Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-06-16 Bd Comm minutesr MINUTES RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMMISSION MAY 18, 1981 4:30 PM CIVIC CENTER LAW LIBRARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Fett, Gartland, Hotka, Schwab, Sheehan. MEMBERS ABSENT: Hamilton, Sanders. STAFF PRESENT: Tinklenberg. RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL None. REQUESTS TO THE CITY MANAGER None. SUMMARY OF THE DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTIONS TAKEN Vice -Chair Sheehan called the meeting to order. Hotka moved, Gartland seconded, to approve the minutes of May 11 as read. Approved unanimously. Development of Agenda for Joint Meeting with City Council The RCC decided to discuss their relationship with the City Council in general terms illustrated with concrete examples from various issue areas. A tentative list of topics to be covered and volunteers to develop the topics are as follows: 1. Relationship of energy to the local economy (Gartland). 2. Relationship between the City.Council and the RCC (?). 3. City financial incentives for energy conservation ideas (Schwab). 4. How active does Council want RCC to be in public awareness (Schwab). 5. Local energy code (Fett). 6. Iowa -Illinois Gas & Electric franchise renewal (Sheehan). 7. Transportation: a. Transit system (?). b. Traffic controls (?). C. Bicycle use (Gartland). The meeting adjourned at 6:00 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Roger Tinklenberg. Pat Fett, Secretary j MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES ___ � - I .L-__ -_ amu_ 0 7 ■ I%; - MINUTES ;- MINUTES IOWA CITY PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION RECREATION CENTER, ROOM B MAY 13, 1981 MEMBERS PRESENT: Berry, Crum, Dean, Hillman, Phelps, Riddle, Robertson, Wooldrik MEMBERS ABSENT: Humbert STAFF PRESENT: Showalter, Howell, Christner GUESTS PRESENT: Karin Franklin, Diana Lewis (Riverfront Commission) RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL None SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION AND FORMAL ACTION TAKEN Moved by Crum, seconded by Robertson that the minutes of the March 11 meeting be approved as written. Unanimous. Karin Franklin of the Riverfront Commission discussed the proposed buffer and trail system along the Iowa River. Since no monies are now available for trails, the Commission would like to proceed with the acquisition of the buffer zone. The buffer would be a 100 foot (maximum) strip along the river; it is hoped that property owners would donate an easement to the city, and be responsible for maintenance on the property. It may also be possible for these areas to be declared conservation or natural areas, which would limit development in those areas. Commission members expressed their desire to avoid adding additional areas which would have to be maintained by the parks division. The Braverman property north of the Highway 6 By -Pass bridge was also mentioned; Showalter will look in past minutes to find any recommendation made regarding that property. Moved by Wooldrik, seconded by Crum that the Parks and Recreation Commission agrees with the concept of the buffer and trail system, but before we would go on record as approving the entire project we would want to be provided with a specific proposal as to the involvement of the parks department. Unanimous. COMMITTEE REPORTS Hillman reported that the Ralston Creek Committee had not met. Wooldrik had no report from the Riverfront Commission, but requested that Showalter report back to the Commission regarding the cost of the new Riverfront Commission brochures. CHAIR REPORT Berry requested further information on a memo sent out on March 19 by Marianne Milkman from the Committee on Community Needs requesting additional services at Happy Hollow and Creekside Parks. Residents near Happy Hollow requested additional parking and bleachers, and expressed concern about the frequent flooding of the park. Showalter said that,he is hoping to have enough ball diamonds available in the near future that league games would not be scheduled at Happy Hollow, so that parking and bleachers would not be such a problem. The park has not flooded in MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES 1401NES AN May 13 Minutes, Page 2 the recent past, and hopefully will not be a serious problem in the future. The neighbors near Creekside Park asked for restrooms, an additional shelter, more picnic tables, and more play equipment. The shelter at Creekside has restrooms and four or five picnic tables; the 2.3 acre park does not have room for another shelter or more playground equipment. Berry asked about progress on the Mercer building. Howell said that his crews will begin working on it the middle of June; the plumbing and electrical work will be contracted out. It is hoped that everything will be finished by the end of the summer. Berry and Crum expressed their desire for the Mercer building to be a priority for completion as soon as possible. DIRECTOR'S REPORT We have been working at City Park pool trying to stop the leakage by chiseling out the expansion cracks and refilling them, and some work has been done on the filler pipe joints. The four ball diamonds at Napoleon are about 2/3 done, and should be ready for the girls softball season. The new shelter with rest - rooms and a drinking fountain at Hickory Hill Park has been completed. The gazebos and grills at Sturgis Ferry Park have been completed. Bids and proposals for the sale of Elm Grove Park are due July 1. A request has been received that we put in some play equipment at Hickory Hill Park. In the past this park has been considered to be a nature preserve, but now there is much more housing in the area. The practical placement of any equipment would be south of the shelter; since this is in the flood plain, heavy-duty equipment would be required. Showalter asked for a recommendation from the Commission to decide whether to: a) keep the park as a nature area; b) put in equipment suitable for pre-schoolers; and c) put in equipment suitable for pre-school through elementary. After a lengthy discussion, it was suggested by Berry that Showalter prepare