scheduled in September
Other Monarch news
Mayor signs pledge
A special festival to celebrate the Monarch butterfly and highlight
efforts to rebuild the butterfly population and keep them flying in our
community is scheduled from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11.
This family -friendly event will be held at the East Side Recycling
Center, 2401 Scott Blvd. SE in Iowa City. The festival is open to the
public, and there is no fee to participate.
Events will include displays about Monarchs, information -sharing on
how to grow milkweed to help feed them, and an opportunity to learn
how to successfully raise Monarch caterpillars on your own. At 2:15
p.m., there will be a chrysalis giveaway. Also scheduled: a kids'
storytime, lemonade and snacks, and a search of the area's
milkweed plants for caterpillars.
Watch for more info at www.icgov.org/icmonarchs.
Iowa City Mayor Jim Throgmorton signed the National Wildlife Federation's Mayors' Monarch Pledge
on Tuesday, Aug. 16 to help raise awareness about declining Monarch populations. This
pledge indicates a commitment from the City to help rehabilitate the Monarch population.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/162148a 9/6/2016
Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September 2016
Backyard Abundance Monarch Day
Page 2 of 5
Backyard Abundance is holding a Day of Service for Monarchs at Wetherby Park on Sunday, Sept. 11
from 4 to 5:30 p.m. See BackyardAbundance.org for more details.
Monarch tagging event at Kent Park
The Johnson County Conservation Board is holding a Monarch Butterfly Tagging Event at Kent Park
on Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. Pre -registration is requested. To register email kmorrow(cDco.lohnson.ia.us.
Farm to Street Dinner: A collaborative success
Combine fresh ingredients with elegantly
prepared dishes by some of the area's top
chefs, then serve it to a group of eager diners
seated at white cloth -covered tables in the
middle of North Linn Street, and you have a
picture of what the first Farm to Street Dinner
was like.
The event, held Thursday, Aug. 18, was a
collaborative effort between the City of Iowa
City's Farmers Market, the Downtown
District, Field to Family, and Johnson County
to celebrate local foods and support local
food systems. This year, it also helped raise
funds for the Farm to School Program. This
nonprofit program provides Iowa City
Community School District elementary
students with fresh, locally grown foods for
school meals, as well as hands-on
opportunities to learn about healthy foods
and food production through programs such
as "Farmer Fairs," an in -school field trip that
provides a farm experience at school sites.
Coordinator of the ICCSD Farm to School Chapter Michelle Kenyon said, "This event helped support
the goals of our Farm to School Chapter, which are to increase the amount of fresh, local foods that
students eat, support school gardens in order to teach kids where their food comes from, procure
locally -grown foods for the school lunch menu, and offer hands-on activities and demonstrations
showcasing the components of a sustainable food system."
The Farm to Street Dinner was supported through the Iowa City Council Sustainable/Locally Grown
Agriculture initiative, with additional support coming from the University of Iowa Community Credit
Union, PIP Printing, Bark and Bloom, High Ground Cafe, Get Fresh, and Jessica Pease Design. The
meal was created by chefs from Baroncini Ristorante, Devotay Restaurant, Motley Cow Caf6,
Northside Bistro, Pullman Bar & Diner, and SHARE Wine Lounge and Bistro.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAIOWA/bulletins/I 62148a 9/6/2016
Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September 2016
Solar power brings sustainable energy to local businesses
Downtown Iowa City
businesses M.C. Ginsberg -
Objects of Art and MidwestOne
Bank are paving the way
to sustainable energy solutions
with the installation of solar
panels above their businesses.
After the installation, Mark
Ginsberg, owner of M.C.
Ginsberg - Objects of Art
noted, "330 pounds of carbon
was eliminated the first month
we ran this." Kevin Monson,
Chairman of the Board at
MidwestOne Bank, added that about 10% of the energy required for the bank building will now be
produced on site. Check out this video for more about these innovative energy solutions.
Page 3 of 5
Double Up Food Bucks increases healthy food purchases
The introduction of the Double Up Food Bucks Program, Iowa's statewide neamy t000 incentive
program, has been a great success in Iowa City this summer, essentially doubling the amount of fresh
produce low-income residents can purchase from the Downtown Iowa City Farmers Market. Through
this program, low-income residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
benefits are offered a one-for-one match on their Farmers Market purchases -- in other words, for
every $1 spent, they receive $2 worth of healthy foods. The local program is the result of a
collaboration between the City Council, City of Iowa City Farmers Market, and Johnson County.
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Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September 2016
Double Up Food Bucks not only makes it easier for low-income residents to access fresh fruits and
vegetables, it also builds business for local farmers and producers and helps keep food dollars in
the local community. Read more about it here.
Rummage in the Ramp: a "win, win, win" situation
In its 10th anniversary year, Rummage in the Ramp, the City
of Iowa City's annual reduce / reuse / recycle event, showed
once again how vital (and popular!) it continues to be by
helping to divert a whopping 27 tons of still -usable
household goods from the Iowa City Landfill.
Each year when apartment leases end, the program
encourages tenants to donate, rather than throw away,
household items, furniture, clothing, books, and other items
they no longer need or want to Rummage in the Ramp. The
items are then put up for sale in a local parking ramp, with all
profits from the multi -day sale split by local organizations
and nonprofits that help staff the event. Over 200 volunteers
from 38 local nonprofits helped staff this year's Rummage in
the Ramp, sharing $17,480 for their organizations.
Page 4 of 5
Jen Jordan, Iowa City's Recycling Coordinator commented, "At the surface, Rummage in the Ramp is
a giant garage sale. However, if you dig deeper, this event provides people with items they need,
provides local non -profits with operating funds, all while diverting waste from the Landfill, making it a
win -win-win."
Sustainability Spotlight: Jen Jordan
Jen Jordan, Iowa City's Recycling Coordinator, is the featured staff
member for this month's Sustainability Spotlight. She
defines sustainability through its impact on what she calls the "triple
bottom line" -- environment, local economy and social well-being --
and uses the triple bottom line to ensure waste reduction, reuse,
recycling and composting opportunities are available and accessible
for as many Iowa City residents as possible. Read more about Jen's
efforts here in the full Sustainability Spotlight feature.
Are you signed up for sustainability updates?
Connect with us on social media! We'll be posting sustainability facts and updates every week from
City of Iowa City accounts, with our hashtag #SustainablelC. We're active on Facebook, Twitter, and
Instagram, so be sure to like and follow! To subscribe to this e -newsletter, visit
www.icqov.org/e-subscriptions and check the "Sustainability" box in the Newsletters section.
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Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - September 2016 Page 5 of 5
4 -STAR: In March 2016, Iowa City was awarded a 4 -STAR Community Rating for
sustainability excellence, by being formally certified in the STAR Community
Rating System. STAR offers the nation's leading certification program in
evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental
performance measures. More info: www.STARcommunities.org.