alternatives for equipment with pictures, costs, etc., and bring them to the June meeting. At that time the Commission can make a decision as to what they would like to use at Hickory Hill or if it should be kept as a natural area. OTHER BUSINESS This will be Robertson's last meeting, as she has been appointed Assistant Professor at Arizona State University in Tempe. The City Council will appoint a replacement in July. Wooldrik received a call asking about the possibility of expanding Kinder - Grounds, a program at Hickory Hill Park for pre-schoolers. It was explained that the number of classes for Kinder -Grounds was doubled over what was offered last year because of the success of the program. Phelps reported that the school district is planning to install a wind screen at the West High tennis courts so that they are more useable. Also under consideration is the addition of three more courts at West. The basketball program directed by Fred Riddle has ended for the season, and was a tremendous success. Next year it is hoped to have one or two more schools available. McDonalds night was postponed to next fall just before basketball season. The proceeds will be used to fund the program and perhaps put up 8 foot baskets in the schools. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES 4- May 13 Minutes, Page 3 The Commission watched a film on WaveTek pools, which have wave -making capabilities. This type of pool would be considered if City Park pool becomes unuseable in the future. Meeting adjourned, 9:05 p.m. Kata w 1ti^U Karen Christner MICROFILMED BY !JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES -MOINES MINUTES PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION ` MAY 21, 1981 I CIVIC CENTER COUNCIL CHAMBERS MEMBERS PRESENT: Horton, Jordan, MacDonald, Blum, Jakobsen MEMBERS ABSENT: Seward, Heaney STAFF PRESENT: Milkman, Boothroy, Knight, Tyler, Woito RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL Z-8103. That an application submitted by Andrew Rocca to rezone a lot located at 223 South Riverside Court from R1B to R3B and amend the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan be denied. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION ! Chairperson Jakobsen called the meeting to order. Minutes of May 7, 1981, were approved as circulated. ZONING ITEM Z-8103. Public discussion of an application submitted by Andrew Rocca to rezone a lot located at 223 South Riverside Court from R1B to R3B and amend the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan, 45 -day limitation period: 6/8/81. Jakobsen introduced the discussion by saying that this was a controversial I issue, as were all amendments to the Comprehensive Plan. Milkman reported that the application was to rezone the Rocca's property. Staff recommended that the parcel immediately to the east, which is owned by Francis Hogan, also be rezoned. She explained that both parcels are occupied by single-family houses and currently zoned R1B. The parcels are surrounded by an R3B zone to the west and north and a C2 zone to the east and a railroad track to the south. Apart from three single-family houses, land uses consist entirely of apartment complexes, a rooming house and commercial enterprises in the surrounding area. Milkman continued that access to the parcels is via a private street, South Riverside Court. The application is for the purpose of allowing Rocca to build an eight unit apartment complex on the parcel. The lot size is approximately 10,500 square feet which is above the minimum 5,000 square feet required for R3B. Milkman stated that the staff recommends that the Commission consider rezoning the only other remaining R1B parcel (owned by Hogan) at the same MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES 7 MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 21, 1981 PAGE 2 time as the Rocca parcel, to provide more consistent zoning in the area. Also, in lieu of the requested zoning, staff recommends a zoning of R3A which would be more consistent with the intent of the Comprehensive Plan. I Francis Hogan, owner of the property to the east of Rocca's parcel, spoke in opposition to the rezoning. (Letter from Hogan attached.) Hogan explained that she had purchased the property on May 1, 1981. She stated that she had spoken to the owners of the other single-family residence prior to purchasing the property and had been assured that they had no intentions of changing the use of their property. She stated that she had also checked the Comprehensive Plan and been satisfied that this would not be a zone other than single-family. Hogan added that she would not have purchased the property had she known it might be rezoned to R3B. Hogan stated that she felt a strong obligation to protect the financial investment she had made as the money for the down payment was borrowed from her father's retirement fund. If the property value of the parcel is lowered, the loss would be a hardship for both herself and her father. She noted that her lot was 130 feet by 55 feet and that a lot that small would not bring the $50,000 she had paid for the house. Boothroy responded that he had checked on property values and that it was questionable whether Hogan could redevelop the property under R38 to a point where she could recover her investment. He noted, however, that the situation may well change in a few years. Hogan pointed out that the parcels are located on a private street which ' poses problems. She stated that the street is only 25 feet wide and ialready handles a great deal of traffic from the apartment complexes which i are located on Myrtle Avenue. She explained that the driveways onto Myrtle are steep and that in the winter traffic is often forced to use the iback access from the parking lots and therefore Riverside Court. She stated that the intersection at Riverside Court and Riverside Drive is extremely dangerous since it is a narrow intersection requiring a sharp turn to the north. To the south, vision is limited because of the j railroad trestle. Hogan pointed out that the street was built on an easement over the property of the four houses on the south side of the street. She added that confusion existed over the easements. She further pointed out that Roccas gained access to their property through an easement over Hogan's driveway and that she feared with the construction of an apartment complex she would be forced to allow a great deal more traffic to use her drive. Moreover, Hogan continued, the street is maintained by the property owners. In the past the apartment owners have refused to pay for maintenance saying that the apartment residents can use Myrtle, even though in reality they also use Riverside Court heavily. She stated that she feared she would have to carry an unfair portion of street maintenance if the land is rezoned. 10 MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES MINUTES PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MAY 21, 1981 i PAGE 3 She also noted that surface water runoff is already a problem because of the construction of the apartment complexes at the top of the hill. She stated that she feared the problem would increase if another apartment complex is constructed. She emphasized that the house she purchased was very well constructed and maintained. She stated that rwouldrbeshe heavily impactedhad by whatever hher that the value of her property was constructed on the property adjoining hers. She noted that precedent for attractive well constructed apartment buildings in the immediate area did not exist. She added that there was no way to guarantee what would be built on the property once it was rezoned. i oned the wisdom of permitting another apartment complex to e She questi built on street not owned by the City. She asked whether the City would be willing to accept responsibility for the street if the parcels were rezoned. Blum responded that the Council would probably not be willing to assume the street because of the confused easement situation. Blum stated that Hogan's information had changed his opinion about the rezoning. He stated that he had assumed that the neighbors approved of the rezoning. He felt that this was not an appropriate time to rezone, however, that it was hard to envision the area as a long-term single- family residential neighborhood. He stated that ultimately the area needed to have a long-term solution but that he was reluctant to force rezoning at this time. Boothroy stated that the staff was essentially in agreement with Blum's position. Blum moved and Jordan seconded that the Commission recommended to Council that an application submitted by Andrew Rocca to rezone a lot located at 223 South Riverside Court from RIB to R3B and amend the Iowa City Compre- hensive Plan be denied. Motion carried unanimously. j Meeting adjourned. ' Prepared by 1 .(n� i Andrea Tyler Minute Taker Approved by orHo en rton Secretary MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 4 May 71, 1981 I Planning and Zoning Commission City of Iowa City Dear People: As the owner of 219 South Riverside Court, I am greatly concerned with the proposed zoning changes for 223 South Riverside Court from RiB to R3B. I took possession of 219 South Riverside Court on May 1, 1981. Before I signed the contract to buy, I attempted to ascertain that the area was a stable one. Of course, I could see that the side of the street opposite 219 South Riverside Court was a densely populated area, but the ambiance of my side of the street was sufficient to counter the noise and congestion from 119, 201, and 207 Myrtle. I talked to Jim McFall, owner of 217 South Riverside Court by telephone in late February and he told me that they had no plans to remove the house on the East side of my proposed home. I knew Jim Girsch, a former tenant of 221 South Riverside Court. He moved out of that house in May of 1980 and I knew that the former owner's daughter and her husband had bought the house and planned to live there. As 221 South Riverside Court was zoned RIB and there were no plans to remove the house from 217 South Riverside, it seemed safe to buy 219 South Riverside Court as an RiB property. My father, who works for Dr. Pepper Company as a $14,000/year quality control inspector and my grandmother, who is almost 80 years old, helped me to buy 219 South Riverside Court so that I would not have to move any more and would have a stable residence during my last few years of schooling. My father's investment money came from money he had saved for his retirement. His reasoning was that I would be finished with school by the time he retired and could then pay him back his investment. As he was laid off from Canada Dry Corporation in 1972, three years before his retirement with Canada Dry would have become fully effective, it is my belief that his personal savings account is necessary for his monetary security in his old age. Should a large apartment of 20 to 30 units be built right next door to my house, it would seem to necessarily decrease the value of my property as a single family dwelling substantially. Rezoning my lot to R3B also will not give me a compensatory Increase in property value sufficient to offset the loss caused by a large apartment next door because my lot is only 55 feet wide and not large enough to be attractive to a developer for building a large apartment building. When I graduate, my total school loan burden will be approximately $18,000 to $20,000. If my father were to lose a substantial amount of money on 219 South Riverside Court, it seems improbable that I will be able to pay him back that loss. My inability to pay back will be due to the above mentioned educational loans which must be paid back, with interest, within ten years and my career desire to be a small town doctor, not the most lucrative of medical professions. I would be able to pay him back, within 20 years probably, if he suffers a great financial loss on the 219 South Riverside Court house, but I am afraid that he might not live twenty years. My other concerns deal with the physical situation of South Riverside Court as a suitable location for a large apartment complex. As you are probably aware, South Riverside Court is a privately owned and privately maintained street, twenty five feet in width. I Easements. There are two easements over my property. One is the easement for the street itself which was granted to the two houses west of my property some- time prior to 1935. At the time this easement was granted, it seems obvious that it was intended for traffic from two single family dwellings. At the presen: time, that easement is used substantially by 62 apartment units located at 119, 201, and 7.07 Myrtle Avenue. 