This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Sustainability Office. For more information,
contact Brenda Nations, Coordinator, at 319-887-6161 or brenda-nations(a)iowa-city.org.
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Minutes
Human Rights Commission
August 16, 2016
Lobby Conference Room
DRAFT
Members Present: Eliza Willis, Andrea Cohen, Paul Retish, Shams Ghoneim, Adil
Adams, Joe D. Coulter.
Members Absent: Kim Hanrahan.
Staff Present: Stefanie Bowers.
Recommendations to Citv Council:
Yes. The Commission recommends that the Council adopt the amendments to the Human Rights
Ordinance as noted in the attached memo from the Human Rights Investigator.
Call to Order:
Ghoneim called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM.
Approval of July 19, 2016 Minutes:
With minor edits Coulter moved to approve the minutes; the motion was seconded by Cohen. A vote was
taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Funding Request for Iowa City Voter Registration for Persons with Disabilities:
Coulter moved to approve funding for actual cost or no more than $200 to create and print flyers that
advertise free transportation to persons with disabilities to vote at their respective precincts on Election
Day. The flyers will be posted in public places and sent to social service agencies. The motion was
seconded by Retish. A vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Amendments to Human Rights Ordinance:
Amendments to the Human Rights Ordinance include removing all references to the term "housing
accommodation" as that term is not used in the Fair Housing Act, replacing the phrase "men and women"
with "persons" and conforming time periods to match Iowa Code Section 4.1(34). Coulter moved to
approve the amendments; the motion was seconded by Ghoneim. A vote was taken and the motion passed
6-0.
Building and Crossing Bridges Together:
To date a news release has been prepared and co-sponsors have agreed to do a variety of things in
preparation for the event including printing materials (University of Iowa Center for Human Rights) and
providing refreshments (University of Iowa Chief Diversity Office).
Human Rights Breakfast:
Diane Finnerty, Assistant Provost for Faculty at the University of Iowa, will be the keynote speaker. A
news release has been sent out announcing that nominations for the annual awards breakfast are currently
being accepted.
Monthly Meeting Follow Up:
Commissioners spoke on the need to be mindful of their roles and the importance they serve in the
community. All members should have a voice and if there are opportunities to utilize best practices and
set high standards monthly meetings are one of the best places for them to exemplify this behavior.
Tai Tomasi ADA Anniversary Event:
This event was held the Iowa City Public Library from 2-4 PM on Friday, July 22. Turnout was lower
than anticipated but the presentation was excellent. Mayor Throgmorton introduced Tai Tomasi.
Job Fair:
The annual job fair will be held on September 13. Registration is open and spots are filling up on a daily
basis.
Ad Hoc Committee:
Willis and Hanrahan met with representatives from the League of Women Voters to discuss the
possibility of a collaborative project where volunteers would canvass neighborhoods that have low voter
turn out to promote the importance of voting.
Iowa City Community School District Equity Committee:
The Committee continues to work on high turnover in areas of leadership and collecting data from the
various schools on outcomes for children of color and children with disabilities.
Reports of Commissioners:
Cohen reported on an upcoming program being sponsored by the Johnson County United Nations
Association Chapter for "Celebrating the World's Children."
Coulter reported on the 18th Annual Iowa Latinx Conference being held on October 7 at the Iowa
Memorial Union.
Adjournment: 6:39 PM.
2
Agenda Item 5b
r
�.4r CITY OF IOWA CITY
a�,4
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 28, 2016
To: Human Rights Commission
From: Kristin Watson, Human Rights Investigator
CC: Stefanie Bowers, Human Rights Coordinator
Re: Revisions to Human Rights Ordinance
I ntrod uction/Background:
The Human Rights Ordinance was given a comprehensive update in December, 2015.
At that time, reference to "housing accommodation" was removed, as the term had no
counterpart in the Fair Housing Act. The phrase was replaced with "dwelling." However,
we were notified by the codifier that a few stray references to "housing accommodation"
remained in the Ordinance.
Because these references needed to be removed and replaced with "dwelling," we also
had the opportunity to address two other issues. First, the phrase "men and women"
was used in describing desired appointments to the Commission. Given Iowa City's
commitment to human rights for all, including those of all gender identities, we felt that
replacing "men and women" with "persons" was more inclusive and better reflected the
spirit of the City.
Second, time periods given throughout the Ordinance were unclear, as they simply
referenced a number of days during which something must be done, or after which
something could not be done. There was no clear direction regarding days upon which
City Hall is closed. If the last day of the time period fell on a weekend or holiday, did that
mean the time period expired before the weekend or holiday began, or on the next
business day?
Recommendation:
Amend the Human Rights Ordinance to:
1. Remove the stray references to "housing accommodation" and replace them with
"dwelling" to conform to the rest of the Ordinance,
2. Replace the phrase "men and women" with "persons," and
3. Add a section to the Ordinance stating that where a time period is given, counting of
the time shall conform to Iowa Code Section 4.1(34), which, in a nutshell, means that if
the time period expires on a weekend or federal or state holiday, the time period is
extended to the next regular business day.
Human Rights Commission
Attendance Record
NAME
TERM
EXP.
9/16
15
10/20
15
11/17
15
12/15
15
1/19
16
2/16
16
3/15
16
4/18
16
5/17
16
6/21
16
7/7
16
7/19
16
8/16
16
Joe D. Coulter
1/1/2019
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
Adil D.
Adams
1/1/2019
---
---
---
---
O/E
O
O/E
O
X
X
X
X
X
Eliza Jane
Willis
1/1/2019
----
----
----
----
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paul Retish
1/1/2017
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Orville
Townsend, Sr.
1/1/2017
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
R
Karol Krotz
1/1/2017
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
---
O
O
O
R
R
Andrea Cohen
1/1/2018
---
---
---
---
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Kim
Hanrahan
1/1/2018
X
X
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
O
Shams
Ghoneim
1/1/2018
X
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Key
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
R = Resigned
--- = Vacant
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
AUGUST 11, 2016
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
MEMBERS PRgSENT: Esther Baker, Zach Builta, Gosia Clore, Cecile Kuenzli, Ginalie
Swaim, Frank Wagner
MEMBERS ABSENT: Thomas Agran, Sharon DeGraw, Andrew Litton, Pam Michaud,
Sen Sandell
STAFF PRE§ENT: Jessica Bristow, Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRE,„§ENT: Kevin Bell, Molly Bell, J. Tucker Krone, Alicia Trimble
RECQMMgN[?ATIlQNS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUPLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Trimble stated that one of the long time board members of Friends of Historic Preservation,
Claire Sponsler, passed away recently. Trimble said that Sponsler had been on the board of
Friends for about 13 years and was a very active member of the North Side. She said that
Sponsler's memorial service would be Saturday at Preucil School at 2:00 p.m.
CERTIFICATES OF APPROPRIATENESS:
408 Fairchild Street.
Wagner said he would recuse himself with regard to this certificate and on the next project, as
he is the contractor for the proposals.