119 Myrtle residents do not have to use South Riverside Court or necessity, but many of the residents whose parking spaces are closer to South Riverside Court than they are to Myrtle, do use my street. Residents of both 201 Myrtle (10 2 bedroom units) and 207 Myrtle (30-1 bedroom units) use South Riverside Court exclusively in inclement weather because their driveways onto Myrtle Avenue are steep and narrow and impossible to use In heavy rain or icy conditions. The parking for 201 Myrtle and 207 Myrtle is located closer to South Riverside Court than it is located to Myrtle and so it seems only reasonable to assume that a large proportion of the time the residents use South Riverside Court even when they could access onto Myrtle. MICROFILMED By JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES 1401NES E Planning and Zoning Commission Page 2 The other casement over my property appears to be an easement by right of use granted to the property owners of 221 South Riverside Court, the site of the proposed zoning change. They currently use my driveway to access their ' property. If an apaprtment were to be built on that site, I am concerned that many more cars would be driving within ten feet of the front of my house at a speed sufficient to rattle the windows in the west bedroom of my upstairs. The current traffic over the driveway from 221 South Riverside Court is already heavy enough on occasion to awaken and/or disturb people within my home. It seems clear to me that when easements to Riverside Drive were granted to the houses up the hill from me, they were never intended to allow traffic from the 62 apartment units already on the street to travel with feet from my front door, much less from another 2040 units, which, being directly on South Riverside Court with no real frontage on Myrtle would use South Riverside Court almost exclusively. Another concern I have with traffic on South Riverside Court is the intersection of South Riverside Court and Riverside Drive. South Riverside drive is 25 feet wide at this intersection and Riverside Drive has no shoulder at this point. This requires sharp turns onto and off of Riverside Drive if two lanes of traffic are to fit onto South Riverside Court. The difficulty of these turns are compounded by the fact that Riverside Drive traffic is usually moving in excess'of the 30 mph speed limit. The safety of this intersection is further decreased by the limited visibility that a driver who is attempting to turn from Riverside Court onto Riverside Drive has to make that turn. To the south, the railroad embankment hampers the visibility and to the north, a telephone pole, several street signs and a telephone booth limit vision. The ensuing situation is thus: To turn out from South Riverside Court south onto Riverside Drive, the drive must be in the middle of South Riverside Court. This leaves no room for persons to turn onto South Riverside Court, and these drivers either block traffic on Riverside Drive until S. Riverside Court or they turn into the parking lot of either the Hungry Hobo or McConnel's Flooring. This results in traffic moving at speeds intended for street travel intermixing with traffic that is attempting to park or un -park from these businesses. The result is not exactly a safe intersection. It would seem that the problem would only be worsened by increasing the traffic over South River- i side Court. On Wednesday, May 20, a friend came to pick me up, and the problems arising were clearly, and frighteningly illustrated to me. We were attempting a left turn onto Riverside Drive, into the north bound lane. Two cars blocked the middle northbound lane of Riverside Drive because they wanted to turn left onto South Riverside Court. A car was turning right onto South Riverside Court from south bound Riverside Drive, slowly because one cannot turn into a 12 foot lane quickly. Cars travelling south and overtaking the car turning right onto South Riverside Court, were swinging out to pass rather than waiting or slowing so the car could complete its turn. Meanwhile, another car swung into the parking lot of the Hungry Hobo in order to turn right onto South Riverside Court and almost hit 2 cars. One car was the car turning right legally onto South Riverside Court and the other was a car attempting to exit the parking lot of the Hungry Hobo after having been parked there. It seems unlikely that the problems of persons driving down the middle of South Riverside Court cannot be solved by widening the street because two telephone poles, the north wall of McConnell's Flooring and the south wall of 119 Myrtle abut the edges of the street. Another concern I have is with the maintenance of South Riverside Court, especially if the traffic over the street is increased. It is currently privately maintained with no formal maintenance responsibilities. The residents on the street have in the past, just divided the cost based on the value of their property adjoining the street. In Fall of 1979, the street needed to be resurfaced due to a large number of pot holes. Although the residents of 201 Myrtle use South Riverside Court exclusively during bad weather and a great deal during good weather because it is closer to their parking spaces, the owner of that apartment refused to help pay for the re- surfacing, claiming that his tenants had access to Myrtle. With more traffic on South Riverside Court, this problem will come up more of 1011. II h.vdl . ...... r• i'�'+I err Ili • erel+lr r,n Ill., cnulll side of the nwtt� ' :. .. • .. • • .. I . . •....I 1 i i r dyT, vn.c.u,�„d w �saa.tr,Lex.Zi e� ,zpa/„�'ixt� ,P"^'iltlu`�'i' — ,y swea eQ ,4e :� u¢yj heiwl+e sn x# MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES L V;_ Planning and Zoning Commission page 3 maintain thr: propr!rty valur! of my home. Not only does a poorly maintained st err. l: drercasr. thn value of my proporty, but