Bristow said that this property is in the North Side Historic District and involves two projects.
She said that the house is a Tudor revival and was built between 1929 and 1932. Bristow said
that, as one can see from the windows and the entrance canopy, the house does have some
Craftsman -style details as well, including some wood shake cedar siding on the second floor.
Bristow said the house has a small garage with a flat roof on the side. She said that the
applicant would like to remove the garage and build a new structure. Bristow stated that the
new structure is not quite a conforming parking structure so it would not technically be a garage,
but it would be built and detailed like a garage and would be pushed back into the back yard.
Bristow said that one can see, with the existing structure, that it has siding that matches the
house. She said that the interior wall between the house and the garage also has siding,
although she does not know if the garage was added later or not. Bristow said staff feels that
the pitch of the roof really makes it not work with the verticality of the house very well. She said
staff finds that the design as well as the functionality could lead to the idea that it could be
approved to remove the current garage.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 2 of 9
Bristow showed a view of the garage from the back. She said there is a door that leads from
the house, down a couple of steps, and to the door into the garage area. Bristow said they
would just have a door that went out to the side yard.
Bristow said that the new storage/garage would have a roof pitch that would be similar to that of
the house. She said it would also have lap siding of either wood or fiber cement board. Bristow
said it would also have a carriage -style door.
Bristow said that currently there is not a plan for any windows, although there is a plan for a side
door entering into the yard. She said it would face west.
Kuenzli asked if, since there are shingles under the peak of the gable on the house, it would be
appropriate to put some on the garage as well. Bristow said that would certainly tie the
structures together more.
Bristow said that there are some aspects of the second project that do not exactly meet the
guidelines. She said that the guidelines allow room for the Commission to make an exception
for specific projects. Bristow said the guidelines discuss exceptions for non -historic structures,
which this is clearly not. She said there are places where the guidelines are silent or unclear,
which is also not the case here.
Bristow stated that uncommon situations are something that the Commission can look to as a
basis for the exception on this project. She said that the guidelines discuss allowing
architectural flexibility, basically where the project satisfies the intent of the guidelines without
quite meeting the guidelines. For this project, Bristow stated that the Commission would need
to come up with a way that this does satisfy the need for an exception, in order to approve the
project as presented in the staff report and the application.
Bristow said that currently the house has a dormer on the back with a shed roof and shingled
siding, as do all of the second floor areas. She said that inside that is a bathroom. Bristow said
that originally the applicant produced a plan to extend the dormer with eight -inch setbacks on
the sides of the house, while the guidelines call for three-foot setbacks. Bristow said that the
face of a dormer is typically supposed to be mostly window. She said that the goal is to get
window and light in. Bristow said that the original dormer here is not really doing that.
Bristow stated that the revised plan extends the dormer but has 18 -inch setbacks, so it is a little
bit more pulled back from the end walls of the hosue. She said there will a little bit more of an
interruption of the roofline, so it will not look like an extension of the side wall quite as much.
Bristow said that one of the things staff felt is important and one of the reasons the setback is
required is how one sees this from the street and how the roofline looks. She said that staff has
produced some 3-D images to show what one would see from a street view, approximately.
Bristow showed the recommended three-foot setback and the view from a similar angle. She
said it shows basically what one would see if the plan was pulled in three feet on each side.
Bristow showed a comparison of an 18 -inch and a three-foot setback. She said that one sees a
little bit more of the roofline. Bristow said that it is interrupted so that it doesn't look like a
continuation of the side wall, but one does see a little bit more of the dormer.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 3 of 9
Bristow said that while the 3-D model doesn't have the window set into it, it shows kind of what it
would look like from the back. She added that this house has a very small lot, so it is difficult to
photograph it straight on. Bristow said it is a very small house on a very small lot, so it is hard to
see.
Swaim asked what the current setback is. Miklo said he believes it is more like six to seven feet
from the east edge of the house. Swaim agreed that it is a very narrow house.
Kuenzli said that she feels the 18 -inch setback is a good compromise, and it certainly affords
the house becoming much more livable because it is so small and on a small lot.
Builta asked if there are any graphics of the staff diagram of a two -foot setback. Bristow said
that she did model that but did not include it because, once it was modeled, it became obvious
that at least from the one view, that six inches did not make an apparent difference in the side-
by-side pictures between the 18 inches and the two feet.
Kevin Bell said that he and his wife are lifetime residents of Iowa City. He said they have
purchased this house and are asking that the Commission to make the compromise to an 18 -
inch setback and split the difference with them. Kevin Bell said that, because of the small space
upstairs, they are trying to make more room for the master bedroom, a bathroom, and another
powder room.
Kevin Bell said that it is really hard to see the back of the house from the street. Molly Bell said
that they do not have alley access, because it is too close to the corner, so one cannot see it
from the back. She stated that one can kind of see it from Gilbert Street with the right turn, but
there isn't much one can see.
Bristow stated that historically this was a large lot with the house to the west and then the house
to the north of that. She said it had a commercial building, and then the area was divided up.
Bristow said that the house around the corner to the north goes along the alley and actually
overlaps.
Miklo said that this project would require three motions: one approving the demolition of the
garage, approval of the new storage building, and a motion for the dormer. He said that if the
Commission chooses to grant the exception, the reasons will need to be stated.
Bristow said that there would be additional windows for the dormer addition. She said they
would match as closely as possible, but that would be something the Commission might want to
have staff and the chair approve when the windows are submitted.
MOTION: Kuenzli moved to approve the removal of the garage at 408 Fairchild Street.
Builta seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1 (Aaran, DeGraw,
Litton, Michaud, and Sandell absent; Wanner abstaining).
MOTION: Clore moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the construction of
the storage structure at 408 Fairchild Street, with the option of having shingles on the
upper side of the building. Kuenzli seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote
of 5-0-1 (Ag -ran, DeGraw, Litton, Michaud, and Sandell absent; Wagner abstaining).
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 4 of 9
MOTION: Builta moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 408
Fairchild Street as proposed and with approval of the 18 -inch setbacks for the dormer as
proposed. He stated that the reduced setback would be an acceptable exception due to
the size and space of the house and because of the limited visibility that this would have
to the public. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1 (Agran,
DeGraw. Litton. Michaud. and Sandell absent: Wanner abstainina).
8 Bella Vista Drive.
Bristow said this house is in the Brown Street Historic District. She said the house is brick and
stucco with a kind of prairie -school style, hipped roof cottage kind of form. Bristow said that a
lot of the windows have been replaced, and there are not as many divided lights as there once
were.
Bristow said that one of the interesting things with this project is the fact that in 2004, the
Commission approved a really extensive project that was not implemented. She referred to an
image of that and informed the Commission that it did go through, even though this project
should not be based on that. Bristow said the proposal was very extensive and is not even
close to what is currently proposed.
Bristow said that along the facade to the far side, there is a brick area that has been infilled.