it is dangerous. All I need is to have a pick up truck crash into the front of my home on some icy night) Another problem with the maintenance of South Riverside Court is that of snow removal. With its current 25 foot right of way, there is no place to put snow. Jack Shubatt, the other owner of 217 South Riverside Court said that snow from the parking lots of the Myrtle Street apartments can at times be a real problem. An example of this is that one snowy day when Mr. Shubatt owned my house, the owner of 119 Myrtle had the snow plow start at the north end of his parking lot and push the snow south across the parking lot and right into the driveway of what is now my house. Needless to say, that much snow made entering and exiting my property a real problem and it took several angry phone calls to convince the owner of 119 Myrtle to send someone to remove the snow from the street and from my driveway. Surface drainage is also a problem. Jim McFall told me that when the Myrtle Street apartments were built, that both 219 South Riverside Court and 217 South Riverside. Court suddenly found their basements flooded anytime there was a heavy rainstorm because the apartments greatly increased the amount of water flowing down South Riverside Court. On city maintained streets, there usually seems to be storm sewer drainage to handle such increased water flow during heavy rains. On South Riverside Court, there is not such drainage and it all goes down the street. Mr. McFall and the owner of 219 South Riverside Court had to hire a lawyer and force the builder of the apartment to build a curb on the south side of the street to prevent the flooding of the basements. Apparently the builder was not willing to build such a curb voluntarily. Currently there is a curb at the entrance of my driveway and the driveway to 221 South Riverside Court to stem the water flow, should the curb be removed, for example to allow 20-45 cars access to a large apartment building on the south side of South Riverside Court, it seems apparent that there would again be water problems in my basement during heavy rains. More apartments on South Riverside Court, especially on the south side of the street, would seem to increase traffic flow sufficiently that the city should Lake over maintenance of the street to insure the safety of traffic moving on the street. Even if the city did take over the street, the narrowness of the street would still be a problem. I am concerned with both the effect on my property value and the possible loss of my father's retirement savings, and with the safety of traffic on South Riverside. Court. A large apartment building next door, especially if the parking lot were on the downhill side of the building, ie. right next to my house, would certainly decrease the livability of my home in terms of noise, light and glare at night, dust, dirt and trash. It would certainly seem that this would also affect my property value in a negative way. It seems to me that even if the builder of apartments on the south side of jSouth Riverside Court were to be the owner of one of the Myrtle Street apartment buildings and thus be able to claim access to a city maintained street, the residents would primarily use South Riverside Court rather than drive a block down a narrow driveway to get to Myrtle, and thus the traffic from any new apartment building in the area will increase the traffic on South Riverside Court, I Thank you for listening to my concerns. Since I live on South Riverside Court and plan to continue living on South Riverside Court, I have given ! a great deal of thought to this matter, and I appreciate the opportunity to share those thoughts with the Commission. j Sincerely, France, A. Hogan 219 South Rlvnrsidd Court lo.ea City, : a S22110 i MICRDFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 4 OTo 1Y T okn � � V - O p J ln� i--�-__ l- i• 1 � N � N e CIO if2 ti .� 4 4 N yr 5' x yye %- :� N L J 4 E.... _....... d MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES NOINES { MINUTES SENIOR CENTER COMMISSION MAY 1, 1981 1:30 P.M. IOWA CITY RECREATION CENTER MEMBERS PRESENT: A. Arneson, L. Carlton, M. Clover, M. Kattchee, G. Scott, W. Summerwil1, J. Williams. MEMBERS ABSENT: None. STAFF PRESENT: L. Benz, N. Berlin, B. Meisel, M. Rhymes, M. Traylor. GUESTS: Ruth Muir, Kay Cain, Leo Cain, Doris M. Jones, Lucy Luxenburg, Glenn Fountain, Bob Welsh, Nadine Bender, Bernice Holub. Chairperson Scott called the meeting to order and welcomed the visitors. Kattchee moved and Clover seconded a motion to adopt the minutes of the April 3, 1981 Commission meeting as mailed. Unanimously approved. Motion declared passed by the Chair. PUBLIC DISCUSSION None. COUNCIL OF ELDERS REPORT D. Jones reported for the Council of Elders. At'their meeting on April 8, 1981, the Council of Elders tabled the proposed revision of their standing rules. The group heard a report on the progress of Ecumenical Housing, and their upcoming fund drive. Marty Traylor presented various styles and layouts for a newsletter. She received the group's input on this as well as the potential content of a newsletter. L. Benz asked the Council of Elders to indicate their preference for activities at the Senior Center and the order in which staff should try to recruit activity leaders. Kattchee asked if the activity recommendations represent the preference of individuals, or whether they reflect the view of the larger elderly community. Jones stated that it represents the Council of Elders' interpretation of public opinion in the elderly community. SERVICE PROVIDERS MEETING Scott reported that she, Carlton, and Summerwill attended this meeting on April 24, 1981. The providers discussed the specific services and activities that their organization has planned for the Senior Center. Scott stated that the meeting was very productive since the information -sharing helped to identify the areas where agencies could work cooperatively on related services. The service providers and the Board of Elderly Services Agency were taken on a tour of the Senior Center following the meeting. i MICROFILMED BY `JORM MICROLAB .-CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I40INES 0OV .v - Senior Center Commission May 1, 1981 Page 2 SPACE APPLICATION COMMITTEE REPORT Kattchee reported for the space committee comprised of himself, Scott and Summerwill. Fifteen applications were received. Four requests were for full- time office space; the remainder were for part-time or scheduled space in the building. The committee recommended assignment of the following offices in response to the requests for full-time offices: AARP - One office in the medical services area nearest the elevator on the ground floor. Program space on a scheduled basis will also be available. The assignment complies with a AARP request. _Elderly Services Agency - A suite of three offices in the southwest corner of the ground floor. They are located near the elevator. The large office has 480 square feet, and the smaller offices are 120 square feet and 132 square feet. ESA had requested five offices. Other meeting rooms can be scheduled. SEATS - The SEATS application did not contain much specific information about the space needed. One office located in the northeast corner of the ground floor was recommended. This space is 279 square feet, and easily accessible to a temporary parking place. Congregate Meals - The dining room and kitchen on the first floor is available for Congregate Meals. One office on the first floor associated with the kitchen area is recommended. This does not comply with Congregate Meals' request which asked for one additional office. One office on the south side on the ground level next to the fire stairs was recommended to be left unassigned. It would be available to the agencies as needed on a scheduled basis. Kattchee stated that the Committee or Commission now needs to inform the i agencies of these recommendations, and subsequently make the recommendation to the City Council and Board of Supervisors. He added that the Supervisors toured the Senior Center today, so they are completely familiar with the space available. i Scott stated that scheduling of space will occur for the remaining agencies/organizations requesting it. Kattchee stated that the two medical services offices adjoining the AARP office will remain available for health services. Kattchee asked the Commission to consider whether the Committee's recommen- dation should be accepted, rejected, or changed, and, then, proceed to the next step. Clover moved and Williams seconded a motion that the Commission accept the Space Committee's report, and discuss the recommended office assignments with the boards of the service providers. 4� MICROFILMED BY JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES Senior Center Commission May 1, 1981 Page 3 Welsh suggested that the Commission receive the report, instead of accepting it, and discuss space assignments further with the providers. Kattchee stated that if the Commission accepts the Committee's recommendations, these then become the Commission's recommendations. The Commission then would go to the service providers board and discuss the Commission's recommendation. Kattchee stated that the job at hand is to try to convince the agency boards to accept the Commission's recommendations. Dialogue regarding space has occurred since the inception of the Senior Center, and the time has come to act to allocate the space. Scott agreed, and stated that the Committee tried to accommodate as many requests as possible, but the space is limited and needs to be shared. L. Luxenburg asked the Commission to document when ESA has been consulted about office space. She commented that no dialogue with the agency occurred prior to completion of the space application. Individual needs of the agencies has not been discussed at the service providers' meetings according to Luxenburg. Scott replied that the floor plans have been made available at many past meetings. Luxenburg stated that, with the exception of an ESA board meeting at which Neal Berlin discussed space, neither the ESA staff nor the ESA board has been consulted. Kattchee stated that the Council on Aging was fully involved in discussions about the space. Kattchee indicated to the ESA board that this would be a likely space for ESA because it had been considered for the Council on Aging: 'Williams noted that dialogue is a two-way process. A vote on the motion was taken. Unanimously approved (7-0). Motion declared passed by the Chair. Discussion followed about arranging the meetings with the agency board. The consensus was that the entire Commission attend these meetings. Summerwill suggested that the agency submit any concerns that they have in writing:to the Commission -so that they can be discussed at these meetings. Welsh stated that it would be helpful to know why some space requests were not fully granted. Kattchee moved and Williams seconded a motion that every effort be made for the entire Commission to meet with the agency boards. Unanimously approved. (7-0) Motion declared passed by the Chair. Kattchee asked for the reaction of space allocation process. D. Jones it's being handled. K. Cain agreed. ELDERCRAFT SHOP the Council of Elders representatives to the stated that she's satisfied with the way hand-crafted items made by the elderly. Meta Schweibert, former director oM. Rhymes described her work in designing the space to the used for the sale of f the Eldercraft Shop in Cedar Rapids, was consulted regarding a specific design that would be a functional and successful use of the space. The space is designed so that it is handicapped accessible including a dual height counter. Staggered shelving will permit displaying articles up to twelve feet off the floor. Built-in storage cabinets have been investigated. Burger estimates that the cost of the counter and built-in units would cost approximately $5,000. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES 4_ Fa/ Senior Center Commission May 1, 1981 Page 4 Scott and Clover explained that the elderly had expressed a lot of interest in crafting and selling their items. It would be an incentive to the eldelry to renew their productivity and creativity. ' Meisel explained that there are contingency CDBG funds to pay for permanent fixtures. Operation will be by volunteers. The elderly would decide on the price of the item, then 20% will be added. Williams asked whether there will be any criteria for accepting items. Meisel explained that a crafts committee should be established to develop criteria that would maintain quality and realistic pricing. K. Cain stated that this could be reviewed by the Council of Elders at their next meeting. Kattchee commented that the items should not be mass produced. Also, a plan should be developed to control the flow of public traffic in this area. Meisel stated that the estimated cost of furnishing the shop is based on acquiring fixtures that would be consistent with the remainder of the building. The $5;000 estimated cost does not include lighting and set fixtures. Arneson suggested having adjustable, movable fixtures. Williams moved and Summerwill seconded a motion that the Commission approve the concept of the Eldercraft Shop and continue to work on the design. Unanimously approved (7-0). Motion declared passed by the Chair. Scott thanked Rhymes for her work. NEWSLETTER UPDATE M. Traylor reported the Council of Elders' recommendations on the newsletter. A subcommittee composed of G. Scott, M. Kattchee, I. Welsh, and D. Jones has been meeting to further act on these recommendations. Bell Publishing in Coralville f can print 5,000 copies of a four page tabloid for $165. The subcommittee has recommended using this printer due to the cost. The name of the newspaper was discussed, and, by majority vote, the Commission recommended naming it the Senior Center Post. The subcommittee would like to have the newspaper published by May 15. Traylor is collecting articles from service providers, elderly organizations and clubs, Ecumenical Housing, Senior Center staff and Commissioners, and she will include a volunteer alert and construction report. The newspaper will go to all elderly households in the county, and should be available at the Older Americans' Fair. Input and volunteer assistance from the elderly will be needed on an ongoing basis. Kattchee moved and Summerwill seconded a motion that the current newsletter subcommittee serve as an editorial board and continue to work on the newspaper until further notice. Unanimously approved (7-0). Motion declared passed by the Chair. Scott excused herself from the meeting, and Carlton presided as Vice Chair. CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Meisel reported that the windows are being installed. Burger assured the Board of Supervisors that construction will be completed on schedule, so that the Center could open August 1. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES I-,— 7 Senior Center Commission May 1, 1981 Page 5 TAPES OF COMMISSION MEETINGS Meisel explained that meetings have been taped ever since an allegation was made that the staff tampered with the minutes. Magnetic tapes used in the tape recorders designed to pick up voices in a -large room cost $17 each. None has been erased. The Commission was asked if taping should continue, and how long tapes should be maintained. Williams moved and Kattchee seconded a motion that, until further notice, tapes be stored for two months from the date of the meeting for the public to raise any questions. Unanimously approved (6 yes - 1 absent). Motion declared passed by the Chair. OPEN DISCUSSION Summerwill asked about the proposed use of numbers for data collection purposes. He stated a concern that the elderly might be discouraged from using the Center if a numbering system is used. He suggested that this information might he obtained through the use of membership. L. Cain stated that the numbering system should pose no problem for the elderly. Instead, it will help give users anonymity. Clover reported that the operational handbook subcommittee is now reviewing this proposal, and will report back to the full Commission. Welsh asked when the Center will be open. Meisel stated that the Center will open all at once, not piecemeal. Williams stated that the Commission might want to consider recommending a September 1 opening date, with two months to move in and to test the equipment. Meisel suggested that the Commission notify the City Council if the September opening is recommended. Carlton adjourned the meeting. Prepared by L. Benz, Program Specialist. Michael Kattche.e, Secret MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 140INES v MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION JUNE 3, 1981 CIVIC CENTER LAW LIBRARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Boutelle, Johnson, Sokol, Knight, Horton MEMBERS ABSENT: Fountain, Lewis, Muldoon, Oehmke, Wooldrick STAFF PRESENT: Franklin GUESTS: Kay Gillies, Project GREEN RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: None. DIRECTIONS TO STAFF: 1. Obtain a copy of the map showing current and proposed sewerage facilities for the following meeting. 2. Make arrangements for the second part of the canoe trip. SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION: The minutes of the April 1, 1981, meeting were reviewed and approved. REPORT FROM PROJECT GREEN: Kay Gillies reported that Project GREEN was working on landscaping the east bank of the Iowa River and adjacent land along North Dubuque Street, north of Park Road. The landscaping is being done to repair any disturb- ances created by the sewer project. Don Sinek is the landscape architect engaged by Project GREEN and Leon Lyvers is responsible for the actual servicing of the trees and shrubs. Project GREEN has directed Mr. Lyvers to prune back old trees and shrubs along the bank, and to retain any vegetation which critically holds back the bank. Trees (2.511) will be planted under the direction of Mr. Sinek in the fall. Gillies pointed out that the City intends to plant some trees also; however, Project GREEN and the City would work independently. Johnson voiced concern about the possibility of vandalism in this area, citing recent cases of destruction to trees. A discussion of the damaged trees ensued with a number of members pointing out that the worst damage was done downtown. i MICROFILMED BY 'JORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS•DES MOINES ""Y MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION CIVIC CENTER LAW