She said that the brick clearly does not match, and the brick around the opening has not been
cut. Bristow stated that it looks like it has an original sill of brick and it definitely has an original
header, so there was an opening there at some point in time. She said it was probably a
window or a door that someone enclosed. Miklo said that it was probably once a French door,
very similar to what is being proposed.
Bristow said that, because it is kind of a wide opening, the plan is to put in a pair of French
doors. She said that the front door has a divided light pattern, and there is also a divided light
pattern on some original windows on the back of the house, although most of the rest have
been replaced. The new French doors would match that pattern. Bristow said that it would be a
little bit wider set of French doors, and the trim would match the other openings in the brick wall
with probably some kind of a brick mold. She said that it would remove all of that infill brick that
doesn't match.
Bristow said that the other part of the project is to reconstruct the stoop and patio. She said that
there currently is a brick wall along the stoop that continues along the face all the way around
the patio. Bristow said that would be reconstructed as needed, as some of the bricks have
really deteriorated. She said the applicant would work with staff to come up with a match.
Bristow stated that it would be reconstructed except for one area that she showed. She said
there are obviously some basement windows, and the proposal is to remove the one section
and then be able to remove the grills and things that are blocking the basement windows.
Bristow said there would therefore be a reconstructed stoop. She said that it would have a
concrete slab top, and it would be stamped concrete to match what is there now, which appears
to be incredibly mildewed or stained. Bristow said that whatever it is, it would be matched. She
added that then there would be a step or two or whatever it takes down on the side and the
same up on the other side. Bristow said that the two would not necessarily have to
communicate or connect, because there will be a door now leading on to the patio. She said
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 5 of 9
that having this extra raised area basically serves to block windows in the basement from light
and air.
Kuenzli said that the only other window with muntins in it is the main door. Bristow answered
that there are a couple on the back that still do have them, and they are also up in the attic
dormer. Kuenzli asked if there are any plans to change any of the other windows on the front.
Bristow responded that it would not be a part of this project and cannot be required, since it is
not part of this application to replace other windows.
Kuenzli asked if the owner will be changing the canopy to resemble the original 2004 plan.
Bristow replied that it would not be changed. She said that some of the posts are deteriorated
at the bottom, so they will be replaced just to match what is there currently.
MOTION: Baker moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at 8
Bella Vista Drive as presented in the staff report with the following condition: the
matched brick to be approved by staff and chair. Clore seconded the motion. The
motion carried on a vote of 5-0-1 (Aoran, DeGraw, Litton, Michaud, and Sandell absent:
Wanner abstaining).
716 North Dubuaue Street.
Bristow stated that staff has been working with the owner of this property to clear up and make
sure that everything has been taken care of that was originally decided on as conditions for the
historic landmark designation, and this is almost done. She said there are a few things that are
unpainted and a few pieces of missing trim, but it is pretty close.
Bristow said the applicant will be doing a couple of different projects. She said the current
application is to put a sign with the Greek letters on the front of the house. Bristow said that a
sample is in the packet, showing that historically the Greek letters were on the house in this
same location. She stated that because of Iowa City code, there can only be one sign on the
building, so the Greek letters can only be on the building once.
Bristow said the applicant plans to put a decoration on the side of the building. She showed
where the Greek letters would be placed and where a decorative crest would be placed.
Bristow showed the mockup of the crest. She said there is a metal ship that has always been
on the chimney, and staff felt that aligning those might make it a little simpler and tie them
together a little bit more.
Bristow said the designs would be anchored into the mortar joints. She said that the applicant
will not be making holes in the stone, as that is one of the requirements. Bristow said one would
not want to see anything done that would cause permanent damage to the stone. She said that
the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation and general knowledge of masonry
care call for things to be mounted into the joint instead of the stone.
Krone introduced himself as the alumni advisor and house director for this property. He said
this is a different fraternity from the previous occupants.
Krone said that he is not proposing to put the letters on a rectangular piece as was done
historically. He said he does not intend to mount them onto the stone.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 6 of 9
MOTION: Wagner moved to approve a certificate of appropriateness for the project at
716 North Dubuque Street as presented In the staff report. Baker seconded the motion.
The motion carried on a vote of 6-0 (Aaran, DeGraw, Litton, Michaud, and Sandell
absent).
REPORTS ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CH6IR AND §TAFF:
Certificate of No Material Effect - Chair and Staff Review
519 North Johnson Street
Bristow said this property is in the Goose Town/Horace Mann Conservation District. She said
this was a University partnership home. Bristow said that rotten materials will be repaired on
the deck, porch column bases, a little bit of the porch railing, and similar things.
125 North Gilbert Strut.
Bristow said this house, in the Jefferson Street Historic District, is going to be reroofed with
asphalt shingles.
X25 South Summit Street.
Bristow said this project involves rebuilding the porch floor. She said that staff urged the owner
to use Douglas fir instead of pine.
722 Qakl@nd Avenue.
Bristow said that this project was stopped mid-roof, but then the owner reshingled the roof as
well as the roof of the neighboring house, which is owned by the same family. She said that it
was basically asphalt to asphalt.
728 Oakland Avenue.
See 722 Oakland Avenue.
§28 Colo§ Street.
Bristow said that this project was basically to put the porch back on in the same size and shape.
She said the skirt will just be pretty much vertical slats to match a historical remnant found
under the front porch.
Bristow said that the railing, however, had been a square spindle and kind of plain top rail that
was clearly not original. She said there was a house on North Linn Street that had the same
brackets, and there were more and more details that were very similar between the two houses.
Bristow said she thought that the kind of cut out pieces sandwiched between the bottom rail and
under the top rail would be a good compromise. She said that something like that would be
used for the new railing.
Bristow said that the applicant is working on getting new columns turned but also will not be
throwing away the existing ones just in case.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 7 of 9
Swaim stated that this is one of the houses that United Action for Youth was in before it was
moved. She said that Dottie Ray was incredibly helpful and supportive to UAY in terms of
fundraising and support in all forms. Swaim said that Ray finally said it was okay for UAY to
name the parlor in this house the Dottie Ray Parlor.
730 North Van Buren.
Bristow said this house is in the Brown Street Historic District and also involves the reshingling
of a roof.
Minor Review - Staff Review.
659 South Governor Street.
Bristow stated that this is a non-contributing house at the very end of the Governor -Lucas Street
Conservation District. She said the owner is putting two egress windows in the second floor on
the side that faces the railroad tracks. Bristow said there will be muntin bars to make these look
like double hung windows, even though they will be casement windows for egress.
UPDATE ON POTENTIAL LANDMARK DESIGNATIONS:
Swaim said that this work is continuing.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR JULY 14,2016:
Bristow said that one change was noted, in that the minutes referred to Kuenzli saying
something about the solar panels. She said that was actually D@Graw.
MQTION: Wagner moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's
July 14, 2016 meeting, as amended. Baker seconded the motion. The motion carrI20 on a
vote of 6-0 (Aaran, DeGraw. Litton, Michaud, and Sandell absent).