LIBRARY Page 2 CANOE TRIP: Knight reported on the canoe trip taken by four members of the Commission on May 9, 1981. She presented a number of slides highlighting the beauty of the river above the Coralville power dam and pointing out potential and actual problem areas at Wendrum Bluff, near the gravel pit in Coralville, at the dam, and along the meander near Clear Creek and Crandic Park. It was also pointed out that an odor of sewage could be detected as one passed the "Old Elks Club"/Taft Speedway area. Johnson asked what the RFC could do about sewage draining into the river. Horton pointed out that a complaint could be registered with the Health Department if the sewage was visible. No decision was made as to whether a complaint might be registered. Plans were then made for the second half of the canoe trip from Burlington Street south. Due to the shallowness of the water under the railroad bridge north of Benton Street, it was decided that a walk along the west bank from Burlington Street to Route 6 would be more productive, than attempting to paddle upstream through shallow water. The canoeing part of the field survey would begin at Sturgis Ferry Park and end at the Izaac Walton League. The dates of June 18 and June 25 were set as times for the trip. An effort will be made to start as early in the morning as possible, with 7:00 a.m. selected as the best time. BUFFER AND TRAIL: Franklin reported on a presentation given to the Parks & Recreation Commission on May 13. She stated that generally the Commission approved of the overall idea, but had reservations as to the practicability of acquiring conservation easements, the feeling being that the landowners would not cooperate. Parks & Recreation also expressed a desire to review any transactions which would involve any maintenance work on the part of the City. Franklin reported that the discussion ended with a statement praising the Riverfront Commission's work in this area. Boutelle raised the question of public access and the fear some landowners would have of people going through the property owners' back yard. Franklin pointed out that a conservation easement would or could specify that no public access was allowed. She also stated that the trail, as proposed, was not routed through residential property. Some discussion followed as to what might be involved in maintenance of the buffer, what minimum width would be acceptable to the Commission, and what the next step in adoption of the proposal should be. Franklin suggested that the Commission design a work program and then begin er to dpreliminary owners In eterminewhat odegree of acceptance fof theprojectthere might be. rdKnight proposed addressing those issues at the July meeting, if attendance was adequate. MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES 1401NES Vi_ MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION CIVIC CENTER LAW LIBRARY Page 3 COMMITTEE REPORTS: Pat Boutelle reported that the University was beginning plans for the landscaping of University property along the river which had been ripped up by the sewer project. She stated that the City and the University would be working together on adjoining parcels and on the area around the City water treatment plant. Questions came up about the Finkbine bicycle trail; Boutelle directed the Commission to query Bill Barnes for informa- tion on the status of the trail. Sally Johnson proposed beginning the publication of short articles in the Iowa C� Press -Citizen on various aspects of the river and river activities. She reported on a conversation with John Munson of the paper, who encouraged her to contact the city editor and to submit an outline of potential articles. Johnson felt that this is one thing the Commission could do in terms of heightening people's awareness of the river without spending any money. The Commission encouraged Johnson to go ahead with the articles. Knight reported on a meeting she attended of the Coralville Reservoir Users' Association. The Association appears to be comprised of snowmobilers, for the most part, who are interested in creating a trail in the reservoir area. The purpose of the meeting was to organize further. Knight reported that Dick Baker of Coralville had found it necessary to resign early from RFC in order to fulfill his duties as president of the Nature Conservancy. Loren Horton, the new representative from Planning and Zoning, was welcomed as an old friend of the Riverfront Commission. STAFF REPORT: Franklin responded to a number of questions which had been raised at previous meetings or in conversation with Commission members: 1. Sludge which is removed from septic tanks by commercial cleaners is taken to the sewage treatment plant at Iowa City or Solon and treated as any other sewage. On occasion, the sludge is applied to cropland and worked into the soil. 2. Slopes on the east bank of the Iowa River south of Park Road should have been reseeded by the end of May. 3. Cottages along the river near the Coralville reservoir dam are serviced by septic tanks and privies; some drain through tiles into the river. The topography of the area is such that any further development is highly unlikely. In addition, building in the county now requires the approval of the Board of Health for septics; such a permit would probably not be granted here. 4. The old city sewage treatment plant sale is still being negotiated with the University and the status of the new plant is still dependent on federal funds. MICROFILMED BY DORM MICRO_ LAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES I101NES Oo�� i I MINUTES IOWA CITY RIVERFRONT COMMISSION CIVIC CENTER LAW LIBRARY Page 4 5. Revised North Corridor Plan proposals will be presented at a meeting of the Board of Supervisors and the County Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday evening, June 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Courthouse. 6. The Indian Lookout permit from the Board of Health will be discussed at their next meeting, June 9, at 4:00 p.m. If the sewer system is not updated, the permit will be denied. Adjournment 9:10 . Submitted by: p. mi O Karifi Franklin j MICROFILMED BY JORM MICROLAB CEDAR RAPIDS -DES MOINES i