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Builta distributed notes regarding the Fisk Reception. He said that a reception will be held at
the Iowa City Airport from 5:30 to 7:30 on September 29. Builta said there will be a slide show
of the homes that Henry Fisk helped design. He said that the Iowa City Airport location will hold
40 people, and the reception will be open to the public. Builta added that there will be a press
release and an article in the Press -Citizen. He asked anyone with funding ideas to let him
know.
Builta said there will be food and a few speakers, including a partner of Henry Risk's, Roland
Wehner. Builta asked if anyone from the Historic Preservation Commission or Friends of
Historic Preservation would like to speak. Miklo suggested asking Jan Nash, an historian who
did some research on the airport. He said he would contact Nash and include Builta on the e-
mail.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
August 11, 2016
Page 8 of 9
Baker said a suggestion for fundraising would be to get someone to sponsor the event, perhaps
an architectural firm or a business that is in one of the Fisk buildings. Swaim thanked Builta for
his work on this.
Distribution of new by-laws.
Swaim said this is self-explanatory. She said the Commission voted on this at a previous
meeting.
CLG Grant Update.
Swaim said this involves applying for a grant to hire a consultant to update the downtown
survey. She said that Baker has volunteered to put that together and has a draft started.
Bristow said that an estimate from Marlys Svendsen was received. Bristow said that a
resolution is also on the City Council agenda regarding applying for the grant. She said that
matching funds in the amount of $8,000 would be required from the City.
Swaim said this is an important project, but it takes hours of work on the part of staff, the
consultant, and the Commission, particularly Baker, who has taken the lead on this.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 6:11 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
AUGUST 18, 2016 — 6:30 PM
DALE HELLING CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Peter Byler, Syndy Conger, Christine Harms, Harry Olmstead,
Dorothy Persson, Emily Seiple, Paula Vaughan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bob Lamkins, John McKinstry
STAFF PRESENT: Kris Ackerson, Tracy Hightshoe
OTHERS PRESENT: Tracey Achenbach, Maryann Dennis, Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommends approval to allow Charm Homes to reduce the
number of units from eight to four and use some of the money for rehab to make accessibility
improvements.
By a vote of 7-0 the Commission recommended the following recommendations as modified from
the Affordable Housing Action Plan presented to City Council on June 21, 2016:
Priority Recommendations:
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FY18 budget process
• HCDC recommends $1,000,000 annually through a regular line item in the budget funded
with property taxes or other revenue streams
5. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created Affordable
Housing Fund
HCDC recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, with a focus on
multi -family projects
25% held in reserve for land banking
• Maximum of 5% for emergent situations determined by the City Council (if funds not used
by end of the fiscal year, the funds reserved for land banking)
• 20% directed through HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the CDBG /
HOME housing application processes
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to determine the
viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that would support affordable
housing
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 2 of 16
• Create an education program to promote the benefits of subsidized housing projects to
landlords/developers
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown and University Impact Areas from the Affordable
Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of restricted areas and/or
account for neighborhood densities
• Consider adoption of a new neighborhood based (not address based) Affordable Housing
Location Model to allow and encourage city -assisted development in more locations
throughout the City, including redevelopment of existing affordable housing
Remaining Recommended Actions:
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity as well as review the
set-aside for housing rehabilitation as set in the Consolidated Plan.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings District (Done)
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community (Done)
6. Hold the $1,900,000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to leverage
significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income replacement housing
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development and/or
annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the required LMI set-
aside for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and Foster Road)
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable and non -affordable units in RFC and
downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an effort to
reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PUDs
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area (keep
occupancy at 3 unrelated)
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process (density,
multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the downtown
core
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC (ties to
use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 3 of 16
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council notification of major site plans when 12 or more households will be displaced and
there is no accompanying rezoning Such applications would require a transition plan to
better inform residents and the general public (requires a comprehensive plan
amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good neighbor
meeting would be encouraged
• Develop a displacement policy, including defining displacement (not to include non-
renewal of lease) and "emergent situation"
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary (use
simpler language for ease of understanding)
• Increase education about housing code violations and how to report
Additional Recommendations:
16. Increase Neighborhood Services involvement in the early stages of residential development
• Suggest having a Neighborhood Services representative located in the City Manager's
office
17. Consider opportunities to collect rent data beyond the rental permitting process
CALL TO ORDER:
Byler called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
APPROVAL OF JUNE 16.2016 MINUTES:
Ackerson noted that the City Attorney's office reviewed the minutes and asked that staff clarify the
draft minutes that state the Housing Authority reviews Housing Choice Voucher leases. ICHA
does not review all leases. The landlord signs a HAP that reads as follows:
(2)The lease is in a standard form that is used in the locality by the owner and that is generally
used for other unassisted tenants in the premises.
(3) The lease is consistent with State and local Law.
The draft minutes also state that the City Attorney reviews leases "periodically." In the past, the
City Attorney's office would review a lease if requested by ICHA staff but that was perhaps one
lease per year. After the Iowa Supreme Court issued a major opinion this spring, legal staff began
reviewing leases as they come in.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 4 of 16
The minutes also state that the "City has encouraged landlords to institute a Crime Free Lease
Addendum to protect other tenants from life safety or health safety concerns." It is not done
citywide, but done on a limited basis to address neighborhood/tenant concerns.
Persson moved to approve the minutes of June 16, 2016 with minor edits. Harms seconded
the motion. A vote was taken and motion passed 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO REDUCE UNITS FOR CHARM HOMES CDBG
PROJECT— PROPOSED FY16 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN AMENDMENT #4:
Ackerson stated this was a project discussed at the last meeting, CHARM Homes, LLC said that
they were unable to find wheelchair accessible units so they would like to reduce the project from
eight to four single room occupancy units and use some of the funds for rehab to make
accessibility improvements.
Conger moved to approve FYI Annual Action Plan Amendment 94 to allow Charm
Homes to reduce the number of units from eight to four and use some of the money for
rehab to make accessibility improvements. Seiple seconded the motion. A vote was taken
and motion passed 7-0.
DISCUSS AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR THE CITY:
Byler noted this was brought up at the last meeting but was deferred until City staff had an
opportunity to make their presentation at the work session. The presentation was included in the
Commission's packet. Byler suggests beginning discussion by reviewing the summary of
recommended actions in the presentation.
Persson questioned the statement regarding expanding workforce housing and does that
assume that throughout this presentation that affordable and workforce housing are the same
thing. Hightshoe stated they are not the same, affordable by definition is below 80% income level
and workforce housing goes up to 110%. Persson feels that needs to be clarified.
Hightshoe noted that Council is asking the Commission not only to review the 15
recommendations and decide which ones they recommend, but also to prioritize their
recommendations because staff will not be able to proceed on all immediately.
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity. Byler asked if
GRIP is funded out of CDBG funds. Hightshoe said it was a separate budget item. GRIP is for
homeowners under 110% and the funds must be repaid to the City.
Byler noted that some on the Commission have expressed an interest in reviewing the policy of
setting aside $300,000 each year for owner -occupied rehab. So perhaps as a footnote that the
Council review the amount of CDBG that is set aside. Hightshoe noted that each year the
Commission reviews the priorities of CITY STEPS and makes recommendations to Council. So
that recommendation can be made at that time.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 5 of 16
Seiple asked if UniverCity takes a similar amount of staff time, knowing that was an issue with
the Homeowner Rehabilitation program. Hightshoe noted all programs take staff time.
Sometimes UniverCity is easier to implement because staff does not have to coordinate work
with homeowner schedules. UniverCity homes are vacant until the work is completed and ready
to be sold.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings District.
Persson asked where that was in the process, thinking that was done. Byler said that was
approved by Council so it is done.
Vaughan asked about long-term strategy because there were other phrases used in this
document talking about urban renewal districts — are there any plans for inclusionary zoning
elsehwere. Hightshoe said they are using the Riverfront Crossings District to see how it will work.
Riverfront Crossings will have more density than anywhere else in town so right now it's only
envisioned for Riverfront Crossings.
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community.
Byler believes this is also already complete. Hightshoe confirmed it is complete.
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FY 18 budget process
• Staff recommends aiming for $500,000 to $1,000,000 depending on budget conditions
• Recommended revenue sources include district -wide TIF in the urban core and property
tax
Byler asked how to divide up the money on an annual basis, and if the money is not spent does it
accumulate, or is it reset. Hightshoe stated she believes once the money is provided it stays in
the fund until it is spent on affordable housing. Byler then feels that $1,000,000 a year, which is
around 1 % or a little less of the City's budget, is probably an appropriate number to recommend.
He also suggests striking the part of the sentence that states, "depending on budget conditions."
Byler also suggests this is added to the budget as a line item rather than from an engineered
source such as a TIF.
Persson agreed noting that whenever there is a line item it shows strong intent.
Seiple stated that the 20% of the higher amount ($1,000,000) is $200,000 which is actually less
than either of the LIHTC project requests this year.
Byler asked if everyone was in favor of recommending the $1,000,000 and striking "depending
on budget conditions" and recommending that it is a regular line funded through property taxes.
The commissioners were in agreement.
5. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created
Affordable Housing Fund
• Staff recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund
0 30% held in reserve for land banking or emergent situations determined by the City
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 6 of 16
Council
• 20% directed to HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the CDBG /
HOME application processes
Olmstead asked whether the Rose Oaks $250 payments were coming out of this fund as well.
Byler confirmed it is the first fund expenditure.
Persson noted that policies and procedures should be developed for distribution of these funds
so people know what to expect. Byler agreed, noting there are several details within this
recommendation that people could have a variety of opinions about. For the 50% that is
allocated to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, would their board decide on the allocations
or would there be stipulations such as must be spent in Iowa City. Tracey Achenbach (Johnson
County Housing Trust Fund) stated a few of the board have met with City staff to discuss this,
and the Trust Fund will do whatever the City wants them to do with the money. She can
administer the funds however as directed. Hightshoe added that staff has discussed but no
decisions have been made. There have been discussions on only in Iowa City, income levels to
target, etc., but Council wants to hear community input on parameters. Achenbach said the Trust
Fund also discussed that it might be helpful if the Trust Fund can either present to the HCDC
and/or the Council what their standard policies and procedures are to see how money from the
Trust Fund is normally spent.
Persson thinks people would be more comfortable moving forward with this project if there were
policies and procedures in place. With the situation with Rose Oaks, nothing was in place so how
should the City learn from that. Achenbach noted their accountability is the same as the City's.
Persson asked about the 30% held in reserve. Will there be policies and procedures in place for
those funds as well, or will it just be reactive. Hightshoe said she was unsure about emergent
situations but land banking is a strategy that staff has previously recommended. Land banking
would hopefully be used to obtain tax credit projects. Emergent situations needs to be defined,
but it is hard because one never knows what may arise. Rose Oaks was a very unique situation
that the City has not seen before (no rezoning needed, no financial assistance requested and the
large number of households impacted). Persson feels that the 30% that is allocated for emergent
situations does need parameters.
Byler agrees with Persson and also feels the 30% should be specified how much is for land
banking and how much is for emergent situations. He also feels that if the City wants to create a
displacement policy or fund that should be a separate thing.
Harms supports breaking apart the 30% to specify how much should be allocated where, noting
that land banking is very important.
Byler asked why the percentages were broken down this way. He would have allocated 33% for
each and then for the land banking/emergent 33% allocated 30% for land banking and 3% for
emergencies. Hightshoe noted the percentages were just a point to start discussions.
Byler suggests first to allocate the three line items as 33% funding for each. He would also
recommend the 33% that goes to the Trust Fund to not have any strings attached.
Persson disagrees with reducing the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund allocation because
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 7 of 16
she feels it has been underfunded for years and feels its effectiveness has been impaired as a
result.
Conger noted that some of the recommendations are experimental, and are not sure if or how
they will work. However the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund is a known entity that works.
So feels that should receive a higher percentage.
Byler asked what percentage of the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund projects are single
family rehabs or down payment assistance. Achenbach said it was about 30%. They don't have
a lot of owner -occupied activity because State funds never go for anything above 80% medium
income. They have awarded almost $4,000,000 in projects in the last 12 years and about a third
of that was owner -occupied the rest is rental.
Byler noted that it appears the Commissioners prefer to leave the allocation of 50% to the
Johnson County Housing Trust Fund. He suggests not having geographic strings on that
allocation, but focus the money on dense multi -family projects.
With regards to the second bullet, the 30%, it could be split 25% for land banking and maximum
5% for emergent situations. Persson agrees but wants to add that Council must set a policy on
how the money is distributed. Byler said they will recommend 5% with a note that a
displacement/emergent situation policy must be created.
Vaughan noted that the 5% is bothersome because it is being taken away from the land banking,
leaving only 25% for land banking. Byler said they could add if the 5% is not used at the end of
the fiscal year for emergent situations it could be rolled back into the land banking.
Seiple noted that she is interested in discussing other situations that may not be emergent but
some regulations might help. Such as when a lease ends and the tenant is not renewed and
looking for ways to stabilize those situations. Byler said that is addressed in item 14.
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council approval of major site plans when 12 or more households will be displaced and
there is no accompanying rezoning
• Such applications would require a transition plan to better inform residents and the
general public (requires a comprehensive plan amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good neighbor
meeting would be encouraged
Byler asked if it was legal for the Council to have approval of major site plans. Staff approves site
plans based on legality. Ackerson stated this was more of a notification so the City and residents
have more advanced notice. Byler asked if then it should be stated as Council notification, not
approval.
Maryann Dennis (The Housing Fellowship) stated there is a big difference between displacement
and non -renewal of lease. The non -renewal of a lease is a contract ending, not a displacement.
Byler said this policy was being created for a lease not being renewed because of development.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 8 of 16
Persson noted that this recommendation discussed a group of a certain size or larger being
displaced, not just one individual situation.
Seiple stated that displacement needs to be defined in the recommendation so there is not
confusion between displacement and lease non -renewal.
Byler stated that he does not agree with Council having to approve site plans. Hightshoe stated it
was meant so that more notice had to be given to tenants. Byler asked then to change the
language to Council is notified of major site plans.
Seiple asked if there was a fire and all the tenants were displaced. Byler said that could fit into
the definition of emergent situation.
Byler stated the Commission's recommendation for #14 would be to change "approval" to
"notification" and to define displacement not to include the end of lease non -renewal.
6. Hold the $1, 900, 000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to leverage
significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income replacement housing.
Hightshoe noted that staff is taking notes and will email a summary of the discussion to the
Commission for accuracy before sending onto Council.
Byler stated one possible change would be to add "actively search out private investments" to
leverage the $1.9 million because of the nature of these acquisitions. Hightshoe confirmed that
some of these acquisitions have to be publically owned housing but there is opportunity to do
some mixed -unit developments. For example in the Chauncey project, five of the units will be
public housing units. Persson asked how long those units would be public housing units.
Hightshoe said not always forever, they can be sold, but not anytime soon.
Seiple noted that the recommendations don't specify if they are focusing on families or certain
income brackets so perhaps that needs to be addressed. Hightshoe said most of the units are
family, some are specified for elderly or disabled (over 50% of the vouchers are for elderly or
disabled), and the rest are families.
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions.
Achenbach asked what it meant by contributions, does it mean money into the affordable
housing fund or does it mean in lieu of affordable housing. Hightshoe stated it could mean both.
Persson asked if the statement was too broad. Byler felt that was okay in this situation. Byler
feels that City staff can develop policies to oversee the details. Hightshoe noted a concern that if
the City makes the requirements too strict development may go to other municipals. Byler feels
the reason inclusionary zoning works in Riverfront Crossings is because that land is so valuable.
He also noted that what makes for affordable housing is increased availability of housing, so he
would not want to put restrictions on annexation that would deter developers from wanting to
build in the City.
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development and/or
annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the required LMI set-aside
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 9 of 16
for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and Foster Road).
Byler stated he is not a fan of residential TIFs because of opportunities like tax rebates which he
feels are much more effective.
Harms said while many don't like TIFs they are used widely in college towns like Iowa City with
very expensive city centers. This could be used as an experiment and should be left in for that
reason. Seiple noted that residential TIFs are not typically used. Dennis noted that residential
TIFS are used to increase residential development, especially in towns that hadn't had any new
houses built in years.
Byler suggested leaving the recommendation in - but all agreed it's not a high priority.
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable units in RFC and downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an effort to
reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PVDs (Planned Use Development)
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area (keep
occupancy at 3 unrelated persons)
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process (density,
multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
Byler is in favor of all these ideas and Harms agreed. Seiple noted that perhaps the parking
requirements could be waived beyond just the affordable units. Hightshoe said there has been a
pushback from neighborhoods near downtown because of a concern that increased residents in
downtown without adequate parking would push the parking into their neighborhoods.
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the
downtown core
Byler said this is something the Council is very attuned with at this time. Seiple questioned what
the link was of affordable housing and form -based, if it was just that density was cheaper. Byler
confirmed it was, and also in the downtown core it's about historical preservation as well.
Hightshoe added that the goal is a variety of units.
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC (ties
to use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
Byler again said this recommendation is straightforward. Hightshoe said there are projects where
the developer will tap into every source available.
Seiple asked if the City was planning to change some of the vouchers into project based.
Hightshoe said it depends on the qualified application plan, if there are a lot of points given to
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 10 of 16
project based vouchers then they would be willing to consider them.
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to determine
the viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that would support affordable
housing
Byler believes this recommendation should be a very high priority. It could be a way for the City
to leverage funds to create opportunities. Byler also wanted to add he feels Neighborhood
Development staff should also be in the City Manager's office so they can be involved in
developments and assisting developers with opportunities. Persson agreed and said that is a
noticeable way to say affordable housing is on par with Economic Development (which is already
in that office).
The Commission agreed to add a recommendation stating in early stage residential development
projects Neighborhood Services staff should be involved in discussions with City Manager.
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown and University Impact Areas from the
Affordable Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of restricted areas
and/or account for neighborhood densities
Hightshoe noted that the City is already following up on this recommendation. Ackerson will
update the model in October based on the seven factors that go into the model. This year it will
be different because there will be the school information from Alexander School. Additionally
they are exempting Riverfront Crossings because it is inclusionary zoning already. Hightshoe
stated it is important to not have all City subsidized housing located in limited areas of the City.
There was discussion on how the affordable housing location model is structured and if there
could be a better way to construct a model. If the goal is just to make sure all the affordable
housing is not concentrated into one area, perhaps there is a better way to structure the model.
Hightshoe said the current model was created to address the school district concerns of having
concentrated poverty and placing assisted housing (for low income families) scattered
throughout the district.
Byler suggested a new system that follows the elementary school district lines and apply criteria
for affordable housing to each of those neighborhoods.
Byler suggested changing recommendation #13 to "exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown
and University Impact Areas from the Affordable Housing Location model and fundamentally
change the model to neighborhoods instead of individual properties." The other Commissioners
agreed.
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary
Hightshoe noted the only cautionary point for staff is not all people understand this and will often
just not pay rent because of poor conditions which is not acceptable and they can be evicted.
Byler suggested adding to this a recommendation to reflect a focus on education in a bilingual
platform with regards to tenants' rights on physical condition of rentals. Dennis noted that the
Affordable Housing Coalition is also working on more education on tenants' rights as well.
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 11 of 16
Byler stated those are the 15 recommendations for action and asked if there were any other
items the Commission would like to add.
Conger questioned the miscellaneous other topic of collecting rent data on city permits. She feels
it should be public information and a resource for the public. Hightshoe said collecting that data
may be problematic; landlords can say they are renting units for a certain price but not enough
staff to look at every lease to confirm. Staff is also hesitant about not renewing a rental permit as
the owner failed to indicate what rent. Ackerson stated he spoke with someone about possibility
writing a program that could analyze data from downloads of rental ads on Craigslist and that
could be used to assist with data collection.
Byler suggested adding a recommendation, #16, to encourage exploring options for collecting
better rent data. Commissioners agreed to include this recommendation.
Byler also asked if the Commission would be able to see the suggestions that will come through
the email that was set up for suggestions on these recommendations. Staff will look into options
for that, but noted all comments will be in the Council packet for public to view.
Byler noted that while education for tenants is a great idea, he also feels that landlords and
developers need education on Housing Choice Vouchers and how lucrative they can be.
Perhaps it can be a bullet point under recommendation #12.
Hightshoe then asked the Commission to prioritize the recommendations, giving perhaps a top
three.
Person made a motion to recommend the following recommendations as modified from
the Affordable Housing Action Plan presented to City Council on June 21, 2016:
Priority Recommendations
4. Provide staff funding direction heading into the FYI budget process
• HCDC recommends $1,000,000 annually through a regular line item in the
budget funded with property taxes or other revenue streams
5. Develop an annual process for distributing dollars from the City's newly created
Affordable Housing Fund
• HCDC recommends 50% to the Johnson County Housing Trust Fund, with a
focus on multi -family projects
• 25% held in reserve for land banking
• Maximum of 5% for emergent situations determined by the City Council (if
funds not used by end of the fiscal year, the funds reserved for land banking)
• 20% directed through HCDC for LIHTC support or supplemental aid through the
CDBG / HOME housing application processes
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 12 of 16
12. Create a committee of staff, developers and other interested stakeholders to
determine the viability and potential parameters of a tax abatement program that
would support affordable housing
• Create an education program to promote the benefits of subsidized housing
projects to landlords/developers
13. Exempt the Riverfront Crossings, Downtown and University Impact Areas from the
Affordable Housing Location model and consider modifications to reduce size of
restricted areas and/or account for neighborhood densities
• Consider adoption of a new neighborhood based (not address based)
Affordable Housing Location Model to allow and encourage city -assisted
development in more locations throughout the City, including redevelopment of
existing affordable housing
Remainina Recommended Actions:
1. Continue to fund existing local programs including GRIP and UniverCity as well as
review the set-aside for housing rehabilitation as set in the Consolidated Plan.
2. Adopt an Inclusionary Zoning code amendment for the Riverfront Crossings
District (Done)
3. Adopt code amendments that enable the FUSE Housing First use in the community
(Done)
6. Hold the $1,900,000 million in housing authority funds for an opportunity to
leverage significant private investment and/or to develop/acquire low income
replacement housing
7. Consider an annexation policy that provides for affordable housing contributions
8. Consider use of TIF on a case by case basis to support residential development
and/or annexation through the provision of public infrastructure and capture the
required LMI set-aside for use throughout the community (Ex: McCollister and
Foster Road)
9. Pursue regulatory changes to City Code:
• Waive parking requirements for affordable and non -affordable units in RFC and
downtown
• Review possible changes to the multi -family design standards for all units in an
effort to reduce cost and expedite approvals
• Eliminate minimum size requirements for PUDs
• Increase allowable bedrooms from 3 to 4 outside the University Impact Area
(keep occupancy at 3 unrelated)
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 13 of 16
• Permit more building types by right as opposed to requiring a PUD process
(density, multiplex units, cottage clusters, etc.)
10. Pursue a form -based code for the Alexander Elementary neighborhood and the
downtown core
11. Strategically seek LIHTC projects through an RFP process overseen by the HCDC
(ties to use of the Affordable Housing Fund)
14. Tenant Displacement
• Council notification of major site plans when 12 or more households will be
displaced and there is no accompanying rezoning Such applications would
require a transition plan to better inform residents and the general public
(requires a comprehensive plan amendment)
• Mailings to current residents could be required upon application and a good
neighbor meeting would be encouraged
• Develop a displacement policy, including defining displacement (not to include
non -renewal of lease) and "emergent situation"
15. Rent abatement for emergency orders when vacation of property is not necessary
(use simpler language for ease of understanding)
• Increase education about housing code violations and how to report
Additional Recommendations:
16. Increase Neighborhood Services involvement in the early stages of residential
development
• Suggest having a Neighborhood Services representative located in the City
Manager's office
17. Consider opportunities to collect rent data beyond the rental permitting process
Harms seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 7-0.
DISCUSS AND CONSIDER ADOPTION OF CHANGES TO THE CDBG AND HOME SCORING
CRITERIA:
Byler noted this was discussed at the last meeting and the Commission agreed to put a heavier
weight on matching funds. The Commission has received some feedback from partners
regarding the updated scoring criteria. One noted that if the minimum award will continue to be
$50,000 then it only allows for large projects. Byler stated he supports funding big projects. The
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 14 of 16
other two feedback statements were in regards to the smaller organizations struggling more to
get matching funds.
Persson stated in her experience she has seen that it is very difficult for certain organizations to
raise money for certain projects. So if the Commission is to exempt some from having to have
matching funds, all must be exempt. Byler agreed but felt it was important for partners to know
the importance of fundraising. In a letter to the Commission from Brian Loring, Executive Director
of Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, he states funding from CBDG is often a kick off to
success full fundraising. Byler said that is what they would put on their application, that doesn't
preclude receiving funding from CBDG. If a partner has a $100,000 project and receives $50,000
in CBDG, then fundraise for the other $50,000 that is acceptable.
Hightshoe noted that makes sense however HUD states that they should be the "funder of last
resort," being the funder that makes the project happen - not kick it off.
Conger stated that with the dwindling funds it is important to also put the money where the most
impact can be made, not just used as leverage.
Byler noted that the scoring criteria are not binding; it is a vehicle to assist with allocation
discussions.
Hightshoe noted that the new criteria correctly doesn't advocate for volunteer impact, because
there are lots of projects where volunteers are not practical. Persson agreed but felt it should be
reworded because there are a lot of agencies that keep track of the volunteer hours they have
because that helps them leverage funds from a variety of sources. Funders want to know if there
is a commitment from the community. Byler says the application and scoring sheet state
"community partnerships and/or volunteer resources." Hightshoe said that reflects on the mission
of the organization, not the project.
Dennis asked about item 4.1 regarding income targeting. Hightshoe said what the applicant
applies for is typically what they put in the agreement. Dennis stated it is frustrating as a landlord
to manage, if you have 20 units and a certain percentage must be under 30%, when an applicant
comes in and the landlord verifies the income is over 30% then the landlord has to take the time
to review the individual income levels of the other 19 units to make sure it will keep the
percentage correct. Byler noted that is the case with any tax -credit project. Dennis also stated
that if an applicant comes in and they are $2 over the 30% AMI, that is still really poor but if the
landlord doesn't have a 30% unit, they need to be turned away. Byler said the points are based
on percentages of how many units are below 30% but there are still points given for up to 50%
so it's not like people need to be turned away.
There was discussion on point allocations but the Commission wants to try it this year and see
how the process goes.
Persson moved to use this scoring criteria for this year and if changes need to be made
tweak it for upcoming years. Harms seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the
motion carried 7-0.
STAFF/COMMISSION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Ackerson mentioned that the Crime -Free Addendum discussion will be on the agenda in
Housing and Community Development Commission
August 18, 2016
Page 15 of 16
September. Also in September the Commission will elect the chair and vice -chair for the year.
ADJOURNMENT:
Conger moved to adjourn. Vaughan seconded the motion. A vote was taken and motion carried
7-0.
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